Laramie's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review & Hidden Perks!
Laramie's BEST Kept Secret? My Messy, Opinionated Days Inn Review! (Plus Hidden Perks!)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the beans on Laramie's answer to…well, a decent night's sleep, at the Days Inn. Forget those glossy travel brochures; I'm here to give you the REAL deal. And believe me, after spending a week there, I've got opinions. Lots of them.
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Let's kick things off with the elephant in the room: Accessibility. The website said accessible. My expectations? Low. You know the drill - a slightly wider doorway and a ramp that's steeper than I am on a Monday morning. BUT… I was pleasantly surprised! They actually put some thought into it! Forget the perfect angles and the perfectly manicured lawns. It's about function here in the wilds of Wyoming.
- Accessibility: Yes! The room I checked in to was actually wheelchair-friendly. The bathroom was HUGE, the door swung the right way, and the grab rails felt sturdy, not like they were about to rip out of the wall at any moment. Score one for Days Inn. The elevator worked, which, let's be honest, is a HUGE win in this day and age, and the car park [free of charge] was spacious enough to easily navigate. They've also got some clever stuff in place - the ramp wasn't a death trap, and… I could get around.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Absolutely. See above! (Feeling like I should get a medal now after 10 minutes of being on the internet.)
Internet & Tech Stuff - Or, "Can I Actually Work Here?"
This is crucial, people. I need my internet! My lifeline! My preciousssss… Okay, I'm done. But seriously, good Internet access is non-negotiable. And in this regard… Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! That's what I'm talking about! The connection was surprisingly decent. I could stream some work, and do some video calls without wanting to throw my laptop out the window.
- Internet: Fine. It worked. But, and this is a BIG but, if you're planning some serious bandwidth hogging, like trying to upload a 4K video of your cat playing the ukulele, you might want to consider the Internet [LAN] option they offer. The cable is a bit old-school, but you know… reliable?
- Internet Services: Standard stuff. Nothing fancy.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the COVID Factor - Did I Die? (Spoiler: No, Probably)
My biggest fear these days? Germs. I'm talking about it. The COVID-19 cleaning protocols, I was told, included Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas plus Professional-grade sanitizing services. They also offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which, honestly, I wish more places offered. Makes you feel like you are in charge. Also, Staff trained in safety protocol and they seemed to take it seriously. The Hand sanitizer dispensers were plentiful, and they even took the time to… well, they still had Hot water linen and laundry washing.
- Cleanliness and safety: Pretty good, all things considered. The room looked clean, and the sheets passed the "sniff test" (yes, I do this). I survived. I mean, I’m still here writing this review, right?
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes, and it showed. I never felt like I was walking into a petri dish.
- Safe dining setup: They tried. More on that later.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Breakfast Saga (and the Sadness of the Poolside Bar)
Okay, let's get real about the Dining, drinking, and snacking. This is where things get… complicated.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The Breakfast [buffet], was what I expected. The options? Standard issue. Cereal, some sad-looking pastries, and the world's most anemic scrambled eggs. But! Breakfast takeaway service was available, which was a lifesaver for those early mornings and late nights.
- A la carte in restaurant: Was available but a bit limited.
- Poolside bar: They had a poolside bar. Empty. I think it was a ghost bar.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, plentiful, and hot. No complaints there.
- Snack bar: They had one, a tiny affair near the front desk. Not exactly gourmet, but did the job.
Services and Conveniences - The Stuff You Don't Realize You Need Until You Really Need It
This is where the Days Inn actually shines. They had the basics covered, and then some.
- Services and conveniences: The Concierge was helpful. The guy knew his way around Laramie and gave me some excellent recommendations for good food (thank you, sir!). The Daily housekeeping was efficient if you are not too messy - they always kept the space clean. Elevator: Functional. Laundry service: Yes! Lifesaver.
- Cash withdrawal: They had a cash machine. Always useful.
- Business facilities: They had a Business facilities, including Meeting/banquet facilities.
For the Kids - (And Anyone Who Still Acts Like One)
I don't have kids but I noticed…
- Family/child friendly: They seemed to be set up pretty well for families.
- Kids meal: I'm not qualified as a tester for these.
The Room - My Humble Abode (And Its Quirks)
The room itself? Fine. Not luxurious, but clean and comfortable enough for a week.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning was a must in the Wyoming heat. I liked the Blackout curtains, they were necessary after the first few days of no sleep.
- Wi-Fi [free]: See above.
- Non-smoking: Thank goodness.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential. My mornings are non-negotiable.
- Desk: Big plus. I got some work done.
- Bathrobes: Nope, sadly.
- Bathroom: Not the most modern, but everything worked.
- Window that opens: Yes and a HUGE plus. I love fresh air.
The Hidden Perks! - Yes, There Were Some!
- Car park [free of charge]: Parking was a breeze. Always a plus!
- Pets allowance: I may or may not have smuggled my cat, Mittens in and out.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - (Or, How to Avoid Being Bored in Laramie)
- Swimming pool: They had a Swimming pool [outdoor]. It was basic, but clean and perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring.
- Gym/fitness: They had a tiny Fitness center, with the basics. Enough to keep me from completely losing my mind.
Getting Around - Crucial Information
- Car park [on-site]: Yes. Easy parking.
- Airport transfer: I didn't need one.
- Taxi service: Available.
The Verdict - Is It Worth It?
Look, the Days Inn Laramie isn't a luxury resort. It's a solid, reliable, affordable option. It's got its quirks (that ghost bar!), but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. It's clean, the staff are friendly, the internet works, and they're surprisingly accessible. The breakfast is… well, it's there. If you're looking for a comfortable base camp while you explore Laramie, this is a perfectly acceptable choice. And heck, it might even be Laramie's best-kept secret! (Just don’t tell anyone I told you.)
Calgary's Carriage House: Unforgettable Hotel & Conference Experience
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. We're talking about surviving, nay, living a few days in Laramie, Wyoming, specifically at the Days Inn, and let me tell you, it's going to messy, honest, and probably involve a few near-meltdowns over the coffee situation.
Days Inn by Wyndham Laramie: The Laramie Lowdown (and High Peaks of Emotion)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the "Continental" Breakfast
- Morning (ish): Landed in Laramie. Let's be honest, the flight was delayed, the rental car was a beat-up Ford Focus named "Betsy" who may or may not have seen better days, and my luggage is probably still circling somewhere over Denver. Finally, finally, I arrive at the Days Inn. Okay, alright, it looks… like a Days Inn. Clean-ish. The lobby smells vaguely of chlorine and desperation (I kid, I kid… mostly). Check-in. The front desk guy, bless his heart, looks like he's seen a thousand lost souls wander through these hallowed halls. He's got that weary, patient smile that only comes from years of dealing with travel-weary weirdos (like me).
- Afternoon: The room. It's… functional. Two queen beds, a TV the size of a postage stamp, and a view of… well, another Days Inn room, I think. The carpet… is definitely carpet. And the lighting? Let's just say it's not conducive to revealing any hidden truths about yourself. But hey, it's a roof over my head, and considering how tired I am, that's saying a lot.
- Evening: The moment of truth: The "Continental" Breakfast. Oh, sweet Jesus. I walked in with such high hopes. I visualized fluffy pancakes with a delicious syrup and crisp bacon. Instead, I faced a plastic-wrapped donut of questionable origin, slightly stale bread for toast, and a coffee machine that seemed to be perpetually on the verge of rebellion. The juice was… orange-colored… let's leave it at that. I'm currently on the verge of tears, mostly because I'm a coffee snob who's faced with the most depressing caffeine delivery system in existence. I opted for instant coffee. It was tolerable. I need more coffee. I can't imagine how people survive on this stuff every day. I saw a guy with a full plate, bless his heart. He must be a god.
- Night: Spent the rest of the evening wandering around the town. First stop: Walmart. Bought an oversized coffee mug, because, necessities. Found a cute little restaurant and ordered a massive burger to fill the void left by the breakfast. Now, back in my room, surfing channels and hoping desperately that the bed is at least vaguely comfortable.
Day 2: The Snowy Range, the Wild West, and the Questionable WiFi
- Morning: Okay, the bed wasn't that bad. The coffee situation, however, is still a crisis. But I've leveled up. I brought my own instant coffee. I'm practically a survivalist now! Today's plan: The Snowy Range. Heard it's beautiful. Fingers crossed the weather holds.
- Late Morning: The drive to the mountains? Gorgeous. Absolutely breathtaking. The winding roads, the vast open spaces, the crisp air… I felt my heart soar. The landscape is something else, like something out of a movie. The snow-capped peaks were awesome and the whole thing brought about a feeling of awe. I stopped at a few scenic overlooks and took approximately 300 pictures. They will all inevitably look the same.
- Afternoon: Hiking in the Snowy Range. I fell. Twice. Once was because I got distracted by a particularly charming prairie dog. The other time was just… because. The air up there is thin, and my coordination is, shall we say, questionable. But the views! The views were worth the scrapes, bumps, and the slight embarrassment. I even saw a moose! Okay, it was a ways off, and it looked more like a brown blob, but I'm counting it.
- Evening: Attempting to upload photos to Instagram. This is where the Days Inn experience takes a decidedly sour turn. The WiFi. Dear God, the WiFi. It's slower than molasses in January. I swear, I could get a better connection by sending smoke signals. I have tried again and again, but this internet is more than I can handle. I tried again and again. I’m pretty sure I spent an hour, at least, just staring at the little spinning wheel of death. I'm starting to understand why people went off-grid. I'm contemplating a low-key rebellion against the system. I finally gave up and made do with the hotel TV and whatever was on.
- Night: I didn't even bother eating out. I grabbed random snacks from Walmart and watched some cable. There’s a certain kind of melancholic comfort in watching whatever's on TV when travelling solo.
Day 3: The University, the Museum, and the Final, Desperate Cup of Coffee
- Morning: One last shot at the infamous "Continental" Breakfast. I am now a seasoned veteran. I've mastered the art of the quick, strategic grab-and-go. I have my own travel mug and I've brought my own tea bags. I'm practically a Days Inn virtuoso! The orange juice, though? Still questionable.
- Late Morning: Visited the University of Wyoming campus. Impressive architecture, and all those young, shiny faces! It made me feel old (a little). I also saw the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site. I have to admit, it was both creepy and fascinating. I have a morbid curiosity, but it was well-done.
- Afternoon: Walked and visited the Laramie Plains Museum. It was nice, but I was starting to feel travel-weary. Museums are great, but they can sometimes feel… overwhelming. I was really just hoping to find a decent coffee shop.
- Evening: The end is nigh. I had one last dinner in Laramie - a nice steak at a local restaurant. I savoured every bite, knowing tomorrow it’s back to the real world.
- Night: Pack. Make peace with the carpet. Stare longingly at the clock. And… one last crack at that infernal coffee machine. Wish me luck. This might be my last stand.
- Final Rating: Days Inn Laramie: 6/10 – would definitely return. I might bring my own coffee maker next time, though.
Laramie's "Best Kept Secret": Days Inn - Seriously? (And the Surprising Perks!)
Okay, seriously, the Days Inn in Laramie? "Best kept secret"? What the actual *heck*?
Look, I know, I KNOW. Days Inn in Laramie sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. But hear me out! It's... well, it's *surprisingly* alright. Like, for a last-minute booking when everything else is booked solid (which, let's be real, happens in Laramie more often than you’d think), it's a lifesaver. And that's the secret, isn't it? Low expectations met, and sometimes, exceeded. It's the anti-luxury experience, which in a weird way can be liberating. It says, "Hey, you're here to hike, to explore, to drink some craft beer (more on that later), not to luxuriate!" And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
So, what's the actual *deal* with this "secret"? Is it about the bed bugs? (Please tell me it's *not* about the bed bugs...)
Alright, breathe. No, I haven’t encountered any bed bugs. (Knock on wood! Seriously, knocking on wood as I type this). The "secret," and I use the term loosely, is more about its *utilitarian charm*. It gets the job done. You can get a decent shower. The beds are… well, they're beds. The AC *usually* works. It's a practical choice when you're prioritizing adventure over amenities. And sometimes, when you're absolutely exhausted from hiking the Snowy Range (which, by the way, you *must* do), a simple, no-frills room is a blessing.
Let's get to the "hidden perks," dammit! What are they? Is there free breakfast? Because if there's no free breakfast, I'm out.
Okay, okay, breakfast. Yes, there's *technically* a free breakfast. But manage your expectations. Think: pre-packaged muffins that have the texture of a hockey puck (but you eat them anyway because you're starving after a long day!), instant oatmeal, and some kind of questionable juice. The coffee… let's just say it's coffee. But here's the *real* secret:
Proximity! The biggest "perk" is the location. It's within walking distance of quite a few decent places. A little grocery store. Some surprisingly good restaurants (ask the front desk for recommendations - they usually know the good stuff!). Plus, it's pretty close to the University, which means (and this is important) you might catch a great local band playing at a nearby bar. Or stumble upon a quirky coffee house, the best way to wake up after all that hard drinking and partying the night before.
Speaking of local bands...is that really a perk? Are we talking *actual* entertainment?
Okay, maybe "entertainment" is a strong word. But Laramie has a surprisingly vibrant local music scene, and the Days Inn's location puts you near the heart of it. I recall one time, stumbling back to the hotel after a few too many beers at a pub, and hearing the most amazing guitar riffs spilling out. The band was called something like "The Rusty Spoons" or "The Gravel Pit Pickers" – can’t quite remember, probably thanks to the aforementioned beers… But they were phenomenal! Playing killer tunes with some local beers, some good friends, and the world makes sense. Sometimes, those spontaneous discoveries are the best part of a trip.
The real perk? The *possibility* of discovering something cool. The chance encounter. The unexpected jam session. That's the real charm. And as someone who values spontaneity over a perfectly curated experience, I find that kind of thing invaluable.
What about the staff? Are they…friendly? Or are we talking about the kind of staff who look like they've seen some stuff?
The staff... they're usually pretty good. Look, they're working at a Days Inn in Laramie. They've probably seen some stuff. Early in the morning...late in the night. I've always found them to be efficient, and at least *passively* friendly. They get the job done. On one occasion, a very nice woman at the front desk, bless her heart, fixed a little problem with my reservation, and she was actually really helpful and super nice. It’s the little things, you know? Having someone who doesn't seem to hate their job is a win in my book.
Okay, so what's the *actual* worst thing about the Days Inn? Because there's gotta be something.
Alright, here's the truth. The rooms are *not* soundproof. At all. You will hear the neighbors. You will hear the traffic. You will hear (and this is the worst) the ice machine. It’s practically a symphony of ambient noise. Light sleepers, beware! The walls are thin. If the person next door decides to have a passionate phone call at 2 AM, you’re going to be an unwilling participant. Pack earplugs! Seriously, invest in some decent earplugs. They're a lifesaver.
And, let's not forget the bathroom. Let’s just say it's… functional. The water pressure can be a bit… whimsical. And the lighting? Harsh. Like, interrogation room harsh.
Final verdict: Recommend or not? Should I book the Days Inn in Laramie? Give it to me straight.
Look, if you're after luxury, skip it. If you're looking for a romantic getaway, run far, far away. But if you're a budget traveler, a hiker who just needs a place to crash, or someone who appreciates the *idea* of a hidden gem (even if it's a slightly tarnished one), then yeah, I recommend it. Lower your expectations, pack your earplugs, and embrace the experience. It won't be perfect, but it *will* get the job done. And who knows? You might end up stumbling upon a killer local band, making a new friend, or just having a surprisingly decent time. Just try to avoid the hockey puck muffins. And the neighbors. And the ice machine.
Bonus Round: Any other weird quirks or random observations you have about the Days Inn Laramie?
Oh, absolutely. Where do I begin? Okay, there's always a lingering scent of... something.Uptown Lodging
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