Salina's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn & Suites Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Salina's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn & Suites Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Salina's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn & Suites Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - Seriously!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea. Or, you know, the lukewarm coffee from the complimentary buffet at the Quality Inn & Suites in Salina, Kansas. And believe me, after a road trip that resembled a Mad Max movie (minus the cool cars, mostly just… sunburn), this place was an oasis. A slightly… dusty oasis. But still, an oasis!
Let's be honest, Salina, Kansas isn't exactly known for its, shall we say, vibrancy. It's a town that screams "Heartland Hospitality" and whispers "Keep moving." But the Quality Inn & Suites… well, it surprised me. And that's saying something because my expectations were subterranean.
Accessibility & Safety: More Than Meets the Eye (and What About That Elevator?)
First off, let's talk about the important stuff. Accessibility: They've got it! The elevators, yes, the elevators! Because after a long drive, you absolutely need an elevator! I swear, I saw someone in a wheelchair use the elevator to get to their room! (I didn't see the room, I didn't follow them, I'm not a stalker!) They have the accessibility features, and that's wonderful.
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where things get interesting. They really seemed to be trying. Signs everywhere about anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas. They even had those little stickers on the door seals, you know, the ones that scream "WE CLEANED THIS!" (I may or may not have peeled one off. Don't judge me, I needed to know how sticky it was.) They also offer room sanitization opt-out, which is a nice touch. They had hand sanitizer by the elevators, which, again, appreciated! Though, I’m also pretty sure I saw a rogue dust bunny the size of a small dog. Shrugs. But, hey, they are trying! They also were VERY clear about physical distancing of at least 1 meter!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: The Breakfast Buffet Saga (and My Quest for Caffeine)
Ah, the buffet. The beating heart of any respectable Quality Inn. Breakfast [buffet], yes, they have it. And it’s… an experience. Let’s just say the Asian breakfast options were… intriguing. I’m not sure what it was, but it was definitely brown. I stuck to the Western breakfast, which consisted of the usual suspects: scrambled eggs that may or may not be made of actual eggs, sausage that tastes suspiciously like cardboard, and toast. Lots and lots of toast. I did, thankfully, find some amazing breakfast sausage! Praise the lord! The coffee/tea in restaurant was lukewarm, and my quest for a decent cup of joe became an existential journey! (I would have tried the coffee shop, but, you know, time constraints.)
Room Service [24-hour]? Don't get your hopes up. But it did say they had it.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (and the Slightly Grubby Towels)
Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the internet gods! Seriously. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked. Though, to be fair, I wasn’t exactly streaming a movie. Mostly just checking emails and scrolling through TikTok, like the sophisticated traveler I am.
They had daily housekeeping, which was… well, they made the bed. They also provided fresh towels that, bless their hearts, weren’t particularly soft. But hey, they were clean-ish.
Meeting/banquet facilities, business facilities (Xerox/fax in business center) with meeting stationery for those extra important meetings. They even offer Car Park [free of charge], which is a life saver! (Car park [on-site]!)
For the Kids: Babysitting Optional (Probably Not) and Family Friendly (Maybe)
I saw a couple of kids, so, uh, yeah, family/child friendly. I didn't see any babysitting service, but I also didn't ask, so who knows? Access: This is where they REALLY shine.
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site] are essential!
Available in all rooms:
Internet Access – Wireless, Wi-Fi [free]!
Air conditioning which is ESSENTIAL. Thank you!**
Things to do/Ways to Relax: Maybe Not a Spa Day, But…
Let's be honest, a spa day at the Quality Inn in Salina? Probably not. They don't advertise it, so that's a clue! They don't have a Body scrub, nor Body wrap, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage, or Pool with view, or a Foot bath, and I did not see a Sauna. There is a Swimming pool [outdoor], which could be fun depending on the season. This is definitely more of a "sleep and move on" kind of place.
Quirky Observations & Rambles (aka My Brain Dump)
- Did I mention the incredibly loud air conditioner? It sounded like a jet engine taking off. I may or may not have used earplugs (thank goodness for packing them).
- The front desk staff were incredibly friendly, though a little… overwhelmed? I mean, it is Salina.
- I saw a vending machine. My life was complete. (Okay, maybe not.)
- The "window that opens" actually opened! A small victory.
- I might have left a book in the room. Apologies to whoever finds it. I'm still going to make myself buy a new copy!
My Strong Emotion: This Isn't Perfect, But… It's Alright, You Know?
Look, the Quality Inn & Suites isn't the Ritz-Carlton. It's not even a fancy Hampton Inn. But it was clean enough. The staff were nice. And the bed was comfortable enough to collapse into after a long day of driving. You know, when you need a place to sleep, and that is all you want. And sometimes, that's all you need. It's a solid option for a road trip stopover. It's a place to rest your weary head. And honestly, in Salina, that's kind of a win.
The (Unbelievable!) Offer: Book Now for… Well, a Place to Sleep!
Book your stay at the Quality Inn & Suites in Salina, Kansas, and you'll receive:
- Free Wi-Fi! (because, duh)
- A vaguely edible breakfast! (Hey, it's free!)
- A chance to witness the Midwest in all its glory! (Or, you know, just drive through.)
- A comfortable (ish) bed to collapse into after a long day!
- And maybe, just maybe, a good story to tell your friends!
Click here to book your adventure! (Seriously, book it)
#SalinaRoadTrip #QualityInn #KansasAdventures #BudgetTravel #HeartlandHospitality #HotelReview #HonestReview
Jeju's Hidden Gem: Cornerstone Hotel Paradise Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into my disastrous (and hopefully delightful) Salina, Kansas adventure. Prepare yourself – this itinerary isn't your picture-perfect travel brochure. This is real life.
The Quality Inn & Suites Salina: My Temporary Prison of Comfort (Maybe?) – Day 1
1:00 PM: Check-In (and immediate regret). Okay, so I'd booked this Quality Inn & Suites because… well, it was the cheapest thing that wasn't a literal cardboard box on the side of the highway. Pulling up, it looks innocuously beige. So far, so good, I guess. The lobby smells a little too strongly of chlorine and stale coffee. The front desk attendant, bless her heart, looks about as thrilled to see me as I am to be here.
- Quirky Observation: The vending machine is stocked with mostly things I wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole. Mystery meat jerky? Questionable orange soda? This is going to be a long weekend.
1:30 PM: The Room. My. Room. Turns out, it's a standard double. Two beds, a TV that looks like it's from the early 2000s, and… a distinct lack of charm. I mean, it's cleanish. Cleanish is the operative word here. There's a suspicious stain on the carpet that I'm trying very hard to ignore. My hopes for a luxurious getaway have officially plummeted to "tolerable."
1:45 PM: Mandatory Exploration. (Or Staring at the Wall, Mostly). Okay, gotta get out of this room. I wander somewhat aimlessly around the hotel, taking in the "ambiance." The pool area seems to be a haven of screaming children and questionable chlorine levels. The "fitness center" consists of a treadmill that looks like it's seen better decades. My motivation is officially at zero. I briefly consider just going back to my room and ordering pizza, but I manage to convince myself that I should at least try and explore the city.
3:00 PM: Downtown Salina: Where Time Slows Down. After an hour of convincing myself to leave the hotel, I venture into downtown Salina. It's… quiet. Like, really, REALLY quiet. I stumble upon a charming little bookstore. The smell of old books is comforting. I buy a book, even though I already have a stack of unread books back home. That's the traveler's curse, I guess.
- Emotional Reaction: I find myself oddly charmed by the quietness. It's a welcome change from the usual city chaos. But I still feel like I'm missing something. A pulse. A sense of… excitement.
6:00 PM: Dinner at… well, I'm starving! After researching on Google, I choose a local diner called "The Cozy Café" because it has good reviews online. I ordered the chicken-fried steak. Massive mistake. I should have know better than to order chicken fried steak on the first trip to a city. It was greasy, and bland, and I didn't finish it.
- Imperfection Note: I am already starting to feel the creeping loneliness of solo travel. Eating alone is harder than I thought. I find myself constantly checking my phone, pretending to be engrossed in something.
8:00 PM: Back to the Hotel. The Dread. I debate going back out, but the thought of doing anything is more terrifying than my desire to sleep. I consider watching the old TV, but the selection is abysmal. I end up reading my new book, desperately trying to stave off the realization that I'm utterly alone in this bland hotel room.
- Rambling Thought: Maybe I should have brought a friend! Or at least, told someone where I was going. The vastness of Kansas, the echoing silence… it's getting to me.
9:00 PM: Bedtime Blues. I settle into bed. I try to drown out the sounds of distant traffic. The air conditioning drones relentlessly. I'm so tired. But sleep evades me. The stain on the carpet? Definitely staring at me. This is going to be a long night.
Day 2: The Quest for Adventure (Or Just Avoiding Boredom)
7:00 AM: The "Breakfast." Ah, the free breakfast at the Quality Inn. I prepare myself for the worst. The scrambled eggs are pale, the sausage, questionable. I manage a sad cup of coffee and a lukewarm waffle. I feel like I've aged a decade.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: I can not believe what they consider "breakfast" here! It's an insult to the very notion of food!
8:00 AM: The Smoky Hill Museum (Attempt No. 1). I decide to be a "cultured traveler." I head for the Smoky Hill Museum. The reviews were good! Arriving, I find it closed. It turns out, even museums in Salina take Sundays off.
- Messy Structure: I swear, everything shuts down on Sundays in this town! What do people do?
10:00 AM: The Quest for Adventure (Part 2). I drive around, hoping for something, anything interesting. I consider abandoning the whole trip and returning home.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a Taco Joint. I find a hidden gem for lunch - a truly authentic taco shop, with fresh ingredients. I try the carne asada tacos, which is a taste of heaven. I actually start to feel hope for the rest of my trip. This is the first time I feel like I'm truly experiencing the place.
2 PM - 5 PM: Exploring the Art Scene (Attempt No. 2). Okay, I manage to locate a small art gallery that's open, and I am completely blown away by the art! It has such vibrant stories and colors. Even though I am not an art connoisseur, it's beautiful. I feel a little joy…
- Doubling Down: I end up spending almost three hours there, talking to the artist. He's the salt ot the earth, and I just feel like I've stumbled into something special. It's a moment of connection and genuine appreciation I did not expect to find in Salina.
6 PM - Dinner and Reflect. One of the best meals I have in a long time, I eat at the same small restaurant that I went to, and end up spending the evening reflecting.
Day 3: Leaving (Thank Goodness)
8:00 AM: The Departure. The free breakfast is the same nightmare. I pack my bags, eager to leave the Quality Inn and this town, which has given me a roller coaster of emotions.
9:00 AM: Goodbye, Salina! Driving away, I feel a strange mix of relief and, dare I say it, a touch of fondness? I probably won't be back, but I can say that I survived.
- Emotional Reaction: The trip was not what I expected, but maybe that's the point. I came to Salina expecting nothing and got a little bit of everything.
Final Thoughts:
This wasn't the vacation I had planned. It was imperfect, messy, and often awkward. But it was mine. And maybe, just maybe, that's what makes it worthwhile. I'll probably never revisit The Quality Inn & Suites. But I'll always have Salina, Kansas. And the memory of a slightly stained carpet that became something a little bit more.
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Salina's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn & Suites Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - FAQs... Kinda
(Prepare for a rollercoaster. Also, I'm not getting paid for this, just... *had* to share.)
Okay, okay... *Secret*? Really? What's the big freakin' deal?
Alright, settle down! Look, I've stayed in... *places*. Places that should be condemned. Places that claim to have "continental breakfast" and then reveal a single, lonely bagel and a packet of suspiciously red jam. This Quality Inn & Suites in Salina, Kansas, though… *Different*. It's not like they're hiding the Ark of the Covenant, but it *is* like stumbling upon a hidden oasis in a motel wasteland. Seriously! I'm talking about a place where the staff actually seemed to care (more on that nightmare experience later), the bed didn't feel like a concrete slab... it was, dare I say, *comfy*! And the breakfast? Well, let's just say it involved more than just a sad bagel. Plus, there was a pool. A *clean* pool. In a Salina motel. Mind. Blown.
Alright, so you liked the bed. Big whoop. Tell me something SPECIFIC.
Okay, okay, specific! Let's talk about the shower. I'm a shower snob. I need good water pressure, and I need it to be *hot*. I've stayed in places where the water dribbles out like a sad, whimpering kitten. This shower? Glorious. Like standing under a miniature Niagara Falls of scalding bliss. Okay, maybe not *that* dramatic, but seriously, it was good. And the towels! Fluffy! *Fluffy towels!* This may sound ridiculous, but after a long drive, a fluffy towel is practically a spiritual experience. They should win some kind of fluffy towel award. Seriously.
Breakfast... you mentioned breakfast. What's the deal with that? I'm a breakfast person.
Okay, this is the important part. The "continental breakfast" game is usually rigged, right? Stale donuts, lukewarm coffee, the aforementioned solitary bagel... The Quality Inn & Suites? Nope. We're talking eggs (scrambled! maybe even *real* eggs!), sausage, waffles you can make yourself (and lord knows I made a few), cereal, fruit, yogurt… I mean, it wasn't a Michelin-star meal, but it was a solid, hearty, *free* breakfast that actually fuelled me for the day. I went back for seconds... and maybe thirds. Don't judge me! I was *hungry*.
Rooms, what about the ROOMS? Are they gross? I HATE gross rooms.
Okay, the rooms. Well, the one I stayed in? Not gross. I mean, I did a full sweep, you know, the obligatory "check for creepy crawlies" scan. Found absolutely nothing. The carpets weren't sticky. The furniture wasn't falling apart. It actually felt... clean! And the air conditioning worked! (Which is crucial in Kansas, let me tell you.) I think the decor could be described as "subtly updated late 90s," but honestly? I wasn't there for a design showcase. I was there to sleep, and I slept *well*. No weird smells, no mystery stains... success!
Was it quiet? I need quiet. REALLY quiet.
This is where things get... *slightly* complicated, but mostly good. Generally, yes, it was pretty quiet. I didn't hear any crazy parties or loud trucks or anything that would keep you awake. However... I was on the ground floor, and the people upstairs, well... let's just say they had a *very* energetic toddler. Or possibly a small herd of elephants. There was some thumping. Some running. Some... "spirited play." So, if quiet is your absolute top priority, maybe request a higher floor. Otherwise, it's mostly peaceful.
What about the staff? Are they... helpful? Or just robots?
Oh, the staff. Alright, here's where things get... *interesting*. I need to tell you a story. This is going to get me off-track, but I NEED to share. I once, and I do mean *once*, had an absolute nightmare experience at a Motel 6 in... well, I won't say where. But the front desk person? I swear they were actively trying to *make* my stay miserable. Rude, unhelpful, clearly hated their job. I asked for extra towels (because, you know, fluffy towels!), and they looked at me like I'd asked them to perform brain surgery. I'm still traumatized.
But back at the Quality Inn? Different story. The staff was actually… *nice*. Like, genuinely nice. Helpful. Friendly. They smiled! And they were *efficient*. I even had a minor issue (nothing major, just a wonky lightbulb), and they fixed it *instantly*. It was like a parallel universe of hospitality. I'm not saying they're all going to bake you cookies (although wouldn't *that* be amazing), but they're not going to make you want to hide in your room and never come out. Actually, they made me feel *welcome* which, wow, really changes the game. Seriously, I'm trying to not gush here, but it was refreshing.
Okay, spill. The pool? Is it as good as you make it sound?
The pool! YES! The pool! Okay, look, I'm not a massive pool aficionado, but after a long day of driving, a dip in the pool was *heavenly*. It was clean, it was a decent size, and it wasn't overcrowded. There were even some comfy lounge chairs! I spent a good hour just floating around, contemplating life, and generally feeling… relaxed. It's a motel pool, don't expect Olympic-level facilities, but it's a damn good pool for a highway motel! If you're a pool person, you're gonna be thrilled.
But... there has to be a downside, right? No place is perfect!
Okay, fine, you got me. There are a few niggles. The wifi could be a *little* faster. The gym? Let's just say it's… compact. It has machines, but it's not a full-blown fitness center. And hey maybe the decor is a little dated. But honestly? Those are minor complaints. I'm grasping at straws here, folks! Considering everything else, these are mere blips on the radar. The overall experience was overwhelmingly positive.
So…Hotel Price Compare
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