Unbelievable Deals at St. Cloud's BEST Country Inn & Suites!
Unbelievable Deals at St. Cloud's BEST Country Inn & Suites!
Unbelievable Deals at St. Cloud's BEST Country Inn & Suites? Let's See… (A Rambling, Honest Review)
Okay, so "Unbelievable Deals" is quite the boast, isn't it? But hey, I’m in St. Cloud, ready to give this Country Inn & Suites a whirl. Buckle up, because I’m about to dive deep, messily, and truthfully into my experience. Prepare for some tangents… because that's how I roll.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Gotta Please the Bots, Right?)
- Keywords: Country Inn & Suites St. Cloud, hotel review, accessible hotel, St. Cloud MN, spa, pool, free wifi, family friendly, business travel, clean hotel, dining, fitness center, [List all amenities mentioned below]
- Meta Description: Honest and detailed review of Country Inn & Suites in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Exploring accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, dining), cleanliness, services, and overall experience. Real opinions, quirks, and everything in between!
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic About Accessibility)
Pulling up, the exterior… well, it’s a Country Inn & Suites. You know the drill. Pretty standard. But my first thought? "Is it actually accessible?" Because I've been burned before. The website said "facilities for disabled guests" but I've learnt that’s sometimes a generous interpretation.
Thankfully, right off the bat, things looked promising. The entrance had a ramp, the doors seemed automatic (they were!), and the lobby was spacious enough for a wheelchair to navigate with ease. Accessibility: Check! Now, I'll get to details on specific aspects as I go along. But so far, so good. Relief, honestly. That's huge for someone who needs it. (And, I’ll add, a decent welcome for a hotel in their description.)
The Room: A Fortress of Comfort (Mostly)
My room? Pretty standard Country Inn fare. Clean, which is the MOST important thing in the universe, especially these days. Cleanliness and safety: Definitely above average. (More on that later, I need to gush!) The Air conditioning blasted a cool gust in the summer heat. It HAD Air conditioning in public area as well – big win, because I am not a fan of sweaty anything.
The bed was comfy. Extra long bed means I didn't have my feet hanging off. Blackout curtains? Yes, please! Because sleep is precious, and the world can be a harsh, light-filled place. Coffee/tea maker? Essential. (Coffee/tea, Complimentary tea), I need my caffeine fix. Seriously, if a hotel doesn't have a coffee maker, is it even a hotel? It made me feel right at home for the week to come. Desk and Laptop workspace were perfect. (Needed to file some reports I'd been putting off, sigh.) Free bottled water - bonus points. And the mini bar… well, it was just a fridge. But hey, I can put my own drinks in there, right?
Inside the bathroom, I'm noticing Additional toilet, Bathrobes, Bathrooms phone, Bathtub. The hair dryer was a godsend because I had forgotten mine. I appreciate a Mirror and a safety deposit box -- perfect for keeping essentials safe..
The Internet situation was easy peasy. Wi-Fi [free] and Internet access - Wireless, and Wifi in all rooms - no complaints here. I mean, I NEED internet, and they know it. Thank the hotel gods the internet access - LAN wasn't necessary! I wouldn't have even known where to plug it in.
Rambling Aside About Cleanliness (and Why it Matters)
Okay, back to CLEAN! Let's be serious. I've stayed in hotels that felt like they hadn't seen a disinfectant wipe since the Reagan years. This place? Felt different. Everything was spotless. I saw staff constantly wiping down surfaces in the hallways. The Daily disinfection in common areas felt like an actual thing, not just a slogan. They seem to be killing it with Anti-viral cleaning products and Room sanitization. Even little things - like the individual packets of coffee - gave me a sense of ease. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes. So. Very. Yes. (And a big shoutout to the staff trained in safety protocol. They're the unsung heroes, really.) That's what's important.
Dining, Drinking, and the Quest for a Decent Meal
The Breakfast [buffet]… well, it was a buffet. I went for the Western breakfast. Eggs, bacon, the usual suspects. Not gourmet, but definitely filling. I went a little overboard with what was on offer. They had Breakfast takeaway service, which was cool (if you're in a rush), and Alternative meal arrangement options seemed flexible.
They had Coffee shop, so I got my morning coffee and started my day.
A la carte in restaurant - okay. I'd have to see if the food was worth it. Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Dessert in restaurant. Sounds pretty good, but I did not feel like going through the hassle of getting ready to get out.
Rooms service [24-hour]? Nice touch. That's a lifesaver when you arrive late or just want to be a hermit in your room.
Poolside bar, and Bar. I just wished I went. Sigh.
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax – or at Least Try)
The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting. I mean, it's perfect for a hot day, right? But I just didn't have the time I wanted to. Darn.
There was a Fitness center there from what I saw, but I did not get to. I am more on the way-to-relax spectrum. They had a Sauna, and a Spa/sauna! I have always always wanted to use one, but I was too tired. Darn.
Services and Stuff (The Bread and Butter of a Good Stay)
Daily housekeeping? Yes, please. My room was always tidied. The Laundry service was a huge help. I am so glad I didn't have to spend a day washing clothes.
Concierge? Didn't need them, but it was nice to know they were there. Front desk [24-hour]? Also a big plus, especially if you arrive late or have any issues during your stay. Their Safety/security feature helped.
The "Unbelievable Deals"?
Look, the rates were competitive. The service was great. But "unbelievable"? Maybe a slight overstatement. But honestly, for the price, considering the cleanliness, the amenities, and the overall experience? It was a darn good deal.
The Verdict: Worth a Stay? YES!
Overall, Country Inn & Suites in St. Cloud far exceeded my expectations. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid choice, especially if you value cleanliness, convenience, and a comfortable bed. The accessibility was a huge win, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall vibe was positive. (The coffee maker saved the day, more than once.) I would definitely return.
Final Thoughts (and a Few More Rambles)
Would I recommend this place? Absolutely. Just remember to pack your swimsuit for the pool and your appetite for the buffet. And maybe bring a good book for the sauna (if you're brave enough to use it like me!).
Oh, and one last thing… I hope they keep up the cleaning standards. Because that's what really made this stay stand out. Seriously, it's worth a lot.
Santa Thekla's Secret: The BEST Boutique Studio in Paralimni, Cyprus!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is… well, it’s MY potential itinerary at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, St. Cloud West, MN, with a heavy dose of reality, anxiety, and probably too much coffee. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and Questionable Pizza Choices
1:00 PM - Arrival & Immediate Regret: Okay, maybe "regret" is strong, but the drive from [Assume I'm coming from somewhere] was long. And the GPS, bless its digital heart, seemed to delight in taking me through the scenic route of… well, mostly fields. Check-in at the Country Inn & Suites went smoothly, though I did spend a solid five minutes internally debating if I should’ve packed that extra pair of shoes. You know, just in case. The lobby is… pleasant. Generic, but pleasant. It's doing its job. I'm doing mine, which is trying not to look like I've been living in my car for the past eight hours.
1:15 PM - Room Reconnaissance & Existential Dread: The room! It smells…clean. Which is a relief. Always a relief. I throw my bag on the bed, which is a very "me" move, and immediately start assessing the situation. Is the TV remote within easy reach? Check. Does the air conditioner make that horrifying grinding noise? Nope! Victory! Okay, feeling marginally better. Now, the real question: How long until I can justify ordering room service? Because, let's be honest, that's the whole point of a hotel, right? This is where I realize I forgot to pack my travel-sized Febreze. This could be a problem.
2:00 PM - Pizza Predicament & Internal Debate: I need food. BADLY. I'm scanning the menus in the room, praying for something… anything… that doesn’t require me to leave the sanctity of my room yet. Pizza it is! (because are there any other options?) I dial and order from… let's say "Marco's" because, while I don't particularly care for the pizza, there's no other options here. The delivery guy looks like he's seen things. Like, really old things. I tip him (because I'm a good person!), then dive into the cardboard box. The pizza… is pizza. Not great. Not terrible. Just… pizza. I eat it anyway. I'm hungry. After eating half pie I started feeling slightly regret and feeling like I was having a minor heartburn.
4:00 PM - Poolside Debacle & Questionable Tanning: The Country Inn & Suites pool is… functional. It's small. It's indoors (thank god, because Minnesota weather is… unpredictable). I decide to brave it, armed with my swimsuit (which I almost forgot!) and a towel. I end up soaking for a bit but then I find myself on the couch after a few minutes from the pool, feeling slightly depressed about my pale skin, so I go back the room.
7:00 PM - Channel Surfing and the Deep Sea of Unfulfillment: The TV is on. My laptop is charging. I'm flipping through channels, searching for something--anything--to grab my attention. Nothing. It's this weird, quiet hum of disappointment that seeps into my soul. I really need to get out more…
Day 2: Attempted Adventures, Coffee Catastrophes, and a Bit of Redemption
7:00 AM - Breakfast, Coffee Chaos, and the Dreaded Waffle Maker: The complimentary breakfast. Ah, the siren song of free food. I go down, eyes bleary and hoping for a caffeine injection of epic proportions. The coffee…is bad. Very bad. Thin, weak, and tastes faintly of despair. I try to salvage the situation with a waffle from the waffle maker. It’s a sticky, slightly burnt mess. I cover it in maple syrup and call it a win. (Small wins, people, small wins.)
8:00 AM - The Great Outdoors (or at least, Near the Great Outdoors): Okay, I'm trying to be productive. I attempt a walk around the nearby area. The humidity is already at 100%. It's hot, and I quickly retreat back to the air-conditioned comfort of the hotel. Okay, maybe I'm not cut out for the outdoors today.
10:00 AM - Shopping Spree-ish & A Little Bit of Hope: Okay, I need something. I decide to check out of a local mall, armed with a list of supplies (read: chocolate). Things get a little brighter.
2:00 PM - Unplanned Nap and The Guilt: The afternoon is a blur of nothingness. Nap time, the greatest escape in human history. Of course, I feel a twinge of guilt after waking up. Did I waste the afternoon? Should I have been doing something more productive? The internal critic is relentless.
6:00 PM - Dinner and the Unexpected Delight: I venture out to a local restaurant. (I'm calling it "The [Fictional Restaurant Name]"). The food is actually… pretty good! The waitress is kind. I end up having a conversation with a local (who, admittedly, talks a lot), and I'm surprised by how much I enjoy myself. Maybe, just maybe, this trip won't be a complete disaster.
8:00 PM - Movie Marathon & Blissful Stupidity: Back in the room, I settle in for a movie marathon. Silly, feel-good comedies only. Brain-off mode activated. I am perfectly content to let the world melt away.
Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and the Lingering Smell of Pizza
7:00 AM - Repeat of the Coffee Catastrophe: Breakfast. The coffee is still terrible. I'm starting to think they do it on purpose.
8:00 AM - Packing, Panic, and the Search for Lost Socks: The dreaded packing ritual. I throw everything haphazardly into my bag and start frantically searching for matching socks. I can't find the matching socks!
9:00 AM - Check-Out & A Bittersweet Goodbye: Check-out is surprisingly painless. I leave the hotel, a little bit sad, a little bit relieved. Did I have a great time? Not really. Did I survive? Absolutely.
9:30 AM - The Long Drive Home & The Pizza Aftermath: I'm in the car, heading home. The pizza. I still feel it, you know? The lingering taste, the slight heartburn. Maybe I should have ordered something else.
10:00 AM - Reflecting on the Trip & The Value of Low Expectations: The trip was a whole lot of… something. Next time, I bring a travel-sized Febreze, and maybe a better pillow. And definitely a better source of caffeine.
St. Cloud's Country Inn & Suites: OH MY GOD, Is This Real?! FAQ – (Or, Why My Wallet is Crying Happy Tears)
Okay, seriously, what's *actually* unbelievable about these deals? Like, are we talking "too good to be true" territory?
Alright, alright, deep breaths. I felt the *exact* same way. My first reaction? Skepticism. Pure, unadulterated skepticism. I thought, "Hidden fees? Shoddy rooms? Probably smells like stale french fries and regret." BUT... I was WRONG. (And trust me, I'm not one to admit being wrong easily.)
We're talking seriously discounted rates, like... *whoaaa* cheap. I’m talking, I could afford a whole weekend getaway AND still eat pizza for a month cheap. Okay, maybe not a *month*, but you get the idea! Plus, the free breakfast? Actual, real, not-just-a-donut-and-coffee free breakfast. I’m still trying to figure out the catch, honestly. I've stayed there *three times* this year! I swear, I'm half expecting a bill to show up later, but nope. Nothing. Just my happy memories (and a slightly expanded waistline, thanks to the waffle maker).
The prices sound amazing, BUT is the hotel, you know, *nice*? I've had some… experiences.
This is where I went from "cautiously optimistic" to "completely obsessed." Listen, I've stayed in places that could charitably be described as “rustic.” Think: peeling wallpaper, mysterious stains on the carpet, the faint aroma of... well, let's just say "history."
The Country Inn & Suites in St. Cloud? It's... clean. Actually, scratch that. It's *immaculately* clean. And the rooms? Surprisingly spacious. I walked in my first time and, I kid you not, SQUEALED a little. Like a happy, slightly-chubby-woman-who-loves-a-good-deal squeal. Okay, maybe a lot. The beds are comfy, the bathrooms are modern, and they even had *proper* fluffy towels! It's just… well, it's a treat, compared to the places I've stayed to save a buck. It's a *legit* nice hotel.
What about the location? Is it in the middle of nowhere?
Okay, this is a *major* win, too. Forget being stranded in a cornfield! The Country Inn & Suites is conveniently located - close to everything! I mean, close to all the things you want to do. Shopping, restaurants, and even the St. Cloud Mall! And you know what's even BETTER? The traffic is manageable. I managed to actually, *enjoy* driving there. I'm from the city; driving is a pain, but the drive to this hotel is… surprisingly pleasant. Okay, I'll stop gushing.
Is the free breakfast really *that* good? Be honest, I'm easily disappointed.
Alright. Deep breath. Okay... the free breakfast? It's the stuff of legends. I'm not kidding! I'm almost embarrassed to admit how much I loved it. I am *that* person, the one who piles a mountain of waffles on their plate, covers them in syrup, and then sneaks back for thirds.
They have waffles! And eggs! And sausage! And fruit! And pastries! And coffee that actually tastes like coffee, not dishwater. Plus, the staff is super friendly and keeps everything stocked. I’m not a morning person, but the breakfast at the Country Inn & Suites actually makes me WANT to get out of bed. Okay, maybe not *want* to, but definitely makes it easier. My *inner* child dances with joy. And, let’s be honest, a happy tummy makes for a happy me.
Okay, but what about the pool? Is it crowded? Gross?
The pool situation deserves its own epic ballad. I'm a pool person, but I've seen some… pool horrors. Like the time I went to a hotel pool and it had more hair floating in it than my ex-boyfriend's bathroom after a particularly intense hair grooming session. NOPE. NOT HERE.
This pool is usually well-maintained and a decent size. I've never felt like I was crammed in with a thousand other people. Plus! (and this is *huge*) they have a *hot tub*! A real, actual, functioning hot tub! It's heaven after a long day of… you know, whatever it is people do in St. Cloud. Relaxing in the hot tub, maybe? Whatever you decide, that hot tub is the perfect way to end the day. Seriously, soak away all your worries.
Any downsides? Anything *actually* bad? (I'm expecting some dirt.)
Alright, alright, the truth. There are a few minor, *minor* things. The Wi-Fi can be a little… spotty, sometimes. Not terrible, but not lightning fast either. Could be worse! And, during peak season (duh!), it might be a *little* harder to snag a room at the super-lowest prices. But honestly? It’s worth the slight inconvenience.
Here’s my biggest complaint: that the trip has to end. I'm usually sad to leave; that's how good it is. I was so sad on my last trip that I actually asked if I could extend my stay. The answer was no, but the employee was very nice, and I would stay there again in a heartbeat (And, you know, *am*). So, yeah, I'm reaching for the negative here. It's that good.
Give it to me straight: Should I go?
YES! ABSOLUTELY, 100%, WITHOUT A DOUBT, GO! Run, don't walk! I'm not kidding. Book it. Right now. Seriously, go check the prices. Before you lose your mind at the sheer affordability of it all. You won't regret it. I'm already planning my next trip. And maybe, just maybe, I'll steal a few extra waffles this time. (Don't tell anyone.)
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