Watertown's BEST Hotel Near Prairie Lakes Ice Arena!
Watertown's BEST Hotel Near Prairie Lakes Ice Arena!
Watertown's Best Hotel? (Near the Ice Arena, Obviously) - A Brutally Honest Review
Alright, alright, settle down, hockey fans and weary travelers! You want the scoop on the BEST hotel near Prairie Lakes Ice Arena in Watertown? Fine, I'll give it to you. But be warned, I'm not going to sugarcoat anything. This is going to be raw, real, and probably a little scatterbrained. Because honestly? That's how I felt after three days huddled in a hotel room after a youth hockey tournament. Prepare yourselves.
First Impression: The Entrance…and the Dreaded Car Park
First off, let's talk access. Because let's face it, after a long drive and a bunch of pre-game jitters, you need easy entry. The hotel? Generally good. Plenty of ramps, elevators, and folks who seemed happy to help. Thumbs up for accessibility. The car park though… oh boy. Let's just say navigating it felt like the penalty box in rush hour. Finding a spot on a weekend was a full-contact sport. Thankfully, they offer car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] which is the bare minimum for your sanity. Though a valet parking would have been a godsend after that epic parking hunt.
The Room Itself: A Mini-Suite and the Ghosts of Hockey Socks
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. The room. I shelled out for a mini-suite. Frankly, I was desperate for space after cramming three kids and their mountainous hockey gear into a sedan. And the room? Not bad. Spacious, even. Air conditioning blasted wonderfully. Free Wi-Fi? Thank heavens! Because, you know, internet is a necessity these days, and the thought of having to tether to my phone and endure a glacial connection speed was enough to make me consider running away to a remote cabin. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms was a straight-up lifesaver.
The "extras" were generally present: Hair dryer, coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, in-room safe box, desk, and ironing facilities. The bedding, soft and inviting, was a welcome retreat after a day of screaming at referees. The blackout curtains, thank you, sweet heavens, after early morning games. It was an oasis. I could almost forget the pungent aroma of hockey socks wafting from the corner. Almost.
Side note: I'm not sure how "romantic" this hotel is for a couple. The couple's room is a mystery to me. They also don't have pets allowed, meaning you won't have the company of your furry best friend--which might be a boon, or a bust, depending on your mood.
The Bathroom: A Battleground for Hot Water
The bathroom, however… that was a different story. The shower was tiny. The toiletries were…basic. The hot water felt like a mythical creature. On one glorious morning, I swear I had to run the tap for ten minutes before any actual warmth arrived. I was practically weeping. Also, the additional toilet was not really a thing, which, with a family of five, is a minor tragedy with an overflowing line.
Eating and Drinking: Surviving the Hotel Buffet
Okay, food. Let's be real. Hotel food is a gamble. The breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. Standard fare: scrambled eggs that looked suspiciously like they came from a box, limp bacon, questionable coffee that tasted vaguely of sadness. They also have restaurants with a la carte in restaurant, buffet in restaurant, and some Asian cuisine in restaurant. I can't speak for those things. I was too afraid. I'm just saying, after a long day, the promise of food is good. They do have breakfast takeaway service, which is a score, and they have bottle of water.
The poolside bar sounded lovely, but I never made it. I was too emotionally scarred from the parking lot and the lukewarm water of the shower.
Relaxation and Wellness: Gym or Jim?
They advertise a fitness center, a sauna, and a swimming pool. I did, eventually, drag myself to the gym. It was adequate. Filled with machines that seemed like they’d been in the hotel since the Eisenhower administration. The swimming pool looked inviting, but I couldn’t bring myself to actually get wet. I’m pretty sure I spotted some suspicious bubbles.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized, But Still…
Let's be honest, I was paying attention to the cleanliness and safety situation with intense scrutiny. You know, with the world as it is. I appreciated that they included anti-viral cleaning products, had daily disinfection in common areas, provided hand sanitizer, and even had rooms sanitized between stays. It gave me a little peace of mind.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The hotel offered the usual array of services and conveniences: Daily housekeeping, laundry service, a convenience store, and a concierge. The staff trained in safety protocol seemed genuinely helpful and nice (I felt bad asking for extra towels, but my kids are monsters). They even offered cashless payment service. They had a business center with xerox/fax. I didn't use any of these things, but it's good they were there.
For the Kids: A Hockey Mom's Perspective
They boasted family/child friendly accommodations. I think that means they tried. Babysitting service was available, which I desperately needed.
The Verdict: Worth It?
Look, here's the thing: This hotel wasn't perfect. Far from it. But did it meet our needs? Absolutely. It was close to the ice arena. It was functional. It had Wi-Fi. And after a grueling hockey weekend, that's all I could ask for.
Final Score: 7.5/10 (Would definitely stay again, but next time, I'm bringing my own hot water heater and a hazmat suit for the parking lot.)
Uncover Hidden Paradise: Lake Glencairn's Secrets (KZN, South Africa)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my totally-not-professional, wonderfully-chaotic itinerary for a stay at the Quality Inn & Suites in Watertown, South Dakota, right near the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena. "Near" being a key word – my sense of direction is legendary (in the worst possible way). Prepare yourselves for a truly authentic, slightly-unhinged travel experience.
Day 1: Arrival and the Unveiling of My Inner Olympian (Or Not)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & the Great Check-In Debacle:
- Okay, first things first. Arrive in Watertown. Pray to the GPS gods that I find the Quality Inn. "Near" the arena, remember? Hopefully, that doesn't translate to "across town, down a dirt road, then through a cornfield." Last time I tried to follow directions, I ended up in a farmer's pigsty.
- Impression: Lobby better not have plastic plants…it’s like hotel décor 101! The check-in experience will be make or break of course how can any hotel fail on an arrival impression.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: Exhilaration after driving so far, then the crushing weight of the realization that I'm officially "on vacation, alone". Sigh.
- 1:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance and Mild Panicking (as Usual):
- Unpack (or, more realistically, toss my suitcase on the bed). Survey the room. Assess the quality of the TV (crucial). Investigate the coffee maker (essential).
- Anectode Oh, I cannot wait to relax after a stressful week with some streaming!
- Emotional Reaction: Initially, excitement, then the slow creep of "Did I forget anything? Am I actually going to be able to relax? Oh god, did I lock the door?" This is the usual internal dialogue.
- 2:30 PM - The Quest for Ice Skating:
- Alright, time to hit the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena! Hopefully, I can find it. Praying for good signage. I envision graceful swirls across the ice. In reality, I'll probably look like a newborn giraffe.
- Quirky Observation: I'm going to judge the ice rink on the quality of its Zamboni. A sparkling Zamboni is a sign of a serious operation, and a serious operation is a good sign for my safety and enjoyment.
- The Zamboni Revelation: I am now in the arena…WOW!! It’s just pristine! I'm literally swooning. I think I might actually be a decent skater.
- 3:00 PM - Ice Skating Glory (or Abject Humiliation):
- Rent skates. Attempt to stand upright without clinging to the boards. Take a deep breath, and try to look effortless. Pretend I'm not terrified of falling.
- Imperfection Alert: Expect a lot of wobbling, probably some face-plants, and definitely a lot of windmilling arms. The ice will probably try to eat me.
- The Zamboni Revelation: The entire time I skated the pristine ice made me believe in myself even more. The Zamboni guy even winked at me. I feel like an Olympian!! For the next 10 minutes anyway.
- 5:00 PM - Post-Skating Sloth Mode and Dinner Prep (Simplified Version):
- Return to the hotel. Collapse on the bed. Watch some terrible TV. Consider ordering pizza.
- Rambling: I might… might…try that new restaurant I saw on Yelp. Or maybe just the pizza. I love pizza. Pizza is my friend. A good pizza is the perfect remedy for… well, everything.
- Emotional Reaction: Extreme joy over the thought of pizza. Then slight guilt. Should I eat something healthy? Nah. Pizza!
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and Possible Self-Loathing (Depending on Pizza Choice):
- Pizza arrives (or I venture out to the restaurant). Eat pizza (or whatever). Judge my dining choices. Decide it's all fine.
- Strong Opinion: If the pizza is bad, this entire trip will be ruined. I am a pizza snob. Don't judge me.
- Messy Epiphany: Okay, here it is: I ordered a pizza and chicken wings; I was the only client at the restaurant, and the server probably hated me. I was ashamed. I should start eating healthy. But the pizza was damn good. But I am such a slob.
Day 2: Exploring Watertown (and Trying Not to Be a Tourist Disaster)
- 9:00 AM - Wake Up and Regret Pizza-Based Decisions:
- Struggle out of bed. Drink copious amounts of coffee (hotel coffee is a gamble, pray for the best). Contemplate how much I actually want to drive around.
- Quirky Observation: I wonder if they have a decent breakfast at the hotel? A continental breakfast is just an excuse to eat stale pastries with your hands. Is there an alternative? Probably not.
- Emotional Reaction: Disgust with myself, followed by the realization that I'm on vacation and should probably just chill out.
- 10:00 AM - Watertown Exploration:
- Wander around Watertown. Check out the local attractions. Take some photos.
- Rambling: What is there to see in Watertown? Museums? The local library? Hopefully, something interesting. I hope I don't get lost. I will get lost.
- The Quest for Local Culture: I went to a local museum, and I even enjoyed it.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and Reflective Staring:
- Eat lunch at a local diner. People-watch.
- Imperfection Alert: I will probably spill something on myself. I always do.
- Emotional Reaction: I started smiling, but I felt like I wanted to cry. It was a weird combination.
- 1:00 PM - The Grand Lake Quest:
- Visit Lake Kampeska. It's supposed to be nice. I hope it’s not just a muddy puddle.
- Opinionated Language: I've heard the lake is a pretty big deal. Hopefully, it lives up to the hype. Otherwise, I'll be deeply disappointed.
- 2:00 PM - Afternoon Relaxation:
- Go back to my hotel room. Read. Stare at the ceiling. Exist.
- 5:00 PM - Head back to the ice rink! I'm addicted.
- Double Down on the Experience: Today, I will try doing a backflip on the ice. It can't be that hard, right?!
- 8:00 PM - The end!
- Eat some really good food.
- Watch whatever show is on the TV.
- Sleep!
Day 3: Departure (With a Promise to Myself to Be Better Next Time)
- 9:00 AM - Pack (or Attempt to Pretend I'm Packing):
- Stuff my suitcase… unsuccessfully. Sigh. Pray everything fits.
- Messy Structure: I hope I can get the car started! That would be a start!
- 10:00 AM - Head for Home
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: What a trip
- 11:00 AM- Departure
- Leave Watertown, and go home!
- Post-Trip Thoughts (A Quick Stream of Consciousness):
- Okay, so maybe I failed at the whole “graceful skater” thing. Okay, maybe I ate too much pizza. Okay, maybe I'm not exactly the picture of a seasoned traveler. But hey, I survived. I had some (slightly embarrassing) fun. And most importantly, I saw the Zamboni. And honestly, isn't that all that really matters? I'll be back, Watertown. And next time… well, next time, I'm bringing a helmet for the ice. And maybe a healthy salad… no promises, though.
Watertown's BEST Hotel Near Prairie Lakes Ice Arena: The Truth Revealed (and Maybe Some Rambling…)
Alright, alright, alright. So, you're heading to Watertown, Wisconsin, for an ice hockey tournament or maybe just some figure skating fun at the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena? Good choice! And the next question, the REALLY important one, is probably, "Where should we crash?" I'm here – your slightly sleep-deprived, coffee-fueled guide – to give you the lowdown on the hotels nearby, at least according to MY experience. No pressure, right?
1. Which hotel is *actually* closest to the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena? And does it really matter?
Okay, let's just rip off the band-aid. The closest hotel is, well, it depends on your definition of "closest." Google Maps will tell you the exact distances (boring), but in PRACTICE... It often feels like whichever one *you* booked is the furthest after a brutal all-day hockey session. Seriously, my thighs were screaming after a particularly grueling weekend. But yes, generally, there are a couple that are practically spitting distance. Don't overthink it. Watertown isn't exactly a sprawling metropolis.
Does proximity matter? ABSOLUTELY! Especially with little kids, the amount of stuff you need, and the possibility of a sudden equipment malfunction at 11 PM. Trust me, having a short walk to the rink is a HUGE win, but you know, every family experience is uniquely stressful. Sometimes you'll be carrying a tired kid, hockey equipment, and a screaming sibling.
2. Is breakfast really that important? And what's the deal with hotel breakfasts anyway?
Breakfast… Oh, breakfast. It's the perennial battleground in the hotel review wars. "Continental breakfast included" usually translates to a lukewarm attempt at culinary delight. The truth? It's a crapshoot. Some hotels will have decent options, a waffle maker (a true blessing!), maybe some fresh fruit… Others? Well, let's just say those pre-packaged pastries could double as hockey pucks. Honestly, after a couple of tournaments, you'll learn where the good coffee is regardless.
So, is breakfast important? For hockey parents? Yes. You need fuel. For picky kids? Maybe not. I've learned packing individual yogurts and bananas is a survival tactic.
3. What about the room size and amenities? Do I need a suite?
Room size… Okay, this is another one where reality rarely aligns with the pictures online. I once booked a "suite" that was basically a slightly-larger-than-average closet. With a pull-out couch that was about as comfortable as sleeping on concrete.
Do you NEED a suite? If you're traveling with a whole team, maybe. Otherwise, consider your sanity. The less space, the more likely you'll lose things. Trust me! Luggage, gear, and little ones and the potential for a chaotic scene that rivals the Ice Arena's own rink conditions. I've spent entire weekends practically tripping over hockey bags. Look for a room with at least two beds and a decent-sized bathroom. A microwave is a lifesaver for reheating leftovers.
4. Are there any hotels with a pool? And are hotel pools ever *actually* enjoyable?
Ah, the pool. The promised land. The land of potential chlorine-induced headaches. Yes, some of the Watertown hotels have pools. Be warned: Hotel pools are a mixed bag. Sometimes they're sparkling oases of fun. Other times… they're crowded, the water's suspiciously cloudy, and kids are running amok. (And that's when they're working. I once saw a 'closed for repairs' sign that was up for a solid week. A real heartbreaker for the little ones.)
My advice? Temper your expectations. If your kids are pool fanatics, absolutely, look for a hotel with one. Just be prepared for the possibility of lukewarm water and rogue pool noodles. And maybe bring your own towel, just in case.
5. What about price? Are there any budget-friendly options?
Price. The bane of every hockey parent's existence. Look, traveling for tournaments is not cheap. The rates for the hotels closest to the rink are usually the first to book. And that's understandable. But, DO keep an eye out for deals, especially during the off-season. Weekend rates are almost always higher. Some hotels may offer discounts for teams. Make sure you check several booking sites. I've seen the same room advertised at wildly different prices.
6. Let’s talk parking and noise levels. Because these are HUGE during a tournament.
Parking: During tournaments, parking can become a contact sport. The hotels closer to the arena will fill up. Seriously, be prepared to circle the lot a few times before finding a spot.
Noise: Ah, the sweet sounds of a hockey tournament! Kids running in the hallway at 6 AM, doors slamming, the faint echo of a coach yelling… Let's be honest, it's going to be noisy. Pick a room away from the elevators. If you’re a light sleeper, earplugs are your best friends. The kind of noise that makes you want to scream into a pillow.
7. Bathroom basics: Water pressure, cleanliness, and… soap.
Bathrooms: The unsung heroes (or villains) of the hotel experience. Water pressure is critical. There's nothing worse than trying to shower off the day's grime with a trickle. Check reviews. And if you're picky about cleanliness (who isn't?), read recent reviews about the bathrooms. Bring your own soap! I've encountered the dreaded hotel soap: the sliver of sadness that disappears after one wash, leaving you feeling… unwashed.
8. The Truth about Recommendation – The Hotel That Nearly Ruined Christmas.
Alright. I'm gonna get personal here. Stay with me. I'm not going to name names, but I'll give you a story. This was *before* the good hotel reviews, and *after* the kids were already wound up and excited. We decided that the closest hotel to the rink was the bestEscape to Alsace: Discover the Enchanting La Maison Bleue!
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