Brookings, SD's BEST Kept Secret: Country Inn & Suites Awaits!
Brookings, SD's Actually Best Kept Secret: Country Inn & Suites – My Honest Take (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, folks, let's get REAL. I've stayed at a lot of hotels. From the swankiest of suites to… well, let's just say some places that make you wonder if the Dust Bunnies Association is running the place. But Country Inn & Suites in Brookings, South Dakota? That's a different story. Let's dive, shall we? And by dive, I mean… well, hopefully not into the pool, although that’s pretty tempting.
(Metadata First!)
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Overall Impression: A Solid "Yes, Please!" with Some Tiny Hiccups (But Seriously, Great Value)
Let’s be clear: this isn't the Ritz. But for what you're paying, Country Inn & Suites in Brookings punches way above its weight class. It’s clean, comfortable, and surprisingly well-equipped. It’s a haven after a long day on the road, or maybe after visiting that giant cow statue (you know, the one).
Accessibility: Super Important, and They Get It Done!
First things first: accessibility. Massive props to them. They actually get it. This isn't just a box they're ticking; it feels genuine. Wheelchair access is great, from the public areas to the rooms. The ramps are well-placed, and the elevators work! I saw several families with kids in strollers and people using mobility devices – they all seemed comfortable. Huge plus.
On-Site Delights:
- Restaurants/Lounges: There isn’t an on-site full restaurant in the classic sense, but they serve a surprisingly decent breakfast, and the breakfast area has plenty of space to enjoy it. They do have a snack bar and a coffee shop, which is perfect for a quick caffeine fix or a late-night nibble.
Rooms: Comfort Zone Reached
Alright, let's talk rooms. My room was spotless (major points!). The air conditioning actually worked, which is a godsend in South Dakota summers. Got a super-sized bed so you don't feel like a sardine. I really appreciated the blackout curtains – crucial for a good night's sleep. My room also had a desk, and even though I’m not usually a desk person, I ended up using it to catch up on some work. The Wi-Fi was fast and reliable (thank god, because I need my reality TV!).
(Rant Time! A Tiny, But Needed, Rant)
Okay, here's my one minor beef. My room, while clean, had… a slightly "dated" feel. That’s probably a fair assessment. The decor isn't exactly cutting-edge modern, but hey, who cares? It's clean, comfortable, and the important stuff (like the comfy bed and the strong Wi-Fi) were top-notch. I am not complaining, just… observing.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound (Thank GOODNESS!)
Honestly, the cleanliness at Country Inn & Suites is remarkable. I felt confident and safe, especially given the… current climate. They’re using anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and staff are clearly trained in safety protocols. I even saw them sanitizing the coffee machines (a detail I appreciate!). I wasn't super worried about catching anything, and that made a huge difference in my overall feeling of relaxation. (Food and Drink Ramble!)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast is the Bomb!!
The breakfast buffet is pretty freaking fantastic. Honestly, I looked forward to it every morning. There’s a buffet in restaurant. I mean, you've got your standard fare: eggs, bacon, sausage (essential!), pancakes, fruit, yogurt, and cereal. But the quality is REALLY good. The pancakes were fluffy (not dry!), the bacon was crispy (a must!), and the coffee was actually drinkable. Not the watery swill you sometimes get. HUGE points for the breakfast (I may have gone up for seconds… and thirds). They have a bar, too, which offers happy hour. The coffee shop and snack bar also came in handy – it’s perfect for a quick bite or a pick-me-up.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Little Bit of Everything!
- Pool and Fitness: The swimming pool (outdoor!) is great. I didn’t get a chance to use the sauna, spa, or steam room but thought it was a nice touch! The fitness center is pretty well equipped too:
- Fitness center: It had the basics: treadmills, stationary bikes, and weights. Nothing fancy, but it did the job.
(A Little More Unstructured Rambling…)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Add Up
They offer all the usual suspects: laundry service, dry cleaning, daily housekeeping. But the little things stand out. The staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. They have a convenience store if you forgot toothpaste or snacks. Free parking, which is always a win. They offer free Wi-Fi in ALL the rooms (thank heavens!).
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes
They are super family-friendly. There’s a babysitting service and kids meals available, which is great for parents.
(The Wrap Up & My Final Thoughts)
Getting Around:
- Car Park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]: Easy peasy. Loads of parking.
(The Verdict: Go, Seriously! With Caveats.)
Look, this isn't the Four Seasons. But it's clean, comfortable, well-appointed, and a fantastic value for the price. The breakfast is top-notch. The staff is great. The location is convenient (especially if you're visiting SDSU, which let's be honest, is the main reason most people are in Brookings!).
My rating? Solid 4 out of 5 stars. Maybe even a 4.5.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely! (And I probably will, soon.)
(Final, Honest Thoughts)
Go. Seriously. Go. You won't regret it. Just be prepared for the slightly dated decor, and you'll be golden. And don't forget those pancakes at breakfast. You've been warned!
Escape to Austin: Luxury Suites Near Lakeline Mall!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-structured travel itinerary. This is a gritty, slightly chaotic, and utterly honest account of my planned stay at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Brookings, SD. Prepare for some rambling, some gushing, some grumbling, and a whole lotta… well, me.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Mystical Power of a Free Cookie (Probably)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: "Arrival" (read: The Airport Drop-off and the Existential Dread of Travel). Okay, so the Brookings airport? Let's be honest, it's probably not JFK. More like a very friendly, slightly dusty bus station. And that pre-flight anxiety? Oh, it hit me HARD. Did I pack enough socks? Did I lock the front door? Did I accidentally leave the stove on? (Spoiler alert: I probably did not, but the worry is REAL, people.) The drive from whatever forsaken airport I land in (maybe Sioux Falls? Who knows) is probably a blur of roadside windmills and the desperate need to pee after the plane ride. I'm assuming I'll Uber it, and the driver probably won't know where the hotel is and I'll have to guide them. Yay!
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-in, Breathe, and the Pursuit of the Perfect Poolside Nap. Okay, so first impressions matter. The lobby better be clean, the staff better be friendly (or at least tolerate my brand of nervous energy), and the rooms better not smell like stale chlorine and regret. This is the most important thing. I NEED that perfect nap. I'm picturing myself sprawled on one of those questionable-looking pool chairs, the sun warming my face, and not a single screaming child in sight. A girl can dream… and hopefully, the pool is heated. Because SD.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Cookie Conundrum. Country Inn & Suites promises free cookies, right? This is a crucial test. Will they be warm? Soft? Chocolate Chip, or some other exotic flavor like oatmeal raisin (which I secretly love, but will never admit)? This could make or break the whole experience. You bet your sweet bippy I'm going to sneak a few extra cookies for a midnight snack!
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Exploring Brookings (Or, Attempting To, Anyway). I'm envisioning myself as some sort of intrepid explorer, armed with a map, a thirst for adventure, and a strong desire to avoid getting lost. I'll probably end up wandering aimlessly around, getting distracted by… squirrels? A particularly interesting mailbox? Who knows. The most I'm probably going to do is look up some restaurants on my phone and stress myself sick.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner, aka the Restaurant Roulette. I'm probably going to hit up a local place. TripAdvisor is my friend (and sometimes my enemy). Will it be a culinary masterpiece? Probably not. Will it be edible? Hopefully. Will I accidentally spill something on myself? Almost definitely. The anxiety is building up again.
- 7:00 PM - onwards: Hotel Hangout, or the Quiet Desperation of a Solo Traveler. I envision myself in front of the TV, channel-surfing until I find something equally mindless and comforting. Maybe I'll read a book, then hate it. Or maybe I'll just stare at the ceiling, contemplating the meaning of life (or at least, the meaning of this specific vacation). It truly depends on how badly I want to watch TV. My room better have a good selection of channels.
Day 2: Double Down on… The Pool (And Whatever Else I Can Find)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast, Buffet, Bliss (or Maybe a Disaster). Free breakfast! You know I will be there! Will the waffles be fluffy? Will the coffee be strong? Or will it be the usual hotel buffet free-for-all, a symphony of lukewarm scrambled eggs and questionable sausages? Either way, I'm going ALL IN. I will eat everything, regardless. Even the fruit salad that looks shifty.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Revenge of the Pool. I NEED that nap. I MUST perfect the art of poolside relaxation. I am a champion napper! I will find my zen. Or at least, I will try to avoid getting splashed by overly enthusiastic kids. Maybe I'll even bring a trashy novel. Or maybe just a crossword puzzle. Don't judge.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch – Leftovers, or a Desperate Search? Do I have any leftovers from dinner? If not, I'll probably order room service. Even worse, I'll be in the hotel lobby trying to figure out what restaurant I want to order from.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Brookings Scavenger Hunt (Self-Imposed). Okay, this is where the adventure REALLY starts. Or, more realistically, where I force myself to leave the hotel and do something. I'll use my phone to find local attractions, parks, and maybe a quirky gift shop. Will I actually follow through? Maybe. The couch might win. We'll see. But if I manage to find ANY thrift stores, I'm in deep, deep trouble.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Re-Charge, Evaluate, and Re-Evaluate My Life Choices. Back to the hotel. Netflix. Snack. Contemplate if I should order something online and have it shipped here.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner, Take Two (and hopefully fewer spills). Repeat of the restaurant roulette. I'll try the other restaurant that I didn't go to. Maybe.
- 7:00 PM - Onwards: The Dreaded Packing. The trip is winding down, so I must pack. It must be done. It will probably be a disaster. I have to somehow close my suitcase when it doesn't.
Day 3: The Departure (and the Promise of Future Chaos)
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The Last Breakfast (and a Cookie Farewell?). I'm going to savor that waffle, soak up the free coffee, and maybe… just maybe… sneak another cookie for the road.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check-out, and the Bitter-Sweet Goodbye. Did I leave anything? Does the room look like a bomb went off? Did I actually enjoy myself?
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Airport, Anxiety, and the Reflective Drive Home. Okay, here we go again. Hoping I don't have a melt-down.
- 12 AM- onwards: Home Sweet Home. Unpack, launder, and back to work.
Final Thoughts:
Look, this isn't a perfect plan. It's probably going to be messy. I'm probably going to be cranky. But I'm also going to embrace the chaos, the awkward moments, and the sheer absurdity of it all. And hey, maybe… just maybe… those free cookies really will be worth it. Wish me luck, and may the odds be ever in my favor.
Hyatt Regency Long Beach: Your Dream LA Getaway Awaits!
1. Seriously, is this place REALLY a "best kept secret"? What's the deal?
Okay, okay, "best kept secret" might be a touch hyperbolic, like saying my dog is the world's smartest (he mostly just stares at walls). But yeah, Brookings isn’t exactly a bustling metropolis. It's a college town, a farming community, ya know? And the Country Inn? It's just... consistently GOOD. It's not some swanky, Instagram-worthy hot spot. It's solid. Reliable. It's like that friend who always shows up with a smile and a shoulder to cry on – but in hotel form. And honestly? After a long drive or a stressful day at that conference in town? That's gold. Plus, the free breakfast? We'll get there.
2. The free breakfast... lay it on me. Is it actually GOOD or just… "free breakfast" good? Because I've had some *experiences*.
Alright, buckle up. The breakfast is... *chef's kiss*. Okay, maybe not, "chef's kiss" but let me paint you a picture: pre-COVID, it was an absolute GLORIFIED FEAST. Waffles you can make yourself! (Because who doesn't love a waffle bar at 7 am?) Scrambled eggs, bacon (sometimes sausage, the anticipation!), fresh fruit, yogurt, the works. I'm talking, I once saw a group of college kids CLEAR THE ENTIRE WAFFLE BATTER. It's a memory I will cherish. During times when they aren't able to provide everything, well it's still a solid continental spread: good selection of pre-packaged pastries and fruit. They adapt. The coffee? Always hot, and that's REALLY what matters, especially when you've been on the road since dawn. Also, I can't lie, the one time I managed to spill my entire coffee *directly* onto someone's laptop? I was MORTIFIED. But the staff? So gracious and understanding. They just cleaned it up, gave me a fresh mug, and didn't even judge my caffeine-fueled clumsiness. Which, honestly, is a testament to their awesomeness.
3. The rooms... are they clean? Because cleanliness is next to... well, you know.
Cleanliness is paramount, people! And yes, the rooms are consistently clean. I've stayed there, oh, maybe a dozen times and NEVER had a "Ew, what IS that?!" moment. The housekeeping staff are saints, I swear. Fresh towels, crisp sheets, everything in its place. You can tell they give a darn. And look, I'm a germaphobe (a little), so you know I'm picky. That's gotta be a good sign.
4. Pool time? Got a pool to splash around in?
Yes! There is an INDOOR pool and a hot tub. I love it! It is a nice way to unwind after a long day, go for a swim, or just relax and enjoy the bubbles. During the day, I'll often see families enjoying the pool. At night, it is a relaxing, warm escape. It gives me that feeling of peace and quiet after a long day of driving.
5. What about the location? Is it easy to get to? Near anything fun?
Location, location, location! It's super easy to find, right off the highway. That's a HUGE plus after a long drive, trust me. Near? Well, Brookings is a college town, so SDSU (South Dakota State University) is a stone's throw away. Great if you're visiting for a game or a campus tour. Downtown is a short drive. There are a few restaurants and shops close by. Basically, convenient. No, it’s not like, right next to the Eiffel Tower. But for Brookings? Yeah, it's convenient. And, let's be honest, sometimes convenience is all you need.
6. I have kids. Is this place kid-friendly? Or am I going to spend the whole time apologizing for my little monsters?
From what I've seen? YES! They are very accommodating to families. They have a separate play area, which is a Godsend. Also, seeing families enjoy their time there reminds me of my own childhood and it's a very cozy atmosphere. I think that the staff understands that kids are kids. It would also be a good idea to call ahead and make sure that they are available. Oh, and kids + waffles = guaranteed happiness (usually).
7. The staff… are they friendly? Because I've dealt with some real hotel grumps in my time.
The staff? They're the real MVPs. Consistently friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to care. I've had them go above and beyond – stuff like helping me find a charging cable for my phone when mine died, offering extra towels without me even asking (because, well, I'm a messy shower-taker), and just generally being pleasant to be around. I mean, I’m guessing they deal with some *stuff* – you know, tired travelers, forgotten belongings, the occasional coffee-on-laptop incident – and they handle it all with grace. It makes a HUGE difference. It can turn a stressful trip into a manageable one.
8. The Cookies! Talk about the cookies!
Okay, okay, the free cookies deserve their own category. The Country Inn has these warm, delicious cookies available pretty much all the time. I'm not kidding, I've based my entire check-in time around the cookie availability. It's a small thing, I know, but it's a little bit of comfort. They're the perfect little treat after a long day on the road. Just try not to eat the entire tray, okay? (I can't make any promises; it's a slippery slope.) And, yes, I may or may not have taken a few (okay, a LOT) for the road. And, one time I had to run back to the front desk because I forgot my favorite...
9. What are some downsides? Does it have any flaws? Because nothing's perfect.
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