Escape to Williston's BEST Hotel: Hawthorn Suites!
Hawthorn Suites Williston: Honest Truths, Dusty Secrets, and a Whole Lot of North Dakota
Alright, buckle up buttercups. You're about to get the real, unvarnished scoop on Hawthorn Suites in Williston, North Dakota. Forget the glossy brochures – I'm talking raw, unfiltered hotel impressions. I've endured the long drives, the frigid prairies, and the inevitable gas station coffee jitters to bring you this… thing. Prepare yourself.
First Impressions (and a Deep Sigh):
Let's be honest, Williston isn't exactly known for its five-star resorts. But hey, we're here. Hawthorn Suites? Looks like a slightly upgraded roadside motel. The exterior isn't winning any design awards, but it's clean-ish. More importantly: Accessibility? They say they've got it. I mean, there's an elevator, which is a huge plus. But let’s hope the accessible rooms are actually, you know, accessible. We'll get to that later.
Rooms: My Temporary Fortress (or, Where Did I Put My Room Key?)
Okay, let's dive into the room itself. They've got Air Conditioning, thank God. ND summers can cook you alive. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! I’d be lost without my internet. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, they offer both – that's smart! They also offer: a Desk. A Laptop workspace (bless!), a Mirror (vital for existential crises in hotel rooms), a Refrigerator (emergency snack stash!), and a Coffee/Tea Maker. This is where things get interesting. Sometimes these coffee makers are spotless, sometimes, well, let’s just say I’ve seen better maintenance. The coffee was… passable. The refrigerator was a game-changer for my personal stash of questionable leftovers and questionable snacks. A big win.
The bathroom? Standard. Not particularly luxurious, but hey, it had a bathtub! and Hot water! I used the Shower, with great trepidation, and was relieved when there was no mildew explosion. Towels were fluffy enough.
They boast Non-smoking rooms, and let me tell you, that’s crucial. I've been in places where the air smells vaguely of regret and cigarettes. Hawthorn Suites generally passed this test. There's a Smoke detector, so, kudos for safety. Also a Fire extinguisher. I assume they work.
The Internet: A Lifeline (Mostly)
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – They're serious about the web, and well, so am I. The WiFi was mostly solid, which is crucial for checking emails, and avoiding my family. I did connect to the Internet access – LAN. I swear the first attempt was a complete failure, but then, it worked. I am not sure what sorcery they use for that, but I was grateful.
Amenities: Promises and Perils of Relaxation
Alright, now for the good stuff. Or what should be the good stuff. Let’s talk Fitness center. I glanced at it. Looked like it had a treadmill or two, and some weights. Don't get me started on the Gym/fitness – I don't. I saw no signs of a Pool with view, and the Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom, weren't something I saw, but I didn't walk around and look. I did see the Swimming pool, which was Swimming pool [outdoor]. I did not have time for this, but I'm sure in the summer it is nice. Oh, and Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage were all something I did not experience.
Dining and Drinking: Fueling the Williston Experience
Now, for the lifeblood. FOOD!
Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service: This is where Hawthorn Suites really shines… maybe? They have a standard hotel buffet, but it's decent. Asian breakfast options? I honestly didn't spot any, but maybe I missed it. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was available, but again, standard. I did drink a lot of Coffee shop, so I was set.
Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: I think they had both, but I ended up eating out.
Poolside bar and Bar: Sadly, no poolside bar. No Happy hour.
Room service [24-hour]: I'm pretty sure they offered this, but I was too nervous to ever call.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Saga
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room (pun intended): Cleanliness and safety. This is where I got really curious.
Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
Individually-wrapped food options: Check.
Rooms sanitized between stays: Supposedly, yes. I did feel like the room was cleaned, but I'm not a germaphobe, so I can't vouch for the 'professional-grade sanitizing services.'
Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service: They do have both because I saw people leaving with paper bags.
Hand sanitizer was available in a LOT of places.
Room sanitization opt-out available: Nope. I prefer the "sanitized" option.
Safe dining setup: I think so, but I ate in my room.
Staff trained in safety protocol: Seems so, they were polite, but I did not get the chance to see them doing anything "safely", but I trust them to an extent.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes. Thank god.
- Business facilities: Adequate.
- Cash withdrawal: Yup.
- Concierge: Nope.
- Contactless check-in/out: Yes.
- Convenience store: Yes, and VERY convenient.
- Daily housekeeping: Awesome!
- Elevator: Yes for those of us with mobility challenges or simply an aversion to stairs.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus.
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: They have it.
- Smoking area: Yes. Outside.
- Terrace: No.
Getting Around: The North Dakota Shuffle
- Airport transfer: Might happen.
- Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]: Abundant parking.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly: Sure. Though, Williston isn't a huge kid-friendly destination.
The Verdict
Hawthorn Suites in Williston? It's not going to blow your mind. It’s a solid, dependable option. The staff were generally friendly. It's clean enough, safe enough, and has the essential amenities. If you need a place to stay in Williston, it's a reasonable choice. Just don’t expect five-star luxury. It's a good place, and considering where you are, that is about your expectation.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This Hawthorn Suites itinerary isn't gonna be your pristine, Pinterest-perfect dream. This is gonna be… real. And probably slightly chaotic. Welcome to the wild west of Williston, North Dakota.
Hawthorn Suites, Williston – The Saga Begins… (and Might End):
Day 1: Arrival of Mild Panic & Questionable Caffeine
- 1:00 PM: Okay, flight lands. First impressions: the airport… well, it is an airport. Beige walls, a general air of "where did everyone go?" and a distinct lack of anything resembling a decent coffee shop. Already feeling the existential dread of being in a largely rural area with a rental car; I hope I don't have to fix a flat in -30-degree weather.
- 1:30 PM: Rental car acquired. The guy at the counter seems… well, I'm not going to judge. He probably deals with truck drivers all day and my delicate sensibilities.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive at the Hawthorn. "Welcome!" chirps the front desk lady, bless her heart. The lobby… it's… functional. The free continental breakfast tomorrow is my driving motivation. The room? Alright, clean enough. The bed? Let's hope it's a solid mattress.
- 2:30 PM: Unpack, try to remember where I packed my phone charger (always a classic opener) and, most importantly, scour the room for the coffee maker. Found it! But the coffee… ugh. Instant. This is going to be a long trip.
- 3:00 PM: Attempt to work. I swear, my brain cells are melting. Maybe I should get out of the room.
- 4:00 PM: Drive around. Williston! Population (apparently) growing, but mostly flat and endless. This is where I find the first restaurant and I am already tired.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I have dinner at a diner. (Burger. It was fine.) The waitress was sweet. The TV played a game, which I like. The atmosphere soothed me.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the Hawthorn. Flicking through channels. I am completely exhausted.
Day 2: Mining, Miles, and the Mystery of the WiFi
- 7:00 AM: The continental breakfast! The saving grace! Waffles! (Slightly rubbery, but hey, free and it's a waffle!) Coffee, upgraded to "barely passable." My optimism for the day is fragile.
- 8:00 AM: Check out the Oil Patch. Holy cow! The sheer scale of this whole operation is… something. It's like a whole industrial city, but horizontal. It made me think of a movie.
- 10:00 AM: The Bakken Oil Field. I'm no oil tycoon (obviously) but this place is a thing, I tell ya. I ask a friendly looking local (a REAL local, not a desk person), to show me the best spots, and he just laughs. "You a tourist? Don't get too close to the machinery, kid." He had a point.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch, found a cute place to grab a bite. Talked to a local here too. People are nice, I'll give them that.
- 2:00 PM: I had to go back to the hotel. The hotel wifi… well let's just say it's about as reliable as my ability to pack light. It's working, it's not, it's working, it's not.
- 4:00 PM: Went for another drive. I keep seeing these huge, enormous fields, with lines of trucks and oil pumps scattered across the scene. I feel like I'm on the edge of the world, and it's mesmerizing.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I am getting used to this place.
- 9:00 PM: In my room. Attempting to stream something, but, you guessed it, the wifi is having a giggle at my expense. I am going to bed.
Day 3: The Williston Wind-Down (Hopefully Before the Wi-Fi Does)
- 7:00 AM: Last breakfast! That waffle machine beckons. I am sad to leave, and happy to do the laundry.
- 8:00 AM: Checked out. Good-bye Hawthorn, and good-bye to your fickle wifi.
- 8:30 AM: The airport.
- 10:30 AM: On the plane.
Quirky Observations/Emotional Reactions:
- The sheer vastness of everything. I could get lost out here on my own.
- The wind. Always the wind. Expect it, embrace it, or buy a really good hat.
- People are genuinely friendly. Small town charm is a real thing. Also, everyone drives a truck.
- The wifi. It's a character in this story, and a deeply unreliable one.
- This trip made me feel more grounded than any trip I'd been on in a long time.
Messy, Honest, Funny, and Absolutely Human:
Look, Williston isn't the Seychelles, or the Amalfi Coast. It's not glamorous. It can be flat, and windy, and occasionally a bit… desolate. But it's real. And that, for me, is increasingly what I crave. Would I go back? Maybe. But next time, I'm bringing a book, a portable hotspot, and a sense of humor. Because you'll need it.
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Hawthorn Suites, Williston: The Unfiltered FAQ (Because Let's Be Honest, You NEED the Truth)
So, Hawthorn Suites... Is it *actually* the "BEST" hotel in Williston, or just... well, *a* hotel?
Okay, alright, let's get real. "BEST" is subjective, right? Depends on if you mean best *value for money* after a long day in the North Dakota oilfields, or best *place to pretend you're fancy* while secretly craving a pizza. Hawthorn Suites... it swings between both, honestly. Sometimes, it's the weary traveler's haven. Other times? Let's just say you'll appreciate the sheer *availability* of a hot shower after battling the wind and the relentless prairie.
I've stayed there, alright? More times than I care to admit. Last time, I swear, the coffee pot was older than my *grandmother*. It worked... eventually. So, best? Maybe not. Convenient, clean-ish, and a solid place to rest your weary head after a brutal work trip? Absolutely. Plus, the free breakfast? A godsend. (More on that later...)
Let's talk about the rooms. Are they... *livable*? I've heard things about Williston hotel rooms...
Livable? Yes. Luxurious? Haha, no. Think functional. Seriously, think function over everything. The suites themselves are decent, with a separate living area, which is a huge win when you're crammed in with coworkers and need some breathing room. The beds? Okay. Not the cloud-like, five-star fancy, but comfortable enough to pass out on after a 12-hour shift.
My personal experience? One time, I swear, the remote control was held together with duct tape. And the TV? Fuzzy reception. But hey, at least it *had* a TV, right? You learn to appreciate the small victories in Williston. I had a suite. The microwave *probably* wasn't cleaned after the last guest reheated something questionable. But you know what? I survived, mostly. I actually had a room with a *window* overlooking the…well, the parking lot. But hey, sunshine's sunshine.
The Breakfast. Is it worth getting out of bed for? I'm a notoriously grumpy morning person...
Oh, the breakfast. It's the *reason* to get out of bed, folks. Well, maybe not the *only* reason, but a major factor! Okay, picture this: waffles. Yes, they have a waffle maker. The kind where you pour the batter and it takes, like, a minute. Success! (sometimes). Plus, there's usually the usual stuff: cereal, some kind of sad-looking fruit (think bruised bananas), and the scrambled eggs, which... let's just say they're not gourmet. And the sausage links which... I'll be honest, I'm still not sure what they're *made* of, but hey, protein is protein.
Here's a pro-tip: get there early. Like, *really* early. Otherwise, you're fighting over the last stale bagel with a bunch of hungry oil workers who are probably used to starting their days with a whole cow for breakfast. And trust me, you do *not* want to get between a hungry oil worker and their free breakfast. Seriously. They’re ruthless.
The Gym. Does it even *have* one? And if so, is it a joke?
Okay, alright. The gym. This is where Hawthorn Suites gets… interesting. Yes, they have a gym. Technically. It's usually a small room stuffed with treadmills that look like they've seen better days, a few dusty weights, and a universal machine that's probably older than I am.
One time, I saw a guy trying to do bicep curls with a dumbbell. It was the only one. He looked so defeated. Bless him. Seriously, pack your own workout routine if you’re a fitness fanatic. It's not a workout palace. It's more like... a sad reminder of all the exercise you're *not* doing while you're crammed in a hotel room. I used it once. And regretted it. Probably because the air conditioning was broken and I swear the treadmill squeaked every time I took a step.
What about the staff? Are they pleasant? What if I need something?
This is where Hawthorn Suites consistently shines. The staff? They're generally fantastic. Seriously. They're probably the best part of the whole experience. They're friendly, they're helpful, and they seem to genuinely care. They've seen it all, probably, with the influx of workers in Williston.
Need extra towels? They got you. Got a problem with the TV remote (again)? They'll try to fix it (or just apologize profusely and offer a new one, which is usually better than the old one). They remember you, even when you're a bleary-eyed mess at breakfast, desperately searching for coffee. The staff? They're the unsung heroes, honestly. And that's a huge plus in my book.
What about the location in Williston? Is it central? Is it near anything *fun*?
Location... well, it's in Williston. And "fun" is a relative term, right? It's not exactly a bustling metropolis. Hawthorn Suites is usually decently located. It's probably near the rest of the other hotels (Williston's a boomtown, you know), and hopefully near a decent restaurant or two (after a long day of work, or just an adventure in the Bakken, a good meal is *essential*).
Realistically, you're probably going to be spending most of your time driving back and forth to wherever you're working. Expect long drives back and forth to *everything*, including the airport. Don't expect to find a vibrant nightlife scene. You'll be getting ready for work yourself, or falling into bed utterly exhausted. Still, it’s not in the boonies, so that's a win! Just bring a good book, a sense of humor, and maybe some snacks...
Anything else I need to know? Any secret tips for surviving a stay at Hawthorn Suites?
Oh, yes. Absolutely. Here's the lowdown, straight from a seasoned Williston veteran:
- **Embrace the weird.** Things may break. Things may be a little...off. Just go with it. It's part of the charm (sort of).
- **Pack earplugs.** Seriously. The walls aren't exactly soundproof. And the hallway noises? They can be intense.
- **Bring your own snacks.** You'll thank me later when you're stuck in your room at 10 pm, starving, and the vending machine is out of, well, everything.
- **Tip the housekeeping staff generously.** They work incredibly hard. And deserve it.
- **Lower your expectations. A little.** You're in Williston. It's not the Four SeasonsYour Stay HubHawthorn Suites by Wyndham Williston Williston (ND) United States
Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Williston Williston (ND) United States
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