Kingman's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn West Kingman (AZ) Review!
Kingman's "BEST Kept Secret"? Days Inn West Kingman (AZ): A Rambling Review From Someone Who Actually Slept There (and Lived to Tell the Tale)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling vortex of motel mediocrity that is the Days Inn West Kingman, Arizona. "Best Kept Secret"? Honey, if this place is a secret, it's because everyone's too scared to tell anyone else they stayed there. But hey, I'm here for you – bravely venturing forth into the wilds of Route 66 to give you the lowdown. Consider this less a review, and more a therapy session after a night in Room 217… or was it 218? Honestly, memory’s fuzzy.
First Impressions (and the Front Desk…oh, THAT Front Desk)
Okay, so the curb appeal isn't exactly Martha Stewart Living. Let’s just say it's…functional. The exterior corridor is the classic motel vibe, and the parking lot does boast "free of charge" parking, which is always a win in my book. But the real test is always the front desk. My experience was…mixed. The check-in/out [express] option? Hah! More like check-in/out [glacial] pace. The front desk [24-hour] thing is technically true, but the enthusiasm level of the staff shifts dramatically based on the hour, and the time of day. Let's just say the guy at 3 AM was less "welcome neighbor!" and more "you're disturbing my Netflix binge." On the plus side, they do have a concierge… of sorts. They can point you toward the nearest gas station, which is basically the extent of their concierge services. They could also provide some essential condiments such as some salt and pepper.
My Room: A Tale of Air Conditioning and Blackout Curtains (and Unwanted Guests?)
My room? Hmm. Let's start with the positives. They do have air conditioning! A life-saver in the Arizona heat. And the blackout curtains were a GODSEND. Seriously, you could sleep through the apocalypse in those things. As for the rest? Well…it's a motel room. It features a standard desk, a seating area that probably hasn't been dusted in decades, a refrigerator that was working, and a coffee/tea maker. The Internet access – wireless, which is Wi-Fi [free] was… patchy, shall we say. I'd sometimes get frustrated with this and find the Internet access – LAN, but honestly, dealing with the ethernet cable was just way more effort than it was worth.
The bed was… a bed. Not the Ritz, but functional. The linens could have been cleaner. I’m not saying there were pets allowed, but I am saying I think I found a stray hair or two that weren't human. I’ll let you connect the dots. Also, and this is important, the room decorations were non-existent. It was… bare. I did find some complimentary tea and free bottled water, and I did get a daily housekeeping as well, which was a plus.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did My Immune System Survive?
This is where things get interesting. The *Anti-viral cleaning products *is listed, but I’m skeptical and cannot be for sure. I will say the rooms sanitized between stays, is listed, but I'm not 100% sure. There was also the room sanitization opt-out available which is a bonus if you're that way inclined. They also had a first aid kit available, which is the correct thing to do. They also offered hand sanitizer, which is good. The staff trained in safety protocol, the sterilizing equipment, is listed, but in my humble opinion, there is some skepticism involved. The smoke detector and fire extinguisher were good to see. The security [24-hour] was there, it made me feel safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Buffet Chronicles (or Lack Thereof)
Okay, listen. The breakfast [buffet] is… well, it's there. But don't expect gourmet. It's the classic motel spread: lukewarm scrambled eggs, rubbery sausage, questionable pastries, and industrial-strength coffee. There's also the Breakfast takeaway service, and breakfast service so that is good. The Buffet in restaurant that offers some Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, or just coffee/tea in restaurant, is there. The bottle of water is available, and the snack bar is a go to. However, the Restaurants are pretty limited. There's nothing really fancy, just the standard chain restaurants nearby. Room service [24-hour]? Dream on. Maybe you can get a salad in restaurant for your desserts in restaurant
Things to Do (Unless You're Staying In the Hotel, Then Forget About it)
There's no Fitness center, not a pool with view, and NO spa/sauna. There wasn't even a swimming pool. There are some things to do in Kingman, but they aren't in this hotel.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
Facilities for disabled guests is listed, but I will say there's not much to say about it. The elevator is essential in certain buildings, and facilities for disabled guests are listed, but the ramps and facilities for disabled guests are there.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh."
The Days Inn offers a variety of services and conveniences. Cash withdrawal, the Daily housekeeping and the Laundry service were all beneficial. The Cashless payment service is also appreciated. The dry cleaning of the clothes is available. The food delivery is good.
For the Kids (If You Dare)
Family/child friendly is listed, but I will say, I have no idea. I also will say, that is probably not a good thing.
Getting Around (And Getting Out of There)
Car park [free of charge]? Yes! The car park [on-site] is there. There is also the Taxi service available.
Final Verdict: Best Kept Secret? More Like "Almost Hidden Gem… With Issues."
Would I stay at the Days Inn West Kingman again? Maybe. If it's late, I'm exhausted, and every other place in town is booked. It’s a functional place to crash for a night. Just don’t expect a five-star experience. Consider this review a warning… and maybe a small plea for a better-stocked breakfast buffet. You’ve been warned!
Dallas Luxury Suites: Unbeatable Sonesta ES Central Expressway Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We’re going to Kingman, Arizona, and the Days Inn by Wyndham ain't gonna know what hit it. This isn't your glossy brochure trip, folks. This is the REAL DEAL. Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, questionable life choices, and the sweet, sweet embrace of a questionable continental breakfast.
KINGMAN KRAZY: A Days Inn Odyssey (with a side of existential dread)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Expectations Letdown (and some seriously questionable pizza)
1:00 PM: Land in Vegas. Okay, so we technically didn't land in Kingman yet, but the Las Vegas airport is where the glorious road trip begins so it counts, right? The rush of the city is intoxicating, but the feeling of being stuck in the airport is frustrating, this gives rise to the first inkling to want out of the city; the urge to go out and drive. The air smells faintly of desperation and overpriced perfume, which is somehow comforting.
2:00 PM: Pickup rental car. They always try to upsell you. ALWAYS. "Oh, you want that tiny hatchback? Well, sir/madam, for just a little more…" I swear, sometimes I think they can smell my budget. We got a slightly larger SUV. It has a surprisingly powerful air conditioning system. Thank God. The desert sun is no joke and I'm not built for heat.
3:00 PM: Road trip commences. I'm already blasting some classic rock and feeling like a hero in a low-budget movie. The endless highway stretches before us, promising freedom…and possibly a bathroom break in a godforsaken roadside town.
5:00 PM: Check-in at the Days Inn. Ah, sweet, sweet…slightly stale smelling air conditioning. Okay, the room isn't exactly what the website promised. It's less "rustic charm" and more "generic beige." But hey, it has a bed, and after a few hours in the desert sun, that's all I really want.
6:00 PM: Poolside existential crisis. The pool looks inviting but is freezing and I, being the ever graceful individual I am, slipped on the wet tile and almost fell on my face. Embarrassment aside, I sit down, feet in the water, contemplating life. The sunset is pretty, though. Maybe this Kingman thing won't be so bad after all.
7:00 PM: Dinner. We end up at the only place open within walking distance: a… pizza joint with a dimly lit interior and a palpable aroma of grease. I order a slice. It's… edible. Don't judge. This is the harsh reality of road trip dining. The pizza is a metaphor for life: sometimes, you get a slice that's kinda bad, but you eat it anyway because you're hungry and there's nothing else around.
8:30 PM: Stargazing. The desert sky is incredible, so I walk outside of the motel to see stars. I try to use my phone to take pictures… I am not getting any. But the sheer vastness of the universe gives me a profound, slightly overwhelming, feeling of insignificance. I'm just a speck, staring at other specks, wondering if any of them are also having existential dread induced problems.
10:00 PM: Sleep or attempt to. The beds are not the most comfortable, or the worst, but sleep still comes.
Day 2: Route 66 Dreams and Unexpected Detours (and coffee that tastes like sadness)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up to the glorious sound of… the air conditioner. Ugh. The coffee machine spits out a lukewarm liquid that vaguely resembles coffee. It tastes like burnt despair. I brace myself, and try to find some energy.
- 7:30 AM: Continental breakfast. I eye the sad selection of overly sugared pastries and questionable fruit. I settle for a stale donut. I sit down at a table with a view and try to enjoy it.
- 8:30 AM: Road trip! We're going to explore Route 66. I have a whole romanticized vision in my head of vintage cars, roadside diners, and the open road. (Reality check: it's mostly dusty stretches of two-lane highway and a souvenir shop that sells t-shirts featuring questionable puns.)
- 9:00 AM: Oatman, Arizona. The wild west town, famous for its wild burros, is the first stop of the day. I was expecting the quaint and the peaceful environment advertised, but upon getting out of the car I am instantly aware of a multitude of people. The streets are crawling with tourists, and the burros are, quite frankly, begging for food. The whole thing feels… slightly chaotic. I enjoy the burros. I love seeing these animals up close, even if they are mostly interested in my snacks.
- 12:00 AM: Lunch at a diner in Kingman. The diner has an amazing display of classic car decor, which I love. I order the biggest burger on the menu, and it's actually really good, unlike the pizza.
- 2:00 PM: A small detour to the Mojave Desert. I'm not sure why, but I really wanted to see cacti, so I drove to see cacti. It was hot, but it was worth it.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Days Inn. I spend some time reading a book.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. This time we found a gem, and ended up having a really great meal.
- 7:00 PM: Some shopping for a souvenir. I ended up buying a funny t-shirt.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: The Grand Canyon and Departure (with a lingering sense of "meh")
- 7:00 AM: More of the awful coffee. More of the stale donut. I am starting to hate this Days Inn.
- 8:00 AM: We hit the road and begin the journey toward the Grand Canyon. The drive is beautiful.
- 10:00 AM: I finally reach the Grand Canyon. The sheer scale of the canyon is breathtaking. I take pictures. I make a mental note to come back and spend a lot more time here.
- 1:00 PM: Road Trip to Las Vegas.
- 4:00 PM: Drop off car and attempt to leave.
- 5:00 PM Board the plan.
- 7:00 PM: Land at my destination. After an amazing and adventurous few days, I am finally home.
Post-Trip Reflections:
- Kingman itself: Honestly, not much to write home about. A decent stopover, but nothing I'd particularly miss.
- The Days Inn: Fine. Underwhelming. Not offensive, but not memorable. The pool was useless. The coffee was a crime against humanity. Overall, a hotel.
- The Pizza: Will haunt my memories.
- The Grand Canyon: Absolutely worth it.
- Overall: A mixed bag. Some highs, some lows, some seriously questionable pizza. But hey, that's the beauty of it, right? This trip wasn't perfect, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Next time, I'm bringing my own coffee. End.
So, what IS the "Best Kept Secret" about the Days Inn West Kingman? Are we talking hidden speakeasy level secret here?
Hah! "Best Kept Secret." Oh, honey, if this place is a secret, it's because *everyone* is secretly trying to forget they stayed there. The "secret" is probably the location, conveniently off the highway, making it easy to escape… after you've already paid. Seriously, the secret's out. It’s just… a Days Inn. And honestly? Not a particularly *good* one.
Let's get the basics: Was it clean? Like, really *clean*? Because I have standards.
Clean? Okay, look. I'm not a germophobe... usually. But... my first impression? Let's just say I did a full-body scan of the room. And by "scan" I mean I squinted at every surface. The carpet? Questionable. I may have worn shoes the entire time. The bathroom? Better, but I'm pretty sure I saw a previous tenant's… uh… a stray hair. Okay, so not *Olympic-clean*, let's put it that way. I am now thinking of buying a black light. Maybe I already did... I do not remember.
The breakfast. What's the deal with hotel breakfasts these days? Is it all sad-looking pastries and lukewarm coffee?
Oh, the breakfast. It was… an experience. Let me paint you a picture: A lone waffle maker, humming a sad tune. Packages of pre-packaged pastries, their plastic wrappers slightly greasy. The coffee? I’m pretty sure it was older than I am. (I didn't even TRY.) I did manage to snag a banana, which, in retrospect, was my only real win. The whole experience? Utterly forgettable... except that it solidified my belief that I should just bring my own damn breakfast next time.
The location. Kingman, Arizona. Is there anything to do in Kingman? And is this Days Inn conveniently located?
Kingman, Arizona… a town! Yes, there are things to do, but this Days Inn? It’s in *convenient striking distance* of a few fast food places and the open road. The interstate? Wonderful… when you’re *leaving*. Honestly, I was mostly passing through, so it was fine. But "destination"? Stay? Nope. Not my jam. I’m more of a “destination breakfast at home” kind of gal by now.
Now, the MOST important question: The bed. Was the bed at least *comfortable*? Because sleep is important, people.
Ah, the bed. Oh, the bed. Okay, so the bed was… a bed. It *was* a place to sleep. I *did* sleep. Did I sleep *well*? That's where things get a little hazy. I remember a slight, almost indescribable *sag* in the middle of the mattress. And while I don't think I developed any new back issues during my stay, I wouldn't be jumping for joy about its comfort either. It was… utilitarian. It did the job, I guess. But it wasn’t the sort of bed that makes you want to linger, luxuriating in a sea of fluffy comfort. More like the bed that makes you think, “Alright, let’s get this over with so I can hit the road.” And really, it was *that* sort of trip, wasn’t it?
Okay, spill the tea. What's the *worst* thing about the Days Inn West Kingman? Give it to me straight.
Without a doubt? The noise. I swear, the walls were paper-thin. I'm pretty sure I could hear the guy in the next room snoring, the air conditioning unit of the building going on and off like a tormented animal, and, and I’m not kidding, the *hum* of the refrigerator trying to keep its cool (pun intended) was louder than my own inner monologue! I didn't get a wink of sleep that night. Not a. single. wink. By morning I was a walking zombie, hopped up on about seven cups of coffee (see: lukewarm misery), and ready to scream.
So, would you recommend the Days Inn West Kingman? Be honest!
Look, if you're on a mega-budget, and you *absolutely* need a place to crash for a night, and you're an exceptionally heavy sleeper, sure. But if you value a comfortable night's sleep, a clean environment, and a decent breakfast, then run! Run far, run fast, and *don't* look back. I'd rather sleep in my car. Or, you know what? Maybe I'll just bring a tent. Either way, I won’t be back. Not until they improve the… everything. The noise, the cleaning, even the waffle maker. Ugh. Seriously... avoid this place if you can. You've been warned.
Let's talk about the staff. Were they… friendly? Or did they seem like they were also trapped?
The staff? Oh, the poor staff. They were... present. They did their jobs. They weren't actively *unfriendly*, but there wasn't much warmth or genuine hospitality. I got the distinct impression they were just as over it as I was. The woman at the front desk also looked tired, and I saw a weary resignation in her smile. I can't blame her! It was… a job. They were, ultimately, just trying to survive the day. I felt a little sorry for them, honestly.
One final thought: if you could change *one* thing about your stay, what would it be?
Hmm. Only one thing? Okay. I would have brought a better sleep mask, some industrial-strength earplugs, and possibly a Hazmat suit. Wait, no. The *one* thing? I'd bring a portal to directly to the nearest Starbucks… which, I should have checked, is apparently not *that* near. A lot of coffee! And maybe a therapist. This whole experience really makes you think about life, doesn't it?
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