Shorter, AL's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review & Hidden Perks!
Shorter, AL's BEST Kept Secret? Days Inn Review & Hidden Perks (Prepare for a Rollercoaster!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Days Inn in Shorter, Alabama. Forget pristine brochures and slick marketing – this is the real, raw deal. And let me tell you, it's… something. Let's just say my expectations were lower than a limbo champion, but this place… well, it left a mark.
Accessibility & Safety: The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the Honestly Confusing.
Let's start with the basics. Accessibility? Well, they say they have Facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. I didn't personally assess this, but I'm hoping that means more than just a ramp to the door. The elevator is definitely a plus for those who need it. CCTV in common areas and outside the property provides a bit of peace of mind, I guess. Safety/security feature is listed multiple times, which gives me… mixed feelings. Is that a good thing or are they really trying to sell me on their security measures? The Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms are non-negotiable, and thank goodness for those.
Now, for the COVID-era stuff, because lord knows that’s what's on everyone's mind. They claim to have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. Sounds great, right? But I'm also a cynical traveler, and I gotta say, I didn't see anyone sanitizing anything with the intensity of a germ-phobic grandma. Hand sanitizer was available, which I appreciated, and the Staff trained in safety protocol. But let’s be real, how much training can you cram into a quick shift change? The Room sanitization opt-out available made me think… did someone really want to pay extra for NO sanitization? Hmm.
Cleanliness, or The Great Bedspread Conspiracy
Okay, speaking of rooms… this is where things get real. My room? It was, let’s just say, lived-in. I’m talking about the kind of lived-in where you squint at the furniture and hope that stain on the carpet is just… well, old. The Rooms sanitized between stays, I hope. But I didn't peep some professional-grade scrubbing when I walked in. I’m not a clean freak, but I have a healthy dose of skepticism, especially when I saw those familiar bedspreads… They haven't been updated since the George W. Bush administration, I swear!
Speaking of the Room… A Stream-of-Consciousness Rant
Okay, let’s get personal. My room. The Air conditioning? Yeah, it worked. Eventually. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver. Thank God for those, or I'd be waking up at dawn, staring at that… that thing that vaguely resembled a mountain of towels in the corner. And the mirror? Oh, the mirror. Let's just say it showed me all my flaws, and then some. The Free Wi-Fi? Yes, thank the wireless gods! And, after much fiddling, the Internet access – wireless actually worked. I could at least entertain myself and try to forget about my surroundings. The Bathtub was… well, it was there. The Toiletries were the standard, generic stuff you find everywhere, but hey, at least there was a Shower. Didn't test the Additional toilet (there wasn’t one).
Things to do, Ways to Relax: Finding the Hidden Gems (Maybe)
This is where the Days Inn in Shorter gets… intrigging. Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage? Uhm, I didn’t see them. Not even a vague suggestion of them. But… wait for it… they had a Swimming pool [outdoor]. I didn't dare dip a toe. The Gym/fitness? Yeah, nah. Still, the Breakfast [buffet] was… a thing.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast of Champions (or Just Survivors)
The Breakfast [buffet]. Okay, here's the lowdown. Breakfast service includes, well, let’s not get carried away. Cereal, which was probably more nutritious than the questionable eggs. And… coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. And, if you were really lucky, some sad-looking fruit. I wouldn’t call it Asian breakfast, but… well, it got me through the morning. There's a Coffee/tea in restaurant, but I’m assuming that’s just breakfast.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Indescribable.
Daily housekeeping? Yep, my bed was made every day and the place sort of spruced up. Laundry service but I didn’t use it. Cash withdrawal and a Convenience store nearby. I appreciated the Concierge, but I never needed them.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly or Family-Friend-Adjacent?
They mention Family/child friendly, and there are Kids facilities and Babysitting service which, in Shorter, Alabama? That’s… something.
Getting Around: Driving is Your Best Friend
Car park [free of charge]. Thank God! And it was free, and plentiful. I didn't use a Taxi service, but I’m sure they're around.
The Verdict: A Truly Unique Experience
Look, the Days Inn in Shorter, AL, isn't the Ritz. It’s not even the Holiday Inn. But it is an experience. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best travel stories come from the unexpected. It has its flaws, its moments of… questionable choices. But it's also got a certain charm, a certain… je ne sais quoi. It's a place you'll remember, even if you’d rather forget it at the time. If you're looking for luxurious pampering, look elsewhere! But if you’re up for an adventure, a slightly rough-around-the-edges stay, and a story to tell… well, the Days Inn in Shorter might just be your hidden treasure. Just bring your own bleach!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST (and probably a little sideways) into my gloriously imperfect, totally opinionated, and utterly human adventure at the Days Inn by Wyndham in Shorter, Alabama. This ain't your sanitized travel brochure, folks. This is the REAL deal.
Days Inn by Wyndham, Shorter, Alabama: My (Highly Subjective) Agenda
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (aka, Room Check-In)
1:00 PM (ish) - Arrival: Okay, so I'm thinking I'm arriving at 1:00 PM. But let's be real, it's probably closer to 1:30 after I spend ten minutes staring at my GPS, questioning every life choice that led me to this moment, including "Why Shorter, Alabama?" and "Did I pack enough snacks?" (Spoiler alert: the answer is always no.)
1:30 PM - Check-in: The lobby? Well, let's just say it has a certain "charm." (The politically correct term for "slightly depressing.") The front desk person is nice enough, but I swear, she looks like she's seen things. Things that can only be seen in a Days Inn lobby in Shorter, Alabama. The air conditioning is blasting, but it really just feels like it's circulating the ghosts of forgotten business trips.
1:45 PM - Room Reconnaissance: Okay, the room… It's, um, a room. The wallpaper is beige. The carpet, a shade of brown that I think is trying to be wood-tone. There's a faint smell of… something. Probably cleaning products trying REALLY hard to mask something else. The TV remote is missing a battery cover. You know, the classics. My initial emotional reaction is a blend of mild disappointment and a strange, unexpected sense of belonging. Like, this is it. This is where I belong.
2:00 PM - Bed Inspection and Panic: The bedspread? It's like something from a 1980s sitcom, complete with a floral print that aggressively clashes with everything else in the room. I tentatively poke the mattress. It's…firm. Very firm. Am I going to survive this? I feel like I’m preparing for battle, preparing to just… exist.
2:30 PM - Snack Inventory & Existential Crisis, Continued: Okay, I do have snacks. But do I have enough snacks? The answer, after a thorough assessment of my Cheez-Its and trail mix, is still no. And now, my existential dread is enhanced with the knowledge that I am out of coffee. I go into a mild panic.
3:00 PM - The Bathroom Revelation: Okay, the bathroom is… functional. The showerhead looks like it’s been through a war. Probably a war with hard water stains. The water pressure is a trickle. I decide I can wash in this shower. I can.
- 3:15 PM - Shower: I discover a small surprise. The shower head has three settings: trickle, barely a trickle, and the illusion of water. I choose the illusion of water, even though it’s just enough to make me feel like I am washing.
Day 2: Adventures in Rural Alabama (and a Deep Dive into Breakfast)
- 7:00 AM - The Breakfast Debacle: Oh, the breakfast. Here's where things get real. The "hot" breakfast consists of lukewarm scrambled eggs (that are, undoubtedly, from a powder), rubbery sausage, and sad-looking pastries. The coffee? Weak. The only highlight is the self-serve waffle maker. This is where I truly shine. I proudly make a waffle and eat my waffle. It’s a small victory.
- 8:00 AM - The Pool: The pool has some questionable looking water. I decide not to go in.
- 9:00 AM - Driving Around. I see some cool houses and some sad-looking ones. It’s a mixed bag.
- 10:00 AM - The most amazing small restaurant in Alabama. Okay, so I have to tell you about this place. It's called the "Grits & Greens" in Wetumpka. It's about a 30-minute drive, off the beaten path, past fields of cotton and billboards advertising everything from Jesus to dentures. When I get there, I immediately order the Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, and Catfish. One bite, and I was transported. Heaven, on a plate. The waitress, bless her heart, called me “Honey” about a hundred times, refilled my sweet tea like a ninja, and told me stories of the town's history. The food was amazing and I'm still thinking about it. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an experience. It was the reason I came to Shorter, Alabama. All the beige rooms and questionable cleaning products were worth it for this.
- 1:00 PM - Naptime Again: After lunch, I take a long nap, dreaming of delicious fried chicken and warm biscuits.
Day 3: Departure (and a lingering sense of…something)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast… Again? You know, this time, the scrambled eggs don’t look quite so offensive. Maybe it's Stockholm Syndrome. No. It's my love for waffles in the morning.
- 8:00 AM - Check-Out & Goodbye: Leaving the Days Inn… well, it's bittersweet. I'm ready to go, but I wonder if. I walk to my car and drive away from the world. The end.
Final Thoughts:
Look, did I have the most glamorous vacation ever? Absolutely not. Did things go perfectly? Nope. Was I ever completely comfortable? Well, that depends on how you define "comfortable." But did I have an experience? Absolutely. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Sometimes, it's the messiness, the imperfections, the slightly-off smells, and the surprisingly good fried chicken that make a trip truly memorable. Maybe, just maybe, I'll be back in Shorter, Alabama someday. And you know what? I wouldn't trade it for anything. Even the battery-less remote.
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Wait, What *IS* This "Best Kept Secret" About the Shorter, AL Days Inn? I Smell a Scam... Or a REALLY Bad Hotel.
Okay, okay, okay, breathe. Scam? Maybe a *little* over the top. Bad hotel? Potentially! But the "secret" is more… *ironic*. It’s like, a cult following of people who *know* the Days Inn exists, and maybe… *just maybe*… secretly love it. And the "hidden perks"? That's debatable. We're talking questionable breakfast items, possibly haunted rooms (I swear I heard… *something*), and the off-chance of witnessing some serious small-town drama play out in the parking lot. But hey, it's *Shorter, Alabama*. Expectations are low, and that's part of the charm, right? (Kinda, sorta, sometimes... depending on the day.)
Alright, Alright, FINE. Let's Talk Rooms. Are They… Clean?
Clean? That's a loaded word, friend. Let's say, they're *passable*. Look, I've stayed in some… *places*. And the Shorter Days Inn? Well, it hovers somewhere between "tolerable" and "needs a serious deep clean." The sheets *generally* look white (though I wouldn't stare too close), the bathroom *mostly* lacks ominous stains, and the air conditioning *usually* functions. Emphasis on the *usually*. My advice? Pack some Lysol wipes. Seriously. And maybe a hazmat suit, just in case. (Kidding! Mostly.)
That Breakfast You Mentioned… Please Tell Me It's Not Just Cereal and Stale Toast.
Oh, honey. *Brace yourself*. We ARE talking cereal – and I swear, it’s the same box every time. The toast? Yes, it *could* be stale. The "continental breakfast" here is… an experience. You might find some sad-looking pastries, instant oatmeal that’s seen better days, and possibly, *possibly* a waffle maker that might or might not work. It’s like a scavenger hunt for something edible. Honestly? Lower your expectations. Grab something at the gas station down the road and consider yourself ahead.
Okay, I'm Considering This But I Am On a Budget. Is it Affordable?
Yes, absolutely! It's cheap. Dirt cheap. Borderline ridiculously cheap. Look, you're in Shorter, AL. Luxury ain't top of mind, you know? So, yeah, you can definitely find a room for the cost of a decent meal (maybe). It's the kind of place you hit when you're trying to survive on a shoestring and a prayer, or maybe a long road trip with a broken budget. Just don't expect a spa and you should be fine.
Is there a Pool? Because That Would Actually Help a Lot.
Oh, honey, about that pool... there IS a pool. Or, at least, there *used* to be. Okay, it's technically a pool. But… it’s seen better days. I swear I saw more algae than water the last time I peeked. It’s… *questionable*. I'd recommend sticking to room service and getting a ice bath. Just a thought.
Hidden Perks?! You Mentioned Them! Give Me the Goods!
Okay, here's the thing. "Hidden perks" is… an exaggeration. It's like searching for gold in a gravel pit. But, here's what I've observed, which might or might not be considered a perk:
- The People-Watching Spectacular: The parking lot is a goldmine of small-town drama. You'll see everything from family reunions (awkward!), to shady deals (also awkward!), and the occasional late-night pizza delivery (the only truly reliable joy).
- The Staff: The staff *try*. God bless them. They're usually friendly, even if they look a little frazzled. They've seen things. They've probably put up with more than you or I could handle. And that, in itself, is something.
- The "Escape": Look, sometimes you *need* to escape. Sometimes you need to be somewhere so… *unassuming* that you can truly forget about your problems. The Shorter Days Inn offers that. You're forced to be in the moment and fully present. It's Zen, in a weird, slightly terrifying way.
Okay, Spill the Tea! Any Crazy Stories?
Alright, alright, I'm going to tell you about *the squirrel*. No, seriously. My last trip to the Days Inn, I witnessed a full-blown squirrel invasion. Like, a *swarm* of these fuzzy little demons. They were EVERYWHERE. In the bushes, on the balcony rails, and I SWEAR, I saw one try to sneak into the vending machine. I swear, the squirrels were plotting something. They might have wanted the stale peanuts. I even got a room with a… a slightly broken window (was that the Squirrel's doing?!). It was terrifying AND hilarious. It’s the kind of story that makes you question your life choices. And that, my friends, is the true "hidden perk" of the Shorter, AL Days Inn experience: It’s a story you’ll never, ever forget. EVER.
I'm Still Nervous. Anything Else I Should Know?
Okay, one more thing. Don't expect a five-star experience. Don't expect perfection. Do expect the unexpected. And for the love of all that is holy, pack some snacks. And Lysol. Seriously, Lysol.
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