Tucson's BEST Downtown Hotel? Super 8 Review SHOCKER!
Tucson's BEST Downtown Hotel? Super 8 Review SHOCKER! (And What I REALLY Think)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to drop some truth bombs about my recent stay in downtown Tucson. Forget those polished, pre-fabricated travel blogs; this is the raw, unfiltered experience, complete with the good, the bad, and the possibly questionable decisions I made involving late-night snacks. And yes, it involves gasp a Super 8.
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- Title: Tucson Downtown Hotel Review: Super 8 Surprise! Accessibility, Amenities, and the REAL Deal
- Keywords: Tucson hotel review, downtown Tucson hotel, Super 8 review, accessible hotel Tucson, hotel amenities, swimming pool Tucson, free Wi-Fi, parking Tucson, pet-friendly hotel Tucson, cleanliness, safety, restaurant review, travel blog, vacation Tucson, Arizona hotels.
- Meta Description: Don't believe the hype? This honest review of a downtown Tucson hotel reveals the good, the bad, and the utterly surprising (and sometimes hilarious) truths about the Super 8 experience. Accessibility, amenities, and the overall vibe – get ready for a rollercoaster!
Entering the Fray: The Accessibility Angle (and My Slightly Awkward Attempt)
First things first: accessibility. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I always pay attention to this because, frankly, we should all be thinking about it. The Super 8 downtown Tucson claims to be accessible, and from what I could tell, it was mostly true. Elevator? Check. Wide doorways? Mostly check. The hallways were bright, not too stuffy. They've got rooms designed for mobility, which is a huge plus. I peeked in one (they let me, don't judge!) and it seemed well-thought-out. Grab bars in the bathroom, lower sinks - that stuff is essential.
Honestly, the biggest accessibility hurdle was probably me. I have a tendency to trip over air, and maneuvering around my suitcase while trying to find the elevator felt like an Olympic sport. But that's on me.
The Wi-Fi Wrestlemania (and Why It Matters)
Okay, let's talk internet. Because in the 21st century, a hotel without decent Wi-Fi is like a car without wheels. Here's the shocking part: the Super 8 delivers. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yes! And it actually worked. I mean, I could stream Netflix without buffering, which, in my book, is a minor miracle.
They brag about "Internet [LAN]" too. Who uses LAN anymore? I haven't seen a LAN cable in a decade! eyeroll
Wi-Fi in public areas? Also a win. I worked in the lobby for a bit (mostly because I spilled coffee in my room and needed to escape the mess), and the connection was strong. So, kudos, Super 8, you’ve conquered the digital age.
Things to Do (Beyond Avoiding My Own Mess)
Downtown Tucson is a vibrant place, right? And the Super 8 put me right in the thick of it, if you can consider a 10-minute walk "the thick of it." You're close to restaurants, bars, and even some art galleries (if you're into that kinda thing). But let’s be real, my "things to do" list revolved heavily around:
- Finding the nearest coffee shop that’s open at 6 am because I have zero patience.
- Scouring the nearby food options on Uber Eats because… well, see point one, and I'm lazy.
The Amenities Avalanche: From Spa Dreams to Reality Bites
This is where things get… interesting. Let’s get the obvious out of the way: This isn't the Ritz-Carlton. There's no spa with a sauna, steam room, or poolside massages. No personal trainers. No, I’d have to do my own yoga, and trust me, everyone would be begging me to stop.
- Fitness Center: Okay, so, "fitness center" is a generous term. Let's call it a "fitness closet" instead. There were a few rusty weights, one treadmill that looked like it was rescued from the Titanic, and a general air of neglect. I opted for interpretive dance in my room (again, everyone was thankful when I stopped).
- Swimming Pool: Ah, the outdoor pool. It was a welcome oasis in the desert heat, I’ll grant you. It was fairly clean, and… well, I'm not sure I expected a view, but it did the job. The poolside bar? Non-existent but I had a cooler full of drinks, so who's judging my choices? Probably the guy making interpretative dance motions at me from behind a newspaper.
Cleanliness and Safety – Did I Survive?
This is a big one, especially these days. I'm happy to report the Super 8 seemed to be taking hygiene seriously, which is a huge relief.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Supposedly present.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed legit.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Rooms sanitized between stays?: I hope so.
- Staff trained in safety protocol?: Fingers crossed!
- CCTV in common areas: The cameras gave me a "big brother is watching" vibe, but hey, security is security.
I was also impressed by that there was a fire extinguisher, smoke detectors, and fire safety.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (A Deep Dive into My Digestive System)
The Super 8 offers a "continental breakfast" - a fancy way of saying "toast, instant oatmeal, and pre-packaged pastries." Let’s be honest, it's not exactly a gourmet experience.
- Breakfast in room: Not technically available, but I brought my own breakfast for my room!
- Breakfast takeaway service: Sadly, no. I was on my own.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes.
- Coffee shop: nearby!
Services and Conveniences (The Stuff That Keeps You Sane)
- Concierge: Nonexistent. But you could call reception.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes, but a drive.
- Front desk [24-hour]: A lifesaver for late-night snack emergencies.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was surprisingly clean every day.
- Laundry service: Available, though I didn't use it (because, you know, interpretative dance).
For the Kids (Because, Honestly, I Wanted the Babysitting Service):
- Family-friendly? Definitely.
- Kids facilities? Zero, but again, it's a Super 8.
- Babysitting service? I wish. My inner child needed some serious attention.
Rooms and What You Get (Besides a Place to Crash)
- Air conditioning: Necessary in Tucson! Check.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleep – I, a notorious light-hater, approved.
- Coffee/tea maker: Good for desperate times.
- Free Wi-Fi: (Still celebrating)
- Refrigerator: Very important for storing midnight snacks.
- Shower: Worked.
- Alarm clock: Woke me up, even after, well, 3 hours of sleep.
The Downright Weirdness (Because No Hotel is Perfect)
Okay, here's where things get real. The elevator was… temperamental. Sometimes it responded to my button pushes right away. Other times, it appeared to be considering the existential nature of its existence before deigning to move.
The Verdict: Super 8 Shocker (and Why I’d Actually Go Back)
So, is the Super 8 the "BEST downtown Tucson Hotel"? Absolutely not. Is it luxurious? Nope. Does it have all the bells and whistles? Please.
BUT…
- It's clean.
- The staff was friendly.
- The Wi-Fi actually worked.
- The accessibility options were good.
- You're right in downtown.
For the price, for a quick trip, or if you're not looking for a spa on every floor, the Super 8 delivers. And I'd come back.
Final Score: 7/10. Could be better, but it’s a solid choice for the price. Just bring your own interpretive dance instructor.
Escape to Oregon Coast Paradise: Depoe Bay's BEST Travelodge Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't gonna be your perfectly-organized, color-coded trip itinerary. This is life, Tucson style, experienced from the (hopefully) surprisingly clean confines of the Super 8 by Wyndham Downtown. And honestly? I'm already half-expecting the ice machine to be out of order.
Day 1: Arrival & Dust Devils (and Maybe Regret)
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at Tucson International Airport (TUS). Ugh. Airports. They're like human pressure cookers, only instead of delicious stew, you get existential dread and overpriced water. My Lyft driver, bless his heart, was wearing a "Keep Tucson Weird" t-shirt. I'm already in love. This might be the first promising sign since I left my toothbrush in the airport bathroom (rookie mistake, I know).
- 3:45 PM: Check into Super 8. Okay, it smells vaguely of…something. Not necessarily bad, but definitely something. I'm hoping it's not a lingering scent of past tourist shenanigans. Room seems fine; the a/c is humming, and the TV has a surprising number of channels (important, because I'm anticipating a lot of solo room time).
- 4:30 PM: Unpack. Or at least, attempt to unpack. Still wrestling with the logistics of suitcase-organization (seriously, I'm a travel writer, shouldn't I be better at this?). Found a rogue sock. Don't know from where.
- 5:00 PM: Wander around the hotel, scoping out the lay of the land. Found the vending machine! Score. But the snacks are…uninspiring. Settled on a bag of Doritos and a Snickers. Fueling up for adventure!
- 6:00 PM: Downtown Exploration. Decided to be brave and walk a few blocks. The desert air hits different, smells so good. The heat is intense, though. Seriously, this is dry heat, but it's still heat. Found a little taco stand. Ordered two tacos al pastor. Absolutely delicious. My stomach is now happy. My wallet, not so much.
- 7:30 PM: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (planning). I’m considering this. Everyone says it's a MUST. But the thought of being outdoors in the sun for hours makes me feel faint. Hmm. Maybe I'll do it tomorrow morning, before the heat really kicks in.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the room. TV time. Discovery Channel, here I come. I may have already collapsed onto the bed, abandoning any pretense of being an adventurous traveler.
- 9:00 PM: Doritos and Snickers consumption completed. Bedtime.
Day 2: Desert Dreams & Desert Regrets (and Maybe a Cactus)
7:00 AM: Wake up, feeling oddly refreshed! Success. Shower, and contemplate the meaning of life while staring out the window at the parking lot view, lol.
8:00 AM: Decision: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum! Embrace the heat, feel the sun, and learn. I'm telling myself this, anyway.
8:30 AM: Breakfast: Complimentary hotel waffles. They're…waffles. Adequate. Paired with instant coffee that tastes like slightly flavored dirt. Good.
9:30 AM: Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Okay, okay, this is amazing! The desert landscape is simply awe-inspiring. The cacti are gigantic, they look like something from a different planet! I was so close to touching one (impulsive, I know), but luckily my common sense took the lead. The animals are cool – the javelinas are hilarious. Watching the hummingbirds is pure joy. I'm actually having a good time! The museum's really done right. The landscape is just so beautiful.
12:30 PM: Lunch. Grabbed a sandwich at the Museum cafe, I'm very impressed. I devoured it in record time, as if I were preparing for a marathon.
2:00 PM: Back to the Super 8. I’m starting to feel seriously tired. The desert sun is relentless, and my brain is fried from all the information overload from the museum.
3:00 PM: Pool. The pool at the Super 8. It's small, and a bit…murky, but it's cold! And refreshing. I spent an hour floating in it, staring at the sky. This is what vacation is all about – doing absolutely nothing.
4:00 PM: Nap. A glorious, guilt-free nap.
6:00 PM: Dinner. Found a local restaurant (a recommendation from the hotel clerk) that serves authentic Sonoran food. Holy moly. Best carne asada ever. The salsa set my mouth on fire, in the best possible way.
7:30 PM: More TV. And maybe, just maybe, a second bag of Doritos. Don’t judge.
8:30 PM: I feel that I had a perfect day
Day 3: Leaving (Slightly Sunburned, Mostly Satiated)
- 7:00 AM: Another sunrise, another slightly-too-early wake-up. Ugh. At least, maybe the sunrise will be beautiful?
- 7:30 AM: Hotel waffles (again). They’re starting to taste less like waffles and more like…waffle-shaped cardboard. Oh well.
- 8:00 AM: Check out. The whole thing was fairly easy and quick.
- 8:30 AM: Airport. The airport is still an airport. Still full of people who are also in their own little worlds.
- 10:00 AM: Plane takes off. Goodbye, Tucson. You were dusty, you were hot, and you were unexpectedly wonderful.
- 10:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Plane landed. The trip was worth it.
Reflections:
- The Super 8: Not glamorous, but clean enough, and the location was perfect. A solid base of operations. The waffles, however…
- Tucson: A place of contrasts. Beauty and heat. Delicious food and…waffles. Friendly people and a real sense of place. I'd go back. Definitely. And I'd pack more sunscreen. And maybe learn to pack a decent suitcase.
- Me: A work in progress. But hey, at least I survived! And I'm already planning my next trip. Maybe to a place with actual beaches. Or maybe, just maybe, another adventure in the desert…and this time, I'll remember to pack the toothbrush.
Okay, spill it! Is the Super 8 Downtown Tucson really the *best*? Like, seriously?!
Look, hold on a sec. "Best" is subjective, right? I mean, are we talking "best" for a budget-friendly, late-night Taco-Tuesday fueled adventure? Or "best" in the sense of Michelin-star luxury? Because, *whispers*, the Super 8 leans *heavily* towards the first one. My expectations were… well, they were already low. I'd read *some* reviews. The guy at the front desk looked like he’d seen things… and maybe that was a *little* concerning. But, let's get this straight: if you're picturing a sparkling palace, you’re in for a serious reality check. This ain't the Four Seasons. This is... Super 8. In downtown Tucson. Let's just say it has character. Lots of character. And by character, I mean, you know… slightly stained carpets and a faint aroma of yesterday’s regrets. But hey, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let's dig in, shall we?
The Room: What Can I *Really* Expect? (Be Honest!)
Right. The room. Okay, brace yourself. The *carpet*... look, let's just say you wouldn't want to eat off it. It kind of has that "lived-in" look. Like, "a family of five, plus a small rodent, have been here for a week and a half." And this wasn't a *huge* dealbreaker, but I noticed a faint, lingering… *something*… that I couldn't quite identify. Maybe stale cigarette smoke? Possibly ancient spilled soda? Who knows? But it wasn't *overwhelming*. The bed… it was a bed. Firm. Possibly too firm. I think I felt every single spring the first night. But after a few… *ahem*… celebratory margaritas at El Charro, it was less of an obstacle. The TV worked! That was an unexpected win. And the shower… hot water! Pressure that could almost knock you over. So, yeah. Basic. Functional. Not luxurious. But functional. And, look, for the price? I'm not complaining (too much).
Breakfast? What's the Damage? (Gotta Know!)
“Breakfast included” they say! Oh boy. Let's talk breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. Picture this: a small room off the lobby. Inside, the breakfast is basically a selection of heavily-processed, individually-wrapped everything. Think: sugary cereals, mini-muffins that could double as hockey pucks, a waffle maker of questionable cleanliness, and pre-packaged pastries. And the coffee? Well, let’s just say it’s… *coffee*. It'll give you a caffeine boost, but it won't win any awards. The saving grace was the yogurt. It was, you know, yogurt. I did see someone trying to make a waffle, and let's just say that was...challenging. The waffle maker had seen better days. And I did enjoy the experience. It was a good way to start the day!
Location, Location, Location! Is it Actually Convenient?
Okay, *now* we're getting somewhere. The location? Actually, it's not bad! It's downtown. You're within walking distance of some pretty cool stuff. Plenty of bars. The nightlife is hopping. Some of the best taco places I've ever been to! Also, the Convention Center is close by (if you're there for a conference, like I was). It’s also easy to get to and from the airport. Uber and Lyft coverage is generally good, and it’s not in a particularly sketchy area (although always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night… you never know what awaits 😉). This is a big plus.
The Staff: What Were They Like? Friendly? Helpful? (Or MIA?)
The staff… ah, yes. The front desk folks were… present. Let me put it that way. Not exactly overflowing with effusive greetings, but they got the job done. They checked me in. They gave me my key (which, by the way, had a weird bend to it, like it had experienced a few epic nights out). If I needed anything, they were there. I did ask for extra towels once, and they were provided efficiently. There wasn’t a lot of chitchat (understandable, on the late shift), but they were clearly doing their jobs. No huge complaints there. They were… functional. Which, at the Super 8, is really all you can ask for, right?
Parking: What's the Deal???
Parking… this is a *thing*. Let me tell you. Parking in downtown Tucson, in general, can be a *challenge*. The Super 8 has its own parking lot, which is a massive plus. HOWEVER, it's not a huge lot. And it kind of fills up. ESPECIALLY if there’s something big happening downtown. So, be prepared to arrive early, or be prepared to circle the block. I got *lucky* both nights. But I heard the horror stories. One guy had to park, like, THREE blocks away. So, factor that into your planning. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of.
Would You Actually Stay Here Again? Honestly?
Look, let’s be real. Would I recommend the Super 8 as the "best" hotel in downtown Tucson? Absolutely not. Is it the best if you are looking for luxury? Please. BUT, if I were visiting downtown Tucson again, on a budget, and specifically wanted to be *in* the heart of the action... yeah, I probably *would* stay here again. The location and the price point? Hard to beat. Just be prepared for the reality of a Super 8. Set your expectations low. Bring your own pillow (just kidding… mostly). Embrace the grit. And load up on those late-night tacos. And remember that the Super 8 is a good time.
Any Secret Tips or Tricks?
Okay, here's the inside scoop (shhh!). Bring your own coffee. Trust me. The breakfast coffee? Not a highlight. Also, download a parking app (ParkMobile or similar) in case you have to park on the street. Pack earplugs. You never know what sounds you'll hear and, it's downtown. And my last tip is to just let go. Embrace the Super 8-ness of it all. It'sDelightful Hotels
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