Escape to Chicago: Baymont by Wyndham's Chic Alsip Getaway!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Chic Alsip Getaway, a.k.a. Escape to Chicago: Baymont by Wyndham – and let me tell you, it’s a journey. I'm talking ALL the bells and whistles of a review, complete with the good, the questionable, and the straight-up "WTF?" moments. Prepare for a bumpy ride. (SEO and Metadata, you say? Don't worry, I've got you covered, like a bad toupee in a hurricane.)
**SEO & Meta Headache – I mean, *Optimization* (Let's Do This!)**
- Keywords: Chicago Hotels, Alsip Hotels, Baymont by Wyndham, Accessible Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Breakfast, Pet-Friendly (sort of, read on!), Spa, Meeting Facilities, Airport Transfer, Family-Friendly, Cleanliness, Safety, COVID-19 Protocols.
- Description: Dive into my brutally honest (and hilarious) review of Escape to Chicago: Baymont by Wyndham's Chic Alsip Getaway! Find out if it's the perfect Chicago escape with accessibility, amenities & maybe a few surprises. I tell you what i found and what I wasn't expecting.
The Grand Arrival (and Accessibility – Let's Start There, Shall We?)
Alright, so first impressions are everything, right? Pulling up to the Baymont… well, it looks like a Baymont. You know the drill: standard, beige-y, kinda-there-but-not-really architecture. But hey, it had that big, flashy "Escape to Chicago" sign, promising… well, something. The exterior corridor situation made me immediately think of a motel I once stayed in with a questionable past. I'm getting ahead of myself though.
Now, the really important stuff: Accessibility. God bless 'em, they tried. There's wheelchair access throughout, which is fantastic. The elevator was a lifesaver, and the facilities for disabled guests are present. The problem? It’s a little… spotty. The ramps were a bit steep in places, leading me to the slight fear I'd need a running start and end up careening into the lobby. (Just me? Okay.) The rooms sanitized between stays. That was great to know! I like to know that safety is important. And honestly, it was great to know that the rooms were cleaned!
The Room: A Tale of Two Closets (and a Refrigerator That Mocked Me)
My room, a non-smoking haven on a high floor, was… um… adequate. The air conditioning worked, which is a non-negotiable in Chicago summers. Blackout curtains? Check. Essential for warding off the harsh realities of daylight. Wake-up service? I’m old school, so I set my own alarm. But it’s there! And the free Wi-Fi was a solid win, saving my precious data. They promised so many things! And they had them!
The bathroom, however, was where things got… interesting. The toiletries were pretty standard. The hair dryer was there, and it worked, and the shower had a decent water pressure. The bathtub? Meh. But the biggest issue? The refrigerator. This beast of a mini-fridge was determined to mock my food-packing prowess. It chilled things slightly… but I swear it was a lukewarm joke. Maybe they're trying to teach me to eat more food?
Now, about those extra long beds? Well, I am a tall guy, and… well, they were long, but I wished I could sink in a little more.
Cleanliness and "Safety": A Mixed Bag (and the Ghost of COVID-19)
Okay, so the big elephant in the room: Cleanliness and safety in (and out) of a pandemic. The Baymont gets points for effort. They had anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and staff trained in safety protocol. The room sanitization opt-out was a nice touch (because, you know, some of us are germaphobes and some of us aren’t). They had hand sanitizers readily available, and safe dining setup in the restaurant. The rooms were sanitized between stays which gave me a great sense of security. The professional-grade sanitizing services had me thinking of that whole, "the world is a dirty place" theory.
However… and there's always a "however," isn't there?… I did spot a stray crumb or two on the carpet. And while the signage about mask-wearing was everywhere, enforcement seemed a bit lax. So, you be the judge.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious… Food? (Or, “Where's the Good Stuff?”)
The breakfast buffet was… fine. I mean, it was a breakfast buffet. You had the usual suspects: lukewarm eggs, soggy bacon, and those questionable-looking pastries that stare back at you. But there were some redeeming qualities! There was some fruit, and the coffee was hot. The breakfast takeaway service was awesome to have.
The restaurant itself was… functional. A la carte with your usual options. Asian cuisine? Yes. Western cuisine? Certainly! I did not find anything really to rave about unfortunately. Coffee/tea in the restaurant was a bonus.
The Amenities: Pool, Gym, and the Elusive Spa…
Alright, let's talk fun! The swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting, especially on a sunny day! The fitness center was there, complete with the obligatory treadmills and weights. I don't work out, so I don't know.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Okay, and the "Huh?"
Air conditioning in public area had me saying "YES!". Daily housekeeping was a nice touch and made for a cleaner stay. They had an elevator. Elevator? Oh, I went through some of the floors using the elevator to see what was up.
Then we have the extras. Concierge? Check. Laundry service? Check. Cash withdrawal? Check. But the convenience store was more of a "slightly overpriced snack and forgotten toiletry" spot. The gift/souvenir shop? I did not give it much of a look, but I do know that they had one.
For the Kids: Babysitting? (Maybe) Family Friendly? (Definitely!)
While I didn't bring any kids, the hotel definitely seemed geared towards families. There's a family/child friendly vibe going on. From what I could see.
Getting Around: Airport Transfer? (Yes!), Car Parking (Sweet Freedom!)
Now, the practical stuff. Airport transfer available. Car park [free of charge]? Praise be! Free parking is the nectar of the gods. Even the car park [on-site] was free.
The Verdict: Would I Escape Again? (The Tease!)
So, the Escape to Chicago: Baymont by Wyndham Chic Alsip Getaway? It's a mixed bag, folks. It’s not going to blow your mind, BUT the accessibility is a huge win, and the price is reasonable.
Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars. (Would I go back? Maybe. If I needed a reasonably priced, accessible place to crash near Chicago, it’s definitely a contender. But next time, I'm bringing my own mini-fridge!)
Lancaster's BEST Kept Secret: TownePlace Suites Luxury!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is Alsip, baby. We're hitting it rough and messy, just like my last attempt at folding a fitted sheet. We're staying at the Baymont by Wyndham Alsip, hoping to find a semblance of sanity amongst the bargain-basement beauty. Let's get this train wreck rolling…
Day 1: Arrival & the Existential Dread of the Continental Breakfast
1:00 PM: Land at Midway. Okay, first hiccup. My flight was delayed. Surprise, surprise. Now, I'm running on about three hours of sleep and the faint smell of airplane peanuts. We're not even in Alsip yet, and I'm already contemplating the meaning of life. Is Alsip the answer? Will the Baymont hold the key? These are the questions that keep me up at night.
2:30 PM: Rental Car. (God, please let it not be a clunker.) I’m mentally preparing to navigate the Chicago traffic. Pray for me.
3:30 PM: Arrive at Baymont by Wyndham Alsip. Okay, first impressions… it’s… a hotel. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and the lingering sadness of forgotten holiday cheer. But the staff seems friendly enough, bless their souls. I'm immediately drawn to the vending machine. Diet Coke or chips? This is a monumental decision.
4:00 PM: Room Unpacking and Lamenting My Wardrobe Choices. My room, let's be honest, is what I expected. Clean-ish. Bed looks okay, which is all I need right now. Oh, and I forgot my toothbrush. Always. I swear, I could write a PhD thesis on my packing deficiencies.
4:30 PM: Exploring, Sort Of. I wander the halls, taking in the decor. Let's just say, the art is… ecumenical. A landscape print of some generic mountains. A still life of a bowl of fruit. It's all very… existentially pleasing. I almost trip on a rogue luggage cart. My travel instincts are not as honed as I had hoped.
5:00 PM: Dinner: Searching For Food. I'm starving. I'm scrolling through Yelp, considering the local options… I spot a diner and a Taco Bell. My stomach growls in protest. The diner wins. There is something comforting about the prospect of greasy food.
6:00 PM: Diner!
- I arrive at the diner. The place is a time capsule. A grizzled waitress, the scent of coffee, the sizzle of bacon. It's perfect. Except they're out of pie. DEVASTATING.
- I order the omelet and contemplate how the day has gone. I also reflect on the absence of pie.
7:00 PM: Evening chill time. I settle into my room! Flicking through channels, I find a documentary about the mating habits of Bolivian tree frogs. Is this really all there is? Am I the tree frog?
8:00 PM: The Continental Breakfast… Foreshadowing. I eyeball the clock, knowing I'm going to have to face the dreaded continental breakfast tomorrow. I am already dreading the hard boiled eggs. And the questionable coffee.
Day 2: Alsip Shenanigans (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Outlet Mall)
7:00 AM: The Continental Breakfast of Champions. Oh, the horror. The lukewarm coffee. The stale donuts. The hard, sad boiled eggs that look like they've seen better days. I make a beeline for the waffle maker, but it’s clearly seen more action than I have. I scrape together a breakfast and sit in a corner booth, feeling strangely alone and exposed.
8:00 AM: The Bathroom. This is a very important part of the process. Showering, teeth brushing, this is where the day starts. And the room is pretty clean. This is good!
9:00 AM: Outlet Mall Pilgrimage. I make a b-line to the Chicago Premium Outlets. The siren song of discounts whispers in my ear. This is my therapy. I decide I need… everything.
- I wander around, taking everything in. The sheer volume of… things. The families, the strollers, the sheer consumerism is overwhelming but I embrace it. The sale racks are calling my name. I find a pair of jeans and decide that it's the best day of my life. I spend a good hour just walking around, people watching, and enjoying the chaos.
- I realize I'm incredibly hungry. But the food court is chaos. I will survive, though!
12:00 PM: Lunch in the Food Court of Despair. I end up with a questionable pizza from a vendor with a very blurry logo. It is all I can take.
- I find a table amidst the cacophony, and I devour the pizza. The cheese sticks to my teeth. But it’s okay. I’m happy.
2:00 PM: Back to the Room. Nap time. I crash in the bed.
5:00 PM: Dinner. I drive around in search of a different experience than the diner, but I end up at Taco Bell. I eat way too much. Regrets? Maybe!
6:00 PM: Evening. I start a book. It is about a woman who moves to a small town. I feel a kinship that is inexplicable. Is this my life?
8:00 PM: Bed.
Day 3: Departure (and the bittersweet realization of my Alsip adventure)
7:00 AM: Continental breakfast. Same sad eggs. But I am strangely… adjusted. I'm a survivor. A seasoned veteran of the breakfast buffet wars. I snag an extra waffle.
8:00 AM: Packing. The toothbrush has been found! The bag is ready.
9:00 AM: Checking out. It's over. The Baymont has done its job. I've survived.
- The staff is friendly. They barely seem to notice me. I's over and there is nothing I could have done to make it any better.
9:45 AM: Gas Station.
- I fill the car up on gas. The stench of gasoline washes over me.
- I buy a lottery ticket on a total whim.
10:30 AM: Heading to the airport.
- The goodbyes are hard. I turn the radio up. My heart aches.
11:30 AM: The Airport.
- The airport is a symphony of tears and hugs. I can't wait to get home.
12:00 PM: The End.
- I am happy to go home. I am sad to go. I have a new appreciation for the mundane. Alsip, you weird, wonderful, slightly depressing, and unexpectedly captivating little town. I might just miss you. Or not. Who knows? Travel is weird.
Escape to Chicago: Baymont by Wyndham's Chic Alsip Getaway! - The Real Deal FAQ, Because Let's Be Honest...
Okay, so you're THINKING about Alsip. Alsip?! Chicago adjacent? Look, I get it. Budget travel, gotta do what you gotta do. And the Baymont? Yeah, I've been there. More than once. Let's get this messy, okay? Here's what *really* goes on (and what you should mentally prepare for).
The Essentials: Is This Place *Actually* Chic? (Spoiler: Sort Of...)
Alright, "chic." Let's dissect that buzzword. Is it a Parisian runway? Absolutely not. Is it a clean, reasonably updated, and *functional* place to crash after a day of Chicago adventures? Yeah, mostly. "Chic" in this context translates to "not actively falling apart" and "doesn't smell *too* strongly of chlorine." Sometimes the wallpaper… well okay, the wallpaper *is* a little… dated. But hey, character, right? Seriously, it is what it is. Don't expect the Ritz, and you won't be disappointed. Think of it as a well-intentioned relative's guest room – clean, comfortable, and maybe they haven't redecorated since the late '90s.
Oh, and the "Getaway" part? They're probably referring to escaping Chicago's insane hotel prices. Nailed it, Baymont. Nailed it.
Location, Location, Location... How Far *Exactly* From Downtown Is "Chicago Adjacent?"
Okay, *this* is crucial. Alsip is *not* downtown. It's a drive. A real, honest-to-goodness, traffic-dependent *drive*. I've had trips that were a breeze (20 minutes, felt amazing!), and I've had trips where I stared at brake lights for what felt like a lifetime (an hour plus, and then the CTA was delayed again, and I swear I saw the devil in the form of a slow suburban minivan). Download a traffic app. Seriously. Don't underestimate the Chicago traffic beast. Plan accordingly. Factor in potential delays. Bring snacks (because hangry tourists are the worst). Consider public transport options, but do your research beforehand. The Metra and the CTA have their quirks, and sometimes waiting for that train *feels* like a lifetime. Alsip's fine for sleep, but you're not strolling to the Bean anytime soon.
Breakfast… Is It Worth the Struggle? (The Breakfast Buffet Chronicles)
The breakfast buffet. Ah, the breakfast buffet. It's a ritual, a gamble. Sometimes it's glorious. Occasionally, it's… well, let's just say it's an experience. I remember one particular stay... the scrambled eggs looked suspiciously yellow, the sausage was barely warm (and tasted like it had a personality crisis), and the waffle maker *refused* to cooperate. I swear, I stood there, defeated, silently battling the machine for a solid ten minutes before giving up and grabbing a lukewarm bagel. But then, the next day? BOOM! Fresh, fluffy waffles, actual good coffee, and a surprisingly decent selection of pastries. You. Never. Know. It’s a game of chance, folks. Always grab a yogurt, and a granola bar from the lobby vending machine just in case. Embrace the chaos.
The Room Itself - What to Expect… Other Than the Obvious?
The rooms are… rooms. Clean-ish. Mostly. Don't go expecting Four Seasons. Standard motel fare. The bed is comfortable enough (probably). The TV works (probably). The mini-fridge *might* actually keep things cold (fingers crossed!). Check the outlets upon arrival; I've encountered the occasional loose connection. Noise? Well, you might hear the occasional… let’s call it “enthusiastic” conversation from the hallway. Or the hum of the air conditioner. Or the incessant beeping from your neighbor's alarm clock because *they* never set it right (sound familiar?!). Earplugs: Always a good idea. And if you're lucky, there'll be a surprisingly effective hairdryer that doesn’t sound like a dying animal.
One time, I swear I found a rogue rubber ducky hidden under the bed. Maybe it was trying to escape the hotel. I don't blame it. It added a certain… charm, though, I guess?
Amenities - Let's Talk Pool and Fitness Center… And the Existential Dread They May Instill.
Ah, the pool. The promise of a refreshing dip after a long day of sightseeing! The *reality*? Well, sometimes it's a little… cloudy. The water *might* be a touch on the chilly side. And chances are, there will be a screaming child cannonballing their way directly into your personal space. Approach with caution. The fitness center? Usually a room with a treadmill, an elliptical, and maybe a dusty weight machine. It suffices if you're desperate to burn off that deep-dish pizza. But don't expect state-of-the-art equipment. Consider it a chance to contemplate your life choices while you run -- or at least try running -- on a slightly wobbly treadmill. And, bring your own audio. That ancient hotel radio station *will* drive you insane.
Pro-tip: Consider the possibility of rogue pool noodles and a general vibe of post-holiday letdown. It’s best to go in *knowing* what to expect. Then you will be the one smiling.
Is the Staff Helpful? (The Human Element)
Generally, yes. The staff is usually friendly enough, though their energy level may vary depending on the time (and the volume of complaints about the breakfast buffet). They’ve always been helpful when I needed anything (extra towels, a keycard that actually worked, directions to the nearest decent coffee shop). Don't expect miracles but I've never encountered anyone rude. They're typically doing their best. Just remember to be kind (a little bit of friendliness goes a long way, especially at 7 AM when you're begging for coffee after a bad night's sleep).
Parking - Anything to Worry About? (The Parking Lot Predicament)
Parking is usually free, which is a definite plus. However, the parking lot can sometimes get crowded, especially on weekends. There is a limited number of spaces. If you arrive late at night, be prepared to circle a few times before finding a spot. Watch out for those rogue potholes! And honestly, it would be nice if the parking lot lights were a bit brighter… you get the feeling of being a bit isolated late at night. Make sure you park somewhere you're comfortable walking from. And, I mean, *anything* can happen in a parking lot, right? Just be aware of your surroundings.
Value for Money - The Bottom Line (The Budget Traveler's Verdict)
Okay, let's be real: Baymont byBook Hotels Now
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