Salem's Hidden Gem: Super 8 Wyndham Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Salem's Super Secret: A Mostly Wonderful, Kinda Weird Super 8 Wyndham Adventure (Spoiler: You WON'T Believe the Pool!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at a place that calls itself "Salem's Hidden Gem: Super 8 Wyndham." And let me tell you, “hidden” is right, in more ways than one. Prepare for a rollercoaster of expectations, because this ain't your average cookie-cutter motel review. This is real.
SEO & Metadata (because I’m a responsible reviewer – kind of):
- Title: Salem's Hidden Gem: Super 8 Wyndham Review (You Won't Believe This!)
- Keywords: Super 8, Wyndham, Salem, hotel review, accessibility, pool, breakfast, cleanliness, wifi, cheap hotels, family friendly, pet-friendly (sort of), Oregon, travel, budget travel, motel, spa, fitness center, restaurant, service
- Description: An honest and hilarious review of the Super 8 Wyndham in Salem, Oregon, covering accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, dining, and more. Find out whether this "hidden gem" lives up to the hype (or just the hidden part!).
First Impressions – The Arrival of Questions (and the Lack of a Proper Curb Appeal)
Okay, so "hidden gem" might be a slight exaggeration. Finding the place wasn’t exactly easy – my GPS took me around a few times, past some… interesting… looking establishments. That part was memorable, let's just say. When I finally arrived, the exterior looked… well, it looked like a Super 8. Functional. Unremarkable. But hey, who am I to judge a book by its cover, right? I've learned that lesson the hard way, again and again.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag, But Promising (Kinda)
The good news, folks! Wheelchair accessible rooms are available. So, thumbs up to that! The elevator was functional, the hallways seemed wide enough… I didn’t personally need any specific accessibility features, but it seemed like they put some thought into it. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I didn't see them specifically. It's a double-edged sword - you're glad the option exists, but it doesn't mean it's implemented perfectly.
Internet – Praise the Wi-Fi Gods! (And a Little LAN Sadness)
This is where Super 8 shines. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked. Hallelujah! I'm serious, after the drive, and all the drama getting here, finding a good Wi-Fi signal was a gift from above. The Internet itself was reliable, and the download speeds kept me sane while I waited for my movie to buffer. They also list Internet access – LAN, but honestly, who uses LAN anymore? Maybe for gamers? I felt this was a little outdated.
Cleanliness and Safety – They’re Trying, Bless Their Hearts
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room (or, you know, the motel room): cleanliness. The sign posted at the front desk listed all their new safety protocols. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check, check, check! They were clearly trying. The room did seem… cleanish. I did a quick once-over, you know, the classic "wipedown-everything-with-a-Clorox-wipe" routine. I personally brought my own, because, yeah, let's be honest. I slept with one eye open that first night. Staff trained in safety protocol? I hope so. It gives peace of mind - kind of.
Breakfast – The Buffet of Mystery (and a Surprisingly Good Waffle)
Breakfast [buffet] is included. And folks, it was… charmingly basic. Pre-packaged pastries, a few sad-looking fruits, and, crucially, a waffle maker. The breakfast takeaway service was a nice touch, because let's face it, no one wants to hang around a buffet first thing in the morning. The Asian breakfast was listed, but I didn’t see anything that fit the bill, but, eh, maybe I slept through it? Anyway, the waffle? Surprisingly good. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. I ate like, three. All the other food items gave me serious "what did I do to offend you, breakfast buffet?" vibes.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Convenience Store is My Friend
Okay, so restaurants? Not really. Coffee shop? Nope. Poolside bar? You're dreaming. They listed a snack bar, and while there was a vending machine… yeah. You get the picture. My advice? Head to the nearest grocery store or convenience store. They do offer room service [24-hour], which is technically just a call to the front desk. Bottle of water? They provided two in the room. Essential condiments? Nope; bring your own.
The Pool – Prepare to Have Your Mind Blown (Seriously)
This is where things get wild. The pool. This is the thing you won't believe. I’m not kidding. It’s Swimming pool [outdoor]. Big, yeah, sure. Clean? Mostly. The thing that got me, though, was the view. The whole thing was just… epic. Imagine a lush green setting… trees… and the sky. It was stunning. I could have stayed there all day. I've stayed at expensive hotels, and this outdoor pool setting beat them all. This pool truly was a "hidden gem".
The Room – Functional, with a Few Quirks
My room. Non-smoking. Thank God. Air conditioning? Yep, and thank goodness. Air conditioning in public area? Yep. Alarm clock? Yep, but it turned itself off during the middle of the night, so I had to wing it. This is what I meant by quirky. The blackout curtains were a life saver, keeping those Oregon sunbeams at bay, because, again, sleep. The desk was functional for my laptop, but the chair was… let’s just say it wasn’t built for comfort. Free bottled water? Already mentioned. Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker! A plus… although the coffee tasted like disappointment. The seating area was… okay. The separate shower/bathtub was a plus. Extra long bed meant I could actually stretch out. Wi-Fi [free] – already praised. I forgot to mention, linens were clean, and the towels were soft, so, bonus points.
Things to Do – Aside from the Pool, Not Much
Honestly? Besides the pool, you’re kind of on your own. They listed a Fitness center, but I didn't see one. They listed a spa. Nope. Things to do? Well… there is, but it is up to you. I'm assuming there are things to do in Salem.
Services and Conveniences – Mixed Bag, as Expected
24-hour front desk? Indeed. Daily housekeeping? Yes, but make sure your room is tidy beforehand, or it may become your worst nightmare. Concierge? Ha! I'm kidding, but I'd have loved to have a concierge. Cash withdrawal at the front desk? Maybe, I didn't try. Elevator? Yes, as mentioned earlier. Laundry service? No. Luggage storage? I didn’t ask. Smoking area – available, but use it, please!
For the Kids – Kind of, Sort of…
Family/child friendly? I guess. It's a motel, so it can work, but don't expect any bells and whistles. Babysitting service? Negative. Kids meal? Not listed.
Getting Around – Driving is Key
Car park [free of charge]? Yes! Thank the heavens. Car park [on-site]? Yes! Airport transfer? Nope. Taxi service? I'm sure you can call one. Salem is driving-centric, so plan accordingly.
My Verdict: A Quirky, Flawed, But Ultimately Enjoyable Stay
Look, the Super 8 Wyndham in Salem isn't perfect. Far from it. It's a little rough around the edges, maybe a tad… quirky. But it's also clean enough, the Wi-Fi rocks, and that pool is worth the price of admission. It could be much better, truly. I would not say it is the best place to stay. But, if you’re looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly option in Salem with a surprisingly awesome pool, this could be your "hidden gem." Just adjust your expectations accordingly, bring your own Clorox wipes, and definitely check out that pool. You won’t regret it.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 Stars (Mostly for the Pool & the Decent Waffles)
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Alright, buckle up, Buttercups! This ain't no sterile, bullet-pointed itinerary. This is my Salem, Illinois adventure, and trust me, it's gonna be… something. And it all starts at the Super 8. Gotta love a Super 8. You know what you're getting: a room that smells vaguely of disinfectant and a questionable continental breakfast, and frankly, sometimes that's exactly what you need.
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Encounters, and the Pursuit of Pie (Probably)
- 3:00 PM: Arrived at the Super 8. The sign said "Welcome!" but the front desk guy looked like he'd seen a ghost. Honestly, same, buddy. Check-in was smooth, as long as you consider "smooth" equivalent to "slightly panicked feeling I'm forgetting something important." My room? Perfectly fine, in a lived-in-by-someone-who-didn't-clean-up-after-themselves kind of way. There was a mystery stain on the carpet, which I briefly considered cataloging as part of the Salem "experience," but ultimately decided to ignore.
- 3:30 PM: Unpacked. (Okay, I threw my stuff on the bed. Close enough.) Debating whether to venture out or just order pizza and become one with the hotel bed. The lure of adventure, and possibly a decent slice, won out.
- 4:00 PM: Okay, so, after consulting a highly questionable online guide, I decided to try the local diner "The Blue Bird Cafe." Apparently, they're famous for something. I'm not sure what, the guide was pretty vague.
- 4:30 PM: [At The Blue Bird Cafe] Pulled up to the Blue Bird Cafe, hoping for a bustling vintage diner scene. I was met with…quiet. Like, tumbleweeds-could-roll-through-here quiet. Two guys at the counter gave me the "new in town?" stare. I mumbled something about coffee and the menu. I'm pretty sure the waitress, bless her heart, thought I was a tourist from another planet. "Pie?" she asked, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. Bingo!
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: PIE! (Apple. Very good. Very rich. Might need a nap after that…) And then… conversation. The waitress, whose name was Barb, spent the next hour telling me about her grandkids, the local gossip (apparently, old man Hemmings still thinks his prize-winning pumpkins will win blue ribbons) and the importance of mayonnaise on ham sandwiches. Honestly? It was strangely heartwarming. I felt thoroughly welcomed.
- 7:30 PM: Back at the Super 8. Decided the pizza could wait. Watched some TV. Felt a little lonely. Thought about calling someone. Didn't. Just watched more TV. The kind of TV you only watch in a Super 8. (Anyone else a fan of late-night infomercials? No? Just me?)
Day 2: History, Disappointment, and a Deep Dive into… Something.
- 8:00 AM: Attempted the continental breakfast. The waffles were… stiff. The coffee had the consistency of motor oil. But hey, it was free! And I figured it build character.
- 9:00 AM: Tried to visit the local antique store, but it was closed. Apparently, I'm not the only one who doesn't appreciate early morning shopping.
- 9:15 AM: Defeated, I wandered around town, and the "Salem Museum." The Salem Museum was surprisingly good! Okay, it wasn't the Louvre, but it had genuine history. I learned way too much about local agriculture and a very long-forgotten logging boom.
- 11:00 AM: [Back At Super 8] Feeling a little burned out on history, needed some brain-numbing entertainment. I found an old arcade game, and the guy at the desk gave me a curious look as I started smashing buttons. He probably judged me, but I didn't care. It was oddly liberating, and I scored a high score.
- 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch and retail therapy. (Okay, mostly lunch. The selection was limited.) Ended up at a random burger joint. Food wasn't amazing, but the people were friendly. Small town charm, I guess?
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Feeling a bit lost, decided to just wander. Stumbled upon a park. It was… there. Nothing special, but the air smelled fresh. Maybe the small town life is starting to rub off, a little.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the Super 8. Pizza time. Maybe I'll actually make that phone call this time. (Or maybe not. The comfort of the anonymous hotel room is strangely appealing.)
- 6:00 PM: The pool closes. I'm too tired and self-conscious to care at all.
- 7:00 PM: Bed. Or at least, trying to. Something in the air in Salem is affecting me. Am I getting softer?
Day 3: Time to Go.
- 8:00 AM: Managed to actually enjoy the waffle at the continental breakfast. Maybe I'm just getting used to it.
- 9:00 AM: Checkout. Said goodbye to the guy at the front desk. He smiled. Progress!
- 9:30 AM: Hit the road feeling… different. Salem, Illinois. Never thought I'd say that, but I'll miss it. It wasn't perfect, it was probably even a little weird, but it was something. And sometimes, something is enough. Now to go find real coffee, and then… who knows?
(And yes, I probably forgot to mention a bunch of things. Like the weird statue of a guy holding a… something… in the town square. And the incredibly loud truck that drove past my window at 2:00 AM. And the fact that I'm pretty sure I saw a dog wearing sunglasses. Salem is like that, a collection of moments, mixed with boredom and the occasional feeling of belonging.)
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Is this Super 8 really a "hidden gem"? Or are we talking more "hidden rusty nail in your shoe"?
Okay, real talk. "Hidden gem" is... well, let's just say I used that phrase ironically after my stay. It's less "shining emerald" and more "slightly tarnished bronze, waiting for a good polish." The location? SPOT ON. Walking distance to everything in Salem – the shops, the Witch Museum, the ghosts... you're golden. But the actual *hotel*? Buckle up, buttercups. This ain't the Ritz, people.
Let's talk about the *room*. What horrors (or unexpected pleasures) did you encounter?
Oh, the room. The ROOM. First, the good: the bed? Surprisingly comfy. I practically melted into it after a long day of dodging tourists and contemplating my own mortality (Salem does that to you). Now, the not-so-good: the carpet. Let's just say it looked like it had seen some things. Some *very* questionable things. I'm pretty sure I saw a rogue dust bunny attempt to build a nest. And the air conditioning? It sounded like a dying walrus. Seriously, it wheezed and groaned and threatened to give up the ghost entirely. I spent a good chunk of the night alternately shivering and sweating. Charming, right? Oh, and the complimentary toiletries? One of those miniature soaps was practically fossilized. I think it pre-dated the Salem Witch Trials.
Breakfast: The make-or-break moment! What was on offer? Did you live to tell the tale?
BREAKFAST. Ah, breakfast. The promised land (or, you know, a continental offering). Expectations: low. Reality: met (in the most depressing possible way). Think: pre-packaged pastries of mysterious origin, stale bagels that could double as hockey pucks, and instant coffee so weak it barely qualified as brown water. The highlight? The waffle maker. It seemed to be working – at least, it *made* waffles. Whether those waffles were edible is another story. I think I went for the yogurt. It seemed the safest choice. Survived? Yes. Thrived? Debatable. I emerged feeling slightly defeated and in need of a very strong coffee from a *real* coffee shop (which, thankfully, Salem has plenty of).
OK, you mentioned the *location*. How's the proximity to everything?
Location, location, LOCATION! This is, honestly, the Super 8's saving grace. You're *right there*. Five minutes to the Salem Witch Museum? Check. Across the street from some amazing shops? Yep. Within staggering distance of a pub that serves delicious clam chowder? Absolutely. Seriously, the convenience is unreal. You can stumble back to your room after a haunted walking tour (or several strategically placed cocktails) without fear of getting hopelessly lost. Worth the slightly-less-than-perfect room? Honestly? Probably. I'm a sucker for convenience, and Salem is a walking city. Just, maybe pack your own air freshener.
What about the staff? Were they friendly? Helpful? Or did they know something we didn't?
The staff… hmm. They were… there. They didn't exactly greet me with bells and whistles, but they got the job done. I think they were probably used to the general level of… let's say, "character" this place exudes. One front desk person was lovely, another seemed to be experiencing a mid-afternoon existential crisis. They didn't try to sell me any extra ghost tours, which was nice. No complaints. They didn’t judge my immediate bed-nap after the morning.
Okay, but the *vibe*? Did the hotel add to the Salem experience, or detract from it?
This is where things get messy. On the one hand, the slightly-grimy, slightly-dated aesthetic actually *sort of* fit Salem. It gave it a certain… historical authenticity? (Okay, that's a generous way of putting it.) On the other hand, it was just a little… depressing. You're surrounded by history and mystery, and then you're back in a room that feels like it hasn't been updated since the actual Witch Trials. It definitely didn't *enhance* the experience. But… it also didn't ruin it. Salem is amazing, you can't help but have a good time. The hotel is… a character in its own right, for better or for worse. It's a testament to the fact that even in a town steeped in the supernatural, sometimes you just want a clean, comfy bed. And, unfortunately, the Super 8, at times, failed to deliver.
Would you stay here again? Be brutally honest!
Alright, fine. Brutally honest? If I was on a tight budget and the location was still key, then… yes. Probably. I'd pack earplugs, an eye mask, and a hazmat suit (just kidding… mostly). But, look, it IS Salem. There are so many cute, kitschy, and spooky things to see and do that you'll barely spend ANY time in your room. The Super 8 is perfect as a base of operations for your Salem adventures. The main draw here is definitely the location, and nothing more. If it were a *little* further out, the answer would be a resounding NO. But if I had a larger budget? Absolutely not. I'd splash out on a slightly more luxurious hotel and enjoy the finer things in life. Like, you know, clean carpets and coffee that doesn't taste like disappointment. But, for a no-frills, budget-friendly basecamp for exploring Salem? It'll do. Just don't go expecting a spa-like experience. Prepare yourself for some minor imperfections, but they, truly, add character.
Any other weird things you experienced? Give me the juicy details!
Oh, you want juicy? Okay. So, I'M in the lobby one morning, trying to choke down a slightly-stale bagel and a cup of that questionable coffee, and who do I see? A group of guys in full leather gear, looking like they just stepped out of a motorcycle rally *and* a time machine. Very… striking. They were there for a Wiccan convention or something. Later that day, I bumped into them at the museum! Good thing they didn't decide to be ghosts while I was there. Then, one evening, there was some sort of… *event* happening outside my window. I heard chanting and drum beats and, initially, I thought, "Hey, good for them!" Then I realized I was on the first floor, and the "event" was starting to get a bit too close for comfort. Thankfully, it was justBook Hotels Now
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