Alamosa Adventure Awaits: Your Perfect Super 8 Stay!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of "Alamosa Adventure Awaits: Your Perfect Super 8 Stay!" And let me tell you, "perfect" might be a stretch, but adventure? Oh honey, we found that alright. This isn't going to be a dry, corporate-approved review. This is going to be real.
SEO/Metadata (the boring stuff, but necessary):
- Keywords: Alamosa, Super 8, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Alamosa Colorado, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly (if applicable), Swimming Pool, Breakfast, Cleanliness, Safety Measures, Affordable Hotel, Budget Travel, Colorado Rockies, San Luis Valley.
The Grand Entrance & My Initial Impressi-- (Oh God, the Carpet!)
Okay, so pulling up to the Super 8… it looks like a Super 8. You know the drill. Standard brick facade, a slightly faded sign, promising a "perfect stay." I was skeptical. Deeply skeptical. My travel buddy, bless her heart, is in a wheelchair, so accessibility was key. We'd checked the boxes online, but you know how that goes. Reality is often… well, reality.
The first thing that hit me, aside from the slightly chilly mountain air, was the carpet. Oh. My. God. The carpet. It was… a pattern. A deeply patterned, vaguely floral, vaguely… something… design. I'm not sure what the inspiration was. "Abstract Grandma's Couch After a Spill"? But hey, at least it looked clean. (More on that later).
Accessibility - The Real Deal (Thank Goodness!)
Now, the crucial bit. The reason we chose this particular Super 8. The accessibility. And I have to give them props. Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely. The ramps were decent, the doorways wide enough. The room itself, (a “Deluxe Accessible King,” naturally) had plenty of space to maneuver. The bathroom wasn't a claustrophobic nightmare. The grab bars were actually where they needed to be. This is not something to be taken lightly, folks. I've stayed in places that claimed accessibility and should have been condemned by the ADA. So, a huge thumbs up for genuinely catering to guests with mobility issues. Elevator? Yes. A godsend.
Rambling a little… Because I need a coffee
I always find the little things reveal a place's heart (or lack of one). For example (and I'm going to wander off a bit here), in one awful, awful hotel, there was no soap in the dispenser. No soap! And the sink tap was loose and sprayed water everywhere. When I called the front desk about it, the lovely person on the other end said (and I quote!) "Well, just use the shampoo." The shampoo! What fresh hell is this?
Anyway, back to Alamosa.
Internet Access - The Modern Necessity
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And… it actually worked! No buffering, no dropped connections (usually, remember, this is SUPER 8 and I'm talking from experience.) I have Internet access – wireless. It was reliable enough to stream a movie in the evening. And I needed to get some work done. Internet [LAN], too, but I'm not sure who's still rocking that old technology.
Internet Services: You have it! The world is now connected.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax… Or Not.
Okay, this is where things get a touch… limited. Fitness center? Yeah, it was there. Looked like a lonely treadmill and a few weights. I'm not a gym bunny, so I didn't go in. But it's there if you're inclined. Swimming pool [outdoor] – YES! and it was the one thing that made me feel like I wasn't locked in a basement. It was reasonably clean.
I swear I saw a deer… or a large shadow
I remember the first time I went to the pool. It was dusk. The light was that deep, purple, almost black color that only happens in the mountains. I was swimming laps, thinking, "this isn't so bad" and I swear I saw a deer, or maybe a silhouette, looking over the fence. I'm almost certain it wasn't just a trick of the light. Anyway, the pool was okay.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Culinary Experience (or Lack Thereof?)
Breakfast [buffet]. Okay, here's where the "budget hotel" shines through. Breakfast [buffet], yes, but think… continental-plus. Expect the usual suspects: plastic-wrapped muffins, lukewarm scrambled eggs (that tasted a bit… off), cereal (that could have been concrete) and the usual. It was edible, it filled a hole, but I wouldn't write home about it. Coffee/tea in restaurant: the coffee was weak, but that's Super 8 for you.
Room Service [24-hour]? Nope.
Snack Bar-ish There was a vending machine that had a selection of chips and candy.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Burning Question
Okay, let's be honest. This is always my biggest concern. Post-pandemic, (and even pre-pandemic, really), I'm hyper-vigilant. Daily disinfection in common areas? I saw some of the staff cleaning. Rooms sanitized between stays? I'm going to assume so, based on the signage. Hand sanitizer at the front desk, but not everywhere. My biggest compliment is the room was… clean. The sheets were crisp. There were no obvious… unpleasant surprises lurking. In general, the air and the atmosphere was pleasant. I'm not saying it was hospital sterile, but it was acceptable for the price. Staff trained in safety protocol, I got a sense they were.
A Few More Thoughts (and a Sigh)
Services and conveniences.
- Air conditioning in public area: It worked.
- Business facilities: Minimal.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes indeed.
- Elevator: You bet.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Nailed it.
- Laundry service: I didn't use it, but it was there.
- Luggage storage: Yep.
- Smoking area: Outside, of course.
For the kids.
- Family/child friendly: Yes, but don't expect a resort. There was a play area at the pool.
- Babysitting service: No.
Getting around.
- Car park [free of charge]: Plenty of free parking.
Available in all rooms.
- Air conditioning: Yes.
- Alarm clock: Yes.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes.
- Free bottled water: Yes.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- Shower: Yes.
- Wake-up service: Yes.
The Verdict:
Look, Alamosa Adventure Awaits Super 8 is not a luxury hotel. But it is functional. It's a solid choice for a budget-conscious stay in Alamosa, especially if you need accessibility. It's clean enough, reasonably comfortable, and the staff are friendly. The pool is a bonus. If you're expecting a five-star experience, you'll be disappointed. If you're looking for a safe, clean place to rest your head while you explore the San Luis Valley, then you could do much worse. It's a solid 6/10. And, as it turned out, it was a good base camp for what turned out to be a fantastic adventure.
Escape to Forrest City: Days Inn's Unbeatable Deals Await!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind (or maybe a slow, meandering puddle jump, depending on how my coffee kicks in) of a trip to Alamosa, Colorado, home of the Super 8 and, well, let's find out what else, shall we? This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travelogue. This is the real, slightly lopsided deal.
Super 8 By Wyndham Alamosa: An Adventure in Mild Chaos
Day 1: Arrival, Aspirations, and Airport Snacks (and a whole lot of 'eh' so far)
1:00 PM - Fly into Alamosa Municipal Airport. Oh. My. Goodness. This is not Denver. This is a… smaller airport. Like, significantly smaller. I'm pretty sure I saw a tumbleweed roll across the tarmac. I'm already regretting overpacking, even though I only have a carry-on. (Note: I always regret overpacking, even when I don't). The flight itself was… fine. Middle seat, naturally. Smelly kid behind me. Standard fare, really.
1:30 PM - Check into Super 8. Alright, the moment of truth. The reviews were… mixed. Let's just say I'm prepared for a bit of… character. And, well, it's… a Super 8. It’s clean! The air conditioning is a symphony of whirs and clunks, but at least it’s cold. The decor… reminiscent of a time capsule from, oh, maybe 1998. But hey, I'm here for the San Luis Valley, not the wallpaper. (Although, that wallpaper is something.) It smells faintly of industrial cleaner and vague hope.
2:00 PM - Snack Attack & Pre-emptive Regrets. After the small disappointment of the airport and "character" of my stay, I'm going to need some sort of snack. I had that thought before heading for breakfast, but forgot. So, I head to the vending machine. It's the size of a small refrigerator, and I'm suddenly realizing how desperately I need a diet coke, something to get the blood flowing, and for the anticipation for the rest of the trip to hit me. My choices are: Cheese-flavored puffs, and, uh… an expired Snickers bar. Oh, how exciting.
2:30 PM - The Great Sand Dunes National Park: A First Impression & A Stumble. Okay, I'm trying to be positive. I head towards the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The drive is straightforward. The scenery is… expansive. Like, really, really expansive. I pull off to take a photo, and nearly trip over a cactus! Seriously? Apparently, I'm not cut out for the desert life. The sand dunes themselves are majestic, though a little… overwhelming. They look like a giant, sandy ocean. I walk in a bit, and I'm already regretting my choice of footwear (sneakers, the dumbest footwear choice for sand dunes). I get lost.
5:00 PM - Return to the Super 8… defeated. A nice shower is in order, then some contemplation as I sit in the air conditioning. Is this really the life I'm meant to live? I wanted some sort of adventure, and, well, I'm getting it. Even if it is just tripping over sand and existential dread at this point. I decide to call it a day.
7:00 PM - Dinner and the Alamoa Diner. After the great disappointment of not finding my perfect adventure, I'm ready for food. I'd been recommended to go to the Alamoa Diner. I walk in and, oh my god, what a place. It feels like time has stopped here. The service is wonderful, as I was chatting the cook and the manager. The food itself is pretty good, pretty simple, and nothing too fancy. I ask the waiter for a recommendation. He suggests a cheese burger, which makes me question my life decisions. But, what the heck, I should just surrender.
Day 2: Seeking the Spirit and San Juan Mountains… then, just the laundry.
8:00 AM - Super 8 Breakfast: Triumph and Despair. Okay, the free breakfast is… well, it's free. It’s a carb-bomb situation. The coffee tastes suspiciously like brown water, which is probably why everyone is using a giant mug. I grab a waffle, and I decide to live, and get some sugar. My mood is better, considering I'm getting close to my itinerary.
9:00 AM - The Fort Garland Museum and Cultural Center: History and a Moment of Contemplation. The Fort Garland Museum is better than expected. The history is fascinating. It turns out that the original General Kit Carson actually had a pretty good taste in real estate, and I respect his choices.
11:00 AM - The San Juan Mountains: Attempted Hiking and a Moment of Truth. I decided to be a little bit ambitious, and drive to the San Juan Mountains. The scenery is gorgeous, something I wasn't expecting. The air is crisp, the views are spectacular. I hike for a little bit. Then, I realize that I'm not exactly in peak physical condition. I turn back. It’s an important lesson: know your limits, and sometimes a gentle stroll and a good view is all you need.
1:00 PM - Lunch at… wherever. The Search for a Clean Bathroom. I'd been walking for quite some time, and I noticed that I was getting hungry. The quest for both a passable meal and a desperately needed bathroom is more difficult in practice than it appears.
2:00 PM - Do Laundry. Let's face it, I need to do my laundry. I was expecting adventure, but somehow, I've ended up in the laundromat. Laundry. I'm embracing the mundane.
6:00 PM - Contemplation and the Last Chance. I sit in my room and watch TV. I'm starting to get ready for my departure. I decided to spend a couple of hours in the hotel room.
Day 3: Departure and the lingering taste of the desert.
8:00 AM - Last Breakfast. One last free breakfast at the Super 8. I feel… surprisingly fond of the slightly-too-sweet waffles.
9:00 AM - Check out The staff are… adequate. No drama, which is a win. I leave with the feeling that Alamosa is a quiet place.
10:00 AM - Head to the Airport. Airport is still small. I board the plane. I feel… content. Slightly sandy, possibly sunburnt, but content.
1:00 PM - Back Home. Back to the real world. I have vague plans, maybe a spa day, maybe a workout or more, maybe a trip to the laundromat. I'll consider this trip, and I'll make sure to leave more room for snacks next time. And maybe invest in some hiking boots.
Okay, so... Alamosa Adventure Awaits? What *is* that supposed to even *mean*? I'm already exhausted.
Ugh, I feel you. After the drive, the unpacking... the existential dread of being away from your cat? Look, "Alamosa Adventure Awaits: Your Perfect Super 8 Stay" is basically just marketing. Think of it like this: Alamosa is a spot, the San Luis Valley is HUGE, and the Super 8? Well, it's *a* place to sleep. Adventure might be a *stretch*. Unless your adventure is surviving on instant coffee and the faint hope the continental breakfast isn't *completely* stale. And hey, if your adventure involves finding the perfect shade of red for a sunset photo over the dunes, then maybe it *is* the perfect stay!
Is the "Free Continental Breakfast" actually *free*? Because I've been burned before.
Oh, the breakfast! Yeah, it's "free" in the sense that it's included with the price of the room. But let's be real, it's probably not going to revolutionize your morning. I wandered down there once, bleary-eyed, and found... well, I think it was a bagel, or maybe a hardened hockey puck. The coffee? Tasted vaguely of burnt plastic. There *were* some questionable pastries lurking in the dim recesses of the heating tray. My advice? Bring your own protein bars and a sense of humor. Or, you know, just skip it entirely and hit up that diner down the street. Way better coffee.
The Wi-Fi. How's the Wi-Fi? Because I might need to actually *work*… which, ugh.
Okay, the Wi-Fi. Prepare yourself. It's... *there*. Sometimes. I swear, I swear I caught a glimpse of it *trying*. Like a little digital humming bird, flitting around the router trying to find a signal. One time, I spent a solid hour trying to load a single image just to get the email out. And then, *poof*! It was gone, just like my will to live. If you need reliable internet for important work, consider tethering to your phone. Just a heads up, okay? Don't rely on it to get that client presentation done the day before you are leaving to a place far away from home.
Are the rooms clean? I have a thing about cleanliness. A BIG thing.
Alright, let's be honest: Super 8s are not the Ritz. Clean? Well, it's relative. I once found a stray sock under the bed. I think I asked the staff about it. "Oh, yeah, he just must have been gone for a while". It wasn't *mine*, I'm sure of it, so it might have been a problem. They make an effort, I suppose. Clean enough to sleep in, I'd say. But if you're expecting hospital-grade sterility, you're in the wrong place, friend. Pack some Lysol wipes. And maybe a hazmat suit, just in case (kidding… mostly).
Okay, *fine*. What's the *best* thing about the Super 8? Give me *something* positive!
Hmm... *best* thing? Okay, let me think... the *price*. And, honestly, that's a *huge* perk. You're not paying a fortune. Secondly, and this is a weird one, it's location. It's *close* to things. Close to the Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is, you know... amazing. So, you get to feel like you are kind of... in the middle of nowhere, but still have a bed to get a good night sleep. And look, sometimes, the staff are *genuinely* nice. There was this one guy, at the front desk, he was the sweetest and told me the best trail to get to the dunes. He was a ray of sunshine. Even if the coffee was not.
Are there good restaurants nearby? I'm already dreading the food situation.
Okay, food. This is key. Listen, Alamosa is not exactly a culinary mecca, but you *can* survive. The diner I mentioned earlier? Solid. Definitely worth a visit for breakfast and a greasy spoon vibe. There are a few Mexican places, too, but honestly, the fare is pretty standard. Do your research. Check reviews. Download Yelp. And brace yourself for... well, let's just say you might be hitting up the grocery store at some point. Don't expect Michelin-star dining. But you won't starve. Hopefully. Oh! And there’s a good frozen yogurt place – that was a life-saver after hiking in the sun.
Can I bring my pet? Because my emotional support chihuahua is not staying home.
Check with the hotel! I *believe* some Super 8s are pet-friendly, but it varies. Call ahead. Don't just *assume* your chihuahua is welcome. My own experience involved me trying to nonchalantly slip my golden retriever by the front desk, and *epic failure*. Be upfront, avoid the drama. And, of course, be a responsible pet owner. Clean up after your furry friend. The staff will appreciate it, and so will the next guest (and their allergies). Oh, and don't leave your pet alone in the room all day and night! That's just cruel. We aren't monsters.
What are the *must-do* things in Alamosa? Give me some *actual* advice, please!
Alright, actual advice. First and foremost: The Great Sand Dunes National Park. Go. Go now. Hike, sled, take pictures, whatever. It's genuinely *breathtaking*. Seriously, pack layers because the temperature swings are wild. Then, if you're into it, check out the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad. That's another thing that is quite nice. If you have a spare morning, consider the UFO Watchtower. It's...unique. And maybe, just maybe, you'll see something. And, seriously, don't miss the sunsets over the dunes. They are something else. Worth the whole trip, as cheesy as that sounds, so trust.
What if I have a problem? Like, a big, hotel-room-related problem? Who do I call?
Ugh, problems. The worst! If something goes wrong, the first step is the front desk. Be polite, state the problem, and see what they can do. Sometimes, it's easy to fix– a lightbulb, a leaky faucet, whatever. If it's a bigger issue, the call is on them, but donStay Finder Blogs
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