Escape to Paradise: Kelly Inn Billings - Your Billings, MT Getaway!
Escape to Paradise: Kelly Inn Billings - My (Slightly Chaotic) Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause I've just gotten back from a whirlwind trip to the Kelly Inn Billings – and let me tell you, it was an experience. Not always a perfect one, mind you. But isn’t that just life? A messy, wonderful tapestry of highs and lows… and maybe a slightly lukewarm breakfast buffet.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Yawn, but Gotta Do It):
- Keywords: Kelly Inn Billings, Billings MT, Hotel Review, Montana Getaway, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Family Friendly, Business Travel, Pet-Friendly (Sort of), Cleanliness, Safety.
- Meta Description: Honest review of the Kelly Inn Billings, MT. Discover accessibility, on-site dining, spa facilities, & more. Family-friendly or a business escape? Find out if it's the right choice for you!
Let's Dive In (Deep Breath)…
First off, the promise of “Escape to Paradise” is always a bold one. I mean, come on, paradise? Billings, Montana? Okay, okay, maybe it's paradise relative to a Tuesday afternoon at the DMV… and that’s not a bad thing, right?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like My Mood Swings.
Okay, so listen up, all you folks with mobility considerations. The Kelly Inn does try. They’ve got wheelchair accessible rooms, which is a huge plus. The elevator is your friend, and that’s a win. I didn't personally need these, but I noticed ramps and generally good navigation in common areas. HOWEVER, I did notice a few slightly wonky door thresholds that could potentially be tricky. And the signage, well, let’s just say it could be clearer for guiding you to the facilities for disabled guests . But hey, they're trying, and that earns them points. I’d wholeheartedly suggest calling ahead and doing your research on the specific room you are getting, just to be sure.
Cleanliness and Safety (Post-Apocalyptic Vibes… But Good!):
I loved this part. Seriously, with the ever-present specter of… well, you know… hanging over everything, I was impressed. Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly in use. They had hand sanitizer everywhere. I saw staff actively daily disinfecting common areas. The rooms were rooms sanitized between stays, and there's even a room sanitization opt-out available, for those who are… passionate about the planet, perhaps? They really nailed the Safe dining setup. Staff training in safety protocol was evident. This whole section gave me a sense of comfort and peace of mind (very important nowadays). This part gets a big, enthusiastic thumbs up from me.
Rooms: My Little Sanctuary (With Some Quirks!)
My room? Okay, it was a blend of comforting and… let's call it, "character." The air conditioning was a lifesaver (Montana summers, people!), and the blackout curtains were golden. Getting a good sleep is vital to my overall experience, and I’ll be forever grateful for these. I had free bottled water, which I guzzled down like a desert wanderer. The coffee/tea maker was a godsend because I'm very dependent on caffeine; even for a quick shower, I’d want to be awake.
It had all the basics: a desk (for pretending to work), a TV with satellite/cable channels, and a safe box (which I never actually used, because I'm clearly a rebel). The Internet access - Wi-fi [free] was excellent. I'm looking at you, hotels with spotty, infuriating Wi-Fi; I was fully able to work from my room and not want to commit some level of internet crime.
- Quirk Alert! My room had a slight musty smell, but it wasn't a dealbreaker. It was more like a friendly, “this room has seen some things” sort of smell. And the lighting? A bit dim, if I'm being honest. A reading light by the bed would have been perfect, and that would've helped the mustiness feel like a nice, warm, cozy blanket.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling My Adventures (and My Hangryness)
Right. The food. This is where things get… interesting.
- The Buffet: Ah, the buffet. The heart of the Kelly Inn, or at least, that is what I saw. Breakfast [buffet] was included, and it was… adequate. Western breakfast basics: scrambled eggs, sausage, pastries (some surprisingly decent). I'm sorry, the eggs were a bit sad, and I found myself reaching for the cereal more often than not.
- The Restaurant: I only peeked at the restaurants in the hotel, and they seemed okay! I believe they have multiple options, which is a solid choice for variety.
- The Poolside Bar: Okay, I didn't actually use the poolside bar. I just imagined myself there, sipping a margarita. It seemed lovely, if that's your kind of thing.
- The Coffee Shop: I didn't see one! Sadness.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (More Like Trying to Relax):
- The Pool: Sadly, the pool wasn't exactly the "Instagram-worthy" vision, and it was a bit… crowded. I was feeling a bit lazy so I didn’t even try it. The swimming pool [outdoor] was there and I was happy that people seemed to be enjoying themselves.
- The Spa: Now, this is where things get interesting. The spa they had was not what I was expecting. I pictured a serene oasis of calm, but it was more of a… well, let’s say it had a certain… rustic charm. My massage was decent, but the ambiance was less "Zen garden" and more "slightly dated rec center."
- The Gym: I’m not a gym person, so I skipped it. Based on my observations, it looked adequate.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
They had all the basics: Daily housekeeping, a 24-hour front desk, and a convenience store (for those midnight snack cravings). A luggage storage was available (thank god), and a dry cleaning was available. The concierge was friendly, but I didn’t really need any of their help.
For the Kids (Bless Their Little Hearts):
I didn't have kids with me, but I did see a lot of them! There was a babysitting service, because, yes, it turns out that adults need some alone time. They seemed to cater to families, generally, but I didn't get an opportunity to see the kids facilities.
Getting Around (The Road Less Traveled):
I drove myself, so the car park [free of charge] was a major bonus. I didn’t explore other transport options, so I can’t comment.
The Verdict (Drumroll, Please…)
The Kelly Inn Billings is a solid choice. It's not perfect. It has its quirks. It might not be "paradise" in the literal sense. BUT… it’s comfortable, clean, and the staff is friendly. It's a great place to start or end a Montana adventure. I'd go back. Maybe. After a serious dose of the spa.
Overall Rating: 3.5 Stars!
Knights Inn Canton, OH: Your Surprisingly Amazing Stay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's perfectly-lined-up itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt to conquer Billings, Montana, and its glorious Kelly Inn. Prepare for the ride.
Kelly Inn Billings: My Montana Meanderings (A Totally Chaotic Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic
1:00 PM: Arrival at Billings Logan International Airport (BIL). The air smells… different. Cleaner? Maybe. Or maybe I'm just still jazzed from the flight. Didn’t get any sleep last night because I spent hours packing, then unpacking, then repacking because I had obviously forgotten something important. Turns out, it was the power adapter. Classic. Rent a vehicle. It is a little bigger, probably too big, but hey, safety first, right?
1:45 PM: Navigating the Rental Car Gauntlet. Why are Hertz and Avis always so… aggressive? Trying to upsell you on insurance you probably don't need, making you second-guess all your life choices. Anyway, I got the Escape. Cross fingers, it’s the only car I can see, that’s going to have to work!
2:30 PM: Check-in at Kelly Inn Billings. Alright, finally! Checked in. Got a room on the… third floor? Ugh. Elevator, here I come. Okay, the room. It's… clean. Decent. That’s what I was truly hoping for. The wallpaper feels a little dated, like it’s seen some things. I think I saw a very questionable stain on the carpet in the hall… let’s just focus on the positives, shall we? Cozy bed, free Wi-Fi (thank GOD!).
3:00 PM: Sudden Craving & Local Grocery Tour. I realize I’m starving. Which means a trip to the grocery store. This is where the actual adventure begins! I get hopelessly lost in the vast expanse of Albertsons. So many choices! So much fluorescent lighting! End up buying a bag of chips, a questionable pre-made sandwich (I’m regretting this already), some local Montana huckleberry jam (because… Montana), and a bottle of… not-very-good wine. Whatever.
4:00 PM: Unpacking, Assessing Life Choices, and the Hotel TV. Unpack, realizing I brought way too much stuff. Stare at the TV. The local news is depressing. Someone's cat got stuck in a tree. I'm starting to feel a little homesick. But let’s be honest, that’s the part of my own adventure.
6:00 PM: Dinner Disaster (and Salvation!). Okay, the sandwich was a bad idea. Went to a diner called "Stella's Kitchen". Ordered the most greasy burger on the menu. (I was being authentic, okay?!) Got caught mid-bite spilling the whole thing all over myself and getting the ketchup on the floor. But, miraculously the waitress was amazing, she just smiled and offered a new napkin. The burger, once it was off my clothes, wasn’t half bad.
8:00 PM: Attempt to Watch TV, Realize I'm Exhausted. Back in the room. TV again. Trying to find something… anything… to watch. Give up. Totally wiped. Fall asleep at 8:30 PM. This is my life now.
Day 2: Yellowstone Daydreaming & Downtown Debacles
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast Bonanza (or Lack Thereof). The Kelly Inn offers a free breakfast. It's… adequate. The usual suspects: cereal, instant oatmeal, those weird pre-made breakfast sandwiches that always taste a little off. I make a mental note to bring my own granola tomorrow.
- 8:00 AM: The Yellowstone Dream. I am absolutely determined to go to Yellowstone tomorrow. I've read online stories of the absolute majesty of the park, and the awe-inspiring geysers, and the wildlife. I spend a good hour researching the park, the best routes, the wildlife, the time of year, the weather, everything, it even says how to avoid the traffic, and the bugs and… am I actually ready to leave?
- 9:30 AM: Downtown Billings - Attempt 1. Decided to try to venture downtown! Got lost. Again. Billings’s streets are not exactly… intuitive. Ended up in a parking lot staring at a very imposing building. Turns out it's the courthouse. Not quite the tourist attraction I was hoping for.
- 10:30 AM: Art and Coffee (and a Moment of Existential Dread). Finally, found a cute little coffee shop called "Mo's Coffee". The coffee was decent, the barista was friendly. There was an art gallery across the street. Went in. Saw some paintings. They were… interesting. Felt a sudden wave of existential dread. Am I really doing anything with my life?
- 12:00 PM: Lunch and the Parking Lot Fiasco. Found a place called "The Burger Dive". (Yes, another burger…) This was the BEST burger! Amazing fries too. Afterward, I spent 20 minutes trying to find my car. Why do parking lots always seem bigger after you've eaten?
- 2:00 PM: Back to the Kelly Inn. The Nap Beckons. Back at the hotel. The lure of the bed… undeniable. Took a nap. Woke up feeling slightly better, but still vaguely disoriented. Maybe it's the altitude. Or the wine.
- 4:00 PM: Re-evaluating My Life (Again), and Attempting Some Light Exercise. The gym at the Kelly Inn is… well, it exists. Spent 15 minutes on the treadmill. Decided this was enough. Went back to the room and stared at the TV.
- 6:00 PM: Downtown Billings - Attempt 2 (With a Twist). Decided to try downtown again. This time, armed with a map and a renewed sense of purpose (and a bottle of water). Found a cute little bookstore! (Score!) Bought a book! (Double score!). Stopped by a vintage clothing store! (Tried on a very questionable jumpsuit). Feeling slightly less lost and a whole lot more… eccentric.
- 8:00 PM: "Stella's Kitchen" Encore? The burger got to me… too late to go get the same meal, but this time I was going to make sure to bring a new shirt.
Day 3: Yellowstone! (Finally!) & The Bitter Sweet Goodbye.
- 6:00 AM: The Big Day! Woke up! Early! Despite all the anticipation, I found myself suddenly nervous. Will I see a bear? Will I get stuck in a geyser? Prepared a backpack (with extra water, snacks, and bear spray!).
- 7:00 AM: Gas Up & Go! Fuel up the Escape. The pump was slightly intimidating. But I managed!
- 8:00 AM: Yellow Stone is Calling! The drive to Yellowstone. Beautiful scenery! The vastness! The mountains! The anticipation! And then… the traffic. Oh, the traffic.
- 10:00 AM: YELLOWSTONE – Awe-Inspiring and Terribly Overcrowded. Alright, I’m here. It’s absolutely stunning. The geysers… amazing. The canyon… breathtaking. I saw a bison! (From a safe distance, thank you very much). But. Oh, the crowds. And the parking. And the lines. It’s beautiful, but… a little overwhelming. Spend hours in awe of it, and another hour trying to park without being yelled at.
- 3:00 PM: The Drive Back - Reflecting on Memories. Made my way out of Yellowstone. The traffic wasn’t as bad. Driving back to Billings, looking back at the amazing scenes I just saw. The memories of Yellowstone.
- 5:00 PM: Last Dinner in Billings. Went to a restaurant. It was a cute restaurant. Good food.
- 7:00 PM: Packing. Got back to the hotel and unpacked. The suitcase is going to be a nightmare.
- 8:00 PM: Goodbye, Kelly Inn. The TV is on, scrolling through the channels, watching the news. The sadness that I will be leaving creeps into my heart. I am going to miss this strange, wonderful Kelly Inn with its slightly dated wallpaper and its free breakfast.
Day 4: Departure & the Aftermath
- **6:00 AM: Last
Escape to Paradise: Kelly Inn Billings - Your Billings, MT Getaway! (Or, You Know... *Attempted* Getaway) - FAQ's That Actually Get Real
So, Kelly Inn Billings... Paradise? Seriously? What's the deal?
Okay, alright, let's dissect this. "Paradise" is a *bit* much, right? I mean, I'm guessing the marketing folks at Kelly Inn probably weren't, like, *born* and raised in Malibu. More like, maybe "a solid place to crash after driving 8 hours with three screaming kids" would be a more accurate descriptor. But don't get me wrong, it *is* a Kelly Inn, which, if you know Kelly Inns, you know what you're getting. Clean-ish, usually a free breakfast involving a waffle maker that’s seen better days, and a pool if you're lucky. Paradise? No. Functional? Absolutely. And hey, sometimes functional is all you need when you’re staring down a long drive.
The Location: What's *actually* around the Kelly Inn? I'm picturing tumbleweeds and despair... Am I wrong?
Okay, okay, let me paint you a picture. You're in... Billings. Montana. Let's just say it's not exactly known for its vibrant nightlife. (Unless you count the enthusiastic bingo scene, which, hey, no judgement, right?) The Kelly Inn, from my experience, is kind of tucked in with other hotels and a smattering of chain restaurants. Think *convenient*, not *epic*. There's a Target (thank the heavens!), a few fast-food joints, and probably a gas station on every corner. Look, it's not the Champs-Élysées, alright? But you can grab a burger and a soda. And if you're like me, you're *thrilled* to have the Target. Gotta stock up on snacks for the next leg of the trip! (I totally grabbed the family size bag of chips and blamed the kids. Don’t judge me. I was peckish!)
Oh! And near the Yellowstone River! Depending on your room (and level of optimism) some of the rooms have a decent view. But, you know, Billings. Just the name brings so many images to mind.
Also, the hotel's proximity to whatever highway you're going to take is awesome. That's all I need to say.
Breakfast: The make-or-break. Tell me everything. Real talk.
Alright, breakfast. This is where Kelly Inn *generally* shines, and I say that having a reasonable expectation for what a *free* breakfast entails. Think standard hotel fare: the aforementioned waffle maker (which, bless its heart, usually works), sugary cereal, questionable pastries that have been sitting out, and maybe some scrambled eggs that look suspiciously yellow. The coffee? Well, let's just say it'll wake you up, even if it doesn't exactly taste like artisanal, freshly brewed goodness.
I have a vague (and slightly horrifying) memory of a breakfast sausage that looked more like… well, anyway. Let's just say I stuck to the waffles and liberally applied syrup. I’m pretty sure they had some weird orange juice, too. You've been forewarned.
My best memory? The waffle maker. The pure, unadulterated potential of a freshly made waffle, even if the batter dispenser was a little wonky. It's a small victory, people, but a victory nonetheless, especially when you're facing a long day of driving with a car full of kids and way too much luggage. Waffles are the best part of every road trip, in my opinion. You know what? I suddenly have a craving for waffles.
The Pool: Does it *actually* exist? And is it clean? (Important questions.)
Okay, the pool. This is a gamble, isn't it? It's the Wild West of hotel amenities. Sometimes, yes, there *is* a pool. Sometimes it's open. Sometimes it's… well, let's just say it's seen better days. This is where my memories get a little fuzzy. My overall experiences usually go like this: First, I'm REALLY excited about the potential. "Pool! Woohoo! Kids will be ecstatic!" Then, I get to the pool. The chlorine smell hits you the moment the sliding door opens. Kids immediately run towards the pool. Is the water clear? Is it crowded? Is there enough seating? Is the hot tub working? Are the towels available? This is the moment I hold my breath.
Last time, I swear, there was a suspicious green tinge to the water. I’m not saying it was *dirty*, but let's just say I was hesitant to let my youngest in. (My eldest, of course, was already cannonballing in, oblivious and thrilled.) So, yeah, the pool is a roll of the dice. Temper your expectations. If it's clean and operational, consider it a bonus! If it's closed? Well, there's always the… um… room. And the waffles.
The Rooms: What can I expect? And more importantly, are they *clean*?!
Okay, the rooms. The bread and butter of any hotel experience. Cleanliness is *key*, right? Generally (and this is based on my experience, your mileage may vary!), the Kelly Inn rooms are… adequate. That is, they strive for clean, but they're not going for luxury. Expect the usual: a bed (hopefully comfy, probably not *super* comfy), a TV (might be a dinosaur, but hey, it works), a bathroom (hopefully with decent water pressure), and potentially…a few minor imperfections.
My kids are, unfortunately, expert room inspectors. They'll find any crumb, any stray hair. So, I've learned to lower my standards and focus on the big stuff: is the bedding fresh? Are the towels clean? Does the air conditioning work? If the answer to those is "yes," then I'm generally content. And you know what? It's a roof over our heads.
Best/Worst Experiences? Give me the juicy details!
Oh, the stories I could tell! Okay, let me think… best experience? Actually, it was the *absence* of a bad experience. One time, we stayed at a different hotel, and the fire alarm went off at 3 AM. That was a nightmare. So, Kelly Inn Billings? No fire alarms. No bedbugs. No screaming matches with the front desk (okay, maybe a *minor* quibble about the waffle batter, but nothing serious...). That's a win in my book.
The *worst* experience, however... (deep breath)… Well, it wasn’t *terrible*, but it involved a very, very sticky carpet incident and a small child and a nearly-empty Capri Sun pouch. Let's just say, the front desk was very polite and helpful with the cleanup, but the carpet… well, it never fully recovered. (I’m pretty sure it was my fault.) It's a bonding experience, right? Family bonding over a Capri Sun disaster!
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