Lafayette's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn & Suites Luxury (Near Purdue!)
Lafayette's Secret Gem? Days Inn & Suites Luxury (Near Purdue!) - A Brutally Honest Review
Alright, buckle up, because I’m about to unleash a torrent of words on you about the Days Inn & Suites Luxury near Purdue. They call it "Luxury," and frankly, after a few days there, I'm still figuring out if that's pure irony or a genuine attempt at marketing hyperbole. Let's just say, it's an experience. And, like any good experience, it's got its ups and downs, its quirks, and its moments you'll probably never forget (or maybe desperately try to).
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Metadata Description: A brutally honest, detailed review of the Days Inn & Suites Luxury near Purdue University. Unfiltered opinions on accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, dining, and overall experience. Is it worth the stay? Find out!
Accessibility:
Okay, let’s start with the important stuff. Accessibility? They try. The elevators work consistently (a huge plus!), and I saw some… Wheelchair accessible rooms. (I didn’t personally stay in one, so I can't vouch for the nitty-gritty details, but the presence is a good start.) However, some of the ramps and sidewalk access out front felt a little… haphazard. Seems like they’re aiming for compliance, but haven't quite nailed the ‘seamless’ experience. Getting around the lobby felt easier than navigating around the parking area. Overall, it's there, but it could be better.
(Accessibility Grade: C+)
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Nope. Unless you count the breakfast buffet as a restaurant and a few chairs as a lounge. I’m being generous even there.
(Restaurant/Lounge Accessibility: Seriously Lacking)
Internet Access, Wi-Fi, and the Digital Age:
Ah, the internet. The lifeblood of modern existence… and sometimes, a frustrating exercise in patience at the Days Inn. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – that’s a headline. And it mostly worked. Mostly. There were moments of buffering, moments of the dreaded “connection lost,” and a few times I wanted to scream. Internet [LAN]? Don’t recall seeing an ethernet port. Internet Services exist… but not consistently reliable. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yes, but you can expect the same hit or miss quality as the in-room connectivity. Let's be real: if you're reliant on the internet for work, bring a mobile hotspot. Or prepare to get REALLY familiar with the lobby. I think I saw the same lady struggling to maintain a stable connection with her zoom meeting several times. It was a shared struggle!
(Internet Grade: C-)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (The "Luxury" Part?)
Okay, here's where things get… interesting. The brochure promises a spa and a pool and… well, the reality is a bit more… Days Inn. Let's break it down:
- Swimming pool: Yes. Swimming pool [outdoor]: yes, And it looked… fine. Clean, the water appeared clear, and kids were happily splashing around. Honestly, it looked like a perfectly serviceable hotel pool.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom: The “Spa”? I think I saw a sign for a massage service in the lobby. Didn’t try it. So the whole spa thing is pushing their luck, maybe?
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Small. Very small. Barely enough room to swing a cat… though thankfully I didn’t see anyone attempting it. Basic equipment, but it's there. I give them points for effort.
- Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: See above. Maybe? Probably not. I didn't check it out.
- Pool with view: Nope. Just the neighboring buildings.
- Things to Do: This is Lafayette, not Vegas. Aside from Purdue, you're really on your own for entertainment.
(Relaxation Grade: C, with a generous curve for the pool.)
Cleanliness and Safety (This is Important!)
This is where the Days Inn at least shines (or tries to).
Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: They're trying. Signs are posted. Hand sanitizer is readily available. You kind of feel like they're making an effort.
Hot water linen and laundry washing: That's reassuring!
Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
Hygiene certification: Didn’t see this specifically advertised.
Cashless payment service: Yes!
What About the Room? Well… the rooms felt… cleanish. Not spotless, but not filthy. I’d say the bathrooms were better than some of the carpets and there were definitely signs of wear and tear. I did a quick wipe-down of the desk and remote control with my own wipes, just in case.
(Cleanliness & Safety Grade: B-, leaning towards a B because of the obvious effort, but room for improvement.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Experience!)
Here’s the thing about hotel breakfasts: they are always an adventure.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast was… what you'd expect. Waffles from a machine, cereal, some sad-looking fruit, and lukewarm coffee that tasted like… well, hotel coffee. But it was free. And you could pile up your plate with carbs, which is always a good start to the day.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: So, the buffet is it. No room service. No bar. No fancy options.
- Bottle of water: They provided a couple of bottles. Which, after that coffee, I definitely needed.
(Dining Grade: D. Emphasis on the "Free" part.)
Services and Conveniences:
Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes: Standard.
Cash withdrawal: Hmm, I believe there was an ATM in the lobby (but I rarely carry cash).
Contactless check-in/out: This was fairly seamless.
Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop: I don’t recall seeing one.
Currency exchange: Nope.
Doorman: LOL.
Food Delivery: You're on your own. DoorDash it.
Invoice provided: Yes
Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Seminars: They had meeting rooms, but I didn’t sniff around.
What about the staff? They were fine. Not overly friendly, but efficient enough. I'd say, they were doing their best in a busy place that appeared to be understaffed.
(Service Grade: B- overall, with a lot of "It is what it is.)
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: It's a Days Inn. I saw kids. The pool is the main attraction.
(Kids Grade: C-ish. It's a place to sleep when the kids wore themselves out in the pool.)
Access, Security, and Other Practicalities:
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour], Smoke detectors: They seem to take safety seriously.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: Both options are available.
- Couple's room: Possibly.
- Exterior corridor: Yup.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Yes.
- Hotel chain: It's a Days Inn.
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes.
- Pets allowed unavailable: Didn't see any pets.
- Proposal spot: (LOL).
- Room decorations: Standard. The art was… there.
- Soundproof rooms: Nope. I heard plenty of
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going deep into the heart of Lafayette, Indiana, baby. Specifically, the Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham. And let me tell you, I'm already questioning some life choices, so this should be interesting.
Subject: Lafayette, IN: Days Inn & Suites & the Quest for Not Utter Boredom (a.k.a. My Existential Crisis) - Day 1 (and a Bit of the Evening before)
Pre-Trip Anxiety (aka, the Night Before Chaos):
Alright, alright. So the drive here was… long. Like, soul-crushingly long. I'm pretty sure I saw a tumbleweed mock me in Ohio. And I swear, when I finally saw the "Welcome to Indiana" sign, I half-expected a chorus of banjoes to erupt. (Thankfully, just the faint whisper of car horns.)
Packing? Forget about it. I basically tossed clothes into a suitcase in a panic. Found a lone sock, so that's the good omen, right? Right?!
Day 1: Arrival and the Days of Dullness (with sprinkles of hope, maybe)
1:00 PM: Arrival at the Days Inn & Suites. The Saga Begins.
Okay, so the Days Inn. It’s…beige. Very beige. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and regret. Check-in wasn’t bad (the woman at the desk seemed like she was used to dealing with people just as lost as I am), but I immediately regretted not upgrading to the "Suite". Apparently, the 'Suite' is a 'glorified walk-in closet with a microwave', but at this point, anything sounds better than staring at these patterned, slightly faded…things on the wall.
1:30 PM: The Room Inspection (or, the search for redeeming qualities)
My room is…fine. Bed looks clean. TV has a lot of channels. I immediately flipped to the Weather Channel. (Because, you know, Indiana.) The view? Of the parking lot. Dramatic. I've seen more exciting parking lots, tbh.
2:00 PM: The Hotel Pool: A Brief, Unfulfilled Dream
I had this vision, see? Me: glistening with sweat, sun-kissed, relaxing by the pool. Reality? The pool was occupied by a gaggle of shrieking children and the distinct smell of chlorine and…sunscreen? Is that even a smell? I went back to the room. (Plus, and this is key, the pool wasn't heated, and I feel like my bones are already getting cold. Maybe I should get a massage…or ten.)
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: The Quest for Coffee (and sanity)
Alright, the in-room coffee maker. Let's be honest about this. I was hoping for a Keurig. Instead, I got the kind of coffee maker that makes coffee taste like the plastic it's brewed in. I walked to the nearest Starbucks. I'm not even a Starbucks person, but desperate times, desperate measures. The coffee was…coffee. And the baristas looked like they were about to stage a rebellion against the sheer lack of entertainment in Lafayette.
4:00 PM-6:00 PM: Downtown Lafayette (aka, the search for something that doesn't make me yawn)
Downtown Lafayette. Okay, so the architecture is…eclectic. Some cool old buildings, some…less cool. Strolled around, saw a few cute shops. Ate a mediocre pretzel. Got accosted by a very enthusiastic pigeon. Seriously, that bird stared me down like I owed it money. Feeling a slight glimmer of happiness because I saw a bookstore. (Thank god for books, honestly)
6:00 PM -7:00 PM: Dinner - The Attempt at Culture
I found a place called "Lulu's" that served some kind of globally-inspired dishes. Conceptually interesting. The actual execution? Well…let's just say their interpretation of "authentic Pad Thai" was…unique. I tried to think of the positive, like at least I am alive, safe, and not at home where I have to do chores.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Back to the Beige Box of Joy (a.k.a., the room)
Okay, I'm officially defeated. Back in the room. TV is on. Watching some incredibly cheesy rom-com. (Don’t judge me. I’m emotionally vulnerable.) I'm also pretty sure my phone is the only friend I have. Thinking really hard about that massage.
9:00 PM - Bedtime: Self-Reflection and Maybe a Little Panic
My day in Lafayette? Not exactly a life-changing experience. More like a…gentle…tumble into mild boredom. But hey, I'm alive. I've survived. Maybe tomorrow will be brighter. Or, you know, at least the coffee will be better. Also, I'm really, really hoping that hotel pillow is as good as it feels right now. I need sleep. Need it bad.
I'm starting to think that Days Inn & Suites offers the perfect chance for me to evaluate my life. Is it as beige as my surroundings? Is there a way to brighten it up? Is that too deep of a question for a tiny town like Lafayette? Goodnight world. I'll be back in the morning. Hopefully with better coffee.
(END DAY 1)
(to be continued… maybe. Depends on how long this existential dread lasts…)
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Days Inn & Suites Luxury Near Purdue: The (Sometimes) Glorious, (Often) Chaotic Truth
Okay, spill the tea. What *is* the deal with this "Luxury" Days Inn? Is it code for "budget hotel with delusions of grandeur?"
Alright, buckle up. Because "Luxury" at the Days Inn & Suites off the Lafayette exit... well, it's *complicated*. Think of it as a slightly rusty, wonderfully quirky, and occasionally breathtaking roller coaster. You *might* get a smooth ride, you *might* get a surprise loop-de-loop you weren't expecting, and you’ll definitely be laughing (hopefully). Honestly, the "Luxury" thing? God bless their heart. It's more like "Luxury-Adjacent." Picture this: Fluffy towels? Check. A continental breakfast that may or may not involve slightly stale bagels? Also check. A pool that's either the perfect temperature or suspiciously cold depending on the day? Bingo. So, yes, it's a budget hotel. But one with a certain... *je ne sais quoi*. You just gotta embrace the chaos.
Breakfast, huh? Is it worth rolling out of bed for? And is that waffle machine still there? Please tell me it's still there...
The breakfast situation is... an adventure. Let's just say your mileage may vary. On a good day, the coffee's hot, the bagels are *relatively* fresh, and the pre-packaged pastries actually taste okay. The star of the show, however? *Yes,* the waffle machine. And it's glorious. Don't get me wrong, it's probably seen better days, and there's often a line, but the sheer nostalgic joy of making your own slightly misshapen waffle? Priceless. On a bad day? The coffee tastes like week-old dishwater, the fruit is… well, avoid the fruit. But even the worst breakfast is still better than nothing before braving Purdue's parking lots, so suck it up and go for that slightly burnt waffle. That waffle is a love language, trust me. I once saw a guy sneak FOUR waffles back to his room. Legend.
I'm a student. Is this place actually *near* Purdue, or are they lying like the other hotels?
Okay, listen. "Near" is subjective. You're not walking to the engineering building, okay? But it's a short drive, and that's HUGE. You're probably looking at a 5-10 minute drive, depending on traffic (and, let's be real, how desperately you need that coffee). For me? It was a lifesaver. Especially on move-in day. I'm talking about, like, hauling furniture in 90-degree heat, sweating like a pig while my parents bickered over the best way to arrange cinder blocks. The fact that it was a short drive from campus – a *relatively* short drive – was a blessing. Plus, it's close to restaurants and (more importantly for the students reading this) *the liquor store* – so strategically located, it's practically an act of divine intervention.
The reviews say the pool is...interesting. What's the deal with the pool?
The pool is where the *real* stories live. It's like a micro-society, a microcosm of the Days Inn experience. Sometimes it sparkles, the water pristine, the sun reflecting off the surface like a million tiny diamonds. Those days are rare, but glorious. Other times… well, other times it's a bit murky, there might be rogue leaves floating about, and the air smells vaguely of chlorine and… something *else*. One time (and this is a true story) I saw a small rubber ducky abandoned in the deep end. All alone. It stayed there for… days. It was heartbreaking. The pool's temperature fluctuates wildly. Could be bracing, could be lovely. The hot tub, though? That’s usually a gamble. I once saw a whole family squeezed in there, looking incredibly content despite the bubbling water that clearly hadn't been changed since the Clinton administration. Embrace the pool's weirdness. It's part of the charm, I swear.
What about the rooms? Are they clean? Because I'm a germophobe…
Okay, deep breaths. Cleanliness is a spectrum. They are *generally* clean. Think of it as a solid "B-," maybe a "C+" on a bad day. The beds are usually made, the sheets *seem* clean (I always do a quick sniff test, don't judge!), and they do appear to have been vacuumed. But don't go expecting five-star pristine-ness. There might be a stray hair in the bathroom (sorry), a small stain on the carpet (probably), and the occasional lingering scent of… well, let's just say previous guests. Pack some Lysol wipes, just in case. If you see a cockroach, run. Seriously. Run. But, in all seriousness, I've stayed there multiple times, and never had a truly awful experience. Perspective is key, my friend. It's a budget hotel, not the Ritz. Just remember that!
Alright, my family is large! Are the suites decent enough for a crowd?
YES! The suites are actually a lifesaver. Spacious, relatively comfortable, and they actually *have space*. You aren't crammed into a tiny box, fighting for air. A separate living area is a HUGE bonus, giving you some much-needed breathing room, and so you dont drive each other nuts. The pull-out couches? They're… well, they're pull-out couches. So comfort depends on your tolerance. But even those are great for spreading out and relaxing. My family and I, we once fit into a suite. It was... a bit tight, but doable. The kitchenette is a nice touch as well. Think: microwave, mini-fridge, and a sink. Useful. Overall, the suites are the best play especially if you are travelling with relatives like I did. Just remember to lower your expectations, because luxury is in name only.
Does it have a gym? Because I need to work out, even on vacation, I guess...
Yeah, it's got a "gym." That's in quotes because… well, it's a room with a few treadmills and ellipticals. Don't go expecting state-of-the-art equipment. Or a particularly inspiring view (you'll likely be staring at a wall). It's functional, though. Enough to get your heart rate up and feel slightly guilty about not making better choices at the waffle bar. It's a good place to burn off some energy and all the waffle-related sins. And it's better than nothing, right? Right. Embrace the slightly-dingy, slightly-smelly gym. You're paying budget prices, after all. Plus, it's usually empty, so you can grunt and groan in peace, knowing no one's judging you. (Or, well, *very* few people are judging you.) I once saw a guy running on the treadmill with a massive hangover. Inspired me. And also made me think maybe I should skip breakfast.
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