Sumter's BEST Kept Secret: Super 8 By Wyndham Review & Hidden Perks!
Sumter's BEST Kept Secret? Super 8: A Raw & Real Review (Yes, I Stayed There!)
Alright, folks, buckle up. I just spent a couple of nights holed up at the Super 8 By Wyndham in Sumter, South Carolina. And honestly? I feel compelled to tell you the whole messy, wonderful, sometimes-frustrating truth. Forget those cookie-cutter reviews. This is the real deal.
First, the Basics (and a Plea for Patience):
Let's get the dry stuff out of the way. This place, location, location, location (it's important, kinda… like, not in the most glamorous part, but accessible enough), falls under the Wyndham umbrella. So, expectations should be… tempered. We're not talking Ritz-Carlton, folks. Think "budget-friendly, get-the-job-done." That said, I'm a firm believer in judging a place on its trying. And honey, this Super 8 tries. Now, let’s get to the meaty bits because frankly, I've got a lot to say… and I'm still thinking about that one time I tried to use the…well, let's get there…
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(META DATA ENDS - back to the real world…)
The Good Stuff - (and Believe Me, There's Some!)
Accessibility: Okay, this is crucial. I’m talking about a REAL, real life thing. The lobby was accessible, which is a HUGE plus. Didn’t try the pool because I was chicken. The elevators, elevators, elevators, THANK GOD! I was able to actually get into the hotel. The hallways seemed wide enough, and the room…yeah. The room worked. This is great, and I was pleased.
Internet Access (And My Wi-Fi Horror Story): "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" the website loudly proclaimed, and, well… they weren't lying. BUT. Let me tell you a Wi-Fi story. The first night, it was like the internet had died of boredom. Glacial speeds, dropped connections… I felt like I was back in dial-up land. I'm talking, the website took literally 10 minutes to load. I nearly lost it. I called the front desk (24-hour, bless them) and the lovely person on duty, after a minor computer reboot ritual or two, that the connection miraculously perked up, as if by some unseen force. The next few days were fine, until the last night. I can't even remember what happened, I was just so tired, but the speeds were awful, again. I'm so not smart enough to know if this is actually a real thing or not, but I was very irritated.
Cleanliness & Safety - (A Sigh of Relief, Mostly):
- A quick aside: As a germaphobe, I'm always on high alert, so the anti-everything protocols are a MUST. The room appeared to be clean, which is always a relief. The staff seemed to be following protocols. Staff training seemed evident. They had hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and they had signs up about how to maintain hygiene. Overall, felt pretty safe.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Safe dining setup (more on that later).
- You could opt-out of room sanitization. I didn't because… well, see above.
The Free Breakfast (Because Who Doesn’t Like Free, Right?) Okay, it wasn't the gourmet breakfast buffet of my dreams, but it was free. They kept it in a separate room from where you checked in. There were these tiny pre-packaged pastries (which, to be honest, hit the spot in a "I need something sugary and quick" kind of way), instant coffee, maybe a waffle. It was definitely fuel. I ate it every morning, and I didn't get sick. Success! And yes, they had breakfast takeaway service.
Services and Conveniences:
- 24 Hour front desk.
- Cash withdrawal.
- Daily housekeeping.
- Luggage storage.
- Elevator.
- Laundry Service: I didn't use it, but it was available. This is important.
- Facilities for disabled guests (checked above).
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site] HUGE win! Parking was easy and readily available.
- Smoking area: (for you smokers, I guess!)
The "Meh" (It's Not Always Sunshine and Roses, Folks)
The Pool – (I chickened out):
- Swimming pool [outdoor].
- Pool with view… sort of. It looked… functional. I actually didn't go for a dip. I was a little too afraid of whatever might be growing in there. It looked clean, though.
- I also didn't see a poolside bar (which would have been fantastic). I think the pool area may be the "hidden" part…
The Room Itself – (Comfortable-ish):
- Air conditioning worked. Which, in South Carolina, is a MUST.
- Air conditioning in public area – Definitely good.
- Coffee/tea maker and complimentary tea (in the room!). A small victory.
- Refrigerator: Yeah, a small fridge. Great for water and leftover takeout (which, trust me, you'll want to have in Sumter).
- Desk, Laptop workspace. I was able to actually get some work done.
- Hair dryer: A lifesaver.
- Ironing facilities: Which I didn't use because… well, I'm on vacation.
- Luggage storage: (mentioned above).
- Non-smoking (thank goodness).
- Reading light.
- Shower - it worked.
- Soundproofing, which I didn't really test.
- TV with Satellite/Cable channels.
- Free bottled water (always appreciated).
- Wi-Fi [free] (see above for the Wi-Fi saga).
- Wake-up service.
- Blackout Curtains - a plus if you have light sensitivity.
- Extra long bed– nice and comfy.
- In-room safe box, although I didn't use it.
- Mirror, Closet, Slippers.
- Seating area - for when you're feeling fancy.
- Telephone, so you could actually call the front desk.
- Toiletries, Towels.
- Socket near the bed.
The Ambiance: Let's be honest, this isn't a hotel you'd call "romantic." It's functional. Clean. But not, let's say, "Instagrammable." It’s a little tired, a little… average. But, hey, you get what you pay for.
The "Uh Oh" (Where Things Get Slightly Sketchy… or Hilarious)
- The Food Situation: The "dining" options are… limited. There's no on-site restaurant. There’s a snack bar with very tempting things… I did not test this, because I spent the weekend at the bar. As a result, I did not check if there were any vegetarian options, but I did try the coffee.
- The Surrounding Area: The area is… well, safe. I didn't see anything to be afraid of, but there's not a ton to do within walking distance, which is a bit important.
For the Kids: Babysitting service and kids' facilities are NOT available.
My Final Verdict (The Big Question):
Would I stay here again? Look, it's a budget option. It's not fancy, but it is clean. It's accessible. The staff is friendly. And the free breakfast, while not life-changing, is a perk.
PRO: Clean, accessible, friendly service, free Wi-Fi (when it works), free breakfast, car park.
Cameron, MO Getaway: Unbelievable Deals at SureStay by Best Western!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your meticulously color-coded, perfectly curated travel itinerary. This is more like stumbling through Sumter, South Carolina, fueled by lukewarm coffee and the lingering scent of chlorine from the Super 8 pool. Consider yourselves warned. Here we go…
Operation: Sumter Surprise (Mostly for Me, Okay?)
Day 1: Arrival and the Art of Mild Disappointment (and a Tiny Ray of Hope)
14:00 - Arrival at Super 8 by Wyndham Sumter: Okay, let's be real. The exterior looks… well, exactly like a Super 8. You know the drill. Beige, predictable, and the kind of place where you wouldn't be surprised to find a Gideon's Bible nestled between the remote control and a complimentary notepad. Check-in was a blur of names and room numbers. The woman at the front desk, bless her heart, seemed to have seen a thousand faces, and probably remembered none of them. I swear, I think she said "Welcome. Room 217. Enjoy." without even looking at me. I tried to smile, but I’m not sure it came out. Also, there's a questionable stain near the elevator. Is it… ketchup? Dried blood? The mysteries of the road, folks. Room itself? Eh. Clean-ish. Carpet feels suspiciously like it's seen better decades.
14:30 - Settling In & Reality Check: First thing: assess the air conditioning situation. Crucial. Because, South Carolina. And it’s hot. Thankfully, the AC is a beast. Thank God for small miracles. Second: the bathroom. Always the bathroom. It's functional. And… there’s a slightly cracked tile. I wonder about the stories those cracks could tell. Did they witness a particularly epic shower karaoke session? Or maybe just the slow, steady drip of a leaky faucet? Third: a rummage through the ice machine. I'm determined to find a working ice machine at least. Failure to do so would be a fate worse than… well, a slightly stained carpet, I guess.
15:00 - First Sumter Mission: Finding Food: I had grand plans, a carefully researched list of local eateries. But right now? I’m starving and overwhelmed. Google Maps does the trick. I found a place. It has a nice review. Fingers crossed.
16:00 - The Food Adventure Begins: I found the place! It seems it is one of this town's best! Okay. Well, it was alright. Actually, "alright" is being generous. My burger was… burger-ish. The fries? Soggy. But the sweet tea? Now, that was a revelation. Sweet tea perfection. This almost redeems the entire experience. Almost. Okay. It's great. I'm drinking it.
17:00 - A Drive-By of Sumter's Beauty: I'm getting some perspective, but I'm not sure I can feel it. Just driving around, seeing the main streets. The architecture is pretty to look at while moving. There's something kind of charming about driving by.
18:00 - Staring at the Pool… Debating: The pool. This is a debate. I’m not a pool person. I’m more of an "avoid water at all costs" kind of person. But the heat! And the promise of slightly chlorinated water! The thought is tempting, but I think the hotel may have a roach issue. I'm leaning towards a long, hot shower and a good book instead.
19:00 - The Netflix Plan: I return to the room. There's still a lingering smell of cleaning products, and a definite hint of… something. I really don't want to know. Netflix-and-chill time. And hope the walls don't watch back.
20:00 - Bedtime: I'm ready for tomorrow.
Day 2: The Unexpected Delights and The Crushing Disappointments (and a Whole Lot of Coffee)
07:00 - Rise and Shine (or At Least, Pretend To): Breakfast. Sigh. The promise of free continental breakfast. This likely means stale pastries, sugary cereal, and instant coffee that tastes faintly of disappointment. I brace myself. Because, free is free. This time, there wasn't even decent coffee!
08:00 - Mission: Coffee: I have to find real coffee. Immediately. I go to a coffee shop. I feel like I've entered a different universe. The barista made me a perfect latte. It had a heart! What is this, a sign?! It's very possible.
09:00 - The Swan Lake Gardens: On the list! It took all I had not to sleep. The Swan Lake Gardens are pretty. There are swans, ducks… it’s tranquil, sure, but I think I need a shot of something… something more… I feel… normal.
10:00 - The Sumter County Museum. Why Not? I went to this building that seemed as if it was there since the beginning of time. It smelled like old books and… I could feel my anxiety melting. I wandered the halls, and I felt like I could feel the area's history.
12:00 - Lunch at a Local Cafe. Maybe. I've been wanting to have the kind of lunch I can reminisce about. I got a sandwich. It was good. This is what I needed.
13:00 - More of the City: I stopped by the library. I am going to read. I brought a book. I'm going to sit down and actually enjoy.
14:00 - The Room. The Return. The AC works. That is all that matters.
15:00 - Rest I may or may not have napped.
16:00 - Dinner: I went to a place and tried a new plate. It was okay!
18:00 - Netflix and Chill: See Day 1.
21:00 - Bedtime: I’m surprisingly okay with all that happened.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Smell of… Well, You Know
07:00 - Farewell Breakfast: The same questionable pastries, the same questionable coffee. But this time? I'm strangely nostalgic. I ate it.
08:00 - Packing and Reflecting: Packing is the worst. But, I am okay. Sumter… you were… interesting. You were definitely… Sumter.
09:00 - Check-Out and Goodbye: The woman at the front desk still didn't make eye contact, but she did manage a barely-there smile. I said goodbye, got on my car, and drove off.
10:00 - The Real World: Back home.
Final Thoughts:
Sumter wasn't perfect. It wasn't glamorous. There were moments of pure boredom, moments of mild disgust, and moments of unexpected delight. But, in its own, quirky way, it was… something. And that, my friends, is what makes travel, even the slightly messy, slightly disappointing kind, worthwhile. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go take a shower. And maybe burn those clothes.
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Sumter's BEST Kept Secret: Super 8 By Wyndham - The Unfiltered Truth (and My Crazy Stay)
Okay, spill the beans! Is this Super 8 really a "secret"? And if so, why?
"Secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. It's more like a… well-loved, slightly-rough-around-the-edges diamond in the Sumter rough. Okay, I'll be real. It's not the Ritz. But for the price? And the location? And the… *character*? Seriously, it's a hidden gem. I discovered it purely by accident. My car decided to stage a dramatic engine-malfunction performance just *outside* of Sumter at 2 am. Let me tell you, the breakdown lane of I-95 isn't exactly known for its luxury options. This Super 8 was the closest beacon of hope. And honestly? I've wound up going back, purely because I liked the vibe. It's not polished, but it's real. And in this day and age… that's something.
What's the deal with the "Hidden Perks"? I'm intrigued! Are we talking secret massage therapists and bottomless mimosas?
Hahaha, massage therapists and bottomless mimosas? Honey, this ain't the Four Seasons. The "hidden perks" are... understated, shall we say? Think, the surprisingly strong water pressure in the shower. Or the incredibly friendly, albeit slightly world-weary, staff. Seriously, they're the *best*. One time, I checked in looking like I’d wrestled a bear (long story, involving a poorly-timed flat tire and a stubborn suitcase). The woman at the front desk, bless her heart, just looked at me, sighed sympathetically, and said, "Honey, you need a room on the first floor. And a strong drink." And she was right. That's a perk, people. Knowing you're seen and understood. Also… the mini-fridge. Essential.
Let's get down to brass tacks: the rooms. What can I expect? Cleanliness? Comfort? Ghosts? (Okay, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself…)
Okay, room reality check: It's a Super 8. Expect a decent level of cleanliness. They're not sparkling, sterile hospital rooms, but they generally do a respectable job. Comfort? The beds... are what they are. Not cloud-like, but not torture devices. I've slept *much* worse. The air conditioning? A godsend in Sumter's summer heat. And the ghosts? Hmm… I haven't seen any, but I'm not ruling it out. Old buildings, you know? But honestly, the worst "ghost" I encountered was a particularly loud snorer in the next room. Earplugs. Invest in earplugs. Seriously.
The Breakfast. Tell me *everything* about the breakfast. Is it the standard continental fare of sadness?
Ah, breakfast. The most crucial part of any Super 8 experience. Okay, *brace yourself*. It's... continental. The usual suspects: waffles (often, but not always, cooked to perfection – depends on the day!), sugary cereals (the *good* kind, the ones with the rainbow colours!), toast, bagels (sometimes mysteriously gone by 8:30 am, which is a tragedy). Coffee that's… well, it's coffee. It mostly keeps you alive. But here's the secret key to breakfast success: Lower your expectations. Treat it as fuel, not a culinary adventure. Grab a waffle, douse it in syrup, and focus on the fact that you're *not* paying a fortune for it. And honestly? Sometimes, after a night on the road, a slightly sad waffle is *exactly* what you need. Don't judge me.
You mentioned the staff are the best. Any specific shout-outs? Any crazy stories? (I'm all ears!)
Oh, the staff. They're the heart and soul of this place. There's this one woman, I think her name is Brenda? She always remembers my name, even though I only stay there a few times a year. She’s seen me at my worst (see my previous disaster with the car). And she’s always so incredibly kind. One time, I was having a truly awful day. Lost my wallet. Missed a meeting. Just… a disaster. I went to check in, and I burst into tears. Like, full-on, ugly-cry. Brenda just took one look at me, walked me behind the desk, and gave me a cup of hot tea. No questions asked. Just… kindness. That’s the "hidden perk" that really matters. It’s not fancy, but it’s real. And that alone is worth its weight in gold. So, yeah, Brenda, if you're reading this… thank you. You’re a legend.
Location, location, location! Is it actually conveniently located?
Alright, Let's be straightforward. Sumter isn't exactly known as a major hub. This Super 8? It's conveniently located *relative* to… well, Sumter. It is close to the basics – gas stations, fast food (essential!). It's pretty easy to get to from the highway. But *strategically* located? It depends on what you're doing in Sumter. Looking to explore the finer points of a small South Carolinian town? You can reach the town center by driving. If you're just passing through? Perfect pit stop. If you're expecting a vibrant nightlife scene right outside your door? You're in the wrong place. This isn't about the flashing lights and big city glitz. This is about real life, about a place you can park and rest without breaking the bank. And for that, the location is… perfectly serviceable. You know what I mean?
I'm a budget traveler. Is this place *actually* affordable? Like, truly?
Affordable? Oh, yes. Gloriously, wonderfully affordable. You're not going to find a bargain like this in most places. That's part of the appeal, honestly. It's like a little financial win, you know? "I didn't bleed out my wallet just to get a decent sleep!" It can be a lifesaver when you're on a budget, or when, like me, you have had an engine failure and a very strong aversion to spending a ridiculous amount of money on hotel. I'm not going to lie; the prices are a major, major selling point. I'd rate it an 'A++' on affordability. (And I *never* give out A+'s!)
Okay, so what's the *one* thing you'd change aboutHotel Hide Aways
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