Escape to South Dakota: Unforgettable Stay at Howard Johnson Oacoma!
Escape to South Dakota: More Than Just a Howard Johnson (Oacoma Review - Raw and Real!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. You're not just getting a review today; you're getting a South Dakota experience, courtesy of that Howard Johnson in Oacoma. Yeah, that Howard Johnson. The one you probably drove past a dozen times on your way to somewhere "better." Well, I'm here to tell you, maybe you were missing something… or maybe not. Let's dive in, shall we?
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First Impressions – The Oacoma Oracle
Finding Oacoma itself is an adventure. It's like, blink and you'll miss it. Seriously, it's a small town, a really small town. And this Howard Johnson? Well, it's right off the highway. That's both good and bad. Good: easy to find. Bad: highway noise. More on that later…
Accessibility – Did I Get Lost in the Cornfield?
Now, I'm not using a wheelchair, but I did take a good look around. Accessibility is… present. The lobby had a ramp (yay!), and elevators are available (double yay!). The facilities for disabled guests seem to be in place. BUT… the hallways felt a little cramped. Like, navigating a small, meandering corn maze… in my mind, anyway. Maybe it's the vastness of the South Dakota landscape influencing my perception. Still, a good start, but maybe not a shining example of modern accessibility.
Cleanliness and Safety – Sanitized and Sort Of… Soulful?
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The anti-viral cleaning products were probably working overtime. They were everywhere. The whole place smelled, well, clean. They were really serious about the whole cleanliness and safety thing, which is reassuring, especially these days. They had hand sanitizer in abundance, daily disinfection in common areas, and a staff trained in safety protocol. I even saw them doing professional-grade sanitizing services – with a gleam of pride in their eyes.
Rooms Sanitized Between Stays? Yep. You could almost FEEL the sterility, which can be a bit… much. I opted out of the room sanitization opt-out available, because, hey, I embraced it. I needed something strong after that car ride. They had smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and safety/security feature, so I felt relatively safe, even if the highway threatened to break through the window.
The Room – Highway Sounds and Blackout Dreams
My room? Standard. Decent. Clean. The non-smoking rooms were a blessing. The blackout curtains were a godsend. I REALLY needed to sleep.
- Available in all rooms: I noticed the standard stuff: Air conditioning, alarm clock, a desk, hair dryer, in-room safe box, ironing facilities (important, because… crumpled shirts), a mini bar (I think?) a refrigerator, a shower, a telephone, towels, Wi-Fi [free] (thank the heavens), and a window that opens.
- Additional details: There was a closet, a coffee/tea maker (needed this!), daily housekeeping (they were thorough!), an extra long bed (appreciated), free bottled water (vital), internet access – wireless (essential), a laptop workspace, non-smoking, a private bathroom, reading light, satellite/cable channels, a seating area, and TV, and, yeah, the highway noise. I'm not a light sleeper, but damn. The soundproofing could use some work.
- The bathroom: Nothing fancy, but functional. You get the usual accoutrements: bathrobes (score!), toiletries, and a mirror for judging your road-trip hair.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Buffet… or the Brave Heart?
Ah, the food. This is where the Howard Johnson experience gets… Oacoma-y. They had breakfast [buffet]. The buffet was… there. Buffet in restaurant: definitely. Breakfast service: definitely included. Let's just say it was not gourmet. It wasn't bad. It was… filling. They had Western breakfast stuff and Asian breakfast stuff (weirdly, but hey, options!). Coffee? You could get it, but it was the kind you chug to stay awake on the road.
- Alternative meal arrangement: I think?
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Probably.
- Bar: Well, technically.
- Coffee shop: In the lobby? Sort of.
- Desserts in restaurant: Yep.
- Poolside bar: Nope.
- Restaurants: One, maybe two.
- Room service [24-hour]: Nope.
- Snack bar: Probably something at the "bar".
- Vegetarian restaurant: Nope.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Yes.
The other dining options in Oacoma? Slim pickings. You're basically at the mercy of the highway and the occasional diner. So, plan accordingly. I grabbed a bottle of water
Things to Do – The Pool! And… Highway Views!
The swimming pool [outdoor] was a definite draw. After a long drive, jumping in the cool water felt amazing. It was clean, well-maintained. The pool with view? Well, it had a view of the parking lot and a sliver of the highway, but let's call it "scenic in its own way".
- Ways to relax: They have a sauna, spa, and gym/fitness.
- Fitness center: They did have a tiny gym, with the usual treadmills and some free weights. Not exactly a state-of-the-art facility, but hey it was something.
- Spa: They offered a massage, and that was great. The masseuse was awesome. It really helped me unwind.
- Steamroom: nope, the steamroom was absent.
Services and Conveniences – The Bare Necessities and a Little Bit More
- Air conditioning in public area: Yep.
- Business facilities: Okay, they had a business facilities (they certainly offered a place to work or set up meetings).
- Cash withdrawal: Yep.
- Concierge: Not really, but the front desk was helpful.
- Contactless check-in/out: Very efficient.
- Convenience store: Nope.
- Currency exchange: Haha, no.
- Daily housekeeping: Definitely.
- Elevator: Check.
- Ironing service: Check.
- Laundry service: They had one.
- Luggage storage: No.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Might be.
- On-site event hosting: Probably.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes.
- Taxi service: Nope.
For the Kids – Or, Is This a Kid-Friendly Hotel?
- Family/child friendly: It's okay for kids.
- Kids facilities: I don't remember any.
- Babysitting service: No.
- Kids meal: Nope.
The Verdict – Embrace the Imperfection!
Look, this Howard Johnson isn't the Ritz. It's not trying to be. However, it's a decent, clean, and SAFE place to crash on a road trip. The staff were friendly, the pool was refreshing, and the blackout curtains saved my sanity. The highway noise was a bummer, but hey, you’re in South Dakota! It's part of the charm (I think).
Would I stay again? Probably. Especially after that massage. Besides, where else are you gonna stay in Oacoma?! Just manage your expectations, pack some earplugs, and embrace the quirky charm of a classic roadside motel. Maybe you'll even make a friend or two. Just watch out for the cornfields!
Hotel Nelligan Montreal: Old Montreal Charm You Won't Forget!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Howard Johnson's by Wyndham Oacoma/Chamberlain, SD, experience. Think less "precision-planned getaway" and more "aimless wanderings with a vaguely defined purpose, questionable snacks, and a growing affection for the slightly stained carpet in the hallway."
Day 1: Arrival, Doubt, and the Mystery of the Swimming Pool
- 1:00 PM – Arrival: The Grand Entrance (and a slight existential crisis). Okay, so, Oacoma. Population: let's be honest, not a whole heck of a lot. The Howard Johnson's, though? A beacon! (Or maybe that was just the sodium-vapor lighting on the sign. Either way, dramatic.) Pulling in, a wave of relief washes over me – I made it. After a grueling (read: slightly boring) five-hour drive. But then… a quick flash of "Why am I here?" Yep, it’s already happening. That, and a sudden need to pee. Priorities, people.
- 1:30 PM – The Check-In Gauntlet. The front desk person appears to be training a new hire. Bless their hearts. It takes an eternity, during which I briefly consider running a marathon around the lobby. Eventually, I get my key, which gives me the unsettling sensation of playing a slot machine with my hotel room. Winner? Hopefully. (Spoiler: the key card reader may or may not have required three attempts to 'catch' for the entire stay. Annoyance level: fluctuating.)
- 2:00 PM – Room Assessment: The Beige Oasis. Okay, so… the room. It's… beige. A lot of beige. Like, a beige-colored ecosystem. But hey, it's clean-ish and it has a… are those two queen beds? Score! (Don't judge, I need space to flail at night.) The view? Mostly parking lot. But, you know what? I've seen worse. WAY worse. A quick inspection reveals a questionable stain on the carpet and the faint aroma of… something. Unidentified, but it's not aggressively unpleasant. Weirdly, it adds character.
- 2:30 PM – The Swimming Pool Situation. (Or, the Unsolved Mystery of the Water Temperature). Okay, so I thought I'd be that chill person, you know, just floating in the pool, writing poetry, living my best life… But the pool! It looked… questionable. The water was a cloudy green - like someone dropped a swamp monster in there. (Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic. Possibly a little bit. Okay, I'm lying. It was still gross.) And the temperature? A frigid 50 degrees, maybe. The kids are screaming, which may be the sound of the apocalypse or the coldness in the water. I think they would be just as happy to wade in the Missouri River. I quickly decide to skip the pool and the poetry. Emotional response: I'm genuinely sad. I love pools. I want to feel bliss and not be cold.
- 3:00 PM – Snack Attack and Procrastination. Gotta keep those energy levels up, right? Raiding the gas station attached to the Howard Johnson. Chips? Check. Candy bar? Double-check. Then, more procrastination and a desperate attempt to write emails.
- 4:00 PM – Pre-Dinner Prep: The Art of the Nap. Naptime. Essential. Set the phone alarm, and close my eyes.
- 6:00 PM – Dinner: The Quest for Edible Sustenance. Finding dinner in Oacoma is an adventure. The options – limited. But! I settle on the… insert restaurant name here. (Let's just say the Yelp reviews were generous.) I mean, it was edible. And the waitress, bless her heart, was trying. She was likely the hardest worker I've ever seen. One of the most positive experiences I've had in years.
- 8:00 PM – Evening Entertainment: The Couch and the Television. Back at the Beige Oasis, because what else is there to do? Channel surfing. Discovering the joys of late-night infomercials. The hotel TV? It feels like the last resort for the dying days of cable television.
Day 2: The Missouri, the Memory, and the Drive
- 7:00 AM – Breakfast: The Continental Struggle. "Continental breakfast" is a generous term. It's more like "the beige buffet of despair." The coffee is… coffee-like. The stale pastries? Well, they could double as building material. The options are limited, but the people are interesting. Old dudes in baseball caps and children running around the hotel lobby.
- 8:00 AM – The Big Missouri. So, this is why I'm in South Dakota. The Missouri River. Dramatic, sweeping views. Picturesque. Maybe a tiny bit underwhelming after the hype. But still, the Missouri is the reason to come to Oacoma.
- 9:00 AM – A Walk on the Edge. I walk/hike along the edge of the water. The wind is strong, and the sky is wide. I can't believe I'm actually enjoying this.
- 10:00 AM – Check Out: The Good, The Bad, and the Beige. Actually, I'm not sure. They're pretty indifferent, which is fine. I want out, and I'll be glad once I'm gone.
- 10:15 AM – The Depart: I am leaving. I am free!
And That's A Wrap!
Look, the Howard Johnson's in Oacoma isn't the Ritz. It's probably not even close. But the experience, that's what matters. And this? Well, this was an experience. It was messy, it was beige, it was imperfect. But it was mine. And sometimes, somewhere along the road, that's more than enough. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe a long shower, to wash away the "beige-ness" of it all.
Zoom into Paradise: Surabaya's Hidden Gem Hotel!
Okay, spill the beans! What's the *real* deal with the Howard Johnson Oacoma? Because let's be honest, "Oacoma" sounds... well, let's start there.
Alright, alright, Oacoma. Sounds like a rejected Star Wars planet, doesn't it? Look, it's a *town*. A small town! Think wind-swept prairies, maybe a tumbleweed or two skittering across the highway (okay, *probably* not, but you get the vibe). Now, the Howard Johnson: it's *the* Howard Johnson. Not the swanky, fancy-pants one, the one you’d maybe road-trip to with the family. It's got character. Like, a lot of character. And if you're looking for an authentic South Dakota experience, this is a good jumping-off point. My first thought? "Huh, they still *make* these?" Then, "Oh! This might actually be *charming*." Spoiler alert: It was. Mostly...
So, the rooms... What’s the vibe? Cleanliness? Comfort? Does it feel like stepping back in time... in a good way?
Okay, rooms. Here's where the charm gets a little... textured. "Stepping back in time" is definitely accurate. Think plush, slightly worn carpets. Remember those old-school TV trays? Maybe. But hey, my room? Clean. Relatively. Okay, it wasn’t clinical, but nothing screamed “serial killer’s lair,” which is a win in my book. The beds? Surprisingly comfortable. I mean, after a day of driving and seeing Mount Rushmore (holy cow, by the way – more on that later), anything would feel good. The air conditioning? Loud. But effective. It felt like a well-loved, slightly-faded hug. It was definitely a more lived-in luxury, rather than a brand new one.
Breakfast! Essential. What's the breakfast situation like at the Howard Johnson? A continental dream or a grab-and-go… nightmare?
Breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. Prepare yourself. It's not gourmet. It's not Michelin-star worthy. But it's *there*. And it's a *good* breakfast. I'm talking the quintessential continental experience: Waffles (make your own!), a sad little selection of pre-packaged muffins, some questionable (but probably fine!) fruit, and… well, coffee. The coffee was, surprisingly, decent. I am a coffee snob, which can make continental breakfasts a pain, but it was drinkable. It wasn't *amazing*, mind you, but it served its purpose: fueling the day's adventures. The waffle machine was… well, it was a waffle machine. I, for some reason, made *two* waffles. I don't know why. I was hungry. They were… fine. This is a solid 7/10 breakfast, good for the price.
The pool. Because, let's be real, a motel pool can make or break a road trip. Is the Howard Johnson Oacoma pool a sparkling oasis or a swamp of despair?
Okay, the pool. This is a crucial question, especially for families. Let’s just say… it's not the *most* glamorous pool, but it was surprisingly clean. It was *crowded*. Like, packed with kids. Like, kids who were clearly having the time of their lives. It was one of those indoor pools with the chlorine smell that hits you the second you walk in. I didn’t *swim* in it, let's get that straight. But I saw people swimming, and they didn’t look like they were being attacked by alligators or anything. It seemed… functional. A place to cool off and, honestly, embrace the chaos of a family road trip. Plus, the noise level was impressively high... but happy. It was definitely a mood. Worth a quick dip for the experience.
Location, location, location! What’s the Howard Johnson Oacoma near? Besides, you know, Oacoma.
The location? Okay, strategically speaking, it's pretty good. Oacoma sits right on the Missouri River and the highway to the Badlands. You're near the bridge to Chamberlain, a cute little town across the river. You're also a reasonable drive from some of the major attractions: Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, the Badlands National Park. Plus, there's a truck stop right next door. You know, for all your beef jerky and questionable coffee needs. It's definitely a good base for exploring a huge swath of South Dakota.
What's the *vibe* of the staff? Friendly? Efficient? Do they know the best spots for a local slice of pie?
The staff! Okay, this is where the Howard Johnson *shines*. They were genuinely lovely. Super friendly. They weren't just going through the motions; they seemed to actually *care*. When I asked about local pie (because, duh, it's South Dakota), the desk clerk practically *beamed* and gave me a detailed rundown of the nearby diners, complete with pie-flavor recommendations. Turns out, the "salty caramel apple" at Wall Drug was a MUST. (Spoiler: it was.) That genuine hospitality? That made the whole experience. It felt like staying with family you actually *like*.
Okay, spill the tea. What's the *one* thing that made your stay memorable (good or bad)?
The *one* thing? Okay, brace yourself. It wasn't the waffles (though, again, I stand by my consumption decisions). It wasn't the slightly temperamental air conditioning. It was… wait for it… the *sunset*. Okay, *I know*. Sounds cheesy. BUT, because of the location, I guess, the highway running next to it, AND the general open-ness of the South Dakota landscape, the sunsets were… *unreal*. Each night, as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in these unbelievable hues of orange, pink, and purple, I'd just… stand there. Outside my room, just *staring*. It was that feeling of pure, unadulterated wonder. It sounds like something you'd see in a movie, but it was truly breathtaking. The first day I was like "Meh, it's fine." The second day, I was mesmerized. The third day? I practically built a shrine to the sun. They are *that* good. I’d go back just for the sunsets. Seriously. Forget the motel pool, pack some snacks, and watch the sunset. It's what makes Howard Johnson Oacoma… special. That, and the pie.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
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