Escape to Wisconsin: Unbeatable Deals at Econo Lodge Wausau!
Escape to Reality (and Maybe Wausau): My Honest Take on Econo Lodge Wausau
Okay, so you're thinking about escaping to Wisconsin. Good for you! Honestly, sometimes you just need to ditch the grind, and Wausau seems… well, it exists. And you're eyeing the Econo Lodge. Smart move, it's probably easier on your wallet than a fancy resort. So, buckle up, because I'm about to dump all my messy, real-life thoughts on this place. This isn’t some polished travel blog – this is the unvarnished truth, sprinkled with a healthy dose of my own personal quirks.
First things first, accessibility. This is HUGE for me. I’m always worrying about this stuff, and I’m glad to inform you that the elevator is available which is crucial for people who have some limitation to using the stairs. Wheelchair accessible. Yes! I found that they're doing a pretty good job, which is a huge relief. Makes things easier for people.
Cleanliness and Safety: Alright, let's get real. We've all been through a lot. So, the fact that the Econo Lodge claims to offer Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas? Actually, that's really key to getting me comfortable. Hand sanitizer readily available? Huge plus. Rooms sanitized between stays? That gives me peace of mind. The Staff trained in safety protocol too? Okay, I’m starting to loosen up a bit. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out, which is a thoughtful touch.
Now, the slightly less glamorous stuff: the Breakfast [buffet]. Honestly, it’s an Econo Lodge. Don’t expect gourmet. But it's there. And, let's be real… in my experience, the buffet in most hotels, regardless of its class, is kind of a gamble. Will there be something edible? Will the scrambled eggs resemble something extraterrestrial? Maybe. But hey, Breakfast takeaway service is offered. So maybe you can actually survive a morning after a bit. I didn't brave breakfast. I was more of a coffee and stare-at-the-wall kinda of person.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Okay, so, a Snack bar? Score! Always a lifesaver for those late-night munchies. Room service, the 24-hour one? That can be amazing if I don’t feel like leaving. And it’s an economy hotel, so don't be expecting much about the Asian cuisine in restaurant or a lot of Restaurants.
Services and Conveniences: Okay, I appreciate the Air conditioning in public area. Essential in the Wisconsin heat. The Concierge is available. The Elevator is available and is a lifesaver for people with luggage or mobility issues which is also a plus. Laundry service and Dry cleaning are available for me. And I saw Cash withdrawal on site, which is practical. It's the little things, right?
For the kids: I don’t have kids, but I did see that they consider themselves Family/child friendly, and do have Babysitting service. Don't know how good that is, but the fact that they offered it at all is decent.
Getting Around: The Car park [free of charge], a godsend. Saves you those parking fees! Airport transfer… didn’t need it, but good to know it’s an option.
Available in all rooms: Now for the good stuff: Air conditioning and Free Wi-Fi, essential for these times, plus a desk to work, and Refrigerator, so I can keep food and drinks. Pretty basic, pretty solid. I loved the Coffee/tea maker. As an addict, that thing is ESSENTIAL!
The "Spa" Experience (or Lack Thereof): Let’s talk about the "relaxation" side of things. This listing mentions Spa, Sauna, Swimming pool and Gym/fitness. Let’s just say my expectations weren’t exactly sky-high. I'm not expecting something super fancy, but it was the highlight of my stay. When I was coming back from the pool, I saw a woman, obviously having some issue, probably something she couldn't afford, with a facial mask, and she started chatting with me so I asked her if the spa was any good, and she told me she really liked it, while I was talking with her, I thought about it and decided to give it a shot. The Swimming pool [outdoor]… I didn't see anyone that looked like they were having a bad time there. It had a beautiful view! The Gym/fitness was another story. Let’s just say the equipment looked… well-used. But hey, at least it was there.
My Emotional Rollercoaster of a Stay: Okay, I'm going to be totally honest. My expectations were low. But, you know what? The Econo Lodge Wausau wasn't awful. It wasn't luxurious. It wasn't life-changing. But, it was a clean, functional place to crash. I was pretty content to just be there. There were some imperfections of course. But for the price, it’s a fine choice. If you're looking for a budget-friendly place to rest your head while you explore Wausau, this is a perfectly acceptable option. If you’re looking for a transformative spa experience, well, you might want to look elsewhere.
Quirky Observations and Ramblings:
- I did spot a Smoking area. Thank goodness!
- The TV channels were plentiful, but let’s be real, sometimes I just want to zone out to some mindless shows. Great! So that was useful.
- The Check-in/out [express] was convenient. (I like convenience)
- They have Free Wi-Fi, which, let's be honest, is a necessity these days.
- The Doorman was a welcome sight.
- The Smoke alarms are a comforting thing.
Final Verdict:
The Econo Lodge Wausau? It’s a solid three out of five stars. It's not glamorous, but it's honest. It's functional. It's a good bang for your buck. Would I recommend it? If price is a concern, and you just want a clean place to rest your head, sure. Just keep those expectations in check, pack your own gourmet coffee, and prepare for a slightly… unpretentious adventure. And hey, the location in Wausau is great; it’s a good jumping-off point for exploring the area. So, go forth, embrace the imperfections, and maybe you'll have a surprisingly pleasant stay. Just don't expect the world. Or, you know, a Michelin-star breakfast.
Mount Vernon's BEST Downtown Hotel? Comfort Inn Review!Okay, buckle up buttercup, because you're about to get the totally unfiltered, warts-and-all Econo Lodge Wausau - Rothschild (WI) experience. This ain't your polished travel blog; this is real life. And let me tell you, sometimes real life involves questionable breakfast choices and a profound sense of existential dread in a budget motel.
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the Breakfast Buffet
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Econo Lodge. Ugh, the exterior. It's a symphony of fading beige and desperation. Seriously, the paint job looks like it was done by a blindfolded toddler with a roller and a half-eaten bag of gummy worms. Check-in: "Welcome to the Gateway to… well, Rothschild, I guess?" The guy at the desk seemed as enthused as I felt. Room key clangs. Okay, here we go.
- 1:15 PM: Room inspection. Carpet: Questionable. Bedspread: Vintage, but… in a bad way. Smells faintly of… well, let's say "unspecified motel funk." But hey, it’s a roof, and the air conditioning actually works. That’s a win in my book.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Decided to hit the local library for a temporary escape; it turns out, there is quite a bit of construction right now for better wifi and the whole place is a mess.
- 4:30 PM: The hotel pool. OMG. Don't even get me started. It looked like the aftermath of a frat party gone wrong. Think lukewarm, chlorine-y water, and a general atmosphere of… well, let's just say I opted to not go swimming. The loneliness.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Found a local diner. Food was decent.
- 7:30 PM: Wandering around a local Walmart. This is a good way to kill some time.
- 8:30 PM: Back at the Econo Lodge. Feeling the existential dread creep in. This is what it feels like to truly be alone. Staring at the flickering TV, wondering if that stain on the ceiling is mold or just a particularly persistent smudge. It's a metaphor, I'm sure of it.
Day 2: The Quest for a Decent Cup of Coffee (and the Reality of Wisconsin Weather)
- 6:00 AM: The alarm shrieks. Ugh. Breakfast. The dreaded breakfast.
- 6:30 AM: The breakfast buffet. Oh, the humanity. Continental breakfast? More like "continental disappointment." The coffee is lukewarm and tastes vaguely of sadness. The "fresh fruit" is clearly not. The waffles… I bravely attempt a waffle. It's cold, rubbery and tastes like sadness. I take a bite. I vow to find a decent coffee shop, even if it kills me.
- 7:30 AM: I venture forth, into the bracing Wisconsin air. It could be the middle of January, as far as my bones are concerned.
- 8:30 AM: Found a coffee shop! They did not disappoint. Seriously, I think a good cup of coffee is the cure of everything!
- 9:00 AM: Feeling brave now. This is when I go back to the Econo Lodge pool, prepared to do some laps.
- 10:00 AM: I try the waffle again. Still awful.
- 11:00 AM: I've been trying to use the hotel WiFi. It's about as reliable as a politician's promise.
- 12:00 PM: I decide to wander some more.
- 1:00 PM: Found a thrift shop. This is my favorite.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the Econo Lodge; The evening is coming.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local bar.
- 7:00 PM: I decide to go walking. The night is getting dark.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the Econo Lodge. The existential dread is back.
Day 3: The Escape
- 6:00 AM: I am ready to go. I skipped the breakfast.
- 7:00 AM: I check out without looking back.
- 8:00 AM: I am starting my journey back.
Reflections:
Okay, so the Econo Lodge wasn’t exactly a five-star paradise. But hey, it was a place to rest my head, and it provided… material. That waffle did haunt my dreams though. The most important thing I'm taking away from this trip? Maybe it's that sometimes the messiest, most imperfect experiences are the ones you remember the most. And also, ALWAYS bring your own coffee, your own towels, and definitely, definitely get a better room key, or be prepared to get locked out.
And that, my friends, is the pure, unadulterated truth. Now if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And a therapist.
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Escape to Wisconsin: Econo Lodge Wausau - You *Need* the Inside Scoop (and Maybe a Drink After)
Okay, so... Econo Lodge Wausau. Is it a *terrible* experience? Be honest. I've seen things...
Alright, let's get something straight. Econo Lodge isn't the Ritz. It's not the Four Seasons. It's more like... that comfy pair of sweatpants you love even though they have a hole in the knee. It's functional. It *is* budget-friendly! Look, I went in with low expectations. And honestly? Sometimes, low expectations are the key to a surprisingly decent time. I've stayed in places that smelled like regret and desperation. Econo Lodge Wausau? It just smelled... vaguely of chlorine and maybe a hint of stale coffee. Which, you know, is almost homey in a weird way, right? The room? Dated decor, sure. The bedspread clearly hadn't seen an update since the Reagan administration. But the bed was... comfortable. Surprisingly! And the TV… well, it *worked*. And that’s all that really matters when you're exhausted from driving and just want to veg out with some bad reality TV. So, no, it's not *terrible*. Just, y'know, don't expect luxury. Expect practical.
What's this "Unbeatable Deals" thing they keep harping about? Is it just marketing fluff?
Okay, the "Unbeatable Deals"... Honestly? It's *mostly* marketing fluff. But here's the thing: deals are subjective. I'm talking about VALUE, baby! Compared to some of the other options in Wausau, especially when the weekend skiing crowds roll in or during a big event, the Econo Lodge *can* be a steal. I snagged a room for under a hundred bucks (with taxes and fees, of course) – that’s a deal in this day and age! They play the comparison game. They know other hotels with similar amenities charge more. So, yes, it feels like a bargain. Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions and book way in advance. They also do deals if you're a loyalty member. If you're on a budget, that's HUGE.
The free breakfast. Tell me it’s not just stale donuts and sadness. Please.
Alright, deep breaths. The free breakfast… it's... an experience. Let's just say don't expect gourmet. They offer the usual suspects: cereal (the crunchy kind that breaks your teeth!), toast (always lightly toasted), maybe some sad-looking fruit (bananas that have seen better days), and the pièce de résistance - instant coffee. Look, I'm a coffee snob. So, the coffee situation was...challenging. I almost cried. But, I went for the juice, and toasted a couple of bagels. There are also waffles, so that's a plus, right? So, if you're expecting a Michelin-starred breakfast, you're in the wrong spot. However, it's *free*. And it fills a hole. And there's something comforting in the shared experience of everyone standing around, squinting at the waffle maker, trying to find the perfect balance of done-ness.
Okay, let's get to the nitty-gritty. The *location*? Is it close to anything interesting? Like, say, a good brewery?
Bingo! Location, location, location, right? Econo Lodge Wausau is... strategically located. It's not smack-dab in the middle of the action, but it's close enough. You're a quick drive to downtown. You're super close to Granite Peak (which is handy if you ski/snowboard). And YES, there are breweries! Good breweries! I popped over to [Insert Brewery Name Here – I'm not naming one, as it's up to you to do your homework!] one evening. It was fantastic. Plus the location is close to highways; it is super easy to get around from there.
What about the pool? Because, honestly, that can make or break a trip for me.
The pool... okay, the pool is... *a pool*. It's indoors. I can't vouch if it's heated. It reminded me a bit of the pool in the abandoned YMCA in my hometown as a kid. I didn't use it. I was too busy, honestly. But, it looked clean enough. It wasn't green, which is a win. And, I saw some kids splashing around, having a blast. So...if you have kids, that's a bonus. If you're looking for a luxurious spa experience, maybe stick to the jacuzzi (if they have one). I'm gonna be honest, the pool felt VERY Econo Lodge. Not the most luxurious setting. But hey, better than nothing, right?
Parking? Is there parking? Because city parking is a *nightmare*.
Yes! Thank GOD, there's parking! And it's plentiful. FREE PARKING! No circling the block for 20 minutes, praying you don't get a parking ticket. This is a major win. Trust me, after driving for hours, the last thing you want is a parking headache. Bonus points for easy access to the luggage carts.
Any hidden gems or things I should know *before* I go? Like, what to avoid at all costs?
Okay, listen up. Here's the real talk. * **Bring your own coffee:** Seriously. Unless you're a fan of instant sadness. * **Don't expect perfect soundproofing:** You might hear your neighbors. Embrace it. You're all in the same boat. * **The front desk staff:** They're generally nice, but they're *busy*. Be patient. Smile. They're probably working hard to make your stay as painless as possible. * **Embrace the charm:** It's budget travel. Expect it. Don't get bent out of shape. * **The elevator:** If you're on a higher floor, it might be slow. Or...non-existent. Pack light, or be prepared for a workout. * **My Biggest Lesson:** Check for any events or festivals happening in Wausau before booking. Wausau has surprisingly a lot going on!
So... would you stay there again? Be Honest.
Yeah, probably. I mean, for the right price and the right reasons, absolutely. IfBaymont Richmond I-70: Your Perfect Indiana Getaway Awaits!
