Escape to Wisconsin: Your Cozy Comfort Inn Awaits!
Escape to Wisconsin: My Cozy Comfort Inn… and My Complicated Relationship with Leisure
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your glossy, PR-approved hotel review. This is me, after a weekend trying to "escape to Wisconsin" at, you guessed it, a Comfort Inn. The website promised cozy, and well, they delivered… sort of. Let's dive in, shall we? (Deep breath)
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- Keywords: Wisconsin Hotels, Comfort Inn Review, Accessible Hotels, Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Safety, Family-Friendly, Wisconsin Getaway, Weekend Trip
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Comfort Inn "Escape to Wisconsin." Accessibility, amenities, service – the good, the bad, and the surprisingly indifferent. Find out if this is your perfect Wisconsin getaway!
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Entrance… and My Uncomfortable Shoes
So, pulling up, it’s… a Comfort Inn. You know the drill. Beige, vaguely inviting, and a whole lot of parking spaces. Car park [free of charge], check! This is crucial because I drove. Seriously. Driving is the escape for this city-dweller. I needed the wide open space.
The exterior wasn't exactly screaming "romantic getaway," but I wasn’t expecting a fairytale castle either. Important note: Elevator – blessedly present. This is major because I'm not getting any younger, and those stairs can bite! Facilities for disabled guests mentioned on the site. Let's be honest, this is important. I saw the Check-in/out [express] option, which I bypassed for the good old-fashioned chat with the front desk. (Because I needed to confirm the Wi-Fi Password, of course.)
My First Encounter with Wisconsin Hospitality (and the Lack of a Doorman)
No Doorman. Not a dealbreaker, but I envisioned someone taking my bags. The Front desk [24-hour] was efficient, though. The staff were perfectly pleasant, even if they didn't exactly exude warmth. (Maybe it was the weather. Wisconsin in October is… brisk.) The Contactless check-in/out was an option, but I opted for the human interaction. I’m still old school like that. (And I needed the Wi-Fi code!)
Rooms and Amenities: The Cozy, the Complicated, and the Questionable Decor
The room. Ah, the room. Okay, it was… cozy. Emphasis on cozy, which sometimes feels like "cramped," right? My Non-smoking room smelled… neutral. A win! Air conditioning – essential. Blackout curtains – also essential (because I need my beauty sleep). The Extra long bed was a definite plus because I'm tall! Bathrobes were… absent. (Minor gripe, I know.) Free Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms - Praise be! I needed that internet for Netflix. Internet access – wireless, good stuff!
The Bathroom was… functional. Additional toilet? Nope. The Separate shower/bathtub was a nice touch. Toiletries were the generic hotel variety - no complaints. The toiletries were there. And the shower did its job.
The reading light above the bed was a lifesaver! I needed it to read before sleep. Yes, I am that old.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Disinfection Dance
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: Covid. Rooms sanitized between stays was reassuring. Also, they had Hand sanitizer readily available, and the front desk was shielded with plexiglass. Staff trained in safety protocol. I appreciate the effort, but sigh, the “fear factor” is still present.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast Buffet… a Study in Human Behavior
The Breakfast [buffet]… Ah, the breakfast buffet! A microcosm of humanity. Breakfast service started promptly. I saw Coffee/tea in restaurant, and the Coffee/tea maker in my room was equally useful. Complimentary tea, yay! The Breakfast [buffet] was the usual affair: scrambled eggs that may or may not have been rubbery, lukewarm sausage, and a selection of pastries that hinted at better days. The Buffet in restaurant was organized chaos. People, I swear, were fighting for the waffle maker. (I avoided the waffle maker.) They had Individually-wrapped food options and Safe dining setup. That made me feel better. Still, I missed the joy of a good diner breakfast.
One day, I opted for Breakfast takeaway service to enjoy breakfast in my bed. That was the best solution.
For lunch and dinner, I skipped the Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant to visit the local restaurant.
Ways to Relax: The Spa/Sauna… Mostly Unexplored
The website touted a Spa/sauna, and a Swimming pool [outdoor]! But it was Wisconsin in October. And the sauna was closed. It was a bit disappointing, but I can understand it, given the lingering Covid concerns. Gym/fitness was available, but I didn’t use it. I'm on vacation! The Pool with view… was a pool, plain and simple. I skipped the pool.
(Rambling Moment): This whole "relaxation" thing… I’m just… I don’t know how to fully relax. I'm always analyzing. I'm always looking for the catch. Maybe it's a flaw. Maybe it's a survival mechanism. Either way, I didn't get a Massage. I didn't get a Body scrub. I didn't get a Foot bath. I kind of just… walked around. This is getting too honest now. Back to the review!
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Well, I had a car. The Car park [on-site] was awesome. Car park [free of charge], bless their hearts! So, I escaped. I explored the local area. I saw the fall colors. I ate cheese curds (a Wisconsin must!). This is not because of the location of the hotel!
Services and Conveniences: The Small Print
Daily housekeeping was a nice touch. The Laundry service was an appreciated option, because I didn't want dirty clothes piled up. I didn't need a Dry cleaning service, thankfully. The Concierge, was… not really there. The website stated Invoice provided. But I didn't need that. Didn't mind the Safety deposit boxes, because I appreciate security.
For the Kids (or Those Who Love Noise):
There were Family/child friendly options available, but I don't have kids. Good on them for the Babysitting service. I did see a few families. (More power to them!)
The Verdict: Escape… Achieved?
Look, the Comfort Inn was… fine. It wasn't luxurious. It wasn't perfect. It wasn’t horrible. But it provided a clean, safe place to sleep, with decent internet, and that's really what I needed.
The Good: Clean, reasonably priced, free parking, decent Wi-Fi.
The Bad: Lack of a full spa experience, somewhat generic.
The Quirky: The breakfast buffet drama.
My Recommendation: If you’re looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly place to crash while exploring Wisconsin, this Comfort Inn fits the bill. Just manage your expectations. And maybe bring your own waffle iron. (Just kidding! Mostly.)
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 cheese curds. (Yes, I'm grading on Wisconsin curves.)
Mount Vernon's BEST Downtown Hotel? Comfort Inn Review!Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're planning a trip to Onalaska, Wisconsin, home of…well, the Comfort Inn Onalaska - La Crosse Area. Don't judge! Sometimes you just need a clean bed and a lukewarm waffle, you know? And this itinerary? Consider it less "rigid schedule" and more "highly suggestive roadmap to potential chaos."
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Disappointment, and the Quest for Cheese Curds
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: ARRIVE at the Comfort Inn. Let's be honest, the parking lot looks exactly like you'd expect: beige and populated by minivans and the occasional beat-up pickup. Check-in. The front desk person has that "seen-it-all" look in their eyes – I feel her. Grab the keycard and pray it works the first time.
- Anecdote: Last time I stayed at a Comfort Inn, the elevator sounded like a dying robot. Fingers crossed. And for the love of all that is holy, let the ice machine actually make ice.
- Quirky Observation: The lobby is decorated with generic "travel" art. You know, the kind with perfectly manicured landscapes that probably don't exist in real life. Makes me want to go outside and find some REAL Wisconsin scenery.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Unpack. Contemplate the questionable art on the hotel room walls. I'm sensing a strong "motivational poster" vibe. Resist the urge to rearrange the furniture, mostly because I can't be bothered. But, oh!, that floral comforter screams "grandma's guest room".
- Emotional Reaction: Mild disappointment. It's fine. It's a hotel. The lack of a mini-fridge is a tragedy though. How am I supposed to keep my Spotted Cow chilled?!
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Great Cheese Curd Hunt Begins! Research local restaurants. This is the most important part of the trip. We're talking deep-fried, squeaky, golden perfection. Consider "The Starlite" or "Dublin's Pub". Google Reviews shall be our guide.
- Rambling Thought: Why is it so hard to find truly amazing cheese curds outside of Wisconsin? Is it some kind of sacred rite of passage, guarded by grumpy cheese monks?
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. Hopefully, cheese curd glory. If it's not good, there will be a reckoning. Don't judge me when I'm hangry!
- Opinionated Language: I need the cheese curds. This trip hinges on them. If they're bad, I'm leaving a one-star review, and I'm not afraid to use it!
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Explore Onalaska. Maybe a walk around the lake. Or maybe just collapse in the hotel room and watch TV. Don't worry, both are acceptable.
- Imperfection: I'm probably already tired even though I feel I haven't done anything yet. Jet lag is a sneaky beast.
- 9:00 PM: Attempt to sleep.
Day 2: Sights Unknown, Unlikely Adventures, and the Search for Happiness
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Complimentary Continental Breakfast. Brace yourself for the buffet – the battlefield of lukewarm eggs and suspicious fruit. Load up on coffee and try to avoid eye contact with the other weary travelers. (It's always fun to imagine everyone's reasons for being here.)
- Emotional Reaction: The lukewarm eggs are a personal affront. But I soldier on. Gotta fuel the adventure, even if that adventure is just getting from the waffle maker to my seat.
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Decide what to do. Explore La Crosse? Drive along the Great River Road? Or just sit by the pool, if they have one? This is the free-wheeling part. It depends on the weather and my mood.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Okay, the weather report says… sunny! YES! We can hit the road and do some sightseeing! But the idea of just flopping by the pool… sounds pretty good too, and there's no judgment here. Okay, new plan: Sightsee first then flopping, or the other way around… hmm… I need more coffee!
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Riverboat Cruise Fiasco. We are going to do this! Even if it's cheesy (no pun intended). It is a cheesy cruise, and as a solo traveler, I'm likely to be the awkward person on board.
- Doubling Down: Okay, I'm in. I'll embrace the cheese. I'll embrace the slow pace. I'll even try to learn a little something about the river. I'm imagining myself staring at the beauty while all the oldies stare at me staring at the beauty. I must make it count! I think I need a pre cruise drink…
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Something quick, simple, and preferably without the word "buffet" in its description.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Post-cruise relaxation and reflection. Maybe a nap. Maybe some online shopping. Anything goes.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: More exploration. Depending on how energetic I feel, maybe a local brewery or a hike. Definitely more cheese-related possibilities.
- Quirky Observation: I have a sneaking suspicion that every single town in Wisconsin has at least three cheese shops. I am down for this challenge.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner, somewhere new. The quest for cheese curd perfection continues.
- 7:00 PM - late: Sleep. Or stare at the ceiling and contemplate the meaning of life… again.
Day 3: Departure, Sadness, and the Pledge to Return
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Another round of the continental breakfast gauntlet. Try not to dwell on the fact that you're leaving.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Pack. Double-check for forgotten chargers, sunglasses, and any cheese curds that may have been smuggled out of the state.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Check out. Say a silent goodbye to the lukewarm waffle maker.
- 10:00 AM - onwards: Depart. Drive home, already missing the squeaky cheese.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Leaving is tough. The Comfort Inn was… a place to sleep. But Wisconsin? Wisconsin, I will be back. Those cheese curds won my heart.
- Messier Structure: Okay, I might have skipped a few things. I might have rambled. I might have gotten distracted by the thought of cheese. But that's life, right? It's messy and imperfect, just like this itinerary. And that's what makes it fun!
Escape to Wisconsin: Your Cozy Comfort Inn Awaits! (Or Maybe Not...) - An FAQ You *Actually* Want to Read
Okay, so "Cozy Comfort Inn" sounds, well, *cozy*. What's the *actual* vibe? Think crackling fireplace and flannel pajamas?
Alright, let's be real. "Cozy" and "Comfort Inn" are often... aspirational. I'm not saying it's a *lie*, but, the 'cozy' factor could be heavily dependent on the room. My first experience? Let’s just say the wallpaper seemed to have a personal relationship with the 1980s and the "fireplace" was most certainly a picture *of* a fireplace on the television. Think more airport hotel with a slight Wisconsin accent. Still, you know, some of them? They are surprisingly okay. Maybe a bit of a lived-in kind of cozy, not a magazine spread cozy. You know?
The free breakfast… is it really *free*? And is it edible? Asking for a friend... (who is me).
The *holy grail* of budget travel: free breakfast. And yes, technically, it's free. But "free" can be a very subjective term. Let's break this down. Expect the usual suspects: wilted, suspect looking fruit, stale-ish pastries, pre-packaged muffins that seem impervious to the laws of nature (how ARE they still soft?!), and a waffle maker that’s either perfect or possessed (there is no in between). The coffee? Ah, the coffee. It *exists*. I’ve had some truly horrifying coffee experiences, let’s just say. My personal strategy? Load up on the carbs. And maybe bring your own instant oatmeal packets. You've been warned. And, yeah, totally eatable. Unless you only eat from Michelin star restaurants. In which case, what are you even doing at a Comfort Inn?!
Tell me about the location! Are we talking scenic vistas or a parking lot view?
Location, location, location. It's a lottery, honestly. Some Comfort Inns? BOOM! Prime real estate. Overlooking a lake, minutes from a charming downtown, a view of a park, you get the idea. Others? Well...you might be staring at a gas station, a highway, or another Comfort Inn. (Seriously, they seem to breed). Check the map carefully. Read reviews. Look at *pictures* of the view. Don't be afraid to call and ask. And if the answer is vague, maybe...just maybe...book somewhere else. Once, I stayed in a Comfort Inn that was literally *behind* a strip mall. The view was a dumpster and the back of a Dollar General. That’s a level of realism I wasn't prepared for. It was... an experience.
What about the pool? Is it a glistening oasis of relaxation, or a breeding ground for questionable bacteria?
The swimming pool... ah, the pool. This is a gamble. You're playing Russian roulette with chlorine. Sometimes, it's glorious. Clear water, a decent temperature, and maybe even a jacuzzi! (Bless those hot tubs). Other times...well, let's just say I've seen murky waters and suspicious odors. I've actually *seen* a kid fall in, and emerge looking like he was growing moss. My advice? Check the pool hours. Look at the surface before you dive in (figuratively and, you know, literally). *Smell* the air. Trust your gut. If your gut says "nuclear waste," maybe skip the swim. Actually, scratch that. If your gut even whiffs of vaguely chlorine, skip the swim. I once saw...okay I'll stop. You get the picture.
Is there Wi-Fi? And is it actually usable for anything besides checking email?
Wi-Fi. The modern traveler's lifeline. Yes. There *is* Wi-Fi. The question is...how good is it? It varies wildly. Sometimes, it's blazing fast, and you can stream movies and download entire seasons of your favorite shows. *Miracle*. Other times? It's slower than dial-up. You'll be lucky to load a simple webpage. I've spent an hour just trying to send an email. Plan accordingly. Download your entertainment beforehand. Bring a book. Embrace the enforced digital detox. Or, you know, complain loudly to the front desk. It's your choice. I once tried to upload a photo. It took fifteen minutes to upload a picture of my *face*. What is this, 2002?!
Pet Policy? My furry friend is part of the family!
Ah, the pet question! Many Comfort Inns are pet-friendly, which is *amazing*. However, always, *always*, double-check with the specific location when you book. Pet policies can vary. There might be breed restrictions, weight limits, and extra fees. And, you know, be a responsible pet owner! Clean up after your furry friend. Don't let them bark all night. Think of your fellow guests. I'm a pet person myself, but even *I* get annoyed when someone's dog is staging an opera in the hallway at 3 AM. Just, you know, be courteous, people. Please.
The noise levels... Is it a peaceful retreat, or a symphony of slamming doors and screaming children?
Noise. Oh, the noise! It's a gamble. Walls are thin. You're at the mercy of your neighbors. You might get a family with a newborn, a wedding party, or a group of teenagers on a field trip. Maybe all three! I've lived through it all. Slamming doors? Guaranteed. Loud TVs? Yep. Footsteps overhead that sound like a herd of elephants? Absolutely. My personal strategy is to bring earplugs and embrace the chaos. (Okay, also maybe a noise-canceling app on my phone). And *NEVER* book a room near the elevator or the ice machine. Trust me on this. The temptation to get ice at 3 AM? It's stronger than you think. My worse experience? I won't go into the details, but it involved a mariachi band and a very enthusiastic group of karaoke singers. And it wasn't even the weekend.
Okay, so the worst experience... what's the *absolute* worst thing that could happen? Give it to me straight.
Alright, let's get real. The *absolute* worst? It's not the stale pastries, the questionable pool water, or even the mariachi band. The worst is the *inevitable* feeling of... well, *letdown*. The expectation versus the reality. You go in hoping for a relaxing escape, and you get... a slightly-above-average hotel experience. It's notMalvern's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You!
