Salida's BEST Kept Secret: Comfort Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Salida's "BEST Kept Secret" (Okay, Maybe Not Anymore) - Comfort Inn Review: Buckle Up, Buttercups!
Okay, folks, let's get real. I just got back from Salida, Colorado. Majestic mountains, rushing rivers, ALL the outdoorsy goodness. And, after a long day of hiking (more like stumbling) and staring at the scenery (amazing, btw), I needed a place to crash. Enter: Comfort Inn. Now, the name doesn't exactly scream "luxury getaway," but I'm here to tell you, this place…was actually pretty darn good. And I'm a tough critic, trust me.
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- Keywords: Salida Hotel Review, Comfort Inn Salida, Affordable Lodging Colorado, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi Hotel, Salida CO, Mountain View Hotel, Family Friendly Hotel, Clean Hotel Salida, Best Value Salida, [Insert Specific Amenities Like Pool, Breakfast]
- Meta Description: Honest review of the Comfort Inn in Salida, CO. Find out if it lives up to the hype (and the mountain views!). Details on accessibility, amenities, cleanliness and MORE! Is this Salida's BEST Kept Secret?
(Alright, back to the messy, human, and slightly sarcastic review…)
First off, let's address the elephant in the room: Accessibility. HUGE thumbs up here. The wheelchair accessibility was on point. Wide doorways, ramps, grab bars… they've thought of it all. Made me feel kinda good, even though I wasn't personally using a wheelchair. Just seeing it done right is a win. They've got Facilities for disabled guests, which is a HUGE plus. Accessibility is beyond important, it's just essential, and I'm REALLY happy they got this right.
**(Stream-of-consciousness moment: Thinking back, the whole check-in process felt…easy. Like, ridiculously so. **Check-in/out [express]? They nailed it. Barely had to wait. Didn't have to dig for my license in the depths of that abyss I call a purse. Total win.)
Rooms & the Nitty Gritty:
My room? Surprisingly comfortable. The air conditioning was a godsend after a hot day! Non-smoking rooms obviously, and they were, in fact, smoke-free. Blackout curtains? Yes! Slept like a log (or, you know, as much as one can with the anticipation of the next day's adventures). They had free Wi-Fi, which worked without a hitch. Crucial. Wi-Fi [free] in the room, Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN. They covered all the bases. More importantly, they had a desk and laptop workspace. I didn't need it for work (whew!) but it's handy. The bed was a solid, comfy, standard hotel bed. Not the most luxurious thing I've ever slept on, but hey, I wasn't expecting a cloud. Daily housekeeping? Yep. Clean towels, fresh sheets every day. Standard, but appreciated. The shower was good. The hair dryer did its job. Essential. The toiletries? Surprisingly decent. Not the cheap, generic stuff! Score.
**(Minor gripe: The *closet* was a little small. But hey, I wasn't exactly traveling light. And, they had an ironing facilities, which is always handy. But who irons on holiday?)**
Cleanliness & Safety…In a Post-Pandemic World
Okay, this is where Comfort Inn really shines. With everything going on in the world, I am a nervous nelly when it comes to germs. They had a legit commitment to cleanliness. Professional-grade sanitizing services were evident. Signs everywhere about their commitment to safety, and I saw staff cleaning everything. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. They even had Rooms sanitized between stays! This isn't just a PR stunt; I could feel the cleanliness. The anti-viral cleaning products were a bonus. There was also a Safe dining setup. And, though I didn't use it, they had a Doctor/nurse on call. Felt safe and honestly, really appreciated that. Staff trained in safety protocol, which is important.
Dining, Drinking, and (Attempting) to Relax:
Now, the breakfast [buffet]. This is where things get interesting. It wasn't gourmet, but it was plentiful! They had the usual suspects: Western breakfast, eggs, bacon, pastries, yogurt, cereal. Coffee was decent (thank goodness!). They also had Breakfast takeaway service, which I used one day to go explore. While I didn't eat at the Asian cuisine in restaurant, or the vegetarian restaurant, or any of restaurants, there were several restaurants at the hotel. Not that I needed them. There was also a coffee shop, and a snack bar, for on-the-go types. I didn't see any Happy hour, but hey, maybe I missed it! The Poolside bar was a nice idea even though it was closed because of weather. They even had, wait for it…breakfast in room! Pretty fancy for a Comfort Inn.
**(Major emotional reaction moment: The POOL! Okay, maybe not actually a major emotional reaction, but I was REALLY looking forward to the swimming pool. After all the hiking! Unfortunately, the *swimming pool [outdoor]* was closed. But they had a Pool with view (that I couldn't experience). I am extremely disappointed. But at least the view was there.)**
(Okay, okay, back to the good stuff…)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax:
They have a Fitness center! I didn't use it (see: aforementioned hiking), but it was there. Good for those of you who are more disciplined than I am. Gym/fitness is a plus. Sadly, no Spa which would have been amazing after a long day of hiking. Again I was disappointed. They had a Sauna, and a Steamroom, so that was an upside.
*Services & Conveniences:
The Front desk was literally at the front. Front desk [24-hour]. Very helpful. They have a Concierge, and I'm telling you, these guys knew their stuff! Daily housekeeping. Laundry service! Cash withdrawal available. Cashless payment service available! Food delivery? You betcha! They even had a Gift/souvenir shop. The people at the Concierge were helpful, and so were the people who were Staff trained in safety protocol. This is a well-run place.
For the Kids:
Family/child friendly. No kids of my own, but I saw a few families, and they all seemed happy!
The Verdict:
Look, it's a Comfort Inn. It's not the Four Seasons. But for the price, the location, the cleanliness, and the overall experience, it exceeded my expectations. Would I stay there again? Absolutely. Especially if they fix that swimming pool. I'm giving this one a solid 4 out of 5 stars. And yes, Salida, I’ll be back.
(P.S. This is NOT a sponsored post. Just a genuinely happy customer!)
Escape to Comfort Inn Okemos: Your Lansing Getaway Awaits!Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel diary. This is Salida, Colorado, through the cracked lens of yours truly – and it's gonna be a wild ride. Comfort Inn, prepare yourself… you've been warned.
Day 1: Arrival, Disappointment, and a River Runs Through It (Eventually)
- 14:00 - Arrival, and a Sigh That Could Power a Small City: Okay, so, the Comfort Inn. Let's be honest, it's… functional. Picture this: I pull up, wind whipped my hair into a delightful bird’s nest (a look, trust me), expecting… well, adventure. Instead, I got beige. Beige carpet, beige walls, beige… everything. My inner drama queen screamed. But hey, at least the bed looked comfy, and after a six-hour drive, that's practically a love letter.
- Rambling Moment: Why is it always the Comfort Inns? It’s like, the travel gods just know I’m a sucker for a good bargain and a vaguely disappointing experience. This could be the start of a great underdog story!
- 15:00 - The Pre-Whitewater Debrief (and Questionable Snacks): I had BIG plans. Whitewater rafting! The Arkansas River! Glory! But first, gotta sort out all the gear. Turns out, "pack light" is a lie. The guide company, Rocky Mountain Adventures, had me sign about a dozen forms (felt like I was signing my life away), and then, oh the gear! Wetsuits that could rival medieval armor, helmets that squished my already compromised hair volume, and life jackets that made me question whether I could actually move. The snacks… well, let's just say I raided the Comfort Inn lobby’s "complimentary" selection. (You know, the one with the rock-hard granola bars. Delightful.)
- 16:00 - The "River Runs Through It" Vibe (Mostly, I'm Just Cold): Okay, the river! This is where the magic was supposed to happen. Sun glistening, spray, triumphant roars… and what I got was mostly cold. Bloody freezing. We started slow – a gentle float. But then came the rapids. Holy moly. My guide, bless his soul, kept yelling, “Paddle! Paddle!” My arms felt like lead. My face was a kaleidoscope of terror/amusement. Did I mention the water was COLD?! I swallowed a chunk of river, which tasted like… well, a river. Still, I found some moments of pure joy, a fleeting glimpse of what everyone raves about. That whole thing. The roar of the water, the feeling of power/powerlessness, the actual beauty of the landscape.
- 18:00 - Post-Rafting Hangry-ness and a Quest for Beer: Soaked, shivering, and ravenous, I stumbled back to base. The Rocky Mountain Adventures provided hot chocolate. But the only hot chocolate that ever hits the spot is the one you make yourself with REAL chocolate, or a thick, creamy salted chocolate, or the one in your head with all your favorite childhood memories. Post-rafting is a unique kind of hangry - "I need an entire animal, and something to drink. And fast". This led me on a desperate expedition for sustenance. Moonlight Pizza and Brews was the answer. The pizza was… edible. The beer, however, was golden nectar. It warmed my soul (and my bones). I ate until I could no longer think about the cold river or the hard granola bar.
Day 2: Art, Elevation, and the Mystery of the Missing Socks
- 08:00 - The Comfort Inn Breakfast… a Horror Show: You know the drill. The same sad, plastic-wrapped muffins, lukewarm coffee, and a waffle maker that may or may not have been harboring a tiny colony of dust bunnies. I opted for sadness. This is when the true reality of your situation sinks in, and you know you are away from the comfort of your own home, and all it offers.
- 09:00 - Art Exploration (and a Sudden Urge to Shop): Salida is supposedly an artsy town, so I hopped on a mission. The Salida SteamPlant Event Center was the first stop. It's a beautifully renovated building with a rotating gallery of exhibitions. The art was… eclectic. One piece made me cry, the next one was just plain odd. I found a painting I loved – gorgeous, vibrant landscapes. Naturally, I couldn't afford it. But, of course, I needed to get closer to the painting, and then it was time to shop.
- Quirky Observation: I have a serious problem with not buying things. This is a good place for it, because I can't remember the last time I saw so many tempting shops. I needed a new hat. No, wait, I needed to re-emerge as someone else entirely with a new wardrobe, and all kinds of cute things. The world is a beautiful, shiny, exciting place!
- 11:00 - The Elevation's Got Me (Again): Salida sits at a decent altitude. I figured since I was acclimatized, I'd be fine. Nope. Stair climbing started to feel like scaling Everest. My lungs wanted to revolt, every step, breathing was hard.
- 12:00 - Lunch and a Revelation: More questing for lunch! Bistro Rialto was a charming find. I was there for the patio, the sun, and a very-needed lunch. The food was amazing. I had a burger, which was delicious. And, for a brief, beautiful moment, I thought: "maybe this is enough". Maybe the trip wasn’t a disaster. Maybe… maybe Colorado was okay.
- 14:00 - The Mystery of the Missing Sock (and the Importance of Laundromats): This is where things got messy. I’d been doing laundry. I checked everything. Where did it go? I have no idea. It’s a mystery for the ages. After a solid hour of rummaging through my bags, I gave up. The laundromat was… intense. I have a newfound respect for those who handle the art of communal washing.
- 16:00 - The (Attempted) Hike: I tried to hike a tiny, baby trail. I started going up the trail and the altitude just kicked in again. I ended up turning around. My ego was bruised.
- 18:00 - Dinner with a View (and a Heavy Heart): I ended up at a restaurant with a terrace. The food was good. The view was excellent. But I kept thinking about that one missing sock. It's silly, I know, but it felt symbolic of… something. Unfinished business? A lost part of me? (Okay, I'm being melodramatic.) This is the part of the trip I realized that the trip wasn't going to be an easy ride. I was looking for something, but I did not know what.
Day 3: Farewell, Salida–Or, The One Where I Learned Something
- 07:00 - The Sad Departure: Woke up. Had the sad Comfort Inn breakfast. Loaded the car. Beige. Beige. Beige. Headed for the road hoping for something different.
- 08:00 - The Drive, the Thinking, and the Epiphany (Maybe): As I did the driving, I thought. My brain was turning over all kinds of things, and it was just so good to be in the zone of thinking on my own. As I driving, I came to the conclusion that the trip was for me.
- 10:00 - Back to Reality The drive home was long, as always. You think I was just going to come and be done? Nope. Life's not like that, thank God. But, I'm glad I went.
Okay, so Salida wasn't perfect. I didn't conquer the world. I came, I saw, I got cold, I ate questionable snacks, and I lost a sock. But, for all its imperfections, the trip did something to me, I grew up a little.
I'm on the road more than I plan on, and that's just the way it is! Next time, I'm bringing extra socks (and maybe a better attitude). Until then, stay salty, friends. And to the Comfort Inn, please, please consider a fresh coat of paint. And maybe, just maybe, some decent coffee.
Newport's Hidden Gem: Comfort Inn's Unbeatable Deals!
Salida's BEST Kept Secret: Comfort Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - FAQ That's Actually Real
Okay, Seriously, Is This Place *Actually* Good? The Hype is Real or Just a Lie?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. The Comfort Inn in Salida? It’s a goddamn *mystery*. I went in expecting… well, *Comfort Inn*. You know? Bland. Functional. A place to crash and then run.
Let me tell you, I nearly choked on my complimentary continental breakfast (which, by the way, WAS pretty good. Decent bagels, not the rock-hard kind. Points!). Because here's the deal: *IT'S ACTUALLY REALLY GOOD.* I'm talking, surprised-me-to-my-core-level good. Look, I travel constantly, I've seen it all - from budget-friendly hostels to luxury suites. This place just... hits different.
But… The Location? Is it Actually Convenient or Am I Going to Be Trapped in a Hotel Wasteland?
Location, location, location, right? Well, the Comfort Inn in Salida nailed it. It's practically *in* the heart of the action. You can walk to restaurants (Moonlight Pizza? Freaking amazing!), breweries, the river… I didn’t even *need* to use my car that much. That alone is worth GOLD to me. Parking was surprisingly easy. No circling the block for an hour, which is a miracle when you're already hangry from a day of hiking.
Okay, okay, it's not *right* on the main drag, but honestly, that's a plus. It's quiet. No late-night carousing keeping you awake. Plus, the views of the mountains from my room? Breathtaking. Seriously. I sat there with a coffee and just… gawked. Okay, maybe I shed a single tear of appreciation. Don't judge me.
The Rooms... The Rooms! Clean? Smelly? What's the Deal?
Okay, *here's* where I was expecting to find the cracks in the facade. You know? The classic Comfort Inn letdown. But... nope. My room was CLEAN. Like, REALLY clean. No suspicious stains on the carpet, no questionable smells. Fresh sheets, fluffy pillows... I actually had a *good* night's sleep.
The bathroom was spotless too. Now, I am a shower snob. I *hate* weak water pressure. And god, did this hotel deliver on water pressure. Like, seriously, my shower was practically a spa experience. (I can't emphasize enough how good the shower was. I’m judging all showers now based on this one. It was a life-altering experience.) The only imperfections: the air conditioning unit was a little noisy and the decor? A bit... dated. But honestly? I didn't *care*. This isn't a fancy hotel; it's a *comfortable* one, and that's all I need sometimes.
The Breakfast...Was it the Usual Horrorshow?
Breakfast. Ah, the land of suspicious pre-packaged pastries and lukewarm coffee. I went in bracing myself. The first thing I saw was the waffle maker, and my expectations plummeted. But, the bagels were actually soft unlike other hotels. They had eggs, which, again, not a common treat in complimentary breakfasts. I actually enjoyed it. Not gourmet, mind you. It's the kind of breakfast that you eat and don't hate. A feat of its own.
Listen, I'm not saying it's a Michelin-starred breakfast festival. But it *was* decent. And sometimes, decent is all you need. Plus, the coffee was fresh. Crucial. Absolutely crucial. A good cup of coffee can make or break a morning, and they nailed it.
Any Hidden Fees or Annoying Surprises? Gotta Watch Out for Those!
Okay, this is where I brace myself for the inevitable. The fine print. The hidden charges. But... surprisingly, no. The price I booked was the price I paid. No resort fees (thank GOD). No surprise charges for parking (a HUGE win). They had a pool and a hot tub but I didn't have time to try it. But honestly, just the fact that they are there is a perk.
The staff was super friendly and helpful. One of the women at the front desk gave me some GREAT recommendations for hikes. And they were spot on. I even asked for extra towels, and they delivered them with a smile. Seriously, some of the best customer service I've encountered recently. It's the little things, you know?
Okay, Fine. But What About the Downside? There's *Got* to Be One, Right?
Alright, you got me. Nothing's perfect. Here's a few hiccups. The air conditioning unit in my room was a little loud. And the decor? Let's just say it wouldn't win any design awards. It's a bit... dated. Sort of generic Comfort Inn-y. But the important things that matters are all covered.
But honestly? That's it. I'm grasping at straws here. I'm being nitpicky. For the price, the location, the cleanliness, and the general *vibe* of the place? It's a steal. The wifi was a little slow at times, but honestly that didn't bother me. I prefer to disconnect on vacation.
So, Should I Book This Place or What? Give Me the Verdict!
Okay, *here's* the moment of truth. Do I recommend the Comfort Inn in Salida?
ABSOLUTELY. Without hesitation. Book it. Right now. Before it gets too popular and the prices go up. Seriously. I might even go back next weekend. (Don't tell anyone.) It's the little engine that could of hotels. It might not be fancy, or trendy, but it's comfortable, clean, well-located, and honestly… a little bit magical. Go. Experience it. And then thank me later. You won't regret it! I'm still dreaming about that shower...
