Eagan's BEST Kept Secret: Country Inn & Suites Unveiled!
Eagan's BEST Kept Secret: Country Inn & Suites Unveiled! (Spoiler Alert: It's Actually Pretty Good!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Eagan's alleged "BEST Kept Secret": Country Inn & Suites. And let me tell you, sometimes the best secrets… aren't actually that secret. But hey, that doesn't mean it's not worth a look!
First off, let's be real. We're talking Eagan, Minnesota. It's not exactly Monaco. So, expectations need to be tempered. This isn't the Four Seasons. But, for what it is, Country Inn & Suites actually surprised me. I went in with a weary sigh and left… well, feeling reasonably relaxed.
Accessibility & Safety: My Inner Granny is Thrilled!
Right off the bat, kudos. Wheelchair accessible is a big win! And it's not just lip service. I saw ramps, elevators, and generally easy navigation. They go all out even though they aren't a five-star hotel. This got a major thumbs up from my… ahem… more "seasoned" traveling companions. Plus, the facilities for disabled guests seemed well thought out.
The safety stuff? Yeah, they're on it. CCTV everywhere (inside and out – a bit overkill, maybe?). Fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and 24-hour security make a weary traveler sleep a little easier. Oh, and the daily disinfection thing? Totally noticed it! They're not messing around, and I appreciate that. Hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE.
Cleanliness and Safety: Seriously, Germaphobes, Rejoice!
This is where Country Inn & Suites really shines in the current climate. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Double-check. Professional-grade sanitizing services? You betcha. Honestly, I almost felt guilty leaving a trace. They even had these little stickers on the door to show my room had been properly cleaned, as if it was a big deal. I'm almost certain my room's door never had one of those.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventures (Or Just the Sleepy Naps!)
Now, the dining situation is… well, it's Country Inn & Suites. Don't expect Michelin stars. But the breakfast buffet is decent. I mean, they had waffles! And for me, that's like winning the lottery. I’m a sucker for a waffle. The buffet in restaurant is decent, and the coffee/tea in restaurant is a lifesaver. Yes. coffee. The most important thing, I think. I also got a small bottle of water.
They have a snack bar, which is clutch for late-night munchies. A bar for when you're feeling like something stronger. And, if you're really feeling lazy, room service [24-hour] is a godsend. Although, let's be honest, the menu is pretty limited.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: More Than Just a Place to Crash!
Okay, okay, I'm not gonna lie, the Swimming pool [outdoor] was closed. Dammit. But the fitness center was actually pretty decent. I mean, I didn’t actually use it (priorities, people!), but it looked clean and well-equipped. I am unsure about the view.
This hotel is great place to destress. The Spa/sauna will get you relaxed. The Steamroom is great.
Rooms & Amenities: Comfy Enough!
The rooms themselves… are fine. Air conditioning is a must, obviously. Free Wi-Fi is another must. And the Wi-Fi in public areas is good. The desk was functional, the desk lamp good for reading, the bed was comfy enough, the blackout curtains were a lifesaver (hello, sleep!), and the shower had decent water pressure. They even have slippers, which is a small touch that made my feet feel luxurious. And they had some extra tea bags, which I will never say no to. These small details are really the best.
The TV had all the usual suspects (hello, Netflix binging!), and the refrigerator was perfect for stashing leftovers (or, you know, that emergency bottle of wine). I wasn't a fan of the carpet, but it was clean. I did find one small issue… there was no ice machine on my floor, which was annoying.
Services & Conveniences: They Got You Covered
They offer airport transfer, which is a great option. Daily housekeeping is a lifesaver, especially after a long day of… well, whatever you do in Eagan. The concierge was friendly and helpful. The on-site event hosting is available, if you're the event-hosting type. My room has all sorts of useful features. The rooms has air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, desk, free bottled water, hair dryer, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, mini bar, private bathroom, refrigerator.
The Quirks, the Good, and the Meh:
- The Breakfast: Okay, I already mentioned the waffles. They were good. But the rest of the buffet? Meh. It's fine. But not groundbreaking. Just okay.
- Internet: As mentioned before there is Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a great feature.
- The Location: Eagan is… Eagan. It's convenient to the airport, but you're not exactly surrounded by excitement. So, plan accordingly. But there are a lots of restaurants around the area.
- The Staff: Generally, the staff was friendly and helpful. A couple of minor slip-ups (like the ice machine situation), but nothing that ruined my stay.
Final Verdict: Should You Book?
Listen, this isn't the most glamorous hotel on Earth. But for a comfortable, clean, and moderately priced stay in Eagan, Minnesota, Country Inn & Suites is a solid choice. Especially if you need a secure, accessible stay. They're making a real effort to provide a safe and pleasant experience.
Here's my personal offer for you:
Escape to Eagan with Peace of Mind!
Book your stay at Country Inn & Suites in Eagan and receive:
- Guaranteed Cleanliness: Enjoy rooms meticulously sanitized with professional-grade products.
- Stay Safe and Accessible: Enjoy the peace of mind with 24-hour service and security
- The Most Important Thing, of course: Enjoy the delicious breakfast waffles (trust me, you'll crave them!).
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected, work remotely, or binge-watch your favorite shows.
- Book direct and use code "EAGANESCAPE" at checkout to get 15% off your stay plus a complimentary upgrade, subject to availability!
This offer is limited, so book your Eagan escape today!
Click Here to Book Your Stay! (I'd add a real link here, but… you know.)
Okay, I'm done. Go forth, and conquer Eagan! And bring me back a waffle.
Shepparton's BEST Country Getaway: Country Home Motor Inn!Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this itinerary isn't your perfectly-pruned travel brochure. This is real life. This is… Eagan, Minnesota. And this is my attempt at navigating the labyrinthine halls of a Country Inn & Suites. Wish me luck.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for the Pool (and Sanity)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival. The Check-In Gauntlet. Oh god. The lobby. It's… beige. So much beige. I swear, I saw a beige potted plant. Anyway, I’m here. I fumble with my phone, trying (and failing) to find the online check-in code. The receptionist, bless her heart, is already sizing me up as the "difficult guest." I swear, I'm not! Just…overtired.
- 1:30 PM: The Room Revelation. Okay, room 317. A queen bed and that's about all I can see. It's… clean. Okay, that's a win. But the lighting? A sickly fluorescent hum. Makes me look like a slightly-less-alive version of myself. I unpack, which mostly involves flinging clothes onto a chair. The "closet" consists of a rod and a couple of flimsy hangers. We're off to a roaring start.
- 2:00 PM - The Pool…or Bust! Okay, this is the goal. The brochure promised a "sparkling indoor pool." I'm envisioning a watery oasis, a brief escape from the beige. Finding the pool is an epic quest in itself. I wander down hallways that all look identical, passing the vending machines (snack strategy deployed later). Finally! The glowing promise of chlorine beckons. And… it’s… fine. Smallish. A few kids splashing. I decide to pretend I have zero social anxiety and jump in!
- 3:00 PM: Poolside Contemplations I spend an hour floating. It's actually… relaxing. The water makes me feel slightly less like roadkill. I witness a small child make a dramatic dive, complete with an impressive splash. Later, I almost trip and nearly fall in the process of getting out. So much for relaxing, It's a win, though, a small, chlorine-scented victory.
- 4:00 PM: The Vending Machine Incident. Ah, the siren song of the vending machine. A bag of gummy bears and a bag of chips seemed in order. I insert money. Nothing happens. I try again. More nothing. I smack the machine. Still nothing. This, my friends, is a metaphor for my life. Sigh. Eventually, the gummy bears arrive and I contemplate the meaning of life while devouring sugar.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner Dash. "Restaurants near the Country Inn" Google search commences. The options: mostly chains. I opt for a Chili's, mostly because the idea of fajitas sounds vaguely exciting. The service? Average. The food? Exactly what I expected. (Meh.)
- 7:30 PM: Back in the beige (room). Exhausted and slightly overfull of chips and peppers. I try to watch TV. The remote is a labyrinth of buttons. I eventually give up and stare at the ceiling, trying to figure out if the flickering light fixture is a sign of impending doom.
- 8:00 PM - The Unexpected Roommate! Okay – so, what's that noise. Oh my goodness, it's a small chirping in the walls. Is it a mouse? Well, I'm officially terrified. Maybe, I should call reception, but I'm too tired. What if they make me move? I might just have to live with it. I can hear sounds of scratching around the room. Oh my goodness, maybe it's not just a mouse. I will simply leave it be. I am so tired.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep (hopefully). The chirping and scraping continue, but I am so tired. I drift off.
Day 2: The Breakfast Bonanza and the Unexpected Bookstore Experience
- 7:00 AM: The Breakfast Battleground. I head down to breakfast. And it’s a zoo. Kids everywhere. The waffle maker is a war zone. The coffee is… coffee. I grab a sad-looking waffle and some lukewarm eggs. I am not a morning person. I mostly eat the fruit, which is decent.
- 8:00 AM: Heading out… Well, I've got to get myself out of this state. I want to see the world. Or, at least, a bit of Minneapolis.
- 9:30 AM: The Bookstore. Okay, so, I stumbled upon a bookstore. It felt good. The smell of old paper, new books.. You can tell a lot about a person by the books they buy. It was a true moment of Zen.
- 12:00 PM: Back at the Inn… And now, the second night at Country Inn & Suites.
- 1:00 PM: The Pool - Round Two. Another dip. Actually, feels a bit better now. It's like I'm one with the chlorine.
- 3:00 PM: The Quest for Snacks - Again. Vending Machine, Round 2. Today, I'm smarter. I buy the "Deluxe" bag of chips. I will learn to use my resources.
- 5:00 PM: Going out… Going out again? No. I'm too tired. The adventure is over. I must stay in this room, and simply exist.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner I order a pizza. It's as satisfying as it sounds.
- 7:00 PM: The chirping continues… It's less scary now. Maybe I'll name it.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep (again). I can't help but wonder if the little chirping sounds will stay until the end.
Day 3: Departure and the Sweet Sorrow of Beige Farewell
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast (Again). This time, I'm a pro. I skip the waffle, head straight for the fruit, and make a cup of coffee. I grab a quick bite to eat.
- 8:00 AM: Packing Up. I try to pack, but mostly just shove everything into my suitcase.
- 9:00 AM: Check Out. The receptionist asks how was my stay. I give a noncommittal "fine." I don't want to be difficult, but I'm not sure I'll ever look at beige the same way again.
- 9:30 AM: Goodbye, Eagan! I leave. There is freedom.
This wasn’t pretty, but it was real. And maybe, just maybe, that little chirping sound will always remind me of my thrilling adventure in the Country Inn & Suites. Now, where do I go next?
Luxury Suites Await: Unforgettable New Iberia Getaway!Okay, seriously... what's the deal with the "BEST Kept Secret" claim? Is it really?
Alright, alright, so maybe that's *my* dramatic tagline. The "BEST Kept Secret." Look, I stumbled on this place accidentally. Needed a last-minute room after a disastrous attempt at hiking (more on *that* later, trust me). Honestly? I was expecting… well, a standard, beige motel. And yes, it's not a five-star resort. But, it's got a certain something. Maybe it's the surprisingly comfy beds after a day of getting rained on. Maybe it's the free cookies (yes, I went there, and yes, I ate ALL of them). Did I call it a "secret"? Maybe. Did I overhype it? Probably. Am I slightly embarrassed by that? Perhaps. But is it still a good place to stay? Absolutely, yes!
The Free Breakfast... Is it actually good? 'Cause hotel breakfasts... yikes.
Okay, hold your horses. Hotel breakfasts are usually a minefield of questionable scrambled eggs and lukewarm coffee, I get it. But the Country Inn & Suites? It's decent! It’s not a Michelin-star brunch, okay? But they've got the basics DOWN. Waffles you can actually make. I kid you not, I saw a kid make a waffle that *looked* like a small, round, golden sun. The coffee is… passable. They have fruit, yogurt, sometimes some sausage. Look, after my hiking disaster (seriously, I got lost in a marsh... don't ask), that breakfast was a literal godsend! It felt like a hug from the universe. Okay, maybe I'm getting emotional. But I was *hangry*!
What are the rooms actually like? Clean? Spacious? Dated? Tell me the TRUTH!
Here's the deal. They're not HUGE. Maybe a little dated, if you’re being brutally honest (and I am). Think comfortable, functional, and CLEAN. HUGE plus. And the beds! The beds are supremely comfortable. I’m a Princess-and-the-Pea type about mattresses, and I slept like a log! I remember feeling this intense, overwhelming, almost embarrassing relief at the thought of not having to sleep on the cold, hard, ground of the marsh. Anyway, the rooms are fine. They do the job. If you're expecting a luxury suite, you're at the wrong place. But if you just want a good night's sleep, a decent shower, and a place to recharge for the next day, then it's perfect.
Okay, the Pool. Is it a total chlorine-filled nightmare?
Ugh, pools. I'm usually wary. But the Country Inn & Suites pool is actually... alright. It's indoors (which is clutch in Minnesota, let me tell you). It’s kid-friendly, so expect some splashy action. Noise? Yeah, there’s noise. The chlorine isn’t overpowering, which is a HUGE win in my book. I sat there for about twenty minutes, thinking about how badly I had messed up the hiking trip, and realized I could probably still eat a waffle. It was a turning point.
Is there a GYM? (I swore to myself I'd be better about that...)
Yes, there is a tiny exercise room. "Tiny" is the operative word. It has a treadmill, a bike, and some free weights. It's not a full-blown fitness center. I looked at it, and then went back to eating cookies. So… yeah. But it's technically there. So, you CAN fulfill your resolutions... or not, I'm no one to judge your life choices. Seriously though, no judgement. I'm still trying to get back into the gym after that hiking incident. Still. Takes time.
What's the location like? Is it convenient to... anything?
The location is pretty good. It's in Eagan, obviously. Close to the airport (which can be loud sometimes, but hey... airport). There are restaurants nearby, a big plus. MALL OF AMERICA is a short drive away. (Go early to avoid the crowds, seriously). And it's relatively easy to get to major highways/roads. So, good for getting around. I, however, was pretty terrible at getting *around* on my hiking trip.
Okay, the Anecdote you promised. The Hiking Disaster. Spill!
Alright, alright, here it is. This is embarrassing. I decided to go hiking at a local park. I thought I was prepared. I wore the wrong shoes. I didn't bring enough water. I ignored the signs about the marshy areas. I thought I knew better than EVERYONE. Well, I got lost. Truly, hopelessly lost. I ended up, covered in mosquito bites, sinking knee-deep in mud. I stumbled around for hours. I saw a squirrel. I cried (okay, maybe not). I swore, A LOT. I was rescued by some very kind park rangers. I was humiliated. Then, I found the Country Inn & Suites. And I'm telling you, that waffle? That was the real hero. It was a simple, ordinary, thing. But in that moment, it was the greatest waffle in the world.
Overall, would you recommend it?
YES. Absolutely. Look, if you’re looking for a luxurious, over-the-top experience, this isn’t it. But if you want a clean, comfortable, convenient place to stay, with a decent breakfast and friendly staff (seriously, the staff are lovely), then YES. It's a solid choice. It’s a place where you can recover from a swamp-induced existential crisis and still find joy in a slightly-too-hot waffle. I'm a convert.
Any Downsides? Gotta know.
Okay, let's be real for a second. The location, while convenient, can feel... a little generic. It’s surrounded by other hotels and chain restaurants. Not exactly charming. Depending on the room location, the air traffic noise can be a problem, it's not the quietest place at times. And as I mentioned, the gym is… minimal. If you need that, bring your walking shoes. You know, and don't wander into a bog.