Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret: Country Inn & Suites North Lincoln Review!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the whirlwind that is my experience with Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret: The Country Inn & Suites North Lincoln. Forget pristine brochures and robotic reviews, this is the real deal, warts and all. And let me tell you, this place… it’s got personality.
First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle (Or Lack Thereof – My Bad)
Listen, I gotta be honest. Before I start, I got to make this clear – I didn't check for every accessibility detail. Because, frankly, I was focused on, you know, living and figuring out the best happy hour. So, I can't give you a granular breakdown of the wheelchair accessibility in every nook and cranny. However, I did see an elevator, which is a huge win. There's a front desk that's definitely manned 24/7. They do offer facilities for disabled guests…but, yeah, I'm sorry, I didn't meticulously measure ramp inclines. I'm all for inclusivity, but, sometimes I get lazy with the details.
Internet: Because, Duh (And They Get It Right!)
Okay, let's get the basics out of the way. FREE Wi-Fi in the rooms? Check! And not just some crusty, laggy connection either. This stuff works. Seriously, I’m talking Zoom meetings without the dreaded pixelation, streaming without the buffering blues. Praise the internet gods! They even offer Internet [LAN], which… I don't even know what that is, but it's there. In short, they got the internet situation handled, from the main areas to the rooms.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Sanitization Tango
Alright, so I'm one of those people who’s always got a rogue packet of anti-bacterial wipes in my pocket. So, I notice things. And I noticed the Country Inn & Suites North Lincoln was taking things pretty seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up (I'm guessing, I can't be sure, I wore my own mask!), and signs everywhere about their cleaning protocols. They were doing deep cleaning, so you KNOW that between stays, rooms are sanitized. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Anti-viral cleaning products? Double check! They even offer a room sanitization opt-out. That's how committed they are. It's not spotless, but at least you know they really DO try.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: More Than Just a Breakfast Buffet (Thankfully!)
Okay, the breakfast. Let's talk breakfast. Buffet in restaurant – yes! And it’s a good buffet. Okay, it’s not the Ritz (what is, really?), but it had the essentials – continental breakfast offerings, eggs, bacon, sausage, the whole shebang. They offered Asian breakfast too, for those more cultured than I am. And honestly, it was a real lifesaver. You know, when you have a super early conference call.
They've also got a decent bar! Happy hour, anyone? They had a poolside bar too, it's good. I wasn't going to order from it, but hey, good to know, right? It's one of my favorite hotels to stay at because of this. They offer room service [24-hour]. So you can crash in bed whenever you feel like it and order food. Sometimes I will binge and watch Netflix and eat pizza. Other times, the options were good but a bit boring.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Spa-esque Misadventures
Now, this is where things get interesting, and maybe a little… ambitious. The website lists spa services, including Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. Buuuttttt… things are a little unclear. I am not sure they're a full-service spa. They have a Fitness center that is available, so that's cool.
What they do have is a Swimming pool [outdoor]. And the Pool with a view. Ok, I did find a Sauna available, which is a win.
I mean, you're not going to find a fully-fledged spa experience, but hey, a pool with a view and a sauna (and a gym!) is better than nothing, right? Plus, you can always just chill in your room and watch on-demand movies because, comfort.
The Room: My Fortress of Solitude (and Coffee Stains)
Right, let’s talk about the room. Mine was a non-smoking room (hallelujah!), and surprisingly spacious. Air conditioning? Check. Alarm clock? Check. Coffee/tea maker? Check. Blackout curtains? Sigh Check. Okay, now we're talking. I needed those. I’m a light sleeper. The desk was large enough to actually work on, not just pile stuff on, like many hotel desks. I was impressed. My bed was extra long so it's great.
They did offer Air conditioning in the public area. They also had a complimentary tea in my room, which was nice. The towels looked new. What I did find cool, Slippers!
Services & Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost)
The little things? Yeah, they nailed them. Daily housekeeping kept everything shipshape (which, let's be honest, is a miracle given my usual state). Laundry service? Ironing facilities? Check and check. Concierge service helped me, which I needed. Food delivery is available. They have a Convenience store and Gift/souvenir shop.
I was thrilled with the luggage storage and the elevator.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun?
They’re Family/child friendly, so that's great. Babysitting service? Not that I saw, but hey, maybe call ahead? Kids meal? I didn’t have kids to ask but I heard kids loved the hot chocolate.
The Quirks & The "Almost Perfects"
Okay, so here's the real truth. It's not perfect. No place is. The decor is a little… safe. Nothing screams "Instagrammable!" But hey, you're there to sleep, not to judge art, right? And, I'm not sure if they had the Bottle of water available. Maybe you have to ask for it. The Wi-Fi for special events is available, but I didn't go to any. I didn't see a Shine.
Getting Around: Parking, and Other Adventures
Car park [free of charge]? Yes. Big win, especially in a place like Lincoln. Airport transfer? Don't know; I didn't use it. They also have Taxi service. And the main thing for me: Car park [on-site].
My Overall Verdict and a VERY Tempting Offer
Look, is the Country Inn & Suites North Lincoln a five-star luxury resort? Nope. Is it a perfectly polished, flawless experience? Nah. But is it a comfortable, clean, well-equipped hotel that offers a solid stay and genuinely tries to make you feel welcome? ABSOLUTELY.
And that's why I'm calling it Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret.
HERE'S MY OFFER (You Can't Resist!)
Book your stay at the Country Inn & Suites North Lincoln via my link (I wish I had one!) and you'll get:
- My Personal Seal of Approval: Guaranteed (within the bounds of my fallible memory and slightly scattered review).
- The Peace of Mind: You're staying in a hotel that actually cares about its guests.
- The Chance to (Maybe) Spot Me: I might be there next week, trying to find that happy hour again.
Why Wait?
Don't let this hidden gem stay hidden! Book your stay today. You will not regret it (probably). You will get fresh new towels. You get coffee! You get a place to relax. You get good internet access!
(Disclaimer: My opinions are my own, and I may or may not be an expert on anything. But I do know a decent hotel when I see one.)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Your Dream Columbia Getaway at Country Inn & Suites!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Lincoln, Nebraska adventure, courtesy of the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lincoln North Hotel and Conference Center. I'm not promising a perfectly polished itinerary, because frankly, that's boring. This is the real deal, folks. This is… my Lincoln.
Day 1: Arrival and "Oh, Gods, I Need Coffee"
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Eppley Airfield in Omaha. Okay, okay, technically not Lincoln yet, but the drive is part of the experience, right? Let's be real, I’m already battling the travel dehydration. I’m picturing the vending machine at the airport with its sad selection of watery iced teas. Sigh.
- 2:30 PM: Rental car pick-up. Pray for a car that doesn't smell like regret. Seriously, I had this one rental a couple years ago, and it was like someone had lived in it for a week, with a skunk as a roommate. Just… please no. Crossing fingers.
- 3:30 PM: Finally, after a scenic drive that involved me getting lost in a random cornfield (it happens, okay?), we arrive at the Country Inn & Suites. Check-in…and whew. I needed that. The lobby is… well, it’s a hotel lobby. But it’s clean, and the staff seems genuinely nice. That's a win, right?
- 4:00 PM: The Room! Okay, let's unpack the important stuff: is the Wi-Fi good? The bed? The view? Ah, the view is a parking lot. Doesn't bother me! It's a parking lot that represents freedom.
- 4:30 PM: The most important mission: COFFEE. Find the nearest Starbucks or, if fate smiles upon us, a cute local coffee shop. I’m talking about caffeine, the fuel that runs this entire operation. Without it, things get… well, let’s just say I’m not pleasant before coffee.
- 5:00 PM: Settling in. After being lost, dehydrated, and caffeine-deprived I need a quick shower before the actual explorations. The hotel might have a pool and fitness room, but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. My initial plan was to go to a fancy restaurant and be a good guest. However, all the driving made my head hurt, so instead, grab some takeout.
Day 2: History, Hangovers (Maybe), and Hometown Heroes
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. I eat those things because I got to. It's free, but will it be any good? Let us hope for some toast and coffee.
- 9:00 AM: Okay, fueled up (kinda) it's time for a bit of history! I'm thinking the Nebraska State Capitol. It's supposed to be an architectural marvel. Hopefully, it's less "architectural marvel" and more "places to sit down and take a breather" because yesterday was tiring.
- 10:30 AM: More Lincoln! I need to walk and use the restroom. Maybe find a quick snack.
- 11:30 AM: (If I survive the Capitol) The Sheldon Museum of Art. I’m not a huge art buff, but sometimes that's the best way to engage. I find myself more interested in the weird stuff.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. A quick sandwich somewhere casual. I need to keep this thing moving! And cheap, because I'm on a travel budget, people!
- 2:00 PM: A visit to the Haymarket district! I hope it will entertain me. Maybe there's a local brewery. I'm not big on beer, but I am big on supporting local businesses.
- 4:00 PM: My personal mission. I hope there's time to get some work done.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Something local. The internet recommends something.
- 7:30 PM: Evening entertainment… It depends. Maybe a movie in the room?
Day 3: Farewell Lincoln. A Little Bit of Everything & a Lot Of Nothing
- 8:00 AM: The last breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Last walks and packing out.
- 9:30 AM: Check-out.
- 10:00 AM: Drive back.
- 12:00 PM: Return the rental car.
- 2:00 PM: The flight.
Final Thoughts:
This is it. My Lincoln adventure. I can't promise it will be perfect. I can't promise I won't get lost. I can't even promise I won't accidentally eat something weird. But I can promise to embrace the chaos and find the fun. Because, let's be honest, that's what travel is all about.
Escape to Chicago: Orland Park's BEST Hotel Awaits!
Country Inn & Suites North Lincoln – The Review You *Actually* Need (Because Google Doesn't Tell You EVERYTHING)
So...Is this place *actually* Lincoln's "Best Kept Secret" like the internet claims?
My secret? If you need a solid, un-fancy place to rest your head when you're in Lincoln, it's a good option. Don't expect the Ritz (thank god, because I'd spill coffee everywhere), but it'll do the job. And the location? That's where the secret starts to reveal itself... Keep reading!
Let's talk Location - Is it Actually Convenient?
But here's the catch: if you're wanting the *vibe* of downtown Lincoln, or a Husker game, you're looking at a drive. And trust me, Lincoln traffic around game days? It makes the seventh circle of hell look like a Sunday afternoon joyride. So, strategic location: absolutely. Romantic location with a sidewalk cafe? Nope.
The Breakfast? What's the Deal? Free Food is Always a Plus...or a Curse?
Here's a Pro Tip: The coffee is… well, it's coffee. Drinkable, but you're better off hitting a gas station on the way out for a real caffeine hit. I once saw a kid spill an entire vat of juice on the floor... it was a disaster. But, hey, it happens. Stuff happens.
The Room Itself... Any Dealbreakers?
The bathroom? Functional. The water pressure? Adequate. The noise level? Depends. If you're on the first floor, you *might* hear the delightful sounds of miniature shopping carts being wheelied down the hall. But honestly, even that adds to the *charm* of a hotel experience, right?
Okay, Tell Me About *That* One Experience... The One You'll Never Forget.
Now, I usually don't complain. But I *needed* conditioner. My hair has a mind of its own, okay? So, I call down to the front desk. The poor guy on the phone was *clearly* having a rough night. Probably a fight with the night manager or something - you could *hear* it in his voice. I ask about shampoo, and he sighs with a level of resignation that suggests this is a daily occurrence.
He promises to send some up.
An hour goes by. Nothing.
Another call. Another sigh. I start to question my choices.
Finally! A knock at the door. And what arrives? Three tiny, little bottles of… some generic, possibly-poisonous liquid. I kid you not, the shampoo was the size like a tiny teacup for a mouse. The conditioner? Worse. Thin. Watery. Useless. My hair was basically screaming for help.
I swear, I wanted to crawl under the covers and just give up on life.
But the *worst* part? The elevator. The elevator was the most *unpleasant* elevator I've ever been on. It's slow, it groans, the button panel is half-broken, and it smells faintly of… well, let's just say it smelled like everything that's been stuck in the elevator shaft since the dawn of time. The constant *thump thump thump* of it ascending and descending... it was a symphony of anxiety. Seriously, I took the stairs as often as possible after that. And honestly, I felt really sorry for whoever cleans that thing.
I ended up having to go to the store and buy my own, and it added an hour to my morning rituals. But the lesson? Pack your own toiletries, people. Always. And maybe carry a respirator for the elevator.
Is it *worth* the money?
It's a solid *three-and-a-half-out-of-five-stars* kind of place. Not life-changing, but perfectly acceptable. And sometimes, ya know, acceptable is all you need.
Final Verdict: Would you recommend this place or not?
