Baudette's BEST Hotel? AmericInn Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Baudette's BEST Hotel? AmericInn Review (You Won't Believe This!) - A Hot Mess of Honest Opinions
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the genuine tea on the AmericInn in Baudette, Minnesota. Forget the polished brochures and glossy photos; this is the real deal, warts and all. And trust me, there are some warts. But also, surprisingly… some unexpected gems.
First Impressions: The Driveway of Destiny (and Maybe a Few Snow Drifts)
Getting to Baudette is an adventure in itself. You're basically in the middle of… well, the middle of nowhere. Which, let's be honest, is often the point. The AmericInn is, thankfully, easy to find. The parking situation? Decent. Car park [free of charge] is a huge win, especially when you're hauling luggage in sub-zero temperatures. (And believe me, in Baudette, sub-zero is a frequently occurring event.) The exterior? Uh, let's call it "classic AmericInn." Not winning any design awards, but functional.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag of Good Intentions
I'm a big fan of places that cater to everyone, so naturally, I zeroed in on the Facilities for disabled guests and Wheelchair accessible aspects. Now, they do seem to have tried. The Elevator is a blessing. The hallways are reasonably wide. However, I couldn't help but notice some minor issues – a slightly clunky ramp here, a door that just wasn't quite wide enough there. Nothing deal-breaking, but it felt like a few final touches were missing. Still, a solid effort overall, and the good intentions are clear. Accessibility is a crucial consideration, and they're at least putting in the work, which is commendable.
The Room: My Little Winter Wonderland (Mostly)
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the room itself. Mine was… well, let's say "cozy." I'm talking Non-smoking rooms, which, thank the heavens, because the thought of lingering cigarette smoke in that frozen landscape makes me shudder. Air conditioning was a given, but let's be real, did I use it? Nope. Blackout curtains were my best friend at 6 am because… well, the sun's a cruel mistress in the North.
The Bed? Comfortable enough. No complaints there. The Linens were clean, the Towels fluffy. Had a glorious Bathrobe, I spent the whole night in. The best surprise was the Coffee/tea maker, I could have a fresh cup of tea in my bathrobe, was a win-win. My room also has Free bottled water. The Internet access – wireless worked like a charm. Alarm clock and Wake-up service worked as intended. And the best thing was Bathroom phone, I felt very fancy. The Desk was a little small, but functional. And oh, the Mirror, the most important thing in the world.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges & Dining: Food, Glorious (Sometimes Questionable) Food
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. On-site restaurant? Technically, yes. But the hours were… limited. Think early bird specials and not much else. I didn’t get a chance to eat anything there to be honest.
They have Breakfast [buffet]. Which, and I'm being honest here, was standard hotel fare. Waffles, scrambled eggs that might or might not be made from actual eggs (jury's still out), and the ubiquitous Coffee/tea in restaurant that's always a gamble. Breakfast takeaway service is also an option, which, if you're in a rush is a lifesaver. A la carte in restaurant, I feel like an a la carte option would have been better. They have Snack bar, so you will not starve for sure. Sigh I'm dreaming of a proper brunch.
They also have a Poolside bar: which is good, but the pool is not open at the moment.
**They have so many options of *Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Things to Do: Baudette, Where Adventure (and Mosquitoes) Abound
Baudette is all about the outdoors. Okay, maybe not right now in January. But in warmer months, the Swimming pool [outdoor] is a big draw. Things to do are plenty: fishing, bird watching, snowmobiling, and just generally enjoying the vastness of the area. The hotel is pretty no frills when it comes to entertainment—no Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], or anything fancy like that. This is all about the raw, untamed experience.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sigh of Relief (and Hand Sanitizer)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: COVID-19. The AmericInn has clearly made an effort to be safe in the current climate. They've got the usual suspects: Hand sanitizer everywhere, visible Staff trained in safety protocol, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Daily disinfection in common areas. I also noticed Cashless payment service, which is always a plus. The Anti-viral cleaning products are reassuring too. To be honest, it felt pretty safe. The Hygiene certification is a good touch.
**They also have **Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras (and the Occasional Missing Detail)
This is where the AmericInn shows its heart. The Front desk [24-hour] is a definite bonus, especially when you arrive late and jet lagged. Daily housekeeping is a lifesaver. They got Laundry service too. Some other Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. Internet Access: The Wireless Wonder (Mostly)
They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And, blessedly, it actually worked. Internet access – wireless was great, the Internet was pretty speedy. If you were desperate for more, they have Internet [LAN] and Internet services.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Vibes (But Bring Your Own Fun)
For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I didn't travel with kiddos, but the general vibe seemed welcoming to families.
Getting Around: The Road Less Traveled (and the Airport Shuttle That Doesn't Exist)
Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
The Bottom Line: Love It or Leave It?
Look, the AmericInn in Baudette isn't perfect. It's a bit rough around the edges. But I'm going to say it… I actually liked it. It's unpretentious. It's clean. It's… well, it feels like Baudette. You're not going to stay at a five-star resort in the middle of nowhere. You're going to get a comfortable bed, hot coffee, and friendly faces. And sometimes, that's all you need.
My Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 Stars. (Could be 4 if they improved the buffet)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking AmericInn by Wyndham in Baudette, Minnesota. Population: Fewer than the number of shame-induced pizza rolls I could probably consume in a single sitting. This is going to be… something.
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and the Quest for a Decent Cup of Coffee (and Maybe a Walleye)
3:00 PM: Officially land in Baudette. Well, arrive in Baudette, more accurately. The drive was… a drive. Let's just say if GPS had a therapy session, it'd probably be about this route. And honestly, the first thing I'm feeling? A profound sense of… nothingness. Like, Baudette is the void, and I'm just a speck of dust floating in it. (Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic. The drive was the void. Baudette is… a town.)
3:30 PM: Check into the AmericInn. Front desk lady was sweet as pie, and the lobby smelled suspiciously of ozone and something I can't quite place, but it's not unpleasant. Room? Standard motel room. You know the drill – a slightly-too-soft bed, a TV that's seen better decades, and a vague sense of plastic-covered furniture. I’m already wondering if I even packed my toothbrush. Ugh.
4:00 PM: The Mission: Coffee. God, I NEED coffee. The in-room offering? Instant. Instant. This is where the trip takes a dark turn. I swear I saw a tear roll down the tiny coffee packet's face as I prepared it. After attempting to choke it down (water temperature was debatable), the mission is a failure. I’m pretty sure I just drank sadness. (This is when I start thinking real thoughts like, “Why did I agree to this again? Is it too late to become a hermit and just raise chickens?").
5:00 PM: Wander. Baudette's Main Street? A classic. Think "slightly more populated ghost town." Maybe I'm being harsh. Okay, definitely being harsh. I'm jet-lagged, coffee-deprived, and feeling generally irritable. Found a little shop selling… well, things. Bought a postcard that says, "I survived Baudette." It felt… accurate.
6:00 PM: Dinner. Ah, the Walleye! The reason I'm even here! Asked the locals for the "best walleye in town", and they send me to… I'm not going to lie, it's like a 5-star restaurant. It's… fine. The walleye was good, but the "sides" felt like an afterthought. I swear the peas had the same existential crisis I was having. This is when I start to notice the lack of people. Where IS everyone?
7:30 PM: Back to the AmericInn. The TV? Stuck on a channel featuring a surprisingly engaging documentary about… the history of ice fishing. Guess it's fitting. I'll be sure to not get drunk later tonight.
Day 2: Embracing the Lake, the Bugs, and Possible Enlightenment (Maybe Not)
8:00 AM: Coffee rescue mission attempt number two: Found a decent coffee shop! It's called "The Little Turtle Coffee Shop." And it's adorable. The coffee? Drinkable. Maybe I can survive this trip. (Seriously, a good cup of coffee is a life-saver.) I ordered a blueberry muffin that promptly fell apart in my hands. Still, it's progress!
9:00 AM: Lake of the Woods! Honestly, it's beautiful. Vast! The wind? Brisk. The view? Okay, I am feeling something here. Not existential dread, but something close to… contentment? The water shimmers, and I have to admit, this is beautiful.
10:00 AM: Did I mention the bugs? I'm pretty sure I'm making a contribution to their ecosystem. I feel like a walking, talking buffet. The deer flies? Ruthless. The mosquitoes? Relentless. Swatting doesn't work. Swearing doesn't work. I think I will succumb.
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: The REAL deal! Heading out for a fishing charter. And I swear I want to catch a fish. I’m not going to lie, the first hour was a lot of standing around. The guide, a guy named "Big Jim," had stories, though. A lot of stories. Half of them about fish, half about his ex-wife, and the other half… well, let's just say they involved a surprisingly in-depth knowledge of local wildlife and some questionable decisions. Spoiler alert: We caught something. A small, pathetic perch. But the excitement! The drama! The sheer joy of reeling in… a tiny fish. It was incredible. I'm pretty sure I actually let out a joyful yelp.
1:30 PM: Lunch. Back in town for lunch, tried a "local favorite", the food was surprisingly good if a little greasy. Did they know that I'm the only person in the restaurant? This is when I start to believe the idea of becoming a hermit. I'm not sure social interaction is something I can muster at the moment.
2:30 PM: More Lake! Decided to take a drive, maybe to a "scenic overlook." Found the overlook. Saw more bugs. Contemplated the meaning of life while being assaulted by various flying insects. The meaning of life is clearly "avoiding bugs".
4:00 PM: Nap time. This is when the emotional exhaustion catches up with me. The reality of the drive. The fact that I'm alone. Honestly? Feels good.
7:00 PM: Dinner… Hmm. I think I'll order a pizza and watch the ice fishing documentary again. Yeah. That sounds about right.
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath
9:00 AM: Checked out. That felt so, SO quick. The place is still here, and I can't say I'm thrilled or sad at having made it through this trip.
10:00 AM: The drive back. Let's just say the landscape is slightly less… void-like this time. Maybe I'm slightly less void-like.
Upon reflection… Baudette? It’s… a place. It’s no paradise, and its certainly not going to be on my top 10 places to visit, but the experience was… something. I caught a fish! I survived a bug infestation! I faced my existential dread! And you know? I’m okay. I think… I think maybe I even enjoyed myself, slightly. And hell, a good cup of coffee can cure anything! Would I go back? Probably not. But I'll always have Baudette. And that, my friends, is a story in itself.
AmericInn Baudette: My Brain Dump on the Place
Q: Is the AmericInn REALLY Baudette's "BEST" Hotel? (As implied by *that* YouTube video I saw...)
Oh, the video. The ONE video that promised me shimmering luxury and a moose butler. Let's just say my expectations were... high. Realistic? Not so much. "Best"? Okay, let's define "best." In Baudette, best might mean "doesn't have a revolving door that's actually a portal to the Upside Down." So, *in that context*... maybe? Seriously though, it's clean, the staff tries, and it's *there*. But "best" might be a strong word. I'd say "decent."
Q: Let's talk about the ROOMS. Were they... habitable?
Habitable? Yes. Did I feel like I'd stumbled into a meticulously curated Scandinavian minimalist paradise? Absolutely not. My room was... functional. The first thing I noticed was the distinct "hotel room" smell - a subtle blend of cleaning product, stale air, and existential dread. The bed? Surprisingly comfy! Which was a HUGE win, because after driving for 6 hours, my back was screaming for mercy. The TV... well, it existed. The remote worked... sometimes. A little duct tape and prayer got it going again. Don't expect the Ritz, but hey, you get a bed, a TV, and a place to put your stuff. Good enough for the night, I'd say. And the bathroom? Clean-ish, which is a big plus.
Q: The pool. The glorious, glorious pool. Was it... glorious?
Ah, the pool. This warrants its own section, really. I walked in hoping for a tranquil oasis. What I got was a humid, chlorine-scented cavern of splashing children and questionable floatation devices. Look, I LOVE kids. But when they're cannonballing a foot away from your personal space while you're desperately trying to relax, well... It was loud! The water was lukewarm, which, in the middle of winter, feels more refreshing than you realize. The hot tub situation wasn't much better. The jets were weak, and the water was *almost* hot enough to make you feel like you've experienced a brief summer. Overall? Fun, but not exactly "luxury spa experience." But hey, it's Baudette. You take what you can get. At least the water wasn't green, which is always a good sign.
Q: Okay, real talk: The Breakfast? What evil lurked in the continental breakfast buffet?
Ah, breakfast. The *true* test of a hotel's mettle. Let's start with the positives: the coffee was surprisingly decent. Better than some of the stuff I've had in actual coffee shops. The juice? Standard hotel juice, but it quenched the thirst. The waffles? Ah, the waffles... They had a waffle maker! Now that's living! I went WILD. Four waffles. LOADED with syrup. Stuffed! The eggs were... pre-made, but edible. The cereal? All the usual suspects. Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, the works. Honestly, it was a solid, if unspectacular, continental breakfast. Exactly what I expected... I’m not gonna lie, I enjoyed it, even if it was a tad greasy. It was a fuel up before a day out in the cold, and it did the job. Would I write home about it? No. Would I skip it? Absolutely not!
Q: Tell me about the staff! Were they nice? Helpful? Or did they have that "seen-a-thousand-tired-travelers" glaze?
Okay, the staff. This is where AmericInn actually shines. They were genuinely nice and friendly. Like, *actually* friendly. The lady at the front desk was super helpful and even gave me some local tips (pro-tip: go see the giant walleye!). Considering they probably deal with cranky tourists all day, every day, their positivity was impressive. They seemed to care. That goes a long way. Big props to the staff!
Q: Let's talk location. Is this a convenient hotel?
The location is pretty good. Baudette is small, so everything's relatively close. It's near restaurants, and right on the highway. So, if you're just passing through, or if you're there for fishing (which, by the way, everyone does), it's ideal.
Q: The Overall Vibe? Should I book it?
Okay, the verdict. It's a solid, dependable hotel. It's not going to blow your mind, but it won't make you want to scream, either. The rooms are basic but clean. The staff is fantastic. The pool is... an experience. Breakfast will fill you up. It's Baudette. What else are you looking for? Would I book it again? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Yeah, probably. Especially if you're on a budget and, let's be honest, have low expectations. Just remember, it's Baudette. Embrace the quirky charm, the questionable pool, and the surprisingly decent coffee. And hey, maybe you'll even get a glimpse of that legendary moose butler. Just, you know, don't get your hopes up.
