Madison's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn by Wyndham Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Madison's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn by Wyndham (You WON'T Believe This!) - A Review You Can Actually Trust (Because I'm Honest)
Okay, listen up, people! You’ve been scrolling through endless hotel reviews, haven't you? Searching for THE perfect Madison getaway. Well, ditch the fancy pants hotels with their snooty vibes and overpriced parking. Let me tell you about a place. A place that’s… Days Inn by Wyndham in Madison. Yes, that Days Inn. And yes, I’m serious. I’m about to blow your mind. (Okay, maybe not blow your mind, but definitely at least give it a little tickle.)
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the "Could Be Better"
First things first: accessibility. I’m not going lie, I'm not in a wheelchair but I saw some people using the ramps. They seemed to be doing ok. They had an elevator, so that's a huge plus, and it was definitely better than a lot of places I've been. But I did notice that not every room is specifically designed for wheelchair users. So, if that's a priority, definitely call ahead and confirm. (Accessibility Score: Solid B-)
Cleanliness and Safety: The Germaphobe Approved (Almost)
This is where the Days Inn REALLY surprised me. Especially post-pandemic. They are SERIOUS about this. Like, professional-grade sanitizing services serious. I saw staff meticulously wiping EVERYTHING down – elevators, door handles, the vending machines (essential!). They use anti-viral cleaning products. And the rooms? Well, they offer room sanitization opt-out, so you know they're not cutting corners but they still use the products. I felt surprisingly safe. They also had hand sanitizer everywhere and masks available at the front desk. Bonus points for the Daily disinfection in common areas and the staff trained in safety protocol. Seriously, they seemed prepared for the zombie apocalypse (or at least a really bad flu season). They even have a doctor on call. Now if only they could have like a real doctor, but I digress. (Cleanliness Score: A-)
Rooms: Comfort (and a Few Quirks)
Okay, so let's be real. Days Inn isn't the Ritz. But my room was surprisingly comfy. I grabbed a non-smoking room, though I’m not sure how seriously they take it (just kidding, mostly). The air conditioning worked like a champ – a lifesaver on a humid Madison day. They had the basics: a desk, a coffee/tea maker (praise the caffeine gods!), a refrigerator to keep my beer cold, and a TV with satellite/cable channels. They even had free Wi-Fi (more on that later). The bathroom wasn't exactly spa-like, but it was clean and functional. I appreciated the hair dryer. The linens were clean. I did have a bit of trouble with some of the outlets, but hey, you get what you pay for. I'm a fan of blackout curtains that work. Some rooms I have stayed at, don't. (Room Score: B)
Internet: Free Wi-Fi – But With a Caveat…
Alright, let's dive into the Wi-Fi. Here's the deal: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That’s a win. However, the speed? Let's just say it's not the fastest in the world. I was able to stream Netflix, but there were a few moments of buffering. (Probably shouldn’t complain, I guess given it's free.) It was adequate, but don't expect to download the entirety of the internet in five seconds. (Although a LAN port, I didn't use it.) (Internet Score: B-)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast, But Not Like You Think
Breakfast – ah, yes. It was a continental breakfast, the kind that's included with your stay. Think: cereal, bagels, fruit, and maybe some lukewarm scrambled eggs. The coffee was… coffee. I'm kind of a coffee snob, so I'm probably biased. It certainly wasn't gourmet, but it did the job. There wasn't a full-service restaurant on-site, but there was a coffee shop. I didn't go (I wanted a real coffee), but it looked promising. They also did offer a breakfast takeaway service, which suited my on-the-go Madison adventure perfectly. A snack bar and vending machines are your friends if you get the munchies. (Dining Score: C+)
Services and Conveniences: More Than You'd Think…
Days Inn, they seriously came through with some stuff. Luggage storage? Check. 24-hour front desk? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. They also had a convenience store – perfect for grabbing those last-minute essentials (or a late-night snack). The elevator was a lifesaver. The car park was free. The car power charging station wasn't in place, but maybe in a future. I didn’t need any dry cleaning, but they had it. (Services Score: B)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Simple, But Sweet
Look, this isn't the place for a luxury spa day. But it's a great base for experiencing Madison. I was there to do some sightseeing. There's no pool, no fancy spa treatments (body wrap? Forget it!). But the simplicity is kind of charming. And hey, you're in Madison! There's so much to do outside! (Things to Do/Relax Score: C)
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, But Keep Expectations in Check
They're family-friendly, which is nice. No dedicated kids' facilities beyond the basic. And they do have a Babysitting service. (Family Score: B-)
The Quirk Factor & Emotional Reactions (Because I'm Human!)
Look, this isn't the Four Seasons. The hallways had that distinct, "hotel" smell (you know the one). But honestly? I liked it. It’s comfortable. There was that little thing in the corner of the room. I can be picky. I would have liked if they also had Couple's room. The staff were friendly, helpful. I remember one morning, the woman at the front desk even got me a free extra coffee. It's the little things that matter. I think I wanted to find a Shrine, but that wasn't a thing. (Quirk Factor: B+)
The Bottom Line: Why You Should Actually Consider Days Inn in Madison
Here's the secret: Days Inn isn't trying to be something it's not. It's clean, it's comfortable, it's got all the basics, and it's affordable. In Madison, that's a HUGE win. Is it the perfect hotel? No. But is it a great option for a budget-conscious traveler who wants to experience all that Madison has to offer? Absolutely. It's a place for a good time.
Here's My Recommendation (The Honest-to-Goodness Truth):
- Book This Hotel If: You're looking for a clean, affordable place to crash while you explore Madison. You're not fussy about luxury. You appreciate a good deal, and you'd prefer to spend your money on experiences, not fancy hotel amenities. You want a place where you can come back to after a long day of playing in the city.
- Maybe Skip It If: You're a luxury traveler who demands all the bells and whistles. You require a 5-star spa experience. You're terrified of the thought of "hotel smell."
My Final Verdict: Days Inn in Madison – Surprisingly Awesome!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (Would definitely stay again!)
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into my "epic" (read: slightly chaotic and probably caffeine-fueled) itinerary for the Days Inn by Wyndham in Madison/Windsor, Wisconsin. This isn't just a schedule, this is a vibe.
Subject: Days Inn Debacle (but hopefully Delightful) - Madison/Windsor, WI – The "I Need a Vacation From My Vacation" Edition
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Wifi (and Pizza that Doesn't Taste Like Cardboard)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Dane County Regional Airport. First thought? "Wow, that's…intimate." Second thought: "Where's my luggage? Please, please tell me my lucky socks made it." (They did! Small victories.)
- 1:30 PM: Rental car pickup. Attempt to appear competent. Secretly panic when told my GPS is… archaic. It's going to be a "fun" trip.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in at the Days Inn. Okay, the exterior promises… something. I’m trying not to judge the faded “Welcome” banner. The room? Acceptable. The air conditioning works, which is a win in my book. The carpet? Well, let's just say it has a story to tell, but I'm not sure I want to hear it.
- 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM: The Wi-fi hunt. The ultimate travel test. After clicking on the network (which I’m convinced has a password based on ancient Sumerian), I finally access it. Victory! Well, a very, very slow victory. Facebook takes approximately five minutes to load. This is going to be… interesting.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Great Pizza Pilgrimage. Google to the rescue! I’m on a quest for pizza that isn’t a pizza-shaped slab of sadness. Reviews claim a place called "Glass Nickel Pizza Co." is legendary. Drive to their locations. After a little circling and a near-miss with a rogue shopping cart, I finally find the place.
- Anecdote Alert: The pizza? Heavenly. Crust that crunches, cheese that stretches, toppings that sing. I almost cried. And I’m not even that big of a pizza person. Side note: The "pizza" was good, but the atmosphere was a little 'family-friendly' in places. The constant "kid-friendly" atmosphere was a bit much. I was just trying to think…
- Imperfection: I may have ordered a medium pizza and eaten the entire thing. Don't judge me. Travel calories don't count, right?
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Stumbling back to the hotel. Brain fog from pizza and a general feeling of contentment. Settle in for the night.
- 8:00 PM: Realizing my phone charger is not packed. Cue dramatic sigh. Fortunately, the front desk has a spare. They're my saviors.
Day 2: Capitol Views, Botanical Bliss, and a Battle with a Badger.
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. Realize I ate an entire pizza last night. Slight regret. Major happiness.
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast at the Days Inn (continental, so I’m preparing myself). It included a slightly dried-out bagel, a mystery-meat sausage patty, and instant coffee that tastes suspiciously like… well, nothing. I power through. Fuel is fuel, right?
- 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: The Wisconsin State Capitol Building. Okay, this is seriously impressive. The architecture is stunning. I wander around, get lost in the rotunda, and take approximately 700 pictures. I mean, the place is gorgeous.
- Quirky Observation: The statues! So many statues. They’re watching you. And probably judging your tourist attire.
- 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch. Try to locate a decent sandwich shop. Eventually settle on a place called "State Street Brats" and eat the "Brat". It's Wisconsin, it's practically a law, so I went for it!
- Emotional Reaction: The "brat" was… fine. Not life-changing, but not terrible either. The side of fries was the clear winner.
- 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM: Olbrich Botanical Gardens. My inner nature-lover is thrilled. The Bolz Conservatory! Tropical plants! Hummingbirds! I'm in my element. Pure, unadulterated joy.
- More Opinionated Language: Seriously, go to the Olbrich Gardens. It's a must-see. It's better than therapy.
- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: The Badger encounter. Ok, this is where it got interesting. After exiting the garden, I encounter a large, live badger. They were sniffing around near the hotel. Apparently, they live around here…I'm not sure if I should be impressed, or utterly terrified. It was a surreal experience.
- Messier Structure: I literally froze. Badgers are notorious. I slowly backed away, chanting to myself, "Don't make eye contact. Don't make eye contact." It was a close call.
- 6:00 PM: The quest for dinner. Craving something fresh, maybe even healthy. Google leads me to a place called "The Old Fashioned" I walk around State Street, trying to get to the place…
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at "The Old Fashioned". I have the burger and drink a local ale; the food is solid delicious. People are talking, laughing, and generally having a good time.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the Days Inn. Exhausted. Content. Mentally drafting a strongly worded letter to the badger population.
Day 3: Leaving… With Lessons Learned (and a Slight Pizza Hangover)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The bagel situation hasn’t improved. Survive on caffeine, pure and simple.
- 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Checking out. Reflecting on my Wisconsin adventure. It was… an experience.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I'm already planning my return.
- 10:00 AM: Departure. Leaving Madison with a full belly, a camera roll bursting with photos, and a newfound respect for badgers. And maybe a slight craving for pizza.
- 10:30 AM: Airport.
Final Thoughts:
The Days Inn? Not a five-star resort, but perfectly adequate. The Wi-fi? A work in progress. Wisconsin? Absolutely charming. Would I recommend this trip? Absolutely. Would I do it again? You bet your sweet… uh… well, you get the idea. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find another pizza.
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Days Inn Madison: You WON'T Believe What I Found! (And Probably Regret!) - A VERY Honest FAQ
Okay, spill the tea! Why all the Days Inn hype? What's the "secret"?
Alright, alright, settle down. "Secret" is a strong word. More like... deeply buried. Look, Madison's got fancy hotels, boutique stays, the works. But for a budget traveler (or a broke college student desperately needing a weekend getaway), the Days Inn... *whispers*... is a strategic choice. Look, you're not expecting the Ritz. You *are* expecting somewhere to sleep. And, depending on your definition of 'clean' and 'functional', the Days Inn delivers. It's got this charm, mind you, this... *gestures vaguely* "lived-in" vibe. Like, you half expect to find a crumpled lottery ticket under the mattress from some past guest's dream.
Is it *actually* that cheap? Because my wallet weeps.
Look, let's be real. Madison ain't exactly a bargain destination. But yeah, compared to the other options, the Days Inn often feels like a gift from the budget gods. I've snagged rooms there for the price of, like, two fancy coffees. Two! And, sometimes, that's all my self-care budget allows. However, I will admit, prices fluctuate WILDLY. Check several booking sites, and sometimes... the price jumps. Like a bunny on caffeine. So, be prepared to stalk those booking sites. And pray. Mostly, pray.
The breakfast...is it as depressing as hotel breakfasts usually are?
Ah, the breakfast. This is where the Days Inn... *shudders*... shines. Or, at least, it tries. I'm talking continental, folks! Think: pre-packaged, individually wrapped donuts (the kind that taste like cardboard flavored with regret). Cereal that’s seen better days. Stale bagels. And, the pièce de résistance: a waffle maker. Now, the waffle maker, historically, is a gamble. Will it work? Will it spew batter everywhere? Will the waffles be edible? One time, I spent a solid 30 minutes trying to extract a waffle that had fused itself to the heating plate. I swear, the other guests were judging me. The little yogurts are *usually* safe. So, there's that. Bring your own granola bars. Seriously.
Okay, fine, the breakfast is... something. What's the room *really* like? The truth!
Alright, the room. This is where things get... interesting. Forget minimalist chic. Think, you know, the kind of room that's seen a LOT of guests. The furniture is functional. The beds... can be a gamble. Some are comfy. Some feel like sleeping on a concrete slab. (I may or may not have encountered one of those). The lighting is usually... well... dim. Like, "romantic-candlelight-but-actually-just-burned-out-bulbs" dim. But here's the thing... it's a place to crash. A place to lay your weary head. A place to, say, leave your hiking boots to *really* stink. The important things.
Let's talk about the "cleanliness." Is it... you know... CLEAN?
Okay, this is where I have to level with you. "Clean" is a relative term. Let's just say, inspect the sheets. *thoroughly*. And the bathroom? Well, it's a bathroom. It has a toilet, a shower (with varying degrees of water pressure), and a sink. Bring your own Lysol wipes. Always. I've seen some questionable stains on the carpets. Let's just leave it at that. Honestly, for the price, you get what you get. And sometimes, what you get is a faint whiff of regret and the lingering ghost of someone else's vacation. However, I *did* once find a really cool shampoo bottle. Progress!
What about the location? Is it convenient?
Depends on what you're after. The Days Inn in Madison isn't usually smack-dab in the middle of all the action. You'll probably need a car or be prepared to Uber/Lyft. But, it's usually not *too* far from everything. Close enough to get to the capital. Close enough to grab some good food. Close enough to the (highly recommended) Willy Street Co-op. So, it's accessible, but not necessarily 'walk-everywhere' central. Check a map. Seriously.
Okay, here's a big one: What's the staff like? Friend or foe?
The staff... it's a mixed bag. Sometimes you get the friendly, helpful front-desk person who's seen it all and smiles anyway. Sometimes you get... someone who looks like they'd rather be anywhere else. (Understandable, honestly). I had one interaction where I swear the lady at the desk was trying to convince me I didn't actually have a reservation. (I did. I showed her the confirmation email. It took a while.) But, hey, at least she eventually found the room! Overall, they're usually functional. That's the goal, right? The best staff are the invisible staff. The ones who don't make you question your sanity.
ANY WILD STORIES? You've gotta have *something* to share!
Oh, honey, where do I even *start*? Okay, brace yourselves. (clears throat). One time, I stayed there during a particularly nasty blizzard. Like, the kind where you can't see your hand in front of your face. The power flickered on and off ALL NIGHT LONG. I spent most of the night huddled under the blankets, listening to the wind howl. The heat was on, then off, then on again. I swear, every single time the heat kicked back on, I woke up in a hot flash. By morning, I looked like I'd run a marathon in a sauna. The breakfast was... let’s just say, the coffee was a lifeline. The waffles, thankfully, stayed in the waffle maker this time. A win, I guess? But I have to admit, there was something oddly bonding about all of us guests, shivering and caffeinating. The Days Inn. It’s survival of the fittest, I swear.
So, would you recommend it? Be honest!
