Cookeville's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the alleged "BEST Kept Secret" of Cookeville: the Days Inn. Now, I'm not gonna lie, when I first saw the name, I thought, "Days Inn? Seriously? Sounds about as thrilling as watching paint dry." But look, I'm nothing if not a glutton for punishment… I mean, a determined reviewer. So, I went in with an open mind, a healthy dose of skepticism, and a backpack full of snacks (because, let's be real, hotel snacks are highway robbery).
(This is gonna be a wild ride, folks. Prepare for the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth… even if it involves a questionable coffee incident.)
First Impressions & Accessibility (and My Struggles):
Alright, the first thing that hit me was…well, the lack of a grand entrance. It's a Days Inn. Not the Four Seasons. You get a parking lot, a slightly weathered exterior, and a big ol' DAYS INN sign. Functionality over fancy, I guess. Now, accessibility is a BIG deal for me. Okay, so, the parking lot was… adequate. Not exactly a smooth ride for anyone with mobility issues, but hey, it was there! The front desk? Fine. Standard. No crazy ramp angles, which is a win in my book! And the elevator? Yep, it exists! Praise be!
(Accessibility Score: Solid B+. They get points for effort, even if the execution sometimes felt a tad… functional.)
Check-In & Front Desk Fiascos (Kidding! Mostly):
The check-in? Smooth as butter… that is, until I realized I forgot to print my confirmation email. (Don’t judge! I was rushing!). Thankfully, the front desk lady was cool and didn’t even raise an eyebrow at my digital disarray. A genuinely friendly human interaction. (This is noteworthy, people. Sometimes you just want a welcoming face after a long drive!) They also have contactless check-in/out, which, in this COVID-era, is a godsend.
(Front Desk Friendliness: A+ for patience and a smile. Bonus points for not judging my organizational skills.)
The Room: A Symphony of… Comfort? (With a Side of "Meh"):
Okay, the moment of truth. The room. Now, I was in a standard room, and I have to say, it wasn't the Ritz. But, honestly? It was clean. And for the price? Perfectly acceptable.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (THANK THE DEEPEST GODS!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (Not in my room though!), Bathroom phone (I didn't even know those existed!), Bath tub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting (yeah, it's there), Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (the tea bags were there), Daily housekeeping (They tidied up daily), Desk, Extra long bed (seemed okay-ish), Hair dryer (worked!), High floor (yep – I was on the second floor), In-room safe box (I didn't use it), Interconnecting room(s) available (didn't get one), Internet access – LAN (didn't try), Internet access – wireless (FREE WIFI! More on that later), Ironing facilities (ironing board and iron), Laptop workspace (yep), Linens, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies (I didn't look), Reading light, Refrigerator (small, but hey – fridge!), Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels (TV), Scale (…really?), Seating area (a chair), Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers (lol, no), Smoke detector, Socket near the bed (essential), Sofa (not in mine), Soundproofing (mediocre), Telephone, Toiletries (basic), Towels, Umbrella (Nope), Visual alarm (didn't see), Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens (essential for fresh air!).
The bed? Comfy enough to crash after a long day. The air conditioning blasted ice-cold air like it was its duty to make me comfortable. Speaking of which…
(Room Score: A solid B. Clean, functional. Not luxurious, but hey, you're not paying for luxury, are you?)
The Wi-Fi: My Digital Savior!
Okay, listen up, because this is HUGE.
FREE WI-FI IN ALL ROOMS!
And it actually WORKED! I was able to stream my guilty-pleasure reality shows without any buffering. This is a bigger deal than you realize, people. Bad Wi-Fi is a hotel dealbreaker. The Days Inn delivered.
(Wi-Fi Score: A+. Seriously, the Wi-Fi alone almost makes it the BEST hotel ever.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (A Culinary Adventure… Kind Of):
Okay, the dining situation is… basic. They do offer a continental breakfast. Which means, you get that perfect mix of sadness and hope. You know, the kind where you see the sad, slightly-stale bagels and the sad pre-packaged muffins, but you secretly hope to score a good waffle.
- Breakfast [buffet]: They do. It's a basic buffet, but it does the job.
- Breakfast service: Also available.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: YES! (And yes, I had a questionable coffee incident. More on that later.)
- Coffee shop: Nope. You're stuck with the hotel coffee, my friend.
- Restaurants: One on-site restaurant! (more on it later.)
- Room service [24-hour]: YES! (for breakfast)
- Snack bar: Nah. You're better off hitting up the local gas station for sustenance.
There is a restaurant attached. And I’d call it… serviceable. Don’t expect Michelin Star quality, but it's open and the food is, well, edible.
(Dining Score: C+. The breakfast is… functional. The restaurant is so-so. But hey, at least there's something!)
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID Factor (and My Obsessions):
During my stay, it was obvious the hotel was putting in some effort to keep things safe, which I greatly appreciate.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: The staff were using them.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep.
- Hand sanitizer: Available in common areas.
- Individually-wrapped food options: They did the best they could.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to be.
- The staff were wearing masks.
(Cleanliness & Safety Score: A. They were trying, and that's what matters!)
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Or Not):
Okay, here's where things get a little… sparse.
- Gym/fitness: No, it doesn't have one.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: And now for the redeeming factor! Yes! It's actually a nice pool.
- Pool with view: No view.
- Spa: Sorry people, no spa!
- Steamroom: No.
- Sauna: Nope.
- Massage: You wish.
There's nothing particularly exciting in the hotel itself. But hey, there are the usual hotel amenities.
(Things to do Score: C-. Don't expect a spa day. But the pool is a nice surprise!)
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Coffee Incident…
Okay, this is where things get real. Here's the messy, honest stuff.
- The Coffee Incident: Okay, so, the hotel coffee. Let's just say it wasn't the best. I think there was a lingering aftertaste of… something. Maybe regret? Anyway, I had to go out and get Starbucks. Consider yourself warned.
- The Soundproofing (Or Lack Thereof): I could occasionally hear… things. It wasn't a deal-breaker, but if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs.
- No Pets Allowed: This is important for pet owners!
(Impression: This is a hotel. It's not fancy. But for what you get, its fine. It's not perfect, but it's a decent, clean, and safe place to rest your head.)
The Verdict: Is it Cookeville's Best Kept Secret? (Maybe… Probably Not.)
Okay, let's be honest. The Days Inn in Cookeville isn't going to win any awards for luxury. It's not a spa resort. It's not the place you'd go for a romantic weekend. BUT… for the price, it's clean, safe, and the Wi-Fi is AMAZING. The staff is friendly, and while the food isn't stellar, it's there. It's a perfectly acceptable place to crash.
So, is it a "secret"? Probably not. Is it the best? Eh,
Escape to Paradise: Mobile's Best-Kept Secret Hotel Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're headed to Cookeville, Tennessee, baby! And let me tell you, staying at a Days Inn by Wyndham? It's an experience. Let the chaotic adventure begin!
Day 1: Arrival & "Is This Place… Okay?"
- 1:00 PM: Land at, I don't know, the closest airport. My flight was delayed, of course. Because when isn't it? The whole "traveling" thing is just a series of mildly stressful inconveniences punctuated by moments of profound wonder, am I right? That profound wonder right now is the guy in front of me with the "World's Best Dad" t-shirt reading the newspaper.
- 2:30 PM: Arrive at the Days Inn. First impression: it’s…yellow. Like, aggressively yellow. Okay, maybe it's the fluorescent lights. The front desk person, bless her heart, seemed to be having a worse day than me. She's probably seen things.
- 2:45 PM: Check into Room 217. Okay, the carpet is questionable. But hey, the bed looks comfy. "Comfy-ish." The TV remote? Missing a battery cover. This is the kind of detail that haunts me. Minor, but speaks volumes.
- 3:00 PM: I'm a coffee addict, gotta have it. The coffee maker in the room is, well, let's just say I am going to go see if I can find a Starbucks or a local coffee shop. First impression of Cookeville, TN? I am starving.
- 4:00 PM: Okay, found a Starbucks. The barista was actually really nice, which made me suspicious. I'm not used to southern hospitality, okay? That smile felt almost…sinister. Jk! maybe. I had the biggest muffin with a double espresso. I'm ready to explore!
- 5:00 PM: Okay, I'm finally ready to go to explore the downtown area.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at a local diner. I had the fried chicken and the mashed potatoes. It felt so… comforting. The ambiance was so good, I could get used to this!
- 8:00 PM: Back at the room. Okay, the yellow walls are getting a bit much. I may not sleep tonight. But hey, at least it's quiet. Mostly. Someone's having a loud conversation outside my door, and I can hear the TV from next door.
Day 2: Waterfalls and My Personal Existential Crisis (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up. Slept like a baby. Wait… was that a baby? The breakfast. Oh, the breakfast! Continental, mostly. The waffles were okay, the fruit was mostly canned. The plastic cutlery is just… tragic.
- 9:00 AM: Head to Cummins Falls State Park. People said this would be amazing. Okay, it was amazing. The waterfalls were spectacular, and the hike down to the bottom was invigorating (read: I almost ate it a couple of times). The water was freezing, but hey, I went in!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the park’s picnic area. I packed a sandwich and a bag of chips. There were so many families, and so many happy families. I felt a little…alone. The constant thrum of contentment hit me.
- 1:00 PM: Time to go back to the hotel.
- 2:00 PM: Rest for a bit, and watch some TV.
- 4:00 PM: Time for a little bit more relaxing.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the room. I realized I wanted to go to the hotel's pool. It seems that the pool is closed. sigh
- 7:00 PM: I am hungry. I ordered dinner at a restaurant and waited for my order. (1 hour later)
- 8:00 PM: Finally, I can go to bed. I want to sleep now.
Day 3: The Road Beckons (and the Luggage is Heavy)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, feeling surprisingly well-rested, despite the questionable acoustics of the Days Inn. Last breakfast at the hotel. This time, I am eating everything.
- 8:00 AM: Packing. Ugh. Packing is the worst part of travel. Always. It's a physical manifestation of the impending return to the real world, and I hate it. Found a missing sock! Score!
- 9:00 AM: Check out. Said goodbye to the kind lady. She probably thinks I'm a weirdo. Probably right.
- 9:30 AM: I am saying goodbye to Cookeville. The only thing I have to report is, that I did not have to work during my vacation, and that is the best thing in the world.
So there you have it. My Cookeville adventure. Flawed, hilarious, and utterly human. Would I stay at the Days Inn again? Maybe. Probably. It's a place to rest your head, and sometimes, that's all you need. But next time, I’m bringing my own coffee and a hazmat suit for the remote!
Escape to Paradise: Chang Kaew Resort's Chiang Mai Magic!
Alright, let's be REAL. What even *is* this… thing?
Ugh, right? That’s the million-dollar question, isn't it? Honestly, sometimes I feel like I'm wrestling with a gremlin that changes shape every five minutes! It's like trying to catch smoke. Okay, *deep breath*. Think… a swirling vortex of… *stuff*. Not helpful, I know.
Look, the official answer is probably something dry and technical. But from my experience? It’s a constantly evolving enigma. And you're constantly re-evaluating your understanding as a result. It's… a challenge, let's leave it at that.
So, I heard rumblings about "benefits." Is that a cruel joke? Are there ANY upsides to this mess?
Okay, *okay*. Before you throw your hands up in despair, yes, *technically* there are some… perks. Like, maybe being forced to become a master negotiator from all the hoops you gotta jump through just to… well, to *exist*. Or maybe you will learn to deal with stress and get better at working with other people if you are lucky. I have been that guy and it is not a great look.
But honestly? Finding those glimmers of sunshine is like panning for gold in a sewage plant. You find it, get excited, then realize you're knee-deep in… well, you get the idea.
There was one time, though… (and this is a true story, I swear!) I was dealing with a particularly brutal version of this… thing. Like, feeling utterly defeated and at my wit's end. But then? BAM! A tiny, almost imperceptible victory! A hurdle cleared! And for a split second, I felt… a tiny spark of pride. Like, "Hey, I actually managed to *do* something!" It was gone as soon as it appeared, but for that moment, it was gold. And the joy of triumph lasted all of five minutes before the next crisis struck. Still, five minutes of triumph? I’ll take it.
What about the *down*sides? Because, really... *are* there any?
*Sigh*. Okay, pull up a chair. We could be here all day. First off, the stress. OH. MY. GOD. It's like having a tiny, angry chihuahua living rent-free in your brain, constantly yapping and nipping at your heels. Sleep? Forget about it. Sanity? Highly questionable. Relationships? Well, let's just say they get tested. A lot. And often, the test results aren't pretty.
Then there's the constant feeling of being behind. Like, no matter how hard you work, you're always playing catch-up. It's exhausting. And the worst part? The feeling of isolation. You try to explain it to people, and they just… they don't *get* it. You're stuck in this bizarre reality where you can't even properly articulate the beast. It's like being stranded on a desert island with a language no one else understands. Seriously, the desert island metaphor is strangely accurate.
And I swear, the amount of time wasted on second-guessing yourself is just criminal. "Did I do the right thing?" "Should I have said *that*?" "Am I completely, utterly, irrevocably screwed?" It's a constant internal monologue of doubt and despair.
And, you know what? Sometimes, I just want to scream. Loudly. For a very long time. Is that allowed? Can I officially scream to the masses? Okay, thanks, I feel better already.
Okay, deep breath. What are my *options* here? Do I have ANY control?!
Control? Heh. Yeah, well, let's be realistic. You're probably not going to 'conquer' this thing. But… and this is a big, fat, *but*… you can learn to *manage* it. Sort of. Think of it like wrestling an octopus. Exhausting, yes, but not entirely hopeless.
First, acceptance. Embrace the chaos. Accept that things will go sideways. A lot. This isn’t about victory; it's about survival. The more you fight against the current, the faster you'll drown. (Metaphors, I've got them in droves.)
Second, figure out a routine. Even a small one! A consistent schedule might be the only thing saving you from the brink. Even if it's just setting mealtimes, or dedicating a small amount of time to a hobby. It won't make the feeling go away, but it'll act as a small anchor in the storm.
And finally, get. Support. Find your people. Because chances are those people are also dealing with the same thing, but they may be better equipped. Talk. Share. Vent. Because, going it alone? That way lies madness. (Okay, maybe you're already there. But still…)
Is there... like... a *cure*? Or, at least, like, a REALLY good escape hatch?
If I had a dollar for every time I asked myself that question… well, I wouldn’t be sitting here, ranting in a FAQ. I'd be sipping cocktails on a beach, far, far away. Look, there’s no magic bullet. No easy out. And believe me, I've looked. Trust. Me.
The "escape hatch" is what we create for ourselves. So it can be as small as taking a 5 minute breather but it will involve a lot of self work.
There are some things, like trying to find a good routine. But there are very few things that you can control. And you will still be living through the storm. It is a lot of work. And it can be exhausting. And the worst part of it all is the time you spend on the second-guessing!
Okay, so it sounds absolutely awful. Why haven't I run screaming into the metaphorical hills yet?
Because… deep down… you know you can do this. And you're probably also too stubborn. And maybe, just *maybe*, there's a tiny part of you that actually enjoys the challenge. Yeah, I know. It’s a weird, masochistic kind of thing, but there's a certain… *thrill* to navigating this mess. The feeling of triumph when you overcome something? *Chef's kiss*.
Also, you probably have stuff you have to keep doing. It's a part of life. And maybe, just maybe, you're too scared of what's on the other side of the hills you've wanted to run toward.
And let's be honest, sometimes we just get used to the chaos. ItBackpacker Hotel Find
