Eureka's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review & Hidden Gems!
Eureka's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review & Hidden Gems! (Warning: May Contain Ramblings and an Overabundance of Enthusiasm)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review of the Days Inn in Eureka that’s less "polished travelogue" and more "honest, slightly-scatterbrained rant – er, review." Prepare for opinions, digressions, and possibly a healthy dose of over-the-top praise (and the occasional grumble). This isn't your typical TripAdvisor fare, folks.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Gotta Do the Homework, Right?)
- Keywords: Eureka Springs, Days Inn, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Restaurant, Spa, Hidden Gems, Budget Travel, Arkansas Hotels, Family Friendly, Pet-Friendly (kinda)
- Meta Description: Unearth the truth about Eureka Springs' Days Inn! This review dives deep into accessibility, amenities, food, and hidden surprises – with honesty, humor, and a touch of chaos. Perfect for travelers seeking a real take.
The Initial Impression: "Wait, This is Eureka?!" (and My Knee)
Okay, so I rolled up to the Days Inn, a little skeptical, to be honest. Eureka Springs is known for its Victorian charm and quirky vibes, and… well, a Days Inn felt kind of… standard. But immediately I was impressed by the ease of location. Very accessible, with ample parking… which was a HUGE bonus, especially considering the state of my knee after tackling Thorncrown Chapel earlier in the day. (Pro-tip: wear sensible shoes in Eureka!) The exterior was clean, the staff was friendly, and hey, the promise of free Wi-Fi was already singing a sweet siren song to my data-addicted soul.
Accessibility & Oh, the Humanity! (and Stairs)
Right off the bat, HUGE props for accessibility. They’ve clearly put some thought into it, which is more than I can say for some of the boutique hotels I’ve stayed in.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Absolutely. Ramps, elevators - the works. This is a big win for anyone with mobility concerns, and made my bad knee's day a LOT easier. Massive thumbs up.
- Elevator: Yes. Essential.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: They've got the rooms, which is great, but remember to call ahead, because they are limited! Definitely not enough, if every hotel had had them, no-one would remember this review!
- CCTV in Common Areas & Outside Property: Safety conscious. Makes a solo traveler feel a bit more secure.
Rooms: Comfort, Cleanliness, and the Perils of Blackout Curtains
Okay, the room. Let's be real, it wasn't the grandest hotel room I've ever experienced, but it was clean, comfortable, and, most importantly – quiet.
- Cleanliness: Sparkling! I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), and I was genuinely impressed. The anti-viral cleaning products were a nice touch, and I felt safe and relaxed.
- Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available?: I didn't see a formal opt-out, but the cleanliness suggested they were on top of it. I wouldn't have needed it if I could opt-out of seeing a specific relative…but that's another story.
- Rooms Sanitized between stays: Presumably, since everywhere was clean.
- Air Conditioning: Bliss! Essential in the Arkansas heat.
- Blackout Curtains: Devilishly effective. I almost overslept. Almost. (See: The Pool with View).
- Internet Access – Wireless (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!): Crucial. Worked flawlessly. Speed was decent. I could actually work from my room, which is a miracle.
- In-room Safe: Didn't use it, but appreciated it.
- Desk & Laptop Workspace: Yes. Essential.
- Coffee/Tea Maker & Complimentary Tea: Gotta have it! Caffeine is life.
- Refrigerator: Useful for snacks and the obligatory bottle of water.
- Ironing Facilities: Yes, and although I did not use, they are welcome.
- Shower: Fine, with decent water pressure.
- Toiletries: Standard, but adequate.
- Hair Dryer: Check.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good, but I did hear some rowdy folks late at night. (See: Dining, drinking, and snacking section).
- Wake-up Service: Definitely a plus.
- Non-smoking rooms: Essential, thank god!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: "Where's the Margarita Machine?!"
Okay, let's get down to the important stuff. Food and drink!
- Restaurants: On-site, a definite bonus. I would have loved to find the margarita machine but alas. It's not always a glamorous experience, but there are decent options.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Mostly standard fare. Nothing mind-blowing, but it's free, and it filled me up. And it's easier than going out!
- Breakfast Service: Available, with options for takeaway if you're in a rush.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop: Fuel for the soul!
- Bar: Needed!
- Poolside bar: Heaven! (See: The Pool with View).
- Poolside service: The best feeling in the world, almost like a spa except wet!
- Snack bar: Gotta have your snacks!
- Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver, especially after a long day wandering Eureka.
- A la carte in restaurant / Buffet in restaurant: Options, options, options!
- Alternative meal arrangement / Vegetarian restaurant: Not something I specifically looked for, but they seemed accommodating.
- Bottle of water: Always welcome (especially after a swim).
- Desserts in restaurant / Salad in restaurant / Soup in restaurant: The basic needs are met!
- Happy hour: I missed it. My loss, undoubtedly. But I needed to be in bed after trekking around for a long time.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Made me feel comfortable.
- Safe dining setup: Tables spaced out, etc. Good.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Check.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Nice touch for hygiene.
The Pool with View: "I Died and Went to Eureka Heaven"
Okay. Prepare yourself. The pool. Oh, the pool. This is where the Days Inn shines.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes! And it was glorious.
- Pool with view: YES. This isn't just any pool, y'all. It’s perched overlooking the valley. The view is breathtaking. I spent a solid afternoon lounging poolside, sipping a (self-supplied) beverage, and trying to forget the relentless work emails pinging in my inbox. The world melted away. I actually achieved a state of blissful relaxation. I almost forgot about my knee. The chlorine smell, the warm sun… pure joy.
- Poolside bar: Did I mention there's a bar right there? Brilliant. The service was friendly, the drinks were cold, and the whole experience was… just perfect.
- Access: Easy.
- Things to do, ways to relax: The pool experience is a "way to relax."
Spa/Sauna: "I Should Have Gone!"
- Spa/sauna: I didn't actually experience the spa, which, in retrospect, was a HUGE mistake. I was tempted, but the allure of the pool was too strong. But from what I've read, and from the general vibe of the place, I suspect it would have been relaxing. Next time, I'm there.
- Massage, Body scrub & Body wrap, Foot bath: Next time, for sure.
- Sauna: The place seems to have it.
- Steamroom: Seems to be.
- Spa: The place seems to have it.
Services & Conveniences: "Help! I Need More Towels!"
- Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and Ironing service: Much-needed!
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Dry cleaning: A definite perk.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Convenience store: Always a win.
- Safety deposit boxes: Good to have.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Elevator: Absolutely necessary.
- Car park [free of charge] & Car park [on-site]: Parking was easy peasy. No hunting!
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential!
- Contactless check-in/out: Loved this! Quick and easy.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus.
- Cashless payment service: Modern convenience.
- Safe dining setup: Check.
- Essential condiments:
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, "perfect Pinterest trip" itinerary. This is MY Eureka, CA adventure, and trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride, complete with caffeine jitters, existential dread in a parking lot, and possibly a near-miss with a rogue seagull. Let's GO!
Days Inn by Wyndham Eureka CA: My Home Base (For Better or Worse)
(Okay, look, I'm budget-conscious. Don't judge the Days Inn. It’s centrally located…ish. And hey, clean sheets, right?)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Promise of Adventure
- (3:00 PM): Arrived! Checked into the Days Inn. Keycard worked… score! Room… well, it’s a room. Definitely has that signature “hotel smell” – a potent cocktail of disinfectant and lingering regret. But look, it's got a bed, a TV that probably only gets three channels, and a view of… the parking lot. Beautiful. (Said with heavy sarcasm).
- Anecdote: The front desk guy looked like he’d seen things. His nametag said “Bob.” I’m pretty sure Bob is the things. I swear he sized me up in under a second. I think I saw a hint of knowing in his eyes. Or maybe it was just the dim lighting.
- (4:00 PM): Mini-panic attack over unpacking/rearranging the room. Why is everything suddenly so important? Where is the right place for my toothbrush?! Am I even traveling the right way?? Took 20 minutes to psych myself up to even open my suitcase.
- (4:30 PM): Forced myself to go outside. Eureka! is supposed to be beautiful, right? Walked around the immediate area of the hotel. Found a sketchy diner, a boarded-up laundromat, and a… well, another parking lot. The drama of it all! Decided the beauty will come later. I had to find a coffee shop first.
- (5:30 PM): Coffee and existential pondering at a local place called "Lost Coast Coffee." Okay, now we're talking. Strong coffee, a decent pastry, and the chance to people-watch. Spotted a guy wearing a Grateful Dead t-shirt, a woman with a tiny dog in a carrier, and two teens arguing about… something. This might actually be interesting.
- (7:00 PM): Dinner at (Name and Recommendation): Seriously delicious seafood. Okay, maybe my first impression of Eureka was a little harsh. Good food can fix a lot of things. (And, maybe, the fact that I can watch a little TV and relax).
- (8:30 PM): Briefly attempted to plan the rest of the trip, but the aforementioned food coma, caffeine, and general exhaustion of the day made me start to zone out. Gave up and watched TV.
- (9:30 PM): Bed. Hoping for (and anticipating) a restful night's sleep.
Day 2: Redwood Dreams, Beach Blues, and Sea Lion Shenanigans
- (8:00 AM): Woke up! (Hallelujah!). Grabbed some stale continental "breakfast" at the hotel. (Don't ask. Just… don't). The waffle maker spewed something vaguely breakfast-like, I think.
- (9:00 AM): Redwood National and State Parks: FINALLY. The main reason I came. Drove through the mist-shrouded giant redwoods. It truly IS as awe-inspiring as everyone says. I pulled over to the side of the road at one point… and just stood there. Staring up. Feeling tiny. A humbling experience, really.
- Quirky Observation: The air smells like… ancient history. Like the world before humans messed it up. And the silence? You can hear silence.
- (11:00 AM): Hiking! Chose a relatively easy trail. (I'm not exactly an athlete). The redwood trees were so tall! I was slightly worried about dropping my phone.
- (1:00 PM): Lunch: had a picnic. A sandwich and a piece of fruit I got at the grocery. Sat at a picnic table with a bunch of kids, and watched them playing. It was nice!
- (3:00 PM): Trinidad State Beach: The coast! The Pacific! Got there only to find an intense wind. Made for a very refreshing, but also… cold, experience. I spent a good 30 minutes just staring at the waves.
- Emotional Reaction: The vastness of the ocean always hits me. It makes everything else feel so… small. But in an okay way. (Yes, I know I'm being a bit dramatic.)
- (4:00 PM): Trinidad Head: Climbed to the top. More spectacular views. And… sea lions!
- ANECDOTE: I saw a sea lion sunbathing. It was… chubby. and glorious. For a solid fifteen minutes, I just watched this sea lion being its goofy, blubbery self, and for a brief moment, all was right with the world. Seriously, the sea lion was the highlight of the day. It was magnificent!
- (6:00 PM): Drove toward the Inn to freshen up, and take it easy.
- (7:30 PM): Ate dinner at a local restaurant. The food was great.
- (9:00 PM): Bed, and the start of some more TV.
Day 3: Eureka's Charm… and a Few More Quirks
- (9:00 AM): Late start. Slept in! Needed.
- (10:00 AM): Walk around Old Town Eureka. The Victorian architecture is pretty, but also a little…wonky? Lots of slightly faded grandeur.
- Opinionated Language: It's charming, yes, but also a little bit like someone took a perfectly good town and decided to give it a slightly off-kilter makeover. I think I like it.
- (11:00 AM): The Clarke Historical Museum: More amazing things to see, and more historical facts to memorize.
- (1:00 PM): Lunch. I ate at a spot and had a burger.
- (3:00 PM): (Name and Recommendation): Checked out something interesting I'd heard of.
- (4:30 PM): Packed up my things. Ready to go!
- (5:00 PM): Final thoughts on the trip and the place.
- (6:00 PM): Drove home.
Important Considerations:
- Weather: It’s coastal. Be prepared for anything, especially fog. And wind. Did I mention wind? Bring layers.
- Food: Eat ALL the seafood. Seriously.
- People: The people are as quirky as the town. Embrace it.
- Pacing: Don't try to pack too much in. Leave room for spontaneity and… sea lion appreciation.
- Hotel Life: It’s not perfect, but again… clean sheets.
There you have it. MY Eureka, CA adventure. It might not be flawless, it’s not the most exciting thing, but hopefully, it's real. And hopefully, you enjoyed the ride. Safe travels!
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Eureka's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review & Hidden Gems! (The Unvarnished Truth)
Okay, settle in, because this ain't your polished travel brochure. We're diving *deep* into Eureka Springs, and the so-called "secret" *Days Inn*. Is it even a secret? Probably not. But trust me, after wrestling with this for a week, I've got Opinions. (And possibly bedbug anxiety. We'll get there.) Let's unleash the chaos... or at least, try to answer some burning questions.
1. Is the Days Inn in Eureka Springs *really* worth it? Like, is it actually a "secret gem," or just...a Days Inn?
Alright, reality check. "Secret Gem" is a *stretch*. It's a Days Inn. Think...basic. Think… maybe a little bit dated. Picture a lobby carpet that has probably seen… things. (Let's just leave it at that). BUT. Here's the thing. Eureka Springs is… pricey. Lodging can be brutal. I mean, *brutal*. And sometimes, you just need a clean-ish bed, a functioning shower, and maybe, *MAYBE* a free continental breakfast. So, worth it? For the price… potentially. Embrace your inner budget traveler. Lower your expectations, and you might actually be pleasantly surprised. Just don’t expect the Four Seasons, okay? Don't.
2. What's the *actual* breakfast situation like? Is it just sad, stale muffins?
Okay, the breakfast. Prepare yourself. It's… continental. This is key. *Continental*. Translation: Expect pre-packaged pastries. Expect, potentially, the world's saddest-looking yogurt parfaits. I will say, during my stay, the coffee was… fine. It was hot. It *wasn't* poison. (Victory!). And! They *did* have a waffle maker. A waffle maker! Which… well, I'm not gonna lie, I completely destroyed. (Picture a crispy, burnt-on-the-outside, raw-on-the-inside tragedy. Delicious). So, adjust your breakfast expectations accordingly. Maybe pack a granola bar, just in case. But the waffle maker is a… redeeming factor. Small wins, people, small wins.
3. What about the rooms? Are they… clean? (And, related question: Bedbugs?!)
Alright, the Big One. Cleanliness. Look, I'm gonna be brutally honest here. My first thought upon entering the room was, "Okay, breathe. Don't touch anything." Which, in fairness, is my first thought *everywhere*. But yes, it was… clean-ish. Like, they tried. But you could tell it had been used. I mean, *really* used. And I spent, no kidding you, a solid ten minutes examining the mattress seam for any… you know. Because bedbugs. It became a THING. A full-blown phobia. So, uh, bring a flashlight, and maybe a magnifying glass. Seriously. And maybe some industrial-strength Lysol wipes. Just… you know. For peace of mind. (I *think* I'm okay… but every itch…)
4. Okay, BUT *is* Eureka Springs worth it, even if the Days Inn is… the Days Inn? (And what "hidden gems" did you find?)
OMG, YES. Eureka Springs is WORTH IT. Absolutely. Even with the questionable carpet and the potential bedbug paranoia! It's… magical. Seriously. Think… Victorian architecture, quirky shops, art galleries galore, and this overall sense of… well, weirdness. In a good way! Okay, so "hidden gems"... let's get to it. I think the real "gem" I found was *the* **Stone House Inn**. My friend and I stumbled upon because of how close it was to the Days Inn. It helped that they offered a killer breakfast...and it was a step away from the room. The people there are fantastic and even though I had to leave, I would recommend this place. I also went to **The Grotto Wood Fired Grill and Wine Cave.** Don't ask me which of the dishes are the best, because all of them are. The wine cave is perfect for a date. Next, I recommend, which is not far from my room, is the **Thorncrown Chapel.** This is a must-see if you are looking for beauty. Don't go, and you'll be crying every night.
Listen, even if the Days Inn is… well, the Days Inn… the town *itself* makes it worth it. Go. Explore. Get lost. Be prepared for some imperfections (in both the lodging and the town itself, let's be honest!). But the memories? Priceless. (Except for the price you paid for the room. But still.)
5. Should I stay at the Days Inn? (Final Verdict!)
Okay, the million-dollar question. Should YOU stay at the Days Inn in Eureka Springs? Here's the deal: If you're on a budget, desperate for a place to crash, and not overly fussed about luxury? YES. Go for it. Just… lower your expectations. Bring the wipes. And maybe a good book to distract yourself from the potential bedbug anxieties. If you're traveling with a family and have to save every penny...yes. If you need a room to chill, get the vibes, and plan your trip...the Days Inn gets the job done. And when the time comes, you'll be so excited to come back! The worst-case scenario that you can do? Stay somewhere else. Just book your stay.
6. Anything else I should know? Any other "secrets"?
Okay, one last thing before I finally let this go: Don't expect the internet to be lightning-fast. It's… serviceable. Also: The pool… I didn't go near it. Looked… questionable. (See previous bedbug concerns). Just… bring a good attitude, embrace the quirkiness, and remember you're in Eureka Springs! And if you see a wandering traveler scratching frantically… it might be me. Just kidding! Probably. Mostly. Okay, Bye!
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