Escape to Comfort: Days Inn Newton, MS - Your I-20 Oasis!
Escape to Comfort: Days Inn Newton, MS - My I-20 Oasis… or Maybe Just a Pit Stop? (A Seriously Honest Review!)
Alright, folks, let's talk Days Inn Newton, MS. Or, as I like to call it, the potential oasis of I-20. You know, when you're staring down the miles and you're about two blinks away from hallucinating roadside billboards? Yeah, that's when the Days Inn beckons. So, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered, and probably slightly caffeinated truth.
First Impressions (and a Tiny Panic About the Exterior Corridor):
Pulling up, the exterior… well, let's just say it's unassuming. It's the classic motel setup: exterior corridors. My immediate thought? "Oh, cool, more opportunities for late-night shenanigans and potential horror movie scenarios." (Just kidding… mostly.) But hey, free parking! And, thank the heavens, it was free! They've got a decent-sized car park, so that's a bonus, especially when you're lugging a suitcase that feels like it's filled with lead bricks. They even have a car power charging station! Good on ya, Days Inn. I appreciate the forward thinking.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Honestly:
Okay, I wasn't specifically looking for wheelchair accessibility, but I did notice some things. The elevator was a godsend, because, stairs! No, thank you. They do list “Facilities for disabled guests.” But let's be real, I haven't experienced those specifically. I saw the ramps, and everything looked okay, but I can't give a definitive thumbs up or down. Needs more direct experience, you know? And the exterior corridors, while making the building what it is, aren’t exactly convenient. They're fine if you have no mobility issues, but those with mobility issues could maybe consider something else.
Rooms: The Good, the Okay, and the "Why is this carpet so…?"
So, I booked a non-smoking room (obvs). And thank god because I can’t stand cigarette smoke – it gives me a headache. The first thing I checked? The air conditioning! This is Mississippi, people. It's a must. And thankfully, it worked. Beautifully. I was already picturing myself escaping the oppressive humidity, and I was right! Heaven.
My room had all the usual suspects. The bed? Surprisingly comfy. Extra long, even! Bonus points for that because I'm tall; tall enough to have experienced beds that are just…wrong. Coffee/tea maker? Present and accounted for. And free bottled water! Always a win. They had the standard amenities: a mini-fridge, a safe (which I never used, because, honestly, who keeps anything truly valuable in a hotel room?). A desk to work on, which I didn’t use because I’m on vacation and therefore work shudders
Oh, and the internet? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it worked! I needed it to keep up to date with my work, look up places to eat and do more research. It was fast enough to stream a movie, so that's a win in my book.
Now, about the carpet… Let's just say it had seen some things. I'm not gonna say it looked dirty, but the color… well, it wasn't exactly the shade you'd choose for a tranquil spa retreat. More like "slightly-used-roadside-diner." Still, the room was clean. And I am thankful for that.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Worry-Free Zone?
This is where Days Inn shines. They are clearly taking their Covid precautions seriously, and I appreciate that. Everything felt scrubbed. They were offering anti-viral cleaning products, the staff were wearing masks, and signs were everywhere reminding people about the need for distancing. I'm not sure how good the sanitizing equipment was, but I appreciated the effort. And the Room sanitization opt-out available is a game-changer, in my opinion. Gives you peace of mind.
I saw signs about hot water linen and laundry washing and that they had staff trained in safety protocol. It made me feel better about crashing there, that's for sure. There were smoke alarms everywhere, and the fire extinguisher was clearly visible. They also provide individually-wrapped food options, which made me feel safer.
Dining: Breakfast, Barely, and Then… More Driving.
Breakfast, my friends… let's just say it was basic. There was a breakfast buffet, but the options were limited. You could get your typical continental breakfast – not enough. It was edible, yes, but didn't exactly set my tastebuds on fire. I remember a pretty mediocre coffee/tea in restaurant.
I didn't try out any of the restaurants (there are no fine dining places as far as I can tell). I did appreciate the breakfast takeaway service, as I was in a huge rush!
Things to Do (or, "What to do When Newton is ALL YOU GOT"):
Okay, let's be honest: Newton, Mississippi, is not exactly a buzzing metropolis. No pressure for a spa, though sometimes I crave it. There's no pool with a view, or a gym/fitness center, or even a sauna. However, the hotel has a swimming pool [outdoor]! I didn't use it. Seemed a little… meh. But with the weather, it might have been a blessing.
Services and Conveniences: The Everyday Essentials
They have daily housekeeping, which is always a plus for a messy person like me. There is also a concierge, which I didn't need, but good to know! They offer cash withdrawal, which is useful. And a convenience store, which is helpful, though small. Laundry Service, a godsend if you're on a long road trip.
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge]! Yep. And it's on-site!
The Verdict: Is it an Oasis? Maybe a Small, Refreshing Pool of Sweat.
Look, Days Inn Newton isn't the Ritz. It's a solid, functional place to crash on a long drive. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the internet works. You can get a relatively good night's sleep with the AC blasting the Mississippi heat away.
Would I stay there again? Absolutely. It's not glamorous, but it's comfortable. It’s a perfectly acceptable pit stop, and that’s all you need when you’re just passing through.
Oshkosh Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Quality Inn!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't gonna be your perfectly ironed travel brochure itinerary. We're talking about the Days Inn in Newton, Mississippi. Sounds… thrilling, right? Honestly? I'm going in with the expectation of a slightly stained carpet and a continental breakfast that looks suspiciously like it’s been sitting out since the Reagan administration. But hey, that’s part of the charm, isn’t it? (Don’t answer that. I’m still trying to convince myself.)
Day 1: Arrival, Assessment, and a Deep Dive into Boredom (aka Newton, MS Edition)
1:00 PM - Arrival and the Sweet Smell of… Opportunity? Pull up to the Days Inn. Alright, first impressions. The exterior… well, it exists. Let’s be honest. It definitely exists. Praying the AC is working because Mississippi in summer? You're playing with fire. Or rather, a swamp full of fireflies. Head inside, try not to judge the lobby too harshly. I saw the TripAdvisor reviews, I brace myself.
- Anecdote: Last time I stayed at a budget motel, there was a suspicious stain on the bedspread. I called the front desk and requested a new one, which I was given with a side smile. Good one, Days inn!
1:30 PM - The Room Reveal (and the inevitable anticlimax). Unlock the door, take a deep breath, and brace yourself. Expect the unexpected. The shower curtain probably hasn't seen a new person in 12 years. Is there a mini-fridge? Please, sweet baby Jesus, let there be a mini-fridge! I need a Diet Coke emergency kit.
- Quirky Observation: I swear those TV remotes are held together with the sheer will of whoever cleans the rooms. Always a battle to get them to work.
- Emotional Reaction: The room is, as expected, basic. Not great, not terrible. Mildly depressing, honestly. But hey, it has a bed. And hopefully, clean-ish sheets. Praying I don't find a rogue hair.
2:00 PM - The Search for Civilization (or at least, a decent burger). Time to venture out. Google Maps is my friend. What's the dining situation in Newton? Praying there's a place with a decent burger. Something with cheese that isn’t a weird, rubbery abomination. Praying. If the only option is a chain, I may cry.
- Messier Structure: Okay, so I found a place. It was… fine. Nothing to write home about. But the burger was edible, the fries were… adequate. The sweet tea, however, was the pinnacle of southern hospitality. I’m already feeling the sugar rush.
4:00 PM - The Great American Napping Adventure. You know the drill. Time to nap because there is nothing else to do. It’s either nap, stare at the flickering TV, or contemplate the meaning of life in a slightly depressing motel room. Nap it is!
- Opinionated Language: I'm serious, there's something about a motel room that just begs for a nap. It’s a siren song of boredom and fatigue.
- Natural Pacing: I woke up two minutes later. I think I just blinked.
5:00 PM - Afternoon exploration of nearby towns As there is apparently nothing to do in Newton, I'll probably drive somewhere and look. Hopefully, the scenery will be interesting!
7:00 PM - Dinner, Take Two (and a desperate plea for entertainment). Okay, new plan. Time for dinner. Maybe drive to a nearby town. I'm looking for something that sparks joy, because my spirit is dwindling.
- Stronger emotional reactions: I think I just saw a squirrel wearing a tiny hat. I'm losing it. I need something to keep me entertained!
8:30 PM - The Evening Ritual: Channel Surfing and Mild Disappointment. Back in the room. Time for the evening routine. Let the channel surfing games begin!
- Minor Category: Check under the bed. Always a gamble.
- (Rambles) I'm not sure what's worse, the endless commercials or the limited channels. Oh, the misery!
- Emotional Reaction: The television is terrible. I am so bored that I think I'm going to start studying the carpet fibers.
Day 2: Departure and the Epilogue of Mild Survival.
- 6:00 AM - Breakfast of Champions. Or At Least, Something Sort of Edible. Time to face the continental breakfast gauntlet. Hopefully, the stale donuts are fresh-ish.
- Quirky Observation: The coffee machine probably brews coffee that has been sitting out since the dinosaurs roamed the earth. Here goes nothing…
- Natural Pacing: Actually, the coffee was… okay. Not great, not terrible. It tastes like coffee.
- 7:00 AM - The Checkout Shuffle. I head to the front desk, praying I don't get hit with any hidden fees (looking at you, questionable mini-bar).
- 7:30 AM - A Final Look and Goodbyes. A final look at the room. Time to leave. I take one last look at the room, trying to memorize the strange feeling of what I've just lived. This is the end.
- 7:45 AM - Driving and Thinking I ponder the trip I just took and find myself wanting to go back to where I came from. Oh well!
- Stronger emotional reactions: I'm just glad to be going home!
- 8:00 AM - Departure and the Sweet Taste of Freedom (and hopefully, a better cup of coffee). Hit the road, and wave goodbye to Newton, Mississippi. And the slightly depressing, yet strangely familiar, Days Inn.
- Opinionated Language: I will never, ever forget this trip.
- (Rambles) I needed this!
- 9:00 AM - End of the trip!
- Messier Structure: It was fine!
Escape to Comfort: Days Inn Newton, MS - Your I-20 Oasis! - Yeah, Let's Talk About It...
Alright, So, Is This Place Actually an "Oasis?" I Mean, I've Seen "Oases" That Look More Like Deserted Taco Bells...
What About the Rooms? Are We Talking "Motel 6" or "Actual, You Know, Comfort Behind a Door?"
The Breakfast... They Say "Free Breakfast." What Does That *Actually* Mean? Cereal? Coffee? Mystery Meat?
Is There a Pool? Because, Let's Face It, A Pool Can Make *Anything* Bearable.
What's the Staff Like? Are They Zombies? Or Actually, You Know, Helpful Humans?
Anything Else I Should Know That the Brochures *Don't* Tell You? Like, Hidden Gems or Secret Warnings?
- The Wi-Fi. Pray it works. Pray hard.
- The ice machine. It's usually… working. But check it. Especially when you're desperate for a cold drink. Seriously, plan ahead.
- The location. It's right off I-20, which is convenient. But you're also right off I-20, so expect some highway noise. Earplugs are your friend. Or, you know, the sound of the AC unit, as it's probably louder.
- The vending machines. They're there! But... they sometimes seem to have been stocked approximately never. Bring your own snacks. Always.
- One time, a lizard, a genuinely beautiful one, was casually sunbathing on the windowsill of my second-story room. I have no idea how it got up there. I just sat and watched it, and wondered if it had a story. I miss that lizard.
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