Lawton's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up. This is gonna be a hot mess of a review, probably as chaotic as a hotel buffet on a Sunday morning. Let's dive in, shall we?
(SEO/Metadata - Let's sneak this in here first, a quick keyword dump):
- Keywords: Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Spa, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant, 24-Hour Room Service, Safety Protocols, Cleanliness, Hotel Amenities, Family-Friendly, COVID-19 Safety, Asia, International Cuisine, Luxurious, Modern Hotel, Business Travel, Romantic Getaway, Airport Transfer, Car Park, Non-Smoking, Best Hotel, Reviews, [Hotel Name – We'll pretend 'The Serenity Suites' for now], Location, Amenities.
(The Actual Review - Buckle Up Buttercup!)
Alright, so I just got back from The Serenity Suites – and folks, lemme tell you, it was a… journey. Honestly, my expectations were sky-high, probably inflated by those glossy online photos. They always are, right?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Like My Mood After a Red-Eye)
Okay, so the good news first: The Serenity Suites claims to be accessible. And in the main areas? Yeah, they nailed it. Wheelchair access to the lobby, elevators, and the main restaurant? Check, check, and check. But… and there's always a "but," isn't there? I overheard a guest struggling with a wheelchair access issue in a specific room they’d booked, I’m not sure, if they had a room that was accessible, or if they didn’t ask for that! So, a good reminder to always call ahead and double-check if you have specific needs. On-site accessible restaurants / lounges? The main restaurant, The Sun Terrace, was fine. Seemed like a fairly easy access to it.
On-Site Indulgences: Spa Daydreams (Mostly Dreams)
The spa was… intriguing. A spa, a sauna, a steamroom, a pool with view – the promise of bliss was strong. The reality? Well, let's say the “view” from the pool was more “vaguely scenic” than “breathtaking vista.” More like “a nice shot of the city”. The pool [outdoor] was lovely though, I must say. Crystal clear water, nice and not overly crowded, I was able to chill and do my morning laps. As for the body scrub and body wrap, I skipped them. My therapist was great though, not too chatty, not too quiet. Just right. The way she massaged me was exactly what I needed after my crazy flight. The fitness center was small but serviceable, though, I’m not going to lie, my motivation to work out on vacation is the same as my motivation to do taxes – minimal.
Cleanliness and Safety (Thank Goodness!)
Okay, this is where The Serenity Suites really shined. I felt genuinely safe. The anti-viral cleaning products were there. Seriously, they were hammering the hygiene protocols, which was reassuring. Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer, and staff trained in safety protocol. They even had rooms sanitized between stays – which is huge, especially these days. It wasn't just superficial either. You could tell they took it seriously. Safe dining setup, sanitized kitchen and tableware items… They were on top of it.
Dining, Drinking and Snacking: Food, Glorious, Interrupted Food
Eating at The Serenity Suites was… an experience. Let's start with the positives: The Asian cuisine in restaurant was actually quite good, I was pleasantly surprised. The Western cuisine in the restaurant wasn't bad either. Breakfast [buffet] was a warzone – but a warzone of deliciousness! The bread section? To die for. My only complaint? The coffee. Weak. Really, offensively, weak. But also they had room service [24-hour]. That was a life saver! The bar was nothing to write home about, it served the purpose. The poolside bar was a touch too expensive.
Services and Conveniences: A Mix of Brilliant and Baffling
The concierge was a superstar. Seriously, that guy deserves a raise. Helped arrange a taxi, and even remembered my name (which always makes me feel like a VIP, even if I'm not…). They had currency exchange. Laundry and ironing service, I used them. The daily housekeeping staff were super efficient and friendly. The gift/souvenir shop was there. The elevator was always working! The Facilities for disabled guests seemed adequate. The things that made me puzzled? There was a convenience store, but what was the need for a Shrine? And what was the deal with the smoking area being… in the middle of the outdoor terrace? Bizarre! There was a car park [on-site], so that was great.
In-Room Amenities: The Small Things That Matter
My room was… okay. It wasn’t the luxurious haven I was expecting, but clean. Air conditioning in all rooms, bless its cold little heart! Free Wi-Fi [in all rooms!] – hallelujah! Additional toilet? Score! Bathtub? Yup. Blackout curtains? Needed! Hair dryer, ironing facilities and a mini bar… It was a decent room. But the pillows were… well, let's just say they were a bit too fluffy. Seriously, I almost suffocated myself trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. And no, I did not find the Complimentary tea in my room at all.
For the Kids: A Mixed Bag (Again!)
Family/ child friendly? Sort of. The babysitting service was there, there were kids facilities, but I didn’t see many kids around, and when I did the facilities (especially the pool) wasn't really child friendly. The hotel had kids meals, I believe? I didn't eat any.
Getting Around: Smooth, Smooth, Smooth!
Airport transfer was arranged perfectly. Car park [free of charge], that was a bonus. Taxi service, very easy, very fast. Never had an issue.
The Quirks and the Glitches:
- The elevator music. Forever etched in my brain. It was some elevator music from the early 2000s, which I hadn’t heard in years.
- The "proposal spot." I spotted a guy on one knee during my pool time and it was just…awkward.
- The lack of decent coffee in the room. Seriously, a travel mug, some good espresso beans, and a French press go a long way!
Overall Vibe: Meh… With a Side of Awesome
Would I recommend The Serenity Suites? It depends. If you're looking for a solid, safe hotel with decent amenities and a good location, then yes. If you're picturing a luxurious, Instagram-worthy escape, maybe temper your expectations a bit. Honestly, I'm a little conflicted. I had some issues, but overall, I had a pretty good time. I’lll give it a solid 7/10. It's not perfect, but it’s… fine. And sometimes, fine is good enough. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to chase down some more java.
Salem's BEST Hotel? Unbelievable Howard Johnson Deal!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is… the REAL story of how I survived (and maybe even enjoyed?) a few days in Lawton, Oklahoma, based out of the Days Inn. And trust me, it’s gonna be a rollercoaster.
The Days Inn Lawton: My Temporary Oasis (and occasional source of existential dread)
Day 1: Arrival and the Sweet, Sweet Embrace of AC (and Questionable Carpeting)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at the Days Inn. The exterior? Let’s just say it had a certain… "rustic charm." Translation: It had definitely seen some things. The lobby wasn’t much better, a slightly stale smell of… well, I’m not sure what, but it definitely wasn’t potpourri. BUT! The AC blasted like a Siberian blizzard, and after driving for six hours in the Oklahoma sun, I could have kissed that vent. My room? Ah, the room. Standard motel fare: two double beds, a tiny TV, and carpeting that probably held secrets from the Eisenhower administration. The first thing I did? Tested the lock. After the lock passed the test – I finally dropped my bags.
- 1:30 PM: Unpacked my suitcase (which had exploded in the car). Found the TV remote and started aggressively channel surfing. News? Bleak. Sports? Meh. Nature? Too serene. I eventually landed on a daytime home shopping network. Seriously, I got so engrossed in the demonstration of a pressure cooker, I almost bought one.
- 2:30 PM: The Lawton Convention & Visitors Bureau. It had a distinct smell of mothballs. I grabbed a few pamphlets, mostly to reassure myself that I wasn't completely lost in the wilderness. Got more information from a Lawton local.
- 3:30 PM: This town has a lot of military history. It's a solid choice, especially if you're into that kind of thing. I didn't realize how vast the Fort Sill military base was until I drove by.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at a local diner called the "The Ranch House" (or something equally generic). I ordered the chicken fried steak, because, when in Oklahoma, right? It was… massive. And greasy. And… oddly satisfying. I found myself chatting with the waitress, a woman named Betty, who told me all about the rising cost of groceries and the surprising popularity of competitive tractor pulls. I felt strangely at home here.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the Days Inn. Watched more TV. Considered ordering a pizza. Decided against it. That carpeting was just staring at me… judging me. I should've brought a rug. Finally crashed, lulled to sleep by the hum of the AC and the distant sound of… something. Crying? Arguing? Who knows. Motel life, baby!
Day 2: Culture, Controversy, and the Pursuit of Coffee
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Groan. The bed was okay, but my back felt like it had been run over by a tank. Realized I had forgotten to set the alarm. Panic! Quickly start to get ready, then realized there wasn't anything to do but head to some event.
- 9:00 AM: The Museum of the Great Plains was actually kind of cool. Learned about bison, pioneers, and the history of the area. The artifacts were genuinely fascinating and, dare I say it, moving. But the gift shop… Oh, the gift shop. I was SO tempted by a wooden replica of a covered wagon. I mean, think of the Insta-worthy photos! But sanity, thankfully, prevailed.
- 11:00 AM: Attempted a tour of the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark. It was a sobering reminder of the history of Native American peoples, which I struggled to take in. The exhibits were informative, but emotionally challenging. It's a tough place, this world.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a "local" fast-food joint. The food was exactly what you'd expect. I wanted more, but my gut wouldn't let me.
- 2:00 PM: The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Absolutely stunning. Driving around this was worth the drive. So peaceful! I saw a herd of bison grazing in the distance and felt a strange pang of… something. Respect? Jealousy? The ability to roam free with so little inhibition? All of the above. The place really has its own vibe.
- 4:00 PM: Coffee! This was the day’s mission, and I was running on fumes. The Days Inn coffee was, to put it mildly, a culinary catastrophe. Finally found a local coffee shop that also doubled as a bookstore. It was like a portal to another dimension. A delicious, caffeine-fueled dimension.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the Ranch House, this time for a burger. Betty, the waitress from day one, recognized me. We talked about my trip, life, the universe, and everything. She asked about my "people." It was nice, I guess.
- 9:00 PM: Another night in my room. More TV. More existential dread. The rug thing got added to my Amazon cart at this point.
Day 3: Departure and the Unexpected Charm of Ordinary
- 8:00 AM: Checked out. The AC was still blasting, but I’d gotten used to it. Said goodbye to the lobby.
- 8:30 AM: Stopped at a local bakery for a donut and more coffee. The perfect combination.
- 9:00 AM: A final, quick drive through the Wichita Mountains. I took a long look this time, and it makes me smile.
- 10:00 AM: Started the long drive home.
- 12:00 PM: Stopped at a gas station outside of Lawton. Ate some gas station food and saw a sign that read "Lawton: Oklahoma's Best Kept Secret." I had a good laugh.
- 1:00 PM: I'M OUT!
Final Thoughts:
Lawton? Not exactly a glamorous destination. The Days Inn? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t the Ritz. But it was clean, and the AC worked, and sometimes that’s all you need. And, dare I admit it, Lawton had a certain… charm. A gritty, down-to-earth charm. I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed myself. Okay, I missed the familiar luxuries, but I connected with something real in this journey. I didn't find any hidden gems, but I DID find out I could survive for several days with only a few hours of sleep, poor food, and even worse coffee! And that, my friends, is an accomplishment.
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So, Like, What *IS* This Whole Thing About, Anyway?
Why Are You Putting This Online? Don't You Have, Like, Privacy Concerns?
Are You, Like, a Professional? Should I Trust Your Advice?
But Seriously, What Kinds of Things Will You Talk About?
Okay, but what about the serious stuff? Will you touch on, like, *real* problems?
Wait, What About *That* Time...?
Will You Even Answer Questions? OR Be Interactive?
What’s The Goal of This Whole Thing? What's My Benefit?
Final Thoughts?
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