Escape to Portage, WI: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8!
Escape to Portage, WI: Super 8 - A Super Review (or a Super Mess?)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and maybe a little coffee, knowing me) on the Super 8 in Portage, Wisconsin. "Unbeatable Deals" they say? Well, let's see if my wallet (and sanity) survived the experience. This isn't some corporate drone's polished review, this is me, unfiltered. Grab a coffee, you'll need it.
First Impressions & the Great Wheelchair Debate (Accessibility, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests):
Okay, so Portage. Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. For real, that's a big deal for a lot of folks, and the Super 8 does try. The website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests" and an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. So, kudos for that. I'm walking, but I do appreciate a solid elevator. The outside looked… well, a Super 8. You know the vibe. Brown brick, a slightly apologetic look in its eye. I will say the exterior seemed to have decent access (though I didn't measure the ramps with a ruler, which maybe I should have).
The Internet Abyss:
Internet access is crucial, right? We're all glued to our phones. They scream "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!", and that's HUGE! And it's true! More or less. It was a bit… spotty. Think of it like a shy puppy – sometimes it's there, sometimes it hides under the couch. I tried the Internet [LAN] once (because I'm old school sometimes) but my laptop just glared back at me. So, the Wi-Fi in public areas? I’d say… pray for a good signal.
Room Rumble: Cleanliness and Safety (and a few minor anxieties):
Alright, let's get to the rooms. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I’m always thinking about Cleanliness and safety. They brag about Anti-viral cleaning products and Rooms sanitized between stays. Good! They also have Smoke alarms (whew, that’s a relief) and Fire extinguisher. I’m not saying I was ready to start grilling a steak in my room, but hey, preparation is key. The room? Okay. The Daily housekeeping was… present, but not particularly sparkling. It was clean enough, which, after the Wi-Fi, was all I could ask for. I also have to say the Room sanitization opt-out available thing is a bit… weird. Why would I opt-out of that?
The Breakfast Buffet Battle (A Culinary Adventure?)
Breakfast. The Breakfast [buffet]. This part… this part deserves its own chapter. They said Breakfast service. They hinted at Asian breakfast and Western breakfast. What I encountered was… an experience. Picture this: a slightly sad-looking waffle iron, the scent of stale coffee, and a lone, sad-looking sausage patty. The Buffet in restaurant felt like a timed event to see how long you could last before just… accepting the inevitable. The Coffee/tea in restaurant… let's just say it tasted like disappointment mixed with regret. There was talk of Alternative meal arrangement – I didn't pursue it. I needed to escape. I did note the presence of Individually-wrapped food options. Smart. Very smart.
The "Relaxation Station" (Spa? Sauna? Please, no.):
Okay, so they list Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, and Pool with view. Let's be realistic here. This isn't the Four Seasons. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was… closed. I didn't find anything that resembled a spa. Not even a sad massage table. This is where my expectations hit the floor. I’m not going to lie. I was hoping for a massage. A little kneading of the shoulders would have been AMAZING. Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap… all a fantasy in this reality.
Things to Do (Besides Cry?)
Things to do… I mean, you're in Portage. Look, Portage has its charms, but it’s not exactly Vegas. There is a Convenience store (thank god, I need more snacks) and a Gift/souvenir shop (I bought a cheesy Wisconsin t-shirt… don't judge me). A Car park [free of charge] is definitely a pro. And the Car park [on-site]… well, that's just convenient.
The Staff: The Heart of the Super 8?
I have to say the staff… they were trying. The Front desk [24-hour] service was a lifesaver. They seemed aware that they weren't running the Ritz, and they worked with what they had. The Staff trained in safety protocol probably saved my life from the breakfast buffet. They also had a Cashless payment service which is always a plus.
The Room Itself (The Decent Bits and the Slightly Less Decent):
The room itself… okay, here's the breakdown. Air conditioning in public area? Check. Air conditioning in the room? Double-check. Alarm clock – present and accounted for. Desk – yes. Coffee/tea maker – yes. (Needed it after the breakfast fiasco). Free bottled water – yes! (Bless them!). Hair dryer - Yep! In-room safe box - Okay. Internet access – wireless - Kind of! Ironing facilities - existed. Mini bar… non-existent. Refrigerator - thankfully, yes. Seating area… let's just say I sat mostly on the edge of the bed, contemplating my existence. The Window that opens? Yes! And the view of the parking lot? Priceless.
The Nitty-Gritty (Little Annoyances and Unexpected Perks):
- Bathtub – yes! (Maybe I’d bathe away the breakfast trauma?)
- Blackout curtains - essential
- Extra long bed - score!
- Mirror - multiple, for inspecting my post-breakfast state
- Non-smoking rooms - necessary
- Satellite/cable channels - the distraction I needed
- Shower - thankfully functional
- Telephone - dial-up for disaster relief?
- Towels - present, but maybe a bit thin.
The Verdict (Would I Go Back?):
So, is it "Unbeatable Deals"? I’d say… maybe. It's a Super 8. It's functional. It's affordable. It gets the job done. If you're looking for a luxury spa experience, move along. If you need a clean bed, a lukewarm shower, and a place to crash after a long drive, then yeah, the Super 8 in Portage might just be the place for you. Just, you know, bring your own coffee and snack. And LOWER your expectations. And then you might be alright.
Metadata (SEO Stuff, Because We Have To):
- Keywords: Super 8 Portage, Wisconsin, Portage WI hotels, affordable hotels, budget travel, accessible hotels, free wifi, hotel reviews, Wisconsin lodging, breakfast buffet, swimming pool, clean rooms, safe hotels, Portage attractions.
- Title Tag: Super 8 Portage, WI Review: Unbeatable Deals? Maybe… Honest Hotel Review
- Meta Description: Honest review of the Super 8 in Portage, WI, covering accessibility, cleanliness, breakfast, and amenities. Find out if it's worth it!
- H1: Escape to Portage, WI: Super 8 - A Super Review (or a Super Mess?)
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- Categories: Travel, Hotel Reviews, Wisconsin, Budget Travel
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's sterile travel itinerary. This is the Super 8 in Portage, Wisconsin, through the eyes of someone who maybe had slightly too much coffee. Let's get messy.
Super 8 Portage: My Wisconsin Wilderness Escape (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Continental Breakfast)
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and the Promise of Deep-Fried Delights.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Super 8 Portage. (Ugh, the drive was a slog. Wind turbines whirring, cows staring… I swear, one of them winked at me. Maybe I need a nap.) Check-in. The lady at the front desk seemed…tired. I sympathize. I'm already picturing myself horizontal on that questionable floral comforter.
- 1:30 PM: Room inspection. (Is the ice machine working? This is crucial information. And the TV better have a decent channel selection. Gotta escape the reality of my life for a little while, you know?) The room… well, it's a room. Clean-ish. The comforter? Questionable but I'm not going to judge, it's a soft place to crash after a day of driving. At least there's coffee. And that's a start. Deep breath. Portage, here I am.
- 2:00 PM: Local Exploration - Portage "Downtown" (haha, I keep laughing because it's cute). Walk to the local "downtown" area, the streets are practically barren and quiet. I get the feeling that once the sun goes down, the streets are going to be even quieter. Stroll past a few antique stores. Found a vintage postcard that said "Greetings from Portage, WI" - instant purchase, obviously.
- 3:00 PM: Lunch at a Local Diner - Found a diner named "The Tasty Treat", the name alone has me in. Order is a classic: a burger and fries. The burger was… okay. The fries though? The fries have got to be a sin. I nearly asked for another order, but the waitress, bless her heart, moved so slow that by the time I got her attention I was already moving on.
- 4:00 PM: Existential Crisis in a Parking Lot (Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic. But the fluorescent lights of the local grocery store, the endless rows of…things…it all felt a little overwhelming. Did I really need a family-sized bag of chips? Yes, yes I did. And a giant tub of ice cream. Don't judge.)
- 5:00 PM: Back to the Super 8. Nap time. The most important part of any vacation.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: More Deep-Fried Delights. There's a place around the corner they have to fry up some fish, I've heard whispers. I'm in. This is the heart of Wisconsin, after all. gotta embrace the classics!
- 8:00 PM: TV and Ice Cream Extravaganza. I've earned this. Channel surfing. Realizing there's nothing good on. Staring at the ceiling. Contemplating life. The usual…
Day 2: Embracing the Weird and Wallowing in Lake Delton.
- 7:00 AM: Continental Breakfast. (The ultimate test of a Super 8. Let's see: Waffles? Check. Cereal that's been sitting in the dispenser since the Reagan administration? Check. Instant coffee that tastes like sadness? Double-check.) I got what I needed, which was to not worry about getting breakfast, so let's move on.
- 8:00 AM: Drive to Devil's Lake State Park. Beautiful. Hiking. Almost fell off a cliff trying to get the perfect Instagram shot. (Priorities, people!) The air smelled clean, the trees were…well, trees. I even considered hugging one. (I resisted. Just barely.)
- 10:00 AM: Lake Delton. This is where it gets real. I'm on the hunt for a cheese curd vendor. This is a serious business, and I get to be a warrior in the hunt. It's a whole adventure! If I cannot find a vendor, I might fall into a pit of despair.
- 11:00 AM: Lost in a Sea of Cheese Curds. Success! I find a vendor! The cheese curds squeaked, they were warm, salty, and the perfect antidote to my slightly-too-much-thinking-about-life-while-driving. This is what life is about, people! Simple pleasures! Squeak
- 12:00 PM: Lunch & Rambling. (I didn't plan this, and that's why it's the best part.) Found a little restaurant a ways down the road, it's quiet and low-key. I sat down and ordered the special - a prime rib platter. It was amazing, and I almost asked for a second order.
- 1:00 PM: Drive back to the Super 8. Another Nap.
- 2:00 PM: Nap. (I needed that. Cheese curds are exhausting work.)
- 3:00 PM: Pool Time (maybe…if I'm feeling brave. Chlorine has a certain…je ne sais quoi). The pool was more crowded than expected, so I opted out.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner (and the inevitable regret of overeating). Local pizza joint. Again, the food was alright. The waiter was very good, and I felt that I needed to tip him very well just to be polite.
- 7:00 PM: Contemplation of Life, the Universe, and Everything. Maybe I'll call someone. Or just watch more TV. Decisions, decisions…
- 9:00 PM: Packing (Procrastination level: Expert).
Day 3: Departure and Mild Disappointment (But, Hey, Cheese Curds!)
- 7:00 AM: Continental Breakfast: Last hurrah! (The waffles didn't disappoint. Always a solid choice.)
- 8:00 AM: Final Room Inspection. (Did I leave anything? Wallet? Phone? Sunglasses? Sanity?…Oh, wait. Already lost that.)
- 8:30 AM: Check out. Said goodbye to the nice lady at the front desk, who probably thought I was weird. (Who cares?!)
- 9:00 AM: Quick stop at a local store.
- 10:00 AM: Drive Home. The drive back was…well, the same as the drive in, but with the added baggage of new memories, slightly fatter hips, and the lingering thought that maybe…just maybe…Wisconsin is calling to me again.
Final Thoughts:
The Super 8 in Portage? It's a place. It has a bed, a TV, and waffles. It was…fine. It was exactly what I needed. It wasn't the most glamorous vacation, but it was real. And the cheese curds? Worth the trip alone. Until next time, Wisconsin. You weird, wonderful creature.
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Escape to Portage, Wisconsin: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8 - (Let's Get Real!)
Alright, let's be honest, you're eyeing Portage. Wisconsin’s siren song of… well, let's say "charm" and you're probably thinking "Super 8? Really?" Look, I get it. But sometimes, necessity dictates the budget. And hey, maybe you're already booked! Don’t panic. I’m here to give you the *real* deal on the Super 8 in Portage. Buckle up, buttercups. We're diving in, no holds barred.
1. Is the "Unbeatable Deal" actually *unbeatable*? Or just…beatable?
Okay, *unbeatable* is a strong word. Let's call it… *competitive*. Seriously, though, Portage isn't exactly the Hamptons. You’re probably going to find deals, especially if you're booking online, and the Super 8 is usually right there in the affordability mix. Think about your priorities: are you after luxury? Then, honey, you're looking at the wrong motel (and likely the wrong town). If you want a clean bed, a lukewarm continental breakfast (more on that later…), and a place to park your car without getting robbed (fingers crossed!), then yeah, the deals *can* be pretty decent.
Anecdote time: I once rolled into Portage at 2 AM after a truly epic road trip (think busted radiator, singing opera at rest stops). The Super 8 was the *only* place open. They practically *threw* me a room for a pittance. In that moment, "unbeatable" felt about right. I probably would have slept in a ditch at that point, so clean-ish was a win.
2. What's the deal with the breakfast? Continental, right? Sounds…bland.
Ah, the Continental Breakfast. The culinary rollercoaster of beige. “Continental” is code for “don't expect a feast.” You're looking at: stale-ish pastries, questionable waffle batter (the waffle maker is either magnificent or a torture device, no in-between), instant coffee that tastes vaguely like despair, and maybe, *maybe* some pre-packaged fruit (that’s often seen *better* days).
But here’s the thing. I *love* it. No, hear me out! There’s a certain… nostalgia?… a specific, slightly depressing charm to a Super 8 breakfast. It's a communal experience. You're all in the same leaky boat, fueled by pre-packaged sugar and disappointment. And sometimes, you find a hidden gem! I once stumbled on a batch of surprisingly decent blueberry muffins. That alone could be worth the stay.
3. Are the rooms…clean? Like, *really* clean?
Look, let’s be real. This isn’t the Ritz. Clean *enough*, probably. I’ve had rooms that were spotless (bless the cleaning staff!) and rooms where I considered wearing hazmat gear (kidding… mostly). In my experience, it’s a crapshoot. But here’s my advice: immediately check for bedbugs (always!), wipe down the surfaces with some wipes (just in case), and don't make eye contact with the… *furnishings*.
Warning: My sister, let’s call her Brenda, once found a… *hair artifact*… in her bed. A full, perfectly coiffed… thing. She hasn’t slept well in a motel since. My point? Check the sheets. Seriously.
4. What’s the WiFi situation? Because, you know, the internet.
WiFi. The bane of budget travelers everywhere. It's *usually* available, but don't expect lightning-fast speeds. You might be able to stream Netflix, but you might also be watching that buffering wheel of doom. It’s a gamble. Prepare to be patient – or bring a book. Or download a whole bunch of stuff before you arrive.
My personal experience? One time, during a crucial work Zoom meeting, the WiFi died. Dead. I had to lean out the window to tether to someone’s mobile hotspot across the parking lot (don't judge! Desperate times...). The only consolation was that the whole thing was hilarious, in a mortifying kind of way. So, yeah. Pack a backup plan.
5. What about the location? Is it…convenient? Or…sketchy?
The Super 8 in Portage is, generally, in a convenient location. It's likely near the highway, which makes it easy to get in and out. Convenience often equals not-too-sketchy. Portage isn’t exactly a hotbed of criminal activity. You're more likely to encounter a friendly Wisconsinite than a gang of… you know.
**Rant Time:** However! (and this is a big however), sometimes, these highway locations can get a *little* noisy. Earplugs are a lifesaver if you’re a light sleeper. Especially if you unlucky enough to get a room facing the semi-truck parade. And sometimes, you get *those* neighbors. The ones with the booming stereos at 3 AM, or the ones arguing loudly (and creatively) in the parking lot. You know the type.
6. Let's talk about the pool. Because, pool, right?
Ah, the pool. The siren call of the weary traveler. The Super 8 pool is… well, it *exists*. It might be indoors (yay!), or outdoors (double yay, if it’s summer!). The cleanliness of the pool? That’s a different story. Chlorine levels? Maybe. Overcrowding? Probably. Still, a pool is a pool. If you're desperate for a quick dip, it’s there. Don't expect Olympic standards, and keep your expectations... low.
**A Deep Dive into the Pool Experience:** I once, and I deeply regret this, decided to use a Super 8 pool after a long, grueling drive. It was late. Everything was slightly blurry. The water smelled like… well, it smelled "pool-y." And it was *freezing*. I lasted about five minutes before retreating to the relative warmth of my slightly-questionable bed. I think I lost feeling in my toes for a good hour. But hey, I can technically say I swam in the Super 8 pool. So, yeah, take that for what it’s worth.
7. Should I *really* stay at the Super 8 in Portage?
Look, let me level with you. It's a budget motel. It's not going to be perfect.City Stay Finder
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