O'Fallon, IL Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8!
O'Fallon, IL Getaway: Super 8 - So, Is It Super or Just… 8? (A Seriously Honest Review)
Okay, so I just got back from a little O'Fallon, IL jaunt and, against my better judgment, I found myself at the Super 8. Look, I'm no hotel snob, but the Super 8 brand usually conjures images of… well, let's just say "functional." But hey, unbeatable deals, right? Promises, promises. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this review's gonna be a rollercoaster, baby.
Accessibility & Safety – The Bare Minimum, Maybe?
- Accessibility: They say they have facilities for disabled guests, and there’s an elevator, which is already a plus. But I didn't personally check for specific accessibility features in the rooms, so I can only take their word for it.
- Cleanliness and safety: Okay, this is where things get interesting. The anti-viral cleaning products and professional-grade sanitizing services? Good. Rooms sanitized between stays? Excellent. Staff trained in safety protocol? Hopefully. The whole "safe dining setup" thing? We'll get to that. I will say, there was a slightly lingering scent of… something… when I first entered the room. Maybe bleach? Or maybe just the ghost of a previous guest's questionable choices. Anyway, the hand sanitizer dispensers strategically placed around were a comfort, at least! They had hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. And a first aid kit! Feeling safe-ish.
Internet – Wi-Fi: Yay! LAN… Uh… No?
- Internet: Alright, internet access is a MUST these days.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And honestly? It worked. The Wi-Fi [free] was actually pretty reliable.
- Internet [LAN]: Crickets. Don’t get your hopes up for wired internet, tech dinosaurs.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Yup. More Wi-Fi. For the lobby lurkers and the folks who can't quite escape work in the breakfast area.
The Room: Functionality &… Personality? (Or Lack Thereof)
So, the room. It was… a Super 8 room. You know the drill:
- Air conditioning: Thank God for that, because it was HOT outside. Air conditioning, check.
- Blackout curtains: Crucial for those who, like me, enjoy sleeping until noon. Blackout curtains, check.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential for fending off that morning existential dread. Coffee/tea maker, check. Although, the coffee tasted like it had been brewed in a sock.
- Desk: Always appreciated for the rare moment of actual work.
- Refridgerator: Nice to have.
- Hair dryer: I needed it!
- In-room safe box and Safety/security feature were there, but honestly I didn't use any of them!
- Bathroom: Normal.
- Wi-fi: And finally, Internet access – wireless worked again!
- Additional toilet: Not that I saw.
Dining & Snacking – Breakfast: A Saga.
- Breakfast [buffet]: This is where the Super 8 experience either shines or… well, doesn't. And let me tell you, my experience? Let's just say it wasn't exactly Michelin-star material. Imagine a buffet that's seen better, happier days. Picture sad, slightly stale pastries huddled together in the corner like they're plotting a revolt. The "hot" food (scrambled eggs, rubbery sausage) was lukewarm at best. The coffee? See above. But hey, there was cereal! And… individually-wrapped options? Yes! Probably for the best.
- Breakfast takeaway service: So, I tried getting some stuff to go, figuring I could escape the communal sadness.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The same dreadful coffee was available.
- Restaurants, Snack bar: The only other option was the snack machines.
I'm just going to say I did't have enough time to try any more.
Services & Conveniences – The Good, the Bland, and the "Wait, Is That…?"
- Daily housekeeping: The room was cleaned, which was appreciated.
- Laundry service: Helpful.
- Cash withdrawal: Nice.
- Elevator: Big plus!
- Facilities for disabled guests: (Potentially) A positive.
- Cashless payment service available. Great. It's 2024.
- Luggage storage: Thank goodness. Needed that.
Things To Do – O'Fallon? Seriously?
- Things to do: Honestly, O'Fallon isn't exactly a bustling metropolis. There's some shopping nearby, some fast food, and, you know, the usual. I spent most of my time exploring the local coffee shops, and they were great!
The Verdict: Super 8 - You Get What You Pay For (Mostly)
So, would I stay at the O'Fallon Super 8 again? Maybe. If the price is really right. It’s not luxurious. It’s not particularly memorable. But it's functional, it has the basics, and the Wi-Fi actually works. Just… lower your expectations for breakfast. Seriously. And maybe bring your own coffee.
My rating: 3 Stars. Or, maybe… 2.5 stars. I'm still on the fence. It's complicated.
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to spend a day (or maybe two, who knows?) in O'Fallon, Illinois, courtesy of the Super 8. And frankly, I already have a feeling this is going to be… an experience. Let's see if my predictions hold true, hmm?
The O'Fallon Odyssey - A Chronicle of Mild Discomfort and Unexpected Charm (Probably)
Day 1 (or Maybe Half a Day, Time is a Construct, Man)
7:00 AM (Or Maybe 8:00 AM, Let's Be Real): Wake up. Or, more accurately, attempt to wake up. The Super 8 bed – bless its heart – is somehow both lumpy and thin, like a sad pancake. My back already feels like I've been wrestling concrete all night. Coffee is a MUST. Finding the outlet near the bed and the coffee maker will be the first test of strength.
7:30 AM (ish): Coffee situation. Praying the coffee maker isn't caked with the ghosts of burnt sugar and regret. If it is, well, there's a gas station down the road. I'm sure they have something vaguely resembling caffeine. I'll need it, cause the complimentary "breakfast" awaits.
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM: The "Breakfast" Buffet
- Okay, let's be honest, I'm bracing myself. "Complimentary breakfast" at any budget motel is basically a gamble with your digestive system. This could be a culinary adventure, or a fast track to a stomach ache.
- Food Review: The usual suspects: cold, congealed waffles (that look like they've been staring mournfully at me for hours), sugary cereal that somehow manages to be both crunchy and soggy at the same time, and… are those pre-packaged danishes? (Looks like it) I'm getting flashbacks to every roadside stop I’ve ever made, but this time… I'm actually excited to dive in!
- Anecdote: I tried to be optimistic. Really I did. I poured milk over the cereal, took a bite, and immediately felt a wave of existential dread wash over me. My stomach is officially prepping for war. I decide to give the waffle a shot. I take a bite and then promptly decide the waffle did not have enough syrup. (I realize this is my fault, but alas, I'm blaming the waffle anyway).
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Exploring O'Fallon (Maybe)
Okay, now for the real adventure: O'Fallon! I mean, what even is there to do here? My initial plan involves Googling "things to do in O'Fallon, IL" and hoping for the best.
Option 1: The St. Clair County Historical Society: Probably informative, possibly dusty. May require a lot of standing, which is already a problem.
Option 2: A local park: Fresh air, maybe a picnic (that I haven't packed, naturally). Could be nice, could be mosquito-infested.
Option 3: The local Walmart: I'll be honest, I'm tempted. There's something oddly comforting about wandering the aisles, soaking up the fluorescent lighting, and buying a four-dollar water bottle because I'm already dehydrated.
Decision…
10:00 AM: I had planned to go to the park, but as soon as I stepped outside the motel, the humidity punched me in the face. It's awful. I decide, against my better judgement, to sit in the hotel room reading my book. I'm a coward.
12:00 PM: Lunch Time! (And, Let's Face It, Crisis Time)
- I'm starving now. I've become a monster!
- Food Quest: I have to somehow find something resembling sustenance, something not in a vending machine. Suggestions would be appreciated.
- I'm scrolling through Yelp (again!). And then I see it: A local diner!
- 12:30 - 1:30 PM: Oh man, the diner. It's a classic. Booths worn smooth, the aroma of frying food, the cheerful banter of the waitresses.
- Diner Experience: The waitress is amazing, and the food is even better. There's something magical, or maybe just the fact that the hotel waffle was so unsatisfying, but MAN is this a good meal. I decide to treat myself to a slice of pie, and I don't regret it.
- Anecdote: I was sitting there, shoveling down my burger, and I realized I had the feeling of happiness. Like, real happiness. The feeling you only get when you find something you are passionate about, no matter how small. And it all started with a simple motel room. I wonder why. (Or maybe it's just the pie).
- Quirky Observation: I swear, every single person in this place looks like they've lived an entire life. Stories etched in their faces, in their eyes. It's beautiful.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Return to the Motel (Again)
- After the joy of the diner, I knew I had to return to my hotel room. Nothing to do. Nothing to see. And yet, there I was. I sit on the edge of the bed and ponder… life, death, and the meaning of O'Fallon.
- Emotional Reaction: It's a weird, peaceful feeling. Like the calm after a storm. The absence of doing anything. The silence of the room. I'm beginning to feel at home.
- Messy Structure: I spent the whole afternoon just… existing. Reading, napping, staring at the TV (which still has rabbit ears!?). It's not exciting, but it's authentic.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner and Debrief
- Food Quest II: The diner was good, but I can't go back every night. So I'm getting takeout and doing a little writing.
- Reflection: This trip is not living up to my expectations (of disappointment). I came here expecting a drab experience, and I'm somehow, even despite the less-than-stellar motel, starting to enjoy it? Is it possible that this "ordinary" town is actually… interesting? I'm not sure I'm ready to admit that quite yet.
7:00 PM: The Evening's Entertainment (Or Lack Thereof)
- The TV is still working! I've managed to get a decent signal for a few channels. Maybe I'll watch some mind-numbing reality show.
- Or maybe… I'll just go back to reading. Or perhaps, I'll just doze off until morning.
Day 2 (If I Make it):
- Repeat the above, but hopefully with slightly less disappointment?
- Attempt to find a coffee shop that isn't attached to a gas station?
- Conclude the O'Fallon Odyssey with the bittersweet realization that the best adventures are often found in the most unexpected places.
Final Thoughts (Probably Written From the Super 8 Bed):
Look, this isn't Paris. It's not Rome. It's O'Fallon, Illinois, and probably not worth your time. And yet… there's something here. A quietness. A certain charm. Maybe it's the low expectations that are making it so enjoyable. Or maybe, just maybe, this little Super 8 is actually perfectly imperfect. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have one more waffle to contemplate.
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O'Fallon, IL Getaway: Super 8 Edition (Because Apparently, I Needed This)
Okay, so you're thinking O'Fallon, Illinois. And you're thinking, "Super 8? Really?" Look, I get it. It's not the Ritz. But listen, sometimes you just *need* a getaway. A reset. And when your wallet's doing the Macarena, Super 8 in O'Fallon can actually... work. Let's dive into the questions that are probably bubbling in your brain. And trust me, I've had these same thoughts, probably about 10 times.
Why O'Fallon? Of all the glamorous destinations...
Honestly? For me, it was a wedding. A cousin's wedding. Don't judge. Weddings... they happen. And they happen in places you often don't choose. O'Fallon, on the other hand, chose *me*. (And the Super 8 was the only place left with a vaguely reasonable price after everyone and their aunt booked up the other options.) But hey, O'Fallon's not *terrible*. It has... things. We'll get there.
Is the "Unbeatable Deals" part of the tagline actually true?
Okay, "unbeatable" is a strong word. Let's just say it's... competitive. Especially compared to the Hilton down the street. They *do* run specials. Like, "book three months in advance and get a free waffle!" (Okay, maybe not the free waffle, but it's the *vibe*). Check their website. Seriously. Don’t just show up hoping for a miracle. Unless you *are* a miracle. Then, by all means, wing it. But then, why are *you* asking *me*?!
What's the room situation like? Is it, you know, clean?
Look, I’m going to be blunt. My first thought when I walked into my room was, "Okay, let's hope the bedbugs haven't staged a coup." But I did a thorough inspection (because, you know, *experience*). The sheets *looked* clean. The carpet *looked* vacuumed. The bathroom… well, the grout wasn't sparkling, but it was… functional. I've seen worse. *Much* worse. The air conditioner sounded like a dying pterodactyl, though. Consider earplugs. Seriously. Pack them. I *should* have. Ah, well, that's life, right?
Breakfast? Is the "free breakfast" worth the effort?
The breakfast... let's call it an "experience." Think: pre-packaged pastries (possibly from the Cretaceous period), lukewarm coffee that tastes suspiciously of sadness, and a waffle maker that seems to have a personal vendetta against anyone trying to achieve golden-brown deliciousness. There's usually some sad, pre-made scrambled eggs, too. I usually went for the yogurt and fruit (if the fruit hadn't been sitting out since the dawn of time). My advice? Grab a granola bar from the gas station down the road and call it a win.
Seriously. Skip the breakfast. You're welcome.
What's there to *do* in O'Fallon? Besides, you know, attend a wedding/conference/escape the nuclear apocalypse...
Okay, this is where it gets... interesting. O'Fallon isn't exactly a bustling metropolis. But it has... things. There are some chain restaurants, a few parks (a great place to walk, or if you're like me, to be lost in thought), and a movie theater. The highlight for *me*? A surprisingly decent ice cream parlor a few minutes away. (That saved my sanity during a particularly long wedding reception). The St. Louis area is relatively close, though. Head to the city for a change of scenery, if you want. But O'Fallon itself… well, it's about what you make of it. And what you make of it might involve a lot of sitting and staring.
Any tips for surviving a Super 8 stay in O'Fallon?
Oh, I have a few. Bring earplugs. Seriously. And maybe a sleep mask. Make sure you have your own entertainment. Whether that's a good book, a fully charged phone, or a deck of cards to play solitaire in the dark. Consider bringing your own pillow. (I know, I know, it's extra luggage. But trust me.) Pack snacks. The vending machines are your enemy. Finally, lower your expectations. That way, you'll be pleasantly surprised when something *doesn't* completely fall apart. And be prepared to make a friend. The people there are *interesting*. That's all I'll say.
Okay, so, would you recommend it? Actually, would you *go* back?
Here's the truth: If I *had* to go back to O'Fallon for some reason (another wedding, a rogue convention of sock puppets -- anything!), yeah, I'd probably stay at the Super 8 again. Because, you know, budget. And because, honestly? It wasn't *the worst*. It was a place to lay my head, and that's sometimes all you need. And hey, at least I have a few stories to tell. And that slightly terrifying waffle-making experience? It was a bonding moment. With myself. So, there's that.
Final thoughts?
Look, the Super 8 in O'Fallon is not the Four Seasons. It's a Super 8. But it's a place. And sometimes, that's enough. Just… pack those earplugs.
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