Fargo's BEST I-94 Hotel Near Medical Center? (Red Roof Inn Review!)

Red Roof Inn Fargo - I-94/ Medical Center Fargo (ND) United States

Fargo's BEST I-94 Hotel Near Medical Center? (Red Roof Inn Review!)

Fargo's Red Roof Inn: A Review (Because Even Hospitals Need Hotels, Right?)

Okay, so let's be honest. You're not exactly thrilled to be reading a review of a Red Roof Inn. I get it. It's not the Ritz. But if you're in Fargo, North Dakota, and you need a place to crash near the medical center… well, your options get a little… limited. That's where this particular Red Roof Inn comes in. It's billed as "BEST I-94 Hotel Near Medical Center." Bold claim! Let's dive in.

First Impressions (and the Struggle is Real)

Finding it was… an adventure. My GPS, bless its digital heart, seemed to think the hotel was located inside the hospital. (No, I didn't want to park in the ER, thanks!) Finally, after a few U-turns and a muttered prayer or two, I saw the familiar red roof sign. Success! Now, the exterior? Let's just say it's weathered. Nothing fancy. An exterior corridor situation, which always makes me feel a little like I'm in a detective novel I haven't read yet. But hey, I wasn't expecting a palace.

Accessibility (for Those Who Need It)

This is hugely important, especially with the medical center connection. The Red Roof Inn mostly delivers here. They have facilities for disabled guests, an elevator (thank goodness!), and the front desk is 24 hours, which is a godsend in those late-night check-ins. I didn't personally need any of these features, but I saw ramps and accessible parking, which is a great start. But I’m not a wheelchair user, so I can’t give a definitive accessibility review, but from what I saw with my own two eyes? It looked promising. Just confirm with the hotel before you book to be 100% sure.

Cleanliness and Safety (COVID Times!)

This is where my anxiety levels skyrocketed. Listen, I'm a germaphobe at the best of times, and the idea of staying in a hotel during a pandemic? shudders. But the Red Roof Inn actually surprised me. They make a big deal about their "professional-grade sanitizing services" and "rooms sanitized between stays." They also flaunt "anti-viral cleaning products," and "daily disinfection in common areas." Impressive! I saw hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the lobby seemed clean. (I may have wiped down every surface in my room with my own travel-sized sanitizing wipes anyway, because, well, you know.)

The Room: A Tale of Two Halves

The room itself? Okay. Honestly? Fine. It was clean-ish. Maybe a little dated. I’d guess the carpet hadn’t been updated since… well, a while. Nothing luxurious, but hey, it had the basics: air conditioning (crucial!), a (functional) alarm clock, a comfy bed (thank you, because after a long drive, a comfy bed is KEY), and a decent TV with plenty of channels. The Wi-Fi was free and worked… most of the time. There were some… signal fluctuations… but I'm living with that. They also offer Wi-Fi in all rooms, which is almost a necessity these days.

My real bugbear? The bathroom. It could use a bit of a… facelift. The water pressure was… iffy. And the shower curtain clung to me like a lovesick octopus. And there was a smell of… slightly damp… somewhere. I didn't investigate further. A detail I will gladly ignore, until now as I write this. Again, not the Ritz. But the bed was comfy, the room was mostly quiet, and the blackout curtains did their job. More on that later, it turns out.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Or, How I Survived on Snacks)

This is where the Red Roof Inn gets… underwhelming. Breakfast is offered, in the form of a "grab-and-go" situation. Think pre-packaged muffins, granola bars, and instant coffee. Not exactly a culinary delight, but it got the job done. There's no on-site restaurant, bar, or anything of the sort. You're on your own for meals. Thankfully, there’s a vending machine in the lobby, which is basically a life-saver when you're exhausted, hungry, and don’t want to go out. The motel location has several fast food options nearby.

Services and Conveniences (What Can It Do?)

The front desk staff were pleasant enough. There's a laundry service, which is handy. They have a small gift shop, which is also a life-saver if you forget something. The included parking is free. They do offer "food delivery" (via various third-party apps), which is a definite plus. However, don't expect a concierge or anything over-the-top. It's the basics, which is okay by me.

Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Or Not) – The “Spa” Side

Okay, so… the Red Roof Inn is not a spa resort. There's no pool, no sauna, no fitness center. The only way to relax… is to collapse on your bed and watch TV. This is fine if you're just looking for a crash pad, but if you're hoping for a little pampering? You're out of luck. You'll need to find outside spa options. More than likely it feels like an extra burden in a situation where you're already not having the best time.

A Deep Dive… (or Rather, a Shallow Dive into the Blackout Curtains) – One Little Incident

Okay, so, I said the blackout curtains did their job. They mostly did. One morning, however, sunlight somehow managed to sneak in. Then the world was brighter than I was prepared for so I was jolted awake! I'm pretty sure it was some sort of optical illusion because there was no way that much sunlight should have gotten through. It was like the sun itself was yelling at me, "Wake Up!" (I'm not a morning person, you see). It was a small annoyance, but it's one of the things I remember most about the place, I think.

For the Kids (Family-Friendly? Hmm…)

There's nothing specifically geared towards children. No playground, no kids’ activities. So, this place is fine if you’re with children but not for children per se.

Getting Around (Location, Location, Location)

The hotel is very close to the medical center, which is its biggest selling point. You can practically walk to it. There's free parking, which is another bonus. Taxi service and airport transfer were listed in amenities but I did not use them. Otherwise, you're going to need a car to get anywhere else in Fargo.

The Verdict (So, Should You Stay?)

Look, the Red Roof Inn in Fargo isn't going to win any awards for luxury or charm. But it’s a functional, clean (enough) place to stay near the medical center. If you’re there for a medical appointment, visiting a loved one, or just need a convenient place to sleep, it’s a decent option. It's not glamorous, but it's comfortable enough, and the free Wi-Fi is a major plus. Just manage your expectations, bring your own snacks, and maybe pack some spare sanitizing wipes. If you can get a good rate, it's really a solid choice. Would I stay there again? Probably, yes. Would I rave about it? No. But sometimes, pragmatism wins.

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Red Roof Inn Fargo - I-94/ Medical Center Fargo (ND) United States

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because planning a trip to Fargo, North Dakota isn't exactly on everyone's "dream getaway" list. But hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, and in this case, the "what" involved a very necessary stop at the Red Roof Inn Fargo - I-94/ Medical Center. Let's be real, the words "medical center" don't exactly scream "tourist paradise," but here we are, folks. Here's how it went, unfiltered, and probably with more coffee breaks than you can shake a stick at:

Day 1: Arrival & The Existential Dread of Budget Hotels

• 1:00 PM - Arrive at Hector International Airport (FAR): Okay, so the airport itself wasn't awful. It was small, efficient, and blessedly free of screaming babies (a rare win). Got my rental car (a slightly dented, beige sedan – charming, right?). The drive to the Red Roof Inn was… well, Fargo-esque. Flat, vast, and offering the kind of "open space" that can either be incredibly beautiful or make you question the meaning of life. I leaned towards the latter, especially when the hotel finally came into view.
• 1:30 PM - Check-in at Red Roof Inn: Interior, like any budget hotel, was clean, but the carpet felt like a time capsule to the 1990s (and not in a good way). The front desk clerk was a young guy who looked like he'd seen things, possibly the despair of a thousand delayed flights. He was polite, though, so points for that. Found the room. First impressions? "Functional." Decent enough bed; the air conditioner sounded like a jet engine.
• 2:00 PM - Unpack & Contemplate Life: Unpacked. Stared out the window at the parking lot. Started to wonder if I’d packed enough snacks. Answer: absolutely not. The vending machine was beckoning, but I'd seen those prices…
• 3:00 PM - The Great Quest for Coffee: Okay, so no free coffee in the lobby. Existential dread intensifies. Google Maps to the rescue! Apparently, there was a Caribou Coffee a short drive away. This became a mission, a quest, a matter of life and death. Coffee obtained. Sanity… slightly restored.
• 4:00 PM - The Medical Center Proximity: The Red Roof Inn's prime selling point: its proximity to the medical center, which, of course, was the whole reason I was there. A quick walk to the clinic. It was all a bit…clinical. Okay, back to the room.
• 6:00 PM - Dinner at a Chain Restaurant (The Ultimate Comfort Food Move): Faced with the culinary black hole that is Fargo dining (kidding! Sort of…), I caved and went to some mediocre, but familiar, chain. Did the job. Drank way too much water.
• 8:00 PM - Channel Surfing and Existential Dread, Part 2: The TV. Okay, not a bad selection of channels. But the combination of the flickering light and the cheap hotel room made me start to question all my life choices. Decided to watch reruns of The Office (comfort food, you see).
• 9:30 PM - Attempting Sleep: The jet engine air conditioner. The street noises. The lingering feeling of "I'm in Fargo." Slept fitfully.

Day 2: Adventures (of a Sort) and the Quest for Distraction

• 7:00 AM - Wake Up: Because the air conditioner was a beast of a machine.
• 7:30 AM - Breakfast: The hotel "breakfast" - a sad assortment of pre-packaged things and instant oatmeal. I opted for the instant oatmeal, which was, at best, a gray, gluey substance.
• 8:30 AM - Work/appointments - Hospital (back to reality): Back to the reason I'm here.
• 12:00 PM - Lunch: Tried a local deli. Actually surprisingly good! Small victory!
• 2:00 PM - Moorhead, Minnesota Trip: I have no idea why, but I decided to drive across the border to Moorhead, MN. It wasn't a life-altering experience, but it passed the time.
• 6:00 PM - Second dinner, food court trip: Feeling a little bit more alive. The food court was amazing!
• 8:00 PM - Relax and rest, more TV: Repeat of the previous night.

Day 3: Leaving Fargo with a Slightly Better Outlook

• 7:00 AM - Check out: So, leaving.
• 8:00 AM - Drive to the airport: The drive to the airport was filled with a sense of relief.
• 9:00 AM - Depart from FAR: Time to head home.

Final Thoughts:

Look, Fargo won't win any awards for being the most exciting place. But I survived, and had, at the very least, a decent stay at the Red Roof Inn (it was clean, after all!). The hotel, while not luxurious, served its purpose. And hey, I got my coffee! Ultimately, it was just a stop, but still, it was an experience. Would I rush back for a vacation? Probably not, but at least I feel a bit more resilient after facing the existential void of Fargo. And, the medical stuff went well, so, hey, that's a win!

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Red Roof Inn Fargo - I-94/ Medical Center Fargo (ND) United States```html

Fargo's "BEST I-94 Hotel Near the Medical Center" (aka The Red Roof Inn) - Let's Talk Truths (and Maybe a Few Tears)

Okay, spill the beans. Is this Red Roof Inn *really* the best option for those needing to be near the medical center?

Look, "best" is a loaded word, right? It's like saying "best" pizza. What does that *even* mean?! Is it chewy crust? Is it cheap? Is it available at 3 AM? (Important consideration, BTW...) Honestly, "best" in this situation, especially when you're dealing with a medical crisis or supporting someone who is, means *convenient*. And the Red Roof Inn? It's conveniently *there*. Minutes from the hospitals. That's the HUGE selling point. No, it's not the Ritz. It's not going to win any interior design awards. But when you're exhausted, emotionally wrung out, and just need a place to crash *right now*…that proximity is GOLD. I mean, I once was in Fargo with my Aunt, she was sick at the hospital, and oh-my-god did we eat at the McDonald's... it's right there! And then it turned into the Red Roof Inn for us. The best option for her? Maybe. But for me? I'd have traded the hotel for some peace and quiet.

What's the *real* deal on the rooms? Are they as… basic… as they look in the pictures?

Alright, let's be brutally honest. The pictures? They're… well, they're *optimistic*. Think "clean but dated." Think "perfectly serviceable, but no frills." I've seen worse. I've seen *much* better, too. My advice? Manage your expectations. It's a bed, a bathroom, a TV, and hopefully, working AC in the Fargo summer (which can be brutal, let me tell you). Don't go expecting a luxurious spa experience. Don't expect fluffy robes. You're lucky to find a working plug near the bed sometimes! I remember one trip, I swear the curtain rod was held together with duct tape. Duct tape! But you know what? It held. And that's kind of symbolic of the whole place, isn't it? It gets the job done. I love the red roof though! And they even have a pool... well, a pool that’s there.

Alright, so the rooms are…functional. But what about the *atmosphere*? Is it depressing? Is the staff friendly?

Okay, the atmosphere... It depends on your mood! On one hand, it's the sort of place that feels… quiet. Probably quiet because everyone's got something going on at the hospital. But sometimes, it gets very still, and that can weigh on you if you're already dealing with a lot! As for the staff? I'd say they're generally... pleasant. They're not going to jump up and down with effusive greetings, but they're usually efficient and helpful if you need something. I’ve been in some hotels where the staff gives off a 'I hate my job' vibe, which is understandable, of course, but you could say the staff here is... neutral. Neutral is good. Neutral is perfectly acceptable! It means they're not being actively *bad*, like with the noise issues you might encounter.

What about the noise? I *need* my sleep. Is it a noisy place?

Okay, noise... this is the *big* one. It can be a crapshoot, honestly. Some nights? Peaceful. You can hear a pin drop. Other nights? Well, you've got the potential for a symphony of sounds. People coming and going at all hours, slamming car doors (because apparently, some people think that's okay), maybe a little late-night revelry, and the occasional ambulance siren wailing in the distance (which... adds to the whole "near the hospital" experience!). I have literally laid awake at night... and I have screamed into pillow, too. Sometimes the AC hums. Sometimes the heater clangs. It's hit or miss. Earplugs are your friend. Demand a room away from the elevators and the road if you can. And pray. Seriously, pray for quiet. You'll need it with the emotional rollercoaster you're likely on. I mean, hotels are NEVER peaceful!

Is there any free breakfast? Because, between you and me, free food is always a win when you're stressed and broke.

Okay, the breakfast... it's... *there*. It's the standard continental fare. Think: cereal (the usual, sad options), maybe some stale bread for toast, a waffle machine, and possibly some sad-looking fruit. Don't go expecting a feast. My expectations were REALLY low. I wouldn’t trust the eggs if they have eggs. They are the exact same. If a place doesn't have good coffee? I am done! But, and this is a big BUT, it’s *free*. So, take it for what it is. It's better than nothing when your stomach is churning with worry and you haven't the energy to locate a decent diner. Just... go with the lowest expectations. Make a mental pact to eat something better later on.

Parking situation? Easy to get in and out, or is it a nightmare?

Parking is usually fine, honestly. It's not a gigantic lot, but I've never had a *major* struggle to find a spot. It's generally… accessible. Which, again, is a major plus when you're running on adrenaline and just want to get to your room. Just watch for ice in the winter... Fargo in winter is no joke! And the traffic? It's Fargo. It's not exactly a metropolis. You should be okay getting in and out. Unless you’re me, and you’re always late.

Are there any hidden gems or quirks about the Red Roof Inn that people don't usually mention?

Okay, this is where it gets… interesting. I’ve noticed that the vending machines are sometimes a lifeline! Especially late at night when you just can't sleep and need something to gnaw on. Bring cash! I have a memory of being stuck at this hotel one night... because of a blizzard, with a very unwell relative. The snow was coming down sideways, the wind was howling, and I was just… miserable. The vending machine? That night it was a miracle. Another thing, don't expect any fancy amenities. This isn’t a luxury hotel. This isn't the place you come to splurge. It’s purely a place to crash.

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Red Roof Inn Fargo - I-94/ Medical Center Fargo (ND) United States

Red Roof Inn Fargo - I-94/ Medical Center Fargo (ND) United States

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