Escape to Lenexa: Your Perfect Super 8 Stay Awaits!
Escape to Lenexa: My Super 8 Stay… an Emotional Rollercoaster (with Free Wi-Fi!)
Okay, people, buckle up. This isn’t your dry, corporate-speak hotel review. This is real – like, I actually stayed at the Escape to Lenexa Super 8. And, let me tell you, it was… an experience. Buckle up, 'cause we're diving headfirst into the Lenexa Super 8, warts and all.
SEO & Metadata Stuff Before We Get Started (Ugh, I Hate this Part…):
- Keywords: "Super 8 Lenexa," "Lenexa hotel," "Kansas hotel," "accessible hotel," "free Wi-Fi," "pool," "breakfast," "budget hotel," "Escape to Lenexa review," "clean hotel," "family-friendly hotel," "pet-friendly hotel" (even though, sadly, pets aren't allowed here - boo!), "Kansas City area hotel."
- Meta Description: My unfiltered review of the Escape to Lenexa Super 8! Honest thoughts on accessibility, cleanliness, the breakfast buffet (or lack thereof sometimes!), and that all-important free Wi-Fi. Did I have a decent stay? Read on, friend!
Right, Now For The DRAMA - My Honest-to-Goodness, Slightly Messy Review:
First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me (and should be for everyone). The Super 8 in Lenexa claims to be accessible, and… okay, they try. The wheelchair accessibility was, let's say, variable. Entering the lobby was okay, the elevator was a life-saver, and getting into the rooms was, for the most part, manageable. However, navigating the hallways, especially with luggage and a slightly wonky left knee (thanks, life!), felt like a minor obstacle course. More space between the furniture in the rooms wouldn’t hurt. And, honestly? The automatic door opener at the entrance? Brilliant. The lack of ramps in some areas? Less so. It's a work in progress, but they're trying which, you know, counts for something.
On-Site Restaurant/Lounges: (Crickets chirping). Okay, let's be brutally honest. This isn't the Ritz. There’s no swanky bar to sip martinis in, no Michelin-starred chef whipping up culinary masterpieces. The restaurants are… well, they’re not on-site. But hey, there’s room service (24-hour!) so you can order food to your heart’s desire through a delivery service or walk to a nearby chain. (I did see a really sad looking vending machine once, but I’m pretty sure it died years ago. The food, much like my hopes and dreams, were not that fresh).
Internet… The Lifeblood of Civilization (and My Job):
Free Wi-Fi in ALL Rooms! YES! This is a major win. And it actually worked. I could stream, I could Zoom (thank God), I could upload embarrassing pictures of myself. Solid, reliable Wi-Fi. Seriously, it's worth the price of admission alone. Internet [LAN] – I didn’t even check. It was all about the glorious, free, wireless connection. Bless you, Super 8, for getting this right.
Other Internet Services: Fine, I might have sent a few work emails from the comfort of my bed. The internet was the best part of this hotel.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: (Again, Humble Expectations…)
Okay, let's be real about how to relax. The swimming pool is there. But, well, it was outdoors, and it was cold in Lenexa during my stay (I feel like this is a universal experience for this location, especially if you're there in early Spring). So, I didn't chance it and ended up just staring at it miserably through my window (that does open! A small victory!). There's no spa, sauna, or steamroom here, this place isn't the Four Seasons. You've been warned. Maybe bring a good book and embrace the quiet, or go out!
Cleanliness and Safety: (The Covid Era and Beyond)
First off, the air conditioning was wonderful. A must have in Kansas's ever-changing temperatures. Secondly, they are using anti-viral cleaning products. I saw staff scrubbing surfaces like they were preparing for a space launch. They take cleaning seriously, and I appreciated that. Rooms sanitized between stays. They’re doing everything they can. I noticed hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. I am not sure how they do it all, but they do. And honestly? That made me feel pretty safe. I was, admittedly, a little skeptical. However, my room wasn't spotless when I entered, and the carpet was questionable in places.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Breakfast, the Great Unknown)
Breakfast [buffet]? Okay, this is where things got… complicated. I'm talking Breakfast Roulette. Some mornings, it was a sad spread of pre-packaged pastries and lukewarm coffee. Other days, there were… slightly better options. I saw vegetarian options, some fruits, and the occasional waffle. Overall, though, don't expect a culinary explosion. Coffee/tea in restaurant (again, see above for details on "restaurants"). Breakfast takeaway service: yeah, I've seen it. This is where the pre-packaged pastries come in.
Services and Conveniences:
The front desk [24-hour] was super helpful, always available and eager to help. The elevator worked, which was a lifesaver. The daily housekeeping was consistent, too. Cash withdrawal was available. They had all of the essentials - the essential condiments (ketchup, mustard, etc), luggage storage, and a gift/souvenir shop, (which was… not the greatest but it has some things).
For The Kids…:
This place is pretty family/child-friendly. I saw a lot of families here, and the staff was accommodating. The kids could run around and be kids without getting their hands slapped, which is always a plus! There is some help, but no babysitting service.
Available in All Rooms (Mostly):
Air conditioning: YES. Bathrobes: I’m pretty sure I got one, even though it was a bit threadbare. Coffee/tea maker: Definitely. Free bottled water: yes, which was refreshing. Hair dryer: Yep. Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]): Duh. Non-smoking: Of course. Shower: Yes. In my room, yes.
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge]: Absolutely. Plenty of parking. Car park [on-site]: YEP! Airport transfer: unfortunately, no. Taxi service: You're on your own, buddy!
Random Thoughts and Imperfections:
- The hallway carpets… well, let's just say they've seen things. Like, a lot of things. Be ready.
- The TV remote was… a relic. But it worked. Eventually.
- My room was… basic, but functional. The bed was alright, and it was perfectly adequate for sleeping.
- The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful. That makes a huge difference.
- I saw a cockroach once. Okay, that was a bit of a downer. But did I mention the free Wi-Fi?
The Verdict:
Look, the Escape to Lenexa Super 8 isn't going to win any awards for luxury. It's a budget hotel, plain and simple. However, it's clean enough, the staff is lovely, and the free Wi-Fi saved my sanity. If you're looking for a comfortable, inexpensive place to crash while you’re exploring Lenexa (or just passing through), you could do much, much worse. Just temper your expectations, pack some disinfectant wipes (just in case! Haha!) and embrace the quirks.
Would I stay again? Probably. Honestly, the free Wi-Fi and the friendly staff almost make up for the… let's call it, "rustic" charm. And, hey, it’s a good launch point for a weekend trip! Just remember to bring your sense of humor with you. You'll need it.
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Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups. This ain't your grandma's pristine itinerary. Forget perfect. This is the real deal, Super 8 in Lenexa, Kansas, baby! Get ready for a whirlwind of questionable life choices, overpriced gas station snacks, and the existential dread of a late-night vending machine defeat.
Day 1: Arrival & The Quest for the Perfect Microwave Popcorn (Or, You Know, Something Edible)
- 1:00 PM: Land at Kansas City International (MCI). Ugh, airports. Always chaotic. I swear I saw a small child attempting to scale the baggage carousel. Just another Tuesday, I guess. Grab the rental car. Pray it doesn't smell like a wet Labrador.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Drive to Super 8 Lenexa. Traffic wasn't a soul-crushing slog. Score! Mental note: The drive-through Starbucks on I-35 is a solid 7/10. Coffee was…coffee.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Check in. Pray the room isn't too close to the ice machine. Honestly, the anticipation of a screaming ice machine is probably my biggest fear. Settle in. Inspect the room. Everything seems… okay. The remote seems to have seen better days. Probably spent too many nights getting flung against a wall during a particularly exciting game.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Microwave Popcorn Hunt. MUST. FIND. PERFECT. POPCORN. This is crucial. This sets the tone for the trip. First attempt: burnt to a crisp. Second attempt: suspiciously un-popped kernels. Third attempt: success! (Sort of. There's a certain…charred aroma, but hey, we’re alive!)
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a greasy spoon diner. Okay. It wasn't exactly gourmet dining (mashed-potatoes were not-mashed-potatoes), but the waitress, bless her heart, called me "honey," and that's gotta count for something, right?
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Netflix and chill (literally, the AC in here is blasting). Some random reality show on and the popcorn. I am happy.
- 9:00 PM: The vending machine… beckons. I need a salty, crunchy reward for my perfect popcorn victory. Disaster strikes. Stuck my money in, selected my choice (a questionable bag of cheese puffs), and…nothing. The machine just stared back, judging me. This is how you know you really aren’t winning in life.
- 9:30 PM: Give up. It’s time for sleep.
Day 2: The Deep Dive (Into…Well, Whatever's Interesting)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Regret the late-night cheese puff failure.
- 8:30 AM: Free breakfast. (They always seem to advertise the breakfast as a major perk, which is funny, because it's usually a sad spread of carbs and questionable coffee.) The waffles look okay… maybe. Maybe I can work out.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Explore Lenexa. What is there to even do in Lenexa? Googled a bunch of things, ended up at a park. (They all look the same, don't they?)
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a Mexican restaurant. No idea if it’s authentic, but the margaritas were strong, so, ya know, who’s complaining? I may have asked the waitress if the tortilla chips were made from, like, actual tortillas, but she just gave me a look.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Deep Dive: The Legoland Discovery Center. Okay, fine, I'm an adult. But come on, LEGOs are awesome. This turned out to be an unexpected joy. I built a small Lego car (it's still holding, which is impressive, really). Lost a good 30min in the Lego store.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Rest. The Lego-induced creativity drain is real, folks.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. (I'm thinking…pizza, maybe? Or…another dive diner? Decisions, decisions.)
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Attempt the vending machine again. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me…again…well, I'm still gonna try. This time it’s a bag of chips.
- 10:00 PM: Defeated again. Bed.
Day 3: Departure & Epilogue
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Sad breakfast.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Check out.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Final drive through the area and gas station stop. Buy… oh, I don’t know, some road trip snacks I may or may not touch, ever.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Flight back home. I'll get to my next trip when it comes.
- Epilogue: The Super 8 wasn't fancy. It wasn't perfect. But, you know what? It was real. And sometimes, a little bit of real is exactly what you need. Did I get the perfect microwave popcorn? Maybe not. Did the vending machine ever give me my snack? Nope. But I made it through. And that's a damn win.
So, there you have it. This itinerary is a testament to the idea that travel isn't about perfect plans, it's about embracing the imperfections, the weird encounters, the questionable snacks, and the occasional vending machine tragedy. It's messy, real, and, for me, absolutely unforgettable. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a nap. Kansas has worn me down.
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Ugh, Where Do I Even START? I Burn Water. Literally.
Okay, deep breaths. I GET IT. I used to think "boiling" meant "charring until the pan looks like a moonscape." My first attempt at scrambled eggs? Let's just say the fire alarm made a *guest appearance*.
The *start*? Honestly? YouTube. Specifically, find a channel with a really, really patient host. Preferably one who doesn't make it look impossibly perfect. Find one where they're like, "Yeah, I mess up all the time too." That's the key. Also, invest in a decent non-stick skillet. Seriously. It's a game-changer. And maybe, just maybe, start with something… simpler. Like, you can handle toast, right? You can practically *see* how a toaster works, right? Right?...
My first real "dish", a simple pasta with jarred sauce? I nearly set the kitchen on fire. True story. The garlic. I blamed the garlic. It was too… intense! Too… aggressive! Now, the garlic, it's a friend. But it took, oh, maybe a year of slightly charred garlic to get there.
What's the Biggest Mistake Cooking Virgins Make? (Besides, You Know, The Fire Alarm)
Oh, hands down, it's overconfidence. You see a recipe, you vaguely understand it, and bam! You're suddenly adding three extra ingredients and a pinch of pure ambition, which, let me tell you, is not a spice.
I did this with a stir-fry. A *simple* stir-fry. I envisioned myself as some kind of culinary ninja, twirling vegetables in a wok with effortless grace. The reality? Charred broccoli, rubbery chicken, and a sauce that tasted suspiciously like dish soap. I blamed the wok. Definitely the wok’s fault.
The other big mistake? Not tasting *as you go*. Seriously. This is EVERYTHING. Add a little, taste, add a little more, taste. That tiny pinch of salt? Crucial. That extra splash of vinegar? Magic. I, for months, just sort of… winged it. And by "winged it" I mean, created things that birds probably wouldn't even touch.
What's the Deal with Measuring? Can't I Just... Guess?
Look, I'm not going to lie. Sometimes, I totally eyeball it. Especially with spices. Because, you know, a little *je ne sais quoi* and all that.
But with baking? MEASURE. Seriously. Baking is chemistry. Baking is precise. Baking is not the place for "a pinch of whatever feels right." Trust me. I once tried to make chocolate chip cookies. Eyeballed the flour. They were, and I am not exaggerating, *pancakes*. Delicious, albeit flat, pancakes.
So, yes, invest in measuring cups and spoons. Get a kitchen scale. It sounds like a lot of fuss, but it saves SO MUCH heartbreak (and pancake-shaped cookies).
Okay, So I Messed Up. (Again). Now What?
First, don’t panic! Okay, *after* you've panicked a little (we all do), assess the damage. Was it just a minor burn? A bit too much salt? Or did you, like me, manage to create a culinary black hole on the stovetop?
For minor issues, embrace experimentation. Too salty? Add a little extra something (acid often helps). Burnt on the bottom? Scrape off the burnt bits (carefully!) and try again. Learn what you can from the mistake. "Next time," you tell yourself. "Less aggressive stirring?"
My worst? I set a chicken breast on fire once. The smoke was immense. The smell… apocalyptic. The only option? Order pizza. And vow to try again. But also, maybe sign up for a cooking class. A *real* one, where actual chefs are involved, not just YouTube.
What About Fancy Kitchen Gadgets? Do I *Need* a Spiralizer/Immersion Blender/Sous Vide Machine?
Oh, the siren song of fancy kitchen gadgets! Those things… they get me. You see an ad for a spiralizer and think, "I shall eat only zucchini noodles! My life will be transformed!"
Look, start with the basics. A good knife, a few pots and pans, and maybe a whisk. I used to think I needed all the latest gizmos. But honestly? They mostly ended up gathering dust. I spent a fortune on a fancy juicer. Used it… twice. Now it’s just a really expensive paperweight.
If you're feeling flush and want to treat yourself, an immersion blender is actually pretty useful, but don't go overboard. The basics are your friend. And save the money for good ingredients. Trust me, a well-made tomato sauce with fresh basil is better than anything you can make with a spiralizer.
Is Cooking *Really* Worth It? Because I'm Thinking of Just Ordering Takeout Forever.
Okay, this is the million-dollar question, isn’t it? Sometimes, yes, absolutely, order the takeout. Seriously. Some days, the thought of peeling another onion is enough to send me spiraling into a cheese-and-crackers existential crisis.
But. And it’s a big but. When it *does* work? When that sauce actually reduces to a glorious, velvety texture? When that perfectly seared steak slides onto your plate? When you take that first bite of something YOU. MADE. From scratch? Pure bliss. It's like… winning a tiny, delicious battle against chaos. And the pride! Oh, the pride!
Plus, you can actually control what goes into your food. No questionable ingredients! No mountains of sodium! (Sometimes. I do love salt.) Mostly. Listen, it's a journey. It won't be perfect. You will burn things. You will cry. You will probably swear at a vegetable. But you'll also create something amazing. And sometimes, that amazing something will even be edible!
So, order the takeout sometimes. But keep trying. You might surprise yourself. And your taste buds.
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