Forsyth's BEST Kept Secret: Fairfield Inn Review (Decatur, IL)
Forsyth's "BEST Kept Secret": Fairfield Inn Review (Decatur, IL) - A Whirlwind of Thoughts and Slightly-Off Hotel Happenings
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is… well, it's me wrestling with the Fairfield Inn in Decatur, Illinois. And, honestly? It left me feeling all sorts of things. Let's dive in, shall we?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag…and a Few Stairs (Maybe?)
Alright, first things first: Accessibility. This is super important, and frankly, a make-or-break deal for many. The website claimed to be accessible, but my own experiences were a little…murky. I didn't need specific accessibility features, praise all that is holy, but I did notice a vague sense of… "potential challenges." I'm talking potentially unclear signage in the hallways that would be difficult to navigate, I did note some very un-even pavement leading to the front doors. So, if mobility is a big deal for you: CALL AHEAD. Triple check. Ask specifics. Don't rely on website descriptions and pretty pictures alone.
On-Site Grub and Booze (Plus, the Coffee…Oh, the Coffee)
The Dining, drinking, and snacking options? Mixed bag again. Breakfast service was included, a definite win. They offered a Breakfast [buffet], which was… well, it was a buffet. Nothing fancy, but the Asian breakfast options were… oddly intriguing? Definitely try whatever pastry is offering fresh for the day. The eggs were serviceable, the bacon was crispy, and the coffee/tea in restaurant, if you were willing to fight for it, was… well, it kept me alive. Don't let the un-caffeinated ones make the line long.
There was a Bar, but I didn't brave it. I could smell the cheap beer from the lobby and decided to skip it. I just needed a coffee.
Rooms and Relaxation: Hoping for Bliss, Finding…Room Service?
Okay, the Available in all rooms amenities? Pretty standard. Air conditioning? Check. Wi-Fi [free]? Double check! That was crucial. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! part was the selling point! Also, the Window that opens? That's a personal win for me. I need fresh air, even if it's the slightly-polluted Illinois variety. The Desk was functional, the Laptop workspace was… there. I had the Internet access – wireless and wired, but the Internet was spotty at best.
The Bathroom was clean, but the water pressure felt like a kitten sneezing. The towels were fluffy, and the complementary toiletries smell of soap (yay!).
No Massage service was available, the facilities were lacking, and no Spa or Sauna to be found either. Bummer. I mean, a girl can dream of a Body scrub or Body wrap, right? Sigh.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Kinda Safe?
Okay, listen. The Cleanliness and safety protocols? They tried. I saw the Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Lots of Staff trained in safety protocol, which I appreciated. They Daily disinfection in common areas, which is nice. And no Room sanitization opt-out available. I felt generally safe. I peeked at the door. The CCTV in common areas was there.
Services and Conveniences: So Many…or Not Enough?
Daily housekeeping was on point. The Laundry service (if needed) was available. There's a Convenience store but it was a bit bare bones. Elevator? Yes, thank god. Car park [free of charge]? Another win. The Concierge was… well, there was a front desk person. They were vaguely helpful. I think.
And… let's talk about the Car park [on-site]. I spent a good 20 minutes circling the parking lot, looking for a spot. Free, yes, but also, a total free-for-all. Consider it a pre-emptive cardio workout, I guess?
Things to Do in Decatur (Besides Staying at the Hotel)
Okay, let's be honest. Decatur, Illinois, isn't exactly a hotbed of thrilling activities. Things to do… well, outside of the hotel? You're pretty much on your own. There's stuff, I'm sure, but I was there for a conference, which meant… hotel life. For the Kids: No Babysitting service, I'm afraid. Seems like a pretty adult place. I wonder if kids would even like it, it would make for a good vacation, I guess.
The Verdict: A Functional Fixer-Upper with a Glimmer of Hope
Honestly? The Fairfield Inn in Decatur is… fine. It's not going to blow your mind. It's not going to change your life. But, it's clean, it's got basic necessities, and the included breakfast is… well, it's something. If you just needed a place to crash, it would be worth it. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
Metadata:
- Hotel Name: Fairfield Inn Decatur
- Location: Decatur, IL
- Keywords: Fairfield Inn, Decatur, hotel review, Illinois, accessibility, free wifi, breakfast, cleanliness, parking, amenities, travel, budget hotel, conference hotel.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Fairfield Inn in Decatur, IL. Find out about the rooms, accessibility, cleanliness, breakfast, and whether it's worth your time (and money!).
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're hitting the Fairfield Inn in Forsyth, Illinois, and trust me, we're gonna live. Prepare for chaos, questionable decisions, and probably a near-miss with a rogue corn cob.
DAY 1: Arrival & the Undeniable Lure of the Pool (and Bad Decisions?)
- 1:00 PM: Land in Decatur. Okay, "land" is a strong word. More like, "get dropped off at the airport that's basically a glorified shed." Already sweating. Did I pack enough deodorant? Crucial question.
- 1:30 PM: Drive (taxi, probably, praying they take credit cards) to the Fairfield Inn in Forsyth. Ah, the majestic, dependable Fairfield. It’s got that… Fairfield smell. You know the one. Sort of clean, sort of… motel-y. I mean that in the best possible way.
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. Pray the room isn’t on the third floor. My lungs haven’t fully recovered from that last flight. And pray the mini-fridge actually works. Desperately need a cold beverage in this heat.
- 2:30 PM: Unpack. This is where I become a chaotic disaster. Clothes everywhere. Random chargers tangled. The vague smell of stale pizza from my luggage. Don’t judge me. We’ve all been there. More importantly, where IS the pool?!
- 3:00 PM: THE POOL! Okay, this is a big deal. Indoor pool. Chlorine smell. Kids screaming and splashing. Bliss. Dive in. Spend an hour alternating between pretending to swim laps (I definitely am not) and soaking up the sun filtering through the windows. Maybe judge the lifeguard's tan a bit (because you know, I'm judging myself too).
- 4:00 PM: Snack Break. The vending machine. Gotta see what treasure it holds. Cheetos? Doritos? The suspense is killing me. I spend a ridiculous amount of time staring at the selection, wondering what's the most regrettable option. Settle on a bag of something orange and salty.
- 4:30 PM: The Room. Realize I forgot to grab a book or listen to my podcast. Sigh. Start watching TV instead.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Restaurant. A local diner. Try the pie. I hope it is decent. I end up feeling disappointed.
- 7:30 PM: Back to the Hotel. Take a bath.
- 8:30 PM: Bed. Watch TV. Fall asleep.
DAY 2: Cultivating Chaos and a Deeply Emotional Connection to a Gas Station
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Coffee. Must. Have. Coffee. That complimentary hotel coffee? Usually terrible. But today? It’s like liquid gold. Or slightly-flavored brown water that cures everything.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. The buffet. Waffles! (Maybe a little burnt.) And the tiny, individually wrapped portions of butter? Delightful. I always take way more than I need.
- 8:00 AM: Leave Hotel, Drive. This is where the real adventure begins. This is where the itinerary falls apart.
- 9:00 AM: The Gas Station. Stop for gas. This is not just any gas station, but a moment. The fluorescent lights, the questionable coffee machine, the racks of snacks… it's a cultural experience, a portal to a simpler time. I spend a ridiculous amount of time looking at the jerky and the energy drinks. I end up buying a lottery ticket, even though I will never win.
- 9:30 AM: Drive. I am driving to the park near the hotel. Beautiful.
- 10:30 AM: Visit the park.
- 11:30 AM: Lunch. Grab some food. Eat it.
- 1:00 PM: The Room. Watch TV.
- 2:30 PM: Free Time. See what kind of trouble I can get into.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. I want something, I don't know what.
- 8:00 PM: Hotel. Sleep.
DAY 3: Departure & the Existential Dread of Saying Goodbye (to the Pool, Mostly)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Okay, the last sunrise of this trip. It's bittersweet, you know?
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. The last breakfast buffet. One final waffle. One last illicit butter packet.
- 8:30 AM: Pack. Ugh, back into the suitcase. This is the worst part! How am I going to fit everything back in?
- 9:30 AM: Pool. One last dip. One last moment of peace and quiet.
- 10:30 AM: Check out. The front desk clerk is really nice. Thank you.
- 11:00 AM: Airport. Sigh. The journey is over.
- 12:00 PM: Fly.
This is just a rough guideline, a framework, a suggestion. Consider it less of a rigid plan and more of a springboard to embrace the unexpected. You know, the joy in the mundane. The connection to an energy drink at a gas station. The overwhelming feeling of relief that you've survived another trip. And the promise of the next adventure.
Escape to Paradise: West Palm Beach Marriott Getaway!
Forsyth's "BEST Kept Secret": Fairfield Inn (Decatur, IL) – Unfiltered & Unedited
Is this Fairfield Inn *really* a "secret"? Like, am I missing out on some underground conspiracy?
Okay, "secret" is a *slight* exaggeration. More like a reliable, consistent, not-glamorous-but-perfectly-serviceable place, that maybe doesn't scream "Destination!" It *is* in Decatur, Illinois, mind you... not exactly known for its thrilling hotel experiences. But seriously, it pops up constantly when I'm traveling through Illinois. My personal favorite, honestly? Is the *lack* of pretentiousness. They're not trying to be a five-star resort. They’re just...good. Consistent. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
Alright, so what are the *actual* pros? What makes it better than, say, a Motel 6? (No offense, Motel 6. You've saved me more than once.)
Okay, the pros. Let's see...
- Breakfast. The breakfast! It's *decent*. Not gourmet, but the waffles? They're always perfectly waffle-y. The coffee... well, it's free and hot. And sometimes, that's a victory. I've been to hotels where the coffee tastes like old car tires. Not here.
- Cleanliness. Seriously, they keep this place spotless. Which is crucial for a place I'll be sleeping. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this earns major points.
- Staff. Always friendly. Always helpful. They’ve genuinely saved my bacon more than once. Like that time my car battery died at 3 am and they went *above and beyond* to help jumpstart my car. Legends, I tell you.
- Location. Super convenient to the highway. Decatur isn't the most exciting place, but if you're passing through, it's ideal.
What about the cons? Spill the beans! What's the catch?
Okay, the *honest* truth?
- The Pool is Not the Ritz. The pool is... fine. Don't expect a fancy resort pool. It's functional. It's chlorinated. It gets the job done. But it's not Instagram-worthy. (Though, to be fair, neither is Decatur, Illinois. Sorry, Decatur.)
- It's a Fairfield Inn. Yeah, that sounds like a cop-out. But be realistic. It's not the Four Seasons. It's a reliable, predictable, chain hotel. That's both a pro and a con, depending on your expectation.
- The "View" isn't Great. You're probably going to see a parking lot. Or another Fairfield Inn. Riveting stuff, let me tell you.
- One Time... The AC! I almost lost it! One very hot night in the middle of summer, the AC in my room sounded like a dying walrus. Whined and wheezed all night. I eventually just gave up and opened a window (which, admittedly, exposed me to the thrilling sounds of highway traffic). I reported it, of course, but still! It was a brutal night.
Okay, let's get down to Brass Tacks. What about the price? Is it budget-friendly?
Generally, yes! It's usually in the budget-friendly category. You're not breaking the bank here. That’s a big plus for road trips. But check the prices beforehand, of course. Weekends, especially with local events... can get a little dicey.
Parking. Is it a nightmare? Can I fit my monster truck?
Parking is easy. Free. Lots of it. Unless, of course, there's some HUGE event going on in town. But even then, I've always managed to find a space, even if it's a wee bit of a walk. Monster truck? Probably. But I can't guarantee it.
I saw reviews about the gym! Is it functional? I need to work off those waffles.
"Functional" is the key word here. The gym is small. Maybe two treadmills, an elliptical, some weights, some benches...standard, hotel-gym fare. Don't expect to train for the Olympics. But for a quick workout? Perfectly adequate. Better than nothing. Though, honestly? I usually just end up walking laps around the hotel, pretending I'm exploring the grounds. (Again...there's a highway nearby...so...)
Is this a good place to take my kids? Or is it more adult-oriented?
Kids are welcome. It's family-friendly. There's nothing *specifically* geared towards kids, like a playground or a game room, but it’s a safe, clean environment. They’ve got a pool, remember? And free waffles! My own kids would love that. But if you're looking for a resort experience? This isn't it.
So, overall... would you recommend it? And if so, under what circumstances?
Yes. Absolutely. I would. I do recommend it. If you're:
- Passing through Decatur, Illinois.
- Need a clean, comfortable, reliable place to stay.
- Valuing affordability over luxury.
- Don't mind a perfectly average, but ultimately perfectly acceptable, hotel experience.
Final Thought: What could they improve?
Okay, if they *really* wanted to up their game? Some minor things. Maybe:
- Better pillows. The current ones are... well, they're pillows. Adequate. But not amazing.
- A slightly bigger gym. More equipment would be nice.
- Consider the AC issue. Seriously. That walrus noise was traumatic.
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