Mankato's BEST Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!
Mankato, Minnesota: My Unexpected Love Affair with the Fairfield Inn & Suites (Spoiler Alert: It's Actually Pretty Good)
Okay, so Mankato, Minnesota. Let's be honest, it's not exactly the first place that springs to mind when you think "luxury getaway." But, sometimes, life throws you a curveball, and this time, that curveball landed me in the capable (and surprisingly comfy) embrace of the Fairfield Inn & Suites. Let's dive in, shall we?
First off, accessibility. This is something that I, thankfully, don't need personally, but it's crucial to cover. And I gotta say, the Fairfield looked GOOD from this aspect. Wheelchair accessible throughout the property? Check. Elevator? Naturally. They seemed to have thought about it, which, in my book, is a huge win. It's the details that matter, and seeing a place actually care about making sure facilities for disabled guests are in working order, well that warms the ol' heart. Definitely worth the mention.
Now, the nitty-gritty… starting with the rooms.
Available in all rooms: Okay, so what do you actually get? Let's see… Air conditioning? Thank the heavens, especially after a Minnesota summer day! Alarm clock, always a must for business trips (or, you know, when you just want to get up and SEE THE DAY!). Coffee/tea maker? YES! Crucial. I’m one of those people and cannot function without my morning caffeine. And the complimentary tea, a nice touch! Desk, perfect for, you know, pretending I was actually working. Hair dryer, essential. Ironing facilities, a life saver (especially when traveling and wanting your picture taken in a nice shirt). Laptop workspace, needed. Refrigerator, good to keep my cold drinks cold. Wi-Fi [free], crucial because I'm a digital nomad. Window that opens? That was an unexpected plus, I like fresh air.
Imperfection Alert: I'm going to be brutally honest, one of the lamps was a bit wonky. It wobbled when nudged… not a deal-breaker by any means, but it's that slight imperfection, that little thing that makes a place feel real. I didn't bother calling it in, it just added character!
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID era has changed everything, right? And I was watching like a hawk. The Anti-viral cleaning products reassured me. They mentioned daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff seemed genuinely committed. They were clearly following staff trained in safety protocol. I’m not going to lie, I felt much safer than I've felt in other hotels lately. It's a simple thing, good for the peace of mind. The whole setup gave an impression of professional-grade sanitizing services. I liked that they offered room sanitization opt-out available (for the more laid-back types). They were serious about physical distancing of at least 1 meter and the fact they had hand sanitizer strategically placed all over the place. Very reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Ah, the most critical section. And the Fairfield…surprise! The options weren't half bad. They had:
- Breakfast [buffet]: Standard, but with a decent variety. I went for the waffles. Can't go wrong with waffles. It did get busy at times, which felt a bit crammed (thanks, COVID), but they did a solid job of keeping things stocked.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The coffee was… well, it was coffee. Drinkable, which, as mentioned, is the most important thing.
- Coffee shop : I'll take it.
- Breakfast service: They do their job well.
- Restaurants: Nothing amazing, but good enough.
- Snack bar: The little convenience store that never fails.
- Alternative meal arrangement: A nice touch if you want a personal touch.
My Epic Waffle Incident: Okay, story-time. This is where the review gets real. One morning, I was absolutely RAVENOUS. My mission: conquer the waffle-making station. Now, I'm not a pro-waffle chef. I tend to get a little overzealous. I poured the batter, waited patiently (or so I thought), and… disaster. The waffle stuck. Badly. I tried the spatula, but it was hopeless. There I was, a grown adult, wrestling with a stubborn waffle and starting to get a little flustered. A friendly staff member, noticing my plight, rushed over with a knowing smile. She showed me the secret waffle release technique (apparently more butter is the answer!). And here's the best part: she didn't laugh. She was so supportive, so understanding! It wasn't just about the waffle; it was about a little moment of human connection. That staff member personified the hotel's positive vibe. The waffle was a victory! It was also delicious. A waffle in Mankato, and I'll never forget it! I'm almost teary-eyed just thinking about it.
Services and Conveniences:
- Air conditioning in public area: Always a win.
- Business facilities: Seemed well-equipped.
- Cash withdrawal: Handy.
- Concierge: Not applicable.
- Contactless check-in/out: Essential in the pandemic era.
- Convenience store: Snacks, drinks, essentials. You know, the stuff you always forget.
- Daily housekeeping: Appreciated.
- Elevator: Necessary.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Mentioned earlier, a big plus.
- Indoor venue for special events: For the future hopefully.
Things to Do…or, Ways To Relax
- Fitness center: Typical hotel gym. Got the job done.
- Gym/fitness: It's a gym.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: I didn't use it. But, it looked inviting, which is a start!
For the Kids: I didn't have any kids traveling with me, so I can't speak on the babysitting service, family/child friendly, or the kids facilities, but the overall vibe seemed welcoming to families.
Getting Around: The car park [free of charge] was a major plus. And for some of us that take care of the environment, they even had a car power charging station. Airport transfer: Not applicable. Taxi service: Also, not applicable.
Emotional Verdict:
Look, the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Mankato isn't going to win any awards for being the fanciest hotel in the world. But it's clean, comfortable, accessible, and the staff genuinely seem to care. The waffle incident? Proof that these places can make a connection. It’s a solid, reliable choice that exceeded my expectations. It’s the kind of place that makes a weary traveler feel, well, not just accommodated, but taken care of. Unexpectedly good.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted itinerary. We're hitting Mankato, Minnesota, and frankly, I'm already picturing a blizzard of cheese curds and a deep existential dread about how I still haven't learned to parallel park. Anyway, here's a semi-organized chaos of a plan, centered around the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Mankato. God help us all.
Day 1: The Arrival (and the Quest for Caffeine)
- 1:00 PM (ish): Arrive at the hotel. Let's be real, "ish" is the operative word. My flight was delayed because the baggage handlers apparently mistook my suitcase for a particularly energetic chihuahua. The Fairfield Inn looks… well, it looks like a Fairfield Inn. Clean, predictable, a haven of beige, which is exactly what I need after that travel disaster.
- 1:15 PM: Check-in. Praying they haven't run out of the good cookies. I'm a sucker for a free cookie. Honestly, sometimes that's the only reason I stay at these places.
- 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: The urgent coffee run. This is critical. There’s a Starbucks somewhere within walking distance, I'm told. If I don't get caffeine, the world will suffer. I'll be grumpy, I'll probably yell at a squirrel, and things will get ugly fast. I actually need a venti, no-foam, extra-shot, almond milk latte, not just want it.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Unpack/Wallow in Room. Okay, so I'm unpacked. I'm staring out the window. I'm already mildly overwhelmed by the sheer Americanness of the view. Strip malls, minivans, the distant hum of Midwestern ambition… It's all a bit much. Maybe a nap?
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Attempt to explore downtown Mankato. This is where my carefully-constructed itinerary potentially falls apart. Let's be real; I'm terrible with directions (see: the parallel parking comment). We are going to go to the city center for a walkabout. It should be fun.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Happy Hour potential. Maybe the hotel has a bar (or, more likely, an adjacent one). If not, research is needed. This is important. Drinks equal a more tolerant attitude towards Midwestern friendliness (I'm kidding… mostly).
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Something vaguely healthy-ish. I've heard there's a fantastic burger joint nearby, but I also need to remember to eat actual vegetables. The eternal struggle. Maybe a salad with my burger? Is that a good compromise?
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime (whenever that may be): Collapse. Watch some mindless TV. Marvel at the vastness of the universe and my own insignificance. Maybe, just maybe, plan for tomorrow. Or just… not. Whatever feels right.
Day 2: Deep Dive into the Unexpected
- 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Curse the alarm clock. Swear off coffee forever. Then immediately go for coffee. Because, duh.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Diving Deep into the Blue Earth County Historical Society. Now, I know what you're thinking: "Historical Society? Seriously?" But hear me out. Sometimes, these places are unexpectedly fascinating. I’m in search of the weird, the quirky, the stuff the tour books gloss over. Give me a history of the most unusual cheese curd recipe ever created, or a gallery that focuses on the area's haunted past. Let's see if Mankato has something unique to offer. I'm hoping for a story involving a ghost, a talking cow, and a bridge made of cheese. Is it asking too much?
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Back to the burger place? Or maybe try something completely different? The pressure is mounting! The culinary possibilities are endless. Wait.. there’s a Thai restaurant. This could be the answer.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: This is where things get really loose. I’m gonna let my gut guide me. Maybe check out a local art gallery. Possibly wander around a park. Maybe have another existential crisis, who knows?
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: More Coffee (and a possible emotional breakdown). I've learned something about myself: Travel exhausts me. I need a pick-me-up and a safe space to reflect. The hotel maybe?
- 6:00 PM - Dinner: Okay, I need to find another restaurant at this hour. Maybe an Italian place. Maybe I'll try to avoid the tourists this time.
- 7:30 PM onwards: Probably back at the hotel, vegging out. Possibly ordering room service (because comfort food is essential to survival). Maybe start packing. Sigh.
Day 3: The Departure (and the lingering scent of cheese curds)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. This time you're gonna go into the swimming pool.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Okay, so the hotel's got the continental breakfast. It's predictable, but hey, free carbs. I'll be honest, I'm probably gonna take like three waffles. Don't judge me. I need the energy.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Pray they have a Mankato-themed snow globe or a ridiculously oversized t-shirt.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check out. Say goodbye to the beige haven. Remember the good cookies. Try not to leave anything vital behind.
- 12:00 PM (ish): Head to the airport, or bus station. Reflect on the trip. Did I learn anything? Probably not. Did I eat too many cheese curds? Almost certainly. Did I enjoy myself? Actually… yeah, I think I did. Mankato, you surprisingly delightful place, you.
And that, my friends, is my semi-organized, chaotic, and emotionally charged Mankato adventure. Wish me luck (and send cheese curds). This is gonna be fun. Maybe.
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Okay, fine, what *is* this whole "thing" even about?
Alright, look, I'm not gonna lie, this whole "thing" started as a whim. Like, "Hey, wouldn't it be funny if…" and now here we are. Essentially, it's *supposed* to be a collection of frequently asked questions... but like, from me (and let’s be honest, probably mostly *about* me too, because, you know, ego). I'll try to answer things... honestly. Sometimes, I'll succeed. Other times, I'll completely derail and start talking about the existential dread of choosing a coffee flavor (which, by the way, is a *huge* decision). Essentially, expect chaos. And maybe, just maybe, a little bit of helpful information buried in there somewhere. Don't hold your breath though.
Are you, like, a real person? (Seriously, I gotta ask.)
Oh, you wound me! Yes! I'm real! I promise. Probably. Look, I'm typing this, aren't I? I'm making jokes. I have opinions (sometimes *very* strong ones). I have a crippling caffeine dependency. If *that* doesn’t scream "human," I don't know what does. I mean, unless my AI overlords are *really* invested in the long con… which would be impressive, actually. I'd be pretty impressed if I was a robot, and nobody knew. That’s gotta be the dream, yeah?
What's the deal with the name? It's... unusual.
Oh, the name. Ugh. Picking a name is like… choosing a tattoo. Permanent. And you'll probably regret it later. (Kinda the same with the tattoo, actually.) It sounded good at the time! Now, I'm stuck with it. I might tweak it someday. I mean, I'm a creature of change and chaos after all!
What do you actually *do*? Aside from whatever this is.
Ah, the million-dollar question! Mostly, I… *exist*. I'm a big fan of napping, obsessing over random things (currently: the proper way to fold a fitted sheet. It's an *art*!), and occasionally, you know, trying to be productive. Which, let’s be honest, this (gesturing vaguely at the screen) *can* be considered. I dabble in other things. Like, I once tried to learn how to make sourdough from scratch and it was a complete disaster. Like, I'm talking, flat, brick-like loaves that were more dangerous as weapons than they were food. I almost started a house fire! So, yeah, that’s what I do. And I’m pretty good at procrastinating. Really, *really* good.
What's the biggest thing you've ever messed up? (Be honest!)
Oh, where to *begin*? (Eyes darting around nervously). I've messed up *a lot*. There was the time I dyed my hair blue, thinking I could pull it off. (Spoiler alert: I couldn't. I looked like a slightly melancholic Smurf.) There was that epic baking fail I mentioned before. But, if I *had* to pick *the* biggest? Probably that time I trusted a stranger on a bus with, like, my entire life story. Big mistake. The guy was probably a con artist! So yeah, I’m prone to some major blunders.
Okay, okay, let's get a little more serious. What are you passionate about?
Okay, putting on my "serious hat"... for a brief moment, before it inevitably slips off. I'm genuinely passionate about… Wait, am I passionate about anything? Okay, okay… well: cats. I *love* cats. And if you don’t love them, well, we can't be friends. I also have a soft spot for underdogs. And I care about being a good person. Probably. Most days. Also, I'm passionate about making people laugh. Even if it’s at my expense. (It usually is.)
What's your *biggest* pet peeve?
Oh, this is easy! People who chew with their mouths open. Seriously, it makes my blood boil. And I *hate* slow walkers in crowded places. It's like… why are you even here?! MOVE IT! Also, the word "moist." Just... ugh. It's the worst. I'm getting worked up just thinking about it! Okay, deep breaths…
What inspires you?
Good question! Hmm. Mostly, it's little things. A really good cup of coffee (see, I told you). A perfectly timed sunset. A genuinely funny meme. The thought that maybe, just maybe, I'm not completely alone in this crazy world. Also, dogs! They're good too. Wait, did I mention cats? Okay, I ramble, I know. But, yeah, inspiration can be found everywhere...if you look. And try not to overthink it, like I do.
What's your favorite book/movie/whatever?
Oh, the *classic* question! Okay, changing my answer *every* time. I'm terrible at picking favorites! Today? Probably, the movie "Everything Everywhere All at Once". It just blew my mind. And the book? I'm currently re-reading "Pride and Prejudice" for the tenth time, and I still find something new in it. But, ask me again tomorrow, and it will be different. I'm fickle. Embrace it!
What are you *really* afraid of?
This is getting deep now, huh? Um... public speaking. I'm *terrified* of it. Like,Trip Hotel Hub
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