Bloomington Getaway: Your Perfect Stay at Residence Inn Bloomington (IL)
Bloomington Getaway: A Residence Inn Review (Because Life Ain't Always Perfect, Folks!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to lay down some truth about the Residence Inn in Bloomington, Illinois. "Perfect Stay" they say? We'll see about that. This ain't some polished PR piece, this is real-life, warts and all. I'm the travel blogger who accidentally ordered a whole pizza for one, so you know you can trust me.
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- Meta Description: Honest review of the Residence Inn Bloomington, IL. Discover its accessibility, amenities, and quirks. Find out if it's the perfect stay… or just a decent one! Real experiences, real opinions
First Impressions & Accessibility – Let's Talk Wheels & Woes:
Okay, so the Residence Inn. First off, finding the damn place was an adventure. GPS took me on a scenic detour that involved a semi-truck trying to squeeze through a farm road. Lovely. But when I finally rolled up, the exterior looked… standard. Brick. Flags. Hotel-y.
Accessibility? Yes, they claim to be. Wheelchair accessible is a big selling point, and kudos for that! There's an elevator (thank GOD), and I did see some facilities for disabled guests, which is definitely a plus. I didn't personally need 'em, but good to know it’s there. Exterior corridor access is another thing that makes life easier.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Now, here's where things get a little… thin. I didn't see any dedicated accessible restaurants, per se. Breakfast is apparently at the main dining area, so that's something.
Cleanliness & Safety – Pandemic Living is a Trip, Man:
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Cleanliness is HUGE these days. And they seem to get it. They tout anti-viral cleaning products (phew!), daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available! Interesting. I didn’t opt-out because, frankly, I'm germaphobic.
Hygiene certification – seen it, checked it. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere? Yep. Staff trained in safety protocol? Hoping so. They also had individually-wrapped food options (more on that later) and safe dining setup. They’re trying, people. They’re trying.
The Room – Where the Magic (and Minor Annoyances) Happen:
My room? Standard Residence Inn. Non-smoking, obviously. Air conditioning blasted like a blizzard (and I love it). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – thank the internet gods. Free bottled water? Yes, please! I immediately grabbed it because I, like all humans, get thirsty.
Available in all rooms: A good list of items including, of course, a bathroom, shower, bathtub, toiletries, robes, hair dryer, ironing facilities, desk, refrigerator, and so on. The bed was comfy enough, the blackout curtains were A+ for sleeping in. The in-room safe box was there. Good.
The big downside? The lack of character. It’s essentially a cookie-cutter room. You get what you expect, and what you expect is… well, average. But let's be honest, sometimes average is a win.
Internet – Or, How I Tried to Work and Failed (Sort Of):
Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]): Yes! Internet access – LAN: Also yes! It's fast enough for basic tasks, but don't expect to stream Game of Thrones in 4K without buffering. I tried getting some work done on my laptop workspace (they supply a desk, if you’re wondering!).
Overall, the Internet services are okay.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Breakfast Adventures & Coffee Woes.
Let's get to the food. Breakfast [buffet] is included. Spoiler alert: it's your typical hotel breakfast. Buffet in restaurant: Yes of course, but with the usual caveats of a hotel buffet – everything felt like it had been sitting out for a while (or at least, that’s what my brain told me). Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yep. Coffee was decent, but not life-changing.
Breakfast takeaway service: Useful if you’re in a rush. Coffee shop: Not actually a coffee shop, but the breakfast area kind of serves the same basic function, so maybe? Alternative meal arrangement: I wouldn’t know. A la carte in restaurant: Nope (as far as I could tell). Asian breakfast: Nah. Asian cuisine in restaurant: Negatory. Bar: Nope. Bottle of water: Supplied in your room. Desserts in restaurant: Not really. Happy hour: Possibly (I missed it). International cuisine in restaurant: See previous answers. Poolside bar: There’s a pool, but not a bar, lol. Restaurants: None on-site, really. Room service [24-hour]: Nope. Salad in restaurant: Nope. Snack bar: The convenience store might count. Soup in restaurant: Unlikely. Vegetarian restaurant: Not sure. Western breakfast: Standard hotel fare. Western cuisine in restaurant: See above.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Spa Dreams, Fitness Realities:
Okay, here’s where it gets interesting. Fitness center: It exists! I glanced in. Looked… adequate. Swimming pool [outdoor]. It looked inviting! I didn’t brave it, but it was definitely there. Note: No indoor pool. Sauna: No sauna (a tragic loss in my book). Spa/sauna: no again! Spa: No. Pool with view: No.
Things to do: Well, Bloomington offers some options. From what I could gather, it is not known for offering endless activity.
Services and Conveniences – The Good, the Bad, and the Elevator:
Air conditioning in public area: Yes, thank goodness! Business facilities: Pretty standard stuff (meeting rooms) if you need 'em. No concierge or anything like that, but the front desk was helpful. Cash withdrawal: I don't think there's an ATM, which is a minor annoyance. Contactless check-in/out: available! Convenience store: Yes, a grab-and-go type thing. Currency exchange: Nope. Daily housekeeping: Yes! Doorman: Nope. Dry cleaning: Yes. Elevator: See above. Facilities for disabled guests: Yes. Food delivery: Yes. Gift/souvenir shop: There's a small store in the lobby, kinda. Invoice provided: I'd guess so. Ironing service: In the room, or you can use dry cleaning. Laundry service: Yes. Luggage storage: Yes. Meeting/banquet facilities: Yep. Meetings: If you need them. On-site event hosting: Meh. Safety deposit boxes: I'm sure they're there. Wi-Fi for special events: Not sure. Xerox/fax in business center: Yes.
For the Kids – Because, Let's Face It, Kids Are Wildcards:
Babysitting service: Nope. Family/child friendly: Seems ok. Kids facilities: Not really. Kids meal: Again, not really.
Getting Around – Navigating the Logistics:
Airport transfer: Nope. Bicycle parking: Not that I saw. Car park [free of charge]: Yes! Car park [on-site]: Yes! Car power charging station: not sure. Taxi service: Probably. Valet parking: Nah. It’s a free car park.
The Verdict – Is This the Perfect Getaway?
Did I have a bad time? No. Could it have been better? Absolutely. The Residence Inn Bloomington is a solid choice. It’s clean, the staff are friendly, and the location is fine. The biggest issues? The lack of pizzazz and the somewhat limited food options.
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Would I stay there again? Maybe. If I needed a clean, comfortable, accessible place to crash for the night, it’s a solid choice. But if I'm looking for a true "getaway" with all the bells and whistles, I'd probably look elsewhere. Just don't expect perfection. This is life, folks, and life is messy!
Charleston's Ryder Hotel: Luxury Redefined (Unbelievable Photos Inside!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Bloomington, Illinois, at the Residence Inn, and trust me, it's going to be a ride. Forget perfect planning; we're embracing the joyful chaos of travel. Here’s what's supposed to happen, interspersed with what actually will.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bloomington Quest (or, how I almost lost my sanity in the parking lot)
Time: 2:00 PM - Arrival at Residence Inn Bloomington.
- Expectation: Smooth check-in, unpack, maybe a refreshing dip in the pool. (Yeah, right.)
- Reality: Okay, first off, parking. Finding a spot at the Residence Inn felt like winning the lottery. Seriously, I circled that lot for a good fifteen minutes, getting progressively more agitated. The other drivers? Apparently, they were all Olympic parking champions. Finally snagged a space, which was probably reserved for the hotel’s resident moose. Checked in. The front desk lady was sweet, bless her heart, but the process took an eternity. I swear, she had to consult with the entire population of Bloomington to find my reservation.
- Mood: Initially optimistic, rapidly descending into hanger. (Hunger + anger = hanger. It’s science.)
Time: 3:00 PM - Unpack and explore the room.
- Expectation: Discover a pristine, spacious suite, revel in the luxury.
- Reality: Found myself in a decent sized room with a kitchenette. The first thing I did was check the coffee maker ("Is this going to work??" I asked the coffee maker) The fridge hummed ominously, which I hope that meant it was working. The bed looked comfy. The view? Well, it was the parking lot. But hey, at least I wasn't still in the parking lot.
- Mood: Relief, tinged with a healthy dose of "well, it's a room."
Time: 4:00 PM - Wander the grounds.
- Expectation: Discover lush landscaping, a beautiful outdoor seating area, peaceful surroundings.
- Reality: The "grounds" were… functional. A small patch of grass, a sad-looking picnic table, and a surprisingly noisy HVAC unit. I retreated back inside, defeated. I also saw a squirrel.
- Mood: Mild disappointment. The squirrel, however, cheered me up. He seemed to be living his best life.
Time: 6:00 PM - Dinner: Attempt to find something "local"
- Expectation: Discover a quaint, hidden gem of a restaurant, maybe a farm-to-table experience, something unique to Bloomington. (See, I'm trying to be cultured.)
- Reality: After a cursory Google search and a lot of "eh, what's open?", I ended up at a chain restaurant, which was fine. It was edible. The service was slow, and the lighting was… well, let's just say it wasn't conducive to romance. I did, however, see a couple on a date. They looked like they were having fun, so that was good.
- Mood: Hungry. The food was good when it arrived.
Day 2: Bloomington's Finest…or is it? (And the Great Coffee Crisis)
- Time: 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Residence Inn.
- Expectation: A glorious buffet, overflowing with breakfast delights, perfectly brewed coffee.
- Reality: The buffet was… adequate. The coffee, however, was a travesty. It tasted like dishwater brewed with a hint of burnt rubber. I nearly started a mutiny in the breakfast line.
- Mood: Furious at the coffee. Mildly appeased by the waffle maker, but the coffee was a constant threat to my sanity.
- Time: 9:00 AM - Attempt to visit the David Davis Mansion. (I'm being cultural again.)
- Expectation: A fascinating glimpse into the life of a prominent historical figure, a deep dive into local history, perhaps a feeling of intellectual enrichment.
- Reality: The mansion was stunning! The tour guide was great, and I learned a ton about Judge Davis. I also got bit by a mosquito. (I'm not sure how. I was indoors.)
- Mood: Initially enthralled. It's history! Then, a little bit of itchy despair.
- Time: 12:00 PM - Lunch. Embrace the unknown.
- Expectation: Find another hidden gem for lunch.
- Reality: Found a place. It was okay. The food was good, and the server was friendly. I don't remember much about lunch, honestly, except that I got a milkshake, and it was delicious.
- Mood: Satisfied.
- Time: 2:00 PM - Attempt to visit a local museum or art gallery.
- Expectation: Soak up some culture, be inspired, feel like a more well-rounded human being.
- Reality: I spent 30 minutes wandering around a very small museum. I don't think I fit in. It might have helped if I had remembered my glasses.
- Mood: Slightly confused, mildly bored, slightly less cultured.
- Time: 4:00 PM - Pool/Relax.
- Expectation: Enjoy the pool at the hotel.
- Reality: I was the only one in the pool. It was lovely, and now I know why people enjoy pools. Peaceful, calm.
- Mood: Calm.
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (or, did I actually enjoy Bloomington?)
- Time: 8:00 AM - Breakfast (with trepidation).
- Expectation: The coffee has mysteriously improved overnight. (Wishful thinking, obviously.)
- Reality: Same dishwater coffee, but I’m starting to accept it. I found some hidden jam, which brightened my mood.
- Mood: Accepting, mostly. Jam-happy.
- Time: 9:00 AM - Pack and check out.
- Expectation: Smooth and easy.
- Reality: Actually, went pretty well.
- Mood: Relieved.
- Time: 10:00 AM - Depart.
- Expectation: Drive home, reflect on the trip, and feel accomplished.
- Reality: I did drive home. Was I accomplished? Maybe. I did learn about Judge Davis, avoid getting lost, and survived the coffee.
- Mood: Mixed. Bloomington was… Bloomington.
- Final Thoughts: Would I go back to Bloomington? Probably not. But hey, I survived. And that, my friends, is an accomplishment.
Okay, spill the beans. Is the Residence Inn Bloomington actually *nice*? Like, *really* nice?
Alright, alright, settle down. 'Nice' is subjective, right? Look, it's a Residence Inn. Think… reliable, clean, generally perfectly adequate. Don't expect marble floors and gold-plated faucets. What you *can* bank on is feeling like… well, not sleeping in your car. Which, honestly, is a win sometimes. I did find some stray sock lint on the sofa, but that's just life, isn't it? Makes you feel… at home. (Or, you know, like *someone* has a real messy life.)
Breakfast! The burning question! What's the grub situation? Is it the same sad continental spread as everywhere else?
Okay, deep breaths. Breakfast. It's… breakfast. They *try*. There's usually a waffle maker, which is always a plus! Who doesn't love a slightly overcooked, vaguely rubbery waffle? They had the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (sometimes real, sometimes… you know… the *other* kind), bagels, fruit (mostly not the good kind), and cereal. I’m a sucker for a good yogurt parfait. And this time, the yogurt wasn’t even… expired. So, a win! I also saw a very enthusiastic kid load *five* waffles onto his plate. Made me smile. Made me think… maybe I could too? The pressure of the look I got from the lady behind me kinda stopped me. Damn. So, so close.
The rooms – are they spacious? I'm traveling with a small army... or, you know, just my oversized suitcase.
"Spacious." Again, let's manage expectations. They're not tiny, which is a godsend. They're designed for extended stays, remember? So you've got a little kitchenette situation going on. Fridge, microwave… the essentials. I had a "studio," which was a decent size. I could actually do some yoga in there without knocking over the lamps (which, let's be honest, IS a victory). The bed? Comfy enough. I fell asleep. That's the only real requirement, right? Though I may have had a nightmare about a waffle attacking me… strange. Probably, I think it was the over-caffeination that was the problem. Lesson learned. Maybe skip the second coffee… or the third.
Location, location, location! How’s the Residence Inn situated in Bloomington? Everything within walking distance?
Walking distance? Nope. Unless you're REALLY keen on a marathon (or have some *serious* stamina). You're not exactly smack dab in the middle of the action, which is fine by me. I like a little peace and quiet, y'know? You'll probably need a car for most things, but the convenience of the location is... well, it's there. Close to the highway, which is the important part for getting *in* and out with ease. There's shopping nearby which is handy. I once took a wrong turn, I realized that I’d ended up at a… well, a rather *interesting* gas station. Let’s just say I wouldn’t recommend it, haha! Don't ask.
The Pool! Does it exist? Is it worth a dip? (Or is it just a glorified, chlorine-filled bathtub?)
A pool! Yes! There's a pool! And it's… well, it’s a hotel pool. What do you expect? Sparkling turquoise waters? Maybe. It's indoors, so that's a plus if you're not a fan of Mother Nature's moods. I went for an hour and found just *one* child. So, a win! They're usually clean and well-maintained, but don’t expect a resort-style experience. I had a moment where I felt like trying to do some serious laps, but the thought of my form in a speedo stopped me. Probably the best idea. It's a solid option for a quick swim or a splash around.
Now, about my worst experience there. What would it be?
Alright, here's where it gets… personal. I had a *nightmare* with the ice machine. I go down to the third floor for some ice, and it's *out*. Okay, fine. Annoying, but fine. I trudge to the second floor. Out again! My *god*. I start to panic. My coke is getting… warm. THIS IS A CRISIS. I sprinted down to the first floor – and, GUESS WHAT?! OUT. I glared at the ice machine. I may have muttered something. I looked up and was met with the gaze of the cleaning woman. I decided to give up. I'm not sure why a lack of ice got to me so much… it felt like the end of the world, I swear. The warm Coke was like the final nail in my miserable, ice-less coffin.
What about parking? Free? Paid? A stressful nightmare?
Parking? Free! Hallelujah! It's not a huge lot, But I never had a problem finding a space, even when arriving late. Stress level? Low. A rare and beautiful thing in the world of travel.
Okay, so, the overall vibe? Is this a place I'd recommend? (Be brutally honest.)
Okay, look: If you're looking for a solid, reliable place to stay in Bloomington, with some basic amenities? Yes. Absolutely, yes. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the rooms are comfortable enough. Will it blow your mind with luxury and pampering? No. But sometimes, you just want a comfortable place to lay your head, maybe swim a little, and get on with your life. The value is good, especially compared to some other hotels in the area that charge through the ruddy roof. I'd go back. Just… I'm bringing my own damn ice.
Is there a gym? Because all the breakfast waffles have me worried.
Yes! There is a gym. Small, though. Treadmills, some weights… the usual suspects. It's not a Gold's Gym, but it'll do the trick if you need to punish yourself for waffle overload.
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