Bloomington's BEST Kept Secret: I-55 & I-74 Inn! (Quality Inn & Suites)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling, often-maddening, but ultimately cozy embrace of Bloomington's BEST Kept Secret: The Quality Inn & Suites, strategically nestled at the crossroads of chaos (I-55 & I-74). Forget sterile hotel reviews; this is real talk. This ain't a five-star resort in Bali, folks. This is Bloomington, and it's awesome, in its own, slightly-stained-carpet, free-wi-fi kind of way.
Accessibility, Oh My!
Okay, let’s get this out of the way right off the bat: the accessibility. Important, right? Well, let's just say the Quality Inn tries. They’ve got the “Facilities for disabled guests” checked off, and I think I saw an elevator (always a plus!), meaning it's a good jump for any trip. Now, I’m not going to pretend I'm an accessibility expert – I'm just a regular human trying to get a decent night's sleep – but the effort is there, and that matters. Always call ahead and confirm your specific needs are covered. They do have hand sanitizer near the elevators… which, honestly, is a win in my book.
Cleanliness & Safety – In the Age of Germophobia
COVID. Ugh. The word. But listen, the hotel has clearly been trying to keep with the times. I saw a multitude of signs regarding their cleaning protocols. Anti-viral cleaning products seem to be the norm – a relief! They advertise room sanitization between stays and "Daily disinfection in common areas". Whether it's a smoke and mirrors trick or not, it definitely made a difference. They even had sterilizing equipment! I’m not sure what all that involves, but I'm glad they're on it. I give them points for effort and not pretending COVID never happened.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Journey
Now, this is where things get interesting. The dining experience at the Quality Inn is not quite a Michelin-star affair. But you're not expecting that, are you? They have a "Restaurant"! (And by the way, it IS a restaurant. You know, it serves food.) The breakfast [buffet] is what you expect: the standard continental spread. They've got your pastries, your cereal, and that weird, pre-made omelet that always looks a little… lonely. But! They also offer "Breakfast Takeaway Service", which is excellent for those of us who operate on the "snatch-and-go" principle.
They have a Poolside Bar! Poolside?! In Bloomington?! YES! I got a drink and sat out there for a while. It was quite relaxing!
And, because it's the 21st Century, and we're all about the convenience, and they offer room service [24-hour]. You're not exactly getting gourmet, but you can get your hangry self fed at any hour. That's a win. But the best part about all of this? The coffee shop!
Services and Conveniences – The Perks of Being a Patron
They offer the essentials: Daily housekeeping, luggage storage(thank god!), and an elevator. The concierge did wonders when I needed a dinner reservation. The convenience store, complete with junk food, is a lifesaver in moments of late-night cravings.
For the Kids – Keeping the Little Monsters Happy
"Family/child friendly" is the stated policy, which means there's not a ton of amenities. You might want to stay away from the pool. All the kids were running around and screaming, so I left. Honestly, if you have kids, and a tolerance for them, it's a-okay.
Available in All Rooms – The Nitty-Gritty
Alright, let's get down to the room features, because let's be real, that's where you're actually going to spend the night. Good news: Free Wi-Fi!! (in all rooms!). This is a MUST. You get the expected suspects: air conditioning, a desk to pretend you're working, a hair dryer (praise the heavens!), and a refrigerator to store your midnight snacks. There are a few things that I'd note though. The TV's are a little dated. A couple of times, I couldn't get a signal. (Not a huge deal). The Bedding: The beds are generally fairly comfy, with that standard hotel-chain firmness. The blackout curtains, are a godsend. I'm naturally a light sleeper, so they helped me to get some good sleep. The bathroom: They are quite basic. But I was so tired after driving all day, none of that mattered.
A Rant About a Missing Bathrobe
Okay, okay, I’ll admit it. I’m a sucker for a bathrobe in a hotel room. It’s the ultimate symbol of relaxation, and I was disappointed to discover the Quality Inn did not have one. I begged reception, but to no avail. I'm a man of simple pleasures.
Quirky Observations and Rambles
The architecture is… well, it's a Quality Inn. It's not going to win any design awards. It’s functional, reliable, and it gets the job done.
The Location: The Nexus of Everything
Okay, let's talk about location. Are you driving through the Midwest? Then this is a great location! You can always jump on I-74, and be in Indianapolis!
The Offer: Your Bloomington Getaway Awaits!
So, here’s the deal. You know you're getting a functional, clean, and convenient stay.
Here's the Deal:
Book your stay at the Quality Inn & Suites at I-55 & I-74 today using the code "BLOOMINGTONBEST" and receive:
- 20% off your entire stay!
- Free upgrade to a room on a higher floor (subject to availability)!
- A free "Welcome to Bloomington" goodie bag filled with local treats and discounts to nearby attractions!
Don't settle for a boring layover. Embrace the Bloomington quirkiness, experience the convenience, and discover why the Quality Inn & Suites at I-55 & I-74 is, well, a bit of a hidden gem. Book now, and let the adventure begin!
**Osaka's Hidden Gem: ShirakabanoYado Ebisu E (Luxury Futon!)**
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because THIS is gonna be a travel itinerary. Forget picture-perfect schedules, we're diving headfirst into a chaotic, glorious mess of a trip to Bloomington, Illinois. Specifically, the Quality Inn & Suites Bloomington I-55 and I-74 – because, let's be honest, we're not exactly rolling in dough here.
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and the Quest for Wi-Fi That Doesn't Suck
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Bloomington-Normal airport. Ugh, airports. The smell of lukewarm coffee and the persistent feeling of being slightly overcharged. I’m pretty sure I packed my sanity in the "checked baggage" compartment. Finding my overpriced, slightly scratched rental car and praying the GPS doesn't take me on a scenic tour of the cornfields.
- 1:45 PM: Check-in at the Quality Inn. Okay, the lobby looks…cleanish. The front desk guy seems friendly enough, though his nametag is slightly crooked, which speaks volumes about the chaos of life, doesn’t it? (I may or may not be projecting my own flaws onto this poor man.)
- 2:00 PM: Room. The room. Let’s just say the floral bedspread is…vibrant. But hey, it's got a working AC. The first priority. Wi-Fi, however…apparently, it's running at dial-up speeds of the early 2000s. This is a disaster. My phone is my life. I might have to actually TALK to another human being on this trip. shudders
- 2:30 PM: After fiddling with the router, the IT guy, and my own internal Wi-Fi capabilities, I give up. Find a nearby coffee shop, and the coffee is strong, the Wi-Fi is fast, and the barista reminds me of a slightly more caffeinated version of my high school crush. Maybe this trip will be less of a disaster.
- 3:00 PM: Explore…the immediate surroundings of the hotel. It's a strip mall universe. Fast food joints, a gas station, a place that sells…tanning beds? I am starting to feel very, very average.
- 4:00 PM: Attempt to visit the McLean County Museum of History. It is closed. Apparently, I didn't check the website or call ahead. My bad. I have never been good at following an itinerary.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local burger joint. The burgers? Solid. The fries? Crisp. The waitress? Sweet as pie. Bloomington is growing on me
- 7:30 PM: Stared at the TV, it had about 6 channels that actually worked, which is plenty in my opinion.
- 9:00 PM: Crawl into bed. I was exhausted. The room is almost okay. Almost.
Day 2: The Museum That Wasn't, and the Unexpected Beauty of Cornfields
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. I would rate the continental breakfast at the hotel about a 6 out of 10. The coffee is lukewarm, the bagels are stale, but the tiny cartons of orange juice offer a fleeting moment of joy. It also felt like a crime to pile all the food onto one small plate.
- 9:00 AM: Back to the museum, and this time, it’s open! It was a delightful place! I saw old farming equipment, and an exhibit about local history. And, most importantly, there was air conditioning! Victory!
- 11:00 AM: Scenic drive (read: slightly lost) in the countryside. I'm trying to see some of the cornfields and I didn't fall into a ditch! I am a winner!
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a roadside diner. The waitress calls me "honey," and brings my burger fast. Everything is good.
- 2:00 PM: I went shopping at a thrift store. There was something I liked. I was surprised.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Trying to watch the TV, but the signal keeps cutting out. Mild panic from the day before is returning.
- 5:00 PM: Decided to go for an early dinner. The food was delicious.
- 6:30 PM: Went to the pool. It was okay. Decided to go home before the crazies came.
- 8:00 PM: Back in my room, I watched a movie. The Wi-Fi was working okay.
Day 3: Departure and Maybe, Just Maybe, I'll Miss This Place
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, eat the usual terrible breakfast.
- 9:00 AM: Pack. Say goodbye to the floral bedspread.
- 9:30 AM: Check-out. Wave farewell to the slightly crooked nametag guy.
- 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. I found a weird, vintage postcard of the Bloomington-Normal airport. Why? Beats me.
- 11:00 AM: Depart from the airport. The airport is almost empty. Feels good.
- 11:45 AM: On the plane. Goodbye, Bloomington. You were a weird mix of strip malls, history, and slightly sub-par Wi-Fi. But also, oddly…charming. I'm not sure what that says about me. Wait, is that a cornfield down below? I’m gonna miss those things.
Post-Trip Reflections (A Few Weeks Later):
So, would I recommend a trip to Bloomington, Illinois? Depends. Are you looking for a perfectly curated, Instagram-worthy experience? Probably not. But if you're up for a slightly messy, slightly quirky, and definitely real-life adventure, then yeah, go for it. It’s a place where you can get lost in the quiet, discover a few hidden gems, and maybe, just maybe, find yourself in between the cornfields and the strip malls. Just, uh, bring your own reliable Wi-Fi. And maybe a good book. And a sense of humor. You'll need it.
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Is the I-55 & I-74 Inn really a "Best Kept Secret"? Or are we just being optimistic?
Okay, so the "best kept secret" thing? Yeah, that's a *stretch*. Let's be real. It's not the Ritz. I wouldn't exactly call it a *secret*, more like a... well, a place. A place that's been around. Let's just say it's got a certain, shall we say, *charm*. Think of it like this: it's less "best kept secret" and more "that friend you always end up seeing at the worst possible moment for a reason you can't quite explain." But honestly? Sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
What's the deal with the breakfast? Is it edible? Because, you know... sometimes hotel breakfasts are... questionable.
Look, the breakfast situation... It's a *journey*, okay? They *try*. You'll definitely find the standard continental fare: the sad, slightly anemic waffles (though, hey, they have a waffle maker!), the pre-wrapped pastries that taste suspiciously like cardboard from the 1980s (but hey, FREE cardboard!), and the coffee. Oh, the coffee. Sometimes it's okay. Sometimes it's the color of motor oil. It's really a gamble. My advice? Pack your own instant coffee. You'll thank me later.
The reviews mention cleanliness. What's the REAL story? Be honest!
Alright, alright. Deep breaths. Cleanliness... Okay, look. It’s not a hospital operating room. Let's be honest with ourselves. There's a certain, shall we say, "vintage" feel to the cleanliness. Like, things are *mostly* clean, but maybe haven't been updated since the Clinton administration. I remember one time, years ago, I swear I saw a dust bunny the size of a small dog! (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating *slightly*...) But seriously, manage your expectations accordingly. Wipe things down when you get there. And pack some Clorox wipes. Trust me, you'll feel better.
Are the staff friendly? Do they actually *care*?
The staff? Okay, *this* is where things get interesting. Some are genuinely lovely. Kind, helpful, they'll smile even when you're being a totally frazzled mess after driving for 6 hours. Others...? Well, let's just say they've seen some things. They might appear a little... jaded. But hey, cut them some slack. Dealing with the public (and, let's be honest, the *types* of people who frequent a roadside Quality Inn) can't be easy. Overall? They're trying. And honestly, that's more than you can say for some places. Be nice to them. Tip them. It goes a long way.
The pool... What about the pool? Is it even *open*?
Ah, the pool. A source of great hope, and even greater disappointment. It's a gamble, folks. The pool is occasionally open. Sometimes it looks sparkling. Other times... well, let's just say you might want to inspect the water with a very critical eye. I've heard stories. (Stuff you probably don't want to hear.) Seriously. If you're relying on the pool for entertainment, call ahead. They're not always forthcoming about its condition. And bring your own towels. Trust me.
What's the worst experience you've *personally* had? Spill the tea!
Okay, so picture this: It was a freezing cold night. Heading home and just needed a crash pad. I’d booked a room. Checked in. Got my key…Walked in. And *bam*. The smell. Oh, the *smell*. Like, a mixture of stale cigarette smoke, something faintly resembling wet dog, and a hint of despair. I started retching, actually retching. I was *that* close to turning around and sleeping in my car when I realized it was *that* or freeze. Had to change rooms. The second was… better. But honestly, it was my own fault for not inspecting as soon as I walked through the door. I’m an idiot. So yeah. Just remember to *sniff* test EVERYTHING.
Is the location convenient? What's nearby?
The *location* is the main selling point, really. It's right off the interstates. Convenient for a quick overnight stop if you're driving through. There are some fast-food joints nearby. And a gas station. That's about it. Don't expect to be immersed in the vibrant Bloomington nightlife. You're not. You want a nice meal? Best bet is to drive a little further. Consider this place more of a strategic stop, a place to rest your weary head, not the setting for a romantic getaway.
So, would you recommend the I-55 & I-74 Inn? Be honest!
Look, it depends. If you're looking for luxury? NO! Absolutely not. Run, don't walk, in the other direction. If you need a place to crash *for a night at a reasonable price*? Then maybe. Just be realistic. Manage your expectations. Bring your own coffee. Pack a good book. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find that the I-55 & I-74 Inn isn't so bad after all. It's… an experience, alright? And sometimes, an experience is all you really need. ... Just don't look *too* closely at the carpet.
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