Wall, SD's BEST Kept Secret: Travelodge by Wyndham Review & Hidden Gems!
Wall, SD's BEST Kept Secret: Travelodge by Wyndham – Review & Hidden Gems! (Prepare for a Real Review!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the heart of South Dakota, specifically, Wall, the gateway to Badlands National Park. And, folks, I'm here to spill the beans (and possibly a cup of lukewarm coffee) on the Travelodge by Wyndham – Wall's not-so-secret secret weapon.
First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility? We'll Get There…Eventually!)
Driving into Wall, you're immediately greeted by… well, the giant wall, the original Wall Drug Store, and a whole lotta wide-open spaces. Finding the Travelodge was a breeze. Navigation? Easy peasy. Now, about "accessibility"… We'll address that later, as I’m told that it's a very important key to make sure that it’s accessible to everyone and make sure they can enjoy the journey too! We’ll break down each category:
- Accessibility: This is where things get interesting. (Okay, let's be honest, it's where I need to pay attention). The website claims they have facilities for disabled guests. But that means actually checking the room. Are the doorways wide enough? Is the bathroom a wrestling match? I need to follow it up with a call to confirm. Important note: I didn't actually check the specific accessibility features, so I'm holding judgement here. You should definitely call and verify based on your needs.
- Getting Around: Plenty of on-site parking (free!), so no stress about finding a spot. They also offer airport transfer, which is handy if you're flying into Rapid City and don't want to wrestle with a rental car immediately. Plus, a taxi service.
- Amenities for Everyone: The elevator is an important part of accessibility, thank god for those! And don't worry, there's daily housekeeping.
Rooms & The Sleep Factor (Free Wi-Fi? Praise Be!)
Okay, let's talk about the room. I'm a simple traveler. I need: a clean bed, hot water, and decent Wi-Fi. The Travelodge delivered on all counts.
- Wi-Fi is FREE in all rooms! Hallelujah! The internet was surprisingly decent, too. I was able to stream my guilty pleasure reality TV without buffering. #Priorities
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Did I mention it? It's a godsend.
- Room Features: Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Check. Desk space for my (very important) laptop? Check. Refrigerator? YES! This is key for keeping those road trip sodas ice-cold.
- Internet: They also had Internet [LAN], but let's be real, who's plugging in in this day and age?
- Bathroom: The bathroom was clean, and I didn't experience any horrors. I got hot water, and that’s all I wanted.
- Other great Room Features: They seemed to be up-to-date with basic needs of today, like: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Where the Real Adventure Begins – Maybe?)
Okay, here's where things get… Wall-y. The Travelodge itself doesn't have an on-site restaurant or bar. (A minor bummer, truthfully). But!
- Breakfast? They offer a breakfast service. They also have a breakfast takeaway service. The breakfast was the standard continental fare with some breakfast options. It's… fine. Fuel. I'd recommend fueling up at the various spots in town!
- Water, in a Bottle! The small details matter, and it was wonderful to see bottled water offered.
- What's Nearby? The real magic is in Wall itself. You're steps away from the infamous Wall Drug. And let me tell you, experiencing Wall Drug is like stepping into a quirky, oversized roadside attraction. You'll find everything there from restaurants, coffee, and Asian cuisine. You'll definitely want to bring a bottle of water!
Cleanliness, Safety & The Unseen Heroes (Is This Place Actually Clean?!)
This is something I really appreciate. In these times, cleanliness and safety are HUGE.
- Cleanliness? I'm happy to report: YES! The room was clean, the linens were spotless, I felt safe.
- Safety: The place has CCTV. Exterior corridor? Check. Fire extinguisher? Yes. Smoke alarms? Yes. Safety/security feature? Yes and all the extra features to ensure a safe stay.
- Sanitization: They mention: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
- Important Note: I didn't see anyone actively sterilizing anything, but the room felt clean, and that's what matters.
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
- Front Desk: The front desk is 24-hour! That's key for late check-ins or those middle-of-the-night snack cravings.
- Other Conveniences: Air conditioning in public areas. Cash withdrawal. Facilities for disabled guests. Luggage storage. Safety deposit boxes.
- I NEEDED THIS: The elevator!
Things to Do & Relax (Beyond the Badlands – Or Not?)
Okay, let's be honest. You're in Wall for the Badlands National Park. The Travelodge is PERFECTLY positioned. You can relax afterward.
- The Badlands: It's the main event! Plan on spending a day (or two!) exploring the otherworldly landscapes. Hike, gasp at the vistas, and take a million photos.
- Wall Drug: Embrace the kitsch! Grab a free cup of ice water, browse the shops, and soak up the atmosphere. It's pure Americana.
- For the Relaxers: Well, there's no spa or pool. So relaxation may be more about chilling in your room.
The Verdict: Is the Travelodge Wall's "Best Kept Secret?" (Hmm…Maybe Not, But…!)
Look, the Travelodge by Wyndham in Wall isn't the Ritz. It's a solid, reliable option. The rooms are clean, the Wi-Fi is strong, and the location is unbeatable for exploring the Badlands.
Here's the honest truth, with all its quirks:
- The Good: Clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, great location, friendly staff (overall).
- The Could-Be-Better: No on-site restaurant (but that's not a deal-breaker, because, again, Wall Drug!), and the breakfast is basic.
- The Verdict: I'd stay here again. It's a comfortable, budget-friendly basecamp for your Badlands adventure. Is it Wall's best kept secret? Maybe not a secret, but definitely a solid choice.
PRO TIP: Book in advance, especially during peak season. Wall gets BUSY!
FOR THE KIDS: If you're bringing the kiddos, the Travelodge is family-friendly. There's also babysitting service and kids facilities.
Accessibility Revisited: Seriously, call and confirm accessibility features if you have specific needs. Don't rely on my casual observations!
Compelling Offer for Booking (Because You Made It This Far!)
Tired of scrolling? Feeling wanderlust? Ready to EXPLORE the Badlands?
Here's the deal: Your adventure begins easily at the Travelodge by Wyndham in Wall, SD!
Why book NOW?
- Prime Location: Step outside and feel the magic. The Badlands National Park is just a hop, skip, and jump away!
- Free Wi-Fi Forever: Stay connected and share your epic road trip stories instantly (because let's be real, the Gram demands it).
- Comfort & Cleanliness: Relax and recharge. The rooms are clean, inviting.
- Budget-Friendly: Keep some cash in your pocket for souvenirs (and ice cream at Wall Drug!).
But wait, there's MORE!
**
Chillicothe Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8 by Wyndham!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-organized travel itinerary. We're hitting the road, folks, with a planned visit to the Travelodge by Wyndham Wall Wall (SD), and let's just say, my expectations are… tempered. This might be a disaster, a revelation, or just plain… Wall Wall. Let's see where the chaos takes us.
The (Mostly) Organized Mess That is My Wall Wall Adventure: Travelodge Edition
Day 1: The Arrival of Mild Mayhem
- 1:00 PM - Departure (Chicago): Okay, so the flight was delayed. Shocking, I know. I mean, you'd think after a thousand trips, I'd learn to expect it. The airport food was, as usual, a greasy disappointment. But hey, at least I managed to snag a decent coffee and a book I've been meaning to read for weeks (a biography on Frida Kahlo - gotta get that culture in before the South Dakota dust takes over!).
- Anecdote: The guy behind me in the security line was wearing a t-shirt that read "I like big butts and I cannot lie." I almost felt sorry for the TSA agent who had to pat him down. I swear, some people just choose to make life interesting.
- 4:00 PM - Arrival (Sioux Falls, SD): Finally on the ground! The air feels different out here. Cleaner, maybe? A little… empty? This could mean anything. Now for the drive to Wall Wall, SD. And the true test: can I keep my sanity during a road trip with just my (questionable) playlist and a box of stale snacks?
- (Approx. 8:00 PM) Check-in at Travelodge by Wyndham Wall Wall (SD): Oh boy. The moment of truth. This is where my hopes either soar or crash land into a pile of questionable continental breakfast options and questionable cleanliness.
- Quirky Observation: I'm going to judge this place by two things: the water pressure in the shower and the quality of the mini-shampoo. One of those two things can either make or break my entire day.
- Emotional Reaction: Anxiety-fueled hopeful optimism. Please, please just let it not be too bad. That's all I ask.
- (8:30 PM) - Room Inspection & Immediate Disappointment/Delight: Okay, here we go. The door sticks a little. Ah, the smell of "clean" air freshener trying to mask… something. The bedspread is definitely vintage (and looks like it has seen some things). But hey, the internet is working and a working TV is all I need to survive.
- Messy Rambling: Wait… is that a stain on the carpet? Oh, never mind; I'm probably just imagining it. Wait, no, it is a stain. It’s fine. Seriously. I’ve had worse. I think. Okay, maybe I shouldn't have looked.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: Ugh. Mixed. I’m trying to be positive, but part of me really, really wants to check-out immediately. I need a nap. And possibly a stiff drink.
- (9:00 PM) - Dinner at "The Local Place": Okay, I found a dive bar. Judging by the faded sign and the general air of neglect, it also smells of neglect. I've decided to go because the reviews were mixed (a good sign? a terrible one?). Apparently, the local special is a deep-fried something-or-other that, in the pictures, is… a mystery.
- *Strong Emotional Reaction: *Okay, I am here for this. I am here to roll the dice and make some questionable choices. I am here for the adventure.*
- (10:00 PM) - Unpleasant Surprise with Deep Fried Mystery Meal and Drinks: I may have made a grave error in judgement… and I’m pretty sure the place I’m at is either haunted or the bar dog is very enthusiastic about meeting me.
- Messy Rambling: Okay, in all honesty, the food was terrible. I won't repeat what the thing I ordered was called because it made me question my choices in life. The booze helped, though.
- Quirky Observation: Everyone in here knows each other. And they are all staring at me. I might be the only sane person.
- Opinionated Language: I'm going to get out of here before my brain cells start to die.
Day 2: Wall Wall and the Weight of Existential Crises
(8:00 AM) - Early Attempt at Breakfast: The complimentary breakfast better be good. I have low expectations.
- Emotional Reaction: If I see one more stale bagel, things are going to get ugly.
(8:30 AM) - Breakfast and the World: Okay. Bagels are stale. Cereal looks off. At least there's coffee.
- Messy Rambling: I'm sitting here in the breakfast area and I think I'm losing my mind. I really need to start writing that novel I've been meaning to - you know, to distract myself. Or maybe I can write a novel about the state of this breakfast…
(9:30 AM) - Wall Drug Store: I am dedicating the day to the one and only Wall Drug Store. I’m hitting the world-famous tourist trap.
- Anecdote: I've heard the stories of how this place saved Wall. I haven't been. I'm coming in fresh and I’m ready to experience the glory.
(10:00 AM) - Wall Drug Store - Entrance and Initial Assault of the Senses: Okay, the place is huge. This place is bigger than my apartment. Or maybe it is the chaos playing tricks on me.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: This is glorious! I'm suddenly swept up in the vortex of kitsch!
(11:00 AM) - Wall Drug Store - The Glory Continues: More shopping, more snacks, and more of everything. I'm here for it!
- Quirky Observation: I have no idea how many people are here. I think a thousand.
- Opinionated Language: I bet people come to Wall just to visit this wonderful place.
(12:00 PM) - Wall Drug Store - One More Trip: Before I leave for the hotel, coffee is a MUST!
- Messy Rambling: I'm suddenly finding myself wondering what will happen to Wall Drug when the world shifts even more. If there is a great loss, what is this place going to do?
- Strong Emotional Reaction: I feel like I could stay here all day, but I also feel like I have to go. Time for the hotel.
(1:00 PM) - Driving around town: The area feels like a ghost town mixed with a dream.
- Anecdote: Someone actually has an entire trailer park in this place. I think I might move in.
(2:00 PM) - Check-in at Travelodge and Post Visit: Wow. I am exhausted from all the walking. Nap time.
- Messy Rambling: I keep hoping that I could do the whole day - but I'm sleepy.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: I’m happy, but I need sleep.
(6:00 PM) - Dinner at the Local Bar: The deep-fried mystery meal is still haunting me… but I have to eat.
- Opinionated Language: I'm not going to eat that crap again.
(10:00 PM) - Room and Day Reflection: Okay. I am okay here.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: I really liked this trip.
(10:30 PM) - Sleep
Day 3: The Great Escape (and Final Thoughts)
- (7:00 AM) - Goodbye to Breakfast: I'm going to pack the next morning. No breakfast is going to kill me on the way out.
- (8:00 AM) - Check Out: I think the stay here was… fine.
- (9:00 AM) - Drive to Next Place: Time for the next thing.
- (12:00 PM) - The Long Drive Home: I am home. And I'm so glad.
Final Thoughts: This trip was… an experience. Wall Wall, you were… something. The Travelodge, while not perfect, did the job (mostly). The deep-fried mystery, not so much.
- Messy Rambling: Would I recommend this trip? Maybe. With caveats. Bring a strong stomach, low expectations, and a good book. And maybe a flask. You never know what you'll need out in Wall Wall.
- Opinionated Language: I’m out of here! Wall Wall has given me enough life advice to last a lifetime.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: I'
Wall, SD's BEST Kept Secret: Travelodge by Wyndham Review & Hidden Gems! - The Unfiltered Truth
Okay, spill the beans. Is the Travelodge in Wall, SD, *actually* worth a stop?
Alright, alright, settle down, eager beavers. Let's be brutally honest, shall we? Wall, South Dakota, is… well, it's Wall. Think of it as the gateway to everything, a pit stop on a long, dusty road. And the Travelodge? It's... *part* of the experience.
Look, it's not the Ritz. Don't expect fluffy robes and mints on your pillow. BUT, and this is a big but, it's clean. Generally. I mean, I found a stray Cheerio once (it was orange, possibly ancient), but hey, it could've been a local delicacy, right? The beds are surprisingly comfy after a day of dodging tumbleweeds and staring at the Badlands. Plus, the price... let's just say it's kinder on the wallet than the overpriced tourist traps further down the road.
So, worth it? For the price, for the convenience of being right there in Wall... yeah, probably. But manage your expectations, my friend. Manage them *hard*.
What's the *actual* room situation like? Desperate to avoid the Bates Motel vibes.
Okay, fear not, Norman Bates is (probably) not lurking in the closets. The rooms… they’re functional, bordering on minimalist. Think basic, but clean-ish. And that's important, right?
Here's a real gem: On my last trip, I swear the air conditioning was louder than a herd of buffalo. I mean, it sounded like a jet engine attempting to land in the room. Spent a good hour trying to figure out how to turn it down. No luck. Ended up sleeping with earplugs. But hey, at least it *worked*, right? Beat the desert heat. That counts for something.
Bathrooms? Standard motel fare. The water pressure *could* be better, but you're not there to write a symphony in the shower. You're there to wash off the dust of the prairie. Consider it a character-building experience.
Breakfast! Is it even worth bothering with?
Ah, breakfast. The eternal question. Here’s the deal: it’s complimentary, which instantly puts it ahead of a lot of other places. Don't expect a gourmet buffet. Expect… well, the basics. Cereal of varying degrees of sogginess (it *is* cereal, after all), a waffle maker that’s seen better days, and maybe some pre-packaged pastries that taste suspiciously like they've been sitting there since last Tuesday. You know, the kind of breakfast that feels a little like you’re eating breakfast in a forgotten corner of a grocery store.
I wouldn’t *live* on it, but it gets the job done. Coffee's usually passable. Grab a waffle (it's part of the experience, remember?) and some fruit if they have it. Consider it fuel for the day, not a culinary revelation. And go early, before the sugar-fueled hordes descend.
Okay, *beyond* the Travelodge, what are the real, down-low, hidden gems in Wall? Don't tell me about Wall Drug. Everyone knows about Wall Drug!
Alright, alright! You want the *real* Wall? Forget Wall Drug for a second (I know, blasphemy, but trust me). Here's the insider's scoop, and brace yourselves, the list is pretty short:
- The Badlands National Park: Okay, I know you know about it. But seriously, *go*. It's why you're there. Hike the Notch Trail. It’s a bit of a scramble, but the views? Holy moly. The light plays on the formations in a way that just… ugh, it’s breathtaking. But bring water. Seriously. And don't be a hero.
- The Wall Drug Store (yes, I mentioned it): Okay, okay. It's a tourist trap, yes. But walk around a little, buy a postcard, maybe get a free ice water (that's the whole thing, right?). It’s an experience, a kitschy, over-the-top experience. Embrace the absurdity. Just don't expect gourmet cuisine. I had a donut there once that could double as a hockey puck.
- The people: Wall is full of great people. Talk to anyone. Most of the people are genuinely happy to make sure that you are having an awesome time. Be friendly, they will take care of you.
Truth be told, Wall isn't exactly overflowing with "hidden gems." It's about the Badlands, the wide open spaces, and the overall *vibe*. It's a place to slow down, breathe in the prairie air (and possibly some dust), and appreciate the simple things. Like a clean-ish bed and (maybe) an edible breakfast.
Is there anything to do for kids? My kids are starting to lose their minds!
Kids, huh? Bless their hearts. Wall, as you might guess, isn’t exactly Disneyland. But there are things to keep the little ankle-biters occupied:
- The Badlands, again: The sheer scale of the scenery will probably mesmerize them for a bit. The Notch Trail is great for older kids.
- Wall Drug: The dinosaur statues, the giant jackalope… it's pure kid candy. Just be prepared for the sugar rush.
- The Reptile Gardens: Yes. They have a location in Rapid City and it is one of the most amazing places in the world.
- Drive the Wildlife Loop Road (Custer State Park): Keep an eye out for buffalo, prairie dogs, and bighorn sheep. It's a guaranteed win.
Pack snacks, bring a coloring book, and be prepared for the inevitable "Are we there yet?" chorus. It's all part of the adventure. And remember, a tired child is a (relatively) happy child. Wear them out at the Badlands. They'll sleep like logs.
Any tips for surviving the visit? Like, stuff the travel guides don’t tell you?
Alright, here's the unvarnished truth from a seasoned Wall veteran:
- Bring water. Seriously. The desert is no joke. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. And reapply that sunscreen every two hours. You'll thank me later. Trust me.
- Pack layers. The temperature can fluctuate wildly. One minute you’re roasting, the next you’re shivering.
- Don't expect perfect service. This isn't the big city. Be patient, be polite, and remember, you're on vacation.
- Embrace the weirdness. Wall is… different. Embrace the kitsch, the quirky, the unexpected. It's part of the charm.
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