Escape to Wisconsin: Unbeatable Deals at Econo Lodge Wausau!
Escape to Wisconsin: Econo Lodge Wausau - A Real Review (With All the Messy Bits)
Alright, people, let's talk Econo Lodge Wausau. Forget the polished brochures (okay, maybe skim the official description first for the basics), because I’m here to give you the real deal. This isn’t your five-star rhapsody; this is a budget-friendly Wisconsin adventure starter. So, buckle up, because we’re diving in, and I’m not holding back.
First Impressions (and a Little Bit About the Location):
Wausau, Wisconsin. Let’s be honest, it’s not exactly Paris. But it is a perfectly decent basecamp for exploring the great…well, the good Wisconsin outdoors. Think hiking, maybe some skiing (seasonal, obviously), and generally breathing in that fresh, slightly-piney air. The Econo Lodge? It’s conveniently located – not right in the heart of the action, but close enough. You can easily grab a bite or hit up the local attractions after a short drive.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Okay, let's get this out of the way upfront: Accessibility is key. I mean, we all have different needs, right? The Econo Lodge Wausau boasts some seriously good points on this front but I have to say as a person who may or may not be a wheelchair user (you will have to keep guessing) I’m more than able to check this out!
- Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely. The website says, and the hotel is clearly set up for those who need it. Wide doorways, accessible rooms, the whole shebang.
- Elevator? Yes. Thank goodness, because hauling luggage up stairs after a long road trip? No, thank you!
- Facilities for disabled guests? Seemed well attended.
Rooms: The Comfortable Kind of Basic
Let's talk about the room. It’s not going to win any design awards, but hey, it's clean, and functional. Think “reliable, dependable friend” rather than “sexy, sophisticated lover.” Which, in a hotel room, is sometimes exactly what you need after a long jaunt.
- Air Conditioning: Essential. And it worked. Phew!
- Blackout curtains?: Thank heavens! I have been known to have a terrible time sleeping, and I am happy to say the curtains did their job.
- Internet Access: So important! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! YES! It wasn't lightning fast, but it was usable, which is more than I can say for some fancy hotels I’ve stayed at. Streaming your favorite show after a long day of adventures? Consider it done.
- What’s in the room: You've got your basic necessities: a comfy bed (and, let's be real, a comfortable bed is everything), a desk (if you must work), a TV with enough channels to keep you entertained. There’s also a mini-fridge (perfect for leftovers or a few cold beverages – more on that later…), and a coffee maker (which is a godsend for a caffeine addict like me).
- Little Imperfections: The bathroom was… fine. Nothing to write home about, but it was clean and equipped. The shower pressure was a little weak (but hey, it was hot!), and the towels were a little on the thin side, but honestly? I'm being picky.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Welcome Sigh of Relief
In these post-pandemic times, this is huge. The hotel, you understand, seems to have taken it seriously and even provided the basic services.
- Daily disinfection? Check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemingly so.
- Room sanitization opt-out available? A lot of hotels don't even offer this!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Eat Local, Maybe?
The Econo Lodge itself doesn’t offer a plethora of dining options (it is an Econo Lodge, after all!). But, I found a number of useful options to try, and I was really hoping I could try them.
- Breakfast Service? Yep! The classic Econo Lodge continental breakfast experience. Think waffles, bagels, fruit, and coffee. It’s not gourmet, but it gets the job done. Fuel your Wisconsin adventure!
- Coffee shop? Ah, the coffee shop! The staff was super friendly, which is always a win. And the coffee? Surprisingly decent.
- Restaurants? The great thing about the Econo Lodge is that you are near options and some of them are surprisingly good.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Again, it’s not the Ritz, but they do offer what you need.
- 24-hour Front Desk? Crucial for those late-night arrivals and early-morning departures.
- Luggage Storage? Super handy if you arrive before check-in or want to explore the area before your flight.
- Laundry Service? You’ll need this. Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable.
- Free Car Park? Yes! A huge bonus, as parking in some areas can be a nightmare.
Things to Do Around Wausau: Getting Out There
This is where Wausau and the surrounding area really shine. Because the Econo Lodge sets you up where you will want to explore, here are some options and the potential things you can expect.
- Hiking: Get out there!
- Downhill Skiing: Great.
- Skiing: Great.
- Skiing: Great.
Now, for the Pitch (aka, Why You Should Book Now!)
Okay, so the Econo Lodge Wausau isn’t perfect. But the truth is, it’s a solid, reliable base for your Wisconsin adventure. It's clean, comfortable, and conveniently located. Plus, with its accessible features (truly important!) and commitment to cleanliness, you can relax knowing you're in good hands. So listen to me now! If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable place to stay that helps you to escape to Wisconsin, then honestly, Escape to Wisconsin: Unbeatable Deals at Econo Lodge Wausau: is a great option, and perfect for a quick trip to the outdoors. Just go, you will be glad you did!
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Lewiston's Hidden Gem: Quality Inn Review & Booking (ID)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the chaotic, beautiful, slightly-hungover reality of a trip to… Wausau, Wisconsin! Specifically, the Econo Lodge in Rothschild. Sounds glamorous, right? Let's see if we can make it so.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Decent Coffee (and Possibly Dignity)
- 1:00 PM: Aim for the Econo Lodge, Rothschild. (Emphasis on aim). Driving through Wisconsin in late fall? Expect flurries, unexpected fog, and a general sense of "Where the heck am I?" I’m hoping the GPS doesn’t lead me astray (again). This place is pretty straightforward, so I should be able to find it, and parking should be plentiful enough.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in – The Front Desk Tango: Okay, let's be real. Econo Lodges aren't known for their palatial lobbies. Cross your fingers for a friendly face and a working key card. I'm picturing a tired dude behind a counter, possibly named "Earl," surrounded by brochures for local attractions. I need to remember to ask about breakfast availability and if there are ANY nearby restaurants.
- 2:00 PM: Settling In - The Great Bed Struggle (and Maybe a Nap). Alright, the room. This is where the real adventure begins. Is the bed hard as a board? Soft and sinky? I secretly hope it's the latter – a long day of driving calls for some serious horizontal time. Unpacking, finding all the essential items in my luggage (toothbrush, snacks, book), and then … nap. The beauty of a road trip is its flexibility. If nature calls, then you should just be relaxed.
- 3:00 PM: Coffee Crisis and the Search for Sustenance. Ah, the Achilles' heel of budget travel: the hotel coffee. Let's be real, it's probably going to taste like battery acid. Time to venture forth! Where are the decent coffee shops in Rothschild? If there aren't any, I'll be forced to go further away. The panic is building.
- 3:30 PM: Rothschild Exploration by Car. Exploring the area to get a lay of the land. Finding the local grocery store is very important, so I can pick up some snacks and drinks (and maybe something to combat the inevitable hotel room dryness).
- 5:00 PM: Dinner and a Prayer: Time to find something to eat. I'm open to anything, but after a long drive, cheap and cheerful is the motto. I feel as though finding food is very important and relaxing, I do not want to do anything really expensive.
Day 2: Waterfall Wonders, Beer, and a Touch of Regret (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast (If They Have It). If the hotel does offer breakfast, I'll steel myself for the usual suspects: sad-looking pastries, questionable yogurt, and coffee that's probably still a health hazard. If they don't… well, that's what my grocery store supplies are for. Then, I will need to find a coffee shop to make my day better.
- 9:00 AM: Heading to Dells of the Eau Claire Park: I did some research, and this place seems promising. Pictures look gorgeous. The plan is to hike around the waterfall, enjoy the fall foliage (fingers crossed for peak colors!), and generally pretend I'm not a stressed-out human being. This could be the highlight of the trip… or I could trip and end up muddy. Either way, it'll be an experience.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the Falls or Somewhere Nearby. Ah, the eternal lunch dilemma. Pack a picnic? Find a charming (and cheap!) cafe? Depends on the vibes. I'm hoping for a charming cafe, that would be ideal!
- 1:00 PM: Back to the Hotel? Nah, let's keep the good times rolling: Time to continue exploring the area. This trip must be used for self-exploration.
- 3:00 PM: Beer! Of course. Wisconsin, a state known for beer. I am now trying to find a brewery to let off some steam.
- 5:00 PM: Return to Hotel to rest. Time to rest my weary body.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Again, it could be just a burger, but maybe a nice steak? Whatever I am feeling.
Day 3: Departure (and the Sweet, Sweet Taste of Freedom)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast Round Two (fingers crossed for fewer tears this time). Okay, maybe the hotel breakfast wasn't that bad. Or maybe I'm just desperate for fuel before the drive. Whatever. Eat it up.
- 9:00 AM: Last-Minute Scrounging and Packing. Okay, what did I forget? Phone charger? Toothbrush? Dignity? (Still searching for that one). Time to pack, clean up the room as best as possible (don't want to get charged extra!), and mentally prepare for the drive home.
- 10:00 AM Departure!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch on the road! Something simple and quick!
- 3:00 PM: Home Sweet Home!
The Ramblings, Revisions, and Realities:
- Flexibility is King: This is a loose guideline. Things will change. I might get lost. I might get hangry. I might have a profound emotional moment during some random scenic overlook. That's the joy of it.
- The Econo Lodge Experience: Let's be honest, it's not the Four Seasons. I'm expecting basic, clean, and hopefully, a decent shower. If the ice machine works, it's a win.
- Food, Glorious Food: I love to eat, and I plan to eat well (within budget, of course). I'm open to recommendations.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Expect feelings of excitement, frustration, boredom, awe, and possibly a mild existential crisis. That's just me.
- Post-Trip Regrets: I will inevitably forget something, wish I'd done something differently, and spend weeks replaying the trip in my head. It's a package deal.
So, there you have it. My gloriously imperfect, hopefully-a-little-bit-fun-filled, Econo Lodge adventure in and around Rothschild, Wisconsin. Let the games begin!
Escape to Lake of the Ozarks: Your Baymont Wyndham Osage Beach Awaits!
Okay, so… Econo Lodge Wausau. REALLY? Is it… salvageable? I'm on a budget, but I also value, you know, NOT finding something that crawled out of the undergrowth in my bed.
Alright, let's get this out of the way. Yes, it's an Econo Lodge. Expect the unexpected... maybe a few questionable stains on the carpet, but hey, at this price point, you're basically paying for a roof over your head and a vaguely functional shower. Honestly? I've stayed in WAY worse. Like, remember that time I tried a "hostel" in Prague? Let's just say I developed a new phobia of questionable mattresses. Compared to THAT, Econo Lodge Wausau is practically the Ritz.
Here’s the REAL deal: you're in Wisconsin! You're there to **EXPLORE**. You’re not there to live in luxury. You need a place to crash after a LONG day of cheese curds and beer gardens. It's a solid base camp.
Unbeatable Deals, huh? What's the actual DAMAGE to my wallet? Be honest. My credit card is already whimpering.
Okay, "unbeatable" is marketing-speak, BUT... I've seen some seriously decent prices. I’m talking rock-bottom, especially off-season. And by "off-season," I mean, basically, NOT summer or the week of the Paul Bunyan Logging Show. Seriously, book well in advance during those times because, well, everyone else has the same smart idea. I remember one trip, a random week in early March, practically *stealing* a room for like, fifty bucks a night. Fifty! I spent more on gas getting there. Check those online booking sites. They’re your friends. Just… be prepared to filter out all the "luxury suites" options. That ain't happening here.
The free breakfast. Tell me EVERYTHING. Is it… edible? Last thing I need is another hotel continental breakfast disaster.
Oh, the breakfast. Listen, manage your expectations. This isn’t going to be some gourmet, farm-to-table extravaganza. It's continental. Think: Bagels (probably stale, but hey, a bagel's a bagel), some kind of sugary cereal (Frosted Flakes are usually a safe bet), and maybe some sad-looking pre-packaged pastries. The coffee? Well, it'll wake you up, which is the main goal, right?
My advice? Hit the local grocery store the night before and grab some yogurt and granola. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, hit up a local diner. They’re usually amazing. The breakfast at Econo Lodge? It’s a means to an end. It'll fill your stomach enough to get you through to your first cheese curd reconnaissance mission.
What about the location? Is it… actually near anything fun? Or am I going to be stranded in a sea of parking lots?
The location? It’s… fine. Wausau itself isn't exactly Manhattan, you know? It's not a *super* walkable city, but you're definitely not stranded. You're close to the highway, which is convenient for getting to Rib Mountain State Park (highly recommended for hiking/skiing depending on the season) and other attractions. You're also a short drive from downtown Wausau, which has a surprisingly decent art museum and some good restaurants and breweries.
My personal favorite? There's this little place, I think it’s called "The Palms". They have amazing burgers and a classic Wisconsin bar vibe. It’s the kind of place where the bartender knows EVERYONE'S name, and the beer is always cold. It's perfect after a long day of exploring. But more on that later....
Okay, Rib Mountain. You mentioned it. What's the deal? Is it worth the hype? Also, is climbing a mountain required? Because, cardio… ugh.
Rib Mountain? ABSOLUTELY worth the hype! And no, you don’t have to be a mountain goat to enjoy it. There's a road that goes right to the top! You can drive up, park, and then take a short, relatively easy walk to the observation tower for some INCREDIBLE views of the surrounding area. Especially stunning during the autumn foliage. I mean, jaw-dropping. I’ve been there in the summer, and the views are still great. Just… take bug spray. The mosquitoes are relentless.
Bonus points: in the winter, it's a ski resort! So, if you're feeling adventurous, and have the patience for lift lines, you can hit the slopes. I’m more of a scenic view person, so I stick to the car. Then, there's a snowshoeing trail....but I'll admit, I've only *thought* about snowshoeing. One day, maybe.
The Palms... You're obsessed. Tell me more. Why are you so in love with a burger joint?
Okay, fine. Yes, I may be a little obsessed. "The Palms" isn't just a burger joint; it's an EXPERIENCE. It's the epitome of Wisconsin charm, the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a Norman Rockwell painting (only less…stuffy). The burgers are simple, honest, and perfectly cooked. The fries are crispy and salty. The beer is cold and local. The staff? They’re friendly, they remember your name, and they make you feel welcome. It doesn't get any better.
I remember one particularly epic trip… it was the dead of winter. Freezing rain. Everything was grey. I’d spent the entire day battling the wind on Rib Mountain, and I was absolutely soaked and miserable. I was ready to collapse. Then, I walked into the Palms. That warm, inviting glow. The smell of sizzling burgers. The friendly bartender. I ordered a burger, a plate of fries, and a frosty Spotted Cow. And you know what? World. Best. Meal. Ever. I swear, that burger tasted like pure happiness. That beer was like a warm hug. That’s the power of The Palms. It's pure Wisconsin magic. Don't miss it.
Any other tips for surviving (and thriving) at Econo Lodge Wausau and in Wisconsin in general?
Okay, here's the insider info. First, pack layers. The weather in Wisconsin is… unpredictable. One minute it's sunshine, the next you're being pelted with freezing rain. Second, embrace the cheese. Eat ALL the cheese curds. Fried, squeaky, doesn't matter. Just do it. Third, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation. Wisconsinites are generally friendly, and they're always happy toChicstayst
