Fargo's BEST Kept Secret: West Acres Travelodge Review! (You WON'T Believe This!)
Okay, Buckle up, Buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the… (deep breath) … West Acres Travelodge Review! You WON'T Believe This! in Fargo, North Dakota. And let me tell you, after my recent stay, "You WON'T Believe This!" might actually be an UNDERSTATEMENT. Prepare for a real one, folks, warts and all. (And believe me, there were some warts.)
Accessibility & the Struggle is Real (But Mostly Okay):
Alright, first things first, the legal jargon. Let's talk accessibility. The Travelodge claims to have facilities for disabled guests, and they DO have an elevator (thank the sweet baby Jesus!). The hallways are decently wide, a definite plus. I didn't personally need a wheelchair, but I did wander around looking for those "easily accessible" areas, and they seemed alright. But and this is a BIG but– I’d suggest calling ahead, specifically inquiring about the accessible rooms. Double-check those details before pulling the trigger. Otherwise, things were reasonably navigate-able throughout the hotel.
Internet Access: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Everywhere, But Is It Any Good?
Okay, the good news: FREE WI-FI IN ALL ROOMS! Hallelujah! This is a HUGE win for someone who works remotely, like myself. They also have Internet [LAN] if you're old-school! I tested it, of course. The Wi-Fi in my room was… variable. Sometimes it was blazing fast, ready to stream all my true-crime documentaries. Other times, it was slower than a snail in molasses. Public areas? Same deal. You might need to roam a bit to find a strong signal. So, bring a backup plan (Hotspot on your phone, anyone?).
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Kitchens? I'm SOLD!
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room, Covid-19. The West Acres Travelodge is trying. They’re claiming "anti-viral cleaning products," "daily disinfection in common areas," "rooms sanitized between stays," and "professional-grade sanitizing services." They also offer room sanitization opt-out so I suppose you are safe from being overly sanitized if you like.
I saw staff diligently spraying down surfaces, and hand sanitizer was readily available. They've got “individually wrapped food options” and “safe dining setup.” The kitchen and tableware looked clean enough, though I didn’t inspect every corner with a magnifying glass. (Nobody has time for that!) There are also “safe” setups for dining too. It actually makes me feel far better about staying here.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Belly Full, Wallet… Not So Much?
Here's where things get… interesting. They have a "restaurant". It's more of a… well, let's just say it’s not exactly a Michelin-starred experience. But the food was… edible, and the prices are pretty reasonable for a budget place. They have a buffet, but it can be hit or miss. I suggest going in with an open mind and low expectations. They have a "Coffee shop" attached.
The bar? Yes, there's a bar! And "Happy hour." I made that my mission, naturally. They've got a poolside bar. Nothing fancy, but it's there, and they make a decent cocktail to wash away the stress of travel. Bonus points for the option of room service… even if it's not the most extensive menu.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Questionable.
Okay, the basics: Daily housekeeping. Thank goodness! Because after my adventures, my room looked like a tornado had hit it. Elevator? Check. Laundry service? Check. (Thank goodness I didn't have to re-wear anything!) Convenience store? Well, it's a bit of a glorified vending machine. But hey, emergency candy is always a necessity.
Concierge? Don't expect a real concierge. More like a friendly person behind the front desk. I will say they went out of their way to help me find a place to pick up some of my prescription. However, in terms of a business center, expect a Xerox/fax and the ability to meet.
They offer "Facilities for disabled guests," the fact I already discussed.
For the Kids: Family Friendly, or Family Meh?
They are “family/child friendly” - but don’t get too excited. No water slides, no game rooms, nothing like that. So, if you have kids, come prepared with your own entertainment.
Available in all rooms?: Well, MOST of the time…
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the rooms, shall we?
- Air conditioning: Praise be! Crucial in North Dakota summers.
- Alarm clock: Yep.
- Bathrobes: Nope. Missed opportunity, Travelodge!
- Bathroom Phone: Nope.
- Blackout curtains: Yes, and I loved it. Slept like a baby.
- Coffee/tea maker: Hooray! Essential for my morning sanity.
- Complimentary tea: Uh, that was a nice touch.
- Desk: Important for us remote workers.
- Hair dryer: Yes. Always appreciate that.
- In-room safe box: Yes.
- Internet access – wireless: Yes. (See above for Wi-Fi woes.)
- Ironing facilities: Yes.
- Mini bar: Nope.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Refrigerator: Yes!
- Seating area: Okay.
- Shower: Yes.
- Slippers: Nope.
- Smoke detector: I really hope so.
- Toiletries: Basic, but serviceable.
- Towels: Yes.
- Wake-up service: Yes.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes!
The "Things to Do" – This Could Be Better
They don’t really tout any entertainment. This is where the Travelodge really needs to step up their game. There's the "Pool with view" you can use. They have a sauna and a steamroom. They also have a fitness center, gym, and access to a spa.
My Honest Take: The Good, the Bad, and the "Meh".
Look, the West Acres Travelodge is not the Ritz-Carlton. It's a budget-friendly option. It's clean, it's relatively safe, and it's got the basics covered. The staff is friendly, and for the price, you can't complain too much. I found myself saying "Good, but could be better" repeatedly here.
The Quirky Observations and Anecdotes (Because Life's Too Short for Boring Reviews):
Once, I went to use the pool. There was a nice view. The pool was a little cold, though. It's just me! I wish there was a spa and sauna so, I could relax afterward!
My Emotional Response: (Mostly) Positive!
Was it perfect? Hell no. But I'd go back. The value for money is there, and the location is convenient. Plus, the staff were genuinely nice.
My Recommendation: Book it… with these caveats.
Here’s my pitch, and what you get:
Stop Searching, Start Relaxing: Fargo's BEST Kept Secret (Maybe NOT!): West Acres Travelodge – Your No-Frills Fargo Getaway!
- Tired of overpaying for hotels that don't deliver?
- Need a clean, comfortable place to rest your head in Fargo WITHOUT breaking the bank?
- Want solid Wi-Fi, a decent breakfast, and friendly faces to greet you?
Then the West Acres Travelodge might just be your surprise!
Here’s the Honest Deal:
- Clean rooms, comfy beds, and basic amenities: Think "no frills, but fresh."
- Free Wi-Fi in every room: Because you need to stream those guilty-pleasure shows.
- A friendly staff: They'll do their best to make you happy.
- A convenient location: Close to everything you need.
- Super-duper budget-friendly: Save your money for the fun stuff!
But don't forget!
- It's not luxury, it's a comfortable place to stay.
- Double-check accessibility if that's critical for you.
- Bring your own spa kit, just in case.
Click the link below to book your stay at Fargo’s Budget-Friendly Gem! Don't expect perfection, and you won't be disappointed!
(Insert hotel booking link here)
Elgin's BEST Comfort Suites? (Shocking Reviews Inside!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my Fargo, North Dakota, adventure, centered around the ahem… charming… Travelodge by Wyndham Fargo West Acres. This is gonna be less "perfect itinerary" and more "what actually happened," complete with the good, the bad, and the absolutely questionable. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, folks!
Pre-Trip Meltdown (aka, the "Maybe I Should've Stayed Home" Phase)
Okay, so the planning started… poorly. I'm not a planner, I'm a "figure-it-out-as-I-go" kinda person, which, let's be honest, is a recipe for disaster. Originally, I wanted to see the Fargo airshow, but it turns out… I missed it by, like, a week. Wonderful. So, I scrambled to find something to do. The "Fargo Visitor Guide" website – bless its heart – promised a vibrant cultural scene. Right. Let's see how this pans out.
Day 1: Arrival and the Pursuit of Decent Coffee (and Avoiding the Clowns)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Hector International Airport. The airport itself felt a little… sad, like a puppy who’d been left out in the rain. My rental car? A tiny, wheezing thing that looked perpetually surprised. I named it "Ethel." We're not off to a promising start.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in at the Travelodge. Okay, let's be honest, the exterior had a certain vibe. Think faded glory meets… well, you know. The lobby, however, was surprisingly clean! Always a plus. The front desk guy was incredibly friendly though – he made up for the… rustic atmosphere with sheer enthusiasm. Bless his heart.
- 2:00 PM: Room revelation. Standard motel fare. Beige. Functional. The kind of room that doesn’t offend, but doesn't inspire. The air conditioner blasted a sad, wheezing sigh whenever I turned it on. Pro-tip: Pack earplugs. Seriously.
- 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Coffee Emergency. This is a serious matter, and in Fargo, it's even more crucial. My mission: find a decent cup of coffee. The Travelodge’s complimentary stuff wasn’t… great. After a fruitless search, I ventured out. Found a Starbucks. Disaster averted.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Driving around. This is where it got… interesting. I had marked my GPS for some local sights. The Plains Art Museum was closed. The Fargo Theatre. Closed. The city has a real quiet charm, which is what the locals say. I'm seeing a theme here.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at a place called "Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews." I will say, the burgers were amazing. Absolutely decadent, greasy, and a complete joy. The "sickies" part is a bit overly dramatic, but hey, the burger was good and the atmosphere was fun.
- 7:00 PM: Watched some TV. Found a local news channel. News anchor with a weird monotone voice read the news about… cats. At least the motel had good wi-fi!
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Sound of the AC from the neighbors.
Day 2: The Unexpected Delights (and the Eternal Quest for the Perfect Breakfast)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The Travelodge's "continental" breakfast… I'm not sure what continent it belonged to, but it didn't include anything I felt the urge to eat. Another quest began.
- 9:00 AM: Found a local diner, "Kroll's Diner". It looked like the kind of place that was always open, no matter what the weather or the hour. The food was decent.
- 10:00 AM: The Fargo Air Museum. I was initially grumpy over missing the airshow, but this place was a pleasant surprise. I love planes.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. The same diner, because I didn't want to wander around.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: EXPLORING DOWNTOWN FARGO. This is where the trip turned around. I found a really interesting bookstore! A few quirky, independent stores. Walked along the river. Fargo actually has a pulse! A small, steady pulse, but a pulse nonetheless. A little charming.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the Travelodge. Nap.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Another place I found. This trip, it was a sushi place. Again, surprisingly good!
- 7:00 PM: Back to the motel.
Day 3: Farewell, Fargo (and Ethel's Final Gasp)
- 8:00 AM: Attempted breakfast at the Travelodge. Failed.
- 9:00 AM: Check-out. Ethel, thankfully, made it!
- 9:30 AM: One final stop. A local bakery I heard about. Found the best cinnamon bun I've ever had! Now I feel satisfied!
- 10:30 AM: Headed back to the airport. Goodbye Fargo!
- 12:00 PM: Flight home.
Final Thoughts (aka, The Honest Truth)
Look, Fargo isn't Paris. It's not Rome. But it is Fargo. It's a place with its own quirky charm, hard-working people, and a surprising amount of things to keep a person occupied – as long as you're willing to look for them. The Travelodge wasn't the Ritz, but it was a roof over my head. And hey, the burgers were amazing. And the cinnamon bun… oh, the cinnamon bun.
So, would I recommend a trip to Fargo? Maybe. It's not going to be a glitzy, Instagram-worthy journey. But if you're looking for something a little… different, a place to slow down and appreciate the small things, then Fargo might just surprise you.
And pack earplugs. Seriously.
Vineland, NJ Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Quality Inn!
Fargo's "Best Kept Secret": The West Acres Travelodge - A Truth Serum in FAQ Form! (Or, Why I'm Still Talking About That Damn Pool...)
Okay, Okay, Spill the Tea! What's the Deal with this "Secret"? Is it Really *That* Good?
Let’s Talk About That Pool. Everyone keeps mentioning it… Is it... Swim-worthy? (And, please, be honest.)
The Rooms! What Are They *Really* Like? Are We Talking Motel 6 or… Better?
Breakfast! Is there even one? And, if so… Is it worth it?
Location, Location, Location! How Convenient is it, Really?
What's the Staff Like? Are They Helpful? Or Are They… Over It?
Okay, Spill It! What's The *Worst* Thing About the West Acres Travelodge?
So... Would You Recommend It? Honestly?
