Springfield's BEST Kept Secret? Drury Inn & Suites Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into Springfield's supposedly BEST Kept Secret: The Drury Inn & Suites! And let me tell you, after sifting through the mountain of amenities, the promises of cleanliness, and the endless Wi-Fi options, I'm ready to spill the tea… and maybe spill some coffee too, because, you know, life.
Let's get this straight: I'm no travel blogger, I'm just a regular human who likes comfy beds and a decent breakfast without the hassle of, say, having to cook it. So, here we go, unvarnished and messy as my usual hotel room after 24 hours:
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the "Could Be Better"
Okay, right off the bat, they're trying. "Facilities for disabled guests" is a bullet point, which is a good start. They say it's wheelchair accessible. But I always get a little itchy-palmed here because "accessible" often means different things to different places. I'd need specifics, y'know? Like, are the ramps gentle? Are all the restaurants completely accessible? (Don't even get me started on the frustration of hotel restaurants!) This is where a real review would be priceless - from someone actually using these services. I'm reliant on the website and its word, and that's not ideal.
Cleanliness and "Safety" - Because 2024 is a Thing
Alright, so this is where the Drury Inn attempts to win you over with buzzwords. Anti-viral cleaning products (yay!), Daily disinfection in common areas (double yay!), Hand sanitizer (triple yay!). They’ve got rooms sanitized between stays. They’re even offering room sanitization opt-out available which is a HUGE win for those who are… well, let’s just say particular about their space. I, for one, appreciate a place that lets me decide how germ-phobic I want to be. They've got Professional-grade sanitizing services… look, they're swinging for the fences here. But, and this is a big but… How do you know they’re actually doing all this stuff? This is the inherent problem with these promises of deep cleaning and sanitation. We're relying on trust and hoping for the best. My one quibble? Shared stationery removed. Which is fine, but if I need to scramble for a pen and paper, that's on me, right?
Internet: Wi-Fi Nirvana or a Digital Disaster?
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Honestly, in 2024, this isn't just a perk, it's bare minimum survival, right? They offer Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, which is for the techy nerds. Good on you, Drury. Wi-Fi for special events and Internet services are also listed, indicating some serious digital infrastructure. I’m going to rate this a solid "we have internet, you're golden".
Amenities: The Feast and the Fizzle
Okay, this is where things get meaty. They've got a Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Swimming pool [outdoor], and a Swimming pool which is nice, if you like pools. They've got a Spa and a Spa/sauna which is good. They have a Sauna and a Steamroom so you can relax some more! But let's be honest, how many people actually use these things? I'm personally more invested in the food and the… well… the lack of doing anything strenuous.
The Food, Glorious Food! The Most Important Part, Obvi.
Here is where the Drury Inn truly shines, or so they claim. Breakfast [buffet]? YES, PLEASE. Breakfast service? Double YES. Asian breakfast? Um, okay – maybe? This is where the Drury Inn claims excellence. Free breakfast is the hotel's biggest perk, and I'm expecting it to be a big deal.
Now, I'm going to be brutally honest. I'm not a foodie. But free breakfast is my love language. And a buffet? Come on. Here's the problem, it's a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it should be perfect. On the other hand, it's a buffet, so the coffee might be lukewarm, the scrambled eggs might be rubbery, and the bacon… well, the bacon is always a gamble.
I'm going to set my expectations accordingly. I hope for perfection but won't be crushed if it's a little less than stellar. They have Coffee/tea in restaurant, which is encouraging! And Bottle of water in your room is a nice touch. Snack bar? YES. Room service [24-hour]? HELL YES. Poolside bar? Again, yes, if you like the pool. Happy hour? My inner child just did a little jig. Restaurants? Great! A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, and Western cuisine in restaurant are all promising. My biggest worry? Consistency. Can they deliver these promises every single day? Time will tell.
Getting Around and Other Nice-to-Haves
Okay, they've got Airport transfer (score!), Car park [free of charge] (double score!), and Taxi service. Plus, Car power charging station (triple score, especially if you're driving an EV!). Elevator, Luggage storage, and a Concierge are all appreciated, and what I'm hoping for is not a lot of fuss, a little bit of ease, and a quick getaway.
Rooms: The Comfort Factor
Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Smoke detector and Wake-up service. These are the standard things that you want, right? Plus the all-important Wi-Fi [free]. The fact that Air conditioning is listed is a good omen. It suggests they know what they're doing in the summer of Springfield.
The Anecdote (and the Imperfect Reality)
Here's a confession: I haven't actually stayed at the Drury Inn yet. I'm going on what I've read and what I've seen. But I picture some scenes:
- The Arrival: Me, exhausted from the drive, fumbling with the key card (assuming there is a key card, and it's not some weird app).
- The Room: A sigh of relief if it's clean, and maybe a small, internal scream if it's not. (Fingers crossed for the room sanitization!)
- The Breakfast: Me, blurry-eyed, navigating the buffet. The crucial question: Is the coffee hot? And, more importantly, is there enough bacon?
- The Pool: Possibly, if it's not overrun with screaming kids.
- The Departure: The inevitable mad dash to pack, the forgotten phone charger, the desperate search for my toothbrush…
The Quirky Observation/Emotional Reaction
I am a creature of habit, particularly when it comes to hotels. I’m not a high-maintenance traveler, but I have my rituals. I like a clean room, a warm breakfast, and a quiet place to unwind. I want to be able to relax. That’s my primary goal in all this. If the Drury Inn can deliver on that, it's a winner.
The Messy Structure and Occasional Rambles
See? I told you it'd be messy. Hotels are weird, right? They promise escape, but also routine, and often, a little bit of disappointment.
The Opinionated Language and Natural Pacing
Okay, so what's my verdict? Well, I'm cautiously optimistic. The Drury Inn sounds like a decent choice. They're trying to cover all the bases, from accessibility to cleanliness to free Wi-Fi. The free breakfast and happy hour are huge draws.
Here's the Bottom Line: The Persuasive Offer (With Some Honest Caveats)
Drumroll, please…
Craving a Springfield Getaway? Discover Drury Inn & Suites – Where Comfort Meets Convenience!
Tired of generic hotel experiences? The Drury Inn & Suites in Springfield, MO, might just be your new secret weapon. We’re talking complimentary hot breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi (because, duh), and a commitment to cleanliness that's genuinely comforting. (They're throwing everything at the wall and hoping it sticks, so let’s hope it does!)
Here's what you get:
- Unbeatable Value: Free breakfast is a game-changer, saving you time and money.
- Relax and Recharge: Enjoy the fitness center, or the outdoor pool. (Or
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're plunging into the chaotic, slightly sticky, and utterly real world of my Springfield, Illinois, Drury Inn adventure. Prepare for a ride!
Day 1: Arrival and the Sweet, Sweet Embrace of Free Stuff (and the Existential Dread of Check-In)
1:00 PM: The Pilgrimage Begins (with a Grumbling Stomach)
Okay, so Springfield. Not the first place that pops into your head when you dream of travel, right? But hey, the price was right, and Grandma Mildred demanded a visit (bless her heart, even if her perfume could peel paint). The drive was… well, it was Illinois. Flat, mostly. I spotted a rather forlorn-looking cow staring directly into my soul, which set the tone for the day, honestly. Arrived at the Drury feeling slightly less-than-chipper, hungry, and already regretting the questionable gas station coffee I’d chugged an hour ago.
1:30 PM: The Check-In Shuffle and the Dread of the Room
Oh, the check-in. That glorious moment where you pray the room isn't haunted or directly across from a noisy ice machine. The lobby was… normal. Generic beige, a slightly too-loud TV blaring daytime talk shows. The front desk clerk was friendly enough, though she looked like she hadn't slept since the Clinton administration. She handed me the key, muttered something about the pool, and I was off! Room 327. Pray for me.
2:00 PM: Drury's Promised Land: The Free Food Frenzy!
Okay, let's be honest. The Drury Inn is famous for its free food. Dinner. Drinks. Breakfast. Snacks. It's basically a buffet of possibilities! The sheer anticipation was building. I had to restrain myself from knocking the door down when it was announced.
- Rant Time: You guys… the free food is amazing. Truly. We're talking hot dogs, soup, salad, potatoes, popcorn… what isn't free? I feel like a kid at a never-ending party. I may or may not have taken a second (or third) helping of the potato bar. No regrets.
3:00 PM: The Hotel Pool: A Moment of Bliss (and a Near-Drowning Experience)
I thought I'd be more proactive, so I took a swim. The water was chlorine-y, but warm. I enjoyed a brief moment of pure bliss before nearly face-planting during a clumsy attempt at backstroke. (Spoiler alert: I'm not graceful.)
5:00 PM: Back to the Room: The Dread Creeps In (and a Bad Decision)
Back in the room. It's… fine. Beige. Two queen beds. Standard hotel fare. But that silence! The utter and complete silence. Made me feel slightly claustrophobic. I decide to watch TV. Big mistake. I'm subjected to a marathon of bad reality television. I start to question my life choices.
7:00 PM: The Dinner Ritual: Eating Like a King (or at least a very, very hungry person)
Oh, sweet, sweet dinner time! Back down to the lobby, where the food was set out. I'm not sure if this is supposed to be an observation, but I have to say I ate a lot. The food looked a bit sketchy, but hey, free! And I was hungry.
9:00 PM: The Bed and the Bitter Realization
I get in the bed. It's… fine. I look at the ceiling. I am going to have to sleep. I sigh. It's been a long day. Here's to the next adventure.
Day 2: Historical Hangovers, and the Pursuit of Happiness (and Coffee)
7:00 AM: The Breakfast Buffet and the Battle of the Bagels
Breakfast! The second great pillar of the Drury experience. The line for the waffle maker was epic, but worth it. The bagels, however, were rock-hard. I gave up and just ate a plate of sausage and fruit. (Did I mention there's no judgment at the buffet? It's a safe space).
- 8:00 AM: Morning Run:
- I planned to go for a run, but it was cold.
- 8:00 AM: Morning Run:
9:00 AM: Abraham Lincoln's Haunts and History (with a Side of Boredom)
Okay, history time! Springfield is Lincoln's town, so I trooped along to the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. It was… interesting. I'm a history buff, truly, but I found myself daydreaming. The house was beautiful, but the tour guide delivered the info in a monotone. And the constant shuffle of other tourists? Agonizing.
12:00 PM: Lunch and a Moment of Reflection (at a Diner)
The food was…okay. Nothing too special. I did have a moment of peace while eating. I had a burger. It was pretty decent.
2:00 PM: More of the Place
I walked around a bit. I explored some places. It was fine. I don't feel like I can describe it.
5:00 PM: The Free Food, The Final Act
Dinner time rolled back around, and I ate heartily. I ate a lot. I realized something: I don't feel the best.
6:00 PM: I don't know what to do.
7:00 PM: Back to the Room and Resignation
The room. The bed. I'm so tired. I check out tomorrow. Here's to the end.
Day 3: Departure and a Final Grumble (and Maybe a Promise to Return)
7:00 AM: Last Breakfast: The Emotional Goodbye (to the Waffle Maker)
One last breakfast! I actually got a waffle this time. Worth it. The coffee was surprisingly good.
8:00 AM: Farewell Drury (and the lingering taste of free popcorn)
Checked out. Said goodbye to the friendly faces, the beige walls, and the siren song of unlimited snacks.
10:00 AM: The Road Home (and the already-forming memories)
Driving home. Feeling slightly bloated, but content. Springfield wasn't glamorous. It wasn't perfect. But it was an experience. I might even go back someday. Maybe.
Springfield's BEST Kept Secret? Drury Inn & Suites Awaits! (Yeah, Seriously) - FAQs
Okay, okay, "Best Kept Secret"... Is this some kind of Drury Inn propaganda? I'm skeptical.
Alright, look, I get it. Propaganda is everywhere. But hear me out! I used to be *that* person, the one who sneered at chain hotels. “Generic!” I'd scoff. “Soulless!” Then... then I needed a place to stay in Springfield for a *really* stressful week. My car broke down (classic), my boss was breathing down my neck (also classic), and I needed a haven. Someone – bless their cotton socks – recommended Drury. And, well… yeah, I was converted. It’s not perfect (more on that later), but it's pretty darn good. Think of it as like, a really, really decent friend. A friend who gives you free snacks and a cocktail every evening. Can't hate that.
What's the deal with the "free everything" they advertise? Is it a bait-and-switch?
Bait-and-switch? No, no, no. The free stuff is *legit*. They've got the free hot breakfast (waffles. Always waffles, and that makes me happy), the free evening "kickback" (which, hey, free booze and snacks!), and free popcorn in the lobby. It feels… odd, initially. Like you’re waiting for the catch. But there *isn’t* one! The kickback is usually the star – think chicken wings, potato skins, maybe even something fancy if you're lucky, like mini-tacos. It's *amazing* when you're starving after a long drive, trust me. The waffles are a little… repetitive after a few days, but still. Waffles!
So, the free food and drinks... what's the *catch*? Is it all awful quality?
Okay, the *quality*... depends. It's not gourmet food, people! Don't go expecting Michelin star experiences. But for FREE? It's surprisingly good. I've had some truly delicious chicken wings at the kickback. And the waffle batter? Solid. Look, you're not paying a premium for the food, and it's *way* better than what you’d pay for at a highway gas station. But be prepared for the occasional dry meatball or slightly over-cooked whatever-it-is. It *is* a buffet, after all. And the beer is the usual suspects: Bud Light, etc. You can't fault ‘em – free is free! And listen, after a long drive, you're probably happy with a lukewarm Bud Light anyway, aren't you?
What about the rooms themselves? Are they clean? And comfortable?
The rooms are… usually really good! Clean? Yep. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I'm *very* particular about cleanliness. I usually do a quick wipe-down of the remotes and light switches with a Clorox wipe anyway (don't judge!), and I’ve always been satisfied. The beds are comfy, the pillows are fluffy. Honestly, the beds are *dangerous* – I’ve almost overslept a few times! The decor is… well, it's a chain hotel, so it's not exactly cutting-edge design. But it's functional. And you KNOW you are getting what you're getting. And the *important* things, like the shower pressure and the water temperature, are consistently good. That's a major win in my book.
Any downsides? There *must* be some.
Oh, absolutely. No place is perfect. My biggest complaint? The elevators. Sometimes, especially during peak hours (like during the kickback *shoves*), the elevators are a bit of a nightmare. Long waits, crowded cars. I’ve had to take the stairs more than once, which is fine, but not ideal when carrying luggage or after, you know, enjoying the aforementioned wings and beer. And sometimes, the noise can be a problem. Sounds travel. Kids running in the hallways. Somebody *always* seems to be slamming their door. But, hey, it's a hotel, right? You kinda expect it. And maybe, just maybe, you'll get a room near the ice machine. That's pretty much the hotel lottery. Also, the parking can be a bit tight, depending on the time of day and the location. And, okay, I once stayed at a Drury where the A/C was a bit… iffy. But they fixed it quickly. Minor annoyances, all things considered.
Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with little terrors... I mean, children.
Kid-friendly? Oh, ABSOLUTELY. They practically roll out the red carpet for kids. There are often kids’ movies playing at the pool (if there is one), complimentary cookies, and the breakfast buffet is a goldmine of waffles, cereal, and sugary goodness for even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, there’s often a pool (which can get a little loud, but hey, kids are gonna be kids, right?). My own nieces and nephews *love* Drury. It's a vacation in itself for them. It's a lifesaver for parents. Just be prepared for the potential for… general chaos. But, again, it’s a trade-off. Happy kids, happy parents (usually!).
What's the best Drury Inn location in Springfield?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Honestly, it depends on what *you* need. If you want to be close to a specific attraction, do your research. Some are near the big highways – very convenient for a quick trip. Others are closer to shopping or dining options. Personally? I have a soft spot for the one near [Insert a vague clue here, without giving the exact address, like "the one with the slightly crumbling facade near the highway" or "the one near the mall, if you can handle the crowds"]. The staff has always been super friendly there, and the pool is generally a little less crowded. BUT, again, it's a game of roulette. Different locations have different vibes. Check the reviews. Seriously, read the reviews. They're your friend.
Is there anything you *hate* about Drury? Be honest!
Okay, okay. Here’s the truth. The free kickback, while generally awesome, can sometimes be… a *blood bath*. It’s a feeding frenzy. People *will* elbow you for that last chicken wing. I once saw a grown man practically *tackle* a plate of potato skins. I'm not kidding. So, you might have to fight for your dinner! The free popcorn? It's great, but sometimes it's stale. And, I mentioned the elevators, right? The elevators are a definite negative. And the decorEasy Hotel Hunt
