St. George's BEST-KEPT Secret: Economy Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the… well, the secret! St. George's BEST-KEPT Secret: Economy Inn & Suites. And frankly? It's not exactly a secret anymore, because I'm about to spill the beans, warts and all. Prepare for a hot mess of a review, just like my life.
First Impression: The Parking Lot Saga (and Accessibility… Kinda)
Okay, the location? Not gonna lie, it’s a bit… off the beaten path. Which, depending on your vibe, is either a HUGE perk or a mild inconvenience. The "free car park [on-site]" is a godsend because finding parking in a city like St. George's can feel like winning the lottery. (And hey, they even have a “Car power charging station” – fancy!) I really appreciate this since I'm a huge fan of having a car. Accessibility? Well, the “Facilities for disabled guests” are listed, and there's an "Elevator," BUT… I didn't specifically investigate the wheelchair situation. That deserves a deeper dive if you need that level of detail. (I'm more of a "stairs are my cardio" kinda gal).
Cleanliness & Safety: Did They Actually Sanitize?? (The Deep Dive)
Okay, this is HUGE, right? Post-pandemic, it’s practically a deal-breaker. The good news? They're trying. I saw the “Anti-viral cleaning products” and “Daily disinfection in common areas”. They also boast “Rooms sanitized between stays,” "Professional-grade sanitizing services," and "Staff trained in safety protocol." That’s a lot of buzzwords, folks! Did I see them scrubbing? No. But, I saw hand sanitizer everywhere and "Individually-wrapped food options." Now, I'm a germaphobe at heart (or, at least, I pretend to be), so this made me breathe a wee bit easier. Bonus points for “Hot water linen and laundry washing” – because, ew, dirty sheets. They offer "Room sanitization opt-out available", and while I didn't take them up on it (I didn't want to go that far), knowing it's an option is a plus. They also have "Safe dining setup" I saw first hand, and "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items".
The Room: My Personal Fortress (with Quirks)
Alright, let's talk about the room. “Economy Inn & Suites” – sets the expectation, doesn’t it? Think functional. The “Air conditioning” (bless!) was blasting, which is crucial in Utah. They offer "Non-smoking rooms," and since I'm a bit of a clean freak, I appreciate this. You get the basics: "Air conditioning," "Alarm clock," "Desk," "Hair dryer," "Ironing facilities" (because wrinkles are the enemy!), "Mini bar," "Refrigerator," "Satellite/cable channels," and "Wi-Fi [free]" . The Wi-Fi didn't drop out whilst streaming! But the "extra long bed," like a god send, was great. My room had "Blackout curtains," and I could have slept the day away, I really could. "Complimentary tea" was a delightful touch, and I was so thankful for the free "bottled water".
But, remember I mentioned quirks? Yeah, there were a few. The "bathtub" was… well, it was a bathtub. The "bathroom phone" did work! The "mirror" was sufficiently reflective, thank goodness! Now, while they mention "Additional toilet," my room did not have one. So, remember to ask about this before you book.
Dining, Drinking, and Snack-Happy Meerkats (or: Breakfast, the Good, the Bad, and the Questionable)
Okay, so the main attraction. The "Breakfast [buffet]"! I'm a sucker for a bad breakfast, especially a buffet. I went for the "Asian breakfast", but had a hard time finding something I would actually eat! I think! The options were… there. "Breakfast service" – yes. "A la carte in restaurant" – I didn't try, and I wasn't feeling brave enough for the "Asian cuisine in restaurant". There is a "Coffee shop," and the "Coffee/tea in restaurant" were a lifesaver. They have a "Poolside bar" which is great, but I hadn't the time, and there’s a "Snack bar". I didn't try the "Soup in restaurant" or the "Salad in restaurant" either, so I have no idea what they were like.
Things to Do & Relax (Or: Where's My Oasis?)
Okay, my biggest disappointment was the "Spa". I thought I'd find the "Sauna" or the "Steamroom". But they had none. So no "Massage", no "Foot bath" (I really needed one!), no "Body wrap," and no "Body scrub". And so on.
They had a "Swimming pool [outdoor]". And the "Pool with view" seemed like it was designed to promote a zen-like atmosphere.
In the "pool" era, a fitness center would have been a welcome sight. Sadly, there was no "Gym/fitness" to enjoy.
Internet & Tech Stuff (Because, Duh)
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Thank the tech gods. "Internet access – wireless" was also spot on and fast. "Internet access – LAN" but I cannot confirm this. The hotel provides "Internet," and that's enough for someone like me.
Services and Conveniences: The Random Goodies
Okay, here's where things get a little extra. The "24-hour Front desk" is always appreciated. They provided "Cash withdrawal" which is a godsend for someone like me! I love that they have a "Convenience store". The "Doorman" made me feel important! "Daily housekeeping" – yes, please! They have a "Gift/souvenir shop". The "Laundry service" was decent. And the "Luggage storage," which is pretty important. And they have "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Meeting stationery," and "Seminars," too.
For the Kids: Babysitters and Fun!
If you have kids, here's the scoop: the "family/child friendly" is nice, and they had some potential, but I cannot confirm their facilities. There's a "kids meal". They have a "Babysitting service," but I didn't use it so, yeah.
Getting Around: A St. George's Odyssey
"Airport transfer" - I did not use, but it is an option. "Bicycle parking" is available. "Car park [free of charge]" is great! "Taxi service" is also available.
The Verdict: Is the BEST-KEPT Secret Worth Keeping?
Okay, let's be real. Economy Inn & Suites isn't the Ritz. It's not a luxury experience. But, it is a solid choice. Here's the breakdown:
Good for: Budget travelers who value cleanliness, a solid location and free parking. Those who maybe just want a place to crash after a long day.
Maybe not for: Luxury hounds, spa aficionados, and those seeking a super-fancy experience.
The Offer:
"Escape to St. George's Without Breaking the Bank – And Still Get a Good Night's Sleep!
Book Your Stay at Economy Inn & Suites Today!
Here's the deal:
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected without paying extra.
- Convenient Location: Close to the city.
- Free Parking: Save money and hassle.
- We're Open: Enjoy our facilities with peace of mind.
Don't delay, book today! [Link to their website/booking platform].
Why am I telling you this? Because, sometimes, you just need a clean, comfortable bed, and a place to park your car without going broke. And Economy Inn & Suites? For the price, it delivers. It's not perfect, it's a little… quirky, but that's part of its charm.
So, yeah, it's not a scandal. But, you won't be spending money you can use on the other things.
Escape to Paradise: Andros's Luxurious Art Hotel Awaits
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary. We're going to St. George, Utah, and we're doing it with a healthy dose of chaos and a sprinkle of "wait, what did I just eat?"
The Economy Inn & Suites St. George: A Love Story (May Contain Mild Disgust)
First off, let's be real, the Economy Inn isn't the Four Seasons. But hey, it's got a bed, and after a 12-hour drive fueled by questionable gas station coffee and existential dread, a bed is a five-star experience.
Day 1: Arrival, Dust, and the Questionable Pool (aka "Can I Smell Chlorine from Here?")
- 3:00 PM: ARRIVAL. Oh sweet Jesus, we’re here. The car is a mobile trash compactor, and my sanity is… well, we'll see. Front desk lady is… enthusiastic. “Welcome to St. George! You'll love it here!” Bless her heart. She probably loves the peeling wallpaper. I suspect she's seen some things in her time. We get the key and are immediately convinced the room is… clean-ish? Like, "scrubbed-with-the-same-sponge-since-God-created-the-earth" clean-ish.
- 3:30 PM: Room Inspection. The beds look… okay. I do the mandatory "lift the comforter and check for horrors" ritual. Success! No bed bugs. Just… a vaguely suspicious stain. We'll call it atmospheric.
- 4:00 PM: The Pool. The brochure photos promised sparkling turquoise. Reality? More of a… slightly-less-murky-than-the-neighbor's-puddle. I dip a toe in. It’s… tepid. And the air smells of concentrated chlorine, like you could use it to disinfect a small Martian colony. I retreat. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe never.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner. We found a local diner, "Granny's Grub Hub" that was recommended. The food was… hearty. And by "hearty," I mean, the kind of "hearty" that makes you question everything. The waitress, bless her, was named "Dottie." Dottie seemed to know everyone in the place, including the ghost of the previous owner (kidding… I think). I ordered the chicken fried steak. I think it was a whole… thing of a cow. This meal, alone, has probably added a decade to my life. I'm exhausted.
- 7:00 PM: Unpack the car. The car, which currently resembles a tornado hit a garage sale, needs to be depopulated. Sigh.
Day 2: Red Rocks and Regret (aka "Why Do I Hike?")
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Free breakfast. The holy grail. The actual offerings are… basic. Cereal (the kind with questionable marshmallows shaped like cartoon characters), instant oatmeal, and those weird, individually wrapped muffins that taste faintly of plastic. I load up on coffee. Bless the inventors of coffee.
- 9:00 AM: Hiking! We bravely take on some hike, somewhere, I honestly can't remember the name. I think it was called "Devil's something". I was told this hike was easy. Lies. I am sweating like a pig, gasping for air, and questioning every single life choice that led me here. The views, though… are spectacular. The red rocks are genuinely breathtaking. I keep stopping every 15 feet to take photos. I'm pretty sure my camera is laughing at me.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. We found a taco truck, thank God. Tacos. Actual, delicious tacos. Saved. My. Life. I order three. Maybe four. Don't judge me. And that little bottle of water? That became the most sacred object in the world.
- 1:00 PM: The Hike… continues. I may have cursed myself a little. Still, the views get me distracted. The sheer majesty of the landscape is almost enough to negate the aching in my legs.
- 4:00 PM: Pool, Take Two. Yep. Still tepid. More chlorine. But I'm too tired to care. I sit on the edge and just soak in the sun, while the kids are having a blast. Turns out, this isn’t so bad after all, right?
- 6:00 PM: Dinner Again. I think we’re gonna just order pizza. Because I am going to be moving slower than molasses in winter for the rest of my life.
- 8:00 PM: Attempt to Watch TV. The hotel TV is basically a relic from the Jurassic period. Reception is terrible. I give up and read a book. Peace and quiet. Bliss.
Day 3: The Grand Canyon (and the existential dread returns)
- 6:00 AM: The Early Bird. I'm up early. Because I had to go to the bathroom. Again. The excitement of the trip still running, but I know my body will fail me.
- 7:00 AM: Packing Day: We are headed back today.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast: The same old questionable muffins, and so on.
- 9:00 AM: Driving Day: We are back on the road. This time, the silence is golden as everyone starts to reflect upon each day, and perhaps already think about coming back.
Final Thoughts:
St. George? It’s… a place. Rough around the edges, for sure. The Economy Inn? A character-building experience. But the red rocks? Unforgettable. Would I do it again? Probably. Because, despite the questionable food, the tepid pool, and the lingering feeling that I might have left a piece of myself at the bottom of that hike, there’s a raw, unapologetic beauty to this place. And sometimes, that's all you need. Plus, the travel stories are priceless, even if the pictures are blurry and the memories slightly… hazy. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I need to go find a good chiropractor.
I-5 Getaway: Woodland's Best-Kept Secret (Econo Lodge Deal!)
Economy Inn & Suites: St. George's BEST-KEPT (or, You Know, Just Kept) Secret - FAQs!
Okay, spill it... What's the deal with the "BEST-KEPT Secret" claim? Sounds like marketing fluff.
Alright, alright, deep breaths. Look, I've stayed at the Economy Inn & Suites, and "best-kept" might be stretching it like a cheap motel bedsheet. But here's the thing: it's *affordable*. Seriously. Like, "spent all my money on Zion and now I'm eating instant ramen for a week" affordable. Plus, it's got a certain... charm? Let's call it that. It's not the Ritz, honey, but for a place to crash, it's… there. Think of it more like a well-worn, comfortable pair of jeans. Functional. Maybe a little faded. Definitely seen some things. But hey, they still fit!
What's the room situation *actually* like? Be honest.
Okay, the rooms. This is where the "well-worn jeans" analogy really comes into play. I stayed in one once that smelled faintly of… well, let's just say it had a distinct previous-guest aroma. And the carpet? Oh, the carpet. It had seen things. I'm talking crumbs, stains, the faint outline of what *might* have been a spilled soda, and who knows how many pairs of shoes. But! The bed was surprisingly comfy. Seriously. Like, I actually slept *well*. Go figure. Another time, the shower pressure was like a dribbling kitten. Frustrating, but hey, it got the job done. Look, it's hit or miss, like life itself. You gotta roll with the punches.
Is the breakfast any good? (Because breakfast is crucial, people!)
Breakfast... Ah, yes. The breakfast. It’s… free. And that, my friends, is the best thing you can say about it. The classic continental spread: stale bagels, pre-packaged muffins with that weird, artificial sweetness, weak coffee that tastes vaguely of dish soap, and those little boxes of cereal you haven't seen since your childhood. And the plastic cutlery? Forget about it. But, hear me out on this, it's *functional*. And it's free! I've survived on worse. I mean, if you're desperate (and hungover, it's the go-to) it'll do the trick. Just lower your expectations. Waaay lower.
Let's talk about the pool. Is it Instagram-worthy?
Instagram-worthy? Honey, the pool looks like it's been perpetually overlooked by a cleaning crew. It's small. It's… adequate. It might have a few questionable stains around the edges. The deck chairs are probably older than I am, and some of them have seen better days (think duct tape and missing straps). But, and this is a big but, on a hot afternoon after a long hike? It's a lifesaver. Jump in, close your eyes, and pretend you're in a luxury resort, and forget the faint smell of chlorine and the questionable… floating debris. Just… enjoy the water.
Is there Wi-Fi? Because I have to post *everything*.
Yes. Technically. The Wi-Fi exists. But the speed? Oh boy. It’s… slow. Real slow. Like, dial-up slow. You'll have a better chance of getting a signal from a tin can and a piece of string. So, embrace the disconnect. Put your phone down. Actually, *look* at the scenery! Imagine old-school vacations where you had to actually *talk* to the people you traveled with. (Gasp!) Or, prepare to spend a lot of time yelling at your phone. Your choice, really.
Okay, the location. Is it actually *convenient*?
Convenient? Now we're talking! The Economy Inn & Suites is actually pretty darn well-placed. It's close(ish) to the main drag, the restaurants, and (crucially) the gas station where you can buy snacks at 3 AM after a long day exploring. The proximity to the highway is a lifesaver too, especially if you're just passing through. Parking is usually a breeze. So, yeah, location? A big win. If you're after a central base, this is a pretty good bet. I mean, you're not going to be waking up to a view of the red rock from your room, but you're not paying for that either. And, let's be real, after a day of hiking, you'll crash *anywhere* .
Tell me about *that time*… you know…
Okay, fine. You want a story? I got one. The time I stayed there, solo, during a freak sandstorm. It was a trip. The wind was howling, sand was *everywhere*, and the power flickered on and off all night. The room… oh, the room. The air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus. The TV, a relic from the Jurassic era, showed nothing but static. I tried to order pizza, but the phone lines were down. I was alone. I was bored. I started reading a dusty paperback I found in the bedside table (some cheesy romance novel, naturally). And then, after hours of struggling to sleep, a cockroach crawled out from under the bed. I screamed (a little). Then, I laughed. I mean, what else could I do? I survived, okay? I did. And honestly, the sheer *experience* made it memorable. It's a story I tell, and laugh about, to this day. So...best-kept secret? Maybe. But definitely a story waiting to happen.
So, would you recommend it? Be brutally honest!
Okay, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? If you're on a budget, need a crash pad, don't require luxury, and aren’t overly precious about cleanliness or modern conveniences, then yeah, go for it. You’ll survive. You might even have a story to tell. But if you’re a high-maintenance type, or expect pristine conditions and top-notch service? RUN! Run far, far away. Because, you know, the Economy Inn & Suites is…the Economy Inn & Suites. And sometimes, that's all you need. But keep your expectations low and your sense of humor high, and you might actually have a decent stay. I have.
