Escape to Merrill's Charming Cobblestone Inn: Your WI Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sterile, corporate review – this is the real deal. We're talking about "Escape to Merrill's Charming Cobblestone Inn: Your WI Getaway Awaits!" and honestly, I'm already halfway packed, just THINKING about it. Let's dive headfirst into this Wisconsin wonderland and try not to drown in the cheese curds of… well, everything.
First Impressions (and a Sigh of Relief): Accessibility, Accessibility, Accessibility!
Alright, let's get the important stuff out of the way. Accessibility. Look, I'm not personally in a wheelchair, but I do appreciate a place that actually THINKS about folks who are. Cobblestone Inn? They DO. The website boasts facilities for disabled guests, which is a HUGE plus. I'm talking elevators (yes!), which is a lifesaver for anyone with mobility issues, especially if they're, say, carrying a suitcase full of cheese. Now, specific details on ramps and whatnot? I need to investigate deeper, but the intent is clearly there. I'll be honest, the thought of a truly accessible getaway gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. We need more places like this.
Connectivity: Stay Connected, or Disconnect – Your Choice!
Ah, the modern dilemma. Gotta work? Gotta binge-watch your guilty pleasure? Cobblestone Inn's got you covered. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Internet [LAN] is mentioned, though I’m picturing a dusty old Ethernet cable plugged into a wall. Still, options are good! They also have Wi-Fi in public areas, which is handy if you want to Instagram your breakfast buffet extravaganza (more on that later). Basically, you can be plugged in or blissfully disconnected; the choice is yours. And yeah, I always bring my laptop, which has a workspace.
The Pampering Promised Land: Relaxation & Rejuvenation (Or Not… We’ll See!)
Okay, this is where things get juicy. The list of ways to blow off steam is extensive. Let's break it down:
Spa? YES PLEASE. Sauna? YES. Steamroom? YES. Pool with a view? DOUBLE YES. Spa/sauna? Sounds divine. I’m especially intrigued by the pool with a view. Is it overlooking the Wisconsin River? A charming cobblestone courtyard (because of the "Cobblestone" in the name, duh?) The mind races.
Massage, body wrap, body scrub? Okay, I'm already picturing myself melting into a pile of bliss. Sign me up. Especially if they have a good massage therapist. A bad massage therapist… that’s a whole different kind of pain. shudders Still, options are key. And, of course, there's a fitness center for those who like torture…. I mean, a bit of exercise.
Foot bath Seriously though, who doesn't love a good foot bath?
Food, Glorious Food (And Drink!): Fueling the Fun
Alright, let's cut to the chase: the eating situation. This is where a hotel can REALLY win me over.
Restaurants Plural? Excellent. I’ve read that a Western and Asian cuisine in the restaurant is available!
Breakfast [buffet]? Yes, yes, a thousand times YES. Breakfast buffet, if done right, can be the most glorious part of a hotel stay.
I'm picturing it: a vast spread of fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, perfectly scrambled eggs, and a mountain of fresh fruit. It’s the most important meal of the day, after all.
A la carte in restaurant/ Buffet in restaurant Yes and yes. More options, more happiness.
Coffee/tea in restaurant/ Coffee Shop
Poolside bar? Always a good choice. Sipping a margarita while overlooking that pool with a view? Perfection. Does the place have happy hour? Happy hour? YES! I'm in!
Room service [24-hour]? Jackpot! Late-night snack attacks are a real thing, people.
Desserts in restaurant, salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant.
Alternative meal arrangement This is a nice touch for people with dietary restrictions (or if, you know, the buffet gives you indigestion.)
Vegetarian restaurant I appreciate that. A place that understands not everyone is a carnivore… or that some people, like me, just need a break from steak.
Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant I like it! Different flavors!
Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Cleanliness & Safety: Because No One Wants a Germ-Filled Getaway
In the current climate, this stuff matters. And Cobblestone Inn seems to be taking it seriously:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, hygiene certification, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, professional-grade sanitizing services, safe dining setup, sanitized kitchen and tableware items, staff trained in safety protocol.
- And the option to room sanitization opt-out is a good option.
- Cashless payment service is a smart move too.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
- Air conditioning in public area, concierge, daily housekeeping, food delivery, luggage storage, laundry service, dry cleaning, elevator, front desk [24-hour], safe deposit boxes, car park [free of charge], taxi service, car power charging station, valet parking, facilities for disabled guests, currency exchange, gift shop, invoice provided, iron service, on-site event hosting, outdoor venue for special events, business center
- I'm a sucker for a good doorman.
- Dry cleaning Laundry service is a lifesaver.
- Elevator: Again, HUGE for accessibility!
For the Kids: Keeping the Little Monsters… I Mean, Angels… Happy
- Babysitting service is an A+.
- Family/child friendly, kids facilities, kids meal – a must-have if you're traveling with little ones (or if you're just a big kid yourself).
The Nitty-Gritty: The Rooms Themselves
Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, 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, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, 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.
So, the rooms… a lot of the standard stuff is there: the coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, and free Wi-Fi, essential. Blackout curtains are always a win for a good night's sleep… the slippers are a subtle but welcome touch of comfort. A refrigerator is useful if you're bringing snacks and drinks (duh).
And that extra-long bed? YES. My long frame celebrates that option.
Getting Around: Navigating Merrill & Beyond
- Airport transfer, bicycle parking, car park [free of charge], taxi service, valet parking. I'm pretty sure I'll be driving, so the car park [free of charge] is a definite win.
The Ambience: What We Don't Know (Yet!)
This place sounds charming. It's the "Cobblestone" in the name, the promise of a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. I'm envisioning crackling fireplaces, comfy armchairs, and maybe even a resident ghost (just kidding… mostly). My heart would skip a beat if there was a courtyard with fairy lights!
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Let's Be Real):
- Hotel Chain? It's not screaming "boutique" -- this is from the hotel chain perspective, which isn't bad, but means it probably follows a pattern.
- Pets Allowed? Unavailable – I’m a bit sad about that, because I adore dogs.
- Room Decoration? I hope the rooms aren't TOO sterile. Some personality is always welcome. I'm hoping for some cozy charm, not a cookie-cutter hotel room, not that it's likely.
- I haven't found concrete details on specific accessibility features (like the width of doorways), so more digging is needed.
- I'll be really curious to see if the on-site dining lives up to the promise (i.e., that breakfast buffet).
Alright, buckle up, Buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the utter chaos that is my planned trip (aka, the pre-trip daydream) to Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Merrill, Wisconsin. Let's just say, I'm not exactly known for my flawless itineraries. More like… "organized chaos." Which, let’s be honest, makes for better stories.
Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Merrill Itinerary: Operation 'Maple Syrup Dreams & Mild Panic'
(Disclaimer: This is a plan, not a binding contract. Things will go wrong. They always do. Embrace the glorious mess!)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Quest for Coffee
- 1:00 PM - Arrival (ish) at Cobblestone Inn. Okay, let's be real. "ish" is the operative word here. Knowing my track record, I'll probably be running at least 30 minutes late. My GPS is going to lead me astray. I envision myself shouting at the dashboard, probably because it's always my fault. I will apologize to the front desk, probably more than once, because I will be so bad.
- 1:15 PM - Check-in. Breathe. Find Parking, hope it is close. I will check for the elevator for my luggage because I can't do stairs with them. I'm praying for a room not next to the ice machine. That's a personal hell.
- 1:30 PM - The Coffee Crisis. This is paramount. Search for coffee. Is there coffee in the room? God, please let there be coffee in the room. If not, immediate mission: Find a caffeine infusion. A local coffee shop, maybe? I'm already envisioning myself wandering into a place with the worst coffee in the world. I will be grumpy, I will be judgmental, and I will, begrudgingly, drink it anyway because caffeine.
- 2:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance and the Great Unpack. Ah, the joy (and dread) of unpacking. Is the room clean? Is the bed comfy? (Important questions, people.) I will meticulously assess the room, probably find something to complain about, and then promptly forget about it 10 minutes later because I'm easily distracted. The unpacking itself will be haphazard. I'll probably toss things on the bed, promising myself I'll organize later. (I won't.)
- 2:30 PM - Rest and Relaxation (Attempted). I'll try to sit and relax, maybe read a book or watch some TV. But the anticipation will be overwhelming! Or maybe a nap? A short one to recharge before the afternoon fun. If I can actually pull off being relaxed, I'll feel smug.
- 3:00 PM - First explorations of Merrill. I think I’ll google the best restaurant in Merrill to have dinner
Day 2: Merrill Adventure & Food Coma
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Inn. Assuming they have a decent breakfast buffet. I'm a sucker for a waffle maker. I will spend what is far too long pouring syrup all over my plate.
- 9:00 AM - Exploring Merrill! Okay, I'm thinking a scenic drive. Maybe a stop at a park. Nothing too strenuous, because, let's face it, I'm not a morning person.
- 11:00 AM - The local Museum. I'll get to learn some facts about Merrill that will leave the area's history in the back of my head.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch! Another restaurant search begins. Maybe I'll look for a local diner. Real, authentic, greasy spoon vibes. Fingers crossed for a killer burger.
- 2:00 PM - The Experience: Maple Syrup! This is my big goal. I will go to a store to buy the best available Maple Syrup. I will pour it on everything. I'll probably buy way too much to take home, which will lead to maple syrup-related guilt later.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner. I better work up an appetite.
- 7:00 PM - Rest.
- 8:00 PM - Snack.
Day 3: Departure and the Bitter-Sweet Goodbye (and the Coffee)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast. One last waffle! One more chance to load up on sugary goodness.
- 9:00 AM - Check-Out. I'll hope I don't leave anything behind. I always leave something behind!
- 9:30 AM - Farewell to Merrill! The drive home. I'll be sad.
- 10:00 AM - Coffee. I'll need a large coffee for the drive home.
- 11:00 AM - Arrival.
Emotional Reactions:
- Excitement: For waffles, maple syrup, and a change of scenery.
- Anxiety: About getting lost, the check-in process, and the potential for coffee-related disappointment.
- Happiness: If I find a good diner.
- Resignation: That things won't go as planned. And that's okay!
- Relief: If the bed is comfy.
- Mild panic: If the coffee is terrible.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is just a suggestion, a guideline, a whisper in the wind. The best trips are the ones that let you wander, get lost, and stumble upon something unexpected. This trip is as much about the surprises as it is about the plans. And if all else fails, there's always more coffee. Wish me luck (and maybe send caffeine).
**Sikeston's BEST Kept Secret: Drury Inn & Suites Review (You Won't Believe This!)**
Okay, First Things First: Is this place actually *charming*? Because I've seen some "charming" places that were charmingly… depressing.
Look, I get it. "Charming" can be code for "needs a major facelift and someone with a vision board." But seriously, the Cobblestone Inn? It's *actually* charming. Think: cobblestone (duh!), like, actual cobblestones. Old-timey lanterns that *actually* work. And the staff? They're not pretending to be nice just to get a tip. They're genuinely happy to see you, which is, let's be honest, a huge win. It's got that "lived-in" feel, not in a gross way, but in a "this place has seen some stories" kind of way. Okay, maybe the wallpaper in Room 101 is a *bit* dated, but honestly? It made me smile. It was like stepping back in time - in a good way, not the "dial-up internet" kind of way. It’s got a little bit of character. Okay, a LOT of character.
So, Merrill, Wisconsin. Is there… anything to *do* there? Or am I just gonna be staring at cobblestones for three days?
Alright, let's be real. Merrill isn't exactly bursting at the seams with wild nightlife. But you know what? That's kind of the point! It's a *retreat*. It's a chance to *unplug*. There's the Wisconsin River (hello, kayaking!), some adorable little shops, and blessedly, a lack of giant chain stores. I'm not gonna lie, I went into town and sat on a park bench and watched the people go by and I swear, the peace was intoxicating. Don't expect Vegas. Do expect a place to *breathe*. I got to actually read a book! A BOOK! Without the constant ping of my phone. It was… glorious. There's definitely no shortage of small-town charm.
Tell me about the FOOD! I'm a hungry human. Are we talking gourmet dining or… microwaved something?
Okay, the food at the Cobblestone Inn… is hearty. It's not fussy. It's like your grandma cooked it (if your grandma was a *really* good cook). No Michelin stars here, but you'll get home-cooked meals - I’m talking real butter, people! – like a fantastic breakfast in the morning to get you started right. I didn’t actually eat there for dinner but every morning, the smell of the bacon filled the building and I was hooked. I may or may not have had seconds of the pancakes. (Don't judge me!) It's comfort food. It's the kind of food that makes you feel warm inside. And on a cold Wisconsin night? Pure bliss.
What's the *vibe*? Is it a place for couples, families, solo adventurers…?
Honestly? All of the above! I saw couples holding hands, families with kids running around (in a charming, not chaotic way), and solo travelers like me, happily immersed in their books. The common areas are cozy - think crackling fireplaces and comfy armchairs. It's definitely a place to connect with people… or to completely hide away in your room and read all day, which is what I did. It's chill. It's relaxed. It's the perfect place to recharge, no matter who you are. I actually found myself striking up a conversation with a very nice couple at breakfast. We ended up swapping stories for an hour! It's that kind of place.
Okay, spill the tea: Any downsides? Because nothing's ever *perfect*.
Alright, alright, here's the brutally honest truth. The WiFi… it's a little… *spotty*. Embrace the digital detox! Also, parking can be a *teeny* bit tight depending on what time you arrive. And, as mentioned before, the wallpaper, well. Let’s just say design-wise, it hasn't been updated in a while. But honestly? Those are minor quibbles. Like, *really* minor. Because the charm, the warmth, the overall… *vibe*... more than makes up for it. Also, the walls are pretty thin. You might hear your neighbors snore. I got lucky, the couple next door were very quiet.
Can you tell me about a specific "experience" you had there? Like, something you'll *never* forget?
Oh man, okay. This is gonna sound silly, but… the *bath*. I had a suite with a clawfoot tub, and it was like stepping into a movie. Picture this: It was a ridiculously cold, rainy day outside and I had just finished a LONG drive. Walking into the room was a relief in itself. The tub was enormous and I loaded it with a bath bomb I'd brought (lavender, obviously, for maximum relaxation), and I lit some candles (because, duh, ambiance!). I kid you not, I was SO relaxed. The window looked out onto the cobblestone street and it was just… *magical*. I soaked in that tub for, like, two hours. Two hours! Listening to the rain patter on the roof, just completely unplugged. It was pure bliss. And when I finally got out? I felt like a completely new person. I swear, it cured all my problems. Okay, maybe not *all* of them. But at least for that night, all the stress and worries of the world disappeared. That bath… it was a religious experience. Seriously.
So, bottom line: Would you go back? And would you recommend it?
Absolutely. Without a doubt! I am already trying to find an excuse to return! If you're looking for a cookie-cutter hotel experience, this isn't it. But if you're looking for a place to slow down, to reconnect with yourself (or whoever you're with), and soak up some good old-fashioned charm? Book it. Book. It. Just promise me you'll grab a bath bomb. You won't regret it. And tell them I sent you. (Maybe they'll give me a discount next time... a girl can dream, right?) Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some cobblestones...
