Rodeway Inn Columbia Mall: Grand Forks' BEST Hidden Gem?
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the… uh… Rodeway Inn Columbia Mall: Grand Forks' BEST Hidden Gem? (that’s what they say, anyway). And honestly? After my stay, I'm still wrestling with that "hidden gem" claim. Let's get messy, shall we?
First Impressions: The Accessibility Shuffle (and a Minor Panic)
Right off the bat, accessibility is a biggie. I rely on a wheelchair, and the listing promises wheelchair access. And yeah, technically, it's there. Ramps are present. The elevators – bless their little hearts – do work. But navigating the hallways felt like a slightly disorienting treasure hunt. Some doors were a little heavy, some thresholds were a hair higher than ideal. Look, I'm not saying it's a nightmare, but if you’re super sensitive to these things, maybe call ahead and ask about specific room layouts. (Accessibility, Wheelchair access, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests)
On-Site Eats & Drinks: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Okay, the on-site food situation… hoo boy. The "restaurant" – and I use the term loosely – offered… let's just say variety isn't its strong suit. (Restaurants, Coffee shop) I swear, I saw the same three items on the 'menu' for the entire trip. Like, a sad looking chicken sandwich, a bowl of chili (the "International Cuisine" offering, apparently?), and a selection of pre-packaged snacks. The coffee was… well, it was coffee. Adequate, I guess. The bar? Okay, that did offer a little solace. (Bar, Happy hour, Poolside bar) Definitely worth a quick pit stop. I’m just sayin’.
Internet Access: The Wi-Fi Whisperer (and the LAN Labyrinth)
Okay, here’s the truth: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a lie, at least in my room. The Wi-Fi signal was weaker than my grandpa’s lung capacity. Seriously, I’m talking buffering nightmares. (Internet, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless). Now, they did offer a LAN connection. Good luck wrestling with that ancient tech! I spent a good hour crawling around under the desk, trying to plug in a cable, only to give up and tether to my phone. This is not how you conduct business in 2024, people!
Things To Do & Ways to Relax: Swimming Pool Dreams (and Sauna Nightmares?)
This category is… interesting. (Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Fitness center, Gym/fitness) Let's start with a positive. The outdoor swimming pool was actually quite nice! Clean water, decent space, even a few lounge chairs. Very relaxing. That’s the good news.
Now, about the sauna… I was genuinely excited for a post-swim sweat session. The sauna looked old (and I mean OLD). It smelled… musty. And the instructions were vague and terrifying. I chickened out. Fear won the day. I can't tell you about the spa. Didn't see one. The fitness center? Well, it looked like a room filled with equipment from the late 80s. And dusty. Very dusty.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Mask Debate (and Sanitizer Scares)
Alright, alright, let's talk about the necessary: safety in the age of… well, everything. (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms). Yeah, they made the effort. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. The staff were wearing masks (mostly). The room seemed clean. But I'm a cynic. I always look for the cracks. The little imperfections. Overall, I think they're trying, but those old carpets might never fully recover.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Breakfast Buffets (and the Perils of Protein)
Okay, the dining experience. (Dining, drinking, and snacking, A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant). Breakfast… Buffet. Yes, a buffet of the usual suspects. Scrambled eggs (questionable consistency), sausages (look, I’m not judging…), toast, cereal, and a rather sad collection of fruit. And if you’re expecting "Asian breakfast" or "International Cuisine"? Good luck. It's basically standard hotel fare. Room service didn't appear to exist (at least not at 3 AM).
Services & Conveniences: The Elevator's Long Climb (and the Laundry's Lament)
Services? (Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Room service [24-hour] ). Okay, the elevator was functional. The daily housekeeping was… well, they did make the bed. The convenience store… it had the essentials. If you have high hopes of anything more, you'll be disappointed. The meeting facilities? Probably better used for a quiet moment of reflection. And I did desperately need to do laundry. The experience was… memorable. (My clothes came back smelling faintly of… something. Not pine. Not floral. Something.)
For the Kids: Babysitting Dreams (and Reality's Harsh Light)
Look, I don't have kids. (For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal) But I did notice a "babysitting service" listed. I’m not sure I'd trust those guys with my houseplant.
Getting Around: The Parking Paradise (and the Taxi Tease)
Parking, at least, was easy peasy. (Getting around, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking) Free and plentiful. Taxi service? Well, you might want to pre-book. They weren’t exactly swarming the entrance.
Available In All Rooms: The Bed's Embrace (and the Wi-Fi Woes)
Alright, the rooms. (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). The bed… was comfortable. (Extra long bed) The blackout curtains were a lifesaver. The coffee maker… well, it made coffee. The mini-fridge was more than welcome. My room was clean and (mostly) functional. And the water pressure in the shower was actually good. But remember the Wi-Fi? That’s the big bummer! The Internet was, again, dreadful.
The Verdict: Best Hidden Gem? Maybe Not.
So, is the Rodeway Inn Columbia Mall a "BEST Hidden Gem"? Honestly? Probably not.. It has its moments (that pool, the comfy bed!), but it also has its… character. It's a hotel that’s seen some things. A hotel that, at times, seemed to be stuck somewhere between the 80's and now.
If you're looking for luxury, this ain't it. If you need blazing-fast internet, look elsewhere. If you have very specific accessibility needs, call ahead and get details. BUT, if you're
Escape to Crystal Coast Paradise: Your Econo Lodge Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a "trip" (air quotes, because let's be honest, it's Grand Forks, not Monaco) to the glorious, the… well, the Rodeway Inn Columbia Mall Loop in Grand Forks, North Dakota. And trust me, planning a vacation to a Rodeway Inn, especially in Grand Forks, is like planning a gourmet meal… using only what's left in the back of your fridge after a week-long power outage. But hey, we'll make do. We'll live.
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Disappointment, and the Search for WIFI That Doesn't Want to Kill You.
- Afternoon (ish): Land in Grand Forks. Okay, so the airport’s smaller than my high school cafeteria. And the rental car? Let's just say the "premium" in "premium compact" might be a very generous interpretation. First impressions? Grand Forks is… flat. Really, ridiculously flat. I’m already feeling a deep-seated urge to climb something, anything, that isn't a curb.
- Late Afternoon: Arrive at the Rodeway Inn. Now listen, I knew what I was getting into. “Economy hotel” and “Grand Forks” are practically synonyms for "a gamble". But still. The exterior? Looks like a beige fortress of solitude built in the early 90s. The lobby? Smells faintly of chlorine, stale coffee, and… regret? (Just me?)
- The Check-in Experience: The front desk clerk is named Brenda. Brenda seems to have seen it all. She’s got that "seen-a-thousand-tourists-look" in her eyes, and frankly, I think I'm going to get that too! The room? Eh. Cleanish. The flickering fluorescent light in the bathroom is already giving me a nervous twitch. And the WIFI! Oh, the WIFI. It’s a digital ghost. Or, you know, it's so spotty my attempts to stream "The Real Housewives of Fargo" look like a slideshow presentation. I'm seriously considering writing a strongly worded letter to the internet.
- Evening: Hunger pangs are setting in. My first thought is to order a pizza. Which I do. It arrives, and I eat it. My own pizza is better. I fall asleep.
Day 2: Mall Exploration & the Unforeseen Brilliance of a Discount Bookstore.
- Morning: I wake up, slightly less disappointed than yesterday. The sun is up, and that's something. Breakfast at the Rodeway Inn? Let's just say if "continental breakfast" was an Olympic sport, the Rodeway Inn would probably get bronze… for effort.
- Mid-Morning: The Columbia Mall. Okay, this is where things get interesting. It’s a mall! A REAL mall. It has stores. I'm instantly transported to my childhood. But wait… it’s… quiet. Eerily so. The food court has a certain… vibe. By the way, I got one of those giant cinnamon rolls, and I already feel like I need a nap.
- Afternoon: The Bookstore. The Bookstore. THE BOOKSTORE! Okay, maybe it's the tryptophan from the cinnamon roll, but this off-brand bookstore is amazing. Seriously, a treasure trove of forgotten gems and deeply discounted paperbacks. I spend like three hours lost in the stacks, rediscovering the joy of holding a physical book. I find a first edition of a weird, obscure history book about Vikings in the Dakotas. I have to get it. I literally almost shed a tear when I find a signed copy of a mystery novel.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. And… it's actually pretty good! I'm surprised. The portions are enormous. I eat way too much. I almost buy some cowboy boots that I don't need.
Day 3: The Dakota Territory Air Museum, and Saying Goodbye to Grand Forks (Maybe With a Tear?)
- Morning: The Dakota Territory Air Museum. I'm not even a "plane person," but this place is surprisingly cool. Old planes, lots of aviation history, and a beautiful display of vintage flight jackets. I actually start to care about aviation. I like this experience.
- Mid-Day: Lunch at a diner. Feels like a movie. Pancakes. Bacon. Coffee that could strip paint (in a good way). Conversation with a local who tells me stories about the changing seasons.
- Afternoon: Packing and Preparing for Departure. The room at the Rodeway Inn looks even more sad today. I have a strange affection for the place. I'm not sure if I like it or if I've just given in..
- Departure: Drive back to the airport. Grand Forks, you surprising little city. The Rodeway Inn? You were exactly what I expected, and that's okay. Maybe I'll be back someday. Maybe not. Time will tell…
- The Real Final Note: As I am on the plane, I begin to dream in terms of the world. No more Rodeway Inn. No more Grand Forks. Just me and the world.
Rodeway Inn Columbia Mall: Grand Forks' BEST Hidden Gem? Let's Talk (And I Mean REALLY Talk...)
Okay, seriously, "Hidden Gem?" Is Rodeway Inn Columbia Mall really all *that*? Or am I about to walk into a horror movie?
Alright, let's be brutally honest. "Hidden Gem" might be a *touch* of hyperbole. Look, it's a Rodeway Inn. You know the drill. Think... *slightly* better than the kind of gas station bathroom you avoid at all costs, but *definitely* not the Ritz. But... and this is a big BUT... it's got its *charm*. And by charm, I mean a kind of "seen some things" quality. You know? Like the slightly wonky painting in the hallway that's clearly seen better days? That's part of the charm! My first time there? I was driving through, completely exhausted, and the online reviews were... mixed. One person said they found a surprise guest: a cockroach. I was kinda scared ngl. Anyway, I was desperate, it was the only place on the route, and I was utterly and completely beat. But honestly, it *wasn't* a horror movie. Mostly.
What's the deal with the "Columbia Mall" part? Is it, like, *right there* beside the mall? (Because that changes EVERYTHING!)
YES! This is one of the biggest selling points, and honestly, it's the reason I keep going back. It's practically attached! Okay, maybe not *attached*, but a very, very short walk. Like, you could practically roll out of bed, stumble through the parking lot in your PJs (let's not judge if you're me) and be at... well, the mall. The mall isn't the *most* amazing mall in the world, but there is an awesome play area for kids, and it has a theater. The proximity is a lifesaver. Need a quick bite? Mall. Forgot something? Mall. Sudden urge to buy a weird, novelty t-shirt? Mall. It's convenience redefined. It's perfect if you have kids. Or if you're me: a kid in adult's clothing, who just feels like eating food court food and watching a movie. Honestly, it is a very big deal.
The Rooms... Are we talking "dated but clean" or "creepy hotel from a Stephen King novel"?
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. The rooms are... well, they're a bit of a throwback. Think 80s/90s decor. Not in a trendy, retro way. More like "this hasn't been updated since the Clinton administration." The wallpaper might or might not be peeling. The furniture might or might not be wobbly. You get the picture. But... and this is where the magic of the Rodeway Inn comes in... *they're generally clean*. Honestly clean, and that's what matters. One time, after a particularly long drive, I flopped onto the bed and fully expected to hear springs protesting. Surprisingly, the bed held up! It wasn't the *most* comfortable bed I've ever slept in, but hey, it was clean, and I needed sleep badly. And it was cheap! So, I have to admit, I was pretty pleased overall. I've heard some horror stories about other hotels, so I was really relieved.
Is there a free breakfast? (Because, let's be real, that's a MAJOR factor.)
Yes! The free breakfast is pretty standard fare. It's... well, it's breakfast. Think: toast, cereal (the good kind, and the stuff that looks like it came from the bottom of a dusty food storage container), maybe some sad-looking pastries that have seen better days, and instant coffee that tastes suspiciously like what you'd find in a vending machine. But hey, it's *free*. And let's be honest, it's enough to get you going in the morning without spending a fortune. One time there wasn't any milk! I was so bummed! I love cereal, and I was so tired. I asked one of the staff, and a really nice woman went and found some for me. She was awesome. It's not a gourmet experience. It's not a Michelin-star worthy, but it is fine, and I appreciate the attempt.
What about the staff? Are they friendly, surly, or actively trying to steal my wallet?
Okay, this is where the Rodeway Inn *really* shines. The staff? Honestly, they're great! They're friendly, they're helpful, and they seem genuinely happy to see you (or at least, fake it *incredibly* well). I've never encountered any rudeness, any problems, or any hint of nefarious activity. They're the kind of folks who make you feel like you're staying at a friend's (slightly run-down, but welcoming) house. I remember one time I had a late check-in, and the person at the front desk was so patient and helpful. They even gave me some extra tips for the local area. They're what makes the place really special. They're the unsung heroes of the Rodeway Inn experience.
Any major downsides? What should I be prepared for?
Okay, let's get real. The biggest downside is the age and the aesthetic. It's not going to win any design awards. The walls are thin, so you *will* hear your neighbors. Maybe the TV is ancient. The pool might be out of order. Look, it's a budget-friendly place, and you have to temper your expectations accordingly. Also, Grand Forks isn't exactly a bustling metropolis. So, if you're expecting the hottest restaurants and trendiest shops, you might be disappointed. The surrounding area is not the most scenic in the world, to be honest. But honestly, if you can embrace the quirks and overlook the dated decor, it's totally worth it.
So, final verdict: Should I give the Rodeway Inn Columbia Mall a shot?
Here's the deal. If you're looking for luxury, a spa, and a five-star experience, RUN! Seriously, run far away. But... if if you're looking for a clean, convenient, budget-friendly place to crash, with genuinely friendly staff, in a prime location for mall-adjacent adventures? Then, yes. Absolutely, yes. It's not perfect. It never claims to be. But it is what it is: a solid, reliable option that won't break the bank. It might just surprise you. And hey, you might even find your own "hidden gem" within its slightly faded walls. I certainly did. Just don't expect the Ritz. Oh, and one more thing: Check for deals! You can often get a surprisingly good rate, especially if you book in advance.
