Wichita's Hidden Gem: Drury Plaza Broadview Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Wichita's Hidden Gem: Drury Plaza Broadview Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - Seriously Tho.
Okay, folks, buckle up. We’re diving headfirst into the Drury Plaza Broadview in Wichita, Kansas. Forget those generic hotel reviews – this is going to be a real, unfiltered experience. You’ve been warned. And let me tell you, the "hidden gem" title isn't just marketing fluff…
First Impressions & Accessibility (Let's Get Real)
Pulling up, the Broadview looks impressive. Grand, even. And getting in? Surprisingly easy. We're talking wheelchair accessible everywhere from the lobby to the elevator. Big thumbs-up on that. I'm not necessarily in a wheelchair myself, but I always appreciate it when places are genuinely inclusive. The car park [free of charge] is a HUGE win, especially in a downtown location. That's a relief for my wallet right off the bat. And the check-in/out [express] option? Thank god! Because frankly, I hate waiting. You have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property – always a good thing, I guess, for safety and peace of mind, even if it feels a little like Big Brother's watching.
Rooms: Fortress of Comfy (and Maybe a Little Messy, Heh)
Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the room. I’m a complete sucker for a comfortable bed, and… drumroll… the Drury delivered. That extra long bed was a lifesaver. The blackout curtains are also a crucial feature in a place like this where there’s a lot of stuff to look at all day and night. The air conditioning was a godsend. I’m one of those people who sweats the second they step outside, so having it blasting as soon as I got in was a godsend.
I also appreciated the little things: complimentary tea and coffee, the free bottled water (because, hydration!), the in-room safe box (for my super-important, top-secret… uh… travel documents). The Wi-Fi is free, and it WORKS. I was able to get all my work done. The desk, laptop workspace, and internet access - wireless were all a huge help. Let’s be real, it all comes down to how the room feels. I felt… good.
Now, I will say the room wasn't perfectly pristine. You know how it is. But the daily housekeeping and room sanitization opt-out available make it a big plus. Let’s be honest, I’m not the neatest person. Plus, they had things like slippers, bathrobes, and an umbrella. Basically, everything you could possibly need was there.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: My Kryptonite (in a Good Way)
This is where the Drury really shines. The breakfast [buffet] is legendary. I'm not exaggerating. Waffles? Check. Bacon? Check. Sausage? Check. Eggs cooked exactly how I like them? Check. Fruit, yogurt, cereal, pastries… Honestly, it's a glorious, carb-loaded start to the day. They also had all the essential condiments to make things even better. And the breakfast takeaway service is perfect for those days when you just want to grab and go, which I did a lot.
Then there's the evening… and I'm not gonna lie, I looked forward to it every day. Happy hour at the bar is a must-do. Free drinks and snacks? Yes, please! They had a good selection of cocktails, beer, and wine, plus things like chips, salsa, and other delicious junk food. The poolside bar is another fun thing.
They have a coffee shop, restaurants, and room service [24-hour], so you're never really starving. I loved the coffee/tea in restaurant because I'm addicted to caffeine. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was also a delicious option, especially late at night when there was nothing else open.
Things to do (and Ways to Relax): Pool Party! (Almost)
The swimming pool [outdoor], even though it's indoors, is a real treat. I'm not a huge "spa" person, but the sauna and steamroom were very tempting. Though they had things like a body scrub and massage if I wanted to. And the gym/fitness area is well-equipped.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know, Reality)
This is where I was genuinely impressed by the Drury. They're clearly taking COVID precautions seriously. They use anti-viral cleaning products, there's hand sanitizer everywhere, they did daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff are trained in safety protocol. The sanitized kitchen and tableware items were also something I appreciated. They also have safe dining setup.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Extras That Matter
From the 24-hour front desk to the concierge, the staff at the Broadview are genuinely helpful and friendly. They offer laundry service, dry cleaning, and ironing service – all crucial for any traveler. The gift/souvenir shop is perfect for picking up last-minute gifts. They had a convenience store which I loved. They have food delivery and cash withdrawal.
For the Kids (if you need them!)
The hotel is family/child friendly. You'll find all the usual suspects: babysitting service, and a variety of kids facilities.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
The Drury has airport transfer. The taxi service is there for you. And the hotel offers car park [free of charge].
Now, the Anecdotal Part (The Rambling Begins)
Okay, so let me tell you about the best part. I think it was the second night. I was exhausted from a full day of… well, stuff. Work, sightseeing, more work. I’d been in meetings all day and I just wanted to crash. But my stomach was rumbling, so I decided to go down for happy hour and just maybe grab some food.
And then I saw it. The chocolate fountain. A legitimate, flowing chocolate fountain. I'm talking dark chocolate, like rivers of pure deliciousness. And marshmallows! And strawberries! I immediately forgot all about my fatigue and loaded up my plate. I'm not even a huge dessert person… but this…this was magic. I sat there, in a comfy armchair, eating chocolate-covered strawberries and watching the world go by. It was pure bliss. I may have even gone back for seconds… and thirds.
Quirks & Imperfections (Because Nothing’s Perfect)
Look, it’s a hotel. There are always some imperfections. The lighting in my room was a little… dramatic. I'm talking, more for mood lighting than actually trying to see. Also, the elevators were a bit slow at times, especially during peak hours. And the walls weren't entirely soundproof – I could hear the occasional late-night revelry from the hallway. But honestly, these are minor quibbles.
The Verdict: Still Believing?
Okay, so is the Drury Plaza Broadview a "hidden gem"? Absolutely. It’s comfortable, convenient, well-maintained, and the breakfast (and happy hour!) are truly amazing. I felt genuinely cared for. It’s a solid choice for business travelers, families, or anyone just looking for a relaxing getaway.
And here's the kicker…
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P.S. If you see me at the chocolate fountain, don't judge. Just… get a strawberry. You won’t be sorry.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is my Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview Wichita experience, unvarnished, chaotic, and dripping with caffeine. Prepare for a wild ride:
Day 1: Arrival & "Oh God, This Elevator…"
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT): Okay, fine, first things first. I land. Tired. The flight was…well, let's just say the guy in 12B had a serious onion bagel situation going on. Never underestimate the power of a single, strategically placed onion. Anyway, bags retrieved, rental car chaos avoided (miracle!), and I’m heading towards the legendary Broadview.
- 2:00 PM - Check-in and Room Reconnaissance: The lobby is…impressive. Grand. And the front desk lady? Absolute pro. Check-in was smooth, which is a minor victory these days. Room key deployed, door opened, and… wait a second. This elevator. Dear God, this elevator. Smells like lemon cleaner and regret. Made it to my floor, which is an exercise in itself (the lights flicker, is that normal?).
- 2:30 PM - Room Assessment (aka Mild Panic): Okay, room is… spacious. King bed situation is a plus. The view? Pretty much a brick wall. Not ideal, but hey, it's not like I came to Wichita to stare at scenery, right? Right?! Okay, deep breaths. Time to unpack. Oh, and I appear to have forgotten my toothbrush. Lovely.
- 3:00 PM - Pool Panic: Since this is Drury, I have to check out the pool, right? Decent size, a little too chlorine-y for my liking (is that my hair already crunchy?), and a small kid is currently attempting to perform a swan dive into the shallow end. I’m getting second-hand anxiety. I’m out.
- 3:30 PM - Hotel Happy Hour (Bless their Hearts!): Free food. FREE. FOOD!! I am IN. Cheese cubes, mini-hot dogs (yes!), and a surprisingly decent margarita. This. Is. Where I will spend the majority of my time, I can tell. I'm not proud, but I'm human.
- 6:00 PM - Exploration: The "River" is a River: Alright, let's pretend I'm a cultured traveler. I hit the streets. The river is…well, it's a river. Not the Seine. Not the Thames. But it's…there. I walk. I judge. Overall, slightly underwhelming.
Day 2: Art, Aviation, And… Breakfast?
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet (Game Changer): Okay, maybe I wasn't completely wrong about this place. The breakfast buffet? Chef's kiss. Waffles, bacon, scrambled eggs that aren't suspiciously rubbery. I may have overdone it.
- 9:30 AM - The Wichita Art Museum (Attempted Sophistication): Let's try something high-brow. The Wichita Art Museum. Honestly, it’s surprisingly good! I pretended to understand the abstract stuff. I even tried to look contemplative. My inner child, however, wanted to touch everything.
- 11:30 AM - Lunch: The Quest for the Perfect Sandwich: I'm on a quest, people. The perfect sandwich. After a quick Google search, I end up at a deli near the museum. It wasn't perfect, but it hit the spot.
- 1:00 PM - Kansas Aviation Museum (Holy Cow, Airplanes!): I am fascinated. This place is unbelievably cool! So many airplanes! My inner child (which is still very much present) is gleefully running around, occasionally pointing and going "WHOA!" The sheer scale of these machines… it's humbling. I spent like, four hours just… staring. I may have also pretended to be a pilot. Don't judge me.
- 5:00 PM - Nap Time (Necessary Evil): The airplane excitement has apparently taken all my energy. I crash.
- 8:00 PM - Drinks and Dinner (Back at the Buffet, Obviously): The free food is just too tempting. I'm starting to think it's a conspiracy to keep me here forever. Not that I'm complaining. Dinner: more cheese cubes. It’s the little things…
Day 3: Farewell, Wichita (Maybe?)
- 8:30 AM - Breakfast (Repeat Performance): No shame.
- 9:30 AM - Last-Minute Shopping (For Something, Anything): Found a surprisingly charming little bookstore. Bought a book I'll probably never read. Gotta support local businesses!
- 11:00 AM - Check Out (Goodbye, Elevator of Destiny): The whole elevator ordeal starts giving me a case of the "heebie-jeebies" now.
- 11:30 AM - Airport Bound (And the Onion Bagel Phantom): The drive back to the airport is…well, it's a drive. The lingering scent of… something? The thought of the onion bagel haunts me, and I hope the guy in 12B is enjoying his flight.
- 1:00 PM - Departure (Until Next Time…): Wichita, you were…an experience. The Broadview? Quirky charm, free food, and that elevator will give me nightmares. But you know what? I kinda dug it. I'll be back. Maybe. Probably. With a toothbrush, that's for sure. And definitely to raid the buffet once more, the second I step back into my room.
OMG, Is the Drury Plaza Broadview Really *That* Good? Like, Seriously?
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup. The Drury Plaza Broadview? It's... a whole THING. Honestly? Yes. But it's complicated. Like, on the one hand, *historic* building, stunning architecture, the *view* from the rooms... it’s got that wow factor. You walk in, and you're immediately like, "WHOA." But is it perfect? Absolutely not. It's got this weird energy, sometimes. Like, the staff is *mostly* fantastic, but you get the occasional… less-than-enthusiastic person. More on that later. But yeah, overall... it’s a solid, solid experience. For Wichita, it's a freaking *masterpiece*.
Tell Me About the Free Food Situation. Is it Actually Good, Or Just... Free?
Alright, the food. Ah, the glorious, life-saving food. The evening "kickback"? They call it that. It *is* free. And it's... variable. One time, it was this amazing taco bar with, like, actual *good* tortillas. (I'm from California, so I judge tortillas HARD.) Another time? Eh. Sloppy Joes. But hey, free Sloppy Joes beat paying for dinner when you're already exhausted from, like, *existing*. The breakfast? Much more consistent. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, the usual suspects. And the little coffee creamer selection? Perfection. I *love* the tiny vanilla creamer containers.
The Pool? Is The Pool Worth a Swim? Or is it a Sticky Mess of Chlorine?
Okay, so the pool. Important. It’s a *big* pool which is super nice. It's indoors, which is a HUGE win, because Wichita weather is... a thing. It's usually pretty clean. My kids love it. Here's the confession: I'm not a huge pool person myself. I'm more of a "sit on a lounge chair and judge everyone else" type. But the pool *is* nice. And the hot tub? Yes. Absolutely worth a soak. It's hot, it's bubbly, and it shuts out the world for a few glorious minutes. Which is what we all need, right?
Let's Talk About the Rooms. Are They Actually Nice, or Just... Dated?
The rooms, for the most part, are fantastic! They've got that classic Drury feel, which is comforting. Comfortable beds, clean bathrooms (THANK GOD!), and usually a decent view. But, like, I had this *one* experience… Okay, so here we go. We checked in once, right? And the room… the air conditioner was LOUD. Like, a jet engine. And the TV? Static. Nothing but static. I called the front desk (the lovely young lady was SUPER helpful, bless her heart) and they switched us right away. But, it does say something. Stuff happens. This time was an outlier, truly. The rooms are generally a win. Just maybe... check the A/C right away. Seriously.
Parking – Is it a Nightmare? Do I Need to Budget Extra Time (and Sanity)?
Parking. Ah, yes. The eternal struggle. The Drury Plaza Broadview offers parking, but it's a bit pricey. I think it was like $25 a night, and then you have to tip the guy who does the valet. Parking in any city is always... something. But they have it. It’s generally pretty easy to get in and out. Just prepare yourself mentally for the cost, and remember to factor in the tip at the end of the valet service. It's less of a nightmare than some other hotels, but don't expect free and easy. It's downtown, people. That's just how it is.
The Architecture – Is it Truly "Hidden Gem" Worthy?
Oh. My. GOD. The architecture. This is where the Drury Broadview *shines*. It's stunning. It's gorgeous. It's the kind of building that makes you want to wander around and just... *look*. It has this old-world charm, you know? Like you're transported to another era. The details are incredible, the lobby is breathtaking. It's a real feast for the eyes. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. The architecture alone makes it a "hidden gem." I mean, just Google some pictures. You'll see! I spend way too much time staring at it. It's a genuinely beautiful place and makes it special. Plus, it's haunted, right? That adds to the mystique. Okay, maybe I am being dramatic. But WOW.
Is there anything I need to know before I book that's super important?
Alright, here's the secret sauce, the *real* insider tip: Book in advance, especially if you're going on a weekend or during a popular event. Rooms fill up FAST. And… try to get a room with a view. Seriously. It is WAY more fun to sit in a room, watching the city below. Also, be prepared for a little noise, because the Broadview is a popular spot. But mostly, just relax, enjoy yourself, and embrace the experience. It's Wichita's finest. Go and enjoy the history.
