Escape to Wisconsin: Your Perfect Tomah Getaway Awaits at Quality Inn!
Escape to Wisconsin: My Tomah Quality Inn Tango - It's a Rhapsody (Mostly)
Alright, folks, buckle up, because this ain't your average, sterile hotel review. This is my personal, slightly unhinged, and totally honest take on the Quality Inn in Tomah, Wisconsin – the one they’re calling “Your Perfect Tomah Getaway!” Let's see, shall we? Prepare for some truth bombs, a few tears (maybe), and a whole lotta… well, let's call it “authenticity.”
First Impressions & First Hiccups:
Pulling up, the exterior corridor setup felt a bit motel-y, a far cry from the grand resorts of my dreams. But hey, Tomah, Wisconsin, isn't exactly Monaco, is it? I’d already accepted this wasn't a luxury experience, which, to be honest, set my expectations accordingly.
Accessibility & Ease - or, the "Can I Get Around?" Factor:
- Wheelchair Accessible: Okay, big thumbs up here. Seemed genuinely accommodating, which is HUGE for me. The elevator was smooth and didn't sound like it was about to launch into space (a bonus!). More on that later…
- Facilities for disabled guests: Appears to be available!
- Exterior corridor: Well, it's there…
Inside the Fortress of Comfort: The Room Breakdown
My room was…well, it was a room. Clean, mostly. And hey, it had air conditioning, a godsend during that Wisconsin heat wave (or what felt like it, anyway). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms – yes! Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN – double yes! I could actually work…or, you know, stream cat videos. Priorities.
- Additional Toilet!!: Nope
- Air conditioning: Yep, works, great!
- Alarm clock: Yep
- Bathrobes: Nope
- Bathroom phone: Nope
- Bathtub: Yep
- Blackout curtains: Score! Sleeeep.
- Carpeting: Standard stuff
- Closet: Functional
- Coffee/tea maker: Ah, a tiny beacon of hope in the vast landscape of "okayness." The coffee wasn't great, let’s be honest, but it was warm and caffeinated.
- Complimentary tea: Meh
- Desk: Usable, though I think my desk at home is nicer.
- Extra long bed: Nope
- Free bottled water: Yes! Hydration is key.
- Hair dryer: Yes, and it didn't sound like a jet engine. (Another win!)
- High floor: I'm not a fan of high floors.
- In-room safe box: Nope.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: I didn't test this, thankfully.
- Internet access – LAN: Yep
- Internet access – wireless: Yes, working well.
- Ironing facilities: Yes
- Laptop workspace: Definitely
- Linens: Decent.
- Mini bar: No.
- Mirror: Yes
- Non-smoking: Blessedly, yes.
- On-demand movies: Hmmm
- Private bathroom: Yes
- Reading light: Check.
- Refrigerator: Yes.
- Safety/security feature Smoke detector.
- Satellite/cable channels: Yup, the usual suspects.
- Scale: No.
- Seating area: Basic.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Nope.
- Shower: Okay.
- Slippers: Nope.
- Smoke detector: Yes, thankfully.
- Socket near the bed: Yes.
- Sofa: I didn't have a sofa.
- Soundproofing: Average.
- Telephone: Yes, used to order room service.
- Toiletries: The usual generic stuff.
- Towels: Clean.
- Umbrella: Nope.
- Visual alarm: Unnecessary
- Wake-up service: Available, thankfully
The Cleaning Crew - Cleanliness & Safety: More Than Okay.
Okay, this is where the Quality Inn REALLY shined. It's a MUST for hotels, even without the current events, it’s expected, but they really went above and beyond with Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service was available, and they had Daily disinfection in common areas. Huge points. Felt safe!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Seems so.
- Hygiene certification: Don't know.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Important
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Not really enforced, but they tried.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Didn't see them, but I believed it.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Good to know.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Assumed.
- Safe dining setup: Yes.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Felt clean.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to be.
- Sterilizing equipment: Hopefully used somewhere!
Feasting & Fumbling: Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Quest for Sustenance
- Breakfast [buffet]: This was…an experience. The usual suspects: rubbery scrambled eggs, questionable sausage, beige-colored everything. I loaded up on the waffles (which, thankfully, were decent.)
- Restaurants: Nope
- Poolside bar: Alas, it's lacking.
- Room service [24-hour]: Oh, glory! I ordered a burger at 2 AM. It was… serviceable. The fries were cold. But hey, it arrived and I was starving.
- Snack bar: Nope.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Available.
- Poolside bar: Nope.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: They don't have it.
Things To Do and Ways to Relax: Does the Zen Exist?
- Fitness center: Didn't try it.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: It exists – looked okay, but I'm not a pool person.
- Spa: Nope. No body wraps or massages here, folks. This is not the place for a zen retreat.
- Sauna: Nope.
- Steamroom: Nope, nothing fancy.
- Gym/fitness: I passed.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: No idea.
- Business facilities: It had the basics.
- Cash withdrawal: I don't remember seeing an ATM.
- Concierge: Nope.
- Contactless check-in/out: Yep.
- Convenience store: Nope.
- Currency exchange: Nope.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Doorman: No.
- Dry cleaning: No.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Essential condiments: Available.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Seems to be well-equipped.
- Food delivery: Probably.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Nope.
- Indoor venue for special events: Probably.
- Invoice provided: Yes.
- Ironing service: Available.
- Laundry service: Available.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes.
- Meetings: Yes.
- Meeting stationery: Probably.
- On-site event hosting: Yes.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Probably.
- Projector/LED display: Probably.
- Safety deposit boxes: No.
- Seminars: Probably.
- Shrine: Nope.
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Nope, not that I saw.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Probably.
- Xerox/fax in business center: Probably.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun?
- Babysitting service: Nope.
- Family/child friendly: It seemed to be.
- Kids facilities: I didn't see any play areas.
- Kids meal: Nope.
Getting Around – Wheels and Wings:
- Airport transfer: Nope.
- Bicycle parking: Didn't see it.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yup, free parking!
- Car park [on-site]: Yup.
- Car power charging station: Nope.
- Taxi service: Unsure.
- Valet parking: Absolutely not.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, 'cause you're about to get a front-row seat to my brain trying to navigate… Tomah, Wisconsin. Specifically, the hallowed halls of the Quality Inn. This ain’t gonna be your slick, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is gonna be real.
Day 1: Arrival and the Search for Actual Wisconsin-ness (Or, Why I'm Already Questioning My Life Choices)
2:00 PM - Arrival, Check-In Chaos, and the Carpet's Secret Life: Okay, so I roll into the Quality Inn. It smells vaguely of chlorine and… sadness? You know, the hotel scent that's trying way too hard to be fresh. The front desk guy is genuinely nice, bless his heart; I’m pretty sure he's seen some things. He fumbles with the key card, which, of course, doesn’t work the first three times. Classic. The carpet, though… the carpet in the hallway is a swirling vortex of beige and brown, and I swear I saw a rogue Cheerio attempt an escape. My room? Standard. Beds look comfy enough. But there’s already a vague sense of existential dread settling in. Am I in the right place? Is this what my life has come to?
2:30 PM - The Great Wisconsin Pizza Quest (and the Disappointment of the Chain Restaurant): My stomach’s a-rumblin’. I’m craving REAL Wisconsin food. You know, cheese curds, brats, the whole shebang. I figure, hey, there's got to be something decent close, right? Wrong. After a desperate Google search and a mental debate worthy of the Supreme Court, I end up settling on a chain pizza place. In my defense, it was the only place open, other than a Subway. I should have just eaten the Subway, but I can't give up on the Wisconsin dream. Pizza was…pizza. The crust was cardboard-y, the cheese was…cheesy. Definitely not award-winning. I ate it anyway. Regretful.
4:00 PM - The Hotel Pool: A Study in Human Behavior: I actually did go down to the pool. I know, you're shocked. The pool was not quite a sparkling oasis. It was humid and chlorine-y, with a distinct scent of old towels. There were about 5 people (probably a mix of families and people using it as an excuse to drink). One kid was yelling at the top of his lungs. A woman was getting a tan, her makeup perfectly on point. I decided to dip my toes in and watch the chaos. Fascinating.
6:00 PM - The Grocery Run (and the Illusion of Independence): I need snacks. And maybe, just maybe, something to make me feel less like I’m starring in a low-budget travel documentary. Head to a local grocery store. The selection is… okay. I get some cheese crackers and a suspicious-looking apple. The cashier is either having a terrible day or just perpetually bored. I can’t tell which. Either way, she barely looks at me when I pay, and I feel a profound sense of loneliness.
7:30 PM - The Hotel Room's Embrace (and Netflix): Ah, the sweet, sweet embrace of the hotel room. I sprawl across the bed, switch on the TV, and proceed to binge-watch something utterly mind-numbing. It’s perfect. I feel like I'm finally starting to relax. Except, of course, I know there are other people on the other side of the wall. And my neighbors are currently fighting. Why? The world may never know.
9:00 PM - Bedtime Ritual and Existential Pondering: Time to get ready for bed. After attempting to read my book (which is pretty pointless at this point), I turn off the lights and lie in the dark. I start to think about my life, about why I decided to travel here, about the meaning of existence. Eventually, I give up and fall asleep, dreaming of cheese curds and a better hotel room.
Day 2: Tomah’s Treasures (Or, How I Found the One Thing That Almost Redeemed the Whole Trip)
8:00 AM - Continental Breakfast: A Battle for the Waffle Maker: Okay, so. Breakfast. Free continental breakfast. A battleground of stale pastries, watery coffee, and a waffle maker that has a mind of its own. I went to make a waffle and realized that all the other guests were waiting to do the same thing. My mood was immediately crushed. I saw a man trying to eat a banana and simultaneously operate the waffle-machine. Mad respect. I settled for dry cereal, and kept my eyes open for the man.
9:00 AM - The Tomah Historical Society: Actually, Awesome!: In all honesty, the Tomah Historical Society was the highlight of the entire trip and also the most unexpected part of it. This is the best! I was expecting some dusty old displays behind rope cordons. I was mistaken. They have really interesting stuff. This place is run by volunteers. The lady greeted me with genuine enthusiasm. They have photographs, and artifacts, of the indigenous population that lived in the area. The exhibits were well-curated, and the history, fascinating. I spent way longer than I thought I would. This was a real find. This place may be the only reason I'd say I had a good time in Tomah.
12:00 PM - Lunch… Back at Home: I was so full from breakfast, I skipped lunch. I ate some of my cheese crackers, and I drank the bottled water from the hotel.
2:00 PM - The Gas Station Stop (and the Search for a Moment of Bliss): I went to the gas station to buy coffee. The world is full of gas station coffee. I took some time to just sit with my coffee in the parking lot and feel my thoughts. At least the sun was out. I got to see some people, and I had a nice time.
4:00 PM - The Drive Back and The Inevitable Farewell: It’s time to go home. I’m oddly…relieved? The Quality Inn, in all its beige, chlorine-scented glory, has been an experience. I got to see my thoughts, and I had a blast in a place I would never expect. The drive back is long, and the sun is shining making me question what I went through and how I truly felt.
Reflections:
This trip was a mixed bag. Tomah isn’t exactly a bustling metropolis. The Quality Inn? Let’s just say it's "charming" in the way a slightly-broken antique is charming. But you know what? I survived. And, amidst the questionable pizza and the existential dread, I found a little gem in the Tomah Historical Society. So maybe, just maybe, the trip wasn't a total waste. Okay, it wasn’t, because the drive was a good one. And I survived. Yay.
Santa Monica Escape: Luxurious Comfort Inn Stay (West LA)
Escape to Wisconsin: The Quality Inn Tomah – You Have Questions, I Have (Mostly) Answers!
Okay, so, like, *Tomah*, Wisconsin? Why Tomah? Isn't that… in the middle of nowhere?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. You’re not wrong about the "middle of nowhere" thing. Tomah IS kind of… well, *in* the middle. But hear me out! Think of it as the strategic launching pad for all things Wisconsin awesome. Think of it as a glorious, slightly-unassuming portal! Seriously, you're within striking distance of so much. This isn't about the *glamour* of a coastal city, it's about the genuine, down-to-earth, Friday-night-fish-fry-loving REAL Wisconsin. And Tomah? Perfectly positioned for a real taste of it. Plus, the Quality Inn is actually... pretty decent. For a Quality Inn. Which is saying something, trust me.
So, the Quality Inn. Is it… clean? Because, hotels. You know.
Okay, let’s be real. Hotel cleanliness is a gamble, right? Like, you're walking into a potential biohazard zone, praying you get a decent room. Honestly? The Quality Inn in Tomah was… surprisingly decent. I’m talking, like, minimal questionable stains on the carpet. The bathroom? Reasonably spotless. I even dared to use the shower without wearing sandals (don't tell anyone!). I'm not saying it's a five-star experience, but they seemed to care. Small win! I did find one errant hair, but hey, it wasn't *mine*, thank God!
What's the breakfast situation like? Because free hotel breakfast is a *must*, right?
Oh, the sacred hotel breakfast. Yes, they have one. And yes, it’s FREE. But lower your expectations a *touch*. Think: standard continental fare. Waffles (which, let’s be honest, are the main reason we go). Cereal that's probably been sitting there since the Reagan administration. Soggy fruit. Coffee that… exists. But listen, it’s free! And it'll fill that empty hole in your stomach before you embark on your Wisconsin adventures. I loaded up on waffles, what can I say? Don't judge me.
Are there any things to do near the hotel, or do I need to drive everywhere?
You'll need to drive, primarily. Tomah isn't exactly a bustling metropolis. But that's part of the charm (sort of). You'll want a car. But, hey, that means road trip! And the drive *to* places? Beautiful, especially if you're hitting the Driftless Area. Think rolling hills, scenic drives, and the kind of wide-open spaces that make you breathe a little easier. You're looking at a 15-20 minute drive from the hotel to Fort McCay. Great place for a walk!
What about the staff at the Quality Inn? Are they friendly? Because grumpy hotel staff are the worst.
Honestly? The staff were lovely. Like, genuinely nice. They were helpful, welcoming, and, most importantly, didn't seem to hate their jobs, which is a huge win in the hospitality industry. I’m talking smiling people, helpful advice, and not a rolling of the eyes in sight. I even had a chat with one of the cleaning staff. Seems she had worked there for twenty years! That’s definitely saying something about the place. So, yeah, the staff? Solid. A definite highlight, if you ask me. Seriously, it can make or break a trip.
Okay, you mentioned things to *do*… What are the cool things I *can* do from Tomah? Give me some ideas!
Alright, here’s the lowdown. Tomah itself? Not a ton. But close by, you've got options! The Cranberry Discovery Center (surprisingly interesting). Explore the local parks! Fishing? (If you're into that, which I'm not, but hey, live your best life). And, more importantly? You're within striking distance of some amazing stuff. The Driftless Area (amazing! Hike, bike, scenic drives, the works). La Crosse is a short drive. And, most importantly, *fish frys*! Seriously, don't leave Wisconsin without experiencing a Friday night fish fry. They're legendary. I may or may not have eaten three pieces of cod. Don’t tell my doctor.
Fish Fry, you say? Tell me more about the fish fry situation! Is there one near the Quality Inn? Because I have to eat!
OH. MY. GOD. The fish fry! Okay, deep breath. This is serious business. Let me tell you... I spent an entire day, fueled by pre-fry waffles and a deep sense of Wisconsin pride, researching the perfect fish fry. And, lo and behold, there's a fantastic one a short drive away! It's called (I can't give the name, but look it up, it isn't far folks!) I was skeptical at first, because, you know, sometimes the hype doesn't match up! But, I'm here to tell you, it *did*. The cod was golden, crispy, and flaky. The fries… oh, the fries! Perfectly seasoned, and served with the most amazing tartar sauce I've ever tasted. I might have even used the word "transcendent" (again, don't tell my doctor). It was so good that I went back the next night! So… yeah. Fish fry? *Absolutely* a reason to go to Tomah. Alone.
What about the price? Is the Quality Inn a budget-friendly option?
Yep, the Quality Inn is *definitely* budget-friendly. Think affordable! You're not breaking the bank here. Which leaves you more money for fish fries! Seriously, plan your budget accordingly. They are worth EVERY PENNY. If you're looking for a clean, comfortable place to crash while you explore the area without spending a fortune on lodging, it's a great option. Plus, you can always splurge on those extra pieces of cod!
Anything else I should know before booking? Any downsides or things to look out for?
Okay, the downsides. The town can be a little… quiet. The Wi-Fi was a little spotty, which is annoying, but hey, maybe it's a blessing in disguise, forcing you to actually, you know, *unplug*. And, the pool… I didn't actually *see* the pool. But it sounded like it was there. Could be a good thing. Could be… not. Also, be aware that you *are* in Wisconsin. TheWalden Galleria Mall Hotel: Luxury Stay Near Buffalo's Best Shopping!
