Burlington's BEST Kept Secret: Comfort Suites Review (IA)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Burlington, Iowa's best-kept… well, maybe slightly less secret now… the Comfort Suites. And trust me, after a few (ahem) experiences there, I'm ready to spill the tea.
First Impressions & Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Okay, so yeah, the Comfort Suites is relatively accessible. They've got the elevator, which is a godsend if you're hauling luggage or, you know, are a human who can't levitate. (Accessibility, Elevator) Wheelchair access? Generally good. But let's be real, sometimes I tripped over my own feet. (Accessibility, Wheelchair accessible)
The lobby felt… well, a bit corporate-y. Nothing wrong with it, per se, but not exactly bursting with personality. (No strong reaction to this)
The Tech Stuff: Wi-Fi, the Lifeblood of Modern Existence
YES! Free Wi-Fi in every room! (And it actually works!) Hallelujah. It's like they get that we're all glued to our phones these days. (Internet access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) And, for those old-school types, there's even LAN internet. Weird, but hey, options! (Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services) Plus, Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep. (Wi-Fi in public areas) Score one for connectivity.
The Rooms: Cozyish, and the Bed… Oh, the Bed!
My room wasn’t huge, but it was clean, and that’s always a win. (Cleanliness and safety) Oh, and the bed! The bed was… dangerous. In a good way! I'm pretty sure I achieved REM sleep levels I hadn't hit since I was a teenager. (Extra long bed) Seriously, I could have stayed there all day, just melting into the fluffy oblivion. (Linens) I am not a morning person, but I would have happily woken up in that bed every single day.
Let's talk about the room itself:
- I loved the air conditioning. (Air conditioning) Even though it was perfect, having it controlable was a huge plus.
- The blackout curtains were a lifesaver. (Blackout curtains) I work odd hours, so being able to sleep in was a godsend.
- The coffee/tea maker was a necessity, after that bed. (Coffee/tea maker)
- The desk was a little small, but it worked. (Desk)
- The hair dryer was actually decent. (Hair dryer)
- The separate shower/bathtub was great. (Separate shower/bathtub)
The Sanitization Situation: Are We Safe (and Sane?)
Okay, safety in post-apocalyptic times: The Comfort Suites had all the buzzwords. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol) Did I see everything that they claimed? No way, but the hotel felt clean. I saw hand sanitizer stations everywhere, which is always a good sign. (Hand sanitizer)
Dining: The (Almost) Delicious Realities
The “breakfast” situation? (Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant) It was… buffet-esque. Cereal, yogurt, some sad-looking pastries. I think there were hot options, but I was too afraid to ask. Maybe I should have gone for the breakfast takeaway service. (Breakfast takeaway service) I guess I was too eager to sit. In the middle of Covid…
The Coffee situation was fine, but I really wanted a real coffee shop. (Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop)
They had vending machines. Never trust a vending machine, but they got me through. (Snack bar)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The "Wellness" Mirage
The fitness center? I peeked in. Felt like a glorified closet. (Fitness center) I'm not a gym rat, but even I was underwhelmed. The pool looked… okay. (Swimming pool [outdoor]) It was outside, so that's a plus, but didn't have any special views. There was no spa, no sauna, no steam room, no massage, no spa/sauna. Maybe I was just missing the real spa… (Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, and Spa/sauna) Maybe I should have asked about a foot bath. (Foot bath)
The Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Cashless payment service? Yup. (Cashless payment service) Good in this day and age.
- Daily housekeeping? Present and accounted for. (Daily housekeeping)
- Laundry service? Available, which is great for longer stays. (Laundry service)
- They have a convenience store! (Convenience store) Always a clutch in case of emergency snack attacks.
- Elevator? Yes! (Elevator) Definitely a plus.
- Car park [free of charge]? Yup. (Car park [free of charge])
The Quirks & The Imperfections
Okay, so, the signage. It’s… a bit confusing. I wandered around looking for the ice machine like a lost puppy. (No mention of this, but I'm noting it! The front desk staff were generally helpful, but there was that one guy who seemed to have just escaped from a mime convention. Silent but… judging. (Concierge)
The Verdict: Is Comfort Suites Burlington Worth It?
Look, it's Burlington. It's not the Ritz. But for the price, the Comfort Suites is… fine. The bed is a serious highlight. The free Wi-Fi is essential. It covers the basics well, it's clean, and mostly accessible. Could it be more exciting? Sure, and possibly more options.
My Honest Overall Rating: 3.8/5 stars
The Persuasive Offer: Burlington's BEST Kept (Almost) Secret!
Tired of the same old hotel routine? Craving a getaway that's easy on the wallet and surprisingly comfortable? Look no further! The Comfort Suites in Burlington, Iowa, is ready to welcome you.
Here's your offer:
- Guaranteed Comfort: Sink into our dreamy beds that you'll never want to leave.
- Stay Connected: Enjoy blazing-fast free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
- Stay Safe: Rest easy knowing we're committed to the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.
- Easy Accessibility: We have accessible rooms, and are committed to meeting everyone's needs.
Book your stay at Comfort Suites in Burlington, Iowa, today and experience the best-kept (almost) secret! Click HERE or call now to reserve your room and experience the comfort and convenience you deserve.
Panama City Beach Getaway: Your Perfect Quality Inn & Suites Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on the most deliciously imperfect journey to Burlington, Iowa, all from my cozy (hopefully clean!) Comfort Suites abode. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travelogue. This is the real deal. This is humanity.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Iowa Pie Quest (or, Why is It Always raining in Iowa?)
1:00 PM - Arrival in Burlington, Iowa (via the I-80 Blues). Okay, let's be honest, the drive felt ANCIENT. I was already halfway to hating the weather. It was gray, overcast, spitting rain…it's Iowa, what did I expect? My GPS, bless its digital heart, directed me to the Comfort Suites. Found it! The lobby was…fine. Clean enough, but that faint smell of chlorine and stale coffee always tells you it's a hotel. Check-in was painless, thank goodness. They had that automatic key dispenser, which is always a win in my book.
1:30 - 2:00 PM Hotel Settling-In and the Great Suitcase Unpack. Okay, let's be really honest, unpacking is the bane of my existence. I’m one of those people that immediately kicks off her shoes and then just leaves the suitcase gaping open like a hungry maw. But, I tried. Threw a few things into drawers, hung up a dress that probably shouldn't have been brought, and did a quick once-over of the bathroom. The shower curtain looked…adequate.
2:00 PM - The Pie Hunt Begins! I made this trip for one sole reason: to find the perfect pie. I had read Burlington was a pie paradise (again, I may have read a blog from 2008). First stop: Darn Right Cafe. It was packed! Which is always a good sign, right? The waitress was harried but friendly, and the pie display case…oh, the pie display case! I had apple and strawberry rhubarb in mind, but I was distracted. I got a slice of chocolate cream with a HUGE dollop of whipped cream. It was AMAZING. Absolutely worth the two extra pounds.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Exploring Burlington (a little…awkwardly). Okay, so I had grand plans of strolling through downtown Burlington, but the rain. Good lord, the rain. I did a quick drive-by of the Heritage Hill neighborhood (cute, but the rain made it look like a sad, watercolor painting.) I had a craving for coffee so I popped into Martini's Grille and Bar. The coffee was decent. I felt awkward, sitting there by myself, and the music was slightly too loud (some smooth jazz thing that made me feel ancient).
6:00 PM Dinner - The Olde Homestead Steakhouse. This was a recommendation and it didn't disappoint. I was STARVING! The best part was they had a real, honest-to-goodness, salad bar. The steak was good. The atmosphere was good. The service was good. I think I got too excited I ate half the salad bar.
8:00 PM - Evening of Sweet Sorrow. I'm not going to lie, after all that pie, salad and steak, I crashed in the hotel room. Watched some terrible TV (reality shows and the Weather Channel, the perfect combo), and felt ridiculously content. I ended up ordering a beer, regretting it later, and falling asleep with the lights on. Perfect.
Day 2: The Mississippi, Memories, and the Epiphany (or, Why I Shouldn't Cook on Vacation)
8:00 AM - Breakfast Bonanza (or, Breakfast Buffet Blues). Comfort Suites' complimentary breakfast! Let's be honest, this is what makes or breaks a hotel stay. The waffle maker was a-okay. The eggs were a little questionable. The plastic silverware hurt my soul. But, hey, it was free. Free fuel for the day.
9:00 AM - Adventure Time at the Mississippi River. I decided to embrace the Iowa vibe and head to the Mississippi. I drove along the scenic route, and oh my god. The views! The river was vast and majestic, the bridges were charming (even in the rain). I parked near the Port of Burlington, and it was a gorgeous view. It was like a painting. I ended up spending about an hour just walking with water glistening, listening to the waves, and contemplating life. I ended up thinking more about where to get the next meal.
11:00 AM - The Discovery of The Funky Taco. The rain took me over and I ended up at a small hole-in-the-wall in downtown Burlington. After a thorough google, I stumbled across a place called "The Funky Taco." I could feel the taste buds tingling already and I drove fast to not lose the opportunity. I ordered the spicy mango taco and another one with chicken. I almost wanted to get a third but the reality of my growing weight, and the amount of food in my stomach started to sink in. 🤣
1:00 PM - A Taste of Burlington's History. I started to drive down Snake Alley, the "crookedest street in the world". I didn't have the mental capacity to walk, so I just drove down, and there it was! I saw the beautiful bricks lined up, all crooked and twisted.
3:00 PM - The Great Culinary Disaster (or, Don't Let Me Cook!) I decided to be ambitious. I had some groceries from a nearby store and figured, "I'll cook dinner in the hotel!" BIG MISTAKE. I ended up ordering the world's most expensive and most burnt microwave food of all time. The smoke alarm started going off. I panicked. I turned off the alarm. I opened the window. I ate a dry, charred chicken breast and a microwaved potato that could have been a weapon. Total fail.
6:00 PM - Dinner Re-do. Thank god for delivery apps. I decided to order some take out. This time, I ordered from the Chinese restaurant I wanted to visit in the beginning. "Hong Kong Restaurant". The food was delicious!!
8:00 PM - Journaling with a Vengeance. It was the perfect time to write in my journal. I started writing everything I had remembered, all the emotional and quirky feelings I had, all the great and not-so-great things I had encountered. I closed my eyes. I sighed and opened one of my favorite romance novels.
Day 3: Homeward Bound (and a Farewell Pie…Maybe)
8:00 AM - Early Breakfast and Hotel Goodbyes. Same breakfast as before. I actually ate half a waffle this time. Left a sizable tip for the cleaning staff (because, let's be honest, I left a mess).
9:00 AM - Final Pie Plea. Before leaving, I HAD to try and find another piece of pie. It was an obsession at this point. I had to seek out my pie destiny! I popped into a local bakery "Pzazz". Unfortunately, they had a fresh batch of cookies, my weakness. I got a chocolate chip cookie, and oh my GOD. The most delicious, chewy, buttery cookie I have ever eaten. The pie dream disappeared!
10:00 AM - Journey Home…and Reflections. I started driving. The weather was still gloomy. I was kinda sad to leave Burlington, even with its rain and imperfections. But I was also ready to be home. It was a trip filled with good food, the messy emotional moments, the imperfect moments, and a whole lot of pie-related decisions. And that's exactly how I like it.
So, that's it. My Burlington adventure. Not glamorous, not perfect, but absolutely, unequivocally mine. Iowa, you weird and wonderful place, I'll be back someday…for more pie.
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Burlington, Iowa's "Best Kept Secret" (Comfort Suites) - The RAW Truth: FAQs with a Side of Crazy
Okay, is this Comfort Suites actually *good*? Or is it just... there?
What's the deal with the breakfast? I'm a hangry beast in the mornings.
The room – what's it like? Is there a *vibe*?
What about the pool and gym? Are they worth it? I need my exercise.
I'm traveling with family! Is it kid-friendly?
Is there parking? Is it easy to find?
Okay, spill. What's the ABSOLUTE WORST part?
What's the staff like? Are they friendly?
Is there anything *nearby*? I'm bored!
Would you stay again?
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