Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn & Suites South (Amazing Deals!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the slightly cluttered, totally honest, and hopefully hilarious review of Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn & Suites South (Amazing Deals!). Let's just say this place is… an experience. And by the end, you'll probably know if it's your experience.
First Impressions & The Whole "Amazing Deals!" Thing
So, the "Amazing Deals!" part? Yeah, that got my attention. Let's be real; I'm always scouting for a bargain. And honestly, the price was right. Which immediately sets the tone, doesn't it? You're not expecting the Ritz. You're hoping for clean, comfortable, and maybe – just maybe – a decent cup of coffee.
Accessibility - Smooth Sailing (Usually)
This is important. While I didn't personally need this stuff, I checked it out. It's advertised as accessible, and from what I saw, most things checked out. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Check. But you know how it is… sometimes the "accessible room" is just slightly less accessible than advertised. It's worth a call beforehand to confirm your specific needs will be met. So, a tentative thumbs up on this front!
The Room – My Kingdom, For a Decent Pillow!
Okay, let's get real. The rooms are… standard. Not jaw-dropping, not magazine-worthy, but functional. Do they have the basics? YES. Air conditioning (thank GOD, it was hot!), a decent-sized TV, and the all-important free Wi-Fi (more on that later).
- The Good: The bed was… alright. Let's call it "serviceable." The bathroom was clean (thank you, whoever made that happen!). The air conditioning, again – MVP.
- The Not-So-Good: THE PILLOWS. Oh, the pillows! They were either paper-thin or dense bricks. I spent half the night wrestling my body to find a comfortable position, eventually folding up a towel to create a pillow-esque thing. Seriously, Quality Inn (South): Upgrade. Your. Pillows. Please. (And maybe the bedding? It felt okay, but not that special.)
Available in all rooms – A Checklist
- Air conditioning - YES!
- Alarm clock - Surprisingly present.
- Bathrobes - Nope, not in my budget for this place.
- Bathroom phone - No, thank heavens.
- Bathtub - Some rooms. Not mine.
- Blackout curtains - Yep, essential.
- Carpeting - Yep. Let's hope it was recently vacuumed.
- Closet - Present and accounted for.
- **Coffee/tea maker - *It was there, but I'm pretty sure the coffee sachets were from the Clinton era. Brewed one cup, it tastes like a old sock.*
- Complimentary tea - See above.
- Daily housekeeping - Yes.
- Desk - Uh-huh.
- Extra long bed - Nope.
- Free bottled water - Nope.
- Hair dryer - Yes, and it worked!
- High floor - Nope. But no view anyway!
- In-room safe box - Nope.
- Interconnecting room(s) available - I didn't see, ask ahead.
- Internet access – LAN - Nope.
- Internet access – wireless - Yes, thank GOD!
- Ironing facilities - Yep.
- Laptop workspace - Yep, on the desk.
- Linens - Yep.
- Mini bar - Nope.
- Mirror - Yep.
- Non-smoking - Yes. Mostly.
- On-demand movies - Nope.
- Private bathroom - Obviously!
- Reading light - Present, but dim.
- Refrigerator - Nope.
- Safety/security feature - Usual. Smoke detector, etc.
- Satellite/cable channels - Yep, basic channels.
- Scale - No.
- Seating area - One desk chair.
- Separate shower/bathtub - Some rooms, not mine.
- Shower - Yes.
- Slippers - Nope.
- Smoke detector - Of course.
- Socket near the bed - Yes, thank you.
- Sofa - Nope.
- Soundproofing - Meh.
- Telephone - Probably.
- Toiletries - Basic, but they got the job done.
- Towels - Yes.
- Umbrella - Nope.
- Visual alarm - Unsure, ask ahead.
- Wake-up service - Probably.
- Wi-Fi [free] - YES!
- Window that opens - Yes, thank goodness for fresh air!
The Great Wi-Fi Controversy!
Okay, so I mentioned the Wi-Fi. *Free Wi-Fi in *all* rooms!* This is a huge selling point for me. But, and this is a big BUT, the connection was… let's say, unpredictable. Sometimes lightning-fast, sometimes slower than a snail in molasses. I'm talking dial-up vibes. This is a make or break for me these days. One moment I'm like, "YES! Streaming flawlessly!" The next, I'm staring at a buffering wheel, contemplating the meaning of existence. Pro Tip: If you NEED solid internet, and especially if you are traveling for work, and this place is in your budget, find a coffee shop with a faster more reliable connection and work from there. And if you're just trying to watch some Netflix, it's workable, just be patient.
Breakfast – The Continental Conundrum
The included breakfast? Standard continental fare. The kind that mostly gets the job done. Think:
- Bagels? Yep.
- Toast? Sure.
- Cereal? Yep.
- Fruit? Occasionally.
- Coffee? See my earlier comments about Clinton-era coffee.
It was edible, and it was free, which, again, aligns with the "Amazing Deals!" mantra. Don't expect gourmet, but it'll fill a hole.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe (Mostly)
Alright, I'm a germaphobe. I always check for cleanliness. The room appeared clean. I used the anti-viral wipes I carry (because, you know, 2024) just to be sure. No major red flags. The staff seemed to be following safety protocols, and that's a huge plus.
Food Frenzy! (The Slightly Messy Details)
- Breakfast [buffet]: See the "Continental Conundrum."
- Restaurants: There are restaurants nearby. Quality Inn doesn't have one.
Amenities – The Mixed Bag
- Fitness Center: Didn't use it, but I peeked. Looked… adequate.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: I did see a pool. Looked clean, but I didn't take a dip.
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events - Internet, it's covered, with mixed results.
- Services and conveniences, for the kids, things to do & ways to relax: I didn't delve into the details, but I have a feeling, it may be limited.
Staff – Friendly, But Busy
The staff were friendly enough, but they seemed to be juggling a million things. Check-in was efficient, though not super chatty. They seemed genuinely trying to be helpful.
Getting Around – Location, Location, Location
The location is… well, it's in Lincoln. It's probably a good spot if you're visiting the city. It's not right in the heart of the action, but it provided a good base for my travels. There's on-site parking, which is a HUGE plus.
My Overall Verdict (The Honest Truth!)
Look, Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn & Suites South? It's not going to blow your mind. It's not going to win any awards for luxury. BUT! If you're on a budget, need a clean place to crash, and you don't mind a few minor imperfections (like the pillow situation and the sometimes-iffy Wi-Fi), then this place is perfectly acceptable. It's a solid, functional option. If your expectations are realistic, you won't be disappointed.
Marketing Offer: The "Budget-Conscious Traveler's Survival Kit!"
Headline: Escape the Ordinary (without breaking the bank!) at Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn & Suites South!
Body:
Are you a savvy traveler looking for a comfortable, clean stay in Lincoln without draining your bank account? Then look no
Escape to Texas Charm: Your Old Town Spring Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… my trip to Lincoln, Nebraska, centered around the majestic (said in a voice dripping with sarcasm) Quality Inn & Suites Lincoln South. Prepare for highs, lows, and possibly the existential dread of realizing you're stuck in Nebraska. Let's DO this!
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Nebraska Unveiling (a.k.a. Check-in)
- 1 PM: Arrive at the Quality Inn. Already, the parking lot is a study in beige and practicality. My first thought? "God, I hope they have free coffee that's at least passable." Spoiler alert: it was not. The drive was a blur of billboards advertising corn and the unsettling possibility of alien abductions. I swear, I saw a particularly ominous-looking "Welcome to Nebraska" sign.
- 1:15 PM: Check-in. The woman behind the desk, bless her heart, looked like she'd seen things. Things like a LOT of lost-looking travelers. She was friendly enough, though. The room? Predictably… hotel-y. The air conditioning was a hurricane of cold air blasting directly into my face. Which, hey, at least it was working. Silver linings.
- 1:30 PM - 3 PM: Unpack, survey the room, and judge the artwork (abstract, mostly sad-looking blobs). The TV is blasting some local news channel with a graphic about the weather (sunny but with a high of 90, I am already not a fan). I tried to connect to the wifi, but it was slower than a snail on tranquilizers. I let out a defeated sigh, the kind that signals the beginning of a good vacation.
- 3 PM - 5 PM: Lunch and exploration of the immediate surroundings. I spotted a chain restaurant that promised "American Favorites." The food was fine…the service even better. Maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to soften on Nebraska.
- 5 PM - 6 PM: My room has a mini-fridge, so I made a grocery shopping trip. I got snacks, water (the tap water tasted like rust, bleh) and a bottle of something that helps when someone's on a very emotional roller coaster. Back to the hotel, and I try the mini-fridge. It doesn't work…
Day 2: The Heartland (and the Quest for Decent Coffee)
- 7 AM: Wake up. The birds outside sound confused, like they're questioning their life choices. Coffee is on the agenda today. The free coffee from yesterday (even if not that great) is better than nothing. The coffee situation here is a minor crisis.
- 8 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. It included (wait for it) waffles, scrambled eggs that looked suspiciously yellow, and stale donuts. The donut was especially disappointing. I started to feel a pang of…homesickness for my own subpar, but at least familiar, breakfast routine.
- 9 AM - 12 PM: Drive to the Sunken Gardens. I'm forced to admit, it was actually pretty. The flowers were vibrant, and it didn't feel like I was being watched by a corn stalk. My emotional reaction: a pleasant feeling of "huh, this is nice."
- 12 PM - 1 PM: Lunch at a diner. A real, honest-to-goodness diner. The waitress was a salt-of-the-earth type who called me "hon". The burger was juicy, the fries were crispy, and I swear, I had a little tear in my eye.
- 2 PM - 4 PM: The Nebraska State Capitol. (Because why not?). Okay, now we're talking. The Capitol is a stunner. A gigantic tower of… well, of sandstone and power. I'm not much for government buildings, but it was undeniably impressive. The interior was lavish, and I spent maybe 15 extra minutes just staring at the architecture. I also saw some statues dedicated to local heroes. The place just feels like a place for secrets. I don't know why, but it just does.
- 4 PM - 6 PM: A weird, unexpected, but ultimately enjoyable shopping trip in a quirky antique shop. I bought nothing, but the experience, the smells, the memories the store brought, I can't put a price on that.
- 6 PM - 8 PM: Dinner and a few drinks at a local brewery. Finally! Some good beer! The local beer was a beer-godsend after all the coffee drama. I met some locals, and they swore they'd seen everything. At this point I'm starting to wonder whether or not they have.
- 8 PM - 9 PM: Back at the hotel, fighting with the wifi. The TV is playing a show about… farm animals. I give up and stare at the ceiling. I'm tired and I'm starting to like this place.
Day 3: The Great Escape (or, Departure)
- 8 AM: Breakfast. The donuts from yesterday are somehow more stale. I’m starting to feel that hotel-room existential dread creeping in. Another wave of sadness.
- 9 AM - 11 AM: Final push to find the best coffee. I swear, this is a quest. My caffeine addiction is a serious problem.
- 11 AM - 12 PM: Check-out. The woman at the desk seems to remember me. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing. I hand back my key, she gave me a slightly weary smile.
- 1 PM: The drive out of Nebraska. I feel… strangely at peace. Did I change? Maybe the cornfields whispered something into my soul. Or maybe, just maybe, I'm just relieved to be heading home. I will be back. I will find my coffee.
- Overall: My trip was… well, it was more than I expected. It wasn't smooth, it wasn't perfect, it was messy. And that's what made it real. Nebraska, you've surprised me. Now, if you could just work on the coffee situation…
Quality Inn Lincoln South: The Truth (and More Truth) You NEED to Know
What's the "Amazing Deals!" thing all about, anyway? Seems like a bit of a… claim.
Okay, fine. It *does* feel a little clickbaity, doesn't it? But hear me out (and I'm telling you this from the perspective of someone who *loves* a good deal). Look, I've stayed there… a lot. And, I'm not saying it’s the Ritz. We’re talking about a Quality Inn after all. What I am saying is, for the price? It's often… *shockingly* reasonable. Especially if you're flexible, or you're booking last minute. I once snagged a room for $40 on a Saturday night when everything else in town was booked solid for a Husker game (don’t ask). That’s a *deal*, people. Like, a "should I buy a lottery ticket?" kinda deal. But don’t expect caviar and a butler. Just maybe… don’t expect to empty your wallet and still be stuck in a motel 6.
My Two Cents (and it's a lot): That $40 night? Let's just say I wasn't expecting much. The room was *clean* (hallelujah!), the bed was… well, it was a bed. Basic. Functional. But I mean, I needed a place to crash. And I got it for less than a pizza. The "amazing deals" are definitely real, you just need to understand the *context* of the amazement.
Is the free breakfast *really* worth getting out of bed for? Be honest.
Alright, let's dive into the true depths of the breakfast: It's not the breakfast of champions. Let's get that clear. I mean, you’re not going to find gourmet waffles or a carving station. They do have waffles though, yeah (and if you're lucky, they still might use the good syrup). You'll likely find pre-packaged pastries, some sad looking fruit that’s seen better days, and the usual suspects in the realm of breakfast staples.
My Anecdote: One time, I swear I saw the same exact banana available for breakfast for three straight days. It was a testament to the human spirit, really. That poor banana. It saw things. It probably heard things. The point is, it's free. You're already there. Grab a waffle. Grab a bad apple (or a good one, if you can find it). Coffee is usually potable. Consider it free fuel to help you get to the next stop.
Quick note:I am also going to add that the continental breakfast has been spotty. Sometimes its really good. Sometimes its really meh. Its a gamble with the breakfast.
What about the pool? I saw some reviews…
Okay, the pool. The elephant in the slightly chlorine-scented room. Let's just say, the reviews are… accurate. I've seen… things… in that pool. I once saw a kid trying to navigate the murky depths for a lost toy. The water is not necessarily crystal clear, but it's probably *fine*. It's… *functional*. I mean, it's indoors, which is a plus if you're visiting in the winter. If cleanliness is your religion, maybe bring your own bleach and a snorkel. I, personally, am more of a "jump in and hope for the best" kind of person. But, I'm also not the cleanest person, so take my advice with a grain of… well, pool chemicals.
My confession: I have taken the plunge multiple times (pun intended). And, I've survived. I haven't contracted any weird alien diseases. So, that's a win, yeah?
Important Consideration: The pool hours are also a thing you'll want to check. They're not always as expansive as you might think. So, if a late-night swim is your jam, maybe call and ask. And, you know, maybe bring a friend.
How's the location? Is it actually "South"?
Yes, it's South. As in, like, on the south side of Lincoln. Convenient? That depends on what you’re doing. If you’re visiting the University, well, it’s not exactly *walking* distance. You’ll probably want a car or a rideshare. But, it's close to the interstate, which is great if you're just passing through or heading to destinations down south. There are restaurants nearby (mostly chain restaurants, I won’t lie), a few gas stations, and the general amenities you expect in a motel-lined stretch of highway. It's not winning any awards for charm, but it's practical. Practicality is the name of the game here.
My perspective: I've used it as a base camp for exploring Lincoln. It's a good starting point for all sorts of things. It's definitely not as exciting as downtown, but honestly, sometimes not being in the thick of things is a *good* thing. Especially after a long day of… well, whatever you do in Lincoln.
I saw some comments about the staff. Are they friendly? Are they helpful?
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. The staff? They're… a mixed bag, much like the free breakfast situation. You have people, bless their hearts, who are clearly working *hard*. Hustling. Trying to make it work. Smiling through the grind. I've met some incredibly friendly and accommodating people there who genuinely seem to care. I’ve had staff go above and beyond to help me, on more than one occasion. And I've also encountered… well, let's just say there have been times when my requests were met with the kind of blank stare that suggested my questions were in a different language. It's a gamble.
My advice: Be polite. Be patient. Remember that they're probably dealing with a lot. A little kindness goes a long way. And honestly, the folks who *do* go the extra mile deserve all the praise in the world.
Is it clean? Really, though. How clean is it?
Alright, the big question. Cleanliness. The ultimate test of hotel worthiness. Look, let's be real: It's a Quality Inn. And look, with Quality Inn, it's always a bit of a gamble. Sometimes, it's pristine. Sometimes, it's… not. I’ve had rooms that look like they were professionally cleaned, and rooms that… well, let's just say I was glad I brought my own Lysol wipes. I always travel with those things now. Just in case, you know? Just in case.
My most memorable experience: There was the time I found a stray sock. Just… lying there. In the middleFind Hotel Now
