Sidney's BEST Kept Secret: Unbelievable Country Inn & Suites Deal!
Sidney's BEST Kept Secret: Seriously, is it that good? (An Unbelievably Honest Review of Country Inn & Suites Deal!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I'm about to spill the tea – the slightly lukewarm, probably-been-sitting-out-too-long tea – on this "unbelievable deal" at Country Inn & Suites in Sidney. Honestly, the name practically begs for a skeptical eye, right? "Best Kept Secret"? More like "Maybe Okay for a Quick Overnight". But, dammit, I’m nothing if not thorough… and slightly easily swayed by a good deal… so here's the lowdown.
(SEO/Metadata Blitz - We’ll circle back, I promise!)
- Keywords: Country Inn & Suites, Sidney, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Family Friendly, Cleanliness, Deals, Accommodation, Travel, Ohio, Services and Conveniences, Dining, Amenities.
(And Now For the Real, Messy Deal)
First off, the Accessibility situation. This is where things start to feel a little… clunky? They say they have facilities for disabled guests, and I did see an elevator. (Hallelujah! Because I'm a klutz and stairs are my enemy.) But the hallways felt a tad narrow, and I didn't see any clear signage about accessible rooms. I’m going to have to give it a cautiously optimistic thumbs-up, but seriously, check and double-check if accessibility is a must-have.
Speaking of must-haves, let's talk internet access. FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES. Glorious, glorious YES. I could stream my garbage reality TV without interruption. They also had actual LAN Internet. Look, I’m old school, sometimes a physical connection feels safer for my… you know… sensitive online activities. (Don't judge. We all have secrets.)
Restaurants and Lounges:
Alright, this is where reality sets in. There is a "restaurant" on site. And by that… I mean, a buffet. Breakfast Buffet. I'm talking the usual suspects: rubbery eggs, lukewarm sausage, and a suspicious-looking "fruit salad." The coffee? Let’s just say it wasn’t winning any awards. BUT! It was included, and sometimes, convenience triumphs. They also had a poolside bar. Which is… intriguing. Poolside bar + hotel, this place might actually be looking for a party. Unfortunately, I didn't get to take advantage, but it was there.
(Rambling Interlude: My Breakfast Mishap)
Okay, here's a story. Picture this: me, bleary-eyed, stumbling into the buffet. I spot the pastries. Score! I grab one, take a bite, and… WHAM! I almost chip a tooth! It was STALE. Like, ancient-Egyptian-mummy-wrap-around-your-teeth stale. I try to play it cool, surreptitiously spit it into a napkin (classy me!), and pretend nothing happened. But the damage was done. My faith in the breakfast buffet was… weakened. This is probably a minor thing to some, but it really set the tone.
The Spa…or Lack Thereof?
Now, the "Spa" situation. The website boasted a spa. Like, with a capital "S." I was picturing fluffy robes, cucumber water, and a zen-like atmosphere. Nope. Turns out, they have… a sauna. And a steam room. And a "fitness center" that looked suspiciously like a glorified closet. Okay, I'm not complaining about a sauna and steam room, I could definitely use a sweat… But they were tiny. Like, you could bump elbows with the other patrons. Also, there was no real spa element, no massages, body wraps… Nada. So, the website is a liar. Not cool, Country Inn & Suites, not cool.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax:
The swimming pool was… well, it was there. Swimming pool [outdoor] was closed during my stay. The pool with a view? Hard to say, it was winter, but I doubt there was a magical vista. They offer a gym/fitness, which I have already commented on. The sauna, the steamroom, all available to get your relaxation on. There is absolutely no body wrap, a few massage options might have been great, but also unavailable to me. There is no body scrub, so skip that one.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Germaphobe's Delight?
This is where they shined – which is probably a good thing in these pandemic times. The staff were trained in safety protocol, with hand sanitizer everywhere. They use anti-viral cleaning products and are certified for hygiene. The website says they have professional-grade sanitizing services and rooms sanitized between stays. They certainly looked clean. Like, aggressively clean. Which, honestly, I appreciated. You could almost feel them washing away all the stress of…life.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking… Beyond the Buffet
Beyond the breakfast fiasco, things get kinda bleak. The bar is there. The coffee shop is probably the breakfast buffet again, which is a little sad. They had a snack bar, maybe the same snack bar from the buffet as well. The restaurants seemed to be just the buffet. There's an Asian cuisine in restaurant, which is new… so maybe I missed it. I doubt there were any happy hour deals. You can't expect any salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant, or a vegetarian restaurant. If you are looking for food nearby, I recommend driving to a local restaurant.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Barely-There
The Air conditioning in public area was a plus, the cash withdrawal was handy. They offered daily housekeeping, which was reliable. However, a doorman would have been nice, the elevator was helpful. A convenience store would have been great because I needed a snack. There were no safe deposit boxes or a concierge. No dry cleaning or ironing service, but they did have an ironing facilities, which is something, and I can't expect them to do everything.
For The Kids… or Not Really
They claim to be family-friendly, "Kids facilities" is an interesting term. If they do have a babysitting service, I did not see it, so maybe plan to stay elsewhere. No kids meal options are to be expected, but the family/child friendly vibes seemed present.
Available in All Rooms: The Bare Essentials
Okay, the rooms… they’re adequate. You get your basic air conditioning, an alarm clock (ugh, the bane of my existence!), bathrobes (score!), a coffee/tea maker (important!), a desk, a hair dryer (essential!), a mini bar, a refrigerator, a shower, a smoke detector (safety first!), a telephone, and Wi-Fi [free]. Pretty standard. The bed was… comfortable enough. I slept. That’s the important thing, isn't it?
(Emotional Rollercoaster Time! - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly)
This review feels like a weird therapy session, doesn’t it? Okay, so here's the truth bomb: I was expecting amazing. I wanted Sidney's "Best Kept Secret" to blow my mind. Instead, I got… a decent experience. The cleanliness was excellent, the Wi-Fi was fantastic, and the price was good. But the breakfast? The "spa"? The overall vibe? It was… lacking.
Final Verdict:
Would I go back? Maybe. For the price, it's a solid, safe option. But I wouldn't go in expecting the world. Go in with realistic expectations, and you might have a perfectly acceptable stay. Just… bring your own snacks. And maybe a toothbrush for those stale pastries.
Escape to Paradise: Leaf Hotel's Jakarta Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. Here’s my attempt at a Country Inn & Suites in Sidney, Nebraska itinerary – a chaotic, emotional rollercoaster built on cheap coffee and questionable decisions. And yes, it will probably read like I wrote it at 3 AM after a questionable gas station burrito.
Country Inn & Suites, Sidney, NE: My Existential Road Trip of Mild Discomfort and Occasional Joy
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Nebraska Wind Sheen
3:00 PM: Check-In – The Lobby of Lies
Alright, so I arrive, and the lobby smells of chlorine and desperation. Not a great combo. The woman at the front desk (bless her heart, she’s probably seen things) gives me that plastic smile that says, “Welcome, traveler, to the vast emptiness of Nebraska…again.” She fumbles with the key cards, which are, naturally, not working. "Oh dear, always happens." she sighs. I feel a kinship with her already. We're both just trying to make it through.
3:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance – The Beige Citadel
The room. Oh, the room. It’s…beige. Every shade of beige known to humankind has found its way into this rectangular haven. And the artwork? Abstract blobs that scream, “We tried to make it look nice, but we ran out of budget and artistic talent.” I swear, I half expect to see a tumbleweed roll across the carpet.
4:00 PM: The Pool – Aquatic Disappointment
Okay, I was REALLY hoping for a swim. I envisioned myself, refreshed and reborn, emerging from the crystal clear waters. The reality? Greenish water that smells of stale chlorine and regret. And a gaggle of screaming kids. I retreat, emotionally scarred.
6:00 PM: Dinner – The Taco Bell Odyssey
Okay, I know I’m supposed to be experiencing the "local flavor." But after a day spent staring at beige, I need something…familiar. Taco Bell it is. (Don't judge me. I'm on a budget!) The drive-thru lady seems genuinely surprised to see a human, muttering, “Bless your heart, you’re out here.” I can’t help but agree.
7:00 PM: Hotel Room Relaxation – The Streaming Abyss
Back in the beige bunker. I order a pizza that tastes like cardboard, the channels on TV are all ads for medicine… It's so depressing. But I eventually get to sleep.
Day 2: Pursuing the Past
6:00 AM: Breakfast – The Breakfast Buffet of Broken Dreams
The breakfast buffet at these hotels are so generic; even the coffee is weak and tastes like sadness. The "scrambled eggs" have the texture of a rubber toy and the fruit looks like it’s been sitting out since last Tuesday. I load up on the stale cereal, fueling what I can only describe as a growing sense of existential dread.
8:00 AM: The Fort Sidney Museum – History and Dust Bunnies
Okay, gotta give the town a chance. The Fort Sidney Museum. I'm hoping for some Wild West excitement! What I get is a collection of dusty artifacts and elderly volunteers who are clearly thrilled to have a visitor. The volunteer woman, bless her, regales me with tales of the pioneer days. I get a bit lost in the minutiae of wagon wheel grease, but I try to care. I do. It’s history, right?
10:00 AM: Downtown Sidney – Empty Stores and Echoes of the Past
Downtown Sidney is…quiet. Like, tumbleweeds-blowing-down-the-street quiet. I wander past empty storefronts, imagining the hustle and bustle of the town's heyday. There's a certain melancholy charm to it, like a ghost town with a hint of hope. I buy a postcard. For my mom.
12:00 PM: Lunch – The Burger Joint of Mystery Meat
Okay, finding a decent lunch spot in rural Nebraska is proving challenging. I end up at a local burger joint with a line of truckers and ranchers. The burger is…well, it exists. The fries? Soggy. The sweet tea? Too sweet. But I’m starting to feel a connection with the locals…
2:00 PM: The Sidney Army Air Field Museum – Flying High?!
I went to the museum of the Air Field, and it was quite interesting with its vintage aircrafts. I learnt about the place and it was really fascinating. I spent about 2 hours there, soaking in everything.
Day 3: Departure and the Long Road Home
6:00 AM: The Breakfast – Another Buffet
Same food as yesterday, same weak coffee, but now I'm slightly more used to the experience. I grab a piece of toast, and I swear I can hear my arteries clogging.
7:00 AM: Check-Out – The Final Goodbye
I return to the lobby and quickly checkout. The woman at the desk again, bless her heart, smiles. I feel like I should be friends with her, we have experienced the same things for three days.
7:30 AM: The Road Trip – A Road to Somewhere
My road trip continues.
Final Thoughts:
This trip to the Country Inn & Suites in Sidney, Nebraska was a mixed bag. The hotel was…beige. The food was…questionable. But I saw a glimpse of something: the quiet beauty of the plains, the resilience of small-town America, and the undeniable power of a good Taco Bell run. And hey, I learned a valuable lesson: sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that don’t go according to plan. Or maybe it's just that I need a vacation from my vacation. In any case, I am never returning.
Escape to Paradise: Kediri's Lotus Garden Hotel Awaits!
1. So, you wanna learn to cook, eh? Where do you even *start*? Seriously, the sheer number of cookbooks… It's overwhelming, right?
Okay, okay, deep breaths. I *feel* you. It’s like staring into the abyss of culinary possibility. My own journey? Let's just say it began with instant ramen and ended with... well, still mostly instant ramen, but with *slightly* fancier toppings. My advice? Forget the fancy stuff. Start with what you *like* to eat. If you're a pizza fiend, learn to REALLY nail a pizza. Don't try to be Gordon Ramsay right off the bat. Baby steps. You'll mess up. You *will*. Embrace the burnt offerings! They're part of the process. I once set a pot of… I *think* it was rice… on fire. Literally. The smoke alarm went off. I just stood there, staring at the bubbling, blackened mess, thinking, "Well, *that's* a new one." Luckily, I have a fire extinguisher now.
2. Cookbooks or YouTube? Which is better? (And what if you have no idea what a "mise en place" is?)
Ugh, "mise en place." Sounds fancy, right? It's French for "everything in its place," which, in my kitchen, is a complete and utter *lie*. Look, YouTube is your friend. Seriously. If you're visually oriented (like, say, me after a particularly large cup of coffee), watching someone *actually* do something is way more helpful than reading about it. Cookbooks *are* great for reference, but YouTube is for the practical. "Mise en place" is really just prepping everything *before* you cook. Trust me, its not as scary as it sounds when you've actually prepped everything first. It's like having an organized brain, which, again, I don't always have. Also, don't be afraid to pause the video. I pause videos about 30 times when I'm baking something. It's a skill. Just a matter of pausing the video to get what you need before.
3. What's the most important skill a newbie cook needs to master? (Besides not setting the kitchen on fire, of course.)
Patience. And I mean, *a lot* of it. And the ability to laugh at your mistakes. And maybe the ability to not throw things across the room in frustration. Look, cooking takes time. And it's not always glamorous. You'll chop onions and cry. You'll burn garlic and then have to start all over. You'll misread a recipe and end up with something resembling a brick. But that's okay! Really. The journey is more important than the destination. (Ugh, I'm starting to sound like a motivational poster. Sorry.) I remember this one time… I tried to make pasta. Simple, right? WRONG. I somehow managed to overcook the pasta *and* undercook the sauce. It was a flavor catastrophe. But, hey, I learned a valuable lesson: pasta is deceptively tricky, and tomato paste is not a substitute for a deep, rich tomato sauce. Just have fun trying, it doesn't have to be perfect or pretty.
4. Okay, let's talk about kitchen tools. What do I *really* need, and what can I skip for now? Do I need a KitchenAid, or some other fancy gadget?
Okay, hold on. I have strong opinions on this. A KitchenAid is amazing... *eventually*. But not at the start. Seriously, you don't need to bankrupt yourself. Start with the basics. A good chef's knife (and learn how to sharpen it! Seriously!), a cutting board, a few pots and pans (non-stick for easy cleanup, especially when you're starting out), a whisk, a spatula. That's it! Trust me. I have all sorts of gadgets I never use. I got one of those spiralizer things. I thought it would revolutionize my life. Nope. It's gathering dust in the back of a cupboard, quietly judging me. Same with that avocado slicer. Just... don't. Focus on the fundamentals. You can always upgrade later. And for the love of all that is holy, get a decent can opener. Nothing’s more frustrating than a can opener that just *refuses* to cooperate.
5. What's the hardest thing about learning to cook? And how do you get over it?
The hardest thing? Probably dealing with the inevitable self-doubt. That little voice in your head that tells you you're going to fail. That says you're not good enough. That wants to remind you that time you burned the toast (or attempted to create a 3-course meal, then ordered in pizza instead). My solution? Embrace the chaos! Don't be afraid to mess up. *Everyone* messes up. Even the fancy chefs on TV probably mess up on occasion (though they'd never admit it). And remember, cooking is supposed to be fun. If it feels like a chore, you're doing it wrong. Crank up the music, pour yourself a glass of wine (or a soda—whatever floats your boat), and just… *enjoy* the process. Even if the end result looks like something my dog coughed up (true story). And as to getting over it… it took me YEARS, but now I will just shrug my shoulders at a failed dish and order takeout like it’s nobody's business. Don't beat yourself up about it. Learn from it. And try again! And, if you're lucky, that burnt disaster might even give you a funny story to tell. That's what I do. It's what keeps me cooking, even today!
6. Is eating leftovers sad? And, If so, how do you spice it up?
This is a loaded question, isn't it? I usually avoid leftovers like the plague. But, no, not *always*! Mostly because I don't often have any! Depends on what it is. Chili? Awesome. Gets better the next day. Roasted chicken? Fantastic. Stir-fry? Depends on the stir-fry, if it's been sitting in the refrigerator for a week or so, it's probably not the best idea. "Spicing" up leftover? That's a good question! If it's chicken or something similar, throw it in a wrap with some interesting sauces. Or make it into a soup, or even a chicken salad! Don’t be afraid to reinvent. Throw the leftovers into something *entirely* new. The possibilities are endless! (Okay, maybe not *endless*. We can't all make Michelin-star cuisine out of leftover mac and cheese or something.)
7. Should you follow a recipe to the letter? Or should you start free-styling right away?
Oh, baby, this is a good oneBudget Hotel Guru
