Pocatello's BEST Hotel Near University? (Days Inn Review!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Days Inn in Pocatello – the supposed "BEST Hotel Near University." And let me tell you, after navigating this stay, I'm ready to spill the tea. Prepare yourself, because it's going to be… real.
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Okay, let's start with the basics. Accessibility? They SAY they have facilities (Facilities for disabled guests - CHECK), but sometimes, "accessible" in hotel speak can mean "sort of accessible, if you squint and have a good attitude." I didn't personally test it, but it's on the radar here. Wheelchair Accessible? I'm looking for reviews. It's Idaho, so maybe hit or miss.
The First Impression – (or, the Saga of the Slightly Unkept Hallway)
Walking in, the Days Inn feels… well, it feels like a Days Inn. You know the vibe: slightly dated, well-worn carpets, the gentle hum of a room freshener fighting a losing battle against the essence of… decades past. I'm being honest here. Still, the staff were friendly enough, which is always a good starting point. Check-in was standard (Contactless check-in/out? Probably best to ring ahead.) Elevator: check. (Elevator-Check!)
Rooms: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly… Soggy
My room (Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi, Window that opens.) was… functional. The Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi [free]) was a godsend (crucial for any college student, right?). It worked, and that's half the battle. The bed was… okay. (Extra-long bed, thank you, because I'm tall!) Now, lemme tell you about the bathroom. The shower had a… let's call it a "generous" water pressure situation. At one point, I swear a drip escaped. And there was a slight, slight… dampness to the air. Not enough to raise an alarm, but enough to make me wonder if the previous guest maybe… had a party in there.
Cleanliness: The Pandemic Edition
Okay, this is where things got interesting. (Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol.) I’m usually pretty chill, but the whole COVID situation had me on edge. The room seemed clean. (I did a cursory wipe-down of high-touch surfaces anyway - old habits die hard.) Hand sanitizer stations? Check. Staff wearing masks? Check. But, the whole 'Are they REALLY cleaning it?' question is the elephant in the room in 2024. I’d give it a solid… B-minus for cleanliness. (Room sanitization opt-out available, I didn't opt-out, just… watched.)
Dining: Breakfast… Sigh
(Dining, drinking, and snacking. Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Restaurants, Snack bar, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.) Breakfast? (Breakfast [buffet]) This is where the Days Inn falls short. It was a buffet, which, under normal circumstances, would be great. But it just… wasn't good. (Yes, I’m complaining about a free breakfast.) The usual suspects were there: stale bagels, watery coffee, and what I think was scrambled eggs. I'm not sure; it could have been a repurposed building material. I had a muffin. And I regretted everything. (Food delivery, I ordered some pizza, the best option.)
Amenities: The Fitness (and the Spa is a Dream!)
(Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]) Okay, here's the good news, sort of! They have a pool! (Swimming pool [outdoor]) I didn’t try it, but it looked… you know… like a pool. The fitness center? It existed. (Gym/fitness) I gave it a quick peek. It had some treadmills and weights. Not exactly a state-of-the-art gym, but hey, it’s there. (Things to do, ways to relax: none, though, that I could see.) The word 'spa' appeared with them? (Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna) Nope! Don't get your hopes up.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects
(Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.) They offer pretty standard fare. Daily housekeeping? Yes. Laundry service? Probably. (Did not use!) They have a tiny little convenience store. (Convenience store) The staff were always friendly and helpful. But none of these make it a destination for me. (Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]). Parking, by the way, was free and ample.
Location, Location, Location (And the University Factor)
(For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal) The Days Inn scores major points for location, being near the University (this IS Pocatello, after all). That’s a huge plus for students, parents visiting students, or anyone in town for school-related business. (Proposal spot). (Exterior corridor). (Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour])
The Verdict: Days Inn, Pocatello - Would I go back?
Look, the Days Inn isn't the Four Seasons (or even the local fancy hotel). It's a perfectly adequate, budget-friendly option. It's clean enough, the staff is nice, and the location is prime. The free Wi-Fi is the HERO of this story. The breakfast? Well, pack a granola bar.
So, what's the value? Okay, the "BEST Hotel Near University?" might be a SLIGHTLY stretched claim, but it's a solid choice if you're on a budget and need a place to crash while visiting the university.
Quirky Observation: Anyone else notice the lack of decent coffee machines and outlets for charging your phone near the bed? (Socket near the bed) Minor, sure, but a sign of the times, I think!
Emotionally Speaking: I’m neutral. It's a fine place to lay your head. (Wake-up service).
OVERALL RATING: 3 out of 5 Stars. (It’s the breakfast, you guys. It’s always the breakfast!)
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THE MIGHTY OFFER! (This is the part where you, the potential customer, get a deal)
Ready to conquer Pocatello?
Are you a student, visiting family, or just passing through? Look no further than the Days Inn Pocatello!
Book NOW and get:
- FREE Wi-Fi in every room (because let's be real, you NEED it)
- Prime Location Near the University (less walking, more studying!)
- Free Parking (because paying for parking is the WORST)
- A Comfy Bed (maybe not the best bed, but it will do!)
For a limited time, we're offering a special rate!
(I am NOT able to provide a specific rate, but you can make the offer even stronger by including one based on real-time pricing that is valid for a select booking period)
But wait, there's more!
Use code POCATELU for a FREE breakfast upgrade at a nearby cafe! (It's
Unbelievable Quebec City Getaway: Hotel PUR's Secret Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into my Pocatello, Idaho adventure. This isn't your polished, Instagram-filtered itinerary. This is real. And trust me, it gets weird.
Day 1: Arrival and The Great Parking Lot Debacle (and a Hint of Promise)
1:00 PM: Arrive at the Pocatello Regional Airport. Okay, "regional" is generous. It's basically a glorified oversized shed with a baggage carousel that looks like it was salvaged from a museum exhibit on the history of inefficient luggage handling. My suitcase, bless its cotton socks, comes around… eventually.
1:30 PM: Uber ride to the Days Inn. Found it. It may look a little run-down on the outside, but the sign says "Wyndham," so I'm cautiously optimistic.
- Ancillary Details:The Uber driver, a kind lady named Margaret, regaled me with tales of Pocatello's "glory days." Apparently, everyone used to go to the "Lava Hot Springs" and loved them. Margaret said, "You've GOT to go!.
2:00 PM: Check-in. The woman at the front desk, bless her heart, looks like she's seen things. Like, really seen things. She tells me the key cards sometimes don't work, and, well, she was right. Twice.
2:30 PM: The Parking Lot Wars. Okay, so parking. It's a nightmare. Apparently, everyone and their uncle (who is also apparently staying at the Days Inn) is vying for the same 20 parking spaces. I circled for what felt like an eternity, finally giving up and parking in a spot that might not get me towed. Cross your fingers, folks.
3:00 PM: Room Assessment. It's… clean-ish. The decor screams "late 80s motel chic," but hey, the AC works, and that's a win in my book. The view? The parking lot. Sigh.
3:30 PM: The Quest for Coffee. There's no coffee maker in the room. Gasp! This is an emergency! Found a gas station a block away. The coffee? Lukewarm swill. But I drank it. Needed to face the day.
4:00 PM: A (Failed) Attempt at Relaxation. I attempt to chill. Read a book. But my brain is buzzing from the travel. The parking lot is still a stressor.
6:00 PM: Dinner: Finding a local place, and then trying to get used to food being a bit more salty than I expected.
8:00 PM: Early to bed. I mean, what else is there to do? I'm starting to realize Pocatello isn't exactly a hotbed of nightlife.
Day 2: The Heartbreak of the "Hot Breakfast" and a (Brief) Cultural Immersion
7:00 AM: "Hot Breakfast" disaster. The "hot breakfast" at the Days Inn is… let's just say it's a testament to the limits of modern food technology. The "scrambled eggs" are a congealed, vaguely yellow substance. The sausage… well, I'm not entirely sure what it is, but I'm pretty sure it's not made of actual meat. I ate a waffle instead. Waffles are generally safe.
8:00 AM: Attempted exploration. I went for a walk around the neighborhood. There is a very pleasant park nearby.
- Quirky Observation: So, I was approached by a very friendly, exceptionally fluffy dog, whose human was very proud of his fur's sheen. I really wanted to pet him. I did. I got dog slobber on my pants. Worth it.
9:30 AM: Downtown Downtown. I ventured into "downtown" Pocatello. It's charmingly… small. There's a vintage shop, a few local restaurants, and a general sense of slow, relaxed living. I found a lovely old book store and bought a book about Idaho history.
12:00 PM: Lunch. Found a diner. Ordered a burger. It was… fine. The waitress seemed to know everyone by name. Clearly, I'm an outsider.
1:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a nap. I'm still exhausted. This whole travel thing is tiring.
3:00 PM: The "Museum of Clean". Okay, full disclosure, I went to the Museum of Clean. And honestly? It was… unexpectedly fascinating. Who knew you could spend hours reading about the history of cleaning implements?! (The answer is, apparently, me now.) The sheer enthusiasm of the exhibits was infectious. I left feeling strangely empowered to… clean my hotel room.
6:00 PM: Dinner. Another local place, this time with a surprisingly decent fried chicken. The waiter had a twinkle in his eye and told me all about the local hiking trails.
8:00 PM: More early to be. I can feel myself starting to acclimatize to the Pocatello pace.
Day 3: The Great Lava Hot Springs Pilgrimage and a Moment of Truth
9:00 AM: Breakfast. I skipped the "hot breakfast." Opted for the pre-packaged pastries. Decently safe.
9:30 AM: The Drive. I decide I have to go to Lava Hot Springs. It's a bit of a drive, about an hour, but Margaret, the Uber driver, insisted. I'm slightly dreading it. The pictures look… well, they look like a lot of people in a pool.
11:00 AM: Lava Hot Springs. It. Is. PACKED. Like, shoulder-to-shoulder in the pools. The water is hot, though! And the atmosphere is… well, it's definitely an experience. There's a water slide. I bravely try the water slide. I now have a permanent water-slide-induced wedgie.
1:00 PM: Lunch in Lava. Found a small cafe, had a mediocre sandwich. My feet were wrinkly from the hot springs. I felt a sense of… existential questioning.
2:00 PM: More Hot Springs. I try to relax and enjoy myself. I embrace the chaos. I people-watch. It's a truly bizarre mix of people, all united by a shared love of hot water and questionable swimwear.
4:00 PM: The Drive Back. I'm exhausted. But I'm also strangely… happy.
6:00 PM: Dinner. I order pizza delivery. I'm done with trying to be adventurous.
7:00 PM: Truth. I sit in my room, staring at the parking lot. I'm starting to understand Pocatello. It's not flashy. It's not glamorous. But it has a certain… charm. There's an honesty to it. A simplicity. It's growing on me. Maybe. Just a little.
8:00 PM The key card doesn't work.
Day 4: The Final, Messy Farewell
7:00 AM: The last "hot breakfast." Avoided the scrambled eggs. Stared at the sausage in vague horror.
8:00 AM: Packing. I realize I've left half my toiletries. Great.
8:30 AM: Checking out. The woman at the front desk smiles. She seems to have grown fond of this weary traveler.
9:00 AM: The Uber ride back to the airport. Same driver. Same stories. She actually gives me a hug.
10:00 AM: The flight. I stare out the window, looking at the vast Idaho landscape.
11:00 AM: The Takeoff. As the plane ascended I thought about everything I experienced in Pocatello. The bad food. The parking lot disasters. The awkward hotel room. The hot springs. Most of it was imperfect, but then again, what isn't? And in a strange way, it was that imperfection that made the trip so real, so truly human.
11:30 AM: Pocatello. I'll be back. Maybe. But it was the best vacation.
Pocatello's "BEST" Hotel Near ISU? (Days Inn Review!) - FAQ's (and My Inner Monologue)
Okay, So... Days Inn. Is it *really* the best near Idaho State? Honestly? Spill the beans!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't gonna be a perfectly polished travel brochure. "Best"? That depends on your definition, and your tolerance for, well, *life*. Let's just say, I’ve stayed at this Days Inn a few times. Once, I needed a place to crash after a particularly brutal ISU Homecoming (don't ask), and another time... okay, a *few* other times. It's close to campus, which is a BIG plus, especially if you're visiting your kid or trying to catch a Bengals game. But... "best"? Ehhh…
Look, it's not the Ritz. Don't walk in expecting a spa and a pillow menu. You’re more likely to find a slightly-stained carpet and the lingering ghost of someone's microwaved burrito. BUT, and this is a big BUT, it’s *functional*. It *gets the job done*. And when you're bleary-eyed from a long drive and just need a bed, it's... well, it's there.
Is the Location Actually Convenient? Like, *really* close to ISU?
YES! The location is the Days Inn's biggest selling point. You can practically *roll* out of bed and onto campus. (Maybe don't actually *roll*… security might frown upon that). Seriously, it's a short walk (or an even shorter, slightly reckless, drive) to the main campus. Perfect for visiting students, attending events, or just pretending you're still young and hip by hanging out at the student union.
One time, I had to be at an early morning lecture (don't judge my reasons for being there again!) and I was seriously considering just *sleeping* in my car, but then I was reminded I had that Days Inn booked; it's a short walk or you could even drive in a pinch, which sounds like a win to me!
The Room... Is it Clean? And, uh... What's the Vibe?
Alright, the cleanliness... Let's be honest, it's a *budget* hotel. So, manage your expectations. I wouldn't eat off the floor. Actually, I wouldn't eat off *any* floor in Pocatello, just in case... But generally, it’s...clean enough.
The vibe? It's… well, *utilitarian*. Think "I need a place to sleep and not much else." It's not particularly stylish, but the staff has always been nice. They’re doing their best. I got a friendly smile and a "Have a good day!" every time. The air freshener is a bit of a heavy-handed floral, if you can handle it. It's got that classic, generic hotel feel. Neutral carpet, slightly worn furniture, and a TV that probably works with a lot of static.
One time, I'm not kidding, I found a stray french fry under the bed. Not a *fresh* french fry. We're talking… archaeological french fry. But hey, it's a *memory*, right? (I'm trying to put a positive spin on this.)
The Breakfast is Included, Right? What's the Deal?
Yes, the breakfast is included. And here's where things get… interesting. It's your standard continental breakfast: cereal (the kind that gets soggy the second you pour milk), toast (that always seems… off), maybe some sad-looking fruit, and watery coffee that’ll keep you up all night.
Honestly, I usually skip it. Unless I'm *super* desperate and I'll just grab an apple, if there are any left. The last time I had the eggs, they resembled something that might have come out of a science experiment. I think. It's a gamble. But hey, it’s free, and sometimes... it hits the spot. Other times, you spend the rest of the day pondering the mysteries of the universe (or at least, why that orange juice tastes so… vaguely chemical).
Parking? Wifi? Anything Else I Should Know?
Parking is usually fine. There's plenty. Wifi… well, it's there. It works. Sometimes. Don't expect blazing speeds. It's enough to check emails and scroll through social media, but don't plan on streaming anything. Unless you're okay with buffering for an hour.
Other things to know: The pool? (if they still have a pool, I'm honestly too scared to check). The air conditioning? It *might* work, it might not. Depends on the room. Book early, especially during events! And pack your own shampoo. The complimentary stuff is usually… well, let's just say it's not luxury. I always travel with ALL my stuff, never trust that hotel shampoo!
So… Would You Recommend It? Be Honest!
Okay, deep breath. Would I *recommend* the Days Inn near ISU? Again, it's about expectations.
If you need a clean, comfortable, and convenient place to stay without breaking the bank, and you're visiting someone at ISU, or just need a crash-pad for a quick trip, then *yes*. It's fine. It's functional. It's not going to win any awards, but it does the job.
If you're looking for luxury, a spa, and gourmet breakfasts? Heck, no. Look somewhere else. You’ll probably be disappointed. But for a slightly-worn, perfectly adequate, and close-to-campus hotel, it’s… well, it’s alright. And the location means a lot when you’re dragging yourself out of bed for an early morning class, I tell you. I tell you.
Okay, So, TellStay Scouter
