Unbelievable St. Louis Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites I-55 South!
Unbelievable St. Louis Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites I-55 South - A Rambling Review from a Real Person (and a Bit of Chaos)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your dry, corporate review. This is me, spilling the beans on the Hampton Inn & Suites I-55 South. I just got back, and my brain is still a soup of lukewarm coffee and highway hypnosis. But I gotta tell you, this place… well, it's an experience. Let's get into it, shall we? And apologies in advance for the rambling. My thought process, much like the complimentary breakfast, is a little… unpredictable.
First Impressions & Accessibility (the crucial stuff, right?)
Pulling up, it's classic Hampton Inn, the standard brick-and-mortar look. Nothing immediately unbelievable in the architectural design, but hey, it's clean-looking, and that's a win in my book. Now, I didn't need a wheelchair accessible room this time, but I did notice they’ve got the whole shebang going on. Wheelchair accessible entrances, ramps, and from what I could tell, rooms designed with extra space. Kudos for actually taking this seriously. The elevator seemed to be working, which is always a plus. Plus, I spotted Facilities for disabled guests listed which is a good sign.
Internet - The Lifeline (and My Biggest Gripes)
Alright, let's talk about the bane of my existence: the internet. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a HUGE selling point, and I’ll give them props for that. The connection was, well, inconsistent. Some days it was lightning fast. Other days… it felt like I was back in the dial-up era. Remember those torturous beeps? Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, but I did a significant amount of huffing and puffing while trying to load a simple webpage. The Internet [LAN] was mentioned, too, but honestly, who even uses LAN anymore? I’m assuming it exists, though, for those ancient souls who still enjoy plugging in. Internet services were available, I think that includes help… eventually.
The Room - Pretty Standard… With Quirks
My room? Clean. Seriously, Cleanliness and safety seemed like a priority. I'm talking Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas, the whole shebang. They even had Anti-viral cleaning products – which is reassuring. The Air conditioning in public area was appreciated, especially after braving that St. Louis humidity. Plus, I was relieved to see a Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms.
But the room itself? Okay, let's be honest, it was pretty standard. Non-smoking rooms are a given, which is excellent. I had a decent desk to work at that had my laptop humming along and a Coffee/tea maker, that's a huge plus for this coffee addict. The extra long bed was comfy too! Also, and this is important: a decent bathtub. After a long drive, soaking in a hot bath is pure bliss. They also had blackout curtains, which were a lifesaver. I’m sensitive to light, can't sleep in a sunny room.
Here’s where the quirks come in. The mirror in the bathroom fogged up instantly after a shower. The hair dryer sounded like a dying hamster. The Alarm clock was a mystery, and I think I was up every hour because the lights kept flickering from that thing.
Food & Drink - Buffet Battles & Coffee Conundrums
Ah, breakfast. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was free. Which is always a big bonus. I tried the Western breakfast, hoping for some fluffy scrambled eggs. They looked… questionable. The fruit, however, was surprisingly good. Lots of complimentary tea and coffee, which is a win for me! And honestly, the coffee shop served a decent, cheap cup.
There was a Snack bar, but I didn't need it. They also offered Breakfast takeaway service, but I'm not sure why you would. I did noticed a Poolside bar, which, even though I didn't partake, seemed like a nice thought.
The Amenities - Gym Junkie's Lament
Okay, the Gym/fitness center. It was… small. And let's just say the treadmill looked like it had been through a few wars. I’ll skip the rest, the equipment available wasn't the best.
Services & Conveniences - Okay, They Were Helpful
The staff were trying – bless their hearts. The Front desk [24-hour] was always there, even if I needed to ask about the internet for the tenth time. I saw a Daily housekeeping. And hey, free Car park [free of charge], you really can't complain. Plus the Food delivery was a nice option.
For the Kids - Family Friendly for sure:
I didn’t travel with kids, but I’ve seen it done. The hotel is certainly Family/child friendly, no question. I noticed some Babysitting service listed too.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy
Driving around wasn’t too bad. They had Car park [on-site]. I didn't use any of them, but I did see Taxi service options.
Overall - Would I Go Back?
Look, it's a Hampton Inn. It's not the Four Seasons. But it's clean, generally comfortable, and the free breakfast (even with its questionable eggs) is a serious perk. Would I recommend it? Sure, if you're looking for a reliable, moderately priced hotel in a decent location. But don't expect the Ritz. Expect a solid place to crash, with a few quirks, and a potentially frustrating internet connection. Just pack patience, and maybe your own travel-sized coffee maker. And maybe… a backup alarm clock. And remember, your experience will be… unbelievable. (In a good way… mostly.)
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Hotel Nanchang - Xiang Lake Paradise!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because you're about to get the REAL Hampton Inn experience. And by REAL, I mean it's probably gonna be a little… chaotic. Let's see if I can even remember this trip…
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis/South I-55: A Traveler's Confession
(Day 1: The Arrival – AKA, "Where Did I Park?")
- 3:00 PM – Arrival at Hampton Inn - Check-in: So, the GPS, bless its digitally challenged little heart, delivered me right to the front door… or so I thought. Turns out, the "front door" was actually the service entrance. Cue me, hauling my suitcase (which, by the way, is clearly heavier than the law allows) through what felt like a loading dock. Finally made it. The front desk lady, bless her, didn't even flinch at my sweaty, frazzled appearance. Smooth move, Hampton Inn, smooth move.
- 3:30 PM – The Room Reveal: Okay, the room. Standard Hampton Inn. Clean, beige-y, and… surprisingly, no ants! (Always a win, right?) First order of business: wrestle with the AC. This thing was either arctic blast or humid jungle. After about 15 minutes of frantic button-pushing, I think I achieved vaguely comfortable.
- 4:00 PM – Snack Acquisition: Time to raid the vending machines. You know, a necessary evil. My criteria: something salty, something sweet, and something… questionable. I went with the bag of stale-ish potato chips, the mini Snickers, and the mystery meat stick. (Don't judge me!)
- 4:30 PM – The Great Bed Test: Gotta test the bed, right? It's practically scientific at this point. Verdict: firm, but not too firm. Acceptable. I may or may not have sprawled out like a starfish and had a moment of utter, blessed relaxation. Pure bliss.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner (A Food Odyssey): Okay, I'm thinking dinner but I've got no clue where to go. After a few minutes of online searching… Oh! There is a fast-food place 20 minutes away, I'm starving and I think that's the best option, after all what would be a real american experience without it?
(Day 2: Downtown Decimation – A Journey of Misadventures)
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast Buffet: "The Hunger Games" Edition: This is where things get… interesting. The Hampton Inn breakfast buffet. A spectacle, a battlefield, a culinary gamble. I approached with caution. The usual suspects were present: sad-looking scrambled eggs, suspiciously healthy-looking fruit salad (ew), and the glorious, calorie-laden waffle station. The waffle station is where I parked myself. I might have accidentally poured a little too much syrup. Regret it? Absolutely not.
- 9:00 AM – Gateway Arch National Park - "Arch-ness Overload": The Arch! The iconic symbol of St. Louis! I felt like I knew it intimately, from photos. But standing there, craning my neck, it was… massive. Really massive. And shiny. After the elevator ride, I was already wondering how I'm going to go back down. I stood there for hours. The view was spectacular, the height made me want to throw up.
- 1:00 PM – "Lost in the City Museum" - (Still Lost): Someone told me to go to the City Museum, it's supposed to be an adventure. Okay, so the City Museum. Surreal. Chaotic. Utterly, wonderfully bonkers. It's like a fever dream manifested into a building. Slides, tunnels, secret passages… I got gloriously, hopelessly lost. Lost in the middle of a giant cage and all I could see was kids smiling and screaming. I couldn't escape. I was petrified. I wanted to cry. Eventually, I stumbled out hours later, covered in dust and exhilaration. 10/10 would recommend.
- 6:00 PM – Dinner - The Culinary Disaster: I was going to get some food, but on the way to the restaurant, I couldn't find the right place to park. I felt already exhausted after the City Museum adventure. I came back to the hotel, ordered a pizza, and passed out.
(Day 3: The Departure – Farewell, St. Louis (and My Sanity))
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast (Take Two): Waffles again. Don't judge. Needed fuel for the road.
- 9:00 AM – Check-Out: The Final Reckoning: Surprisingly smooth. The staff here are like superheroes, dealing with a constant stream of sleep-deprived, hangry travelers with unwavering patience. I salute them.
- 9:30 AM – The Parking Lot Panic: Okay, now the real test: finding my car. Remember how I said I wasn't entirely sure where I parked? Yeah. It took a solid 20 minutes and some serious internal pep talks to locate my vehicle. Success!
- 10:00 AM – Departure: Saying goodbye to St. Louis. It was messy, it was emotional, it was everything I wanted and more.
Final Thoughts:
The Hampton Inn? It was a solid basecamp for my St. Louis adventures. Clean, comfortable, and the waffles were a godsend. Would I go back? Absolutely. Because honestly, sometimes you just need a place to crash after a day of epic fails and glorious triumphs. And, you know, waffles. Lots of waffles.
Escape to Chongqing: Luxury at Hanting Hotel Near Shapingba Station & Jinsha Tianjie!
Okay, Deep Breath... Unbelievable St. Louis Stay: The Hampton Inn & Suites I-55 South... Let's DO This. FAQ Edition. (Brace Yourselves)
So... What's the Vibe, Generally? Think 'Hampton Inn & Suites I-55 South'?
Alright, picture this: you're cruising down I-55, maybe slightly hangry from road-tripping, and BAM! There she is, the Hampton Inn & Suites. It's... well, it's a Hampton Inn. You *know* the type. Clean-ish. Standard-ish. Breakfast-ish. It’s not the Ritz, folks. But, and here's the thing - I’ve had some truly *memorable* experiences there. And by memorable, I mostly mean… let's just say I'll never look at pre-packaged oatmeal the same way again . It's your reliable, if slightly bland, friend. Like that beige cardigan you always reach for. Good for a quick stay though.
Okay, But Seriously, About the Room... Is it Clean? (That's REALLY important).
Mostly. I'd say. Look, I'm a germaphobe, okay? I’m the type of person who packs Clorox wipes like they’re a dietary staple. Did I find a stray hair once? Maybe. Did I then spend a solid ten minutes scrutinizing every surface with a magnifying glass (a travel essential, naturally)? ABSOLUTELY. But overall? Yeah, the rooms are generally pretty tidy. I think. Please don't make me think about it too much! They *try*. And hey, the sheets *felt* clean, and that's half the battle, right? (Deep breaths). One time I found a penny under the bed. Score!
The Breakfast Brigade: What's the Grub Situation? Is It Actually Worth Waking Up For?
Oh, the breakfast. The BREAKFAST. This is where things get… interesting. Look, it's the standard Hampton Inn fare. Waffles (you know, the ones you make yourself), some sad-looking scrambled eggs, maybe some sausage (I try to avoid eye contact with the sausage). There are bagels, bless their hearts. And the pre-packaged oatmeal. *That* oatmeal. That little packet of processed, sugary… whatever-it-is. One morning, I made the grave error of using *too much* hot water. It turned into a grey, gluey mess, resembling something that might be found in a science experiment gone wrong. I swear, the look on the kid's face when he saw it was pure horror. I may have traumatized him for life. BUT! They also had a fruit bowl! Sometimes there are decent apples! So. Yeah. The breakfast. Proceed with cautious optimism. And maybe pack a granola bar. Trust me.
The Pool: Is it Actually Swimmable? Or Just Another Hotel Hellscape?
The pool! Now we’re talking! (Maybe.) The pool is… well, it *exists*. It’s indoors, which is a plus if you're visiting in the winter. Cleanliness can be a bit… variable. I've seen kids cannonballing into it like they're competing in the Olympics (and the adults look on with mild concern). The chlorine smell? Strong. So strong, you can almost taste it. But, you know what? Sometimes, you just need a quick dip to wash off the road grime, the stress of dealing with the kids, and the regret of eating that questionable sausage. And for that, the pool, with its slightly-too-cloudy water and questionable chemical balance, serves its purpose. Just don't drink the water. (Pro-tip: bring your own towel. Trust me on this one.) There was even a jacuzzi! *gasp* though I never got in it; looked kinda murky. Maybe next time.
Parking: Is It a Hunger Games Situation, or Do I Actually Stand a Chance?
Parking? Generally, you're good. It's not like battling for a spot at the Grand Canyon. There's a decent-sized lot. I've never had a *massive* problem. Which, in the grand scheme of hotel-staying, is a victory. Because let's be honest, nothing ruins a good night's sleep faster than circling a parking lot, getting increasingly hangry, and contemplating keying someone’s car. So, yes, parking, consider it a win. Unless there's a HUGE convention in town. Then, all bets are off. But *usually*... you're fine.
The Staff: Are They Nice? Or Do They Secretly Hate Their Jobs?
Okay, the staff. This is where things often *shine*. I would say that the staff is generally... lovely. They're usually pleasant, helpful, they try their best. They've seen some things, I’m sure. They've probably dealt with hangry parents, screaming toddlers, and people who try to sneak extra waffles out of the breakfast area. (I swear, I've seen it.) One time, the front desk lady was an absolute angel when my credit card was being fussy. She even offered me extra coffee to help me relax. So, yeah, the staff? Generally, a solid crew. Tip them well, folks. They deserve it.
Is There a Gym? And if so, is it a joke?
A GYYYYYM! (insert exaggerated air quotes). Okay, let's be real. It's a hotel gym. It's likely small. It'll have a treadmill that might or might not be calibrated correctly. You'll find a selection of weights that appear to have been salvaged from a middle-school weight room. It *probably* has a water cooler, but the water might taste faintly of plastic. Do I use it? Occasionally. Do I judge it? Relentlessly. But hey, at least they *try*. And sometimes, after a long drive (and too many Hampton Inn breakfasts), a little sweat session is exactly what you need. Just don't expect a gold-medal workout experience. Expect… mediocrity. And maybe pack your own headphones, because whatever music the gym is playing will be *questionable*, I assure you.
Location, Location, Location: Is it Convenient to... Anything?
I-55 South. That’s the key. You're kinda on the outskirts, you’re near the highway, which means – quick access to the city. But it's not *IN* St. Louis, so factor in some driving time. It's convenient *for* the highway. And if you're just passing through, it's perfect. If you’The Stay Journey
