Youngstown's BEST Kept Secret: Super 8 Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Youngstown's BEST Kept Secret: Super 8 Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - It's a Wild Ride, Folks!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Youngstown's "Best Kept Secret." And let me tell you, that secret? It's the Super 8. Yup, you read that right. Now, before you roll your eyes and picture a beige abyss, hear me out. This wasn't just any Super 8. This was… well, it was an experience. And I'm still processing it.
First Impressions: The Accessibility Angle (and the Tiny Glitch!)
Okay, full disclosure, I'm not in a wheelchair, so I can't speak to the full accessibility. But I did see ramps and the elevator, which is a good start! The front desk folks were super friendly, which always melts the awkwardness of check-in, especially when you've just driven for 8 hours and resemble a particularly grumpy badger. They even have a 24-hour front desk which is a godsend when your internal clock is completely off. My only real issue? The door frames seemed like they were designed by someone who hates wide loads. It wasn't a dealbreaker, but I almost took out a shoulder navigating a fully-loaded suitcase. (That's on me, really!)
Cleanliness and Safety - Is it Safe to Breathe?
Let's be honest, in today's world, safety is number one! I'm always paranoid about cleanliness. The Super 8 definitely tried. I mean, they had all the buzzwords: Anti-viral cleaning products (yay!), Daily disinfection in common areas (double yay!), and little bottles of hand sanitizer strategically placed. The rooms seemed sanitized between stays (phew!), and they even offered that room sanitization opt-out. (I opted IN, because, you know, badger-ness.) I noticed CCTV in common areas and outside property, which is reassuring. They even had fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. Look, it wasn't sterile surgery room clean, but it wasn't a biohazard either. I lived to tell the tale!
The Room: My Personal Fortress (or Not?)
Alright, the promised land. The rooms were non-smoking, which, as a non-smoker, I greatly appreciated! They also had non-smoking rooms, which is just logical, right? I ended up in a room that was… well, let's call it "functional." It had air conditioning (hallelujah!), blackout curtains (essential for this light sleeper!), and a desk where I could pretend to be productive. There was free Wi-Fi, which, blessedly, worked. (More on that later.) Other notable (and random) items:
- Complimentary tea and coffee maker -- essential for survival.
- A mini bar… that was empty. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing!
- Free bottled water – always a win, especially after that drive.
- Alarm clock that I couldn't figure out how to turn off (resulting in a 6 am wake-up and a serious grudge).
- Slippers (fancy!)
Internet: The Great Wi-Fi Gamble
Okay, the internet access – wireless was… a roller coaster. Promises of Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! were met with the reality of intermittent buffering. It was enough to check my email (eventually), but forget streaming anything. Thankfully, the internet [LAN] option in my room saved the day! I ended up tethering my laptop via cable and it was perfection!
Food, Glorious Food (or, The Continental Catastrophe)
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. The breakfast [buffet]. The breakfast takeaway service. It was… standard Super 8 fare. Think: pre-packaged pastries, questionable waffles from a machine, and coffee that tasted suspiciously like brown water. There were individually-wrapped food options, which I appreciated. They also had Asian breakfast choices, which I'll just have to revisit. I saw the coffee/tea in restaurant but opted to skip, I wasn't feeling adventurous… I did, however, score a bottle of water at the convenience store down the hall. Sometimes the little things matter. No, I didn't try the Asian cuisine in restaurant or the western cuisine in restaurant. Next time!
Location, Location, Location (and Things To Do…Ish)
The Super 8 is… located. Okay, I'm being honest. It's not exactly in the heart of the action. You'll need a car. There is car park [free of charge], which is a bonus! The immediate area wasn't brimming with excitement, but it is conveniently located near… well, things. Like gas stations, fast food, and, of course, the legendary local diner. I'm a simple gal, what do I know?
The "Relaxation" Factor (LOL)
Let's be real. This ain't the Four Seasons. There's no spa, sauna, steamroom ,or swimming pool. No gym/fitness, no massage, no body scrub or body wrap or anything even remotely relaxing. This is more of a "get-your-head-down-and-sleep" situation.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Touches
They had some of the usual suspects: Daily housekeeping (thank goodness!), laundry service, and luggage storage. The concierge was friendly and helpful. They also had a gift/souvenir shop (perfect for last-minute gifts for the relatives you forgot to buy for!). They had an elevator, which was good for my luggage!
The Emotional Rollercoaster: My Super 8 Saga
Okay, let's get REAL. There were definite moments of "Oh dear god, what have I done?" mixed with "Hey, this isn't that bad!" The room was basic, but clean enough. The breakfast was laughably mediocre, but kept me going. The internet was sketchy, but, hey, I survived! And the staff? They were genuinely nice, which goes a long way.
The Verdict: Is This Secret Worth Keeping?
Here's the honest truth: The Super 8 in Youngstown isn't going to win any awards for luxury. But it's also not trying to be. It's a solid, reliable base camp. It's clean enough, reasonably priced, and the staff are friendly. And sometimes, that's all you need.
My Final, Unsolicited Advice:
- Pack your own snacks. You'll thank me later.
- Bring earplugs. You never know what kind of adventures will be going on nearby.
- Be prepared for the internet to be… temperamental. Download your movies beforehand.
- Embrace the grittiness. It's part of the charm (sort of).
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So, are you ready to book your own Youngstown Super 8 adventure? Click the link, cross your fingers, and prepare for the unexpected. You might just surprise yourself. And, who knows? You might even discover your own best kept secret.
(This is my honest review. Take it or leave it. Just don’t judge me.)
Escape to Paradise: La Chiusa's Stunning Castellammare del Golfo Villas
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because planning a trip to anywhere, especially Youngstown, Ohio, is a rollercoaster of emotions. And staying at a Super 8? Let's just say you get what you pay for. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? Raw, unvarnished… Youngstown charm. Here we go:
The Youngstown Odyssey: A Super 8 Sojourn (Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Motel Breakfast)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Ohio
1:00 PM: Land at the…well, if you're flying into Youngstown, you're probably flying into Akron-Canton Airport (CAK). It's about an hour-ish drive. (Pro tip: Pack snacks. Airplane food is… well, airplane food. And Ohio is not known for its roadside gourmet). The drive will likely be a blur of highway signs and, honestly, existential dread as you contemplate why you're driving through Ohio. Am I happy? Is this the best use of my time?
2:30 PM - 3:00PM: Arrive at Super 8 by Wyndham Youngstown/Girard. Try not to judge the exterior too harshly. It's seen things. Probably a lot of things. Check-in. Pray your room isn't on the first floor (see: the "things" it's seen). Breathe a sigh of relief if the keycard works.
3:15 PM: Room Assessment. Okay, so, the carpet… questionable, but hey, at least it's… a carpet? The TV? Probably works. The bathroom? Pray the water pressure isn't just a suggestion. Unpack. Resist the urge to meticulously wipe down every surface (you'll just drive yourself crazy). Throw your stuff on the bed and contemplate life. Maybe take a picture of the bed. It's not fancy, but it's yours for the next few days.
4:00 PM: Need Coffee. Immediately. The closest coffee shop? Likely a chain. Embrace the Starbucks, or if you're feeling adventurous, maybe find a little local hole-in-the-wall place, but it's Ohio. Maybe you get lucky. Maybe you don't.
5:30 PM: Dinner. I'm starving. Okay, my initial plan would be… Find someplace, and go. I was think maybe a brewery of some kind. But… I'm too tired to go. Let's have a pizza. You know, I may have had one on the way.
7:00 PM: Back at the Super 8. Maybe watch some TV. Maybe read a book. Maybe stare out the window and wonder what the folks across the parking lot are doing. Are they happy? Do they also feel this… strange mixture of restlessness and utter exhaustion? It's easy to start analyzing your life as an emotion.
9:00 PM: Bed. Try to sleep. The hum of the air conditioner, the occasional car alarm…welcome to the Super 8 experience!
Day 2: Exploring, or at Least Attempting To
- 7:00 AM: The Free Breakfast. Buckle up, buttercup. This is where things really get interesting. Expect: Instant coffee so strong it could strip paint. Those tiny, individually wrapped muffins that taste vaguely of sadness. Possibly, a waffle maker. Approach with caution. The real joy is seeing everyone around you. It's a shared experience of the "we're all in this together" variety.
- 8:00 AM: Okay, now the plan. Let's be honest, I didn't spend much time planning. I have to go to the Canfield Fair. Today is the day. Okay, I can be a bit of a thrill seeker, so maybe I'll hit the ride right away.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00PM: Canfield Fair…
- The Glory of the Fair: The sights, sounds, and smells are a sensory assault. The smell of fried food is overpowering. The kids are screaming, the animals are baaing, and the music is loud and everywhere. It's a glorious chaos.
- The Food: Eat everything. Deep fried cheese, corndogs, cotton candy, and corn on the cob. Just prepare for a food coma later.
- The Rides: Spinning and dizzying. They look terrifying but fun? Maybe. Just go with the flow.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch. More Fair food. You're already committed.
- 3:00 PM: Explore the arts and crafts
- 5:00 PM: Head back to the Super 8. I'm exhausted. I think I need a nap.
- 6:00 PM: Okay I’m up, and still hungry. Dinner? I’m thinking fast food: McDonald's or something. I don't know. I don't care
- 7:30 PM: Do I watch TV. Maybe. I will play some video games. Or I maybe I will just pass out.
Day 3: The Slow Fade
- 7:00 AM: The free breakfast ritual. (See Day 2, only slightly more jaded.)
- 8:00 AM: Check out. Say a final, unspoken goodbye to your Super 8 room. You've survived!
- 8:30 AM: Coffee. One last desperate attempt to ward off the morning blues.
- 9:30 AM: Hit the road, assuming you're driving. If flying out of CAK, you're probably arriving at the airport. If you are flying out of CAK, you are probably happy to be leaving Youngstown.
- 11:00 AM: Head back to the airport. Get into the plane. Think about the trip.
Reflections (aka Ramblings):
Look, a trip to Youngstown isn't going to be on anyone's "best vacations ever" list. But that's okay! It's real. It's gritty. And hey, if you're lucky, you'll survive the Super 8 breakfast, meet some interesting people, and maybe even find a little bit of unexpected charm. Or, at the very least, have a good story to tell. And isn’t that really what life, and travel, is all about? Maybe. Probably not. But I’m going to keep telling myself that. Now, about that long car ride home…
Phuket Kata Resotel: Your Dream Thai Escape Awaits!
Okay, Seriously… Youngstown's BEST Kept Secret? Super 8? Are You Kidding Me?
Look, I know what you're thinking. Super 8 in Youngstown? The epitome of budget travel? The place where dreams go to… well, stay overnight? But hear me out! I stumbled upon this, and honestly? It's less a *secret* and more a… well, a hidden gem wrapped in a slightly threadbare towel. It's not glamorous. Let's be clear. There's no chandelier in the lobby. But there's something… endearing about it.
What Makes This Super 8 “Special”? Is it… haunted? (Please say it’s haunted!)
Sadly, no ghosts *that I've personally seen.* Though, I wouldn't rule it out entirely. You know, the slightly flickering lights, the *distinct* smell of… something that *might* be air freshener trying to cover up something truly ancient… It's atmospheric, I'll give it that. But what makes it "special"? Honestly? It's the *vibe*. It’s got this weird, time-capsule quality. It FEELS like a Super 8 from the early 90s, and that's… kind of cool.
The Breakfast Bar… Spill the Beans! What Are We Talking About Here?
Oh, the breakfast bar. This is where things get… interesting. Let me paint you a picture: Warmed-over sausage patties that have seen better days (and probably a few different seasons), a perpetually-damp waffle maker you pray works, and a selection of pre-packaged cereals that you haven't seen since… well, since your childhood. There’s usually some stale-looking bagels and the kind of coffee that makes you question all your life choices. But hey, it's *free*! And desperation… breeds appreciation? Maybe? I've learned to embrace the mediocrity. It's part of the experience.
The Rooms… Are They… Clean? (Be Honest!)
Look, let's not pretend it's the Ritz-Carlton. They're… clean-ish. You know, the kind of clean where you're not actively afraid to touch things. The sheets are usually okay, the towels… well, they've been laundered, at least. And the furniture... it’s seen some things. Scratches, dings, questionable stains... but hey, character! I always bring my own Clorox wipes, just in case. Better safe than sorry! Once, and I swear this is true, I found a stray remote control from a TV that hadn't existed in a decade. Truly bizarre.
So… Why Would Anyone Actually Stay Here? (Aside from the price, of course)
Okay, this is the big question. The price is definitely a factor. It's *dirt cheap*. But there's more to it. There's a certain… freedom you feel there. No pretentious hotel staff judging your life choices. No overpriced mini-bar. Just… anonymity. You can be yourself. I’ve stayed there after particularly stressful days, where all I wanted was to hide and zone out in front of some truly awful cable TV. It just *works*. Plus, it’s close to everything (well, relatively close). You're not far from the highway, local restaurants, the works. And honestly? It's a conversation starter. People *remember* the Super 8. It’s a story!
Okay, So You're Recommending It? Would You REALLY Send Your Mom Here?
That's the ultimate test, isn't it? My mom? Hmm… She's… picky. She likes nice things. She appreciates a well-appointed lobby and a clean bathroom. So… no. Probably not. But for the adventurous traveler? The budget-conscious explorer? The person who just wants a clean-ish place to crash for the night? Absolutely. I'd tell them to go. Just temper your expectations. Pack your own coffee. And maybe bring some earplugs, just in case. The highway noise can be… persistent. But hey, it's part of the experience, right?
And one more thing about that breakfast: I had a truly *profound* experience with those sausage patties. One morning, I was really, really down. Just… feeling off. Then, I took a bite of one of those little, grey discs of mystery meat. And you know what? It was oddly comforting. Like a tiny, salty hug. I’m not saying it was the *best* sausage I've ever had. Far from it. But it was… familiar. It reminded me of simpler times. It reminded me that even in the face of questionable breakfast food, life goes on. And that, my friends, is why I love the Youngstown Super 8. It's not about luxury. It's about the journey. And sometimes, that journey includes slightly stale sausage patties.
Any Tips for Surviving the Super 8 Experience?
Absolutely!
- **Pack essentials:** Coffee, snacks, your own pillow (optional but recommended), and those aforementioned Clorox wipes.
- **Embrace the chaos:** Don't expect perfection. Roll with the punches.
- **Ask for a room away from the highway:** Trust me on this.
- **Mingle with the locals, maybe:** There’s usually a fascinating cast of characters. I’m not saying they’re *all* interesting… but some are.
- **Lower your expectations, then lower them some more:** That way, you'll be pleasantly surprised, maybe.
- **Don't judge the artwork:** It probably came from a discount warehouse.
Is There Literally ANYTHING Good About Staying at This Place?
Okay, beyond the aforementioned "charm" (and the price!), yeah. The staff, mostly. They're... nice. Like, unusually chill and friendly. You can tell they've *seen* things. They've probably heard all the stories, witnessed all the mishaps. And they're still there, smiling (or at least, looking like they're trying). They’re the unsung heroes of Youngstown lodging. Plus, and this is a big one, the Wi-Fi usually works! And in this day and age, that's worth its weight in gold, even if the gold is slightly tarnished. Still, some things are just right, and that's why I can't hate it.
Final Verdict: Would You Go Back?
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