Ottawa Getaway: Unbelievable Starved Rock Deals at Super 8!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re diving deep into the swirling vortex of potential that is Ottawa Getaway: Unbelievable Starved Rock Deals at Super 8! Listen, I'm not gonna lie, Super 8? It doesn't exactly scream "luxury," but this review? This is my experience, spilled onto the page like a poorly-aimed coffee mug (which, by the way, they do have in the rooms. Result!). And guess what? I’m gonna tell you everything, warts and all, because honesty is the best policy, especially when it comes to planning a freakin' vacation.
First Impressions & The Accessibility Tango (or, "Can I Actually Get In Here?")
Okay, so, accessibility. Crucial, right? Especially if you roll with a mobility device, or, you know, just prefer not climbing Everest to get to your room. The good news (I think) is, they say "Facilities for disabled guests". That's a starting point. They also have an elevator. That’s…well, it's vital. I can't personally test every single aspect of their accessibility, but the basics seem covered. But, if you're particularly concerned, definitely call ahead and grill them about specific needs. Don't be shy! You deserve to know!
The Room: A Confession of Comfort and the Curse of the Mini-Fridge
Now, the bedrock of any hotel stay: the room. My room! It was… well, it was a Super 8 room. It's not going to win any design awards, but it’s… functional. Let's see, the "Available in all rooms" checklist: Air conditioning (thank the heavens!), Alarm clock (because you will oversleep after hiking all day), Bathrobes (nope), Bathroom phone (nope, and honestly, who needs one?), Bathtub (yes, thank goodness), Blackout curtains (YES! Sleep is sacred!), Carpeting (ah, the familiar scent of hotel carpet), Closet (tick), Coffee/tea maker (YES! Essential! In the words of my mother, “Coffee is medicine!”), Complimentary tea (ditto the coffee!), Daily housekeeping (thank you, angels!), Desk (yep, for pretending to work), Extra long bed (noted – important for my ridiculously tall friend Steve!), Free bottled water (excellent!), Hair dryer (essential!), High floor (maybe, I didn't check the specific floor), In-room safe box (tick), Interconnecting room(s) available (good for families), Internet access – LAN (if you’re into that sort of thing, the old-school way), Internet access – wireless (the modern way, the free Wi-Fi, glorious!), Ironing facilities (sort of, probably), Laptop workspace (yep), Linens (duh), Mini bar (nope, sadly), Mirror (you bet), Non-smoking (thank the gods, seriously), On-demand movies (meh), Private bathroom (yup), Reading light (essential!), Refrigerator (and bless their cotton socks – the single greatest invention after sliced bread!), Safety/security feature (smoke detector and all the fixings), Satellite/cable channels (the usual suspects), Scale (yikes), Seating area (meh), Separate shower/bathtub (score!), Shower (yup), Slippers (nope), Smoke detector (essential!), Socket near the bed (critical!), Sofa (nope), Soundproofing (decent, probably), Telephone (who even uses these anymore?), Toiletries (the usual, probably), Towels (yup), Umbrella (yup, if it’s there!), Visual alarm (yay!), Wake-up service (if you call), Wi-Fi [free] (hallelujah!), Window that opens (yes!).
Okay, so the mini-fridge. This is where I lost it a little (and by "lost it," I mean I had a minor existential crisis in the face of a lukewarm Pepsi). I was starving after a long hike at Starved Rock (more on that later), and I desperately needed a cold drink. The mini-fridge was… well, it wasn't cool. It was lukewarm. It was the lukewarm promise of coolness, but delivered only a vague suggestion. I mean, you get a mini-fridge that's not really cooling anything? It’s a first-world tragedy! This is a definite con point, unless you're into tepid beverages.
Internet Access: Thank God (and the Wi-Fi)
Let's be real, in modern life, internet is a necessity. I needed to Google ‘how to make my lukewarm Pepsi colder’ (didn't find a solution, FYI). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! Works well enough. They offer Internet access – LAN, but who uses that anymore?
Food, Glorious Food (and the Potential Pitfalls of "Asian Breakfast")
Okay, so let's talk about fuel. "Breakfast [buffet]" is listed. And "Asian breakfast." And "Vegetarian restaurant" – so the potential is there. I'm a sucker for a decent buffet, even if the Super 8 rendition is probably going to be… well, let's just say it’s a "buffet." Don’t expect Michelin star quality, but if you’re looking for waffles, dry cereal, and the vague threat of scrambled eggs, you're probably in luck. I cannot personally vouch for the "Asian breakfast" experience. I confess, I am a bit wary. But adventure! Experience! Maybe I'll try it next time (and report back!).
They also have the following dining options: "A la carte in restaurant", "Alternative meal arrangement", "Asian cuisine in restaurant", "Bar", "Bottle of water", "Coffee/tea in restaurant", "Coffee shop", "Desserts in restaurant", "Happy hour", "International cuisine in restaurant", "Poolside bar", "Restaurants", "Room service [24-hour]", "Salad in restaurant", "Snack bar", "Soup in restaurant", "Vegetarian restaurant", "Western breakfast", "Western cuisine in restaurant"!
Things to Do (Beyond the Super 8 – Thank God!)
Alright, you're at Starved Rock, people! This isn’t just about the hotel, it's about the adventure. The main thing is the unbelievable access to Starved Rock State Park! This is the real reason you're here! The hiking, the waterfalls, the stunning canyons – it’s all amazing. The hotel is your base camp, your launchpad. They offer useful services, too: "Airport transfer," "Bicycle parking," "Car park [free of charge]," "Car park [on-site]," "Car power charging station," "Taxi service," and "Valet parking.” Nice!
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, These Things Matter)
Okay, COVID era, right? They say they follow these guidelines: "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Cashless payment service," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Doctor/nurse on call," "First aid kit," "Hand sanitizer," "Hot water linen and laundry washing," "Hygiene certification," "Individually-wrapped food options," "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter," "Professional-grade sanitizing services," "Room sanitization opt-out available," "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Safe dining setup," "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items," "Shared stationery removed," "Staff trained in safety protocol," "Sterilizing equipment." Frankly, if they’re not doing all of that, they're failing! I can't verify every single detail, but seeing those listings puts my mind at ease.
The Spa (and My Unfulfilled Dreams of Relaxation)
Okay, the spa. The list says, "Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]." Okay, so I'm not sure how much of this is actually onsite. I didn't personally experience a spa because I was, ahem, too busy hiking and trying to revive my lukewarm Pepsi. But the idea of a spa is comforting, especially after a strenuous day of exploring.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They offer a solid suite of services: "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", "
Livermore Getaway: Unbeatable Home2 Suites Deals!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because you're getting a travel itinerary for the Super 8 in Ottawa, Illinois, and it's going to be less "smooth operator" and more "chaotic, delightful mess." Prepare for whines and sighs, exclamations and epiphanies. Let's do this…
The Super 8 Survival Guide: Ottawa, Illinois Edition (AKA My Attempt at a Relaxing Getaway)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and Existential Dread (Mostly)
1:00 PM - Arrival & Check-In: Ugh. Long drive. Traffic was a nightmare. I swear, those construction zones multiply overnight specifically to torment me. Finally, the Super 8. Honestly, it smells… well, it smells like a Super 8. You know the scent… slightly stale air, a hint of chlorine from the pool (which I promise myself I'm going to use…), and a vague perfume of "economy." The front desk guy seems nice enough, though. Is it me or are hotel clerks always unnaturally cheerful? Like, are they being paid extra to feign enthusiasm for my arrival? I got the feeling he had to deal with someone's drunk uncle earlier that day. He’s probably a saint at this point. The room key is… well, it works. Progress.
1:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance: Okay, let's assess the damage. The bedspread looks… clean-ish? The TV is approximately the size of a postage stamp. But hey, there's a mini-fridge, which is crucial. I'm a creature of habit, a routine kind of guy. And as a routine guy, you need to keep your drinks cold! Gotta keep that orange juice cold! Bathroom seems… functional. Let's not overthink it. Oh, and the view? Mostly parking lot. Ah, the glamour.
2:00 PM - The Urgent Pizza Craving: I'm starving after the drive. Like, “hangry” levels. Pizza? Yes, pizza. Google Maps to the rescue! Apparently, there's a place called "Rizzo's" nearby. Pizza is good. It is a necessity!
2:30 PM - Rizzo's (Pizza Pilgrimage) and Existential Re-evaluation: Okay, Rizzo's. This place is a blast from the past! It kind of looks like a time capsule from the 80s, which is totally okay with me. I’m not trying to make a statement. The guy at the counter… I think his name was Tony… he probably knows everyone in Ottawa, or at least their pizza preferences. I order a plain cheese. Simple pleasures, man. Simple pleasures. The pizza arrives. It's… good. Seriously, real-deal good. I devoured HALF of it before I came to my senses, realizing I had to save room for…something else. This pizza is a game-changer. I think I may shed a tear.
3:30 PM - The Great Nap Attempt (Fail): Back to the room. I intend to nap. I really do. This is supposed to be relaxing! Nope. The AC is rattling like it's about to spontaneously combust. Then the neighbor starts mowing the lawn. Of course. The universe hates me. Fine. Guess I'll just lie here and… think. About what, though? Everything and nothing.
6:00 PM - Mild Panic About Dinner: Alright, it's getting late and I’m starting to think about dinner. This is the part of the day where I start to wonder if I'm doing life wrong. Should I go back to Rizzo's? It's a comfort, and comfort is good. Maybe something…different? Should I even bother leaving the room or just eat chips and dip and watch TV? These are the important questions, people!
7:00 PM - Dinner Shenanigans: Okay, after some major consideration, I decided to hit a local restaurant that looked alright on Google. The name of the restaurant is "Bruce's." It's kind of a local pub. I got a burger and fries. Nothing too exciting, but the atmosphere was… friendly? Lots of laughter, the sound of folks chatting. Definitely a different vibe than I expected. Maybe I've been living under a rock, or maybe the people of Ottawa, Illinois, are just inherently better and more welcoming than I'm used to.
8:30 PM - TV & Existential Dread, Take Two: Back in the room with the postage-stamp TV. Channel surfing. News is depressing. Everyone is talking about something dreadful, but nobody seems to care. I'm just existing right now. I should probably call it a night, but…
9:30 PM - The Unexpected Phone Call: My aunt calls. She wants to know how the trip is going. I tell her about pizza. She doesn't care for pizza.
10:00 PM - Attempt at Sleep: This is the real test. Can I actually fall asleep in a Super 8? The AC is still chugging. The bed isn't awful. But… it's not perfect. Sigh. Let’s just see how this goes…
Day 2: Starved Rock, Scenery, and the Slow Realization That I'm Actually Having a Good Time (Maybe?)
7:00 AM - The Perpetual Battle with the Alarm: Ugh. The alarm goes off. I hit snooze… twice. The sun is already up. Ugh.
7:30 AM - "Free" Breakfast… or is it? The "free" breakfast at the Super 8. Let's be real: it's probably continental, with stale muffins and questionable coffee. Worth the risk? Probably not. But it’s there. I take the risk; a muffin from yesterday. It’s not great, but it's fuel. I get some bad coffee and head for the main attraction.
8:30 AM - Starved Rock State Park: Initial Awe & Minor Panic: Wow. Okay, Starved Rock. This is… actually beautiful. I had no idea. The canyons, the river… it's kind of breathtaking. I'm not exactly a hiker, but I'm determined to see something! Which trail should I take? How should I get up that steep hill?
9:00 AM - Attempting to conquer Starved Rock: The First Canyon: I choose a trail. I start to walk. I feel a sense of accomplishment and joy as I make my way through a canyon. I'm not a hiker, but I'm going to do this!
11:00 AM - Starved Rock: Triumph and Leg Day: I'm on top of the world! One of the lookouts. I did it! I'm sweating, my legs are screaming, and I have a vague suspicion I may have overexerted myself, but I MADE IT. The view is worth it.
12:00 PM - Post-Hike Lunch: The hunger is upon me. I'm famished. The reward for hiking! I find a little cafe nearby to eat a burger and a milkshake. It was necessary.
2:00 PM - Afternoon Relaxation and the Pool That Never Was: Back at the Super 8. I swear I'm going to find out what it's actually like to be in the pool. It will be glorious!
3:00 PM - The Pool Update, part 2: Turns out the pool is closed. Maintenance. Again, the universe hates me.
4:00 PM - Pre-Dinner Contemplation (Again): What to do? What to do? Pizza again? Nah. Variety is the spice of life.
6:00 PM - Dinner & Quiet Reflection: I think I am going to drive around for something different. Let's see what kind of trouble I can get into.
7:00 PM - Bedtime and the Long Drive Home, Coming Soon: Well, if the drive goes as planned.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Scent of Super 8
7:00 AM - Morning routine: I will not be doing the breakfast. I'm just going to get on the road.
8:00 AM - Check out and the Real World: Time to leave this little bubble and get back to reality. Back to the commute, bills, and everything else.
9:00 AM - The End, For Now: Farewell, Super 8. I will return.
Final Thoughts:
This trip to Ottawa, Illinois, was… well, it was an experience. The Super 8, with its quirks and flaws, was a surprisingly decent base camp. The pizza at Rizzo's was the highlight. And Starved Rock? A true gem. I left feeling… rejuvenated. And a little bit sore. Worth it.
P.S. I should probably get a better pillow.
Branson Getaway: Your Perfect La Quinta Inn & Suites Stay!
Okay, seriously, is this Super 8 in Ottawa ACTUALLY close to Starved Rock? Because my GPS lies. Constantly.
Alright, let's cut the crap. Proximity is subjective, right? My "close" might be your "drive all day in a rusted-out station wagon with a questionable smell." BUT, and this is a big but, yeah, it's close. Like, a manageable drive. We're talking *maybe* 15 minutes, tops, to a Starved Rock State Park entrance. I even saw the giant "Welcome to Starved Rock!" sign from the Super 8's parking lot (okay, maybe not literally, but the distance felt that way).
I actually booked it last minute when I did this trip, you know? Panic-booked it after another hotel's price jumped. I was half-expecting a swamp, not...semi-convenient lodging. Bonus: traffic wasn't terrible. Praise the traffic gods.
What about the "deals"? Are we talking "steal your grandma's dentures" kind of deals? Or just... deals?
Okay, so "deals" are relative. Don't go expecting a free stay. I paid less than I thought I would, but the real steal was probably the free continental breakfast... which brings me to my story about that... keep reading.
Look, it's a budget hotel. You get what you pay for. But for the location, and the potential for a hike and, okay, fine, *pictures*, the price felt right. I mean, a cheap motel is a cheap motel, but if it gets me to some awesome nature... I'm in. I also think they had some discounts for AAA members, which, let's be honest, I probably should've checked upfront. Ugh, adulting.
The FREE breakfast... is it worth risking the questionable coffee?
Alright, this is *crucial*. The free breakfast... it's a gamble. My advice: lower your expectations. Way lower. I saw a waffle maker, some sad-looking cereal, and... well, let's just say the coffee had the aroma of burnt tires and regret. But here's the thing: *I ate it anyway.* Yep, I did. Why? Because I'm cheap and I was *hungry*. Hiking makes you ravenous. I probably ate like, three waffles. Don't judge. I'm not sure I've recovered.
There were also some slightly suspicious-looking pastries. I held off on those, I’m no fool (mostly). I did see a guy pour milk on a bowl of frosted flakes, and actually kind of respect his conviction. So, yeah, it's breakfast. It's free. It keeps you going. Your mileage may vary (and possibly include a mild case of indigestion).
Sidebar: I was really hoping for the "pancake on a stick" deal, which I learned later isn't a real thing. Depressed, I ate the waffles.
The rooms. I'm picturing a portal into another dimension. Is that accurate?
Okay, the rooms. This is where "budget" truly shines. It's not a portal to *another* dimension, more a portal to... the late 90s. Think slightly faded decor, possibly a faint odor of cleaning products and…something else. Hard to say. My room had a king bed (score!), but the remote didn't work. Of course.
Was it spotless? No. Was it horrifying? Also, no. It was fine. For one or two nights. I spent most of my time *outside* hiking, which is the whole point, right? The A/C worked (thank the heavens, it was August and humid!). My main gripe? The Wi-Fi was slower than a sloth on tranquilizers. Prepare to disconnect, people. Seriously.
What's the deal with Ottawa, itself? Is there anything to *do* other than Starved Rock?
Ottawa, Illinois. Population… well, it's a town. A small town. Beyond Starved Rock, there’s not a *ton* of stuff. I heard a few people recommend some restaurants, but I was so exhausted from hiking I just grabbed some fast-food afterward. I think I saw a movie theater, and the downtown area seemed cute, but I was there for the nature, dammit! I think I saw a local brewery, but again...exhaustion.
So, yes. Ottawa is the launchpad for your outdoor adventure, not necessarily a destination in itself. Unless you *really* love small-town vibes. And honestly, after the hike, all I wanted was a comfy chair and my Netflix. (That nonworking Wi-Fi, ugh!).
You mentioned hiking...? What's the hiking like at Starved Rock? Any tips?
Okay, buckle up. STARVED ROCK. It's gorgeous. I was *blown away*. Seriously, the waterfalls! The canyons! The... the people. There were A LOT of people. But the stunning scenery made up for it. The trails vary in difficulty. Some are paved, perfect for a casual stroll. Others are *not* paved and involve climbing stairs that feel like they go on forever.
My advice? Wear decent shoes. Bring water. Pack some snacks. And, most importantly, check the weather forecast. I went when it was supposed to be sunny, but got dumped on by rain a few times. (That’s why the waffles tasted even sweeter!) Dress in layers; the canyon bottoms are cooler. The trails get muddy, so be prepared to get dirty. Worth it, one hundred percent. Oh, and camera batteries. Bring extra camera batteries. You'll need them.
The best part? All the waterfalls! I could get lost in the beauty of them. Oh, I did. And I didn't mind at all.
Would you go back? Honestly.
Honestly? Yeah, I would. Despite the questionable coffee, the slightly-outdated decor, and the slow Wi-Fi, the Super 8 got the job done. It was a cheap and clean place to crash after a day of hiking, which is really all I needed. And Starved Rock? Absolutely. I *have* to see it in the fall when the leaves change colors.
It's not a luxury vacation. It's an adventure. And for the price, I'd say it's a pretty good deal. Just… lower your expectations for the free breakfast. And maybe pack your own coffee. AND TAKE PICTURES!
