Shawano's BEST Hotel? Boarders Inn & Suites Review!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into a review of the Boarders Inn & Suites in Shawano that's less "polished brochure" and more "honest friend spilling the tea." I'm talking spilling the tea, grabbing a comfy chair and getting raw.
Forget the Flowery Prose - Let's Get Real: Boarders Inn & Suites Shawano - The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But (Mostly) The Truth.
Okay, so, Shawano. Charming little town. Need a place to crash? Boarders Inn & Suites. Simple. But is it good simple? Let’s find out, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility: Not Exactly Smooth Sailing, But…
Driving up, the exterior isn't exactly shouting "Luxury Getaway!" More like, "Reliable Place To Sleep." But hey, expectations, right? This is Shawano, not the Ritz.
- Wheelchair Accessible? Yep, they have those. But getting around. I'm a klutz by nature and I almost took a tumble in the lobby. There are elevators, which is a HUGE win for accessibility, but some of the hallways felt a little… tight. Still, points for effort.
- Parking: Free and conveniently located. Major bonus points because I hate paying for parking, especially when I am tired after a long travel.
- Getting Inside: The doors are automatic, which is fantastic. Now I didn’t get to test any of the accessibility features for myself, so I cant really make much of an assumption.
- Air Conditioning in Public Areas: Thankfully, yes. Because Wisconsin summers can be brutal.
The Room: Comfort Level = Acceptable. But the Wi-Fi… Oh, the Wi-Fi.
- Available in all rooms! Let's hope the Wi-Fi is good right? Well. I did see Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. I was able to jump on the internet, now the speeds werent fantastic. I would have to say the Wi-Fi situation was rather disappointing, now I didn’t get to test the Internet [LAN], but if the wireless is bad, you could be in for a struggle.
- The Bed: Comfortable enough. Clean sheets. And the all important Blackout curtains. Saved my sanity after a long day.
- Bathroom: Standard motel fare. Not exactly spa-like, but clean.
- Amenities: Coffee maker (thank the heavens!), mini-fridge, hair dryer. Standard stuff.
- The little extras: The desk, desk and laptop workspace were super useful for a quick work session.
Cleanliness & Safety: Trying Hard, But Needs A Little Shine
- Cleanliness: The rooms felt clean, but not sparkling. I think there were some dust bunnies plotting an uprising under the bed.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: This is a very nice extra touch.
- Hand sanitizer: Yes, aplenty.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: I did see some staff disinfecting, and using hand sanitizers.
- Smoke detectors: I could sleep soundly knowing this.
- Safety/security feature: Yes, this does give peace of mind.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Fueling Your Shawano Adventure
- Breakfast [buffet]: Included! (That's actually a plus for a traveller like me). The food was standard continental fare - some rubbery eggs, a waffle machine (always a winner!), cereal, and pastries. Nothing to write home about, but it gets you through the morning.
- Restaurants: Not on-site, but there are some decent options within a short drive.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Very available and ready.
- Coffee/tea maker: In the room! (I am not a morning person, so this is a huge win).
- Breakfast takeaway service: Yes! This makes it even more convient.
- Snack bar: I did not see this, but that does not mean it did not exist.
Services & Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
- Elevator: Thank goodness.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes, they do have a meeting room.
- Coin Laundry: Very helpful touch.
- Daily housekeeping: They provide this to me, and the room was cleaned with fresh towels.
- Front desk [24-hour]: This is always a plus.
- Cash withdrawal: Not applicable.
- Contactless check-in/out: I did not have this, so i'm not sure if this is a valid feature.
- Car park [free of charge]: Bonus point!
Things to Do & Ways To Relax: Beyond the Bed
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: They have one! It was clean and refreshing.
- Fitness center: Small but functional.
- Spa/sauna: Nope, definitely no spa. Basic.
- Family/child friendly: It has a kids play area, which is super convenient!
The Good, The Bad, and the Verdict:
Boarders Inn & Suites is not perfect. It's a solid, reliable option. I'm not sure if it's "Shawano's BEST Hotel," but it's definitely a decent choice if you're looking for a comfortable, no-frills stay.
The Quirks: The staff were friendly, but maybe a little short-handed. Had to wait a bit at check-in. The decor is… functional. Think "beige" with a capital "B." But hey, you're not there for the decor, right? You're there to sleep, shower, and explore Shawano.
The Emotional Verdict: I wouldn't necessarily rave about it, but I wouldn't shy away from it either. I'd recommend it if you’re on a budget, need a clean place to crash, and don’t expect luxury.
Final Thoughts:
The Offer! (Because, you know, SEO!)
Tired of overpriced hotels with hidden fees? Craving a comfortable and convenient stay in Shawano?
Book your stay at Boarders Inn & Suites today and experience:
- A cozy room, starting at \$[Insert Competitive Price Here]!
- Free Wi-Fi to stay connected (even if it's not lightning fast!).
- Complimentary breakfast to fuel your adventures.
- Easy accessibility with elevator access (and wheelchair-friendly rooms!).
- A refreshing outdoor pool to cool off after a day of exploring.
- Free parking – we’re not going to nickel-and-dime you!
Click here to book your stay at Boarders Inn & Suites in Shawano, and get ready to explore all the beauty this charming town has to offer!
Pro Tip: Don't forget the sunscreen. And maybe pack an extension cord for your phone charger. You know, just in case.
Catalonia in Santo Domingo: Your Unexpected Dominican Republic Adventure!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is my Boarders Inn & Suites by Cobblestone Hotels - Shawano, Shawano (WI) United States, adventure… or, as it's more accurately shaping up to be, my semi-organized descent into small-town Wisconsin chaos.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Shawano Quest (Or, Finding My Way to the Ice Machine)
1:00 PM - Arrival & Initial Panic: Landed at the hotel. First impressions? The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and… is that a painting of a majestic wolf howling at the moon? Okay, Shawano, you’ve got my attention. Checking in… easy enough. The receptionist (bless her heart, she looked mildly traumatized by the sheer volume of my luggage) handed me the key. My room? Surprisingly clean! (Okay, maybe I'm biased, I'd been expecting a dungeon). Still, the floral wallpaper… it screams "1980s grandma's guest room." I kinda love it.
1:30 PM - The Ice Machine Debacle: Okay, first order of business: ice. It's hot, my water bottle is practically screaming for mercy. I followed the helpful little signs, venturing down the hallway… only to discover a total ice machine shutdown. I swear, I almost wept. This is clearly a sign of the apocalypse. I called the front desk with a dramatic sigh; they promised to send someone. They eventually did, but it too 30 minutes, and let's just say the repairs were… shall we say, aesthetically displeasing? I'm left to wonder if I can actually trust this ice.
2:30 PM - Shawano City Center Recon: Let's face it, I need to stretch my legs if I have to walk around the hotel forever searching for ice I might as well explore the town. Armed with a hastily scribbled list from the Tripadvisor (which, let's be real, is probably outdated), I ventured out. Shawano feels… quaint. The main street is lined with charming little shops. Is that a taxidermy store? Oh. My. God. I think I have to go in. It's like entering a museum of the bizarre. I almost bought a squirrel holding a tiny, plastic banjo! (I resisted.)
4:00 PM - Post-Taxidermy Trauma (and Snacks): I’m still reeling from the taxidermy store. The sheer weirdness of it all… it's enough to make you question the fundamental fabric of reality. So, I’ve retreated to my room with a bag of chips and a soda (thanks, convenience store!) and am currently wrestling with the TV remote. Seriously, this TV is older than I am. Am I successfully avoiding the ice, I suppose?
6:00 PM - Dinner Mishap: Found a local pub, "The Thirsty Logger." The ambiance was… rustic. Let's go with rustic. I ordered a burger. The burger arrived. It was… unique. Let's just say the bun was sturdier than the table, and the fries tasted suspiciously like they’d been fried in fish grease. I ate it, though. Because I'm a traveler. Plus, the waitress was really nice.
7:30 PM - Shawano Lake Glare: I drove to a vista point that overlooks Shawano Lake. The setting sun over the water was beautiful. It's a beautiful view and a must to experience. I'm starting to think I'm going to like this town.
9:00 PM - Bedtime Ritual: I'm back in my room, avoiding the haunted ice machine. I'm feeling sleepy.
Day 2: (Potentially) More Adventures (or More Time with the Remote)
8:00 AM - Breakfast Attempt at the Hotel: The continental breakfast. It looked promising: waffles! I got excited for a minute. And then I saw the waffles were cold and rubbery, and the "fruit salad" looked suspiciously like something that had been in a can since the Carter administration. I opted for a banana and a cup of coffee that tasted vaguely of burnt plastic.
9:00 AM - The Wisconsin Historical Society: I decided to hit the historical society because why not? (Actually, I may have run out of other ideas.) It turns out Shawano has a surprisingly rich history! And the volunteers who work there? They're the sweetest, most knowledgeable people. I learned about the lumber barons, the Native American tribes, and the time a bear wandered into the town square. Amazing.
11:00 AM - The Art Trail: I made my way to a locally featured art trail. There was an art gallery which was beautiful. I spent the day just enjoying art an visiting about 3 or 4 art galleries.
1:00 PM - Lunch at the Local Diner: Okay, I had to visit the diner, a true American experience. I ordered a burger, again, but this time it was tasty and delicious. I could get used to this.
3:00 PM - A Walk in the Park: I took a walk in the park.
5:00 PM - Heading Back Towards the Inn: Tired and ready to watch some TV, because there is nothing else to do.
6:00 PM - Dinner: Ordered pizza.
7:00 PM - TV: I'm watching TV. I'm sure I'll be asleep soon.
Day 3: Farewell, Shawano (and the Never-Ending Ice Machine Saga)
8:00 AM - Checkout & the Mystery of the Missing Luggage Wheel: The final breakfast. I gave the waffles a hard pass. I went for the same banana and burnt coffee. Packing up my luggage, I discovered a wheel was missing from my suitcase! Of all the places for it to go, it had to be at the beginning of my trip.
9:00 AM - Heading Out. Time to leave. Overall, it was an experience. The friendly helpful people were amazing. Shawano, you're a quirky little town, and I'm pretty sure you've made a permanent imprint on my brain.
9:00 AM - Goodbye Forever: Okay, time to leave.
(And, yes, I’m still a little traumatized from the ice machine. But hey, at least I have a story to tell.)
Escape to Fairytale Germany: Hotel zur Schloß-Schenke Awaits!
Shawano's "BEST" Hotel? Boarders Inn & Suites: The FAQ (Because, You Know, We Gotta)
Okay, So Is This Actually the BEST Hotel in Shawano? Because... High Expectations, Man
Look, "best" is a loaded word, right? Like, are we talking "best" for a romantic getaway? Probably not. "Best" for a budget-conscious family road trip? Maybe. Boarders Inn & Suites in Shawano... it's... well, it's there. It's solid. It's kind of… dependable in that small-town, reliable-old-dog way. Don’t go expecting the Ritz. But hey, a clean room and a waffle are sometimes all you need, you know?
The "best" part? The price, I swear. I was on a cross-country solo mission, budget tight, and this place was like a freaking oasis. Saved my bacon, it did. But, like, don't tell everyone. I don't want them to raise the prices on me!
The Breakfast... Spill the Beans. Is it… Edible? Please, I've had some Hotel Breakfast Traumas.
Oh, the breakfast. Alright, alright, let's get real. It's not a *Michelin-star experience*. But, and this is a big BUT, it's better than some of the... let's call them "breakfast disasters" I've survived. Think: a self-serve waffle maker (which, let's be honest, is both a blessing AND a potential for disaster depending on your waffle-making skills. Mine are... mediocre at best). Cereal. Toast (with real butter, praise the lord!). Fruit (which, let’s be honest, could be fresher). And… coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
One time, and I kid you not, I managed to get the waffle iron *stuck*. Like, *really* stuck. Embarrassing, and I had to get a nice, older gentlemen to unstick it for me, but hey, we had a laugh! Free waffle and a lesson – don’t overfill the batter!
The Rooms: Are They Clean? Because Dirt is a Dealbreaker.
Okay, so the cleanliness. Honestly? Generally, yes. Pretty darn clean. You’re not going to be finding any… *unpleasant surprises* under the bed (I checked, because, you know, I'm paranoid). The bathrooms are decent – hot water, good water pressure, all the essentials. It's not a minimalist, trendy hotel, it's a clean, comfortable and functional room.
One slight hiccup: that one time… I might have found a stray hair in the shower. It’s human. It happens. But hey, after a quick rinse, it was fine. Okay? So, the rooms are actually pretty good!
The Location: Shawano… Where Is That, Exactly? And Is it a Good Base?
Shawano is in Wisconsin. A gorgeous place with the lake, the river, and so much more. And yes, absolutely, a GREAT base. I mean, if you're driving through, Shawano's a solid pitstop. If you're planning adventures around the area, it's even better! You're a short drive from a lot of cool, hidden gems.
One thing I will say is that you should be aware of weather. Wisconsin can be brutal. Pack accordingly. But, it IS a beautiful part of the country.
Anything Else That Makes This Place Stand Out? Like, Any Quirks?
Okay, here's where it gets interesting. First off, the staff are genuinely *nice*. Not the fake-nice, "have a nice day!" variety; the genuinely, "how can I help you?" kind. They are accommodating, and not just when you check in, but throughout your stay.
And, I swear, they might have a resident bird. I'm not kidding. I think I saw a parakeet in the lobby once. Or maybe I was hallucinating after too much coffee. But still, it's memorable!
The Pool: Is it… Swimmable? And Worth the Hassle of Packing a Suit?
Alright, the pool. This is kinda important, especially for families or if you're like me and desperately need some chill time. Yes, it's swimmable! It is a perfectly serviceable, indoor pool. Nothing fancy, but clean enough, and definitely a welcome escape from the road or a long day of exploring. Also, a good water temperature.
The kicker? The pool area’s often quiet. One time, I swear, I had the whole place to myself! Floating there, listening to the gentle hum of the pool filter – absolute bliss. But bring your own towels.
Parking? Wifi? Pets? The Mundane Details…
Okay, the practical stuff: Parking is plentiful and free. Wifi is… well, it works. It’s not blazing fast, but it's good enough for checking emails and streaming a bit of Netflix. Pets? I think they’re allowed, but check with the hotel directly. I remember seeing a small dog in the halls, and it was an adorable little thing.
Ah! One thing – the ice machine on the third floor? Always seemed to be out of ice. Always! (shakes head in mock frustration). Guess I was always on the hunt for ice.
The Verdict: Would You Stay Here Again? Be Honest!
Yes. Absolutely. For the price, the cleanliness, the location, and the surprisingly good waffles, I'd stay here again. It's not a luxury resort, but it's a comfortable, convenient, and friendly place to rest your weary head after a day of exploring. It's a solid, reliable choice. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
Okay, so, yeah, the ice machine... Maybe if they fixed that... But honestly, I'm already planning my next trip there. Don't judge! They made me feel like home.
