Ottawa Getaway: Unwind at the Hampton Inn Near Starved Rock!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Ottawa, Illinois chapter of the Hampton Inn Near Starved Rock! And trust me, after spending a weekend there, I've got opinions. Forget those cookie-cutter reviews; this is gonna be messy, honest, and hopefully, hilarious. Think less polished brochure, more late-night rant fueled by coffee and the sheer experience of it all.
First things first: Accessibility, Because Everyone Deserves a Getaway
Alright, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I’m always really looking out for those who are. They seem to have it all nailed down. Elevators? Check. Accessible rooms? Yep, they've got 'em. And a major shout-out for the thoughtfulness. It's not just slapping a ramp on something; it's actually planning for folks who need it. Major points for that, Hampton Inn!
Getting Online – Because Let's Face It, We're All Glued To Our Screens Now
Free Wi-Fi? YES! In all the rooms? Double YES! Now, I'm not going to lie, sometimes I'm completely useless without internet. You know, checking the weather, doomscrolling, posting pictures of my breakfast… and then, poof gone. So the fact that the connection was solid and reliable? Huge relief. I could plan my day, annoy my friends on social media, and – gasp – even get some work done. It's the little victories, people. There's also some LAN access, if you are a super old school traveller, which is kinda cute.
The On-Site Eating Extravaganza (With a Touch of "Meh")
Okay, this is where things get a little… complicated. The Hampton Inn has restaurants, and let me tell you, the convenience factor is a serious win. After a long day of, you know, relaxing, the last thing you want is to trek around looking for food. Though, and this is a bit of a confession, I had a very strong desire for Mexican food. The on-site offerings are a little more… standard. But, they have a buffet! I LOVE a buffet. But… the buffet was buffet-y. You know? Lots of options, but nothing that blew my socks off. Breakfast was okay, but I really missed my local taco place. There’s also a bar. Happy hour is a must, and honestly, the service was friendly, even if the cocktail list was a little… safe.
Relaxation Station: Body Scrubs, Pools, and the Elusive "Chill"
Alright, let's talk about the fun stuff. No actual spa services like body scrubs or wraps, which is a bit of a bummer. I'd killed to have a body scrub to get all the sand out of my pores from all that hiking, so I had to create my own relaxation ritual. BUT! They do have a fitness center. I popped in, did my stretches, and stared longingly at the treadmill. Listen, I know I should exercise more. I didn’t. But the option was there, and that counts, right? The indoor pool was glorious. I love a good pool with a view. Oh, and they have a sauna! I love how they make you feel like you're in a private spa.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because Pandemic Times, Folks
Hampton Inn takes this seriously. Seriously, seriously. Anti-viral cleaning? Check. Individual wrapped food? Check. Distancing guidelines? Check. Sanitization? Check, check, check. Actually, the level of cleanliness was impressive. They clearly pay attention to detail, and that put my germaphobe soul at ease. They’re really nailing it with the precautions.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drinks!)
Ah, more food. There’s a buffet. It’s breakfast. It's fine. They have some Asian options. They have a coffee shop. You can get a poolside drink. They have a bar. The world is your oyster. The food? It's reliable, safe, and convenient. But don't expect a culinary revolution happening in their dining room.
Services and Conveniences: The Perks
Elevator? Check. Laundry service? Check. Daily housekeeping? Check. Concierge? You betcha. (Though I didn't need one—I'm fiercely independent). They really have though of everything. You got the essentials: Parking, a convenient store to get whatever you forgot.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
I didn't have kids with me, but I saw plenty of families. And it looked like they were having a blast. The place seemed family-friendly. There’s a nice pool, and well, kids can find excitement just about anywhere, I’m sure.
The Room: My Cozy Little Hideaway
Okay, let’s get real. The room. The room. Clean? Yes. Comfortable? Absolutely. Blackout curtains? THANK GOD. I am not a morning person. The beds? Cloud-like. The bathroom? Clean and functional. My room had a view, and it was peaceful. The internet was great, it was quiet, and the bed beckoned.
Things To Do: The Starved Rock Connection (and Beyond!)
This is probably one of the best things about the Hampton Inn near Starved Rock: Location, Location, Location! You are RIGHT there to get to the park, and there are also a few restaurants in the area that feel really fun and exciting. Starved Rock State Park is gorgeous. Waterfalls, hiking trails, the whole shebang. I spent WAY too many hours wandering around, breathing in the fresh air, and feeling like I was a million miles away from… well, everything.
Final Verdict and a Book-It-Now Offer
Okay, so the Hampton Inn near Starved Rock isn't a five-star luxury resort. It's not. It's more like a reliable, comfortable, and convenient home base for exploring a fantastic area.
Here's the deal:
THE OFFER:
Unwind and Explore with the Ottawa Getaway: 15% off your stay Hampton Inn Near Starved Rock! Use code "OTTAWAESCAPE”
Why book here?
- Prime Location: Steps away from Starved Rock State Park and all its natural beauty.
- Comfortable Rooms: Relax in your clean, spacious room.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected – or disconnect and just relax.
- Great Amenities: Pool, fitness center, and convenient dining options to help you unwind.
Who's this for?
- Families seeking a fun outdoor vacation.
- Couples wanting a romantic getaway.
- Solo travelers who want to disconnect and enjoy nature.
- Anyone looking for a hassle-free trip where the main focus is exploring and relaxing.
My final tip:
If you are looking for a simple, peaceful and wonderful getaway. The location is amazing. The staff is wonderful. This hotel is a perfect home base for experiencing the beauty of Starved Rock State Park and embracing the charm of Ottawa. Book your stay, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Don't wait!
Escape to Paradise: Hampton Inn Murrells Inlet - Your Myrtle Beach Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me trying to navigate Ottawa, Illinois, and the Hampton Inn, while simultaneously fighting off a chronic case of existential dread and a serious craving for questionable gas station snacks. Let’s get this hot mess started.
The "Ottawa or Bust (and Pray I Don't Bust My Budget)" Itinerary: Starring Yours Truly (and Maybe, Just Maybe, a Squirrel)
Day 1: Arrival and The Great Starved Rock Debacle
1:00 PM: Arrive at the Hampton Inn Ottawa. Okay, first impressions… it's… functional. Beige. Smells faintly of chlorine and aggressively neutral air freshener. The front desk person seems genuinely thrilled to see me. Maybe I accidentally teleported to a parallel universe where customer service is still a thing. Anyway, check-in. Room seems clean enough. The TV is… well, it’s a TV. I'm not expecting five-star luxury; I'm expecting a place to crash after battling the elements, or in this case, my own crushing ennui.
1:30 PM: The First Glitch! The key card… doesn’t. Work. Back to the front desk. "Oh, that happens sometimes," the genuinely thrilled person says with a shrug that’s either extremely casual or masking deep-seated trauma. Another card, another try. Success! I'm in. Now, to unpack and… contemplate the meaning of life as I hang up my slightly-too-loud Hawaiian shirt.
2:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Starved Rock State Park! (Or, My Mountain Goat Moment That Wasn't)
The Drive: Okay, here's the truth: I was pumped for Starved Rock. Pictures online promised majestic cliffs, cascading waterfalls (or at least trickling waterfalls), and an escape from the soul-crushing monotony of… well, everything. The drive itself was… scenic-ish. Cornfields. More cornfields. A roadside diner that looked suspiciously like the setting of a horror movie. Overall, I would rate the drive as "corn-intensive."
The Hike (or, More Accurately, The Waddle): The park itself was pretty. But I quickly learned two things: 1) I am not a mountain goat; 2) My hiking boots, while fashionable (damn right!), are not designed for actual hiking. The "easy" trails were still… mildly challenging. I'm pretty sure a four-year-old with a sugar rush could have outpaced me. The "moderate" trail? Let's just say I resembled a beached whale attempting to scale Everest. My lungs were screaming. My knees were protesting. I’m pretty sure a nearby squirrel was judging me.
The Waterfall Fail: The waterfalls. The promised waterfalls. They were… well, they were more like pathetic dribbles, especially compared to the epic waterfalls I saw in the online pictures. I'm talking a few little rivulets barely making it over the precipice. I half expected a sign saying, “Waterfall viewing: 50 cents. Go back now. Don't look so disappointed.” The whole scene was a letdown, I really wanted waterfalls and got some little dribble-lets of sadness.
The View: But, despite everything, the view was good. The scenery from a few of the crests of the park was beautiful. I got to see some pretty rock formations. So, yeah the drive and hike were a bit of a bummer, but it was worth it in the end.
6:30 PM: Back to the Hampton Inn. Shower. My body is protesting. I’m pretty sure I can hear my muscles screaming in agony.
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant (need some options here). I need some carbs. And maybe a strong drink. Probably some fries. I need fries.
9:00 PM: Back in my room. Collapse on the bed. Stare at the ceiling, wondering if that's a water stain or just a poorly executed attempt at abstract art. Maybe fall asleep while watching something mindless on TV.
Day 2: The Quest for Breakfast and the Search for Inner Peace (Yeah, Right)
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up. Try to convince my body that the previous day didn't happen. Fail.
8:00 AM: Breakfast at the Hampton Inn! (Hopefully it's not just a sad, lonely muffin and some lukewarm coffee). Let’s see what kind of free breakfast they offer.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Exploring Ottawa (or, My Attempt at Being Cultured)
Explore the downtown area: Okay, I'll be honest, I don't know what to expect from Ottawa's downtown. Maybe some quaint shops? Some historical buildings? The lingering ghost of a Civil War soldier? Who knows! I vow to wander around with an open mind (and a camera to document the inevitable awkwardness).
If the weather is nice, I might consider a little picnic in the park.
Visit the Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum: I’m going to be honest, I’m not a huge history buff, but I figure it’s good to at least pretend to be cultured. It's in a beautiful old building, and anything is better than sitting in a hotel room.
12:00 PM: Lunch (need a place)
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Consider a Drive-by of the Canal Locks: I’m not going to stay here for long, but I may consider a quick stop at the canal locks.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Leisure Time: Back to the hotel. Read. Write. Watch more mindless TV. Attempt to master the art of doing absolutely nothing.
6:00 PM: Dinner. Same deal as last night. Need food. Will probably end up eating at the same place.
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Pack. Prepare for departure. Write in my journal. Or just watch TV, because, honestly, sometimes that's all you can do.
- Make a list: If I think of anything worth doing again, I'll add it to the list.
Day 3: Departure and Existential Reflections
8:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast. Check out of the Hampton Inn.
9:00 AM: Depart for home (or, as I like to call it, "the place where I pretend to be a functioning adult").
10:00 AM: Reflect on the entire trip, the bad, the good, and the just plain silly. Do I ever want to hike again? Debatable. Will I remember this trip fondly? Probably. Because let's face it: sometimes, the best travel memories are the ones where everything went sideways, and you just kind of… rolled with it.
The Budget (or, Pray for a Miracle)
- Hotel: Hampton Inn (Ottawa, IL) - The cost is the cost (trying to limit myself to $200 for the entire stay).
- Food: I am allocating about $100 for food.
- Gas: Depends on gas prices, but I'm hoping to keep it to under $50.
- Activities: Budgeting around $50 (maybe a little more) for potential activities.
Notes and Utterly Incoherent Ramblings:
- Don't forget: Phone charger. Painkillers. A sense of humor (or at least, fake it 'til you make it!).
- The most important thing: Remember to breathe. And drink water. Hydration is key to not collapsing in the sun.
- Be open to adventure and try a new experience.
- Final Thoughts: Ottawa, Illinois. It was… something. And even though I'm pretty sure a squirrel judged me, I survived. That's a win, right? Maybe I'll see the real waterfalls next time. Maybe not. Either way, on to the next adventure, with my head held high, and my hiking boots securely stowed.
Okay, So... "Ottawa Getaway" Sounds Vague. What *Exactly* Are We Talking About Here?
Is the Hampton Inn… Good? Be Honest.
What's the Deal with Starved Rock State Park? Is It *Really* Worth the Hype?
Okay, I’m In. What Kinds of Activities Are There? Besides Sweating (which I gather is a guarantee).
What About Food? Where Should I Eat?! Pizza? Something Else?
Any Hidden Gems or Tips for a First-Timer? Give Me the Inside Scoop!
Okay, Okay, I’m Convinced… but what’s with the *emotional baggage*? You mentioned it a few times.
Anything else I should know? Like, REALLY know?
