Hammond's Hidden Gem: Days Inn Review & Booking!
Hammond's Hidden Gem: Days Inn - My Unfiltered Take (And Why You Might Actually Like It!)
Okay, folks, let's be real. When you see "Days Inn," your brain probably conjures images of… well, basic. But hold on to your hats (or, you know, your laptop chargers – crucial!), because I just got back from Hammond's "Hidden Gem" Days Inn, and… it’s complicated. Prepare for a review that’s less perfectly polished and more like a conversation with your slightly-too-opinionated aunt. Buckle up.
First Impressions (and the Great Elevator Debacle):
Finding the "Hidden Gem" tag was a chuckle. The exterior? Truthfully? Not exactly Instagram-worthy. Think…reliable, sturdy, "been there, done that." But the lobby? Surprisingly decent! A little brighter than I expected, and the front desk folks were genuinely friendly, which is always a plus. Now, about the elevator… Let's just say if you're claustrophobic or prone to existential dread, you might want to request a lower floor. It felt like it was powered by hamsters on a sugar rush, and the ride was…memorable. (Note to self: inquire about the elevator maintenance schedule.)
Accessibility - Because Everybody Deserves a Smooth Stay:
They do have an elevator (though, as noted, it requires patience). This is a major win for anyone with mobility issues. Plus, they specifically mention facilities for disabled guests on their site, a huge plus. I didn't personally test the wheelchair accessibility of the rooms, but the presence of the elevator and the stated commitment makes me hopeful.
Internet & Digital Sanity:
Alright, let's talk internet. Because in the 21st century, good Wi-Fi is as essential as oxygen. And thankfully, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked. I mean, I didn't need therapy to regain my sanity after trying to get connected. They also advertise Internet [LAN] and Internet services, but who uses LAN cables anymore? Anyway, the point is: you're covered. My biggest gripe? Okay, it wasn't a gripe. But hey, you look for imperfections, and there were none. The internet was a damn good experience.
Rooms - The Good, the Slightly-Less-Good, and the Really-Good Coffee Maker:
The room itself? Perfectly functional. Not luxurious, but clean and comfortable. The air conditioning blasted, there was a comfy desk to get work done, and a nice reading light above the bed, complimentary tea. The blackout curtains were absolute lifesavers for my sleep schedule. And the coffee/tea maker? A lifesaver as well. That morning coffee was my best friend. Free bottled water was a nice touch, too. Less nice: the carpet. It was clean, don't get me wrong, but definitely showing its age. But hey, for the price, I wasn't expecting a palace. Other perks? Hair dryer, refrigerator, in-room safe box (always a good idea), my room contained an ironing facilities which was great to keep me up, and they even had a mirror, what a great experience!
Cleanliness & Safety - Safety First, Glamour Second:
Okay, this is where Days Inn shines. And it genuinely shone. My room was spotless. And I am picky. They're clearly taking the pandemic seriously. From the moment I stepped into the lobby until I entered my room, I witnessed their commitment to cleanliness, and I could feel their commitment. They advertise Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and Rooms sanitized between stays. Plus, the staff wore masks and seemed genuinely invested in keeping everyone safe. The Hot water linen and laundry washing was a nice reassuring touch and they have Hygiene certification. I also appreciated the smoke alarms and security [24-hour] on the property, and there were CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property for extra peace of mind. Honestly, I felt safer there than I have in some fancy-pants hotels.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Because Fuel is Essential:
Okay, so here's the thing. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a Days Inn breakfast. Standard fare. Cereal, some pastries, scrambled eggs that may or may not have originated from actual chickens. But the Breakfast service was prompt and efficient. I'd probably skip the "Asian breakfast" option unless you're really craving some breakfast sushi. They also had a Coffee/tea in restaurant, a little something. Buffet in restaurant was an ok experience. Besides that, there were restaurants and the snack bar was great for a late-night pizza.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter:
This is where Days Inn surprised me again. They offer a Doorman, a Concierge. Daily housekeeping kept my room tidy. The laundry service was available, and the facility for disabled guests was a plus. They have a convenience store, should you run out of essentials. Safety deposit boxes for your valuables. They offer Luggage storage. Their Front desk [24-hour] was a real hit! They also offer contactless check-in/out, a massive win. They have a elevator. They also offer Car park [free of charge] and a Car park [on-site].
Things to Do (and Ways to Relax) - Where the "Hidden Gem" Comes In (Maybe):
This is where things get a little… limited. There's no spa, no sauna, no pool with a view. However, there are Things to do available at the hotel. Though if you’re looking for a relaxing experience, you can ways to relax.
For the Kids
I can't say much about for kids, but I can say they provided a Babysitting service, and they have Kids facilities.
The Breakdown: The Good, the Bad, and the "Maybe":
- The Good: Cleanliness, safety protocols are on point, friendly staff, reliable Wi-Fi, decent price, convenient location.
- The Bad: The overall aesthetic is…basic, the breakfast is nothing to write home about.
- The "Maybe": The Hammond location has a "hidden gem" kind of feel. You'll know you’ve found it if you can look past the basic and find joy in a functional, safe, and genuinely welcoming stay.
My Honest (and Slightly Over-the-Top) Recommendation:
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway, look elsewhere. However, if you need a clean, safe, and affordable place to crash in Hammond, this Days Inn is surprisingly a good option. And, if you can handle the elevator, you might just find yourself pleasantly surprised.
---
Book Now and Get a Free Morning Coffee (from the Definitely-Reliable Coffee Maker!)
Are you ready to experience Hammond's surprisingly-good Days Inn? They've got the essentials covered, plus a level of cleanliness that will put your mind at ease. Book your stay through [Your Booking Link Here] now and get a complimentary coffee voucher, valid at the aforementioned-reliable coffee maker. Don't miss out on this "hidden gem"!
Tokyo's BEST Kept Secret Hotel: APA Tsukiji Eki Minami!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're not just planning a stay at the Days Inn in Hammond, Louisiana. We're living it. This ain't your pristine brochure, this is the gritty, glorious, and sometimes questionable truth. Consider this my "Trip Log of Imperfection," or as my travel buddy, Brenda, would say, "Hold onto your hats, honey, it's about to get real."
Days Inn by Wyndham Hammond - Hammond, Louisiana: The Unvarnished Truth (and a Whole Lot of Crawfish)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bedspread Debate (and the Mysterious Smell)
1:00 PM: Landed at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Driving from the airport was a whole adventure on its own! I swear, the GPS took us through a swamp. I'm not even kidding. Actual swamp. Brenda was convinced we were going to be gator bait. "Honey," she'd shriek, "are we sure this is the right way?" I kept saying, "It says it's the right way!" (Spoiler: it was.) Got to Hammond via the most circuitous route ever.
3:00 PM: Finally, finally, checked into the Days Inn. First impressions? Let's just say it smelled faintly of… something. Not necessarily bad, but definitely… there. Like a mixture of old air conditioning and… a hint of potpourri that had seen better days. Brenda immediately launched into the Great Bedspread Debate. "Oh, that bedspread," she sighed dramatically, clutching her pearls. "Is it… clean clean? Or just… sort of clean?" I tried to reassure her. Tried.
3:30 PM: Unpacked. Then repacked. Then unpacked again because I realized I'd forgotten my charger. The chaos has begun.
4:00 PM: The Room Inspection. Okay, okay, it's not a five-star hotel. But the water pressure in the shower was…weak. Like, "I'm a gentle stream of encouragement" weak. And those towels? Thin. Like, see-through thin. But the AC was blasting a polar vortex, so bonus points for that.
5:00 PM: Time for a snack run! Brenda's already on a mission to find the "best pecan pie this side of the Mississippi." This is going to be a journey, folks.
6:00 PM: Dinner recommendations! (See below!)
7:00 PM: Okay, now for the actual recommendation from a local. Don't miss out on the local diner Zorba's Gyros & More: it really does have something for everyone! Their Gyros are pretty good, I hear.
8:00 PM: We turn in for the night, Brenda having tucked us both in with a very specific set of instructions regarding the use of the climate control. I don't think I've ever felt so controlled in terms of the room's temperature.
Day 2: Crawfish, Crawfish, Everywhere! (And a Near-Disaster)
9:00 AM: Grabbed the continental breakfast. The "waffles" tasted suspiciously like cardboard. Brenda, however, was ecstatic about a suspiciously long-lasting breakfast sausage. We're nothing if not adaptable.
10:00 AM: Time to experience the local culture, AKA: Get our crawfish on! We head to Red Oak Steakhouse for lunch. I'm not kidding, this was THE experience of the trip. The Crawfish were perfect! The entire experience was just… pure, unadulterated joy. The heat, the spice, the peeling, the satisfaction… Forget the bedspread debate, the faint smell, and the questionable water pressure. This was it. I'm pretty sure I could have stayed there all day.
1:00 PM: Almost forgot! On the way back, we nearly ended up stranded. Brenda, bless her heart, locked the keys in the car. It was sweltering. I was panicking. I'd accidentally smashed one of my sunglasses. The locksmith arrived, looking incredibly unimpressed with our antics. Disaster averted, but my nerves are frayed.
2:30 PM: Back at the hotel, trying to recover. We spent two hours debating where to eat. Brenda's still obsessed with finding that perfect pecan pie.
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Relax. Recover. I spent the time, trying to find a new pair of sunglasses and writing this journal. Brenda, naturally, spent the time reading three different novels, all simultaneously.
7:00 PM: Dinner: Tried a restaurant for dinner on the internet with great reviews, but the food disappointed. It reminds me of those times when you buy a car and it breaks down the next day. We won't name the restaurant.
8:00 PM: One last check on the bedspread dilemma. Brenda's decided to ignore it. Progress!
Day 3: Departure (and a Deep Sigh)
9:00 AM: Continental breakfast round two. Still cardboard waffles, still Brenda with her sausage. I'm starting to understand the appeal.
10:00 AM: Check out. The clerk was friendly, which always helps. Said goodbye to the mysterious smell. Goodbye, Hammond. Hello, the open road.
10:15 AM: One last stroll with Brenda.
11:00 AM: Leaving Hammond. We found the perfect pecan pie, finally. Brenda's ecstatic. I'm just relieved to be heading home.
12:00 PM: Heading to Airport (MSY).
1:00 PM: Plane ride.
Final Thoughts:
The Days Inn in Hammond? Not perfect. Not luxurious. But hey, it housed us, provided some AC (thank the heavens), and was close to some truly incredible crawfish. This trip was messy, a little chaotic, and definitely not what I pictured, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. And hey, Brenda and I made it through, slightly more road-worn, but with a whole new appreciation for the joy of a good meal. And pecan pie.
Escape to Paradise: Holiday Inn San Jose La Sabana - Your Costa Rican Oasis
Hammond's Hidden Gem (Days Inn): You've Got Questions, I've Got... Well, Mostly Opinions
So, "Hidden Gem"? Really? Is the Days Inn in Hammond, Indiana actually... good?
It's a solid "C+" hotel. Not glamorous. Not particularly memorable in a GOOD way. But hey, the price? Sometimes that's the real treasure in this whole travel game.
The Breakfast. Tell me *everything* about the breakfast. Seriously, I NEED a good breakfast.
The offerings are… predictable. Think pre-packaged pastries that taste like sadness, a waffle maker that spits out something resembling, but very questionable, a waffle. The coffee? Well, let's just say it's the kind that keeps you awake mostly because you're fighting the urge to run to the nearest Starbucks. They usually have some sad little scrambled eggs that definitely look like they were not even introduced the chicken from which they came and some bland sausage patties.
I once, and I swear to you this is true, saw a small, rogue ant crawling across the counter near the cereal dispensers. It added a certain... *je ne sais quoi*? Don't get me wrong, it's free breakfast. And sometimes, when you're incredibly hungry, it hits the spot. But don't expect to walk away feeling particularly *nourished* or ready to climb Mount Everest.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they at least... clean?
My last stay... well, let's just say I became intimately acquainted with the texture of the carpet. *Too* intimately. I dropped a pen. *Under* the bed. It was a journey, let me tell you. The dust bunnies were… impressive. And the little hairs? Well, let's just say they weren't *mine*.
The bathrooms, usually, are okay. Pressure is good. Hot water is good. Always check the shower curtain though, they like to harbor... secrets. Pack your own Lysol wipes, just in case you're a little... *particular*.
Is the Wi-Fi decent? I need to be connected.
I usually just embrace the chaos. If it's working, perfect! If not, I use it as an excuse to unplug and *actually* enjoy the real world. Or, you know, tether my phone and binge-watch something. It's a coin toss, really. Don't rely on it for important Zoom calls. Unless you REALLY want to test your patience.
The location? Anything interesting nearby?
That being said, there's a decent selection of fast-food restaurants and some local diners. And, as I mentioned before, a casino is within a reasonable driving distance if you're feeling lucky, or maybe just desperate. I once had the most amazing burger at a diner a few blocks away... and the waitress made it clear she hated her job, but the burger more than made up for any lack of enthusiasm. It's the kind of place where you feel like you're in a movie. Or, you know, a slightly gritty episode of "Cheers".
Hammond is a good base for exploring the larger region. So, yeah, the location isn't a complete wasteland.
Booking. Any tips for making my reservation a less painful experience?
I once booked a room on a whim, assuming I'd get the same rate as the website advertised. I ended up making a phone call that sounded more like an interrogation than business. "No, I did not need the premium room, or the extra pillows, or the... look, can I just please have the room I booked at the price I booked it at?" Anyway, learn from my mistakes.
And if you are feeling adventurous and want to see if you can get a bargain, call directly. You might meet the grumpy desk clerk, but sometimes you might get a better deal, or maybe they'll just put you on hold for a while.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
It’s not perfect. It's not glamorous. But it's usually clean enough, functional enough, and the price is right. It is a pragmatic choice and sometimes… that's all you really need. Just don't expect a fairytale. Expect… a slightly dusty, slightly worn, but ultimately acceptable place to rest your weary head. And maybe, just maybe, you'll get a fun story out of it. I certainly have.
