Youngstown's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn & Suites Review (Girard, OH)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We’re diving headfirst into the Days Inn & Suites in Girard, Ohio – Youngstown's BEST KEPT SECRET?! Well, that’s what they say. Let's see if it lives up to the hype, or if it's just a slightly above-average, roadside… uh… room. Because, let's face it, sometimes you need a room. You know? A place to… be.
First Impressions (The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Smelly):
Alright, pulled up. Girard, Ohio. Not exactly Hollywood, y’know? But the Days Inn looked decent from the outside. Clean-ish, not falling apart… Always a good start. The car park [free of charge] was a major win. Score one for the budget traveler! The exterior corridor feeling… well, it felt like an exterior corridor. You could hear… well, I’ll get to that later.
Accessibility & The "Almost But Not Quite" Syndrome:
Okay, here’s the thing. They claim to be accessible. Facilities for disabled guests are listed. BUT, and this is a big but (pun very intended), the details were… vague. I didn't personally need extensive accessibility, but I always look. The website didn't scream "ADA compliant paradise," but at least there were ramps and seemed to be an elevator. Crucial for a multi-story place, obviously. So, yeah, "almost" accessible, but don't get your hopes too high. Call ahead and verify your specific needs, my friends.
Cleanliness? Praying for Clean:
This is where I hold my breath. Cleanliness and safety are paramount these days, right? Amen to that! I saw Anti-viral cleaning products were mentioned. Good! Daily disinfection in common areas? Double good! Rooms sanitized between stays? GOLDEN! I'm looking for a spotless haven, people. My inner germaphobe needs to breathe easy. Let's hope they actually do that. I'm also gonna eyeball the hand sanitizer dispensers. Let's see if they're filled, because there's nothing worse than a sad, empty hand sanitizer dispenser.
The Room: My Temporary Fortress of Solitude (or Maybe Not So Much):
Okay, the room. Ah, yes, the room. Was it a masterpiece? Nope. Was it a prison cell? Thankfully, no. It was… a Days Inn room. You know the drill. Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? HOORAY! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! A digital lifeline! Alarm clock? There. Coffee/tea maker? Also there. These are the essentials, people. Seriously. I saw an Ironing facilities, thank god! The wrinkle struggle is real!
The dreaded Bed… The bed was… functional. I slept. That's the main thing, right? I did not dive into the mattress, it held me nicely and it wasn't noisy, which is what I wanted.
Internet Access: Thank the Gods of Connectivity:
Wi-Fi [free] is a godsend. Especially as a digital nomad trying to find myself one hotel room at a time. Internet access – wireless and Laptop workspace are both HUGE pluses. I needed that internet. I had deadlines. I had TikToks to watch. You get it. But the speeds? Let's just say I spent a lot of time watching loading bars. A slight imperfection in an otherwise decent stay.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking… My Kryptonite:
Alright, so, this is where it gets interesting. Breakfast [buffet] is listed. Breakfast service. And Breakfast takeaway service. What's in the menu? The thing is, breakfast at these places can be a crapshoot, right? Think lukewarm scrambled eggs, suspicious-looking sausage patties, and coffee that tastes like burnt shoe leather. (Okay, maybe that's a bit harsh. I hope so.) Coffee/tea in restaurant and Essential condiments? I’m praying for actual coffee. And, well, condiments. The bare necessities. They mention a Snack bar. Oh yeah, I definitely saw some vending machines. Don’t be surprised, if you have to go to a nearby restaurant, that’s common depending on the type of hotel.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Niceties That Can Make or Break You):
Daily housekeeping? Praise the heavens! I can be a messy human. Laundry service? Very useful. Doorman? Now that's fancy! No. No doorman here. But Front desk [24-hour]? Essential. Because things happen at 3 AM. Trust me. Contactless check-in/out? Always a win, especially these days. Luggage storage? Handy. Elevator? See above. And a Convenience store? Oh yes, for those emergency bags of chips and questionable gas station sushi situations.
For the Kids… (Or Not):
Family/child friendly? Maybe. Babysitting service? Nope. Kids meal? Doesn't seem to apply. Days Inn's not really known for its kid-focused amenities. Probably more suited for solo travelers, couples, or those okay with some basic family accommodations.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax… Seriously?
Okay, so… it seems they had a Fitness center. Woo-hoo! My body might actually move for a little bit. I looked for the Pool with view, but I don't remember seeing one. They are supposed to have a Swimming pool [outdoor]. But there wasn’t a Sauna, or Spa/Sauna so I don’t think you’re booking this place for a spa day. They did not have a Spa, and didn't even have a Steamroom. This is definitely not a destination spa.
My ONE Big, Deep Dive Experience:
Okay, here’s what I remember the most. The noise. The exterior corridor, remember? Well, let's just say the walls weren't exactly soundproof. I heard every footstep, every conversation. The late-night revelers outside. The early-morning… let’s just say I wasn’t getting my full night's sleep. It made me realize how important soundproofing really is. And how much I truly value a little peace and quiet.
Alright, the Verdict…
Is the Days Inn in Girard, Ohio, Youngstown's "BEST KEPT SECRET?" Probably not, friend. It's what it is: a budget-friendly option. But it wasn't a COMPLETE disaster. The free Wi-Fi and free parking were my saviors. the cleanliness seemed to be there, which is huge.
The (Maybe Sarcastic) Offer:
Stop Scrolling and Book Your Getaway (…Maybe):
Are you on a budget? Do you need a clean-ish place to crash? Do you love the thrill of the unknown when it comes to motel breakfast? Then, book your stay at the Days Inn & Suites in Girard, OH! You might just survive! If you are looking for quiet and beauty, you might have to look elsewhere, though… Don't expect luxury. Don't expect the Ritz. Expect… functional. Expect… slightly worn around the edges. But also expect a chance to unwind, recharge, and maybe, just maybe, find a hidden gem or two amidst the… well, the everything. And remember to pack earplugs! You'll thank me later. Book your stay today! (Or maybe tomorrow. Or… after you've read some more reviews.)
(Click here to… well, book your adventure!)
Escape to Paradise: Pure Garden Resort Negril Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're charting a course through the delightful (and maybe slightly depressing) heart of Youngstown, Ohio, all while using the Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham as our glorious, air-conditioned base of operations. Get ready for a trip that’s less "polished brochure," and more "slightly-used, well-loved travel diary."
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Youngstown / Girard, OH – The Youngstown Odyssey (A Very Honest Itinerary)
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Edibles (aka, The Grocery Store Saga)
- 1:00 PM: Roll into the Days Inn. Let's be honest, after that drive? Everything feels stiff. Immediately, I assess the room. Pretty standard fare. Bed looks…okay. More importantly, does the AC work? YES! Praise the heavens!
- 1:30 PM: Check the map. Where is the nearest grocery?! Because, let's face it, I'm already starving. This is a non-negotiable. I refuse to spend my entire vacation surviving on gas station hot dogs. (No offense to gas station hot dogs, but…no.)
- 2:00 PM: The grocery store! I choose Giant Eagle. Seemingly the most local option. I walk down the isles with the focus of an eagle. Fresh fruit! Cereal! Pre-made sandwiches. I’m already thinking about the free breakfast at the Days Inn, and hoping its not too bad. The real challenge is resisting the siren song of the snack aisle.
- 3:00 PM: Back to base. My fridge is stocked. Sanity restored (at least for the next few hours). Time to unpack (kinda). Let's be honest, I live out of a suitcase anyway!
- 4:00 PM: Important Day Inn Observation: The vending machine on the fourth floor is out of Diet Coke. This is a crisis. A personal crisis. I will address this in the morning. Maybe.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner and relaxation. This is where I make my own sandwich. Nothing fancy, just a simple meal, but it's beautiful to me. Then I sink into the bed and watch TV and try to ignore the nagging voice in my head that’s already wondering if I should have booked a place with a pool.
Day 2: Youngstown History and the Search for the Perfect Slice (aka, The Pizza Quest)
- 9:00 AM: Free breakfast! Okay, the waffles are surprisingly good. The instant coffee, however, is…an experience. Let's just say it's an acquired taste.
- 10:00 AM: Hit the road to explore the local scene. I decide I want to learn about the area. I start researching the local history and the area. I plan to swing by the Arms Family Museum of Local History. My only thought is, will the AC be up to par?
- 11:30 AM: The Arms Family Museum of Local History. It's a beautiful house. Filled with… stuff. The docents! (I'm pretty sure they're volunteers). They're all lovely but slightly intense about the history of Youngstown Steel. By the end, I felt like I knew the entire family. A little overwhelming, but fascinating… and, yes, the AC was perfect.
- 1:00 PM: PIZZA TIME! I've heard whispers of legendary pizza in Youngstown. The hunt begins. After much deliberation (and Yelp reviews) I selected Pizza Joe’s. Its a local favorite and the food is great.
- 2:00 PM: Pizza Joe's. Okay, the pizza is fantastic. Absolutely worth the detour. I ate the entire thing. (No regrets).
- 3:00 PM: The post-pizza snooze. Back at the Days Inn, I succumb to a food coma. Best nap ever.
- 6:00 PM: I decide to go for a walk around the area, and explore the scenery. The street is beautiful. I find a little park down the street. I enjoy the quiet and peace for a while.
- 7:00 PM: Watch TV. I am enjoying my vacation so far and decide to order room service. But then realize, hey, I can easily make something myself, I head to the kitchen and make a meal.
- 9:00 PM: Netflix and exhaustion. Another day done.
Day 3: The Great Escape (and the Vending Machine Debacle)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast, breakfast, breakfast! I grab a waffle. I fill my travel mug with the "coffee."
- 10:00 AM: Today, I'm going to get out of my small bubble and explore. I decide to visit Mill Creek Park. This place is gorgeous. It’s a huge area. I make sure to bring water.
- 12:30 PM: This park is way prettier than I expected! I discover beautiful trails, waterfalls, and bridges. I spend a few hours exploring and relaxing, because, why not!
- 3:00 PM: Back at the Days Inn. Time to finally address the vending machine situation. I grab my quarters, full of hope. I approach the scene, insert the money, and…nothing. The Diet Coke machine is still broken! This time I walk to the front desk and complain.
- 4:00 PM: I'm back in my room to watch my favorite TV show. No Diet Coke, no happiness.
- 6:00 PM: I get the urge to eat a pizza. I grab the phone and look for places to get pizza. But then, I remember pizza from yesterday, I decide to order something different.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. My final meal of the trip. I order a pizza for me. Nothing too fancy. The food isn’t great and I feel a sense of loneliness. I end up spending the rest of the night watching TV.
- 9:00 PM: I go to sleep and think about going home.
Day 4: Departure – Goodbye, Youngstown (For Now)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, pack, and get ready to leave.
- 8:30 AM: Check out. The front desk person smiles at me.
- 9:00 AM: Goodbye, Youngstown. I'm already thinking about the next vacation. Hopefully there will be a pool.
Postscript:
So, there you have it. My (slightly) chaotic Youngstown adventure. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't always glamorous. But it was honest. And now I can finally start planning the next trip.
Escape to Augusta: Luxury & Comfort Await at Sleep Inn & Suites!
