Escape to WV Paradise: Days Inn Huntington Barboursville Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Escape to WV Paradise: Days Inn Huntington Barboursville Awaits! – a name that’s, well, ambitious, but hey, we’re here to find out if it delivers the goods! Let's be real, sometimes you just need a clean bed and a place to recharge, right? This review is going to be less "sterile hotel guide" and more, you know, real.
First Impressions & Arrival (aka, the "Did I Make a Mistake?" Moment)
The accessibility seemed decent. I'm not in a wheelchair, thankfully, but I did see ramps and an elevator. That’s already a win for people with mobility issues, a big plus! The CCTV in common areas and outside the property definitely gave off a "looking out for ya" vibe. Plus, security is 24-hour -- always a good thing, especially if you're traveling alone. The check-in/out process was said to be contactless. (fingers and toes crossed).
The Room: My Fortress of Solitude (Maybe?)
Alright, let's be honest, hotel rooms are either glorious or… well, functional. Here's what I found in my little haven:
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products are a HUGE relief these days, and the Rooms sanitized between stays is definitely reassuring. Individually-wrapped food options, physical distancing and sanitizing protocols - Good job!
- Amenities: Okay, air conditioning is a MUST, and thankfully, it was blasting like a champ. Wi-fi [free] in the room? Check. No complaints there. I liked that there was internet access – wireless (you need both, you know!) and there was desk space to work on my laptop or just write down my thoughts.
- The bathroom: Ah, the ultimate test. The separate shower/bathtub, the hair dryer, the complimentary toiletries -- always a win for me.
But…and this is where we get real…the room wasn't exactly Instagrammable, you know? It was…comfortable. Functional. Needed a little TLC, maybe a fresh coat of paint and maybe a new blanket!
Things to Do (and the Glorious Lack Thereof)
Okay, let’s talk attractions. This is where I was hoping for the “Paradise” part to kick in!
- Fitness center —I wandered in, and it was there. Mostly. A few machines, a treadmill that looked like it might have been around since the Clinton administration, and the kind of weights that are all scuffed up but they still work (if you can get them off the rack).
- Swimming pool [outdoor] looked like it may have also seen better days, but it was there and you could swim in it.
- Sauna, spa, steamroom? The website teased all that, but I didn’t see any signs. Again, the ambition is there.
Let's not forget the things to do:
- Things to do: What is there to do? You need to check out the local attractions near Huntington, WV.
- Ways to Relax: The hotel itself has a spa and sauna, so this is a plus.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Adventure!)
Didn't try the restaurant (it has Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant), but I appreciated the coffee/tea in restaurant and the coffee shop.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Daily housekeeping? Bless their hearts, they were there every day, making the bed and such.
- Luggage storage? Yep.
- Concierge? Didn't see one, but the front desk folks were helpful.
- Convenience store? Didn't see one, but the front desk folks were helpful.
- Dry cleaning service was included as well.
But Where’s the "Paradise"?!
Okay, truth be told, "Paradise" might be stretching it. But here's the thing -- it’s a solid, affordable option.
The Verdict (And a Sneaky Offer!)
Escape to WV Paradise: Days Inn Huntington Barboursville Awaits! isn't going to blow you away with luxury. What it IS is a functional, clean, and decently equipped place to rest your head, especially if you’re on a budget or just passing through. It's got the basics covered, and the staff seems genuinely friendly.
Now, for the shameless plug:
Are you looking for a comfortable and affordable place to stay on your travels? Book your next stay at Escape to WV Paradise: Days Inn Huntington Barboursville Awaits! and mention this review to get 10% off your stay AND a free bottle of water to kick off your adventure!
This is not the super-luxurious five-star hotel, but for the price and location, this is a great stay.
Unbelievable Bangkok Soundscapes: Baanklangsoun Bangkorbour Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is the real deal. This is Huntington, WV, through the bleary eyes of yours truly, at the Days Inn by Wyndham. And let me tell you, it's been a journey.
Days Inn by Wyndham Huntington Barboursville (WV) - A Whirlwind of Wonder…Maybe?
(Note: Trust me, I tried to get a fancy notebook, but my luggage is still a disaster. This is scrawled on a crumpled napkin pilfered from the breakfast buffet. Don't judge.)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread
- Morning (ish): Arrived. After a four-hour delayed flight, thanks to "unexpected inclement weather" – aka, a light drizzle that wouldn't even phase a house cat, I finally made it! The car rental place tried to upsell me on a "luxury SUV." Luxury? Honey, I’m still grieving the missing luggage. Settled for something that had four wheels and hopefully wouldn’t fall apart on the West Virginia hills. Drive was fine, mostly. Though I did accidentally let a rogue squirrel cross the road between Barboursville and Huntington. That's another thing to wrestle with. The squirrel's family must be at a loss for him now.
- Afternoon: Check-in at the Days Inn. Let's be honest. The picture online was slightly more… flattering. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and regret, but you know what? That's part of the charm, right? The check-in lady seemed genuinely thrilled to see me. Maybe business has been slow or she just wants to be polite, I'll never know. My first thought was, "Is there a vending machine?" Because after those flight delays, I needed a snack and a soul-soothing bottle of Mountain Dew. The room's clean, but the wallpaper looks like it was last updated during the Carter administration. I'm not complaining, just observing. So much to unpack. Especially my emotional baggage…
- Evening: Dinner at a local diner. Found a place called "Hillbilly Hot Dogs." Sold! The food was… well, it was food. The hot dogs were gigantic, overflowing with chili and cheese, and probably the best thing I've eaten all week. The waitress, bless her heart, had a Southern accent thicker than molasses and knew her regulars by name. Asked me where I was from, and I confessed my travel woes. She gave me a comforting smile. In a world of chaos, she knew how to soothe.
- Quirky Observation: The jukebox played nothing but classic country. Every song was about lost love, broken hearts, and pickup trucks. I swear, Huntington is the epicenter of heartbreak.
- Rambling Thought: Is it just me, or does the concept of "West Virginia charm" just kind of… get you, you know? It’s not slick or perfect. It's just… real. And sometimes, real is exactly what the doctor ordered. Maybe?
- Night: Back at the hotel. The bed is…fine. The TV works. There's a faint, rhythmic thumping coming from the room next door. (Let's not think too hard about that.) Mostly, I'm just staring at the ceiling, wondering if I left the oven on back home. Probably not.
Day 2: Exploring (And Overthinking)
- Morning: Free breakfast! The highlight? The self-serve waffle maker. I, of course, managed to burn the first one. The second one, however, was glorious. The plastic forks bent, but I was in heaven. I had pancakes, some cold sausage-- I needed the energy. Tried to make coffee, but the machine spit lukewarm brown water at me. Gave up, drank my orange juice and planned the day.
- Emotional Reaction: I felt like a champion. Defeating a waffle and surviving the breakfast buffet without collapsing felt like an accomplishment.
- Afternoon: Decided to explore the city. First stop: Heritage Village, a collection of preserved historic buildings. It was fascinating, sure, but honestly, I was more captivated by the ridiculously large squirrels that kept trying to steal my granola bar. They were audacious! They were bold!
- More Afternoon: Drove to Ritter Park. It's lovely, I’ll give it that. But I spent half my time dodging rogue Frisbees and the other half pondering the meaning of life. And maybe the squirrel's fate.
- Messy Thought: Is this what getting older is like? Constant existential dread punctuated by squirrel-related anxieties?
- Evening: Ate dinner at a place that served "upscale comfort food." It was…fine, but nothing beats the simple joy of a chili dog. Considered going back to Hillbilly Hot Dogs, but succumbed to the lure of "something new." Regretted it slightly.
- Night: Back at the hotel. The thumping next door continues. Decided to go for a walk. The parking lot of the Days Inn is desolate. It's also quite spooky. I'm currently huddled in the corner of my room, vowing to befriend the front desk lady to get over the next few days.
Day 3: The Marshall University Revelation & Emotional Overload
- Morning: The thumping. The thumping never stops. (Okay, it did stop eventually. Whew.)
- Afternoon: Okay this is where things got real. Visiting the Memorial Student Center at Marshall University. Seeing the memorial to the plane crash? Gut-wrenching. Absolutely knocked the wind out of me. It's just… such a raw, powerful story of grief and resilience. The sheer scale of the loss hit me like a ton of bricks.
- Doubling Down: Spending an hour just sitting and letting the history sink in. The weight of the tragedy is palpable. The bronze statue of the team is stunning, but the sadness it carries is profound. And here I am, barely a day or two out of my home, sobbing silently in a random hotel room. The sheer resilience of the community is incredible.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I don’t even like football, and I'm still completely wrecked. This is a story about loss, love, community, and the enduring spirit of the human heart. Now I know that West Virginia charm is real. It's something hard-won. I now need to find something to eat, and something to dry my eyes.
- More Afternoon: Wander the campus, which is actually pretty cool. Some pretty solid architecture. And plenty of students, seemingly unfazed by my emotional wreckage.
- Evening: Forced myself to eat dinner. Needed something to distract me. Ended up getting some pizza. Pizza is always a good idea.
- Night: Back at the hotel. The thumping? Gone. Maybe the universe is looking out for me, and I should go back and try to meet the front desk lady. Maybe there’s a purpose to even the smallest of things.
Day 4: Departure & (Gasp!) Acceptance
- Morning: Woke up feeling surprisingly…okay. Made a waffle. Ate it with gusto. The coffee still sucks.
- Afternoon: Check-out. Said goodbye to the front desk lady. She smiled and wished me a safe trip. Seems I made a friend, after all.
- Departure: Back to the airport. No delayed flights this time. Just sadness about leaving. I’m not sure why. West Virginia isn’t home and it’s nothing like the world I came from. But I feel… different.
- Quirky Observation: The entire experience was a bizarre mix of cheap hotel rooms, profound grief, delicious hot dogs, and squirrels. And, somehow, it all coalesced into something meaningful.
- Rambling Conclusion: Traveling isn't always about the fancy hotels and the perfectly curated photo ops. Sometimes, it's about the messy, imperfect moments, the unexpected revelations, and the things that quietly, relentlessly, change you from the inside out. It's about finding the beauty in the mundane, and the humanity in the chaos. And hey, maybe the Days Inn wasn't so bad, after all. Especially if they have waffles. (And maybe, just maybe, I’ll return someday.)
Escape to WV Paradise: Days Inn Huntington Barboursville Awaits! ...Or Does It? (FAQ Edition)
Okay, so "Paradise" is a STRONG word... Is this REALLY a good place to stay?
Look, let's be real. "Paradise" might be stretching it a teensy bit. It's a Days Inn, people! My expectations aren't exactly set for a Four Seasons experience. But, and this is a big but (pun intended, because…well, you'll see), it's... acceptable. Honestly, it really depends what you're after. If you're expecting crisp white linens and a butler named Jeeves, you're in the wrong place. If you need a clean bed, a hot shower, and a place to park your car while you explore Huntington and Barboursville? Then yeah, it does the job. Emphasis on "does the job." I stayed there last month, and the coffee tasted like slightly flavored dirt water. But hey, the air conditioning *worked*, and that's a win in West Virginia in July!
What's the first thing I should expect when I walk through the door? Be honest!
Okay, here we go. First thing you'll probably notice is… a certain *aroma*. It's not always bad! Sometimes it's just a hint of cleaning product, which is… reassuring, in a slightly clinical way. But other times… well, let's just say it depends on who checked out before you. I once walked into a room that smelled overwhelmingly of… something. I couldn't place it. It was a mix of old cigarettes, stale pizza, and a faint whiff of desperation. It was a sensory experience, to say the least. However, on my *next* visit, the room smelled just like… nothing. Which, sometimes, is the best you can hope for. You also will face the front desk that's seen it all. You'll feel the exhaustion in their eyes.
The "free breakfast" – what am I in for? Avoid the platitudes!
Alright, the "free breakfast." Ah, the siren song of complimentary carbs and… well, let’s be honest, questionable sustenance. Think of it as a gamble. You *might* get lukewarm scrambled eggs that resemble something vaguely edible, some pre-packaged pastries that have seen better days, and the aforementioned coffee-dirt-water. Or, *maybe* you'll strike gold. Maybe there will be waffles! And maybe even some fruit! I once saw a sad-looking banana. It was overripe, but I ate it anyway. Desperate times call for desperate measures. My advice? Lower your expectations. Don't go in hungry. Pack some granola bars. And bring your own coffee. You will thank me later.
Are the rooms actually clean? Tell me the TRUTH!
Okay, this is the big one. The truth? It varies. I've had rooms that were reasonably clean and rooms that made me question if the cleaning crew even acknowledged the existence of a vacuum cleaner. I once found a… a hair tie… under the bed. And not just any hair tie, a really *old* hair tie, the fuzzy kind that your grandma used to wear. It told a story. A story of forgotten travelers, of late-night TV binges, of… who knows what? It was slightly unsettling. I always check the sheets REALLY carefully. I’ll be honest, you might want to bring some sanitizing wipes, just in case. You can never be too careful. Just prepare yourself for the potential for... "character." Or, more accurately, the character of previous guests.
What about the pool that's advertised? Is it swimmable?
The pool. Oh, the pool. It exists! It's… a thing. Whether or not it's *swimmable* is the million-dollar question. See, I've got a whole *thing* about hotel pools. I mean, who knows what lurks in those… depths? I've seen it look sparkling, inviting, a beacon of summer fun (and other times I've seen a suspiciously murky, algae-tinged green). The poolside area can be… interesting. Think mismatched chairs, a distinct lack of shade, and the potential for an unexpected encounter with a rogue inflatable pool toy. I'd say proceed with extreme caution. Maybe bring your own chlorine test strips. Or, you know, just stick to showering in your room.
Is the location actually convenient? Is it easy to get around?
Okay, now we're getting to the good stuff. The location *is* pretty decent. It's right off the interstate, which is a huge plus if you're just passing through. You can hop on the highway and get wherever you're going pretty quickly, which is nice. There's fast food nearby, a couple of sit-down restaurants, and a gas station where you can grab some road snacks. Barboursville Park is nearby, which is a nice little spot for a stroll if you need to stretch your legs. Huntington is also a short drive away, so that opens up a bunch of other options for dining and entertainment. So, yes, it's generally convenient. Just be prepared for some… well, let's just say the traffic can get a little *spirited* at times. Especially during rush hour. And if you're directionally challenged like I am, good luck navigating the various exits and on-ramps. I will forever remember my detour that almost took me to Ohio.
What about the staff? Are they friendly?
The staff? Now THAT is the wild card and the whole experience of the stay. You've got your typical hotel staff. Sometimes you're greeted by the most charming, helpful person you've ever met. They will go out of their way to help you; they will give you an extra towel, recommend a local restaurant, or even just offer a friendly smile. Other times... well, let's just say it feels like they've seen it all, and they're a little world-weary. Don't take it personally. They deal with a lot, and they're just trying to get through their shift. My *personal* experience has always been pretty positive though. Sure, there was that one time when I asked for extra pillows, and the guy at the front desk looked at me like I'd asked him to build a rocket ship. But, hey, he eventually got me the pillows! Overall, yeah, they're friendly enough. Just remember to be polite, and they'll likely reciprocate.
Would you stay there again? Be brutally honest.
