Description: As I planned for this trip, I was looking for low cost lodging options. For this night's stay, I used 5,000 Priority Club points plus $40 . . . not bad for a hotel with a rack rate of $125/night.
My needs were simple: a clean and comfortable room in a safe area. The "Express Start Breakfast" buffet was a pleasant added bonus, as was the free in-room WiFi.
I arrived shortly after dark, at around 8:30pm. The parking lot was already about half full which was no surprise since this weekend was anticipated to be the peak for the fall colors. St. Croix Falls is one of the entry points into Minnesota from Wisconsin, and a popular area for people looking to enjoy the outdoors. Given the weekend forecast of sunny and the low 70's, it was little wonder that this area would be hopping with locals and tourists alike.
Check-in was uneventful as I was immediately greeted as a Priority Club member and provided a complimentary bottle of water. Additionally, the next morning a local newspaper was left at my doorstep.
I got a good chuckle out of the pillows that had embroidered on them "firm" or "soft". I was wondering what type of guest would need the pillows labeled. Further, if they were labeling the pillows, would they also label the beds? Apparently not, as both could be considered "soft" in my book. That's OK . . . the bed and pillows were comfortable as I got an excellent night's sleep.
When I got up and around in the morning, I did take advantage of the free breakfast buffet to include a banana to go! The hot items (eggs, bacon, biscuits) were warm . . . and the cold items (juice, milk, yogurt) were chilled. They also offered cold cereals as well as breads for toasting. I was curious about their automated pancake machine, but wasn't adventurous enough to try it. Others had, however, and the pancakes looked as they should and people were eating them. I can only assume they were good.
I would not hesitate to stay here again in the future. The location was ideal, right on Hwy 8 as you enter the St. Croix Falls area; maybe five minutes from the town and less than half an hour from Osceola . . . my first scheduled destination on Saturday morning.
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