Bismarck's BEST Comfort Inn? (ND) Insider Review!
Bismarck's BEST Comfort Inn? (ND) Insider Review! - Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Alright, folks, let's get real. We’re talking about Bismarck, North Dakota. Comfort Inn. Expectations should be…tempered. BUT. This ain't your grandma's dusty motel room. This is…well, let's dive in, shall we? My internal compass is set to "honest and hopefully helpful."
Accessibility: They Get It…Mostly.
First off, a major thumbs up for accessibility. I'm not wheelchair-bound, but I've seen enough hotel "accessible" rooms that barely consider basic needs. This place? Seems to actually try. Wide doorways, grab bars… they definitely get the spirit of things. The elevators? Working and not smelling of stale cigarettes, which is always a bonus. However, I didn’t personally test everything, so call ahead to confirm your specific needs are met.
Internet & Wi-Fi - The Lifeline of a Modern Nomad:
Okay, okay, this I can handle. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Glorious! I'm talking strong, steady connection for streaming episodes of that trashy reality show you know you love, or getting some actual work done. Never had a buffering issue. Did I mention free? My inner cheapskate did a little happy dance. They also have that LAN thing for the old-schoolers or those who need super-secure connections. It's all good.
Cleanliness & Safety - Because, You Know… Germs.
Let's be honest, in this day and age, cleanliness is King (and Queen!). They’ve got all the right buzzwords: anti-viral cleaning, daily disinfection, room sanitization options (praise be!). They even have those little hand sanitizer stations strategically placed everywhere. Makes you feel like they're actually trying. I saw the cleaning staff, and they seemed genuinely thorough. Now, do I have x-ray vision? No. But the room looked clean. And considering I didn't wake up with a mysterious rash, I'm calling it a win.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Journey:
Right. This is where we’re going to see some cracks. The restaurant situation? Not exactly five-star dining. More like a… functional buffet. Breakfast [buffet]? Yeah, it's there. Expect the usual suspects: scrambled eggs that might be actual eggs or a yellow concoction, some dubious pastries, and the ever-present waffle maker. Honestly? The coffee was surprisingly decent. But the real highlight? The Asian cuisine in the restaurant! Okay, ok, let me rewind here. A Comfort Inn in North Dakota with Asian cuisine? This is weird, right? But, the flavors were actually… good… which is even weirder. I may even have gone back there after having a few drinks at their bar. Also, there's a coffee shop, and a snack bar, and a little mini-mart, the usual essentials, and you are covered.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Beyond the Hotel Walls:
This is where I start to remember where I am. Bismarck, it's not exactly Vegas. But hey, that's part of the charm, right? There is a pool with a view (of…the parking lot, mostly). There is a sauna and a steamroom. The fitness center I don't trust - the treadmills were… of the age where I was wondering if they were going to fall apart on me. But the pool was a nice reprieve, and hey, you can swim in an indoor pool in North Dakota, which is always a win.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter:
This is where the Comfort Inn shines. Air conditioning (essential!), daily housekeeping (thank heavens!), and a concierge who actually provides help (that's rare!). There's a convenience store for those late-night snack attacks, an elevator (praise be!), and a business center with fax/Xerox capabilities. I especially appreciated the car park, which is free of charge.
Available in All Rooms! - The Nitty Gritty:
Okay, let's get down to brass tacks. Air conditioning (duh!), an alarm clock (bless!), bathrobes (fancy!), a coffee/tea maker (essential for mornings!), a desk (for working…or pretending to work), extra long beds (always a win for a tall person like me!), a hairdryer (yay!), free Wi-Fi (did I mention…?), in-room safe (peace of mind!), non-smoking rooms (essential!), a private bathroom (duh!), a refrigerator (for your celebratory soda or your stash of late-night snacks), satellite/cable channels (channel surfing's the best), a shower (thank you, shower!), and a smoke detector (safety first!). The point? They provide everything you need.
For the Kids - Wrangling the Little Humans
I don't have kids, but I saw families. The Comfort Inn seems child-friendly. Babysitting service? Probably. Kids facilities? If you are stuck in North Dakota you will need it.
My One Minor Beef: The Décor (or Lack Thereof)
Look, it's a Comfort Inn. Don’t expect a design masterpiece. The rooms are… functional. Think beige. Lots and lots of beige. Don't expect a proposal spot.
So… Should You Stay Here?
Here’s the truth: it's a Comfort Inn. But it’s a good Comfort Inn. It’s clean, the staff is friendly, the Wi-Fi is solid, and the Asian food… well, it’s an experience you won’t forget. If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, and reasonably priced place to stay in Bismarck, this is a solid choice.
The Offer! - Book Now, and Get…Well, a Discount!
So, yeah, what did stay here? I did. I liked it. Book your stay at Bismarck’s Best Comfort Inn today using code "BISMARCKINSIDER" and get 15% off your nightly rate! That's right, a little reward just for you for reading my rambling review and a cheaper stay! That includes a free upgrade (if available), and a free gift (while supplies last!). No, I don't get a kickback. I'm just trying to help a fellow traveler.
Escape to Gila National Forest: Your Cozy Comfort Inn Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is… my Comfort Inn Bismarck adventure. Get ready for a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Bismarck Buffet Mystery (and the Bedside Lamp Saga)
- 14:00 (ish) - Arrival & Initial Panic: Okay, first off, Bismarck, North Dakota? Don't judge. It's where I ended up. Flights, trains, car – don't ask. All I know is my luggage survived, which is a goddamn miracle. Checked into the Comfort Inn. The lobby? Clean. The reception lady? Surprisingly cheerful. Bonus points. First impression: not a total dumpster fire.
- 14:30 - Room Assessment & The Bedside Lamp Conspiracy: Okay, room. Standard Comfort Inn. Two beds! Score! Bathroom? Adequate. Then I noticed it. The bedside lamp. THE bedside lamp. It was… crooked. Like, someone had tried to straighten it, but failed spectacularly. I spent a solid five minutes trying to fix it, finally giving up, muttering about the utter lack of craftsmanship these days. This is going to be a theme, isn't it? Let's move on before I lose it.
- 15:00 - The Bismarck Buffet Odyssey: The brochure promised a "delicious breakfast buffet" (which, let’s be honest, is usually code for “mediocre carbs”). But I was hungry. So. Hungry. Found the “buffet” area… and it wasn't that bad, actually. The scrambled eggs weren't cement-like, the sausage was… edible. And I got TWO pieces of bacon. Two! This is where I met Brenda, a local with a perm that could withstand a hurricane, who told me, unprompted, about her cousin's prize-winning zucchini bread recipe. She kept it locked up, for the right reason. I suspect every place has a Brenda, and I would not be wrong for having a certain emotional reaction (in a good way if I needed to ask).
- 17:00 - Pre-Dinner Regret (and Comfort Inn Workout Room Horror): Okay, so I figured I'd hit the "fitness center" – you know, burn off some of those buffet calories. The “fitness center” consisted of… a treadmill that looked older than me and a weight machine that probably predated the moon landing. I did NOT trust either one. I took a picture of the room and will keep it to remember how hilariously bad it was. Decided to go back to my room and binge-watch a show instead.
- 19:00 - Dinner at the "Bismarck Burger Barn" (and the Relatable Waitress): Found a local burger joint. It smelled like heaven and grease. Ordered a burger. It was… glorious. The waitress, bless her heart, looked like she’d seen things. We bonded over our shared disdain for slow Wi-Fi and reality TV. She even gave me a free refill on my soda because she said I "looked like I needed it.” (I think I did). Honestly, my anxiety level went down, which is worth something.
- 21:00 - Bedtime, Bedside Lamp Battle Round 2, and Existential Dread: Back in the room. The lamp was still crooked. I tried again. Failed. Gave up. Crawled into bed. Contemplated the meaning of life, the universe, and the sheer improbability of finding a decent hotel pillow. Drifted off to a fitful sleep.
Day 2: Museums, River Views, and the Quest for Good Coffee (and a Normal Damned Lamp)
- 07:00 - Breakfast (and the Coffee Crisis): Back to the buffet. The eggs were even more… eggy. The coffee, however, was a tragedy. Instant. Watery. Existential dread intensifies. I NEED coffee. I NEED it NOW. This is a serious problem.
- 08:00 - Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park + Quirks: Made the drive out. The park, pretty, the reconstructed fort, a quick jaunt, and actually pretty cool. The visitor's center's displays about the area's history had an actual sense of humor! They actually mentioned the (admittedly awful) history of this place, which is a rarity. I love that they didn't sugar coat anything.
- 10:30 - North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum (and the Bison Bone Bonanza): This museum was HUGE! Too much to cover in a reasonable amount of time. But the Native American exhibits were powerful. I spent a solid hour just lost in thought. And that bison skeleton exhibit!? Mesmerizing. I found myself getting pretty choked up at one point. Good. Necessary.
- 13:00 - Lunch Disaster Avoided: Found a cute little cafe downtown downtown - (thanks, Google Maps). Ordered… something. It was edible. Not great, not terrible. Food in Bismarck seems to be a roll of the dice.
- 14:00 - Missouri River Exploration (and the Pondering of Rivers): Strolled along the Missouri River. It's… vast. And muddy. I sat on a bench and watched the water flow, thinking about how history has always been filled with conflict. My mind wandered to all the things I've read about, and how to process it. It's a heavy, heavy thing. The river itself is still and pretty, and I was reminded how beauty doesn't erase the past.
- 15:30 - The Coffee Quest Continued and a Minor Miracle: Found a local coffee shop! Actual, REAL coffee! It was the nectar of the gods. Sat there for an hour just basking in the caffeine glow. Finally felt… human.
- 17:00 - Back to the Room, Lamp Troubles, and a Surprise (Maybe): Back to the Comfort Inn, the lamp was still crooked. I gave it one last, half-hearted shove. Then, noticed a small, folded piece of paper under my door. A note? A threatening message? It said, "Hope you have a good trip!" With a smiley face. Weird. But… nice.
Day 3: Leaving Bismarck (and the Lingering Lamp Legacy)
- 07:00 - The Last Buffet, The Last Glance (and Final Lamp Judgment): One last breakfast. The eggs were still… eggy. The sausage, still… edible. But I knew I wasn't coming back. One last look at the crooked lamp. I swear, it was staring back at me. It felt like we were both saying goodbye, with me thinking "Good riddance" to that damn object.
- 08:00 - Check-Out & the Note Revelation: Checking out. The reception lady smiled. I gave her the room key. I didn't mention the lamp. Maybe someone would finally fix it.
- 09:00 - Departure & the Final Thought: Goodbye, Bismarck. It's a place. It happened. I'm leaving. I can't decide whether I'll ever come back.
And… that’s it. My Comfort Inn Bismarck adventure. It wasn’t perfect. It was messy. It was weird. But… it was mine. And now, I need a nap. The end!
Escape to the Ozark Mountains: Your Perfect Mountain Home Getaway!
Bismarck Comfort Inn: My Totally Uncensored Review (Because You Asked!)
Alright, so you wanna know about the Comfort Inn in Bismarck, North Dakota? The *good* one? Okay, okay, here we go. Prepare yourselves. Because this isn't your average, vanilla hotel review. This is the raw, the real, the "did-I-leave-my-toothbrush-at-home" kind of truth.
Is this Comfort Inn REALLY the *BEST* one in Bismarck? Don't sugarcoat it!
Look, "best" is subjective, right? Like, your "best" pizza might be my "cardboard with sauce and regret." But in Bismarck? For what it is – a Comfort Inn – yeah, it's pretty darn solid. Are we talking Ritz-Carlton level? Absolutely not. But is it clean? Usually. Does it have a decent breakfast? Yep. Does it offer a desperately needed oasis after driving for 12 hours straight with three screaming kids? God, yes. So, for *me*? Yeah, it’s great. But let's be real, I'm easily pleased after a long road trip. Plus, the price is usually right which is always a win.
What's the deal with the breakfast? Is it worth getting up for?
The breakfast… okay, here's the thing. I *love* a free breakfast, even if it's the *same* free breakfast every single day. They usually have your standard eggs (sometimes powdered, which is… a choice), sausage or bacon (thank the heavens if it's bacon), waffles you make yourself (always a win), bagels, some sad-looking fruit (grab the bananas, you can't go wrong), and the coffee… the coffee can be hit or miss. Sometimes it's strong enough to wake the dead. Sometimes it tastes like dishwater. But honestly? Even the dishwater coffee is better than the despair of a rumbling stomach on the highway! And hey, when they have those little cinnamon rolls? Forget about it. I'm in heaven. I once ate like, seven. Judge me. I dare you.
What about the rooms? Are they, you know, *clean*? And what's the deal with the beds?
Okay, let's talk rooms. Generally, yes, they *are* clean. I've never found anything truly horrifying, like rogue pizza slices or mysterious stains on the carpet. (Thank goodness!). The beds… ah, the beds. They’re the kind of beds that are perfectly fine after a long day of driving. Not the *best* beds, by any stretch, but not the worst either. They're the "I'll-sleep-on-anything-because-I'm-exhausted" kind of beds, which, let's be honest, is exactly what you need after a long day. The pillows? That's a gamble. Sometimes they're fluffy clouds of bliss. Sometimes they're suspiciously dense and flat. Bring your own favorite pillow, just in case. Honestly, pack a pillow, a blanket, snacks, and maybe your own toilet paper. You'll be set.
Oh! And the *air conditioning*. Important detail. Works. Always. This is crucial come summer. Nothing worse than a stuffy hotel room on a sweltering North Dakota day. Trust me. Been there, suffered that.
Is there a pool or a gym? Because I need to punish myself after all those cinnamon rolls.
Yes! There *is* a pool. And a hot tub! (Or so the pictures appear to show, I avoid them). I can't speak to the pool's current state of hygiene because, honestly? I'm a germaphobe. And that's a me problem, not a them problem. I've also never been in the gym. The treadmill and I have a complicated relationship. Suffice it to say, if you're into those things, you're probably set. But if you see a crazy-eyed woman speed-walking laps around the parking lot, that's probably me.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? (Or are they just *tired*?)
Okay, the staff. This is where it gets interesting. Generally, *yes*, they're friendly. But this is a hotel in Bismarck, ND! It's not the Four Seasons. They're putting in a shift, just like the rest of us. They're helpful enough, always polite, and generally don’t judge you when you show up at 6:00 AM in your pajamas, bleary-eyed, for the waffles. Sometimes, though, you can tell they're… *tired*. And I get it! Hospitality, in general, is a tough gig. But hey, a smile goes a long way, and I've always found them at least *tolerably jovial*, and sometimes, genuinely friendly. There was this one time, though… I was checking in with my kids…and it was a *disaster*. One kid was screaming, the other was running laps around the lobby, and I'd clearly forgotten how to human. The receptionist, bless her heart, just smiled, handed us our keys, and said, "Welcome, enjoy your stay!" No judgment, no eye-rolling. That, my friends, is a true hero.
Any major downsides? Any horror stories? (Be honest!)
Okay, honesty time. Downsides? It *is* a Comfort Inn. Expectations need to be managed. Sometimes, things are a little…dated. The decor isn't going to win any design awards. The elevators, sometimes, are a *little* slow. The walls? (I'm just guessing). Possibly thin. I've heard *things*. But I’ve never actually *witnessed* anything scandalous, which is a win in my book. The worst thing I can say is that sometimes (and it's rare), the noise from the hallway can be, well, noticeable. And, on one trip, I *swear* the continental breakfast buffet was restocked with the *exact same bagels* for like, three days. They were…sturdy. And honestly, the worst horror story *I* have is that once I left my absolute FAVE pair of fuzzy slippers, *and didn't realize it until I was hours away*. Heartbreak. Actual, real-life heartbreak. So, yeah, downsides are few and far between. And sometimes, finding a parking spot can be a little… involved. But honestly? Nothing that would keep me from going back. It's a solid option, especially if you’re driving through Bismarck.
