La Crosse's BEST Budget Hotel? Econo Lodge Review!
Econo Lodge La Crosse: My Honest (and Surprisingly Good) Budget Hotel Adventure!
Okay, folks, buckle up. We’re talking Econo Lodge La Crosse. Sounds… well, budget, right? And yes, it is a budget hotel. But after a recent stay, I'm eating my words (and maybe a complimentary breakfast pastry – more on that later!). This isn’t some sterile, corporate review. This is my experience, the good, the… well, the not-so-glamorous. But even the "not-so-glamorous" had a charm.
First Impressions: Access and Arrival (or, The Great Elevator Quest)
First off, accessibility. A big thumbs up! The hotel boasts facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator – yes, elevator! Necessary for a multi-story building and a huge win for anyone with mobility issues. Front desk [24-hour] is a lifesaver, especially when you arrive at an ungodly hour like yours truly. Check-in/out [express] is a nice touch for those of us impatient souls (guilty!). Car park [free of charge], a HUGE plus, especially if you're road-tripping like I was. Finding parking in La Crosse is… well, let's just say not my favorite pastime.
The Room: Cleanliness, Comfort, and That Awesome Wi-Fi!
Alright, the room. Let's be real, it's an Econo Lodge, not the Ritz. But! Cleanliness and safety were clearly prioritized. The room smelled fresh, a genuinely pleasant surprise. The rooms sanitized between stays certainly showed. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and I had zero issues feeling comfortable. And the Wi-Fi [free]? Stellar. Seriously, I could actually work in the room without my connection dropping every five seconds. Plus, Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN (for the old-schoolers, or those who like a consistently strong connection) are available, too. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! as advertised, it actually works! Bonus points!
My room also included, which is a bonus Air conditioning, I can't stand being hot, so, this was a huge selling point, a desk to work on, a refrigerator to store snacks (crucial!), a coffee/tea maker (morning savior!), and satellite/cable channels for some mindless evening viewing. Soundproofing was pretty decent, and I didn't get bothered by any late-night shenanigans from other guests. Blackout curtains were a godsend – I slept like a baby! The linens were clean, and everything felt… well, decent.
The Breakfast Debacle (and Triumph!)
Okay, the breakfast. This is where things got… interesting. Breakfast [buffet] is advertised. Reality? It's a continental buffet, and, if I'm being completely honest, the pastries looked like they’d seen better days. BUT! They did have a breakfast takeaway service, which was perfect for grabbing a quick bite before heading out. They also had coffee/tea in restaurant! and the coffee wasn't terrible. It wasn't gourmet, mind you, but it was warm and caffeinated, which, after a sleepless night, is all that matters.
Dining, Drinking, and… Well, Not Much Else
The Econo Lodge isn't exactly a foodie destination. There's no on-site restaurant with a Michelin star. But the location is handy to a few restaurants. I did check out the neighboring Asian cuisine in restaurant, which, while not my first choice, was decent and convenient. If you're looking for something a little more upscale, you’ll have to venture out. Food delivery, is an option for those wanting something more.
Amenities: What You Get (and What You Don't)
This is where the "budget" really shows. No pool with view, sauna, spa, steamroom, or swimming pool. Nope, none of that. If you're looking for a spa day, this ain’t it. There is a Fitness center, which I didn't use, but it looked… functional. There's also a laundry service (a lifesaver for weary travelers!), but I did not use it during my short stay.
Safety, Security, and COVID-19: The Real Deal
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID-19. The Econo Lodge gets points for taking it seriously. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol, it was great to see, and the staff were wearing masks. Rooms sanitized between stays was a major comfort. Daily disinfection in common areas was a given. Individually-wrapped food options at breakfast were a nice touch. They even offer a room sanitization opt-out available! Although I do wish they took more pictures of the staff, so I could know more about who was helping me, but it's understandable.
The Verdict: Would I Stay Again?
Honestly? Yes. For the price, location, and the fact that it actually worked, the Econo Lodge La Crosse is a winner. It's not fancy. It's not trendy. But it's clean, comfortable, and the Wi-Fi is amazing. Plus, the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful.
My Quirky Observations:
- The elevator had a distinct "hotel elevator" smell – a strange mix of cleaning products and… well, elevator.
- The vending machine in the lobby was a lifesaver at 2 AM.
- The hairdryer in the room was… functional. Let's just leave it at that.
- The overall vibe was "efficient", and I respect that.
Final Thoughts
The Econo Lodge La Crosse isn't going to win any awards for luxury. But it is a solid, reliable choice for budget travelers. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. If you're looking for a comfortable, clean place to crash in La Crosse without breaking the bank, give it a shot. You might be pleasantly surprised.
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Gulfport Getaway: Unbeatable Comfort Awaits at Comfort Suites!
Alright, alright, alright… let's talk La Crosse, Wisconsin! Specifically, let’s talk… Econo Lodge La Crosse. Buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is the real deal, a messy, delightful, and slightly chaotic travel log.
Day 1: Arrival &… Mild Panic
- 14:00 - Arrival at Econo Lodge La Crosse: Okay, so the exterior… well, let’s just say it’s got a certain charm. A faded charm, perhaps. Think "rustic motel with a slightly threatening aura at dusk". The front desk guy, bless his heart, looked like he'd seen things. Things I probably didn't want to know. He gave me my key card and a smile that felt more like a grimace, probably because he's heard the same complaints about the parking lot being tight a thousand times.
- 15:00 - Room Inspection (and Internal Groaning): The room. Oh, the room. It was a room. It had a bed, a TV that looked older than my grandma, and a suspicious stain on the carpet that I’m choosing to believe was from a rogue spillage of Mountain Dew. (I really hope it was Mountain Dew). The air conditioning, praise be, was working. That's a win in Wisconsin in July. I promptly sprayed EVERYTHING with disinfectant, just in case.
- 16:00 - Unpacking & Contemplating Life Choices (and the Lack of Coffee): Seriously though, how do you survive a road trip without a decent coffee setup? My travel mug remained sadly empty. This needed to be fixed ASAP. I needed to find a decent coffee that wasn’t the weak, brown disappointment that probably lurked in the lobby.
- 16:30 - Coffee Rescue Mission: After a quick search, I ventured out. Found a little local coffee shop - The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor. They did have ice cream but more importantly, they have amazing coffee! The kind where you take a sip, close your eyes, and let out a little sigh of pure caffeinated bliss. I think I ordered like three cups. Also, their ice cream looked incredible.
- 18:00 - Dinner Disaster Averted (Barely): I'd read about a good burger joint nearby, The Olde Style Inn. Upon arrival the place was PACKED. Like, wall-to-wall people, and a wait time that sounded like it would involve me actually becoming old. Then, I decided to try the bar. I found a seat at the bar, and their burger was actually amazing. The bartender, a woman named Agnes, was a total gem. She told me about the local Ghost Tours (intriguing, I might add) and regaled me with stories of her wild younger years. I felt better about everything after a chat and some good food.
- 20:00 - Attempted Relaxation Interrupted by a Loud Snoring Symphony: Back at the Econo Lodge, I tried to watch TV. Nope. Couldn't handle it. I heard a symphony of snoring coming from the room next door. It sounded like a chainsaw massacre. Did not matter the volume, I could hear it loud and clear. Then I gave up and decided to read. I have noise-cancelling headphones, but I just don't like to use them that much.
Day 2: River Ramblings & Misadventures
- 07:00 - Breakfast (or the Lack Thereof): The "free breakfast" at the Econo Lodge. Let me just say, I saw a waffle iron. I saw some pre-packaged pastries that looked like they’d been baked in 1987. I saw… well, not much. I opted to skip it. Lesson learned: ALWAYS pack emergency granola bars.
- 08:00 - Coffee Again! Back to The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor and their magical coffee.
- 09:00 - Riverside Stroll (Mostly for the Gram): Okay, so the Mississippi River is actually pretty stunning. The riverwalk was nice and peaceful. Even the ducks and geese, usually my mortal enemies, were kind of cute. I took a million pictures. (Don't judge me. It's a travel thing.).
- 11:00 - Attempted Brewery Tour (Failure, Slightly Tipsy Edition): La Crosse is known for its breweries. I aimed to do a tour. Started at Pearl Street Brewery. But the tour was full. And then I had a beer and didn't really want to move. So, the brewery-hopping mission was a bust, but hey, I had a pretty good beer.
- 13:00 - Lunch in La Crosse: Had a great lunch at The Rooted Spoon, which was a farm-to-table restaurant. The food was fresh & flavorful, and the atmosphere was very chill.
- 15:00 - Misery Loves Company (Shopping Edition): I felt the need for some retail therapy. Found a cute little shop that sells antiques. Found a bunch of vintage postcards. I bought a few.
- 16:00 - The Ghost Tour Saga: Buckled up! The tour was at night, through downtown La Crosse. I'm not usually a spooky person, but the guide was fantastic, and the stories were legit creepy.
- 18:00 - Return to Econo Lodge (and the Symphony Continues): Okay, the ghost tour was fun. So, the snoring. Still there. Not getting any better. I considered leaving a passive-aggressive note under the door, but decided to just use my noise-cancelling headphones. I was just exhausted.
Day 3: Departure & The Aftermath
- 07:00 - Departure (and the Relief of Escape): I woke up, skipped breakfast, and bolted. Got out of that motel as fast as I could. Seriously, the key card felt like a tiny, radioactive weight in my hand.
- 08:00 - Coffee and Reflection: Back to The Pearl Ice Cream Parlor. Needed a giant celebratory coffee.
- 09:00 - Headed out of La Crosse and towards the next Adventure
Final Thoughts:
Okay, so the Econo Lodge La Crosse wasn't exactly the Ritz. It was a bit rough around the edges. But you know what? It was an experience. It was a reminder that travel isn't always glamorous. Sometimes it's loud, sometimes it's slightly gross, and sometimes, you end up with a story (or two) to tell. I made my peace with the noise, the questionable carpet, and found some absolute gems in La Crosse. And that, my friends, is what travel is all about: the mess, the madness, and the moments that make you laugh (or maybe just cringe) later. I'd go back to La Crosse. I don't know if I'd go back to the Econo Lodge. But hey, at least now I have a story!
Abingdon's BEST I-81 Hotel? Comfort Suites Review!
Econo Lodge, La Crosse: The Budget Beast (or Maybe Just a Friendly Walrus?) - FAQs
Okay, spill the beans. Is this Econo Lodge ACTUALLY the "BEST" budget hotel in La Crosse? And what's the deal with the Walrus?
"Best" is, like, totally subjective, right? But for the price? Yeah, the Econo Lodge in La Crosse holds its own. Look, it's not the Ritz. But for a place to crash after a long day of exploring the bluffs or, you know, desperately needing a shower after a REALLY humid bike ride, it *works*. As for the Walrus...I don't think there's an actual Walrus, maybe some friendly front desk folks thought it was a good mascot, or it was a great deal on decorations? You're paying for clean and comfy, not a themed experience. Though, I *did* once see a picture of a walrus taped to a vending machine. Spooky. Or maybe just…quaint.
Room Quality: What should I *actually* expect? Be brutally honest! Is it like, *that* bad?
Alright. Brace yourself. It's...decent. Let's be real. Expect a room that's been lived in. Like, someone just *left* a few minutes ago, but not in a creepy way. The beds are comfortable enough. I slept like a log on my last visit. My friend, however, kept complaining about the... "texture" of the sheets. She's fancy, what can I say? The bathroom? Clean, but not sparkling. Think "functional." My biggest gripe? The air conditioning. It clanged, it groaned, it threatened to take over civilization with a robotic uprising. But, thankfully, it worked. So, you know, it’s a win!
Breakfast? Is it a continental wasteland, or does it rise above?
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. Okay, here's the deal: don't expect a gourmet brunch buffet. Think…standard. They usually have the usual suspects: instant oatmeal (which I secretly love, don't judge), sugary cereal, maybe some stale pastries, and those little individually wrapped muffins that are always a bit…suspect. Coffee is… well, it gets the job done. It's fuel, my friends. Fuel. There was ONE time, though, that someone tried to deep fry some waffles, and oh boy... it was a tragedy. Smoke alarms, runny batter, and a whole lot of awkward silence. So stick to the basics! You'll survive.
Location, location, location! Is it convenient to stuff? Or am I going to be stuck in BFE?
The location is actually… pretty good! It's not *right* downtown, which is a plus, because parking there is a HUNGER GAME. It's convenient to the main roads, easy to get to the bluffs for hiking (which is a MUST-DO), and there are a few restaurants and fast-food places nearby if you get the munchies at 11 PM. I was once starving, and the only place open was a place called "The Chili Bucket." It was... well, it was an experience. But if you have a car, you’re golden! (Walking, not so much).
The Vibe: Is it a buzzing hub of activity, a lonely outpost, or…?
The vibe? It’s… low-key. Think "pleasant, mostly quiet." It’s not a party hotel. You won’t find a wild rave or a karaoke night. Thank goodness! I am extremely shy. I've always found the staff to be friendly, helpful, and ready to give you local recommendations. The one time I tried to "be social" I awkwardly greeted a guy in the elevator. He just stared at me, which, again, is a fine experience for me. It's just a place to relax, recharge, and maybe watch some terrible late-night TV. Which, honestly, sounds pretty perfect sometimes.
Cleanliness: Can you actually *relax* in the room? Or am I going to be afraid to touch anything?
Okay, here's the hard truth. It's not pristine. It's not sparkling. But it's clean enough that you *can* relax, mostly. I usually do a quick once-over when I get there (judge me, idc!). Look around for anything big. Dust bunnies? Minor. Mysterious stains? Eh, probably fine. Just bring some wipes or a small bottle of hand sanitizer, and you will be A-OK. I definitely wouldn't eat off the floor, but I wouldn't eat off the floors of *my* house, either. You get what you pay for, and for the price, it's generally pretty acceptable. My biggest anxiety? The ice machine. It's always a gamble. But you survive.
Parking: Is it a headache? Do I need to circle the block for an hour?
Parking is a breeze! There's usually ample parking, which is a HUGE win. No circling the block, no fighting for a spot. You can just pull right up, unload your stuff, and be on your way. I consider this a major perk. Especially after a long drive when all you want to do is collapse into a bed. So, yeah, the parking situation is excellent. Thank goodness!
The Worst(Or Best!) Experience Ever? Give me a Story!
Okay, buckle up, because this one's a doozy. So, I was there last year. Late at night, after a very long hike. Exhausted. Just wanted to sleep. Checked in, got to the room. Everything seemed...fine. Then, I turned on the TV. Instant static. Okay, whatever, I figured. I'll just go to sleep. Except! *buzz buzz buzz* the smoke detector started chirping. The low battery...of course. I tried to ignore it, telling myself it would stop, but no. It persisted, mockingly. *buzz buzz buzz*. So, I called the front desk. The poor guy on duty seemed like he'd already had a rough night. After a 20-minute wait, a guy arrived. He replaced the battery (and the whole thing was a production! I had to stand by and watch). Finally! Silence, right? WRONG. The new battery was faulty. *buzz buzz buzz*. This went on for a solid HOUR. Eventually, they gave me a new room. But, the memory is burned in my brain. It was the perfect mix ofSearchotel
