Escape to Hells Canyon: Unforgettable Stay at Best Western Plus Inn!
Hells Canyon Calling (and the Best Western Plus Didn't Disappoint…Most of the Time): A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, so picture this: you're craving wild, like REALLY wild. You've traded in the concrete jungle for the actual jungle – the dramatic, breathtaking Hells Canyon. You’re dreaming of roaring rivers, towering cliffs, and a sense of… well, escape. And then, reality kicks in. You need a place to stay. That's where the Best Western Plus Inn steps in. Buckle up, because this isn't your average corporate review. This is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (plus a few tangents).
First Impressions and Location, Location, Location! (and the Accessibility Angle)
Let's be real: after a long day of driving, you don't want to have to navigate a maze. The Best Western Plus, thankfully, is easy to find. It's strategically placed, which is a godsend. I'd give it a solid 8/10 for Accessibility. They’re definitely trying. I'm not personally reliant on a wheelchair, but I did notice ramps and elevators, which is a HUGE win for those with mobility issues. They have "Facilities for disabled guests", so you know they're trying to be inclusive. But, and this is a big but, I didn't see everything… but good start, Best Western!
The Room: My Cozy Canyon Command Center
Now, the rooms… They were clean and cozy, which is HUGE in my book. My room had everything you'd expect: Air conditioning (thank god!), a comfy bed (with extra-long length!), and free Wi-Fi (yes, you read that right, FREE WIFI in all rooms!). Bless. The basics were there, all under the header of "Available in all rooms" – safe box, desk, coffee/tea maker, and… a window that opens! (Small things matter, folks. Fresh air, ahhh!). Oh, and "complimentary tea”?! Yeah! I’m ALL IN!
I went for the "non-smoking" option (because, priorities). The room had a private bathroom, which is always a plus. The shower was good too, and I really like the water pressure. In the room, I also found a Hair dryer, some toiletries, and towels. More "basics" like a desk and Interconnecting room(s) available which I didn't need, but I can see that being really useful for families.
The Sanitization Shenanigans: Did They Actually Clean?
Let's talk about the elephant in the room (or, you know, the pandemic). Cleanliness and safety are obviously top of everyone's mind these days. I was relieved to see the Best Western was taking it seriously. There were Hand sanitizers everywhere. The staff was definitely wearing masks and seemed genuinely committed to keeping things clean. They bragged about using "anti-viral cleaning products", and "rooms sanitized between stays." A big plus!
Dining, Drinking, and Surviving the Buffet:
Okay, so I'm not gonna lie, the Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. Let’s just say it wasn't Michelin-star material. But the buffet in restaurant came in handy and it's FREE. I did manage to find a few things that were actually decent. There were some Western breakfast classics that did the trick. You did have Alternative meal arrangement and Breakfast takeaway service, but who doesn't love a buffet?!
There's a Coffee shop on-site, which is essential for my morning ritual. There's also a bar and a poolside bar, which seemed lively (I wasn't ready to party after the canyon). They offered Room service [24-hour], which is awesome. A Snackbar is a good thing to have. They even had a Vegetarian restaurant, which seemed like an excellent touch.
Things to Do (Besides Gawk at Hells Canyon):
Okay, so you're here to see the canyon, but sometimes you need a break. There are some ways to relax. They had a Fitness center (I didn't use it, but it was there, and looked clean!), and a Swimming pool [outdoor]. A Spa/sauna is there too.
The Extra Mile (or Several):
- Cashless payment service, which is a relief.
- They have a convenience store, which saves you from a last-minute grocery run.
- Daily housekeeping, so your room stays tidy (thank goodness!).
- Meeting/banquet facilities if you happen to be planning a corporate takeover of the canyon (weird flex, but okay).
The "Meh" Moments (Because No Place is Perfect):
There were a few hiccups, of course. One time, the Internet (Wi-Fi in public areas) was a bit spotty. (Thankfully, the Internet access – wireless in my room was great.) The lighting in the bathroom wasn't the best.
The Verdict (and Why You Should Book Right Now):
Listen, the Best Western Plus Inn isn't the Ritz. However, it's a solid, reliable, CLEAN, and COMFORTABLE basecamp for exploring Hells Canyon. They provide a pleasant experience without breaking the bank.
Here's my Honest, and Slightly Messy, Recommendation:
- Accessibility: I think it's a good start.
- Cleanliness: Excellent!
- Room Comfort: Cozy and well-equipped.
- Food: Buffet, you know what you're getting.
- Overall Value: Great.
So, Are you ready to Escape to Hells Canyon? Here's my unsolicited advice and the perfect offer for YOU:
Book your unforgettable stay at the Best Western Plus Inn NOW! Take advantage of their incredible location, convenient amenities, and commitment to your safety and comfort. They'll make you feel welcome.
Don't wait! The canyon is calling!
Unbelievable Changsha Luxury: Yuelu Mountain & Meixi Lake Await!Alright, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to embark on… well, let's call it an attempt at a vacation. My "Best Western Plus The Inn at Hell's Canyon" adventure, or as I'm already calling it, "Where the Wi-Fi Dies and Dreams Get Dusty." Let's see if I can keep this straight… spoiler alert: probably not.
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (The "Did I Pack Enough Socks?" Day)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Boise Airport. Okay, so far, so good. Smooth flight (for once!). Except… oh god, the rental car. It looks like a beige brick. My spirit animal.
- 2:30 PM: Road trip begins! The drive to Baker City. Google Maps promises a scenic route. Google Maps also lied about the duration of my last grocery trip. I'm already skeptical. Playlist: Started with upbeat indie-pop, quickly devolved into angsty 90s alternative. The mood is… fluctuating.
- 5:00 PM: First bathroom stop. Mandatory. Fueling the inner tank – gas and coffee. Also, a desperate attempt to stretch my legs after sitting in that beige behemoth. Why do rental cars always smell like sadness and regret?
- 7:00 PM: CHECK-IN! The Inn at Hell's Canyon. Finally. The lobby is… well, it's a Best Western. You get what you pay for, right? The woman behind the desk is… enthusiastic, let’s say. "Welcome to Baker City! Are you here for the adventure?" I mumble something about hoping to find a decent cup of coffee.
- 8:00 PM: Unpack. Discover I forgot my toothbrush. Sigh. The existential dread begins to creep in. Should I go back? No, stay put.
- 9:00 PM: Dinner at the "Copper Creek Restaurant" – attached to the hotel. Ordered the steak. Overcooked. The waitress, however, was delightful. She had a twinkle in her eye and a story for every table. "Heard a cougar prowling out back last night!" she'd cackle. Fantastic. Makes me feel safe.
- 10:00 PM: Attempt to watch TV. The selection is… limited. Ended up watching a documentary on the history of… road atlases. Riveting. Eventually succumbed to sleep, dreaming of dental hygiene and perfectly cooked steaks.
Day 2: Hell's Canyon and the Agony of Hiking (The “My Legs Hurt” Day)
- 7:00 AM: The hotel coffee is… well, it's coffee. Good enough. Took a quick walk around the parking lot. Spotted some deer, which was nice. Did not spot any cougars. Probably a good thing.
- 9:00 AM: Driving to Hell's Canyon. Okay, this is what I came for. The scenic views, the… fresh air? The drive is gorgeous. Breathtaking, even. I’m starting to see the appeal. Note to self: Invest in a better camera. My phone just isn’t cutting it for this grandeur.
- 11:00 AM: HELL'S CANYON OVERLOOK! The view! WOW. Seriously. My jaw actually dropped. This is why I travel. This is why I endure rental car smells and overcooked steak. The canyon is immense, awe-inspiring, and makes me feel… tiny. A good tiny.
- 11:30 AM: Attempted hike. A "moderate" trail, they said. Lies. Pure, unadulterated lies. Rocks, hills, more rocks. Sweating like a hog in a sauna. My legs are screaming. My lungs are burning. I’m pretty sure I saw a tumbleweed roll past, laughing.
- 12:30 PM: Gave up on the hike. Too proud for my own good. The view made it worth it. I sat on a rock, panting, and watched the eagles. It was beautiful and exhausting. I can't walk.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. Gas Station hot dog. Delish.
- 3:00 PM: Drove around the area. Small town, lots of personality.
- 6:00 PM: Back at the hotel, collapsed on the bed. Showered (bliss!), rubbed my aching muscles with the complimentary hotel lotion (surprisingly good).
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at "The Barley and Vine." Craft beer! Finally! The food was… pub food. Solid, reliable. The waitress recommended the burger. So, that is what I got.
- 8:30 PM: Debrief with a drink at the hotel bar. The usual suspects were there. Talking about stuff.
Day 3: Baker City Exploration and the Great American Bake-Off (The "Maybe I'll Buy a Cowboy Hat" Day)
- 8:00 AM: Slept in! Yes! Hotel coffee again. Still not great.
- 9:00 AM: Explored Baker City. Cute little place. Visited the local museum. Learned about the history of gold mining. Surprisingly fascinating. The old mining town history lesson.
- 11:00 AM: Browsed the antique shops. Contemplated buying a vintage cowboy hat. Decided against it. Already embarrassed for what my neighbors might think when I get home.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local diner. Ate a sandwich. Nothing spectacular but great.
- 1:00PM: Visit The Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.
- 2:00 PM: Went to the hotel pool, but it was too cold.
- 7:00 PM: Final Baker City meal. The hotel restaurant again. Ordered the chicken this time. It was good too. Feeling like a regular. Waitress remembers my name.
- 9:00 PM: Packing. The dreaded part. The emotional baggage of a vacation. Did I enjoy it? Was it worth it? Yes, I did. Yes, it was.
- 10:00 PM: Early to bed. I'm exhausted, and I have a long drive ahead of me tomorrow.
Day 4: Farewell, Hell's Canyon (The "Did I Really Leave?" Day)
- 7:00 AM: Final hotel coffee. Still mediocre. Checked out. Said goodbye to the enthusiastic woman at the desk. She wished me a safe trip and said, with a wink, "Don't let the cougars get you on the way back!"
- 7:30 AM: The Drive Home.
- The End: Back to reality. Now I need a vacation from my vacation.
Final Thoughts:
Best Western Plus The Inn at Hell's Canyon? It's a Best Western. But Baker City? Hell's Canyon? Those were worth the trip. Maybe, just maybe, I'll be back. But next time, I'm bringing a better camera, more comfortable hiking boots, and a toothbrush. One can only hope. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll finally buy that cowboy hat. Don't judge. You weren't there.
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private BR Deluxe Room Awaits! (Shared Pool Access)