Minneapolis West Woodbury's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Inn Unveiled!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the… well, the Courtyard Inn in West Woodbury, Minneapolis. "Hidden Gem," they call it. Alright, alright, let's see if this place lives up to the hype and, more importantly, if it's actually worth your hard-earned dough. I'm going in raw, folks, taking you with me. No sugarcoating, no fluffy marketing speak. Just my unfiltered experience, peppered with all the essential SEO keywords - because, hey, gotta get those visibility points, right?
First Impressions: Digging into the Details (and the Lobby's Not-So-Subtle Scent)
Okay, so first things first: accessibility. Now, I'm not using a wheelchair myself, however the Courtyard Inn claims to be wheelchair accessible. I did spot an elevator, which is always a good sign, and facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I can't personally vouch for every single detail. Definitely something to double-check if accessibility is a priority. They have check-in/out [express] and check-in/out [private], which, depending on the line, could be a lifesaver.
The lobby. Ah, the lobby. Here's where the first little hiccup appeared, to be frank; the Courtyard Inn lobby had a… distinct fragrance. Not offensive, per se, but definitely one you'd remember. I'm going to hazard a guess and assume it was professionally applied sanitizing fragrance, perhaps a touch too enthusiastically. But hey, clean is good, right? Especially with all these COVID-era protocols. Speaking of which…
Cleanliness & Safety: Germ Warfare & Hand Sanitizer Nirvana
This is where the Courtyard Inn gets some serious points. They are clearly taking things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Cashless payment service? Absolutely. They boast daily disinfection in common areas, and individually-wrapped food options. Hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. I mean, like, practically one on every wall, and that's fine by me as some of us are prone to touching too many things! Staff trained in safety protocol, and they have rooms sanitized between stays, which gave me a good sense of security. There's even a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit, which is always comforting. The only little nitpick is the absence of room sanitization opt-out, but that’s a good thing in my opinion, the more sanitization the better!
Rooms: My Fortress of Solitude (and Wi-Fi Woes?)
Okay, let's talk rooms. They emphasize free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and they say Internet access – wireless but and… ah, here's where things get a tiny bit messy. My initial connection wasn't exactly… lightning-fast. Look, I’m a digital nomad! I need Wi-Fi. Now, I am sure there was Internet [LAN]. So if you are not an internet-intensive user, that's okay. But for those of us who live online, well… let's put it this way: prepare for some potential buffering. The complimentary tea and free bottled water were appreciated.
Now, the room itself! It was generally… fine. Perfectly clean. You get your standard fare: air conditioning, a desk, a coffee/tea maker, hair dryer, a safe box, minibar, refrigerator, shower, satellite/cable channels, and a window that opens. The bed was comfy, with extra-long bed, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in. There was a seating area, and the soundproofing was pretty good – which is important given the, shall we say, enthusiastic air conditioning unit. The alarm clock worked, and the wake-up service was prompt.
Oh, and the bathroom? Additional toilet? Nope. But clean and functional. Toiletries? Check. Slippers? Nope. I'm sure you can request them, and other items, they included bathrobes, but I didn't. Small bathroom phone! What a classic throwback!
Food, Glorious Food (and the Questionable Soup)
Alright, this is where things get interesting. They have, like, a ton of dining options listed! Restaurants? Plural! Breakfast service? Sure thing. Breakfast [buffet]? You bet! Asian breakfast? Yep! They also feature Asian cuisine in restaurant. Western breakfast and Western cuisine in restaurant? Confirmed! Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes, please! Happy hour? Oh, absolutely. It makes me almost giddy to be typing this, but it’s here and ready to go!
The thing is, while all these options exist, I only tried one. And… well, let’s just say the soup at the buffet in restaurant wasn’t exactly the star of the show. It tasted a bit…generic. My expectations were high, after all, it was a buffet! The selection, however, was plentiful. I did notice a bar, and a poolside bar, and next time I am going to ensure I am there.
But seriously, room service [24-hour] is a HUGE win. After a long day of exploring, sometimes the best thing is to order in.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams & Fitness Failures?
Okay, listen, this is where the "Hidden Gem" title starts to… maybe not quite fit? They list a spa, a sauna, a steamroom, and a massage. But during my visit, the spa was… closed. Apparently under renovation. Now, that’s a bummer. BUT, there's a swimming pool [outdoor] and a pool with view, and that's delightful. Also, the fitness center: I'm not a gym rat, but it looked pretty standard. Gym/fitness is what they have, but I didn't get a chance to use it.
Services and Conveniences: The Boring But Important Stuff
They cover the basics. 24-hour front desk, concierge service, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, and all those little things that make a hotel stay smoother. They have a convenience store, which is always helpful. And, of course, car park [free of charge], which is a godsend in the city. Cash withdrawal available as well.
For the Kids: Family Friendliness?
They feature babysitting service and kids meal, but I didn't test it. So, I can't comment beyond the fact that, yes, it's there.
Overall Vibe: Comfortably Functional, with a Touch of "Could Be Better"
So, the Courtyard Inn in West Woodbury? It’s generally a safe bet. It's a non-smoking establishment, and you are offered a safe dining setup, physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and sterilizing equipment. I’d say it's perfect for business travelers looking for a clean, functional place to rest their heads or families who are looking for convenience. The price-point will be key. It delivers on the essentials. It does have a few areas where it could improve – the Wi-Fi, the potentially disappointing spa, and the slightly-less-than-stellar soup. But overall, it's a solid choice.
The Big Question: Would I Go Back?
It depends. If I needed a clean, safe, and convenient place to stay in the area, yeah, probably. It's definitely not a destination hotel, but it's a perfectly acceptable base of operations.
My Recommendation (and an Offer for YOU):
Here’s the deal: If you are looking for a hotel in the West Woodbury/Minneapolis area that takes cleanliness seriously, offers a good range of amenities, and provides a comfortable stay, book it!
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This review provides a truthful look at the Courtyard Inn in West Woodbury to help any possible users. I hope you find it helpful when booking a hotel!
Lisbon Castle Hill GEM! ✨ Metro Access, City Center Charm Apartment
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is a real trip, lived and felt, at the Courtyard Minneapolis West Woodbury. God help us all.
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Hotel Rooms
- 1:00 PM: Landed in Minneapolis. Surprisingly, the plane didn't explode. Success! Airport chaos. Uber ride. Driver was playing some polka… I think? It was loud. And confusing. (Minnesota nice, though, for sure).
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. Courtyard. Meh. It's a Courtyard. Perfectly beige, smelling faintly of chlorine and forced cheerfulness. My room is on the third floor. Window overlooks… the parking lot. Okay. I'll survive. I will thrive.
- 2:45 PM: The Great Suitcase Unpacking Ritual. This is where the trip begins. The moment you officially live somewhere. The way I fold my underwear says a lot about me, I think.
- 3:00 PM: Coffee. From the in-room, sad little machine. It tastes like sadness, but hey, caffeine is fuel, and fuel I need.
- 3:30 PM: (The Woodbury Adventure!) Found a nearby Culver's, an American fast-food restaurant chain. Is this what life is about? a simple burger? and… Cheesy Curds. Okay, the Cheesey Curds is a game-changer. I think I could happily live in Minnesota just for those artery-clogging, golden-fried nuggets of joy. I might have ordered two helpings. Don't judge me. My life is mine!
- 4:30 PM: Back to the room. Existential thoughts triggered by the parking lot view. Is this it? Just… hotels? Parking lots? The slow march of beige? Nah. I'm here to experience.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner! Some kind of burger place down the street. The server was, bless her heart, exhausted. I gave her a huge tip. We've all been there, you know? That "I just want to go home and lie down" look. Yeah. I felt it.
- 7:30 PM: Back in the hotel room. Watched some TV. Realized I’d forgotten my phone charger. Major crisis averted (thanks to a spare one in my suitcase - always be prepared!).
Day 2: "Culture" and the Perils of Over-Planning
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Standard fare. Waffles. Attempted to create a waffle masterpiece. Failed miserably. Dropped the waffle. Sigh.
- 9:00 AM: The Mall of America. Okay, this is BIG. I mean massive. I swear, I walked for miles. It's sensory overload. Colors, smells, noise. Everything. I went on a rollercoaster! I'm afraid of heights, but I wanted to live! I felt sick for a solid hour after. No regrets. Kinda.
- 12:00 PM: A tiny, overpriced slice of pizza. Stood in line longer than eating it. Worth it, kind of.
- 2:00 PM: More Mall madness. Saw a tiny unicorn.
- 4:00 PM: Coffee. Needed it desperately. The Mall of America requires a caffeine transfusion. Also, I think I am going to be broke. I wanted to live. I needed a shopping limit, clearly.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Crashing. Hard.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a place I found on Yelp. Okay, this place was… meh. The service was slow. The food was bland. The music was… something. I wanted to leave halfway through. But I stuck it out. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment.
- 8:30 PM: Watched more TV. Decided to take a long, hot shower and try to erase the day from my brain.
- 10:00 PM: Realized I'd forgotten to do the laundry. Fine. Tomorrow.
Day 3: Nature, Recovery, and the Glorious Return
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The waffle-failure from yesterday still haunted me. I went for the yogurt this time. Safer.
- 9:00 AM: Nature Adventure! A park! Fresh air! Green stuff! I managed to go into a local park. I enjoyed a quiet moment. It was a good balance to the loud of the mall.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Ate a sandwich on a park bench. That felt like winning.
- 2:00 PM: Okay, I'm going to have to check out. But first. Coffee, yes.
- 3:00 PM: Check out. It went… fine.
- 4:00 PM: Head back to the airport.
- 5:00 PM: Waiting at the gate. Contemplating life.
- 6:00 PM: The plane.
- 7:00 PM: In the air.
- 10:00 PM: Home. Done.
- 10:15 PM: Laundry.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. Far from it. I forgot things. I ate too much. I got lost. Everything will not be as I planned it. But that's what makes traveling beautiful, messy, and utterly human. Also, I know I'll be back to those Cheesey Curds. I'm already dreaming of them.
Escape to Atlanta: Fairfield Inn & Suites Lithia Springs Awaits!
So, is the Courtyard Inn actually a hidden gem? Or is that just marketing fluff?
Alright, let's be honest. Marketing fluff? Potentially. Hidden gem? Absolutely, with a capital A-B-S-O-L-U-T-E-L-Y! Okay, hear me out. I've stayed in places that cost a mortgage payment per night and felt *less* pampered than at the Courtyard Inn. But, and this is a HUGE but, it's not like finding a diamond in a jewelry store; it's like finding a really cool, vintage, slightly chipped ceramic teacup in a thrift store. You gotta look for the charm.
What's the vibe like at the Courtyard Inn?
Vibe? Okay, here's where it gets funky. It's... comfortable chaos? Like, your grandma's living room after she's had a few too many glasses of wine and decided to rearrange the furniture while watching a Lifetime movie. There's a homey-ness, definitely. A little worn around the edges, totally forgiving of your late arrival, and the staff? They're like your eccentric aunts who actually *remember* your name. They're lovely, mostly.
Let's talk about the rooms. What should I expect?
The rooms are... functional. Clean, yes. Modern minimalist? Absolutely not. Think "early 2000s hotel chain," but with a certain... *je ne sais quoi* of well-worn character. Don’t expect a pillow menu. Do expect a slightly creaky bed that’ll probably hug you to sleep better than your own bed back home. I stayed in one room where the TV reception was, shall we say, *optimistic* but the water pressure in the shower was AMAZING. Seriously, that shower could knock a small badger unconscious. So, you know, trade-offs.
The breakfast... is it really as good as everyone says?
Okay. Okay. THE BREAKFAST. This is where the Courtyard Inn *shines*! Forget the usual sad continental spread! I will say (and this is crucial) that it's not a Michelin-star experience, but the home-style food is *memorable*, in the best way possible. One morning I walked in, and there was a huge platter of perfectly cooked scrambled eggs, bacon that snapped, and pancakes that were fluffy and actually delicious. It felt like a warm hug in a diner. I swear, I could have sworn bacon dust floated in the air. Seriously, go hungry. Don’t skip on the breakfast! It's probably worth it. One time it wasn't perfect, a bit overcooked. No biggie, I still ate a lot. Hey, it’s free!
You mentioned the staff. Any memorable encounters?
Oh, the staff... They're the heart and soul of the place. One time, I got locked out of my room. I mean, I had *clearly* left my keycard on the desk and was just being a total spaz. Instead of rolling their eyes (which, let's be honest, I deserved), the woman at the front desk, Carol, *immediately* knew my name, asked if I was alright, and got me back in my room within two minutes. And she *smiled*! Like, a genuine, "I understand you're a mess" smile. Seriously, it was amazing. It felt like a warm hug in a diner. Then I gave up and was late for my meeting. What can I say?
Are there downsides? Be honest!
Oh, absolutely. Nothing is perfect. The decor is a little... dated. The fitness room is tiny (and, let's be real, probably hasn't seen a lot of action). Location-wise, it isn’t in the *center* of everything. But the quirks, the comfort, and that breakfast… They make up for a LOT. The worst? Okay, the internet is okay at best. Sometimes it will go out. But honestly, that's probably good for you.
Okay, so... should I stay at the Courtyard Inn?
If you're looking for sterile perfection and endless marble, *no*. If you want a genuinely nice place to stay at where you feel welcome and can get a great breakfast, then yes, absolutely! It's a diamond in the rough, or a really cool vintage teacup. Don't expect the Ritz, expectations are key with this place, or you'll hate it. Go with an open mind, a hungry stomach, and embrace the wonderfully imperfect charm. And for the love of all that is good, try the bacon. You won't regret it.
Any tips or tricks for staying at the Courtyard Inn?
* **Pack earplugs:** Just in case. (You know, hotel noises).
* **Embrace the breakfast:** Seriously. Don't skip it.
* **Ask for a room on the second floor:** Seems quieter.
* **Be nice to Carol and the staff:** They're genuinely lovely people who work hard.
* **Don't expect perfection:** You'll enjoy it more!
