Socorro's Best Kept Secret: Days Inn Review & Hidden Gems!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving deep into Socorro's Best Kept Secret: The Days Inn! And let me tell you, it's… well, it's an experience. Forget those glossy brochure reviews, because I'm here to give you the REAL dirt. Expect less polished prose and way more authenticity. Let's get messy!
First Impressions: Curb Appeal & the Great Accessibility Question Mark
Alright, so the Days Inn in Socorro isn't exactly winning any architecture awards. It’s… functional. Think solid, reliable, and maybe a touch of 1980s motel chic. But hey, looks aren't everything, right? (Though, honestly, a fresh coat of paint wouldn’t hurt.)
Now, the big question for many of us: Accessibility. I gotta be brutally honest here. While the website claims things, and the presence of an elevator, a big plus! But navigating it with a wheelchair? I'd want to call ahead and quiz them thoroughly. Wide doorways are great, but what about the hallways? Are the rooms truly adapted? Facilities for disabled guests are mentioned, but the devil is in the details. Don't just take their word for it, call and grill them. Seriously. Ask about the access to the swimming pool [outdoor] – because, let's be real, that's a huge part of the whole vacation vibe, right?
Inside the Fortress: Rooms, Wi-Fi, and the Eternal Quest for Caffeine
Okay, let's talk rooms. Mine was… adequate. (And I truly tried to find the bright side!) Air conditioning (thank heavens!), a reasonably comfy bed, and the all-important bathtub (yes!), so I could soak my weary travel bones. Internet access – wireless and, get this, Internet access – LAN! Like, who even uses wired internet anymore? But hey, options are good, I guess. And, best of all, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (though the speed occasionally felt like we were still on dial-up… but hey, at least it's free).
They also have non-smoking rooms, because, well, that’s the law now, practically everywhere. Although, I did think I smelled… something… vaguely cigarette-adjacent in the hallway one morning. (No judgment, just sayin'.)
Other room goodies? Coffee/tea maker (hallelujah!), a refrigerator (handy for chilling the celebratory beverages), and a desk if you, like me, actually have to get some work done while allegedly on “vacation.” They even had a tiny, sad mirror, and a seating area (aka a slightly lumpy sofa). Additional toilet is a nice to have!
The Cleaning Gauntlet: Hygiene and Safety
Okay, let's get serious for a moment. Cleanliness and safety are paramount these days, and the Days Inn seemed to be making a good effort. I definitely saw signs of Daily disinfection in common areas. They also had Hand sanitizer stations strategically placed, a lovely touch. I did hear the staff was very well trained in safety protocol. And they had Sterilizing equipment on site. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available. That does make me feel better to see them. They really went above and beyond.
The Food Odyssey: Where to (and Where Not to) Eat
The breakfast [buffet] was… an experience. Let’s just say it fell squarely into the "functional" category. The usual suspect: Breakfast service with some Buffet in restaurant. Western breakfast or Asian breakfast… it's hit or miss. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was… drinkable. I learned quickly to bring my own caffeination plan. They had Individually-wrapped food options, which felt reassuring. Room service [24-hour] wasn't exactly gourmet but hey, it existed! There were Restaurants, Snack bar, and Poolside bar, though the selection seemed… limited. The Happy hour was, well, relatively happy.
My One Big, Memorable Experience: The Pool
Okay, so, that pool. Let me tell you. I was skeptical. The photos looked… promising. The reality? The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a glorious, sparkling oasis. On a blazing hot desert day, it was absolute heaven. The water was crisp, clean, and perfectly refreshing. A lifeguard watched over, made me feel safe. I spent hours basking in the sun, reading a book, and letting the worries of the world melt away. Honestly, that pool alone almost makes this place worth it. It was the escape I needed. That feeling? Glorious. The Pool with view had an amazing sight.
The "Things To Do" Abyss (and the Secret Gems)
Okay, socorro, the town of socorro… isn't exactly known for its bustling nightlife. But that's part of its charm! This is a place to unwind. They have a Fitness center. They have a Spa/sauna and steamroom… but don't get your hopes up. Instead, embrace the peace and quiet. The Days Inn isn't exactly the entertainment capital. Think of this as a place to base your exploration of the area and be at peace.
Hidden Gems to seek out :
- Socorro's Historic Plaza: Stroll around the plaza and soak up the history.
- The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge: A must-see for birdwatchers and nature lovers!
- The New Mexico Tech Mineralogical Museum: It's surprisingly fascinating!
The Fine Print: Services, Conveniences, and the Quirks
The Concierge was helpful (when they were available). They have Daily housekeeping: the place was clean. There's a Convenience store too, which came in handy for late-night snacks. Cash withdrawal? Yep. Laundry service? Yes (and surprisingly fast!). They even have a gift/Souvenir shop.
I will add, Staff trained in safety protocol and some of them were wonderfully friendly. Don't expect luxury, but do expect a genuine welcome, and, most importantly, a comfy bed and a sparkling pool.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Look, the Days Inn in Socorro isn't going to blow your mind with luxury. They are not going to ruin your day.
My Offer for You:
Book your Socorro escape at the Days Inn and embrace the unexpected! Yes, it's a bit of a throwback, yes, it has its quirks, and yes, it’s a bit rough around the edges! But, beneath it all, it has a certain charm, plus a sparkling pool that's worth the trip alone.
Use code "SOCORROGETAWAY" for a [Insert Discount] and a free [Insert freebie, like a late check-out or a complimentary drink at the pool bar!]. That's if they have a pool bar!
Come on, you're in Socorro! Embrace the adventure! And hey, if nothing else, you'll have a story to tell. Now go get that pool time!
Escape to Paradise: Chalet Hotel du Mont-Charvin & Spa Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups. This ain't your cookie-cutter travel itinerary. This is my trip to Days Inn by Wyndham Socorro, New Mexico, and trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride.
Day 1: The Arrival & Questionable Carpet Decisions
- 1:00 PM (ish): Land in Albuquerque. Fly out of the Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ). I'm saying "ish" because, let's be real, my flight was delayed. Always is. First emotion? Mild annoyance. Followed by the desperate search for a decent overpriced airport burrito. Found one! Ate it. Good start. Now on the road!
- 2:30 PM: The drive to Socorro. Okay, okay, the New Mexico landscape is stunning. Especially when the sun hits those mesas. I'm suddenly feeling… zen. Like I'm supposed to find the meaning of life in a rusted pickup truck. Don't worry, the zen fades fast.
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at the Days Inn! Here we go! The lobby is, well, lobby-esque. You know. Standard. The front desk guy looked utterly bored, like his soul had been slowly draining away in the desert heat for years. Sympathy vibes initiate. Check-in done. Key card acquired. Time to scope out “the room.”
- 4:15 PM: Room inspection. Alright. Now, the room. I open the door. Cue the music. Dun-dun-DUNNNN!! Okay, it's… functional. The bedspread? Questionable. The carpet? Deeply questionable. It's that kind of color that absorbs all the light and maybe the soul of the previous occupant. I swear, I saw a stain in the shape of a small, sad dog. Emotional reaction: amusement mixed with burgeoning dread. I try to find a good spot in bed for the evening
- 5:00 PM: Decide "Screw it." I'm exhausted. I take a well-deserved nap. I'm starting to feel at home here.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at that local Mexican place everyone raves about, "El Sombrero." I'm STARVING. I order a plate of enchiladas, and whoa, the spice level is NUCLEAR. Tears stream down my face, I'm sweating, but DAMN, it's delicious. This is exactly what I needed. Socorro, you're starting to win me over.
- 9:00 PM: Back in my room. Bedtime. The television is on. I'm trying to relax. I'm going to enjoy.
- 9:30 PM: I'm wide awake. I'm in a strange environment, even if everything is as it should be. This is the start of a good adventure.
Day 2: The Socorro Scoop & My Inner Space Nerd
- 7:00 AM (attempted): Wake up. The sun is up. I can feel the sand of the desert. I can feel the warmth.
- 8:00 AM: Free breakfast at the Days Inn. They have waffles, which is a win. The coffee is… well, it's coffee. I make the absolute mistake of sitting by the window. Oh dear. I'm a people observer, and the other guests are fascinating. This is pure people watching gold. Emotional reaction: a touch of pity, a dash of amusement, a whole lot of nosiness.
- 9:00 AM: Tour downtown Socorro. It's… small. Quaint. A little dusty. But there are hidden gems! I find a bookstore tucked away in a historic building. The owner, an older woman with wild hair and a twinkle in her eye, gives me a personal recommendation. It's a book about local ghost stories, of course.
- 11:00 AM: Socorro is famous for the Very Large Array - where the universe comes to listen. I am a Space Nerd. No way I'd miss the VLA! Holy moly. The scale of those radio telescopes is mind-boggling. The sheer engineering. I feel overwhelmed by the vastness of space, existence, and the crushing weight of my own insignificance. The gift shop? Must buy a VLA t-shirt!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a diner in town. Typical diner food is good enough.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the Days Inn. Some much-needed pool time? Nope. It's closed! "Maintenance". Fine. Nap time it is.
- 4:00 PM - onwards: I went back to the VLA, by myself this time. The silence, the landscape, the sense of infinite. I wandered around the site, just feeling. This is what travel is all about, right?
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Simple, quiet, some take out. I'm beat.
- 9:00 PM: Back in my room. I am going to watch TV, then sleep. Bedtime. Feeling okay. Some satisfaction. Some anticipation for the next day.
- 9:30 PM: I'm wide awake. Feeling the anxiety of "what next?". I wonder if tomorrow will be more of the same.
Day 3: Goodbye, Socorro (and Will I Ever See That Sad Dog Stain Again?)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up. I can't believe it's already the last day, I wanted more time.
- 8:00 AM: Free breakfast at the Days Inn. Goodbye, waffles. Goodbye, questionable coffee. Goodbye, other weary travelers.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. I take one last look at the room. Yep, the sad dog stain is still there. I'm going to miss you, little guy.
- 9:30 AM The drive to Albuquerque. Feeling a mix of emotions. Contentment, a longing for the road. A little sad to leave, a lot excited to get back to my own bed. Stop for gas, and a final view of the New Mexico desert.
Final Thoughts:
The Days Inn in Socorro wasn't the Ritz-Carlton, but it gave me a sense of place. It was real. It was imperfect. And in its own weird, slightly stained way, it was perfect. Would I go back? Probably. Maybe not for the carpet, but definitely for the VLA, the spice, and the reminder that sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones you least expect. And who knows, maybe that sad dog stain will be part of the memory. Now, on to the airport burrito, and maybe… just maybe… find the meaning of life on the way back.
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Socorro's Best Kept Secret: Days Inn Review & Hidden Gems! (The Real Deal)
Okay, spill the tea! Is the Days Inn in Socorro REALLY a "best kept secret"? Seriously?
Alright, alright, let's unpack this. "Best kept secret" is a stretch. Let's be honest, it's a Days Inn in Socorro, New Mexico. It's not exactly the Chateau Marmont. But... (and there's always a but, isn't there?) ... for a quick stopover, a budget-friendly adventure, or if you're just passing through, it's FINE. Like, surprisingly... okay.
My first impression? "Wow, that lobby could use a good scrub." (I'm a germaphobe, okay?) But the staff were genuinely friendly, which already bumped it up a notch. And the price? Unbeatable. That's the real secret, I think. Comfortable enough without breaking the bank is a winner in my book.
What's the *actual* vibe of the Days Inn? Is it...creepy? Scary?
Creepy? Nah. Not in a Stephen King kind of way. (Although, I wouldn't rule out some questionable plumbing noises at 3 AM.) It's more... utilitarian. Like a beige expanse of practicality. Think "clean enough, mostly quiet, and the air conditioning actually works." That's a win in the New Mexico desert!
I did wander around the parking lot once at night. Okay, I was looking for my car. I'd gotten turned around. It was deserted. And I *did* briefly wonder if I was in a scene from a low-budget thriller, but then I found my car. So, all good. Overall, it’s not the sort of place where you’d expect to be murdered. Probably.
Okay, let's talk rooms. What's the deal with the rooms? Are they... habitable?
Habitable? Yes. Luxurious? Absolutely not. Think standard motel fare: a bed (hopefully clean), a TV (probably with a limited channel selection), and a bathroom that's seen better days (but gets the job done).
My biggest complaint? The pillows. They were... weirdly dense. Like, full of bricks. I actually ended up using my jacket as a makeshift pillow. But hey, I slept. And that's the main thing. Also, the water pressure in the shower? Amazing! Unexpected. Actually, it was probably the best shower I'd had in weeks. Go figure.
Hidden Gems! Where do I *actually* go in Socorro? Beyond the Days Inn pool?
Alright, buckle up, because Socorro has some surprises! Forget the pool (unless you *really* like lukewarm water and questionable chlorine levels).
For the Foodie: "San Miguel Restaurant" is a must, a local eatery with authentic New Mexican food. Seriously. The chile? Divine. Make sure you specify *green chile* on a taco or burrito. You won't regret it. Okay, maybe you will. The portions are HUGE which is not a bad thing, but it can be a bad thing if you are trying to stick to your diet.
For the History Buff: Head to the Socorro Mission (San Miguel de Socorro). It's beautiful and historic. And it's free, which is always a bonus. You can feel the history emanating from it. Honestly, just a very peaceful place. It made me feel connected to the land in a way I hadn't expected. The past... it is a very real thing there.
For an Adventure: Definitely Explore the area around the Very Large Array (VLA). This enormous radio telescope is located nearby. The drive is part of the fun, and the array itself is mind-blowing. Seeing those dishes is wild! Do some research first, because its all the way out there. If you haven't got the energy or time, or if your car sucks, it can be a miserable experience.
Okay, let's get personal. Any EPIC Days Inn stories? Spill the tea!
Oh boy. Prepare yourself. Picture this: It's 2 AM. I'm dead tired after driving all day. I'm finally in my room, ready to fall asleep, when... the fire alarm blares. Loudly. Piercingly. I jump out of bed, heart hammering, grab my phone and dash out of the room. It's freezing outside. And I'm in my pajamas.
Turns out, it was a faulty sensor. No actual fire. But I stood out there with about a dozen other bleary-eyed guests, shivering, for a solid hour. The management apologized profusely, and they offered a free breakfast (which, let's be honest, I probably needed after that stress).
The best part? The guy next door, the only other person besides me that came out was wearing boxer shorts and a t-shirt with "Don't Tread on Me" on it. He was incredibly annoyed. Kept grumbling about "wasting his time." I just stared at him... He didn't speak. Didn't give me a look. Nothing. He simply grumbled, and glared at the guy in charge of the staff. It was surreal. Perfect. And kind of hilarious in retrospect. It's a core memory now. I love it. It's part of the... the *charm* of the Days Inn. It's an experience, you know? A very human experience. It wasn't a luxury hotel, that's for sure. But it was *memorable.*
Overall verdict? Worth the stay? Should I trust your word?
Okay, let's be clear. The Days Inn in Socorro? It's not the Waldorf. BUT, it's a perfectly acceptable place to crash if you need it. Is it a highlight of a trip? Probably not. But it's *fine.* And for the price, you really can't complain. The staff are nice. The food is good. The shower is amazing. I was happy that I did not pay a fortune. It's a solid "average" rating, with some quirky ups and downs. I'd stay there again.
Trust my word? Well, I'm just a random person on the internet, so take that with a grain of salt. But if you're looking for an honest, down-to-earth review, you've got it. Just remember to lower your expectations a *little* bit, pack your own pillow (or at least a travel-sized one), and enjoy the adventure!
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