Williston's BEST Hotel? Baymont Wyndham Review & Hidden Perks!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Baymont Wyndham in Williston, North Dakota. Is it the "BEST" hotel in town? Well, that's a loaded question, but I'm here to spill the tea – the lukewarm, maybe slightly stale tea, possibly from the complimentary coffee station – on what makes this place tick. This review is going to be raw, real, and possibly a little rambling, just like my last attempt to find a decent burger in this town. Let's go!
First Impressions & Accessibility - Can Someone Actually Navigate This Place?
Okay, so Williston. Beautiful locale it is, right? Honestly, the landscape is… flat. Very flat. The Baymont Wyndham itself? It's what you expect: a slightly generic, slightly welcoming, building. Getting there is easy, the car park is free, and that's a huge win. And on the accessibility front, bless 'em, they've actually put some thought into it. Elevators are crucial, essential, life-saving (okay, maybe not life-saving, but you get the gist). They have 'em! The wheelchair access generally seems good; I didn't see any crazy steps or crazy narrow hallways. Important for any traveler, really. The website boasts about facilities for disabled guests, and from what I saw, they're trying. Big thumbs up here.
Internet Woes & Wi-Fi Wisdom: The Digital Divide (and My Frustration)
Alright, let's talk internet. This is a HUGE one for me. I HAVE to be connected. Like, absolutely have to. The promise of Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is the siren song that usually lures me in. And it's true! You get a signal! But don't expect blazing-fast speeds. It’s… serviceable. Enough to check emails, stream, and maybe (just maybe) upload that Instagram pic. I spent a frustrating hour trying to get the WIFI to work, was so annoyed, but then I got it to work. Internet access - LAN they offered. Which is fine. I needed to have it. Internet services were there. Sigh. In public areas, the Wi-Fi seemed a bit better, but again, this isn't a digital oasis. Bring patience, and maybe a good book (or a downloaded movie).
Cleanliness, Safety & COVID-19 Chaos Control - Did They Survive?
Okay, let's talk serious stuff. Cleanliness. In this day and age, it’s a make-or-break deal. I was relieved to see the efforts they made. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Individually-wrapped food options? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Supposedly, yes, but I'd still wipe down surfaces myself, just in case. The staff seemed genuinely committed to the protocols. Staff trained in safety protocol? Probably. Hand sanitizer stations were scattered about. Daily disinfection in common areas… well, they were trying. Overall, the efforts were visible, which is reassuring. Safe dining setup felt normal, but in a good way. Cashless payment service: Definitely a plus.
Rooms: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Dated - My Room's Confessions
My room? It was… a room. The basics were covered. Air conditioning, a lifesaver in Williston, especially in summer. Blackout curtains (THANK YOU, sweet baby Jesus!). Coffee/tea maker. Decent, but the coffee was not life-changing. Desk. A decent place to spread out and moan about my work. Free bottled water: Always appreciated. Hair dryer, checked and working. Ironing facilities. I didn't iron. I'm on vacation! Mini bar - empty, which isn't always a bad thing. Refrigerator. Always a win. Satellite/cable channels, enough to keep you occupied. Smoke detector, hopefully, working. Wi-Fi [free], as discussed. Window that opens. Ah, the sweet, sweet taste of outside air! The closet was spacious, enough space for my clothes.
The bed? Comfortable enough. The pillows were… standard. I did have a moment where I just sunk into the bed, and it was glorious. The soundproofing was pretty solid; I didn't hear any late-night shenanigans from my neighbors. It's not the Ritz, but my room was clean, functional, and provided a sanctuary when I needed one.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking Extravaganza – The Food Adventure Begins…
Now, the real question: what about the food? The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a breakfast buffet. Basic, with your eggs, your sausage, your waffles, pastries. It's the kind of breakfast you shovel in your mouth because you have to eat. I had a bottle of water with my breakfast. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was there, as stated before. The coffee shop was a savior because I needed coffee to get up. A Snack bar has salty snacks. I saw a Restaurant there.
Things To Do, Ways to Relax – Searching for Serenity (and Finding… Stuff)
This is where the Baymont Wyndham kinda falls a little short. There’s no spa, no sauna, no pool with a view. The Fitness center looked okay. Swimming pool [outdoor] to sit the kids, but I didn't get a chance to use any of them. If you're looking for a place where you can shut down and unwind, this isn't it.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Extras (or Lack Thereof)
They have the usual suspects: 24-hour front desk (always a plus), daily housekeeping, a convenience store (handy for late-night snack runs), and luggage storage. They'll deliver food if you are too tired to get up. Laundry service available, which I needed. Airport transfer services are offered. Basic. Functional. Not exactly overflowing with "wow" factor.
For the Kids – Is This Family-Friendly?
Yes, generally. Family/child friendly. I spotted some kids around.
Getting Around – Navigating Williston (and Beyond)
Free parking! Car park [free of charge]. Boom! You can get a taxi service. They offer airport transfer.
The Verdict: Is the Baymont Wyndham the BEST?
Look, let's be real. Williston isn't exactly a destination known for its luxury hotels. The Baymont Wyndham is a solid, reliable option. It's clean, the staff is friendly, the accessibility is good, and the free parking truly is a perk. The internet can be frustrating, and the amenities aren't spectacular. So, is it the "BEST" hotel? Maybe not. But it's a perfectly acceptable place to rest your head after a long day of… well, whatever you do in Williston.
My Quirky Observation: The vending machine hallway had a certain, slightly sad, charm. It was like a microcosm of life itself: full of promise, mostly disappointment, and the occasional bag of chips.
The Deal:
Ready to Embrace the Williston Adventure (and Maybe Survive the Wi-Fi Woes)?
Book your stay at the Baymont Wyndham now!
Here’s Why You Should Consider This Place:
- Free Parking: Save time and money getting your vehicle ready.
- Clean & Safe: With heightened hygiene protocols, you can rest easy here.
- Reliable Stay: Essential amenities and services you need with attentive staff.
Book your Williston adventure today and see for yourself! Check availability and get ready to experience the Baymont Wyndham (and maybe bring your own Wi-Fi booster, just in case). Click here to book now!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized brochure itinerary, this is MY Baymont by Wyndham Williston Survival Guide, and trust me, you'll need it. This is less a plan, and more a… well, a suggestion of how not to completely lose your mind in the North Dakota wilderness.
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Williston
- 1:00 PM: Touch down at Williston Basin International Airport (XWA). Okay, first hurdle. The airport is… functional. Let's call it that. Avoid eye contact with the locals, they've seen things. Grab your rental car. Pray it has decent suspension – those prairie roads are… interesting. I once tried to be a cool kid and rented a sporty little number in a different part of the country, but driving into this part of the world in anything other than something that can handle a pothole the size of a small child is a recipe for disaster. Note: I am not recommending renting a small child.
- 1:45 PM: Drive to Baymont by Wyndham Williston. It's not far from the airport, which is a relief. The drive? Well, it's mostly just… flat. And more flat. And… you get the picture. Seriously, mentally prepare yourself for the vastness. Embrace the existential dread of realizing how small you are in the universe, staring out the window for hours.
- 2:30 PM: Check into the Baymont. Okay, let's be real, it's a Baymont. Don't expect the Ritz. But hey, free (dodgy) Wi-Fi, a questionable continental breakfast, a pool that may or may not be clean, and a place to collapse after a long day on the road--that's what counts! My first room? Smelled vaguely of stale cigarettes and desperation. But hey, at that point, I was desperate. I asked for a room change, and they were surprisingly accommodating. The front desk lady, bless her heart, looked about as done with this town as I was.
- 3:00 PM: Unpack. Contemplate the sheer volume of luggage you brought for a trip to… Williston. Realize you forgot your toothbrush. Sigh.
- 3:30 PM: Walk around the hotel to find a vending machine. This is serious. You'll need snacks. Williston runs on gas station coffee and processed carbs. The vending machine had the absolute basics: Oreos (good), Skittles (excellent), and a bag of chips that had definitely been there since the Carter administration (maybe skip those).
- 4:00 PM: Venture out into the “city”. Let me tell you, Williston’s "city" is an experience. Stop at a gas station to pick up some toiletries and a Gatorade. Notice how every local you meet looks like they haven't slept in 3 days and might be carrying a shovel. Try not to stare. This is your first real test: Try to maintain a positive attitude. I'm going to tell you, I almost quit right here.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. The options are…slim. Pick a local diner, and remember to tip generously. Because they will need it after serving you.
- 7:00 PM: Try to find something to do. The possibilities are limited. Maybe go for a late-night drive to see the stars? They’re probably incredible out there, away from the city lights.
- 9:00 PM: Back to the Baymont. Watch TV. Fall asleep with the lights on and the curtains open, because what else is there, really?
Day 2: Digging Deep (into local culture)
- 7:00 AM: Free breakfast at the Baymont. This is where you find out if your stomach can handle anything they're putting out. Cautiously approach the scrambled eggs. Take a deep breath. Smile and be friendly--this is the only place you have to meet friendly faces.
- 8:00 AM: Actually attempt to explore the town of Williston. It’s a fascinating cultural experience if you're into that kind of thing. You have to embrace the local traditions.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Frontier Museum. It's… something. Honestly, it's a bit of a time warp. It has some interesting artifacts though. Prepare yourself for a lot of taxidermy. And learn about the pioneers.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. See Day 1, 6:00 PM. Repeat as necessary.
- 1:00 PM: Get back to the hotel. It gets pretty boring after you've seen the local museums and restaurants, and you need a break!
- 1:30 PM: Explore hotel amenities. Take a dip in the pool, but be sure to bring your goggles. It might be scummy. Then you get back to the room…
- 2:30 PM: Contemplate life. Or maybe just nap.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner Part Deux. This is where you will once again find the same places. Try to order new foods or try to visit the more local locations for a change of scenery.
- 7:00 PM: Attempt to find some entertainment. Maybe you will be able to find a local watering hole or somewhere to play pool.
- 9:00 PM: Rest time. Same as the first day.
Day 3: The Departure (and the Relief!)
- 7:00 AM: Free breakfast. Repeat the process.
- 8:00 AM: Pack up the luggage. Consider ways to burn the hotel down (just kidding… mostly).
- 9:00 AM: Check out. Try not to make eye contact with the front desk.
- 9:30 AM: Start heading back to the airport and remember to refill the rental car and clean up your trash.
- 10:30 PM: Contemplate your life, your choices, and the vast, flat emptiness of North Dakota. Accept your fate and prepare for your last meal in Williston.
- 11:30 AM: Get through security, pray for a smooth flight, and for the love of all that is holy, get outta dodge!
- 12:00 AM: You're on your flight out of this area, and you're never going back!
Things to pack (and be prepared for):
- Layers. Seriously. The weather is bipolar.
- Snacks. You'll need them.
- Good books. You'll be spending lots of time alone.
- An open mind… and a strong stomach.
- A healthy dose of cynicism. Embrace it!
- Your sense of humor. If you lose it, you're doomed.
This is it folks, a very basic outline of a trip to Williston. It’s up to you to make the most of it. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor. Or, you know, just try to survive. Your survival is my main goal in this whole endeavor.
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1. So, I'm considering [Topic]. Should I even bother? Give it to me straight.
Ugh, "should I even *bother*?" Okay, look, I'm going to be brutally honest. It depends. On what, you ask? *Everything*. Let's say the topic is "Learning to Bake Sourdough Bread." Some people are going to tell you it's a spiritual journey, a connection to the earth, a way to find inner peace, yeah yeah. Look, I started out thinking I was going to be a sourdough goddess. Then, day three, my starter was actively *rejecting* me. It smelled like old gym socks mixed with… well, let's just say I nearly gagged. So, should you bother? If you're a masochist who secretly enjoys watching a tiny civilization of yeast slowly turn you into a bread-making slave? Maybe. If you like the idea of throwing away entire days, and end up with something that tastes either amazing, or like a hockey puck. That's *mostly* what baking sourdough is like. So... yeah. Maybe.
2. How long does it *really* take to [Topic]? Be honest, and no sugar-coating!
"How long *really*?" Ha! That's the million-dollar question. Again, let's stick with the sourdough example. They say, "Oh, just a few hours of active work." That's a LIE. A glorious, infuriating, bread-flavored LIE. Factor in: (a) the hours of feeding the starter, (b) the bulk fermentation stage where you're probably convinced you killed it, (c) the "shaping" (which is more like wrestling a wet, alive blob), and (d) the baking, which takes longer than advertised. Realistically? Expect the entire process to take up an entire day, *minimum*. And I'm not even joking. Remember that time I spent four days trying to get a loaf right? The day I *almost* got it was the most satisfying moment of my life... even after throwing the loaf into the trash. It was exhausting. So... it takes FOREVER. But that first bite, if you get it right? Almost worth it.
3. What are the biggest challenges I'll face? Be specific.
Okay, challenges. With sourdough? Let's see. Number one: The starter. It's a needy, demanding, unpredictable little monster. Feed it the wrong flour? It sulks. Too hot? It goes wild. Too cold? It dies. And God forbid you forget to feed it! You'll be met with the stench of doom when you open up your fridge. Number two, the shaping. Getting a round loaf that isn't just… a pancake. Good luck with that. Number three, the scheduling. It's like a part-time job for your *insides*. You are CONSTANTLY thinking about the dough and its feelings. It's like having a tiny, doughy baby…that won't stop wanting attention! And then there's the possibility of burnt crusts and undercooked insides. Ugh. That happened to me. A *lot*.
4. Okay, you've scared me a little. Are there any *upsides*? Please tell me there are.
YES. There are upsides! Deep breaths. The first upside: The smell. Oh, the smell of baking sourdough. It's intoxicating. Suddenly, your house smells like a cozy bakery, and it literally warms your soul. The second upside: The taste. When you *finally* nail it, the taste is phenomenal. That tangy, chewy goodness is worth the effort. The third upside: The bragging rights. You can casually mention, "Oh, this? I baked it." And watch the impressed faces. Fourth upside: Okay, this is going to sound weird, but the *failure*. Every burnt loaf, every flat pancake, it fuels the fire. You get to learn from your mistakes. It's a humbling experience -- you realize you're not in control of everything. But hey -- that last one is useful.
5. What equipment do I *actually* need? I don't want to spend a fortune.
Alright, the equipment. Don't get suckered into buying all the fancy stuff. You *need*… let's say, you *really* need: a good Dutch oven (the heavy one, for the crust!), a scale, a good knife (and something to cut off the end, and try to get a clean cut.) a bowl (a big one, obviously), a few clean kitchen towels, and a little bit of patience. And, it helps to have a decent oven. I started on a stovetop with little luck. Then, one day you get the feeling you need more. That includes a proofing basket (optional, but helpful), and a lame (for scoring the bread). Look, you *can* make do with what you have. Use what you have. But honestly? A good Dutch oven is your best investment. Everything else, you can usually McGyver. I did, for months.
6. What are the BEST resources to learn more? Please, no overly complicated technical jargon!
Resources. Ugh. There are a million, and 99% of them are overwhelming. Honestly? Start with YouTube. Look for the simple ones first. Look for videos with people who aren't trying to be perfect. You want to see the mess. The mistakes. It’s a great way to learn. Avoid the food bloggers who seem to have everything perfect. They are lying. Look for tutorials that use real recipes. I'd suggest looking for the "King Arthur Baking" site. It's easy to find. Also, read books, watch videos, and get ready to fail a little.
7. I feel a little lost... Can you give me some specific advice, like, for *my* first attempt?!
Okay. *Deep breath*. Your first loaf. Here's what *I* learned, the hard way -- the *really* hard way:
- **Start small.** Don't try to make a gigantic loaf. Trust me. You'll hate yourself.
- **Don't be afraid to make mistakes.** Seriously. Embrace the imperfections. The lumps, the unevenness, the weird shapes. That's part of the charm!
- **Label EVERYTHING.** Seriously. Write down what you did. What you used. How long it took. You'll thank yourself later.
- **Trust your instincts.** If something feels wrong, it probably is. It's okay to toss it. It's not the end of the world. There will be other loaves!
- **Most importantly: RELAX.**Ocean View InnBaymont by Wyndham Williston Williston (ND) United States
Baymont by Wyndham Williston Williston (ND) United States
