Franklin, IN's Hidden Gem: Best Western Inn Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Franklin, IN's Best Kept Secret? My Honest Review of the Best Western Inn (Prepare to be Surprised!)
Okay, so I'm gonna be brutally honest. Franklin, Indiana? Didn't exactly scream "vacation destination" to me. But, after a recent trip, I'm eating my words (and maybe a few too many breakfast pastries, as you'll find out). This review of the Best Western Inn? It’s not your typical hotel blurb.
(Let's just say I'm still recovering from their buffet…)
First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle (Because, Honestly, It Matters)
Pulling up, the Best Western Inn looked…well, a Best Western. Solid, reliable, maybe a touch dated. But hey, who am I to judge? We’re all a work in progress. Crucially, and this is important, accessibility seemed pretty good at a glance. We saw plenty of wheelchair accessibility from the parking lot (that's a car park [free of charge] win!) to the front entrance. The elevator was a plus.
(Rambling Alert: The Front Desk Encounter)
Let's be real, the front desk folks can make or break your whole stay. I had a slightly frazzled moment (my fault, I was late), but the woman behind the counter was a total pro. Cool as a cucumber. Efficient. Gave me all the details (yes, even the Wi-Fi passwords – thank you, heavens, for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) and made the whole check-in process, a Contactless check-in/out, a breeze. Plus? She was actually nice. Score one for the Inn.
(Important Note: They mentioned facilities for disabled guests, which is always good to know. Didn’t do a super deep dive on that during my stay, but good to have it on the radar.)
The Room: Comfort & Conveniences (And My Unintentional Mini-Bar Adventure)
Okay, the room. It wasn’t a sprawling suite, but it was clean, with a decent desk (hello, Laptop workspace!), and the Air conditioning worked beautifully. The Blackout curtains were a godsend, allowing me to sleep in past noon (a rare treat). A Refrigerator – genius! – and a Coffee/tea maker (thank you again, caffeine gods).
The Wi-Fi was fast and reliable – a major win. I need that for, well, everything!
(Confession Time: The Mini-Bar Fiasco)
So, I swear I didn't touch anything in the mini bar. Which, to be clear, wasn’t a mini bar – more a glorified fridge. BUT, on my way out the morning, I was charged for a bottle of water I didn't consume. I was too tired to care!
The Amenities: Pool, Gym, and That "Breakfast" They Promised
Ah, the amenities. Let's break this down.
- Pool: Swimming pool [outdoor] - It looked clean, but the weather was… less than cooperative. I didn't brave the elements.
- Fitness center: I thought about using the Fitness center… but you know, the allure of the Breakfast [buffet] was stronger. (See below). I did peep at it, and it had the usual treadmill, weights, the whole shebang.
- Spa/Sauna etc.: Nope. No Sauna, Spa. No Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap. It would have been nice, because I definitely needed one of those after the breakfast.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast That Changed My Life (Kidding… Mostly)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This is the part where the Best Western really earned its stars… or at least, parts of it.
The breakfast. The breakfast. They call it a Breakfast [buffet], but it's more like a breakfast experience. They had the usual suspects: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, all sorts of pastries… I basically went into a carb coma.
And the options! There were Individually-wrapped food options for those concerned (me, after my third pastry). They also had Breakfast takeaway service for my, 'I just ate too much and need to be in my room to recover" self.
The dining area was also clean and well maintained. There was a Coffee shop and a bar.
I may have gone back for seconds (and thirds). And maybe a fourth, just because… well, you get it. I could see the Staff trained in safety protocol, and the breakfast [buffet] was well-managed.
Cleanliness and Safety: Reassuring in a Weird World
This is a big deal, and the Best Western seemed to take it seriously. They were providing Anti-viral cleaning products, and seemed great with Daily disinfection in common areas. They also had hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, which felt reassuring. Also, I knew that if there was anything I ever needed to quickly handle, there was a Doctor/nurse on call, and a First aid kit there, in case.
The Extra Mile: Services and Conveniences (and a Few Quibbles)
They offered the usual suspects: Daily housekeeping,, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, a Convenience store, Luggage storage, and a general helpful vibe. I found a safety deposit box in my room.
The Verdict & My (Mostly) Unsolicited Advice
So, is the Best Western Inn a "hidden gem"? I wouldn't go that far. But is it a solid, reliable, and surprisingly decent place to stay in Franklin, Indiana? Absolutely. Here are my takes:
- The Good: Clean, comfortable rooms. Great Wi-Fi. Friendly staff. That breakfast. Seriously. That breakfast. Good security measures.
- The Could Be Better: Room for updating the amenities, and the mini-bar issue was a minor pain.
- Overall: If you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and friendly place to stay in Franklin, this is a solid choice. And honestly? That breakfast alone might be worth the price of admission.
SEO Magic: Franklin, Indiana, Best Western Inn – Your Convenient Gateway!
- Planning a trip to Franklin, Indiana? Looking for a hotel that offers comfort, convenience, and a fantastic breakfast? The Best Western Inn is your ideal starting point!.
- Accessibility: Easy wheelchair accessibility and facilities for disabled guests offering comfort for every traveller.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!Stay connected with super-fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the property, including internet access – wireless in your room.
- Delicious breakfast buffet: Start your day with a delicious and comprehensive breakfast included to satisfy any appetite.
- Business travellers: The Best Western Inn offers services to facilitate any trip.
- Clean and safe: Enjoy peace of mind with meticulous cleaning protocols and safety measures.
- Convenience is key: Convenient to Franklin's attractions, shops, and restaurants, with easy access.
- Book your room today! And experience the Best Western Inn's hospitality!
(Final, Slightly Dramatic Thoughts)
So, there you have it. My unvarnished, slightly messy, and hopefully helpful review of the Best Western Inn in Franklin, Indiana. It's not perfect. But it's a good place to stay. And that breakfast? Worth the trip. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need another nap. This review business is exhausting!
To book your stay at the Best Western Inn, click here!
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Alright, Buckle Up Buttercups! My "Best Western Franklin Inn Extravaganza" Itinerary (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Slightly-Musty Carpets)
Pre-Trip Ramblings & Existential Dread (aka, the "Before" Times)
- Day 0: The Planning Phase (or, Why I Became a Master Googler) Okay, so I'm going to the Franklin Inn. Sounds…charming. My expectations? Somewhere between "quaint bed and breakfast" and "motel from a slightly creepy horror movie." Honestly, I'm more afraid of the continental breakfast than any actual ghosts. I spent a frankly embarrassing amount of time researching. Reviews? A mixed bag. "Clean," "Good location," "Needs updating." Uh huh. My pre-trip anxiety is in full swing. Did I pack enough snacks? Do I really need all these books? Should I bring a hazmat suit just in case?
The Grand Arrival & Initial Impressions (or, Where the Magic Happens!)
- Day 1: Touchdown Franklin! (and My Battle with the Automatic Doors)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Best Western. The parking lot looks like a reunion of mismatched minivans. Already, I can tell this will be an…experience.
- 1:05 PM: The dreaded automatic doors! Of course, they didn’t work right away. I ended up looking like a complete fool, waving frantically at a cold, unyielding piece of glass. Finally, a kind woman with a floral dress (probably a local) gave me a pity-wave.
- 1:10 PM: Check-in. The front desk guy looked like he'd seen things. He was friendly, though. "Welcome to the Inn!" he said. I responded with a hopeful, "Thanks!"
- 1:15 PM: The room. Alright, so… it definitely needs updating. The floral wallpaper is…intense. The carpet? Questionable. But, the bed looks comfy. Okay, I can (and I will) make the most of it.
- 1:30 PM: First impressions? The "Inn" is about what I expected. It's no Ritz, but it's clean enough. But I swear, I can smell the lingering aroma of stale coffee and hope. That's the Best Western Experience, I suppose.
Exploring Franklin (or, How I Saved a Squirrel and Found a Decent Cup of Coffee)
- Day 1, Afternoon: Adventures in Town (or, "Is That a Dead Leaf, Or…")
- 2:00 PM: Venture out! Armed with my "Lonely Planet Guide" and a slightly optimistic outlook, I started the day.
- 2:30 PM: Quick stop at a charming local cafe for a coffee. The barista was friendly. I ended up chatting with a woman who lived here for 40 years. She told me about the town library.
- 3:30 PM: Walking in a nearby lovely little park. I felt a sudden compulsion to follow a squirrel that was attempting to bury a nut. It was a harrowing experience. I ended up trying to shoo away a cat. I eventually watched the squirrel in peace.
- 4:30 PM: Stumbled upon an antique shop. Filled with treasures and dust bunnies. I'm a sucker for old things. I ended up buying a vintage postcard of Franklin.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I found a local diner! The food was delicious, greasy, and exactly what I needed after my squirrel-related emotional rollercoaster. The waitress, a woman with a mile-wide smile, made me feel like I'd walked into a time capsule.
Day 2: The Dark Side of Breakfast (or, My Brush with the "Continental" Apocalypse)
8:00 AM: Continental Breakfast time. Okay. Deep breath. Prepare for the worst…
8:01 AM: The breakfast room. The lights were fluorescent. The coffee… I swear it was the same stuff from the first floor. The bagels looked like they were made last week.
8:05 AM: The toaster. This machine was ancient. It had a mind of its own. I finally managed to get a single, slightly-burnt piece of bread. I'm not gonna lie, a tear may have slid down my cheek.
8:15 AM: Okay, I survived the breakfast. Barely. I am convinced the "continental breakfast" is a test of human endurance.
Day 2, Morning: Off-The-Beaten-Path Shenanigans (or, The World's Worst Hike)
- 9:00 AM: Determined to be an adventurer. I decided to go on a hike the local guide suggested. It was a "moderate" one, they said. "Breathtaking views," they claimed.
- 9:30 AM: Got lost. Several times. The "trail" was more of a suggestion. I am pretty sure I had to climb over a fallen tree. I was sure I glimpsed a bear.
- 11:00 AM: Finally made it back to the hotel. I resembled a drowned rat. My shoes were covered in mud. My hair a mess.
- 11:30 AM: I had a shower.
Deeper Dive: The Franklin Inn Experience (or, Where I Confront My Demons)
- This is where things get weird. I spent a significant amount of time just… in my room.
- 1:00 PM - Day 2: The room. Okay, so I have a few things to say about the room.
- The TV. It was old. I spent an hour trying to figure out how to get Netflix working and failed miserably. Just the regular channels. Good enough.
- The Window. I spent some time looking out the window. It was a good view. The view of the parking lot.
- The Bed. Cozy. The sheets were… well, clean. That's all that matters.
- 2:00 PM - Day 2: I started to read.
- 5:00 PM - Day 2: Okay, so I'm probably going to order pizza.
- 6:00 PM - Day 2: I ordered pizza and a soda. I'm not going to lie, it was the height of luxury. It tasted like the best thing I'd had in days.
Departure & Reflections (or, Leaving with a Slightly-Better Outlook)
- Day 3: Farewell Franklin! (or, The End, Possibly for the Best)
- 9:00 AM: Check-out. The front desk guy was still there. He smiled. "How was your stay?" he asked. I paused. How was my stay? It was… an experience.
- 9:01 AM: I thought it over. "It was… memorable!" I said. He laughed.
- 9:15 AM: I drove. I left Franklin. As I left, I felt a strange blend of relief and nostalgia.
- 10:00 AM: In the car. I started to think about the trip back. I would need to buy snacks at the gas station. It would be a long drive.
- 11:00 AM: Reflection. I might just come back to Franklin someday. Eventually. Maybe. When the carpets have been replaced. Maybe.
Final Thoughts & Post-Trip Ramblings (or, My Therapy Session)
- Overall Impression: The Best Western Franklin Inn? It's not the Four Seasons. It's not even a particularly good hotel. But, it was mine. And, in a weird way, I liked it. It was like a slightly-depressed friend. It had its flaws but its heart was in the right place. You get used to (and appreciate) the things you've got.
- Would I recommend the Best Western Franklin Inn? Honestly? Probably not. But, if you're looking for an… experience, a bit of a story, a place to confront your breakfast-related anxieties, you could do worse. Just bring your own coffee. And maybe a hazmat suit. Just in case.
- The most important lesson? That even in a slightly-musty hotel, with a terrible breakfast and a confusing trail, you can still find a decent cup of coffee, a friendly barista, and a chance to save a squirrel. And that's what it's all about. That is the journey.
Okay, I'm going to go make myself a good cup of coffee now. I think I deserve it.
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