Days Inn Oglesby/ Starved Rock

We were heading to Charleston, SC for family gathering. Hence we stopped in Oglesby, IL because we have children (they like to complain we drive too long while they play video games on their tablets… kids). Yes, they would threat a rebellion if we drove over night.
The rooms are small but functional. Initially, I love the bathroom sink were outside of the bathroom. Later on in the morning I decided that was an idiotic idea since my wife likes to get up early to get ready. Hence, the bathroom sink light is on for the whole world to see in the morning.
A lot of people praise their breakfast. I have to concur with those reviews because they make fresh biscuit and sausage gravy! I have never seen that from a small hotel, especially Days Inn. Definitely 5 stars on the breakfast front. The rest is 3 stars.

Understanding this hotel is located in a small town, and there are very few other options here, is my overview.
For the price, which was about the same as you would pay for a room in St Louis area, the room was very small, more like that of an express hotel than a full sized hotel. There was no closet in the room, and because of that, the ironing board, iron, safe, and coat hangers were mounted right on the wall right next to the bed. The internet worked, but was iffy at best, even for simple tasks such as interacting with social media sites. Netflix or other streaming sites were not possible to use. The bathroom was tiny and there was no counter space to put your toiletries on. The free breakfast was on par with most other similar style lodging, so a hot waffle maker, everything else was either cold foods, or microwave based. There is a very small indoor pool, an equally small fitness room.
On the positive side their staff was very friendly, my room was clean and tidy, and there was a refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave in the room.
The hotel is located about 5 miles from the Starved Rock State Park, and in the other direction it is about 5 miles from Peru, Illinois. Within walking distance of the hotel there are a couple of places to eat (mostly fast food), and a gas station right next to the parking lot.
Overall my stay was pleasant, but it was more expensive than I felt it should be.

Reservations by calling direct went smoothly and the check-​in did, too. The front desk and housekeeping are very professional and friendly. This is a dog-​friendly location with a nicely manicured yard for your pooch. The breakfast had quite a few choices of items. The location is easy to find, close to lots of fast-​food and gas station conveniences. The location is also very convenient to Starved Rock and Matthiessen Parks and the rates are very competitive. Pleasant experience and a nice price… We definitely recommend!!!

The hot breakfast is hot because you run it through the microwave. I don’t think that counts. We had two rooms, both were labeled as non-​smoking but reeked of smoke. There were people in the hallway talking loudly and slamming doors at 10:30pm. I’ll try the Best Western next time.

The Days Inn Oglesby is an inexpensive and nice place to stay for a night/​weekend at Starved Rock. The room was clean, the staff was ultra-​friendly, and its proximity to all the Starved Rock attractions made for a great stay. We are late sleepers and didn’t partake in the free waffle breakfast (or the pool), but we did use the free wi-​fi. I was especially thankful to Lisa at the front desk. She made great restaurant suggestions and was super-​sweet! She also provided a handy map to get to Starved Rock from the hotel.

Disclaimer– this is a review of a Days Inn located in a small town in Illinois. Not a fancy, big city hotel.
Service: the front desk people were very nice and check-​in was smooth
Rooms: Clean, which is about all I ask for when staying at a Days Inn. The bed was fine, heater/​AC unit worked. The TV was dated (an old tube set) but it worked! The sink was outside the actual bathroom, which is nice when multiple people are getting ready in the morning. The pool was small, but people seemed to enjoy it (I didn’t use it).
Breakfast: Good — waffles and biscuits & gravy for hot offerings. The orange wasn’t very tasty, but they couldn’t have known that from looking at it.

I mean… I’ve never been a fan of Days Inn, but I decided to give them a chance during a weekend trip to Starved Rock. It was either that or shell out $ 140 for a Hampton Inn. (In Central Illinois? Insanity!)
The rooms were clean (included a microwave and fridge!), it was located right off 39, and, literally, next to a gas station. This proved helpful when we realized there were no Targets, etc, open late, so we hit up the gas station for random drinks/​snacks. Food options in this town are limited and you most likely have to drive 15 – 20 minutes to the neighboring town, but if you’re really hungry, the hotel is also next to a Subway, McDon’s, and a family diner thing.
The hotel offers free (continental) breakfast, with the typical waffle maker, gravy, biscuits, bagels, toast, cereal, yogurt, random fruit, coffee, tea, etc. I was pretty happy with the selection! There’s also a pool, but it’s pretty small and located next to the lobby. The staff was also friendly and helpful, too, so that was nice. All in all, we got these rooms at a great price and had a nice weekend stay here!
Oh, and FREE Wi-​Fi! Win!

Nice hotel for the price. Clean, modern, and friendly staff. Definitely recommend staying here if you prefer not to stay at the Lodge.

I was looking to stay at the Starved Rock Lodge, but after looking at the prices for a one night stay, I quickly realized that wasn’t going to be an option!
Enter in Days Inn Oglesby.
D — Dang! That’s the smallest pool I’ve ever seen! But at least they have one, and the little kids playing in it looked happy enough.
A — Amenities are here: microfridge, free USA today, hair dryer, iron, etc.
Y — «Yes!» for free continental breakfast (waffle maker, bagels, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, fruit, etc)
S — Starved Rock State Park; Six miles in the car and you’re there!
I — Internet available (FREE Wifi, that is.)
N — Nice customer service; They’ll even give you a toothbrush if you forgot it!
N — No fitness room, but who cares? You’re about to get your calorie-​burn on at Starved Rock anyway.
Well, maybe that last one was a stretch: /​Anyhoo! This is no Hilton, but for a cheap and clean stay with basic amenities included, I’m sold!