Lake Okoboji's BEST Kept Secret: The Inn Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Lake Okoboji's BEST Kept Secret: The Inn Hotel Awaits! And let me tell you, it's… well, it's something. Prepare for a review that's less pristine brochure and more, "Honey, let me spill the tea (and maybe a little coffee, too)."
Let's Get to the Gritty (But First…SEO!)
This review is all about The Inn Hotel Awaits! in Lake Okoboji. We're hitting all those juicy keywords. Hotel Okoboji, Okoboji Hotels, Lake Okoboji lodging, you name it. We're also focusing on accessibility, spa, restaurants, Wi-Fi, and, of course, the overall experience. Because, let's be real, that's what matters. The Inn Hotel Awaits! is also great for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or just trying to get away from these damn kids.
First Impressions are Everything… Or Are They?
Okay, so the website promised a "secret haven." Honestly? The exterior of the inn is fine. Not drop-dead gorgeous, not a total wreck. Think…clean, understated, a little…safe. (Bonus points for the non-flashy exterior. It gave me a sense of security).
Inside? Well, the lobby is very clean. Like, suspiciously clean. I suspect a team of intensely focused housekeepers has a dedicated cleaning schedule to keep it that way. You feel safe.
Check-in: Simple, efficient, and… wait for it… contactless check-in/out (nice). I'm a germophobe in a pre-COVID world, so I appreciated that. Plus, the front desk staff seemed genuinely nice. (They even gave me a recommendation for a local ice cream place – genius.)
The Room – Cozy, Clean, and Surprisingly Well-Equipped
My room? A non-smoking one, thank goodness. It was…comfortable. Not the Ritz, but definitely not Motel 6. The Wi-Fi (and thank god free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) was strong, I could make some work calls without it cutting out.
- Air conditioning: Worked like a charm.
- Desk: Perfect for my laptop workspace.
- Reading light: I brought my book.
- Coffee/tea maker: Crucial!
The Real Deal: What's Actually Good About the Inn?
The Spa: This is where things get interesting. Okay, listen. The Sauna was fantastic. The Spa, I went for a massage. I think the woman's name was Debbie. She was a miracle worker. I said, "Debbie, I'm stressed," and she said, "Honey, you look like you've been wrestling a bear made of deadlines and bad decisions." Then, she kneaded away the tension. It was an actual experience; I had a moment to myself to de-stress. The Body scrub was awesome! I've never had a body scrub before, and now I'm hooked!
The Food: The Inn boasts several Restaurants (the brochure mentioned Asian cuisine, International cuisine, and Western cuisine). I sampled them all. The Buffet in restaurant was a win (especially at breakfast!). The Coffee shop was on point, and the Happy hour was, well, happy.
The Pool and Things to Do: The Swimming pool [outdoor] was pretty, but I didn't dip my toe in it. I'm a bit of a wimp. I got super stressed out, but they had things to reduce this. The Fitness center wasn't for me. There are good things to do in Okoboji or to just relax, like going to the Spa!
Accessibility, Safety, and the Important Stuff
- Accessibility: The Inn has facilities for disabled guests available. Elevator. That's it.
- Cleanliness and Safety: They take this very seriously, and for that, I applaud them. Excellent. Anti-viral cleaning products. They mentioned it. Cleanliness is next to…well, you know.
- Other Services: Daily housekeeping, laundry service: You want it, they got it.
The Not-So-Perfect Parts (Because, Hello, Real Life!)
- The Imperfection of a Minor Category I wouldn't say that Pets allowed unavailable is a problem, but I would like to be able to bring my dog!
- The Price: it's a little pricey, I should have brought my dog too!
- The Minor Details I wanted to see what the Couple's room was like, but I am not in a relationship and would feel awkward going in by myself!
My Recommendation
The Inn Hotel Awaits! in Lake Okoboji is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it's comfortable, clean, and offers a good range of amenities, especially if you're craving some serious relaxation. I'm already planning my return, and I'm thinking…two spa days next time.
Quirky Anecdote
One morning, I stumbled into the breakfast buffet looking like a zombie. The waitress, bless her heart, just smiled and said, "Rough night?" I mumbled something about jet lag and deadlines. She then proceeded to make me the best damn coffee I've had in ages. Small moments like that… that's what makes a place memorable. Or the fact that, in the middle of the night, a strange light came on in my room. I called the front desk. The person on the other end was super nice, telling me that the lights were on a timer - I am an idiot.
Offer: Escape to Okoboji's Best Kept Secret!
Book your stay at The Inn Hotel Awaits! NOW and Indulge in:
- Luxury spa treatments for ultimate relaxation!
- Multiple delicious dining options to satisfy every craving!
- Sparkling clean, comfortable rooms with free high-speed Wi-Fi!
- Impeccable service designed to make you feel pampered and safe!
But hurry! This offer is only valid for a limited time. Click here to book YOUR unforgettable Okoboji escape at The Inn Hotel Awaits!
(Include a link to their website here. This creates the call to action!)
Indonesian Paradise: 3BR Villa with Breakfast Awaits! #TAE
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into a Lake Okoboji long weekend at The Inn Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection. This ain't your perfectly curated Instagram travel diary, folks. This is real, messy, and probably a little bit hilarious. Prepare for… well, prepare for anything.
The Inn Hotel, Lake Okoboji - A Weekend of Questionable Choices and Unexpected Delights
Day 1: Arrival and Instant Gratification… or is it?
2:00 PM - Arrival and the Great Parking Lot Debacle: Okay, first impressions? The Inn Hotel looks… fine. Standard, maybe slightly dated Midwest charm. Finding a parking spot, however, was an Olympic sport. Seriously, I circled the lot three times, battling a minivan full of screaming kids and a guy in a giant "I <3 BOATS" t-shirt. Finally snagged a spot that was, let’s just say, optimistically sized. My poor car is practically hugging the curb. Already, I feel the familiar hum of travel stress starting to build.
2:30 PM - Check-In and the Room Reveal (Dramatic Music): The check-in lady was super friendly, bless her heart. You could tell she’d seen a lot. The room? Surprisingly… decent! Clean, spacious enough, and the AC actually works! Thank God. The view? Um, it’s of the parking lot. See above. But hey, no complaints. Well, maybe one. The "lake view" I'd allegedly booked? Not visible. Maybe with some serious contortion and leaning out a window, I could maybe see a sliver. Oh well, this is fine. *nervous laughter*
3:00 PM - Lake Okoboji Orientation… and a Questionable Pre-Dinner Snack: First order of business: exploration! I wandered out, determined to embrace the Okoboji vibe. It was gorgeous. I mean, seriously gorgeous. The lake glittered, boats zipped around like aquatic bees, and everyone seemed to be radiating a serene, sun-drenched glow. I, however, was already starting to feel the hunger pangs. And that, my friends, led to the convenience store. I bought chips, a soda, and a box of those weird cheese crackers. The snack of champions, am I right? Regret immediately set in.
6:00 PM - Dinner at a Restaurant with a "Lake View" (Spoiler Alert: It's Limited): I’d booked a table at “The Waterfront Grill” (I think that was the name). Supposedly, it has a prime lake view. More like, "view-ish." We were seated at a table facing a thick bush that blocked most of the view. I'm starting to see a pattern here. The food? Mediocre. My salmon was cooked to a crisp, and my partner's steak was… well, let's just say it didn't know what medium-rare was. BUT, the atmosphere was lively, the cocktails were strong, and the sunset, when it finally peeked through the trees, was truly breathtaking. We're in a lake town, after all. I take back my previous statement.
8:00 PM - Evening Stroll and the Ice Cream Conspiracy: After dinner, a walk along the lake was essential. It was beautiful as the sky turned colors, couples strolling by, everything was idyllic and I was relaxed. We went along the lake path, laughing at the ducks and people watching, for what felt like forever. Until we reached the ice cream place. The line was out the door. The siren call of cold, sweet deliciousness was too strong. We waited. And waited. And waited. When we finally got to the front, they were out of my favorite flavor! I may or may not have thrown a slight tantrum. I'm not proud. But the ice cream I did get was pretty darn good. Maybe my taste buds were extra sensitive after all the excitement of the day.
9:30 PM - Back to the Room: Bedtime Bliss… or Mild Panic?: Back in the room, I crashed. Exhausted, full of processed goods, and slightly sunburnt. The bed was comfy, though, and I slept like a rock… until 3 am, when I woke up convinced I'd forgotten something crucial. (Spoiler: I hadn't.)
Day 2: Boats, Beaches, and… Burgers?
9:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel… or, The Coffee Crisis: Hotel breakfast. Always a gamble, right? The coffee was… weak. Very weak. They also didn't have any yogurt. The scrambled eggs looked suspiciously like rubber. I ate a waffle, mainly because I was too hangry to care.
10:00 AM - Boat Tour: High Hopes and Seasickness: OK, time for the main event! A boat tour of the lake! I booked a two-hour cruise, envisioning myself gliding effortlessly over the water, serenaded by the gentle lapping of waves. Reality? The boat was crowded, the captain's jokes were… questionable, and I spent half the time battling a rising tide of nausea. Note to self: Dramamine is your friend. Thankfully, the lake itself was gorgeous and the scenery was so beautiful.
12:00 PM - Beach Time and the Great Sunscreen Fail: After the boat tour, we hit the beach. I thought, finally, relaxation! I grabbed my sunscreen. Turns out, I'd grabbed sunscreen that was several years old! I'm red and I feel like a lobster. I am now in the shade.
3:00 PM - Burgers and Regret: We found a burger joint downtown. The burgers were okay, the fries were amazing, but the server was super rude. The prices seemed a little steep. I was hoping for some home-cooked goodness, but instead, the meal left me slightly disappointed even though it was tasty.
6:00 PM - Dinner at a Lakeside Diner: I'm craving a decent meal. We head to a diner, and the food is delicious. Everyone just seems so happy to be there. I may or may not have cried with joy over the pie.
8:30 PM - Stargazing and Deep Thoughts… or Bedtime, Again: We ended the day with a stroll, looking at the stars. It was an amazing day. Tired and happy.
Day 3: Departure and The Unspoken Truth
9:00 AM - Last Hotel Breakfast and the Final Coffee Confrontation: One last breakfast. I took two cups of coffee, still weak. The eggs still looked like rubber. Oh well.
10:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping and the Price of Perfection: We browsed the local shops, buying all sorts of things. I wish I hadn't waited to buy something. The shop owners were nice but I wish I had brought more money.
11:00 AM - Check-Out and the Parking Lot Part Two: Back to the car! The parking spot was still there! I was so happy. I knew I had to go. I was happy to go. I was sad to go.
12:00 PM - The Long Drive Home, and the Realization: Sitting in the car, headed home. I had moments of happiness and disappointment. I would come back but I would change some things next time.
Final Thoughts:
Lake Okoboji, you were… an experience. A hot mess of questionable snacks, subpar views, and a fair amount of internal drama. But you also had moments of pure, unadulterated beauty. And somehow, despite the minor inconveniences (okay, maybe major inconveniences), I loved it. Would I go back? Absolutely. But maybe next time, I'll pack my own coffee, a better view of the lake, and some dramamine. And if anyone finds my dignity, let me know. It seems to have gotten lost somewhere between the boat tour and the ice cream shop.
Escape to Paradise: Lavande Hotel's Haikou Haven Awaits!
Okay, spill! What *IS* this "Inn Hotel" situation on Okoboji that no one seems to know about? Is it really a secret?
Alright, alright, I'll let you in on it... kinda. The Inn Hotel, they call it. I've heard whispers, seen a brochure *once* at a gas station, but finding concrete info is like trying to catch a greased piglet at the county fair. It's less a "secret" and more... a well-guarded, low-key gem. It's *there*, existing in Okoboji, but not shouting from the rooftops. Frankly, I prefer it that way. Keeps the riff-raff (kidding! mostly) away.
So, location, location, LOCATION! Where on earth is this place? And is it convenient? I hate driving forever.
Okay, look, here's the deal: I *think* it's near Arnolds Park, maybe... *probably* not right on the main drag. That's part of the appeal, frankly. Because if you're looking for *convenience* – pure, unadulterated, right-next-door convenience? You're better off with the usual suspects. But The Inn? It’s about stepping away from the madness, you know? A quick five-minute jaunt and you're in paradise. That's what memory tells me. Again... I'm pretty sure...
What kind of vibe are we talking here? Luxury? Rustic? Is it, like, a haunted motel? Be honest!
Haunted motel! Heh, *good one*. Look, I'm not going to lie, I'm not sure. I *think* the interior is probably more modern than some of the older joints, maybe a little more boutique-y. The word "boutique" makes me cringe, always has, but, *I think* it might apply. The brochure, if memory serves (and it rarely does), implied quality. No, let's be real, I never even *got* the brochure, I saw it on the counter and saw a couple of faded, blurry pictures, so… take that with a grain of salt the size of a hockey puck. So, I can't vouch for luxurious. But I'd place my bets on "charming" and relatively clean. I really, really hope it's clean. Because I *hate* dirty hotels. Seriously, major pet peeve.
Are the views any good? Because I'm all about those lake views. Do they have balconies? Pool? What’s the deal?!
Oh, the views. Okay, *this* is where the *vague* memory clicks back in. I *believe* the Inn Hotel is located right on the lake. I'm pretty sure. And in my mental image, there are patios. I'm going to hazard a guess and say... YES. There *has* to be lake frontage. And it *has* to have SOME kind of water access. I would assume a pool, too. Okoboji in general demands a pool! But it's been a while since I had a look. And my memory...well... let's just say I'm better at forgetting anniversaries than remembering hotel amenities. Balconies? Possibly. My memory of the layout is a bit... *murky*. I really need to get back there to refresh...my...memory. Maybe after the holidays. I can’t deal with the Okoboji crowds then! Ugh.
Okay, let's talk about the *food*. Do they have a restaurant? Good food? Because a terrible hotel restaurant will *ruin* a vacation.
Restaurant? Hmm... Now you're pushing my memory to its absolute limits. I THINK they either have a restaurant or are located within a quick walk of somewhere with decent grub. I *vaguely* recall something. I'm fairly sure they had a breakfast option, or nearby options. Ok, that's a massive cop-out, isn't it? I'm trying to find any trace of reliable info and can’t! My brain has failed me! But, *speaking from experience* Okoboji has some GREAT food. So, assuming they don't, you're still gold. You know, like, the place is right there, but... I can't, for the life of me, recall what they *actually* have!
Have you *stayed* there? Because all this guessing is making me nervous. Give me your real take. Did you love it? Hate it?
Okay, here's the thing about *actually* staying there. I haven't. Not. Yet. I've *tried*. I've *attempted*. There was this *one time*. It was a scorcher of a summer day, the family was *melting*, and the kids were in full-on "are we there yets?" mode like they were professional whiners. I was desperate. I said 'Let's make a reservation!". I called. The number on the (slightly) faded brochure. Busy signal. Okay, I thought, I’ll deal with it later, I was tired. But the next day, same deal. Then, *again* the next day. I started to think it was haunted. Or maybe they just didn't *want* my business. Maybe the ghost was preventing you from actually booking a room! I'm not even kidding, I eventually gave up, and so we stayed at a generic chain hotel, which *was* a letdown because, you know, It was a chain hotel! I felt like a *failure*. Then I gave up! I had *failed!*. It's been an obsession ever since to try and secure a room there…. It's a personal quest now, I swear.
Are there *any* downsides? Any deal breakers?
Alright, let's be real. The biggest downside is the *whole not knowing if you can actually get a damn room situation*. The lack of easy-to-find information is annoying. I'd say if you're a planner, a control freak, or someone who needs EVERYTHING mapped out, this place might not be for you. The *mystery* might be a little too much. Also, if you're super high-maintenance and demand the utmost luxury? Maybe not. But if you want something a little different, a bit more... hidden charm. Give it a shot. Just, you know, call and *pray*. And if you get through? Tell me about it. I'm still trying. Secretly. I’m not kidding. I need to know.
Okay, you've piqued my interest. How do I even *book* this seemingly elusive Inn Hotel?
Ah, grasshopper, that is the question! Honestly? I'm still figuring that out. The brochure, the elusive brochure had a phone number. Try that.Hidden Stay
