Indiana Dunes Getaway: Your Perfect Quality Inn Chesterton Escape!
Okay, buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the Indiana Dunes Getaway: Your Perfect Quality Inn Chesterton Escape! – and let me just say, expectations were… well, they were there. But after experiencing this place, I've got a lot to unpack. Let’s get real, shall we? Forget sterile TripAdvisor reviews. We're going in.
(Accessibility First, Because It Matters)
Let's be upfront: accessibility is crucial, and I'm genuinely happy to report on this. The Quality Inn in general seemed pretty decent on this front. Wheelchair accessible facilities were noted, which is a MASSIVE green flag. I didn't personally test every single inch, but the layout seemed thoughtfully considered. I'm talking elevators (duh!), ramps (yay!), and hopefully, though I didn't specifically inquire, accessible rooms that tick all the right boxes. Accessibility folks, check with the hotel directly to confirm specific needs – always the best policy.
(Cleanliness – Let’s Talk About It)
Alright, let's rip off the band-aid: Cleanliness? Absolutely key, especially these days. The hotel seemed dedicated to staying on top of things. I noticed the following, which gave me a sense of relief.
- Daily disinfection in common areas – good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays – even better! A must these days.
- Anti-viral cleaning products – Excellent. They need to be doing this.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere… a little too much maybe? Just kidding!
- Staff trained in safety protocol – always a good sign.
- Room sanitization opt-out available – interesting (though I didn’t need to opt-out).
Look, I'm not a germaphobe, but I also don’t want to catch the whatchamacallit. So, kudos for taking it seriously! This is the kind of stuff that makes you feel marginally less anxious about being a human being in a world full of… things.
(Internet – The Modern Necessity)
Okay, let's be honest, a decent hotel is nothing without decent internet. Here's the skinny:
- Free Wi-Fi in all the rooms – Hallelujah!
- Internet access – wireless – CHECK!
- Internet access – LAN – for the old-schoolers.
- Wi-Fi in public areas – yeah, duh.
I got work to do, people! The Wi-Fi was decent (not lightning-fast, but functional). I didn’t test the LAN because, well, who uses that these days? The point is, you can probably stream your Netflix, Zoom with the boss, and post that Insta-worthy pic of your… whatever you're doing. So, good on 'em.
(The Room – A Deep Dive)
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the room itself. This is where things get… interesting. (Remember, this is my experience.)
- Air conditioning: Yes. Thank the heavens. (I’m a hot sleeper.)
- Blackout curtains: Essential for me. I think they also help me sleep. I think.
- Coffee/tea maker: Necessary for survival. (And the complimentary tea was… well, it was tea.)
- Desk: Adequate. (Not a standing desk, sadly.)
- Hair dryer: Check!
- Internet access – wireless: Already covered.
- Ironing facilities: Yep. (Though I don’t think I used ‘em. Wrinkles are part of my charm.)
- Laptop workspace: Yes.
- Mini bar: No, thankfully. I'd be broke.
- Refrigerator: Good for the snacks I did bring!
- Safe box: Probably important, but I didn't use it (I'm not paranoid).
- Seating area: Decent. (Though I preferred, you know, the bed.)
- Separate shower/bathtub: Yes.
- TV with Satellite/cable channels: Yes.
- Wi-Fi [free] - Did I mention Wi-Fi?
Look, it was a room. Clean, comfortable enough, and got the job done. I’m not expecting the Ritz, and it didn’t disappoint me in that regard. It wasn't a particularly memorable hotel room, but it didn't need to be.
(Food & Drink – The Fuel for Adventure)
Okay, this is where things got a little… variable.
- Breakfast [buffet] – Ah, the buffet. A love/hate relationship. The Quality Inn had one. The hot food was, well, hot. The pastries? Meh. Lots of options, though. (And I may or may not have eaten a few too many waffles. Don't judge.)
- Coffee/tea in restaurant – Yeah, that's a thing.
- Snack bar – They had snacks, right?
- Restaurants - Multiple? I didn't go to many nearby, so I didn't get to experience much.
- Breakfast takeaway service – Useful for the, um, waffle-overachievers.
The food wasn't gourmet heaven, but it served its purpose. I felt like I was fed. And in the end, isn't that what truly matters?
(Things to Do – The Dunes Await!)
Right, let's talk about why you're here. Chesterton! The Indiana Dunes! (And if you're NOT here for the Dunes… what are you doing?)
- Fitness Center - Did I use it? Absolutely not. But it existed. So that’s a point in their favor, I guess.
- Swimming pool [outdoor] – Ahhh, I did not have time, but it looked refreshing.
- Terrace – Looked nice.
- Car park [free of charge] – That's always a win. Parking fees are the devil.
Look, the real draw is the Indiana Dunes. The hotel’s proximity to the park is a huge selling point. The dunes are beautiful, the beaches are sandy, and the hikes are challenging (in a good way!). I mean, that's why you're here, right?! Go to the park.
(Other Important Bits)
- Cashless payment service – Fine by me.
- Daily housekeeping – Pretty standard.
- Elevator – For those of us who aren't spring chickens.
- Front desk [24-hour] – Always a good thing.
- Luggage storage – Convenient, especially if you arrive early or leave late.
- Non-smoking rooms – Hooray! (Although, let's be honest, every room should be non-smoking these days.)
- Safety deposit boxes - Great for valuables.
(Quirks, Anecdotes, and Imperfections – Because Life Ain’t Perfect)
Okay, here’s the honest truth: This isn't a fancy hotel. It's a functional hotel. It’s the sort of place where you can roll out of bed and grab a waffle, get some work done, and then go climb a sand dune.
There was a minor mix-up with my reservation (which they immediately fixed). And the waffle iron at breakfast was… slightly slow. But honestly, these are minor quibbles.
(The Verdict: Would I Stay Again? And Who Should Book?)
YES.
If you're looking for a comfortable, clean, well-located hotel close to the Indiana Dunes, this is a solid choice. It’s ideal for families, couples, solo travelers, and anyone who wants a convenient base for exploring the park.
Who should book?
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Hikers, beach bums, and nature lovers.
- Families: The family-friendly vibe is a plus.
- Budget-conscious travelers: It’s a good value.
- Anyone who appreciates cleanliness, convenience, and free Wi-Fi!
The Offer: This is for you!
Escape to the Indiana Dunes with Ease!
Book your stay at the Indiana Dunes Getaway: Your Perfect Quality Inn Chesterton Escape! and receive:
- 15% off your stay, plus
- A complimentary breakfast for two (yep, those waffles!)
- Free parking. (Because, convenience.)
Use code "DUNES2024" at checkout. (Or whatever the hell they use for a booking code, seriously, figure that out, booking people.)
This offer is only valid for a limited time, so book now, and get ready to explore the beauty of the Indiana Dunes! (And maybe try those
Thane's Hidden Gem: Luxury Stay at Treebo Premium Heritage Grand (Mumbai)
Alright, here we go. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is not your average, perfectly curated travel plan. This is my attempt to wrangle the chaos that is a trip to the Quality Inn in Chesterton, Indiana - like, near the Indiana Dunes. I'm already prepping for the "are we there yet?" chorus from the backseat, and I haven't even packed a single sock.
Trip Title: Operation Dune-Buggy-Belly-Ache (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Midwestern Motel)
Duration: 3 Days/2 Nights (God help me)
People: Me (the overwhelmed planner), Spouse (The Eternal Optimist), and the Terrifying Trio of Tiny Humans (ages: 7, 5, and "Existential Dread").
Accommodation: Quality Inn, Chesterton, IN (Praying for a working ice machine and a decent breakfast situation).
Day 1: The Long, Winding Road (and the Unexpected Meltdown)
- 6:00 AM: Alarm. Nope. Hit snooze. Twice. The existential dread kid is already awake, staring at the ceiling. Clearly, adventure awaits.
- 7:00 AM: Actual Alarm. Coffee is brewing! Victory! Except, the dog barfed. On the rug. Just what I needed. This is going to be a great trip.
- 8:00 AM: Packing! Cramming suitcases into the car like we're escaping a zombie apocalypse. The kids are arguing about who gets the window seat. My blood pressure is rising.
- 9:00 AM: ON THE ROAD! Finally! The car is loaded, snacks are prepped (mostly chips, because…let's be real), and the GPS is set. Smooth sailing, baby! (Narrator: It was not.)
- 10:00 AM: First Roadside Stop. Diaper change, pee breaks, and the discovery that we forgot the iPad charger. The Eternal Optimist is, well, optimistic. Me? I'm silently calculating the cost of a new iPad.
- 11:00 AM (ish): Lunch at that "quaint" diner some review swore was worth the detour. It's not. The fries are soggy, the restroom smells like a poorly maintained porta-potty, and the kids are whining. I swear, the universe is testing me. 12:00 PM: Second Roadside Stop. "Are we there yet?" x 100. The 7-year-old discovers their phone's lacking charge and start crying. The 5-year-old uses it for their first tik tok video. The existential dread child just stares at their phone. (At least one of them is quiet)
- 2:00 PM: Arrival at Quality Inn. The exterior is slightly underwhelming. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and regret. But hey, at least the air conditioning works! Or does it? 3:00 PM: Check-in and Unpacking. The room is… adequate. Two double beds, a questionable floral bedspread, and a view of the parking lot. But the beds are clean. I'll take it. Immediately, the kids begin a bed-jumping competition. I sigh, realizing this is likely the peak of their joy for the next few days.
- 4:00 PM: Indiana Dunes National Park - First Impressions: We head to the dunes. The scale of these natural giants is impressive. The kids, less so. They're more interested in collecting sand in their shoes. I am already shedding sand, because sand gets everywhere. the wind is picking up, and the sand is stinging my face. The Eternal Optimist loves it. The existential dread kid looks contemplative.
- 5:00 PM- DUNE CLIMBING - THE EXPERIENCE THAT NEARLY BROKE ME: Oh. My. God. The dunes. They look majestic, beautiful, and utterly conquerable. They are not. We attempted to climb to the top of a sand dune. I pictured myself, wind in my hair, conquering nature. I pictured my children, eyes alight, enjoying the outdoors. What actually happened was this: We sunk. EVERY. STEP. The sand was like quicksand, except it wasn't killing us, just exhausting us. The 7-year-old started sobbing about how their legs hurt. The 5-year-old kept running ahead, only to faceplant. The existential dread kid just looked mildly bored. I, on the other hand, was reduced to a sweaty, panting mess, muttering about the sheer absurdity of the situation. We got about halfway up. I declared victory and sat down, right in the sand. We all ate sand. It was that kind of day.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: Pizza nearby the Quality Inn. (Fine dining, this is not.) The kids eat pizza. I eat pizza. We all eat pizza. Simple pleasures.
- 7:00 PM: Pool Chaos: The pool at the Quality Inn. Ah, the pool. It looks inviting. It is not. It is crowded. The chlorinated smell is intense. The kids are like tiny, screaming, water-born missiles. I may or may not have consumed a questionable amount of chlorine. I'm convinced there's at least one rogue french fry at the bottom of the pool. But the kids are happy. That's something, right?
- 8:00 PM: Bedtime routine. The Eternal Optimist puts the kids to bed. I collapse on my bed, contemplating the meaning of life and the potential for a second margarita.
- 9:00 PM: Netflix and a bag of chips. Because, self-care. Also, I might’ve found that rogue french fry.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep. I hope. I really hope. 11:00 PM: Loud snoring. No, not from me. I am so tired.
Day 2: Adventures, Mild Disasters, and Quest for Ice
- 7:00 AM: The promised breakfast. (I'm mentally bracing myself for the "continental" buffet.)
- 8:00 AM: More Dunes! We go to the lake. the kids make sandcastles and I marvel at the beauty of the lake.
- 10:00 AM: A small little hike. The kids complain for the first mile. I complain about the complaining. 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local sandwich shop. Surprisingly good.
- 2:00 PM: The Quest for Ice. This is a serious undertaking. The ice machine on our floor? Broken. The Eternal Optimist cheerfully says we can get ice from the vending machine. The vending machine? ALSO broken. This is it, the breaking point. We need ice! We trek from floor to floor until we find a working machine.
- 4:00 PM: The beach. They're not as tired as they were yesterday. We get to actually enjoy being at the beach. I get to soak in the sun.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at some place that makes burgers.
- 7:00 PM: The hotel pool. This time, it's less chaotic. The kids are more comfortable.
- 8:00 PM: Bedtime.
- 9:00 PM: Netflix and snacks. I think I'm getting used to this.
- 10:00 PM: More sleep.
Day 3: The Long Goodbye (and the Promise of Sleep)
- 7:00 AM: One last breakfast at the Quality Inn. I'm starting to miss the smell of my own toilet.
- 8:00 AM: Packing.
- 9:00 AM: We are on the road. 10:00 AM: Final pitstop.
- 12:00 PM: Back home.
- 1:00 PM: Unpacking.
- 2:00 PM: I fall asleep on the couch.
Post-Trip Reflections:
This trip was chaotic. I'm exhausted. My shoes still have sand in them. But you know what? We made it. We survived. We even (mostly) enjoyed ourselves. And, hey, the Quality Inn wasn't that bad. The beds were clean, the pool was a source of entertainment (even if it was chaotic), and the breakfast… well, it was breakfast. And the dunes… well, I conquered them, or at least I attempted. And I'm going to be honest, I kind of want to go back. Maybe. In a year or two. And maybe with a new pair of shoes.
Unbelievable Cheras Luxury Duplex: Arte's Hidden Gem!
Indiana Dunes Getaway: Your Perfect Quality Inn Chesterton Escape! (Or… Maybe?)
Okay, Seriously, What *Is* the Quality Inn in Chesterton like? Is it… Good?
Alright, let's be honest. "Perfect" might be a *slight* exaggeration. Look, it's a Quality Inn. It's not the Ritz. But, and this is a *big* but, for a base camp for exploring the Indiana Dunes? It actually works. I've stayed there a couple of times. One time, the air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus. Seriously, the *flails* and groans were epic. But the next time? Spotless. Go figure. It's a gamble, a little bit. But the location… the LOCATION is key. You're practically tripping over the entrance to the Dunes! And that, my friends, is worth its weight in… well, let's say slightly-less-than-luxury-hotel-grade gold.
Is the complimentary breakfast any good? (I'm a breakfast snob.)
Oh, the breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. As a self-proclaimed breakfast aficionado, I approach with cautious optimism. Think: a buffet of hope. You've got the usual suspects: waffles (make your own, which is fun, assuming the waffle maker *works* that day), cereal (the sugary kids' stuff is always tempting), and, oh, the *sausage*. The sausage can be… a lottery ticket. Sometimes, it's edible. Sometimes, it's a textural challenge. The coffee? I'd bring my own. Honestly. And don't get me started on the scrambled eggs. I'd describe them as "yellow-ish". But hey, it's *free*. And it'll fill that hole in your stomach before you hit the trails. Just manage your expectations. Maybe pack some Pop-Tarts. Just in case.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually close to the Dunes?
This is where the Quality Inn *shines*. Seriously. The location is GOLD. You're talking minutes, people. Minutes! From the main trails, the beaches… everything! I remember once, I woke up, saw the sun shining, and was literally on the beach in fifteen minutes. Fifteen! That kind of proximity is worth *tons*. You avoid the parking chaos, the traffic… the general feeling of existential dread you get trying to find a parking spot on a summer Saturday. You can practically roll out of bed and be hiking the dunes. Pure bliss.
Are there any restaurants or shops nearby? I get hangry.
Yes, thank the heavens! Chesterton itself is a charming little town, and there are plenty of options to soothe your hangry beast. Think: fast food (gotta love a quick burger after a hike), some decent pizza places (crucial!), and even a few local eateries. I'm a sucker for a good diner, and there are a couple of options that fit the bill. You won't starve. Actually, you might *gain* a few pounds. But hey, you're on vacation! And that's what matters. Plus, there's a Target (don't judge!) if you forgot something. Because, let's be honest, we *all* forget stuff.
Tell me about the rooms! Are they clean? Spacious? Do they have… bed bugs?!
Okay, let's delve into Roomtopia. The rooms… they vary. I've had experiences ranging from "surprisingly decent" to "slightly terrifying." I swear, one time: *that* air conditioner again, I felt like I was in a submarine about to sink! But the *cleanliness*, that’s paramount. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, I admit it. I always do the "bed sheet check" – you know, pull back the covers to make sure there aren't any… unexpected guests. Honestly, I usually feel pretty safe. It's not the Four Seasons, but it's generally clean. (Always check those sheets, though, just in case! Always! I *think* it's safe. I've never found any… *things*.) As for spaciousness? It's adequate. You're not going to be hosting a ballroom dance, but there's enough room to spread out a bit, especially if you're out exploring the Dunes all day. And they all have Wi-Fi. Essential for… well, everything.
Is there a pool? Because I *need* a pool. (Don't judge.)
Yes! There is indeed a pool! (I, too, need a pool. No judgment from me!) It's an indoor pool, which is a bonus, especially since Midwest weather is… unpredictable. The pool area is, well, *functional*. It's not the fanciest pool you'll ever see. But it's clean, it's refreshing after a long day of hiking, and that's what matters. Kids seem to love it. The only downside? Sometimes, the chlorine smell is a bit overwhelming. But hey, at least you know it's clean-ish, right? And it's a great way to unwind and relax before bed. Or, you know, have a mini-meltdown because you accidentally got your hair wet. (Don't ask.)
Okay, let's talk downsides. Anything that *really* sucked?
Alright, the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Besides the occasional dying walrus impersonation from the AC, and the breakfast sausage’s shaky quality, there’s the *noise*. Road noise from the nearby highway can be a factor. (Earplugs are your friends!) And, depending on your room location, the kids running around the pool can be a bit… much. I once had a late night of a toddler screaming at 2 am, even through my earplugs. It felt like hours. But seriously: the noise is probably the biggest potential dealbreaker for light sleepers. Also, one time, there was a weird sticky spot on the carpet. Don't ask what it was. Just… don't. Bring wipes! That’s my biggest pro tip for any hotel stay. Oh, and sometimes there's that lingering “hotel smell”, you know the one? Like, a mix of cleaning products and… something else. It's bearable, but it's there. But, again: location! And the price is right.
World Of Lodging
