Billings' BEST Kept Secret: Baymont by Wyndham Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because THIS is my take on Billings' BEST Kept Secret – the Baymont by Wyndham. And let me tell you—it’s a rollercoaster. Forget your pristine, cookie-cutter hotel reviews. We’re diving deep into the Baymont experience, warts and all. Prepare for opinions, rambles, and maybe a few off-key notes. Consider this your pre-flight safety briefing for a stay that… well, let's just say it's memorable.
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The Arrival: Accessibility, Exterior Vibes, and the First Impression (or Lack Thereof!)
So, accessibility. Important, right? Baymont gets a solid B here. Wheelchair accessible? Yup, they've got it. Elevator? Check. But, and this is a big but, the "accessible" rooms are… well, let's just say they could use a little more oomph in the accessibility department. The bathrooms felt a tad cramped. This isn't a deal-breaker necessarily, but if you really need top-tier, super-accessible features, call ahead, ask specific questions, and maybe pack a ramp, just in case. Exterior corridor? Yes. Remember that. That's the classic motel feel. Not necessarily a bad thing, especially when you pull up, but it matters—especially in Montana weather!
The building itself? Let’s call it… functional. It's not winning any architectural awards. No, but seriously, it’s all about the functionality, baby. We are here to survive on the road, not to become hotel snobs.
Check-in/out [express]: Efficient, quick, and painless. The staff was friendly, even though I felt a little disoriented after my flight.
More on Access, Security and Safety:
- CCTV in common areas & outside property: Yes, always a plus.
- Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Safety/security feature: Standard stuff, thankfully!
- Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour]: Nice to have. You never really know when you're gonna need 'em.
- Non-smoking rooms & Smoking area: Separate, smart.
- Hotel chain: A known thing. No surprises. That can be a win or a loss, let's say.
The Room: Digging In & The Wi-Fi Saga!
Alright, let's talk room. Air conditioning? YES. Thank GOD. Air conditioning in public area? Also yes, also appreciated. And, the holy grail: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And, as the ad says, "You WON'T Believe This!"). Praise be! But… and there is always a but… The Internet access – wireless can be… a little temperamental. Sometimes it’s blazing fast, streaming Netflix like nobody’s business. Other times? It’s dial-up in the year 2024. I'm exaggerating, of course. But it's worth being aware of. Prepare for a bit of buffering! Internet access – LAN: Shrug I did not test. I love the internet.
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor (not really, but the rooms feel relatively high up!), In-room safe box, Ironing facilities… The usual suspects. Everything works.
- Laptop workspace: Yep, good for my freelance life.
- Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies (who even uses those anymore? Probably me). Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature: ALL present and accounted for.
- Satellite/cable channels, Scale (I avoid this!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub (depending on the room), Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella (didn't need that), Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
A few room notes:
- The bed was surprisingly comfortable. I slept like a log.
- Room decorations? Minimalist is generous. Let's say… functional. Don't expect a design masterpiece.
- Soundproofing: Okay, but not great. I could occasionally hear… things. (Neighbors. The outside world. The usual.)
- Cleanliness? Okay. Overall, it was clean. BUT… I’m a bit of a hygiene inspector after being on the road. Nothing terrible, just be prepared to look under the bed.
- Interconnecting room(s) available - Good for families.
Food, Glorious Food (and Drink!). Or, How I Survived on Breakfast & Coffee
This is where things get interesting. Breakfast included: YES. And it’s… breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]: Yes, a buffet. Asian breakfast maybe. Western breakfast: Absolutely.
The Buffet Experience - It's a Time Capsule
The breakfast buffet is a true experience, a mini-adventure in itself. Picture this: A slightly wonky waffle maker, steaming trays of scrambled eggs (sometimes a little… questionable), sausage that looks suspiciously like pre-cooked tubes, and the eternal battle for the last perfect piece of toast. Coffee is strong and plentiful, but not what I call "good".
My Breakfast Strategy:
- Secure a waffle.
- Load it with syrup.
- Eat it fast.
- Consume an unholy amount of coffee.
- Move on with my day.
The Verdict on Dining/Drinking/Snacking:
- Buffet in restaurant: Yes, the buffet is the main event.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant/Coffee shop: Yep, and essential.
- Restaurants: Technically, it's the buffet. No formal dining options.
- Snack bar: Nope. Not that I saw.
- Breakfast service: Adequate. Don't expect Michelin stars.
- Bottle of water: Provided.
- Desserts in restaurant: Not applicable.
- Happy hour/Poolside bar: Nope. Nothing like that.
Stuff To Note About Dining
- Alternative meal arrangement: Not really. But you can probably ask a staff member.
- A la carte in restaurant: Ha! You wish.
- Cashless payment service: Check.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Limited.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Present, a good thing, but minimal.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Hopefully. I didn't get sick, so that's a win.
- Safe dining setup: Basic, but functional.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed so to me.
- Soup in restaurant/Salad in restaurant/Vegetarian restaurant/Asian cuisine in restaurant/International cuisine in restaurant/Bar: Not really. There may be things nearby.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or Not!)
Okay, let's be real. This isn't a destination spa. It's Billings. The Fitness center: Exists. I saw dumbbells. If you enjoy working out in a room with a very basic set-up and the scent of chlorine, you're in luck. It is a perk.
The Pool - The Lone Superstar
Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes! This is where the Baymont shines. (And the "You WON'T Believe This!" comes in slightly.) The pool itself is reasonably well-maintained. And it's a welcome oasis after a long drive.
- Pool with view: Not really. It’s a pool.
Everything else is pretty basic:
- Gym/fitness: See above.
- Spa/sauna/Steamroom/Sauna/Body scrub/Body wrap/Foot bath/Massage: Nope. Nothing fancy.
- For the kids: I did not notice.
- Kids facilities: Possibly.
- Babysitting service: Not sure.
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this itinerary is less "smooth-sailing cruise" and more "drunk karaoke night on a rogue wave" in Billings, Montana. We're talking Baymont, we're talking adventure, and we're DEFINITELY talking about me, your perpetually slightly-disheveled guide. This is gonna be a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival and the Cult of the Continental Breakfast
Morning (and the Great Disappointment): Arrived bleary-eyed at Logan International Airport. My flight was delayed, of course. Because why wouldn't it be? I'm convinced there's some secret airline conspiracy to punish people who pack carry-ons. Finally made it, and the crisp Montana air was immediately a relief after the pre-dawn airport hustle. Found my rental car, a shockingly clean Kia Soul (praying to the cleanliness gods it stays that way).
Afternoon (Baymont Bliss?): Checked into the Baymont. It's… Baymont. You know what I mean. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and ambition. The first real "Montana" thing I saw was a mounted longhorn steer head over the reception desk. Honestly, it was bigger than my living room back home.
The room? Okay. It's a room. Clean-ish. The TV remote has seen better days, and the wifi is slower than a sloth in molasses. But, hey, the bed looks comfy, and that's all that matters after a travel day.
The Incident of the Continental Breakfast: Oh, the Continental Breakfast. Don't get me started. I went in hopeful, I came out… defeated. There was "scrambled eggs" that were clearly born from a factory and a toaster that had a personal vendetta against my English muffin. The coffee was the color of sadness. But the worst part? The waffle maker. This glorious, shining beacon of breakfast hope. I stood there, patiently, watching the light blink red and then green. Finally, my waffle! Except… it was basically a pancake. A slightly-crispy, not-quite-cooked pancake. I ate it anyway. Because I was hungry. And because, dammit, I'd earned that sad, slightly-burnt waffle.
Evening (Downtown Exploration): Drove around downtown Billings. It's… quaint? I'm not sure. The architecture is a mix of "slightly-run-down" and "trying-too-hard-to-be-historic." I think I saw more pickup trucks than people. Had a (surprisingly delicious) burger at a local diner. The waitress called me "hon." I didn't hate it.
Day 2: The Battle of Little Bighorn and a Sudden Realization About My Thirst
Morning (History, History, Oh, My Cranky Stomach!): Dragged myself out of bed (the bed was actually pretty good!), fueled by the memory of that tragic waffle. Today’s plan: the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. I am not a huge history buff, but hey, it’s Montana!
The battlefield itself… Wow. It was a lot more emotionally complex than I anticipated. Thinking about what happened there… the sheer bravery and, well, the loss experienced, it was overwhelming. Seeing the markers, imagining the chaos, the heat, the struggle. God. My stomach, suddenly, felt like it was performing an interpretive dance of discontent.
Afternoon (The Thirst Awakens): All that history and emotion can make a person thirsty. I mean, REALLY thirsty. Like, desert-dwelling-camel-dreaming-of-an-oasis thirsty. I think I drank about a gallon of water and still felt parched. I needed something. Saw a sign for a brewery. Decision made. No regrets.
(The Brewery Experience – a Deep Dive):
Okay, I love a good brewery. And this one, Uberbrew, was fantastic. The atmosphere was lively, the staff was friendly, and the beer… the beer was like a cool mountain stream after a long, hot day. Seriously, it was heaven.
I ordered a flight. (Of course, I did.) I started with a light lager, moved onto an IPA (which hit the spot for that lingering bitterness), and then… then I tried the stout. Oh, the stout. It was rich, flavorful, dark, and smooth. I swear, it was like liquid velvet. Time stopped, the world faded away, and all that mattered was that delicious, dark beer. I'm pretty sure I had a religious experience. Ended up chatting with a group of locals at the bar, and they were the nicest, most down-to-earth people. Their stories (and beer suggestions) were gold. I ended up feeling surprisingly connected, like I'd stumbled into a friendly, casual place where people lived. Honestly, it felt like the best and most authentic part of the day
Evening (Hotel Room Reflections – and Questionable Snacks): Back in the Baymont. Feeling good, if slightly loopy from the beer. Grabbed a bag of chips from the vending machine (because balance, right?). Now I'm sitting here, nursing a headache and wondering if I should’ve skipped the double IPA. I’m already planning my next brewery visit. And maybe I should invest in some actual water bottles. These tiny plastic things are not cutting it out there.
Day 3: The Canyonlands and the Uninvited Guest
Morning (Nature's Majesty – and a Slightly Stunted Breakfast): Headed to a scenic overlook of the Yellowstone River. The scale of the landscape is simply breathtaking! It's like the world is made of endless sky and endless space. The colors of sandstone and dirt were just insane! I felt utterly insignificant, and actually, it was kinda nice.
Breakfast was… another encounter with the Continental Breakfast. I'm starting to think it might be the hotel's secret weapon for making people adventurous. Because let's be honest, who wants to eat that sludge every day? It's what makes you brave enough to go off and discover new things.
Afternoon (The Hike and the Unexpected Visitor): Found a hiking trail that promised some good views, so I geared up and had a great hike. I had to leave a lot sooner than planned. I went back to the room, and… there was a spider. A big, hairy spider. In my room. In my bed. I am not, I repeat, not a spider person. I screamed, I may have cried a little, and then I ran for the front desk. A very nice maintenance guy came and took care of the problem but the image of it is currently imprinted on my soul.
Evening (Dinner, Distraction, and Desperate Prayers for Bug-Free Sleep): Dinner at a highly-rated steakhouse. It helped. I mean, a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak is practically therapy, right? Tonight, I checked my sleeping area like a bomb squad technician before hitting the hay. Praying to the hotel gods for a spider-free night. This is not the holiday of relaxation I expected.
Day 4: Departure (and a Promise to Return, Maybe):
Morning (Good Riddance, Baymont!): Last glimpse of the Continental Breakfast, which I bravely attempted to avoid. Checked out of the Baymont. I’ve had enough of this motel for one life.
Overall, Billings was… an experience. Quirky, unexpected, and sometimes downright weird. I hated the Baymont, but also I'll probably laugh about it one day. I'm walking away with some great memories, new friends, and a newfound respect for people who live outside the bubble of metropolitan life.
Would I return? Maybe. Under improved circumstances. When I know I'll be able to stand the breakfast and the creepy crawlers.
The Flight Home: Currently sitting at the airport, sipping a (very expensive) coffee, and reliving the highlights (and lowlights) of my trip. Flying home. I’m exhausted and happy. So… success?
Baymont by Wyndham Billings: My Brain Dump & You're Invited (Spoiler: It's Messy)
Okay, so, "BEST Kept Secret"? Seriously? Is Baymont Billings *actually* good?
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Best Kept Secret" is a bit... optimistic. It's more like, "The Hotel You Didn't Expect to Love... but Maybe You Will?" Look, I've stayed in some dumps. I've seen things in hotel rooms that would make a seasoned sailor blush. So, when I rolled into Baymont, my expectations were rock bottom. I was picturing questionable carpets and a continental breakfast that looked like it had been sitting out since the Cretaceous period. But... and this is where things get weird... it wasn't *bad*. Actually, it was... pretty decent. For Billings, anyway. Let's dive in, because frankly, I still don't quite understand it.
What's the *vibe* like? Is it sterile? Creepy? Does it smell like stale chlorine?
Okay, important question. The vibe? It's... unpretentious comfortable. Think "Grandma's slightly updated, but still cozy, guest bedroom." Not fancy, not trying to be. Definitely not creepy. The lobby had those weird patterned carpets – you know, the ones that hide everything? – but they were… oddly comforting. It's not aiming for luxury, it's aiming for "you can relax here without worrying about breaking something." The chlorine? Mmm, maybe a *hint* in the pool area, but nothing overwhelmingly offensive. I've been to places where the air smelled like a public urinal... this was a step *up*.
Let’s talk rooms. Are they clean? Are the beds comfy? Because sleep is important.
Alright, sleep is KING (or Queen, I'm not biased, I love a good nap). And the rooms? Surprisingly clean. Like, I actually felt comfortable putting my stuff down. The beds? Okay, here's the deal. They weren't *luxury* mattresses, okay? But they were… serviceable. Not lumpy, not springy, and they didn't try to swallow me whole. I got a decent night's sleep, which is more than I can say for some *much* pricier hotels. And the pillows? Decent. Not too fluffy, not too flat. (I'm a pillow snob, judge me). I can tell there are clean sheets and it's a blessing.
The Breakfast. The dreaded Continental Breakfast. Tell me the truth.
Oh. The breakfast. Okay, listen. Don't expect a gourmet experience. Think… utilitarian. There's your usual suspects: cereal, instant oatmeal, maybe some sad-looking fruit, and, bless their hearts, a waffle maker. The waffle maker *saves* the breakfast. Because, let's be honest, who doesn't love a fresh, slightly undercooked waffle? Get in there early though, because the supplies run out fast. I once saw a guy practically *hugging* the waffle batter container. I didn't judge him. I'd do the same for a decent waffle after a long drive. And the coffee? Drinkable, but definitely not award-winning. But hey, it's free. And sometimes, that's all you need.
This "pool" area? Is it just a glorified puddle of chlorine?
Okay, the pool area. Here's where it gets interesting. I think they may have had a leaky pipe incident in the past. But it isn't the worst. It's like a mini-water park, but without the screaming kids (usually). The water? Well, it's Wet. Clear. And sometimes crowded, depending on when you go. There's a hot tub too, which is a definite plus. I had a particularly amazing experience. It was late at night. I was exhausted. I almost didn't go in. Then, I gave in, and the jets were on point. I sat there, staring at the stars (or a reasonable approximation, given the Billings light pollution), letting the jets do their thing. It was pure bliss. It was one of those moments when you realize the small things in life *really* matter. This is when I started liking the hotel a little bit more.
Any major complaints? Anything *really* wrong with it?
Okay, yeah, there's some stuff. The location isn't *amazing*. It's a bit out - you'll need a car to get anywhere interesting. The wi-fi can be hit-or-miss (which can be annoying). Also, one time, the elevator was out of order for an afternoon. And the ice machine on my floor sounded like it was trying to build a spaceship. But those are minor annoyances. Nothing deal-breaking. I'd go back if I didn't find a better option!
Who would I *recommend* this place for?
Okay, I would recommend it for: Families on budget are great, people on a road trip who want a decent, clean place to crash, the type of traveler who is on a business trip and wants some peace and quiet. People who need a no-fuss, reasonably priced place to stay. People who aren't expecting the Ritz, but want something more than a roach motel. Basically, if you're looking for a solid, no-frills stay in Billings, give Baymont a shot. Just, you know, lower your expectations ever so slightly. And bring your own waffle topping.
So, is it *really* a best-kept secret?
Alright, the million-dollar question! Is it a "best-kept secret"?. Nah. Is it a hidden gem? Maybe. Is it a solid, reliable choice that won't disappoint you *too* badly? Absolutely. It's a solid, reliable choice. It's a place with a decent waffle maker, a slightly above-average pool, and a vibe that says, "Welcome, we're not fancy, but we'll keep your bed clean." And sometimes, that's all you need. Just go with an open mind, and maybe… just maybe… you'll find yourself enjoying it.
