I have to admit, I had my guard up a bit when I got the booking for the Comfort Inn in Emporia. As a two-star place (and I’ve stayed in some two star places where I wish I’d brought my own sheets), I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of cleanliness and updated furnishings. But my fears were proven very misguided; I was surprised and overwhelmingly pleased with Emporia‘s Comfort Inn.

Simple, clean, pleasant

The freebies list includes everything I look for in a hotel:

• Free WiFi
• Free breakfast
• Free parking

Bonus – the breakfast was actually good. I mean, it wasn’t luxury chef, Top Chef style dishes, but it was a good spread of hot and cold options including make your own waffles (when does that ever get old?), fresh fruit, and crunchy, tasty bacon.

Staff were attentive, friendly, and helpful; I had a brief challenge in getting the TV to work – they’d just updated the cable/TV system when I was there, but my dilemma was solved quickly and with plenty of patience. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and everything from the carpets to the curtains to the cable TV was in what seemed like new condition.

Some rooms, like the one I had, include mini-fridges and desks – perfect for someone researching a trail guidebook! Snacks in the fridge, work spread out on the desk. I didn’t hit up the exercise room, since I’d had a workout on the trails, but I did stop by for a dip in the indoor heated pool. It’s close to the highway and super easy to get to.

Overall, it was an exceedingly pleasant and comfortable stay, and anytime I’m in the area, I’ll be staying there.

If you go:
Rooms from: $89

2836 W. 18th Avenue
Emporia, KS, 66801
620-342-9700