Diversions in Bumblef**k, Illinois
This past winter, my girlfriend (a.k.a. The Girlfriend) was driving to Decatur, IL, on an unexpectedly snowy night. A few inches of snow accumulated on the highway, enough to make for hazardous driving conditions. The Girlfriend decided to stop at the nearest motel. And that motel was Sunset Inn & Suites in Clinton, IL. No ordinary Motel 6, this place advertised "fantasy suites" on their sign. It's like Clinton's very own little Madonna Inn! Alas, The Girlfriend was traveling on business and got herself a non-fantasy room, described by her as a perfectly ordinary hotel room.
As if it weren't enough that such a place existed out in the middle of the cornfields, they also have a website, apparently authored using Notepad or some other text editor. Check out that retro mid-'90s web design. I'm only half mocking it; while the web page's spartan appearance might be an indicator of a spartan budget, it also serves a purpose. (See the works of Russian artist Olia Lialina to find out why.)
[02 JUN 2007 18:09:00] UPDATE: The Girlfriend is wondering, if I were to stay in a fantasy suite, which one would I choose? It's a tough call. Some of them I can rule out as being too cheesy. (Space Odyssey has too much Dr. Who, and not enough Star Trek DS9.) Some of them didn't seem to get the theme quite right. (I don't care how comfortable it is -- does a Scandinavian Modern lounge chair belong in Roman Retreat?) Cabin Fever looks cozy. Also, I think Pearl Under the Sea might be cool with its aquarium and its clam shell bed.
posted by Mark M @ 5/27/2007 06:34:00 PM
4 Comments:
Go for the clam shell.
My vote is for the Rainforest room because of the waterfall in the whirlpool bath. Hmm, might have to rethink that - who knows that the rainforest humidity would do to my hair?
Have stayed in the Rainforest, under the Sea and 3 or 4 others. Awesome still does not describe these rooms properly.
These rooms are definately worth the price. A regular room in Decatur can easily run $119 so $199 for a really unique and fun evening (ok maybe a little cheesy and silly) really isn't bad. My vote definately goes for the pearl under the sea room. Incidentally, Greenwood, IN (3 hours East of Decatur) has a medieval castle room and a pharaoh's chambers room that look interresting. They also have a couple of family friendly theme rooms. (wild west complete with tee pee or a cinderella room with horse drawn carriage.)
Post a Comment
<< Home