Days Inn Council Bluffs/9th Ave

For a budget stay and a peaceful night's sleep with a decent breakfast, this place does the job. We stayed here to visit the Old Market and the Heartland Park area in Omaha downtown, and paid only half what a downtown Omaha hotel would have cost. It's only 2 miles from here, so it felt like a hidden gem. It's a clean, no-frills hotel, with a clean room, decent beds and pillows, and fantastic water pressure. The front desk ladies were super nice and helpful, and breakfast was well stocked with plenty of options. I just wish they'd had fruit, even bananas.

Our King Suite was beside the entrance, and it stayed loud through the night. Doors slammed and people chatted loudly in the lobby, waking us often even with a noise machine at maximum volume. The walls don't seem to block much sound. If you're a heavy sleeper who can handle the inevitable noise, it may be worth the price. The staff were very polite, friendly, and accommodating when we arrived. Being right off the exit also made it an easy stop.

The price was the main reason I chose Bridgepointe Inn in Council Bluffs, about $80 a night. I appreciated the plank flooring instead of carpet, the beds were comfortable, and the shower had good pressure. The heater worked, but rattled loudly while blowing. Cleanliness was a real problem. The room wasn't very clean overall: the bathroom floor and trim boards were dirty, the sink and mirrors hadn't been cleaned properly, and finding a used towel behind the bathroom door was unpleasant. The shower faucets looked worn and due for a refresh, too. Worst for me was an unpleasant odor I couldn't identify that made me feel nauseous during my stay. It could work if you're focused on a low-cost room and aren't very sensitive to smells or cleanliness, but housekeeping and maintenance need improvement.

The staff were helpful and friendly, and the room was clean, with comfortable mattresses and solid value for the money. My sons and I stayed while visiting museums and sites connected to the area's railroading heritage. I'd stay here again.