AmericInn by Wyndham Wausau

A handy place to stay overnight just off the freeway. The room was comfortable and clean, and the price was good. I had plenty of bags, so it was nice that the front desk manager asked if I wanted help, even though I didn't need any. It made the stay more enjoyable.

The breakfast was a letdown: the food wasn't appetizing, and my waffles came out as goo. The employee stocking food had her sick toddler with her, and he coughed on everyone. I also found mold on the bathroom ceiling, and a big piece of insulation hung down over a breakfast table. We were a group of 17, with lots of kids eager to swim, and had chosen the AmericInn specifically for its pool. There was caution tape, peeling paint, and construction in several spots. I understand repairs are needed, but I wish we'd been told when booking. The pool had a thick haze, which made me wonder about the pool license and whether too many chemicals were being used. Turning on the hot tub bubbles made people cough and their eyes burn. A friend mentioned seeing a drunk man asleep in the gambling/meeting room. I later found the pool maintenance man sleeping under a table there, with his belongings scattered around. It was just one night, and I don't expect perfection, but at over $100 per night, I'd expect more.

The room itself was modern, clean, and nice, and the pool area looked beautiful. But we couldn't enjoy it: workers were using drills, saws, and hammers while we swam. The parking lot was a sheet of ice with no salt in sight. I had asked for a first-floor room near the lobby or pool because our toddler is unsteady when walking. They did honor that request, but put us across from the game room, where people were carrying on until well after 4am. I finally went across the hall and slammed the door. One drunk man asked if they were being too loud, and a woman talked crap as I left. At 8am, they were still there buying beer from behind the hotel counter. It didn't feel family-friendly at all. The place has potential, but letting problem people stay for days with games to keep them there really put us off. I'm out $200 and won't spend my money there again.

The kids were thrilled that the manager kept the pool open an extra hour after we arrived late. We were just after a comfortable stop on our trip, and this worked out great. The beds were comfy, the price reasonable, and we left very satisfied.