Finding a decent place to crash in Fargo shouldn't feel like a high-stakes gamble. Honestly, if you've ever spent three hours scrolling through hotel photos that look like they were taken in 1994, you know the struggle. The AmericInn by Wyndham Fargo West Acres is one of those spots that pops up every single time you search for lodging near the interstate. It’s consistent. It’s right there. But is it actually where you want to spend your money?
Fargo is a weirdly busy hub. Between the NDSU football games, the massive medical complexes, and the tax-free clothes shopping at West Acres Mall, hotels here fill up fast. This specific AmericInn sits in a pocket of the city that is basically the epicenter of convenience, located at 4325 17th Ave S. It’s not a five-star luxury resort with gold-plated faucets. It’s a solid, mid-range Wyndham property that caters to families, business travelers passing through on I-94, and people who just want a warm breakfast before hitting the road.
Why Location is the Only Thing Some People Care About
If you aren't from the area, you might not realize how much the "West Acres" part of the name matters. The mall is literally a stone's throw away. For a lot of Canadian travelers coming down from Winnipeg or rural North Dakotans coming in for a weekend, this is the Promised Land of retail. You’ve got everything from Macy’s to Best Buy within a three-minute drive.
Being right off I-94 and I-29 means you aren't navigating the winding residential streets of North Fargo or the sometimes-congested downtown core. You pull off the highway, park, and you're done. This proximity makes the AmericInn by Wyndham Fargo West Acres a logistical dream. It’s also close to the Scheels Arena and the Sanford Medical Center, which drives a lot of the mid-week traffic.
The neighborhood isn't exactly "scenic" in the traditional sense. It's a landscape of asphalt, casual dining chains like Olive Garden and Red Lobster, and other hotels. But you aren't coming to this part of Fargo for the hiking trails. You’re here because you need to be near the action.
The Room Situation: What to Actually Expect
Let’s talk about the rooms because that’s where the rubber meets the road. Wyndham has been pushing for updates across the AmericInn brand, and this location generally keeps up. You’ll find the standard setup: flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and those desks that are just okay for an hour of emails but maybe not a full workday.
One thing that genuinely surprises people is the quiet. Despite being so close to a major shopping district and the highway, the soundproofing is better than the budget motels nearby. You won't feel like you're sleeping on the shoulder of I-94.
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They offer a mix of room types. The "standard" rooms are exactly what you’d expect—two queens or a king. If you’re traveling with kids or just need to spread out, they have suites with whirlpool tubs or fireplaces. Is a fireplace in a Fargo hotel a bit of a gimmick? Maybe. But when it’s -20°F outside in February, that "gimmick" feels like a necessity.
The Maintenance Factor
Hotels in the Midwest take a beating. Salt, snow, and mud get tracked in constantly. While the staff here works hard, you might occasionally see a frayed carpet edge or a slightly dated bathroom fixture. It’s clean, which is the most important metric, but don't expect hyper-modern minimalism. It’s cozy. It feels like a hotel from the early 2010s that has been very well-loved.
The "Famous" AmericInn Breakfast
Look, we have to talk about the waffles. It's a law of the universe that every AmericInn must have a waffle maker. The breakfast here is the standard "Homestyle" spread.
- Waffles (obviously).
- Scrambled eggs that are surprisingly not rubbery.
- Sausage or bacon (usually).
- Cereal and yogurt for the health-conscious.
- Coffee that is strong enough to jumpstart a dead car battery.
It’s free. In a world where some hotels are starting to charge $18 for a "continental breakfast" that consists of a dry muffin and a lukewarm juice box, a hot breakfast included in the room rate is a massive win. It saves a family of four about $50 every morning. That’s more money for the Lego Store at the mall.
The Pool and the "Fargo Factor"
If you are traveling with children, the pool is the most important room in the building. The indoor pool at the AmericInn by Wyndham Fargo West Acres is a lifesaver. It isn't a massive waterpark—don't expect giant slides—but it’s heated and clean.
The "Fargo Factor" is the hospitality. People in North Dakota are aggressively nice. It’s a real thing. The front desk staff here often go out of their way to recommend a local spot like Sandy's Donuts or explain the best way to get to the Fargodome without hitting traffic. That level of service often outweighs a slightly older carpet or a slow elevator.
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Dealing with the Winter
Let’s be real for a second. If you’re staying here between November and March, you’re dealing with the elements. The hotel has a large parking lot, and they are usually pretty quick with the snow plows. However, the wind in Fargo is no joke. The entryway can get slick.
One benefit of this specific property is the large lobby area. It’s designed with a sort of lodge feel—lots of brick and warm tones. It’s a good place to sit and wait for your car to warm up or to meet with colleagues if you don't want to host them in your room.
Comparing the Competition
Within a two-mile radius, you have a Hilton Garden Inn, a Country Inn & Suites, and a few Marriott properties. Why choose this one?
- Price Point: It almost always sits right in the middle. It’s cheaper than the big-name business hotels but feels significantly safer and cleaner than the "economy" spots across the street.
- Pet Policy: They are generally pet-friendly, though you should always call ahead to confirm the current fee. Not every hotel in this price bracket allows dogs, so this is a big draw for road trippers.
- Wyndham Rewards: If you’re a points collector, the earn-to-burn ratio on AmericInns is usually pretty favorable.
The Business Side of Things
For those traveling on a corporate card, there’s a small business center and free Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi is... fine. It’s good enough for Zoom calls and streaming Netflix, but if you’re trying to upload 40GB of raw video footage, you’re going to be there a while.
There are also meeting rooms available. They aren't fancy, but they work for small local seminars or team huddles. It’s the kind of place where a regional sales manager meets with three local reps over some coffee. It’s functional.
Some Brutal Honesty
Not everything is perfect. If you're looking for a "vibe" or a "boutique experience," you will be disappointed. This is a chain hotel. It smells like cleaning products and slightly toasted waffles.
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Also, parking can get tight during peak shopping seasons or when there's a major event at the NDSU campus. If you arrive at 11:00 PM on a Friday night in December, you might be walking a bit from the edge of the lot.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
If you’ve decided this is the place, here is how you make the most of it:
- Request a room away from the elevator. The walls are decent, but the "ding" of the elevator and the foot traffic can be annoying if you're a light sleeper.
- Join the Wyndham Rewards program before you book. Even if you never stay at another Wyndham, the "member rate" usually saves you $10-$15 a night immediately.
- Check the West Acres Mall hours. They change seasonally, and sometimes they host events that can clog up the local traffic.
- Eat local. While there are a dozen chains nearby, take the 10-minute drive to Downtown Fargo. Places like Rhombus Guys Pizza or Wurst Bier Hall are way better than the Applebee’s next door.
The AmericInn by Wyndham Fargo West Acres isn't going to change your life. It’s not a "bucket list" destination. But it is a reliable, warm, and friendly place to sleep in a city that can be pretty unforgiving in the winter. It’s the "Old Reliable" of the Fargo hotel scene.
Final Actionable Steps
To ensure you get the best experience at this location, follow these steps:
- Verify the Pool Hours: If you have kids, call the front desk at (701) 235-4699 to make sure the pool isn't closed for maintenance during your stay. This happens occasionally and can ruin a weekend for the little ones.
- Book Direct for Flexibility: While third-party sites might save you $2, booking directly through the Wyndham site makes cancellations and changes significantly easier if North Dakota weather shuts down the interstate.
- Request a Higher Floor: If you want the quietest possible experience, ask for a room on the top floor. It minimizes the overhead noise from other guests.
- Plan Your Arrival: Try to check in before 7:00 PM if it's a weekend. The lobby can get hectic as the mall closes and everyone heads back to their rooms at the same time.
Fargo is a great city with a lot more soul than people give it credit for. Starting your trip with a stress-free check-in at a place that knows exactly what it is—a comfortable, convenient mid-range hotel—is the smartest way to kick off your visit.