Finding a place to crash in a college town is usually a gamble. You're either paying way too much for a "boutique" experience that smells like old floor cleaner, or you're stuck in a place where the door lock feels like a suggestion. Honestly, when you look at the Days Inn by Wyndham Carbondale, you’re looking at a spot that has survived the test of time in a town that revolves around Southern Illinois University (SIU). It isn't a five-star resort. It doesn't have a Michelin-star restaurant in the lobby. But for a specific type of traveler—the parent visiting their kid for Family Weekend, the hiker hitting Giant City State Park, or the business traveler passing through on Route 13—it’s a staple.
Location matters. If you’ve ever tried to navigate Carbondale during a home football game, you know the traffic gets weird. This hotel sits right on East Main Street. That puts you basically five minutes from the SIU campus and even closer to the "Strip" where all the bars and local food spots live.
The Reality of Staying at Days Inn by Wyndham Carbondale
Let’s get the vibe check out of the way first. This is a classic exterior-corridor style hotel. Some people hate that because they want to walk through a fancy lobby to get to their room. Others love it because you can park your car right in front of your door and lug your bags in without waiting for a slow elevator. It’s convenient.
The rooms are exactly what you’d expect from the Wyndham economy brand, but they’ve seen updates over the years. You get the standard setup: a flat-screen TV, a microwave for your leftover Quatro’s Deep Pan Pizza (a local legend you have to try), and a mini-fridge. The Wi-Fi is generally snappy enough for a Zoom call or streaming some Netflix, though like any hotel near a university, it might lag a bit when the town is packed for graduation.
What’s Actually Included?
People always ask about the breakfast. Look, it’s a continental spread. We’re talking cereal, coffee, juice, and some pastries or yogurt. It’s enough to get you on the road, but if you want a massive southern breakfast, you’re better off driving three minutes down the road to Mary Lou's Grill. That’s where the locals go.
One thing that surprisingly catches people off guard is the pool. The Days Inn by Wyndham Carbondale has an indoor pool. In Southern Illinois, the weather is bipolar. It can be 70 degrees in February or a blizzard in April. Having an indoor option is a huge win if you’re traveling with kids who have energy to burn regardless of the humidity outside.
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Pet owners, listen up. This is a pet-friendly location. That is becoming rarer in the budget sector, or at least, the fees are becoming astronomical elsewhere. Here, they keep it relatively reasonable, making it a go-to for folks moving across the country or bringing the family dog for a weekend hike in the Shawnee National Forest.
Why Location Trumps Luxury Here
You aren't staying here for the thread count of the sheets. You’re staying here because you’re ten minutes away from the best hiking in the Midwest. Carbondale is the gateway to the Shawnee National Forest. If you head south, you hit Makanda and Giant City State Park in about 15 to 20 minutes.
The hotel serves as a perfect "basecamp." Most people who book the Days Inn by Wyndham Carbondale are there to do things outside the hotel.
- University Events: Whether it's the SIU Salukis playing at the stadium or a performance at Shryock Auditorium, you’re in the heart of it.
- Wine Trails: The Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is a big deal. You can spend the day hitting Alto Vineyards or Blue Sky Vineyard and then retreat back to a room that didn't cost you $300 a night.
- Local Food: You are within walking distance or a very short drive to 17th Street BBQ (world-famous, seriously) and several local breweries like Underground or Big Muddy.
Navigating the Downsides
We have to be real. This is an older property. While maintenance works hard to keep things tidy, you might see some wear and tear. A chip in the tub, a slightly dated carpet—that’s the trade-off for the price point. If you’re a "luxury or nothing" traveler, you might feel more at home at the newer builds on the west side of town, but you'll pay a premium for it.
Noise can also be a factor. Because it’s on Main Street (Route 13), you’ll hear the occasional truck or a loud car. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room toward the back of the property. It makes a massive difference in the quality of your shut-eye.
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Understanding the Carbondale Market
Carbondale is a town of peaks and valleys. During the Solar Eclipses (both of them!), hotels in this town were going for $500+ a night. During a random Tuesday in November, it’s a ghost town. The Days Inn by Wyndham Carbondale tends to stay consistent with its pricing, which is why it has such high loyalty among frequent visitors.
One thing people get wrong is thinking they can just show up on a weekend in May (Graduation) or October (Family Weekend/Homecoming) and find a room. No chance. This hotel, like every other one in Jackson County, books out months in advance for those dates. If you're planning an SIU-related trip, book early.
A Note on Safety and Service
The staff here are mostly locals. They know the area. If you need a recommendation for a mechanic or the best place to find a specific type of craft beer, just ask the front desk. They’re used to the college crowd and the nature tourists. The property is well-lit, which is a big plus for an exterior-corridor hotel.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
If you decide to book, here are some "pro moves" to make the stay better. First, check your Wyndham Rewards. Even if you don't stay at Wyndhams often, the points add up fast, and this property often has "member rates" that shave ten or fifteen bucks off the nightly price.
Second, check the filter on your AC unit when you walk in. It’s a standard wall unit. If it looks dusty, ask the front desk for a quick clean. It’ll make the air quality in the room much better, especially during the high-pollen seasons of Southern Illinois.
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Third, bring your own toiletries if you’re picky. The hotel provides the basics, but they’re the standard "one-size-fits-all" soaps.
How to Get There
If you’re flying in, you’re likely coming through St. Louis (STL), which is about a two-hour drive. Some people fly into the Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois (MWA) in Marion, which is only 20 minutes away. From there, it’s a straight shot down Route 13.
Actionable Takeaways for Travelers
When you're ready to book the Days Inn by Wyndham Carbondale, keep these steps in mind to ensure you get the best experience:
- Request a "Back-Side" Room: Specifically ask for a room away from East Main Street to avoid the morning traffic hum.
- Verify the Pool Hours: If you're bringing kids, call ahead to ensure the indoor pool isn't closed for maintenance, as it's a popular feature that sees a lot of use.
- Download the Wyndham App: It allows for digital check-in often, which is great if you’re arriving late after a long drive.
- Plan Around SIU: Check the Southern Illinois University calendar before booking. If there’s a major event, prices will spike and availability will plummet.
- Explore Makanda: Don't just stay in the hotel. Drive 15 minutes south to the Makanda Boardwalk. It's a "hippie" enclave that feels like a different world and is one of the coolest spots in the state.
The Days Inn by Wyndham Carbondale is a functional, reliable choice for anyone who needs a bed, a shower, and a central location without the frills that drive prices into the stratosphere. It’s a slice of Southern Illinois hospitality—straightforward, a little weathered, but genuinely welcoming.
Whether you're in town to drop off a freshman at the dorms or to explore the rugged beauty of the Shawnee, it serves its purpose well. Just remember to grab a slice of local pizza and enjoy the slower pace of life in "Little Egypt."