Arlington Six Flags Getaway: Your Perfect Extended Stay America Suites Base!
Arlington Six Flags Getaway: My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Extended Stay America Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sanitized hotel review. I'm about to spill the tea (and probably some lukewarm coffee) on my recent stay at the Extended Stay America Suites in Arlington, Texas, the one that touts itself as the perfect basecamp for Six Flags adventures. Let's be real, "perfect" is a strong word, but hey, I needed a place to park my tired bones and try to avoid getting eaten by those terrifying clowns.
First Impressions (and the Existential Dread of Extended Stays)
The exterior? Well, it's an Extended Stay. Let's just say it leans heavily into the "functional" aesthetic. Think beige, brick, and a distinct lack of panache. Finding the entrance at night felt like navigating a maze designed by Dante himself. But the staff? Surprisingly friendly! The check-in process was blessedly smooth and Contactless check-in/out – a godsend after a day of rollercoasters and screaming. This place is definitely a Hotel chain, which is good I suppose, because you know what you're kinda getting.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and a Slight Cliffhanger on the Elevator)
The website promised Facilities for disabled guests. Good. Really good, because I sprained my ankle avoiding a rogue popcorn kernel in the park. The Elevator was supposed to exist. And it did, at least, I think. Okay, truth be told, I never actually took the elevator. I kept eyeing it warily, wondering if it was haunted by the ghosts of past malfunctioning elevators. So, I can't personally vouch for its accessibility. That's a major flaw in my analysis!
The Room: My Suburban Fortress (and the Mystery of the Blackout Curtains)
The room? It was…an Extended Stay room. Predictable, yet familiar, like an old friend you kind of want to slap. I definitely utilized the Air conditioning, which was a lifesaver in the Texas heat. The Extra long bed was genuinely appreciated by my aching back. I was so relieved that it had Non-smoking rooms! Although, I did see a guy sneaking a puff outside, so, you know. The Blackout curtains were… well, they were there. They attempted to block out the sun. Let's just say they weren't exactly Fort Knox-level secure in that department. Still a decent shot at sleep in the middle of the afternoon. The Refrigerator was a champ, keeping my water icy cold. The Coffee/tea maker? Meh. Provided the means for a caffeine-induced existential crisis. Plus, I had the Free Wi-Fi which actually worked! Good job, Internet! Internet access – wireless in all rooms! Wi-Fi [free] Yesss! I binged all of Netflix. And all the Amenities listed, like the Desk, Desk. Ironing facilities were provided. Hair dryer, Towels, Toiletries were provided. Felt like a real adult!
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sense of Relief (and Hand Sanitizer Everywhere!)
Okay, this is where things get interesting. I could feel the effort put in. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Checked. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. The Hand sanitizer stations were omnipresent, which, considering the current state of the world, was a huge relief. And I saw the staff diligently cleaning in the common areas. They’re definitely putting effort in, which I appreciate. I did notice Anti-viral cleaning products in use. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Survival Mode (and the Quest for Edible Food)
Alright, let's talk food. This is where Extended Stay gets…well, extended. With a Convenience store on site you can get a little something for yourself. The Breakfast takeaway service featured individually-wrapped muffins and sad-looking apples. I ate the apple. It was fine. Then, I took my breakfast, and made sure I had a nice and Breakfast in room! Sadly, there weren't any Asian cuisine in restaurant. Or Western cuisine in restaurant. There was nothing for me, except a Snack bar with overpriced chips and sad sandwiches.
The Amenities (or Lack Thereof): Gym Rat Fantasies Dashed (Mostly)
- Fitness center: I’m not a gym rat. I attempted to find some way to use the facilities listed. I asked, and they laughed.
- Swimming pool: Yep. I saw a pool, it was open. I did not test the waters. It seemed clean, at least from a distance.
- Spa/sauna, Body wrap, Body scrub, Foot bath, Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view: Nope. Not here. This ain't the place for pampering.
- Laundry service: Thank goodness. I was able to wash my clothes, instead of putting them in the trash!
- Daily housekeeping, Complimentary tea, Free bottled water were all very appreciated!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter (and the Existential Dread of the Dryer)
The staff was generally helpful. They could assist with Cash withdrawal, though the ATM did charge a hefty fee. Luggage storage was a lifesaver after check-out. The Laundry service felt like a godsend after a day of sweating in the Texas sun. I attempted to use the dry cleaning, and the next thing I knew, I was sweating over the fact that I had to wear my clothes again, because I missed the hours!
For the Kids: (Maybe) Bring Your Own Fun
I didn't have kids, but the vibe wasn't particularly kid-centric. There was certainly nothing called Kids facilities. I didn't see any toys or special areas. I would recommend bringing a game or two. If you need it, the staff can offer Babysitting service. Getting Around: Parking! And the Slightly Sketchy Taxi Service
Car park [free of charge? You betcha. Plenty of parking. That was a big plus. I had to make use of the Taxi service, which, let's just say, the driver was not the most punctual.
My Final Verdict: A Solid, Unpretentious Basecamp (with a Few Caveats)
Look, the Extended Stay America Suites in Arlington isn't a luxury resort. It's a functional, clean, and surprisingly comfortable place to crash after a day of theme park mayhem. It’s got a couple of warts (cough, cough, underwhelming food options), but ultimately, it delivers on its promise. The staff is great, the rooms are clean, and the location is prime for Six Flags. If you're looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly option, this is a solid choice. Just don't expect a spa day. And maybe bring your own snacks.
Escape to Texas Comfort: La Quinta Inn & Suites Houston Southwest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're takin' a trip to the heart of Texas! And by heart, I mean… well, Arlington, TX, specifically the Extended Stay America Suites - Arlington - Six Flags Dallas. Don't judge, alright? Budget, convenience, and the promise of rollercoasters – what more does a weary traveler need? This isn't a perfectly curated Instagram feed, people. This is real life travel, and let me tell you, it's gonna be a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Smell of Pre-Fab
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport). Okay, first hurdle: baggage claim. I swear, I think my suitcase is possessed. Every time I touch down anywhere, it takes a good thirty minutes to actually appear. This time, it involves a near-death experience with a luggage carousel and a lot of frantic arm-waving. Victory! Suitcase acquired.
- 2:30 PM: Uber to Extended Stay. The exterior? Let's just say it's got that "business-traveler-who-also-enjoys-a-cheap-deal" vibe. The lobby… well, it smells faintly of chlorine and the faint hope that someone, somewhere, deep cleans.
- 3:00 PM: Check into Room 217. Okay, first impressions are everything. This room is a masterclass in beige. Beige walls, beige carpet, beige furniture. It’s like living inside a bowl of oatmeal. But, hey, it's clean-ish, the AC is working, and there's a tiny kitchenette, which, honestly, is the REAL selling point.
- 3:30 PM: Unpack, survey the damage (meaning, the suitcase contents scattered across the floor), and wrestle with the TV remote. Seriously, the remote control is like solving a Rubik's cube with a hangover.
- 4:00 PM: A tiny, pathetic search for a decent cup of coffee. The in-room coffee maker is… an abomination of plastic. I'm going to need to invest in something more robust. Maybe a coffee shop run is in order.
- 5:00 PM: Okay, so I'm officially hangry. And a map of the surrounding area gives an impressive plethora of fast-food joints. Decisions, decisions. Do I suffer through the blandness of in-room oatmeal, or venture out for something of dubious nutritional value? I chose the latter.
Day 2: Six Flags and the Triumph of Overcoming Fear (Mostly)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I went for the questionable waffle maker in the lobby. It coughed up something vaguely resembling a waffle, which I slathered in that weird, artificial syrup stuff. Hey, it’s sustenance!
- 9:30 AM: Uber it to Six Flags! The anticipation is building! I might actually get to ride the rides and see if my stomach can handle it!
- 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Six Flags! Okay, this is the big one. Rollercoasters. Screaming. Stomach-churning loops. And me, a person who, on a good day, gets slightly queasy on an escalator. First ride: The Titan. It's huge. I am not equipped. I scream like a banshee. My stomach does the thing where it feels like it's trying to escape my body. But… I lived! And, dammit, I loved it. The feeling of weightlessness, the wind in my hair (what little I have left), the sheer exhilaration of pushing myself to the edge. I start to become addicted to the feeling.
- 4:00 PM: After a truly insane day of Six Flags, I’m exhausted. I am also, apparently, very sunburnt. I can't remember the last time I drank so much soda.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel, I collapse on the bed. The beige feels… comforting now? It is.
- 6:00 PM: The kitchenette beckons. The problem? I have exactly zero supplies. A quick run to the local grocery store. I get some ramen noodles, frozen microwaveable stuff. And, crucially, snacks. Lots and lots of snacks.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and Netflix. The perfect end to a day of screaming and sunshine.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Pure, unadulterated, blissful bedtime.
Day 3: Culture, Confusion, and the Eternal Quest for Good Coffee
- 9:00 AM: Okay, coffee mission successful! Found a cute little independent coffee shop a few blocks away. They have actual good coffee. Glory be!
- 9:30 AM: I'm gonna try to do some local sight seeing and cultural things.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the AT&T stadium. (Okay, I'm not a huge football fan, but it's a landmark, right? Plus, the architecture is… intense.) I spend way more time wandering around the gift shop.
- 1:00 PM: Explore the Fort Worth Stockyards. I get a photo with a big, scary-looking bull. I feel like a tiny, tourist-y speck.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. I dive headfirst into the food culture. What will I eat? BBQ? Tacos? Something that will probably make me sleep for the rest of the afternoon.
- 3:00 PM: Nap time. I feel the need to lay down.
- 4:00 PM: Head back to the hotel and start packing. I spend a little time wondering just how I ended up on this adventure in a beige room at an Extended Stay America.
- 5:00 PM: One last look around. The "comfort" of the room now feels slightly less "comforting" and more… bland.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: Ramen. Because, hey, convenience.
- 7:00 PM: Catch up on emails, write some thoughts in my notebook.
- 8:00 PM: Stare at the ceiling.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep. Oh, so much sweet, sweet sleep.
Day 4: Departure and the lingering scent of cheap detergent
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Pack. Reflect on the fact that my suitcase is still intact.
- 9:00 AM: Final coffee run. Gotta savor that beautiful, life-giving liquid.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. The front desk person is… friendly enough. I can’t help but wonder if she sees this parade of slightly-desperate travelers every single day.
- 10:30 AM: Uber to the airport. I send one last, fond farewell to the beige kingdom of Suite 217.
- 12:00 PM: My flight home!
Final Thoughts:
This trip was… an experience. Six Flags was amazing. The beige room? Less so. But hey, I survived. I conquered my fear of rollercoasters, ate questionable syrup on vaguely-waffle-shaped objects, and saw some things. Would I recommend it? Absolutely! But maybe bring your own coffee pot. And perhaps a hazmat suit for the carpet. And be prepared for a journey that's less about the destination and more about the messy, imperfect, and utterly human adventure of getting there. And that, my friends, is what travel is really all about. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go scrub the lingering scent of cheap detergent off my clothes. And dream of a better suitcase. Because, really, that thing is just a menace.
Detroit's BEST Extended Stay? Novi's Haggerty Rd. Haven Awaits!
Arlington Six Flags Getaway: You've Got Questions, I've (Probably) Got Answers (and Maybe a Few Regrets) – Your Extended Stay America Suites Basecamp!
Okay, First Things First: Is This REALLY a Good Idea? Six Flags and Extended Stay? Sounds… budget-friendly. Like, REALLY budget-friendly.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because the truth is… it depends. Let me put it this way: my trip to Six Flags over Texas with my perpetually-hungry teenage nephews and my perpetually-stressed sister was a rollercoaster of emotions (pun intended, and I am SO proud of it). The Extended Stay America? Well, it was our… base. Our very utilitarian base. Let's just say it wasn't the Four Seasons, okay? But! It worked. And that's what matters, right? (Mostly.)
If you're picturing luxury, *run*. If you're on a budget and need a place to crash after a day of screaming your head off on the Titan, and maybe heat up some frozen pizzas in the kitchenette (more on that later), then yeah, it's a solid contender. Think of it as… functional. And hey, functional is good when you have to wrestle two teenage boys out of bed before noon.
The dreaded Kitchenette. What's the deal? Can I actually, like, *cook* or are we talking microwaved ramen for three days straight?
Okay, the kitchenette. Here's where things get… interesting. The "kitchenette" is basically a mini-fridge, a microwave, a stovetop (sometimes… and sometimes it's a real crapshoot!), and a sink. Don't expect a gourmet experience. We tried. We really, *really* tried.
We brought groceries. Bless my sister's heart, she thought we could make a *proper* breakfast. Eggs, bacon, the whole shebang! That turned out to be a hilarious disaster. The stovetop was… temperamental. Let's just say some bacon was sacrificed to the cause. And after that, we pretty much stuck to frozen pizzas (which, I confess, tasted amazing after standing in line for an hour for the Superman ride). The microwave is your friend. The mini-fridge kept the beer cold. So, yes, you *can* cook… if your definition of "cooking" involves minimal effort and maximizing the use of convenience foods. Don't expect to impress anyone with your culinary skills. Including yourself. Honestly, go to a restaurant. Trust me. And try to sneak in some of those Six Flags churros for a late-night snack. Pure bliss!
Parking: Is it free? Because, you know, theme park tickets and hotel rooms are already eating my wallet alive…
Oh, sweet summer child… Parking. Yes, parking is generally free at Extended Stay America properties. Which is a *huge* win, considering the parking fees at Six Flags will drain your coffers faster than you can say, "I need another funnel cake." Seriously, factor that into your budget. Every little bit helps! I saved a ton of money just by not paying extra to leave my car. Just make sure you don't park in the tow-away zone. Trust me, I've seen it happen. And it wasn't pretty.
Rooms: Are they clean-ish? I’m picturing something… well, I’m picturing slightly better than a college dorm. Am I right?
Look, let me be brutally honest. Cleanliness is… variable. It's not like staying in a spotless Ritz-Carlton. Expect basic. Expect clean-ish. They provide the essentials: towels, soap, and if you're lucky, a decent working shower. My advice? Pack some Clorox wipes. Just in case. And maybe some of those air fresheners that smell like "clean linen." They’re life savers. Or at least lifesavers of the "my-room-smells-better-than-the-rest-of-the-hotel" variety.
Our room was… fine. Did I find a questionable stain on the bedspread? Maybe. Did I quietly avoid touching the carpet with bare feet? Absolutely. But, and this is important: it was clean enough for me to collapse in it, exhausted, after a day of screaming on the rides. And that, my friends, is what matters. Focus: functional.
What about Wi-Fi? Gotta have that Insta-story bragging rights, you know… and, like, work. (Ugh.)
Wi-Fi… It's there. Usually. Sometimes it's blazing fast. Sometimes it's slower than watching paint dry on a Sunday afternoon. I remember trying to upload a video of my nephew's epic faceplant on the Acrophobia and it took...well, it took a long time. Like, hours. So, prepare yourself. Download your essentials (maps, directions, the all-important Six Flags app) before you leave your own Wi-Fi comfort zone. Don't expect to live-stream your entire visit. Or, you know, do any actual work. Embrace the digital detox! (Unless you *need* to check your stocks. Then good luck, and may your connection be ever in your favor.)
Location, Location, Location: Is the hotel actually close to Six Flags? Like, walking distance close, or "I need an Uber after a day of walking at Six Flags" close?
Ah, the golden question! Proximity to the Holy Grail of Thrills! The Extended Stay America in Arlington is usually conveniently located. Like, close. Not *walking* distance. Absolutely not. After you've navigated the crowds, conquered the roller coasters, and consumed ungodly amounts of sugary snacks, the last thing you're doing is walking. But a short drive? Yes! A quick Uber ride? Definitely. This is a HUGE plus. I can't stress this enough: being close to the park after a long day is a lifesaver. Especially for those of us who can barely stand by 8 pm! Traffic can get insane, so plan accordingly. But yes, the location is one of the biggest upsides.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Do they seem like they're actually happy to be there?
Okay, the staff. It varies. Like everything in life. I’ve had both amazing experiences and… less amazing ones. Some folks were genuinely helpful and cheerful. Others… well, let's just say customer service wasn’t their forte. It's a budget hotel, so you typically aren’t getting the pampered treatment. But, I am sure a smile or a helpful attitude is what you are looking for, and a lot are willing to assist. Try to be nice. A little kindness goes a long way, especially when you're asking for extra towels or trying to figure out how to make the ancient coffee maker work. My advice? Go in with realistic expectations, and you’Stay Classy Hotels
Post a Comment for "Arlington Six Flags Getaway: Your Perfect Extended Stay America Suites Base!"