Bakersfield Getaway: TownePlace Suites West Bakersfield (CA) - Your Perfect Stay!
Bakersfield Getaway: TownePlace Suites West Bakersfield (CA) - Your Perfect Stay? (Uh…Maybe?)
Okay, so here’s the deal. I just wrapped up a stay at the TownePlace Suites West in Bakersfield, California. The title says it’s your "perfect stay," right? Well, let’s just say my experience was… a mixed bag. To be honest, I'm still trying to untangle my feelings, so let’s just dive in, shall we?
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- Meta Description: Confused about the TownePlace Suites West in Bakersfield, CA? Read my honest, messy, and surprisingly emotional review. I dive into accessibility, cleanliness, Wi-Fi woes, questionable breakfast buffets, and if it's REALLY a "perfect stay."
Let's Get This Show on the Road (or Highway 99):
First impressions? The exterior… well, it's a TownePlace Suites. You know the kind. Think pleasant-ish, slightly corporate, and blending into that Bakersfield landscape. The exterior corridor was fine, not exactly a postcard moment, but perfectly functional. And thank goodness for the car park [free of charge] because, seriously, Bakersfield can be a driving gauntlet.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and That's Putting it Gently)
Right off the bat, let’s talk accessibility. This is crucial, and honestly, the website boasts Facilities for disabled guests. However, I’m not disabled, so I can't personally vouch for the full experience. That said, I did notice an elevator (thank God, I hate stairs!), and the front desk [24-hour] was thankfully accessible. I peeped a few non-smoking rooms, which is always a plus. The bathrooms looked standard and I suspect (based on the set-up), at least some rooms cater well to folks needing more space and grab bars. Again, suspect is the key word here. It would be great if they were more upfront on what they offer.
Cleanliness and Safety: Washing Away the Worry?
Okay, let's talk about the COVID stuff. This is a big deal for everyone right now. The hotel seemed to take things seriously – a big gold star if it did! They touted Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options (more on that breakfast later…), and Hand sanitizer galore. I did see the staff taking a lot of care. There were also Smoke alarms everywhere. The hotel also has CCTV in common areas as well as CCTV outside property. As someone who hates the feeling of being watched, it did help to ease my anxieties a bit.
I also peeked at the room sanitization opt-out available. I didn’t opt out, but it's great peace of mind. The rooms sanitized between stays, which is a relief.
But… and there's always a but… I noticed some dust bunnies in the corners of my room. And one evening, I thought I heard someone coughing outside my door. It freaked me for a minute. I'm just being real here. I did however, have a new air conditioning unit!
Room Rundown: Cozy-ish… with Some Quirks
My room was… well, it was a suite. Which means: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone (seriously?), Bathtub (thank the heavens!), Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed (good for my lanky frame!), Free bottled water (a lifesaver!), Hair dryer, Ironing facilities (never used 'em), Laptop workspace, Mini bar (empty!), Refrigerator, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, and Wi-Fi [free].
The bed was comfy, I'll give them that. The blackout curtains were glorious for sleeping in. But the soundproofing… well, not so much. I heard a lot of door slamming.
What I didn't love? The décor. It was… beige. Very beige. It felt a bit sterile, if I'm being honest. Like the place where you'd go to recover from a beige overdose. And the mirror in the bathroom? It was positioned in a way that made me feel like I was constantly judging myself. Not ideal when you’re trying to relax, you know?
Internet: Bless This Messy Network.
Seriously, Internet. Where do I even begin? The website blares about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. The Internet access – wireless was… patchy. I had to reconnect about a dozen times. I tried to work from my laptop, my desk was fine, it was near a plug.. The Laptop workspace was okay. The internet, however, was a true challenge. It was like trying to herd cats, those internet connections!
They also offer Internet access – LAN, which might be better, but I couldn’t find the cable.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Breakfast… the Great Unknown.
Okay, the Breakfast [buffet]. Here's where it gets, shall we say, interesting. The website states Breakfast service, so you know what to expect. They served a standard continental breakfast. Think: Breakfast [buffet], some Asian breakfast food. Coffee/tea in restaurant but honestly… the coffee was awful. I’m a coffee snob, I admit it. The Buffet in restaurant, had Individual-wrapped food options. There was nothing particularly special about it. I guess at least you have this to fill you up.
They do have a Snack bar, which is handy. They do have Restaurants. But I never tried them.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Poolside Dreams?
Alright, let's move onto the fun stuff! They have a Swimming pool [outdoor], which looked tempting, and a pool with a view. I didn’t actually swim, because… well, it was Bakersfield. But it looked clean, the pool. As for other ways to unwind, there is a Fitness center.
Services and Conveniences: The Bare Minimum
They had the basics. Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Luggage storage, and a Concierge, if you needed one, so you're generally covered.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly or Just Tolerant?
The website mentions Family/child friendly and Kids meal. But I didn't travel with kids. I'm not sure how welcoming they are.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Unless You’re Walking)
They offer Airport transfer and Taxi service. The Car park [on-site] was a big plus. Bakersfield isn't exactly a walkable city, so having parking covered is necessary!
The Verdict: A Worthy Stay? Maybe.
Honestly… the Bakersfield TownePlace Suites West is… fine. It's not going to blow your socks off (unless you're really into beige). It's a functional, reasonably clean, and fairly priced option. But it’s certainly not "perfect."
Would I stay again? Maybe. If I needed a place to crash in Bakersfield and wasn’t picky about the breakfast (or the Wi-Fi), sure. If I were just passing through, it’s a decent choice. But if you're looking for a truly memorable getaway… maybe look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a place to rest, you're in luck.
Escape to Paradise: Days Inn Mt. Pleasant, MI – Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my potential disaster-in-the-making, Bakersfield edition. Specifically, the TownePlace Suites Bakersfield West. God help me.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread in the Golden State (and a Pizza Crisis)
3:00 PM: Arrive at Bakersfield Airport (BFL). Okay, first hurdle: the flight. I swear, I was wedged between a dude who snored like a chainsaw and a toddler who treated my armrest like a personal plaything. Let the record state, I'm tired. After a quick ride from the airport I can see the hotel! Finally, I thought!
3:30 PM: Check into TownePlace Suites. The front desk person was… well, they seemed to be surviving. Not exactly bursting with Californian sunshine, but hey, it's Bakersfield. Expectations managed. The room? Meh. Clean enough, I guess. The tiny pull-out couch is already eyeing me menacingly. I'm getting a head start on this.
- Side Note: The complimentary Wi-Fi better be strong. I have a lot of online shopping to procrastinate with.
4:00 PM: Unpack. Or, more accurately, throw my suitcase on the bed and consider the life choices that led me here. Is this what I wanted? To be in Bakersfield? I already miss my cats.
5:30 PM: Pizza! I'm starving. Yelp reviews have steered me toward a local joint called "Pyrenees Pizza." The pictures look promising.
6:00 PM: The Pyrenees Pizza Incident. Okay, I'm going to level with you. This pizza… was not good. The crust was like cardboard, the sauce tasted suspiciously of ketchup, and the "pepperoni" looked like sad little burnt hockey pucks. I took a bite of this, and my stomach decided to stage a small protest. I pushed the rest of it around the plate. A moment of silence for that pizza, it deserved better.
6:30 PM : Existential Dread 2.0. I'm alone, and I have a stomach ache. Was I supposed to use the microwave? I can't find my glasses. There is a distinct feeling of loneliness.
7:00 PM : Try to relax. Watch some mind-numbing reality TV. Or better yet, get lost in a rabbit hole of cat videos. My mood improved by the end of the night.
8:00 PM: Stare at the ceiling. Wonder if all hotel ceilings are this boring.
9:00 PM: Lights out. Pray for a good night's sleep. Or at least a night free of pizza-related nightmares.
Day 2: Bakersfield History (and the Pursuit of Actual Good Food)
8:00 AM: Wake up. Or more accurately, drag myself out of bed. The pull-out couch is still giving me the stink eye. Complimentary breakfast at the hotel? Should I even bother? Let's do it.
8:30 AM: Hotel Breakfast Debacle. The "eggs" looked like something you’d find in a science experiment gone wrong. The coffee, however, was the nectar of the gods. I load up on coffee.
9:30 AM: Bakersfield Museum of Art? Alright, fine. I'll try to be cultured. Maybe find some inspiration. (Spoiler alert: I'm not actually that cultured).
10:00 AM: Bakersfield Museum of Art. It was alright. Some interesting pieces, a lot of… well, art. I appreciated the effort, but my brain is more suited to cat videos.
11:30 AM: Lunch. This time, research. I'm going to find the best darn taco in Bakersfield, damn it!
12:00 PM: Taco Time! Found a little hole-in-the-wall place called "El Patio." This is it! The carnitas tacos were amazing. Seriously, the best thing I've eaten since I got here. I ended up getting like, five of them. No regrets.
- Foodie Flashback: Okay, so I'm having a crisis right now… I didn't realize the spice level was a thing. These tacos kicked my rear end! And I mean, really kicked it! The spicy salsa… it was like a volcanic eruption in my mouth. Tears streamed down my face, I swear. But damn, were they good. The pain was worth it. The spice I could feel from my toes.
1:30 PM: Driving around. I am now full, and hot. I saw a sign for the Buck Owens Crystal Palace. I don't know anything about Buck Owens, but the sign was cool. I started to go that way, but decided to call it a day.
3:00 PM: Pool Time? The hotel has a pool! Maybe I can relax. I'm wearing my worst swim shorts and my hair in a messy high bun.
3:30 PM: The Pool. Alright, it's empty. But the water is cold. There is some debris I see. I'm not sure I want to get in. I think there are things…
4:00 PM: Nope. Back to the room. I'm going to watch some cat videos now.
5:00 PM: Dinner. I'm not hungry, but I need to eat something. Maybe I can try a salad.
5:30 PM: Salad. Okay, it was a salad. I don't want to talk about it.
6:00 PM: Bed.
7:00 PM: YouTube Rabbit Hole. Send help.
9:00 PM: Lights out. I'm starting to think I'll never escape this hotel room.
Day 3: Departure & Fading Hopes
7:00 AM: Wake up. The pull-out couch is still there, quietly judging me. I'm not sure what's worse, the couch or this trip.
7:30 AM: Pack. Is that even possible? Is it really happening?
8:00 AM: Hotel Breakfast: Actually acceptable this time! Maybe God is real.
8:30 AM: Say goodbye to the hotel. I'll miss it, I guess.
9:00 AM: Check out. The front desk person is different today. She's…smiling? The world is going to end.
9:30 AM: Head to the airport.
10:00 AM: Airport Security. Already feeling the post-trip blues.
11:00 AM: Board the flight.
11:30 AM: Take off.
12:00 PM : Finally free. Never coming back to Bakersfield. At least not on purpose.
- Final Thoughts: Okay, so maybe Bakersfield wasn't exactly the life-altering experience I'd hoped for. Maybe I'm just a grumpy traveller who doesn’t appreciate fine art and bland pizza. But hey, I survived. I have stories. And I have a newfound appreciation for my own bed, my cats, and the fact that there's always another adventure (and hopefully, better food) just around the corner. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
So, uh… Is Bakersfield a *thing*? Like, seriously?
Okay, gotta be honest. This is the FAQ's equivalent of the "Are we there yet?" question. And the answer? YES. Bakersfield *is* a thing. It exists. It's… Bakersfield. It’s in California. And you're probably reading this *because* you're planning a trip there. So, chin up! It might not be Napa Valley, but it’s got its own… charm. (And by charm, I mean… let's see… a LOT of country music history and… well, let’s leave it at that for now.) But trust me, you’re going to need *somewhere* to stay, and the TownePlace Suites is… well, we'll get to that.
Alright, alright, so what's the deal with TownePlace Suites West Bakersfield? Is it… *livable*?
Livable? Okay, that's a realistic question. Look, I've stayed in places that made me question the very definition of "livable." But TownePlace Suites is… pretty good. It's like, reliably decent. You know? Cleanish rooms (I always peek behind the bed skirt, don't judge me), a kitchenette (hello, microwave popcorn!), and a free breakfast. The breakfast is *okay*. Don't expect Michelin-star quality, but hey, it's free! The waffles are usually… edible. Sometimes they're even crispy! You get what you pay for, and for a free hotel breakfast, you’re doing better than some. The front desk staff? Generally pleasant. They're probably used to dealing with… well, Bakersfield. So, yes, it's livable. It’s like a solid, reliable friend who's always there when you need them. Probably.
Tell me about the location. Is it, like, in the middle of nowhere? Or… *somewhere*?
Location, location, location, right? TownePlace Suites West Bakersfield is… strategically located. By which, I mean: it's near… stuff. Restaurants, shops, the highway... It's not *exactly* walking distance to the Buck Owens Crystal Palace (a Bakersfield must-see, btw), but it's a quick drive. And it’s also not *on* the highway – which is a blessing when you're trying to sleep. It’s… convenient. Okay, maybe not the *most* scenic spot, but you're in Bakersfield. Scenic isn’t really the point. It's about access. And this place delivers in that respect. The real test? How long it takes you to reach a decent coffee shop. That matters, people. That *really* matters. (Pro tip: Google Maps is your friend here!)
Speaking of breakfast… tell me *everything* about the breakfast. I'm a breakfast snob.
Ah, breakfast. My *nemesis*. Okay, so… the breakfast at TownePlace Suites. Okay. It’s… standard. Let’s be brutally honest: it's a continental breakfast. Expect the usual suspects: cereal (frosted flakes mostly), oatmeal, some sad-looking pastries (sometimes still in the plastic wrap), and, yes, the waffle maker. The waffle maker is your *friend*. Make the waffle. Add some syrup. It’s a fleeting moment of joy in a world of beige.
The fruit situation? Variable. Sometimes there's a sad apple. Or a banana. Or maybe, just maybe, an actual, honest-to-goodness orange. Bless the orange-givers.
Coffee? Weak. Drink it with trepidation, people. Bring your own coffee, is my advice. There's a Keurig in the room, so that's a plus. Pack your K-cups!
Eggs? Scrambled. Questionable quality. Proceed with caution. I’m not saying they’re *bad*, I'm just saying… temper your expectations.
Honestly? The *best* part of the breakfast is the little packets of peanut butter. Don't judge.
The rooms… are they, like, *spacious*? I'm bringing *stuff*.
Yes! Okay, this is a *definite* plus. The suites are actually quite roomy! They're not palatial, mind you, but they give you space to breathe. There's usually a separate living area with a sofa and a TV. Your stuff? It'll have a home. Seriously. Think about it: you're in Bakersfield. Space is… relatively cheap. They’ve got to have *somewhere* to put all the dust bunnies. I always appreciate a bit of extra room to spread out. It makes unpacking WAY less depressing. And honestly, for the price, the space is a major selling point. Consider the storage, the counter space… bring your stuff! And bring your snacks. (See: peanut butter packets, above.) You shall need them.
I saw the amenities listed… pool, gym… are they any good? Be honest.
Alright, let's talk amenities. The pool? It's… a pool. It exists. I wouldn't call it a resort-style oasis. It's more of a… rectangular body of water. Cleanish. Probably. Good for a quick dip, especially in the Bakersfield heat. Just don't expect crystal-clear, turquoise perfection.
The gym? I've seen worse. It has treadmills, some weights… the basics. Don't expect to be inspired. It’s a place to get your heart rate up and sweat out all the waffle-induced guilt. (Speaking of which, I need to go to the gym. Later.) It'll do the job if you're feeling the need to move.
The real test of an amenity? Does it work? And in this case, yeah, they mostly work. It's all a bit… functional. Which, honestly, is fine. You're not coming to Bakersfield for the luxury spa experience, are you? (If you are… well, good luck.)
Tell me about the internet. Because I work online. And I've had… bad experiences.
Oh, the internet. The bane of a modern traveler's existence. Look, I get it. Working online, you *need* a decent connection. I've been there. I've been stranded in hotels with the internet equivalent of a dial-up modem. It’s… soul-crushing.
At TownePlace Suites, the internet is… well, it’s usually okay. Not blazing fast, but generally reliable enough for basic work tasks, email, and video calls. I’m saying this from experience, because I had to work from a hotel once when my car got totaled during a trip. So I can tell you, you can expect to get your work done. You might get a little frustrated. Maybe a lot.Hotel Search Tips
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