Escape to Barstow: Your Perfect Travelodge Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Barstow: My (Unfiltered!) Travelodge Getaway - You In? (Don't Judge My Barstow Dreams!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real deal on this Travelodge in Barstow. Forget the polished brochures and perfectly posed photos. I'm serving you up the gritty, the glorious, and the "did I really just do that?" moments I experienced. Think less "luxury retreat" and more "surprisingly comfortable pit stop on the road to… well, somewhere."
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First Impressions & The Hype vs. Reality
Look, Barstow isn't exactly the Champs-Élysées, is it? I knew going in. But hey, a girl's got to make the best of a situation, right? I was road-tripping, desperate for a break, and frankly, the Travelodge screamed "convenience" in a way that appealed to my tired soul.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Honestly (And That's Okay!)
Okay, let's be real. This is crucial. My experience wasn't related directly to accessibility, but I observed some things. They do have elevators, which is HUGE. Elevators – big win! (Okay, maybe a mild win, but I was tired of stairs!) They claim to have facilities for disabled guests. I didn't see them fully implemented, but hey, progress, yeah? I did notice they have (or seem to have) wide hallways and accessible rooms. So, I'm giving them a tentative thumbs up on that front. Double check with the hotel before booking if this is a critical need, obviously.
The Rooms: From Tired to Treat-Yourself (Kind Of)
The rooms… let's call them "functional." Yeah. Functionality is the key word here. I mean, they do have air conditioning! Thank heavens! Barstow in August? Survival mode. A comfortable bed? Check. Free Wi-Fi that actually worked? BIG WIN! I needed that.
Now, for the nitpicky stuff. The linens? Fine, but not "fluffy cloud" fine. The bathrooms? Clean, but maybe could use a refresh. I'm talking minor issues. The TV had Satellite/cable channels, which helped me unwind after a long day. Plus, a refrigerator was a lifesaver for my emergency snacks and the… well, the "bottle of water" I'd grabbed on the way in. Because, you know, hydration is key when you're exploring the desert.
Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe Not So Glorious)
Here's where things get interesting (and slightly less rosy).
- Restaurants: There is a restaurant on-site. I had the breakfast buffet. It was… well, let's just say it had a certain "classic diner" feel. I saw some Asian cuisine options on the menu, too.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: There was a bar! And, get this, Happy Hour! This was a definite highlight. A poolside bar? Not that I saw. But the "Happy Hour" certainly felt poolside when the sun went down.
- Breakfast Buffet: Okay, I'm not going to lie. The breakfast buffet wasn't exactly gourmet. However, it was surprisingly satisfying, featuring a standard selection of Western breakfast options. I'd say it was a decent spread, especially for what I paid for the stay.
- Coffee/Tea in the Restaurant: It was there. Sometimes strong, sometimes a little weak. But definitely better than the instant stuff I usually get!
The Pool: My Oasis (Until They Closed It!)
Okay, the swimming pool was a total life-saver. Swimming pool [outdoor]? You betcha! It was clean, refreshing, and actually had a pretty decent view (of… well, the surrounding desert landscape. But hey, it was still a view!). I spent a good chunk of time lounging poolside, which, let be honest, was the ultimate relaxation. I did find the poolside bar to be missing, however. A slight letdown. And then they closed it early one day! Minor tragedy. But, I got my swim in, so I survived.
Ways to Relax (and Maybe Sweat a Little)
- Fitness Center: Yes, there’s a Gym/fitness center. I checked it out. It's… there. Small, but functional. I didn’t get my sweat on (because, you know, vacation) but it's a possibility for those fitness fanatics.
- Spa? Massage? Sauna? Nope. Not this time. No pampering. You're on your own for the Zen.
- Sauna & Spa/ Sauna: Sadly, these weren't on the options list.
Cleanliness & Safety - Because We All Care Now
The cleanliness & safety standards? Pretty good! I noticed staff wearing masks (pre-vaccine) and everything seemed to be generally clean. This was really important to me, so I appreciated the effort. They made it seem like they were really cleaning the rooms, because that was what the sign suggested.
Other Bits & Bobs
- Internet: The internet access was excellent. I had no problems working or streaming movies. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Did I mention that? It's important!)
- Services and Conveniences: They had most of them. Luggage storage? Check. Laundry service? Available. Daily housekeeping? Yes, and they were very efficient.
- For the Kids: I didn't travel with kids but there was a definite family/child friendly vibe. There were Kids facilities, but I didn't see a dedicated play area.
- Business Travelers: They've got you covered. Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, and Xerox/fax seem to be available.
Final Verdict (And My Personal Take)
Look, the Travelodge in Barstow isn't going to win any awards for luxury. But it's a solid, convenient, and safe place to rest your weary head. It's clean, the Wi-Fi is good, and the pool is a lifesaver in the desert heat. It is a place that I would stay again.
So, do I recommend it? Yes. If you're looking for a comfortable and affordable place to crash on your road trip, this is a winner. Don't expect perfection, embrace the quirks, and enjoy your little Barstow adventure.
Overall Score: 7.5 out of 10. It gets a point deducted for that breakfast buffet and a point for lacking a spa. But the pool, free Wi-Fi, and friendly staff make up for it!
P.S. Don't be afraid to ask for extra towels! And pack your own snacks. You know, just in case.
Escape to Austin: Domain-Near Luxury at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, corporate-approved travelogue. This is ME, in a Travelodge, in Barstow. And let me tell you, it’s…an experience. Here we go, stream of consciousness and all:
Day 1: Arrival in Barstow (And the Questionable Glory of the Check-In)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at the Travelodge Barstow: Okay, first impressions…the sign doesn’t exactly scream "luxury oasis." More like, "Welcome to…Barstow." The parking lot is a sun-baked testament to the eternal struggle between asphalt and cracked concrete. Already feeling the desert heat radiating off everything. And the smell! Not bad, not good…just…there. A lingering hint of chlorine and stale air. Oh joy.
- 1:15 PM - Check-In Chaos: The front desk guy… bless his heart. He seemed genuinely thrilled to be working. Though, I swear, I could almost see the existential dread flickering in his eyes. The computer system coughed, sputtered, then decided to go on strike. Fifteen minutes of awkward silence (me, him, the peeling wallpaper), followed by a frantic hunt for my reservation. Eventually, he triumphantly produced a keycard. He forgot to, like, mention the wifi password! What is even the point?!
- 1:45 PM - Room Revelation (aka, the Honeymoon Suite of Barstow): Okay, I'm not sure what qualifies as a "suite" in Barstow, but this felt like a slightly upgraded motel room. The carpet…oh, the carpet. It had seen things. Probably spilled things. The air conditioning is a roaring beast, but hey, at least it’s keeping me from melting. The bed…well, it’s a bed. Clean sheets, thank god! TV's on, but let's be real, I'm not here for the cable.
- 2:00 PM - Mandatory Pool Peek: I'd heard rumors of a pool. I needed to see it. The pool is… well, let's just say it's seen better days. The water looked inviting enough, but the surrounding deck was speckled with… stuff. Leaves, a rogue plastic fork, and what appeared to be a dried-up desert lizard. Decided against taking a dip. Regret setting in!
- 2:30 PM - The Great Burger Hunt: Fueled by the faint promise of redemption (and crippling hunger), I set out to find a decent burger. Google maps pointed me toward a place called "Peggy Sue's 50's Diner." It's like a step back in time, complete with waitresses in poodle skirts! It was cheesy and a total tourist trap but the burger? Actually…pretty damn good! The milkshake was thicc. Worth it? Maybe. Just maybe.
Day 2: Desert Dreams and… Walmart?
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Blues: Free continental breakfast! I'm already regretting this. It's the usual suspects: stale toast, questionable pastries, and a coffee that tastes suspiciously like hot brown water. But I'm hungry, so I persevere.
- 9:00 AM - Desert Drive! (aka, Trying to Find the Mojave): Barstow is… well, it's a place you drive through. I'm heading out towards the Mojave Desert, hoping to see something beautiful and maybe feel a little less like I'm trapped in a time warp. The vastness of the desert is both awe-inspiring and utterly intimidating. Found a quirky little roadside attraction that claimed to have the "World's Largest Bottle Tree Ranch." The bottle trees were really neat.
- 1:00 PM - Return to Reality (And Walmart): My sense of adventure…fizzled. I went to Walmart. I needed snacks. The bright fluorescent lights and endless aisles of…stuff… were strangely comforting. I wandered aimlessly, feeling a profound connection to humanity. Did I need a giant bag of gummy bears? No. Did I buy one? Absolutely.
- 3:00 PM - The Pool Revisited (Misguided Decision): The heat was relentless. I thought, "Maybe the pool isn't that bad." Reader, I was wrong. The water felt lukewarm. And let's not discuss whatever was floating near the drain. Nope. Nope, nope, nope.
- 4:00 PM - Snack Coma: Ate too many gummy bears. Feeling slightly ill. This is the realness.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Debacle: I was too lazy to make a plan, so I asked Google. "Best restaurants near me:" "Denny's." Fine. I'm a goddamn failure.
Day 3: Departure (Thank GOD)
- 7:00 AM - The Last Breakfast (Thank God): This time I had the coffee (again)
- 8:00 AM - Packing and Existential Dread: Packing is the worst. What even is the meaning of life? Why am I here? Why does this room always have a weird musty smell? All these questions and no answers.
- 9:00 AM - Check-Out: The Return of the Existential Dreader: The same guy was at the front desk. "Enjoy your stay?" he croaked, his voice weary. I mumbled something about "memories" as I handed back the keycard. We both knew the truth.
- 9:15 AM - Goodbye, Barstow (And Never Look Back): I pulled out of the Travelodge, a sense of freedom washing over me. Barstow, you were…an experience. And hey, at least I have a story to tell.
Final Thoughts: The Travelodge Barstow? It's not the Ritz. It's not even remotely glamorous. But it's a place to rest your head – as long as you're not expecting too much. It's a slice of Americana, a testament to the enduring appeal of dusty highways and free continental breakfasts. And sometimes, that’s enough. Just…bring your own snacks. And maybe a hazmat suit for the pool. Just kidding…mostly.
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Escape to Barstow: Your Not-So-Perfect, But Absolutely Memorable Travelodge Getaway Awaits! (FAQ's...and a Few Rants)
Okay, seriously...Why Barstow? Isn't that...a little desolate?
Alright, fine. Let's be real. Barstow isn't exactly the Swiss Alps. It's the gateway to the Mojave, and yes, sometimes that means tumbleweeds and the faint aroma of desert dust (which, by the way, can be strangely comforting). But hear me out! Barstow has a certain vibe. It's the kind of place that forces you to slow down. There's a raw, honest charm to it. Plus, it's strategically placed for some epic road trips. Need to hit Vegas? Palm Springs? Joshua Tree? Bam! You're practically there.
And think of the stories you'll have! Forget the manicured resorts and the pre-packaged experiences. This is where the real adventure begins...or at least, where the slightly wonky, moderately hilarious adventure begins. I remember one time... (okay, I'll get to *that* story later).
So, the Travelodge... Is it, you know, *clean*?
Okay, let's address the elephant in the (potentially slightly dusty) room. "Clean" is subjective. Let's just say, the Travelodge in Barstow isn't a five-star palace. But it's usually clean enough. Think "efficiently cleaned". The beds are generally made, the sheets are probably fresh (I *think*), and the bathrooms have all the necessary fixtures. Don't expect marble countertops, folks. Expect practicality, and maybe a slightly dated aesthetic (lots of beige, I'm sensing a recurring theme in my life). But for the price, and the location, it's usually a pretty solid deal.
And here's a pro-tip: ALWAYS double-check under the beds. Just, ya know, for peace of mind. You never know what lost treasures (or dust bunnies the size of small dogs) might be lurking. You know the drill.
What amenities can I expect? Free Wi-Fi? A pool? Breakfast?
Okay, expectations management is key. Free Wi-Fi? Almost certainly. It might be a little spotty at times (desert internet, am I right?). A swimming pool? Maybe! Check the specific Travelodge you're considering. Some have them, some don't. It's often a little... basic. Think slightly faded, but perfect for a quick dip after a long drive (or a long day exploring Barstow). Breakfast? This is where things start to get interesting. Often, you'll find a "continental breakfast," which means bagels (potentially stale), pre-packaged pastries, cereal in a box, and instant coffee that might or might not resemble coffee. Consider packing some snacks. Trust me on this one.
Oh, speaking of coffee... remember *that* story? The one with the exploding coffee pot? ...Okay, maybe later. It's a long one.
What is there to *do* in Barstow? Besides, you know, exist?
Alright, this is where Barstow surprises people. It's not just a pit stop! It's a gateway to adventure! You can hit up the Route 66 Mother Road Museum (totally worth it), check out Calico Ghost Town (spooky and fun!), and do some antique shopping along Main Street (sometimes you find real hidden gems!). The Barstow Station - a quirky, retro complex, is a must-see. Plus, it's a good launchpad for hiking in the Mojave, or just general desert exploring. And the sunsets? Magnificent. Seriously, the sky puts on a show. Just find a good spot, grab a drink (and maybe a snack, because, again, the breakfasts...), and watch the colors change. It's truly something.
Speaking of magnificent sunsets... I once tried to take a time-lapse of one. It ended up being a time-lapse of me, hopelessly fiddling with my phone, while the sun just... set. It was beautiful. And a disaster.
Are there any decent restaurants in Barstow? Or am I doomed to fast food?
Okay, the food situation in Barstow is...eclectic. You'll find all the usual fast-food suspects (which, hey, sometimes is exactly what you need after a long day on the road). But there are also some hidden gems! Do some research before you go. Yelp is your friend (or, you know, Google reviews). You might find a surprisingly good Mexican place, a decent diner with classic comfort food, or even a local BBQ joint. Don't expect Michelin-starred dining, but you *can* find some tasty options. The key is to be adventurous (and maybe a little willing to forgive a minor food-related mishap or two).
I, personally, have a soft spot for diners. There's something comforting about a greasy spoon, a bottomless cup of coffee, and the sounds of locals chatting. It's part of the experience.
Tell me more about that exploding coffee pot. Please.
Alright, you twisted my arm. Buckle up. This was a few years back, and it was *early*. Like, pre-dawn early. We were checking out of the Travelodge (yes, the one in Barstow, of course). I needed coffee. Needed it desperately. This particular Travelodge's continental breakfast was… well, you can imagine. I'd brought my own instant coffee and a cheap, travel-sized electric kettle. Seemed like a good plan, right? Wrong.
I filled the kettle, plugged it in, and waited. The water started boiling. I poured the boiling water into a travel mug, added my instant coffee (which, by the way, was the good stuff). Then, *BOOM*! The kettle. Exploded. Not a dramatic, Hollywood-style explosion, more of an over-pressurized, plastic-shrapnel-everywhere kind of explosion. It was all over the counter, all over me, and I'm pretty sure a piece of plastic hit the ceiling. I was covered in hot water and tiny bits of plastic. And there was still no coffee.
The worst part? I was so tired, and so desperate for caffeine, that my first thought wasn’t "Oh my god, I need to clean up this mess!" My first thought was, and I quote, "Well, that's ruined the morning." Followed quickly by a quiet, defeated, "Now what?" After which, I managed to clean it and still find a decent cup of coffee down the road, but I could never look at a kettle the same way. Lesson learned: double-check your electrical appliances, and maybe pack some pre-made coffee next time.
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