Escape to Paradise: Your St. John's Marriott Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? More Like a Rambling Adventure: My St. John's Marriott Getaway (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Randomness)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, ‘cause this isn’t your average, pristine hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly chaotic account of my recent escape to the St. John's Marriott, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. A good one, for the most part, but definitely not without its, shall we say, quirks.
First off, the name "Escape to Paradise" – high expectations, right? Well, let’s just say paradise requires a little… adjustment, and a healthy dose of acceptance of the wonderfully unpredictable.
Accessibility: The First Hurdle (and Triumph!)
I'm gonna be brutally honest here – accessibility is hugely important to me, and the Marriott in St. John’s gets a mixed bag of stars on that front. The website touted "Facilities for disabled guests," which always makes me a little nervous. I mean, what does that really mean? Okay, here’s what I found:
- Wheelchair Accessible? Yes! Getting around the public areas was surprisingly smooth. Elevators were readily available, and the lobby was spacious. Major plus, they actually understood the concept of widening pathways. Score one for sensible design.
- Accessible Rooms: Didn’t try one myself, but there's a good chance they have facilities.
Now, where they really succeeded was in the…
- Handy People
The elevators were always great!
Internet: Wi-Fi Woes and Wins
Alright, let's talk internet. Because, let's face it, in this digital age, a dodgy connection is a vacation dealbreaker.
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Hooray! This is a big win. You know, you're in your room, feeling like you've been on the road for a week, and at least you have some reliable internet…
- Internet Access – Wireless: Okay, so it was mostly reliable. There were moments, like when I was trying to upload a particularly flattering selfie, that the Wi-Fi decided to take a nap. And then, suddenly, back up!
- Internet [LAN]: I didn't even attempt to use the LAN connection. Who even uses LAN anymore?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster
Okay, the food situation… this is where things get interesting. The Marriott offers a kaleidoscope of options, some truly excellent and some… well, let’s just say they added to the charm.
- Restaurants: Okay, gotta give props to the main restaurant. The international cuisine was solid. Western cuisine was pretty good. The breakfast buffet was decent.
- Poolside Bar: This was my jam. Ordered a drink and enjoyed the scenery.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Perfect for those late-night snack attacks (like the ones I developed while writing this review!). The service was prompt, and the food was… edible, but nothing to write home about.
- Snack Bar: The snack bar was pretty good, with some great treats.
Things to Do: Spa Days and Splashing Around
Now, this is where the "escape to paradise" part actually kicked in, or at least, tried to.
- Spa: Yes! Yes, yes, yes! The spa was the highlight, a true oasis of calm. The sauna, the steamroom - all fantastic. The massage was incredible. I swear, my shoulders released years of tension. Pure bliss. I may have actually groaned with pleasure.
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: A great pool, but I don't really use them.
- Fitness Center: I’m not a gym rat but the fitness center looked decent.
- Pool with a View: It had one, and it was beautiful!
- Foot bath:
- Spa/Sauna:
- Steamroom:
- Body scrub:
- Body wrap:
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 Conundrums
Okay, let’s get real. Traveling during a pandemic is a whole thing. Fortunately, the Marriott was taking it seriously, though it wasn't always a seamless experience.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I saw staff diligently cleaning, which was reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! And it was actually available.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I certainly hope so!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: I appreciated this effort.
- Safe dining setup: Tables were spaced out, and staff wore masks. However, the buffet… well, let’s just say it required a certain level of trust in your fellow guests.
- Hygiene certification:
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter:
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The Marriott provided a range of services, some excellent, some… less so.
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always well-maintained.
- Elevator:
- Laundry service:
- Luggage storage:
- Car park [free of charge]: Score! Free parking is always a win.
- Front desk [24-hour]:
For the Kids: Fun for the Whole Family
I didn't see many children, so I can't speak to this one much, but it seems child-friendly.
- Babysitting service:
- Family/child friendly:
- Kids facilities:
- Kids meal:
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty
Let's dive into the actual rooms because that's where you will spend the most time.
- Air conditioning: The air conditioning worked perfectly – a lifesaver.
- Alarm clock:
- Bathrobes:
- Bathroom phone:
- Bathtub:
- Blackout curtains:
- Closet:
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- Complimentary tea:
- Daily housekeeping:
- Desk:
- Extra long bed:
- Free bottled water:
- Hair dryer:
- High floor:
- In-room safe box:
- Interconnecting room(s) available:
- Internet access – wireless:
- Ironing facilities:
- Laptop workspace:
- Linens:
- Mini bar:
- Mirror:
- Non-smoking:
- Private bathroom:
- Reading light:
- Shower:
- Slippers:
- Smoke detector:
- Socket near the bed:
- Sofa:
- Soundproofing:
- Telephone:
- Toiletries:
- Towels:
- Umbrella:
- Visual alarm:
- Wake-up service:
- Wi-Fi [free]:
- Window that opens:
The Verdict: Worth the Trip?
Okay, so, did I "Escape to Paradise?" Well… not exactly. But did I have a good, memorable, and sometimes hilarious experience at the St. John’s Marriott? Absolutely.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Pros: Fantastic spa! Generally good service. Good location. Cleanliness was a priority.
- Cons: Spotty Wi-Fi. Some minor food inconsistencies.
Would I recommend it? Yes, I would. Especially if you're looking for a relaxing getaway with accessibility in mind, and you're willing to embrace the charmingly unpredictable nature of travel. Just remember to pack your sense of humor, and you'll be golden. Final Score: 7.5/10 (With extra points for the spa escapism!)
Marriott Boston Quincy: Unbeatable Quincy, MA Hotel Deals!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-organized travel itinerary. We're going to St. John's, Newfoundland, and it's gonna get REAL. We're staying at the Courtyard by Marriott because, let's be honest, sometimes you just want predictability, even if the rest of the trip is basically a chaotic masterpiece of questionable decisions.
The "Oh God, What Have I Gotten Myself Into?" Itinerary: St. John's Edition
Day 1: Arrival & The Initial Panic of Being Somewhere New
- 1:00 PM: Land at St. John's International Airport (YYT). Pray the baggage handlers haven't shredded my precious, irreplaceable, slightly-too-small-for-the-carry-on suitcase.
- Anecdote: Last time I flew, the airline lost my bag for three days. Three DAYS! I had to buy a toothbrush. A toothbrush! The indignity! Now I'm clutching my bag like it's a newborn.
- 1:30 PM: Pick up rental car. Hopefully, it's not a clunker. Last time I rented a car, the windshield wipers died in a torrential downpour. Not ideal.
- 2:30 PM: Check into Courtyard by Marriott. Ah, the sweet, familiar predictability of a chain hotel. Clean sheets, a comfy bed… at least ONE thing in my life is under control. Or so I hope.
- Quirky Observation: The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and ambition. I swear, the front desk guy has the kind of practiced smile that could sell ice to Eskimos. Wonder what secrets that smile is hiding?
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Unpack. Immediately assess emotional state. Did I remember my lucky socks? (Essential for good luck, obviously.)
- Emotional Reaction: Mild panic sets in. Everything feels… different. New air, new smells, different people. Gotta breathe, gotta breathe. This is supposed to be relaxing, right? Right??
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Quick reconnaissance mission. Walk around the hotel. Figure out the lay of the land. Locate the coffee machine. (Priorities, people!)
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at a nearby pub, recommended by the hotel. Because when in Newfoundland, eat like a Newfoundlander, or at least, try to. I'm hoping for something hearty, something sustaining. Maybe even a singalong.
- Rambling thought: What if I don't like the food? What if I offend a local? What if I accidentally end up in a bar fight? (Unlikely, but still.) And what about the accents? I better be prepared!
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: Unwind. Watch some TV (maybe find a local show, get a taste of the culture). Check emails. Feel slightly less overwhelmed. Hope.
Day 2: Discovering the Charming Chaos of the City
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Fuel up. Gotta face the day somehow.
- 9:00 AM: Driving through the city, visiting the colourful houses of "Jellybean Row." The colour is amazing!
- Emotional reaction/Opinion: Holy moly! The houses! The colours! I wasn't expecting this, and I'm absolutely charmed. This is pure, unadulterated joy. This might be the prettiest thing I've ever seen.
- Messy Observation: Wait, are all these houses really that colourful? Or am I hallucinating from the jet lag? I should probably take some pictures, but the light is… weird. And my camera is probably dead.
- 10:30 AM: Explore Signal Hill National Historic Site. Walk to the top. Take in the view. Try not to fall over.
- Quirky Observation: The wind! It's like being slapped in the face by a giant, salty hand. I can see why the signal station was important. Also, I can see the entire city, laid out before me. Incredible.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch somewhere local. Ask for recommendations. Embrace the messy beauty of chance.
- Rambling Thought: Should I try cod tongues? Or should I stick with something safer? This is the kind of decision that keeps me up at night.
- 1:30 PM: Explore the shops downtown, maybe find a souvenir I regret buying later.
- 3:00 PM: Go whale watching. A whole boat ride on the boat, looking for whales.
- Emotional Reaction: The anticipation is killing me! This is what I came for! OMG I can't wait to see a whale!
- 5:00 PM: See the whales.
- Emotional Reaction: Tears. Actual tears. This is the most beautiful, the most magical thing I've ever seen. I will never see a whale again ever, and it will be my favourite memory forever.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Celebrate seeing the whales. Maybe try a fancy restaurant. Maybe eat fish. Maybe drink a lot of wine.
- Opinionated Language: This needs to be followed by the best meal of my life, worthy of the gods.
Day 3: The Day of Regrets (and Redemption?)
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in! Needed that.
- 10:00 AM: Brunch at a recommended cafe.
- 11:00 AM: Visit Cape Spear.
- Quirky Imperfection: I was expecting dramatic cliffs and crashing waves and the easternmost point of North America… But the wind is awful and the lighthouse is smaller than I expected. Sigh.
- 1:00 PM: Pack the day away. Grab a lunch and move to the hotel room.
- 2:00 PM: Go to the museum.
- 4:00 PM: Pack.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner and last-minute shopping.
- 7:00 PM: Last night in Saint John, time to celebrate.
Day 4: Departure. (And the Promise to Return)
- 8:00 AM: Checkout.
- 9:00 AM: Say goodbye to the friendly staff.
- 10:00 AM: Drive to the airport.
- 11:00 AM: Check in. Hope for the best.
- 1:00 PM: Fly away.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: A feeling of profound sadness, and an immediate urge to book another trip. Newfoundland, you beautiful, chaotic, wind-swept place, I'll be back. I promise.
- Final Thought: I will have to find a way to buy a little house there, and live the rest of my life.
Escape to Paradise: Your St. John's Marriott Getaway Awaits! - FAQs (and My Two Cents)
Okay, so... is St. John's actually paradise? Like, *really* paradise? Because I've been sold a few things, and let's just say my expectations are higher than the price of lobster these days.
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because I'm about to give it to you *real*. Is St. John's paradise? Well, it's complicated. The water is *spectacular*. Seriously, turquoise you could swim in for days. The beaches? Pure, soft, white gold. But let's not pretend it's all rainbows and unicorns. It *can* get crowded. And let's be frank, sometimes the service feels a little… island-time-y. You know? But, when you're sprawled on that sand with a rum punch and the sun kissing your face...yeah, it leans heavily into the paradise side of things. Just pack your patience, and you'll be golden. And if you are going to paradise, the Marriott is on your side. Mostly, I'll get into that later.
What's the *actual* difference between the Marriott and, like, a beachfront shack? (Besides the price, obviously.)
Okay, so you *can* get a beachfront shack. Believe me, I've considered it. But the Marriott… ah, the Marriott. First, the AC. Crucial! Second, the comfortable bed. After a day of sun and swimming, a decent night's sleep is EVERYTHING. A shack? Well, you might be battling rogue mosquitoes *and* your own backache. Then there’s the pool, the bar… the *room service*! Look, sometimes you just don't *want* to cook after a day of snorkeling. The Marriott offers a certain… ease. It's about convenience, and the ability to just *relax* without worrying about the basics. Like clean towels. And running water. Trust me, it's a game-changer. Also, the staff knows a thing or two about tourism; they won't give you the stink eye for asking where to find somewhere to eat.
The food… Spill it! Is it all bland tourist fare, or is there actual *flavor* to be found? I'm a foodie, don't judge.
Food, glorious food! Okay, so the Marriott itself... well, let's just say it's not winning any Michelin stars. But that's not the point. The real magic lies *outside* the hotel. Walk, or take a taxi (prices are...negotiable, let's say), and EXPLORE. The local restaurants? Oh, the *flavor*! Fresh seafood, jerk chicken that'll make you weep tears of joy (and maybe regret that extra scotch bonnet pepper), and rice and peas that'll have you begging for the recipe. DO NOT miss out on the local markets. The spices, the fruits… it's an explosion of color and taste. Just try to remember to tip – they work hard for their money.
What's the vibe? Is it all families with screaming kids, or can a solo traveler/couple find some peace and quiet? I *need* my peace, people.
The vibe… it really depends on the time of year. School holidays? Yeah, brace yourself for the screaming kids. But during the off-season? Bliss. The Marriott tries to cater to everyone, which means there's a bit of a blend. The pool area might get lively, but the beach… that's your sanctuary. Find a quiet spot, bury your toes in the sand, and let the waves wash your worries away. Honestly, I'm a solo traveler, and I'm good with either: kids make for great people-watching, and they're usually in bed by eight. Plus, everyone else is on vacation, so there's a general sense of… chill. Just don't expect utter silence all the time, ya know?
Okay, let's talk about rooms. I'm hoping for something better than a shoebox with a view of a parking lot. Tell me about the room situation.
The rooms… okay. They're generally okay. Not *jaw-dropping*. But they're clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned (seriously, thank the heavens for AC). The views… that's where things get interesting. *Try* to get a room with a sea view. Seriously, it's worth the extra. Waking up to that turquoise water? Pure magic. I made the mistake of not requesting a sea view once, and ended up staring at a palm tree for a week. Not ideal. And honestly, they are pretty good on the inside. My only real complaint? That I always feel like I am supposed to be in a commercial for the hotel. They're all *very* put together, which can be fine at the start of vacation when you feel the same way, but by day three, you're in your PJs, and it can be a little much.
Is the Marriott's beach *actually* nice? Or is it one of those "hotel beaches" where you have to fight for space?
The beach... *that's* what I'm talking about! The Marriott's beach is genuinely lovely. Soft sand, crystal-clear water, and (usually) plenty of space. You can rent a beach chair and umbrella, but honestly, I prefer to just spread out a towel and bask in the sun. The water is perfect for swimming, and there's usually some snorkeling to be done right off the shore. But don't expect complete solitude. It's a hotel beach, after all. But, that's where you are at the end of the day, isn't it? Also, on the beach? They sell daiquiris. That's all you need to know.
What are the must-do activities? Beyond just lying on the beach (though, let's be honest, that's a strong contender).
Okay, so you *should* lie on the beach. A lot. But, yeah, there's more to life than sunbathing, I guess. Snorkeling is a MUST. The marine life is incredible. Seriously, I saw a sea turtle once, and I almost cried. Go on a boat trip. Explore the island. Visit the local markets. Get lost. That’s what vacations, and life, really is. The Marriott can set you up with excursions, but I recommend exploring your own. Also, get yourself a massage by the beach, even if it makes you feel decadent. You’re on vacation. You deserve it.
Is the staff helpful/friendly? Because some hotels, you know, you just feel like you're annoying them.
The staff… it's a mixed bag. Some are incredibly helpful and friendly, going above and beyond to make your stay enjoyable. Some… well, let's just say they operate on island time. Don't expect lightning-fast service. Be patient. Smile. Be polite. AQuick Hotel Finder
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