Unbelievable Utica Getaway: Delta Hotels by Marriott Review!
Unbelievable Utica Getaway: Delta Hotels by Marriott Review – My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Take!
Alright, folks, buckle up. This isn't your typical cookie-cutter hotel review. This is YOUR experience with the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Utica, NY… filtered through my peculiar brand of slightly stressed-out, endlessly curious traveler. Let's get messy, shall we?
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First Impressions & Accessibility (the stuff I need to know):
Okay, so Utica. I wasn't expecting much, truth be told. But the Delta Hotels by Marriott? Surprisingly slick. The exterior isn't showstopping, but it's clean and modern. Accessibility deserves a HUGE shout-out. From the moment I pulled up, I noticed ramps, automatic doors, and the whole nine yards. This is huge for anyone with mobility issues. Wheelchair accessible is a definite YES. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always appreciate seeing a hotel that prioritizes inclusivity. Bonus points for the easily accessible elevator! No death-defying staircase climbs after a long drive.
(Emotional Reaction: Phew! I actually relaxed a little knowing I didn't have to worry about navigating a maze of steps. That's a win.)
Internet & Tech Stuff (because we live in the future):
Let's be honest, the Internet is a dealbreaker. We're all addicted. Thankfully, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a Godsend. Reliable too – I’m not gonna lie, I practically lived on the Zoom calls for work. Not the sexiest part of a getaway, but essential. I actually did manage to get a decent connection in the lobby - no more of those frustrating buffering pauses! Internet access – wireless was reliable even in the public areas. There’s also Internet [LAN] if you're old-school like my dad (who still prefers a wired connection). Good options, Marriott.
(Quirky Observation: Seriously considering writing a novella about the existential angst of a buffering video call in a hotel lobby. The drama!)
The Room: My Kingdom for a Blackout Curtain!
My room? Comfortable. Decent size. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver (Utica in summer gets HUMID!). Air conditioning in public area too. The Bed was comfy, the Bathrobes plush. The Blackout curtains? Bless them. They were clutch. Essential after a night of… well, let's just say "celebrating" and leave it at that. There were Extra long beds available, which is a nice touch for tall people. I did notice a lack of USB plugs near the bed, which is a minor inconvenience in 2024.
(Anecdote: I may or may not have accidentally set the Alarm clock for the wrong time. Cue a frantic 6 AM wake-up call. My own fault. But the blackout curtains helped me crawl back to sleep!)
There was a Coffee/tea maker, which I abused mercilessly. Complimentary tea was a welcome addition. The Refrigerator was handy for storing leftovers (don't judge my takeout habits). I also had a Desk, which was great for…you guessed it, more work stuff. Ironing facilities and an Ironing service are available, but I didn't use them. I’m going for a “lived-in look” these days.
Bathroom Bonanza:
The Private bathroom was clean and functional. Toiletries were the usual hotel fare, but they got the job done. Shower pressure was decent. I appreciated the Separate shower/bathtub combo. (Slippers provided – bonus points for pampering!) Additional toilet wasn't available but I didn't need it.
(Emotional Reaction: The hot water was amazing after a long day. Small pleasures, people. Small pleasures.)
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (Let’s Face It, This is Important!):
Okay, the food situation. This is where things get interesting. There were Restaurants on-site, plural! And a Bar for that post-commute (ahem, I mean, "post-work") cocktail. Breakfast [buffet] was the deal! Buffet in restaurant, yes! Western breakfast, too!. Asian breakfast… okay, I didn't see any. I had some coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop options were available. I didn't check out Desserts in restaurant.
(Rambling Thought: Is there a perfect hotel buffet? I think it might be a quest worthy of a hero's journey. Gotta have the scrambled eggs, the bacon, the tiny muffins… the works!)
The Spa: A Moment of Pure Bliss (and a Slightly Embarrassing Encounter):
Now, the real reason I booked this place: the spa! The Spa/sauna and the Spa in general. I went for a Massage. It was divine. The masseuse was incredibly skilled, and I melted into a puddle of pure relaxation. They also had a steamroom, a sauna, and a Swimming pool (indoor), and a Pool with view… though I did not see any view. I did not get a Body wrap or a Body scrub, though I was tempted.
(Stream-of-consciousness: The massage… the oils… the quiet… I almost fell asleep mid-treatment and… well, okay, I did actually snore a little. Mortifying. But also, bliss.)
And then… a Run In with an Awkward Situation.
They had a Fitness center with some good equipment. There was a serious gym rat hitting it hard. I needed just a treadmill so I could maintain my fitness. I was not sure about the Gym/fitness since I did not check out the Foot bath.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because We’re Living in the Modern Age):
This is an area where the Delta Hotels shines. They are clearly taking hygiene seriously. The Daily disinfection in common areas was visible. There was Hand sanitizer everywhere. I saw Staff trained in safety protocol. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items reassured me, and the fact there were cashless payment service was good!
(Opinionated Language: Frankly, I expect this level of cleanliness these days. They absolutely nailed it.)
Other Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter):
Daily housekeeping was excellent. Luggage storage was super helpful. They had a Concierge who seemed to know everything about Utica. Dry cleaning, laundry service. There’s a Convenience store, but I didn't need it. I appreciated the Elevator.
(Funny observation: I witnessed a family trying to cram a mountain of souvenirs into their car in the parking lot. I just had to smile. Hotel life!)
For the Kids (If You're Traveling with Tiny Humans):
The Delta Hotels is definitely Family/child friendly. There was Babysitting service, and I saw the Kids facilities.
Getting Around (The Important Logistics):
They had a Car park [free of charge]. Nice and easy.
(Imperfection: I got a little lost in the parking lot. It's vast, people!)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Beyond the Spa):
Utica itself surprised me! There were things to do, and the hotel was a great base. They had a Terrace, perfect for a pre-dinner cocktail. They had Meetings and Meeting/banquet facilities. Other options are available.
(Stronger emotional reactions: Okay, Utica, I get it. You're… unexpected. There's a certain charm here. I'll be back! And I'll probably be staying at the Delta!)
Final Verdict:
The Delta Hotels by Marriott in Utica gets a solid thumbs up from me. It's clean, comfortable, accessible, and it has an amazing spa. The staff were lovely. It's not perfect (no hotel is!), but it’s a great choice for a low-key, relaxing getaway.
(The Messy, Human Conclusion):
Would I go back? Absolutely. And maybe this time, I’ll even try the body wrap… and try not to snore so loudly. Don't judge!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sterile, pre-packaged itinerary. This is a real attempt to survive the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Utica, NY. Wish me luck, I'm probably going to need it.
The Utica Odyssey: A Slightly Unhinged Travel Plan
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Utica Mystery
1:00 PM (ish): Touchdown at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Okay, so technically, we’re not in Utica yet. Syracuse. Whatever. The drive. The anticipation! The vague feeling that I've maybe, possibly, forgotten something crucial. (Like, did I actually book the hotel? Did I pack underwear? Ah, the eternal questions.)
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM: The Great Car Rental Fiasco. Fingers crossed for no delays or (god forbid) a car with a suspiciously loud engine. Last time I rented a car, I ended up with a vehicle that sounded like a dying walrus. Utica, here I come!
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Check-in at Delta Hotels by Marriott Utica. Pray for a room that doesn't face the highway or the fire escape (because, let's be honest, I've seen some things in fire escapes). More importantly, pray the check-in process is swift and painless. I am NOT in the mood to explain to a mildly judgmental front desk clerk that I've forgotten the printed confirmation.
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance. Unpack. (Underwear status confirmed, thankfully). Assess the aesthetic. Is it bland? Is it beige? Is there a weird smell? These are the pressing questions of hotel room survival. Also, hunt for the elusive coffee maker. Caffeine is a survival skill.
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM: "Explore" (read: wander vaguely and try not to look like a lost tourist) the hotel. Locate the gym (maybe). Scope out the pool (tempted). Find the bar (crucial).
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant (The "something" Grill). This is where it gets dicey. Hotel restaurants are a gamble. It could be a culinary delight, or it could be the type of food you eat out of sheer hunger and regret later. Let's roll the dice!
7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: A drink at the bar (assuming I’m still alive and breathing after dinner). People-watching commences. This is where the real storytelling happens. Listen in to the quiet dramas playing out around you.
8:00 PM - Bedtime (whenever the exhaustion hits): Netflix and chill in the room. Or maybe a short and a whiskey in the bar again. This is what vacation is about, right? Trying to unwind, even just a little bit.
Day 2: Utica, Unleashed. (Maybe)
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Curse my alarm clock. Stumble towards the coffee maker. Evaluate the level of sleep deprivation. Realize the sun is probably out.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Pray it involves something vaguely resembling a fruit or a vegetable. Hotel breakfasts are notorious. Will I be tempted by the sad-looking pastries? Almost certainly.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Uticaland! (Okay, so that’s not a real place, but it sounds like a place, right?)
- Potential Activities:
- The Utica Zoo: Animals are always good.
- Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute: Art? Culture? Pretending to be sophisticated? Sold.
- Driving around: Exploring neighborhoods and finding hidden gems? Yes!
- Schenectady: Just drive there and back. Because why not?
- Potential Activities:
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch somewhere in Utica. Local establishment is the goal. Avoid the chains. Embrace the deliciousness (or the potential disaster) of a local deli.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Back to Uticaland, or Maybe a Nap. If the day goes well, time to stretch out, maybe hit the gym, recharge, and get ready for what’s next.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pool Time!! (If I’m feeling brave). I’m usually more of a “sweat in the gym” kind of person, but hey, living a little is important, right? Plus, no one can see me judging myself.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Another dinner somewhere. This time, it’s not the hotel, maybe a recommendation from someone I met at the bar. Crossing fingers for something edible.
7:00 PM - Whenever: More bar time! Or maybe a late-night stroll.
Day 3: The Farewell Utica Blues
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Same drill as yesterday, but with a stronger sense of impending doom (departure, you see). Last chance for mediocre coffee!
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Final breakfast. Say goodbye to the hotel food, and hopefully, good riddance.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Pack up. Attempt to remember where all my things are. Pray I haven't left anything crucial behind.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check out. Smile politely at the front desk clerk. (Even if I'm secretly judging their choice of hairstyle).
11:00 AM: Head to Syracuse Airport, or whatever.
* Departure: Reflect on the Utica adventure while on the plane. What did I learn? Probably that I need more coffee. And maybe, just maybe, that Utica isn't as bad as I thought. Or maybe it is. The jury's still out.
Important Notes (and Ramblings):
- Pacing: This is a loose plan. Feel free to deviate. In fact, deviation is encouraged. That’s where the good stories come from.
- Food: I am a foodie (of sorts). I will judge every single meal, and I’ll probably complain about the lack of decent coffee.
- Emotions: Prepare for a rollercoaster. I get excited, I get grumpy, I get introspective. It's a journey, people.
- Imperfect Travel: Things will go wrong. Plans will fall apart. Embrace the chaos. It's part of the fun (at least, that's what I tell myself).
- The Bar: The hotel bar is a crucial element in this trip. It’s the place to eavesdrop, make awkward small talk, and maybe even find some inspiration for your own adventures.
So, there you have it. My slightly insane, potentially disastrous, and hopefully memorable plan for surviving Utica, NY, and the Delta Hotels by Marriott. Wish me luck, and maybe, just maybe, I'll return with some actual stories to tell. Or at least, some good bar anecdotes.
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So, did this "Unbelievable Utica Getaway" *actually* live up to the name? Spill the tea!
Alright, alright, settle down. "Unbelievable" is a *strong* word, isn't it? Honestly? No. Not in the "mind-blowing, life-altering experience" sense. More like... unexpectedly pleasant and totally Utica-centric. Look, I went in expecting, well, *Utica*. Y'know? I wasn't exactly picturing a Parisian palace. But! (And this is a big but, folks) I walked out feeling like I'd…had a *good* time. Which, for a solo traveler who mostly communicates with their cat, is saying something.
Let's talk rooms. Were they, like, clean? (Hygiene is important, people!)
Okay, yes. The room was…clean. Thank God. My standards are, admittedly, pretty low after a few questionable Airbnbs. But the Delta? Surprisingly spotless. No mystery stains on the carpet (a personal victory!), no lurking dust bunnies plotting world domination. The bathroom? Sparkly. The bed? Actually comfy. I’m pretty sure I spent approximately 12 hours out of a 24-hour period horizontal on that very bed. It was glorious. And I might’ve accidentally taken home an extra packet of the fancy shampoo. Don't judge me.
The pool! Tell me EVERYTHING about the pool! (Because, let's be honest, the pool is the cornerstone of any good hotel experience).
The pool... okay, the pool. Here's the thing. It wasn't *bad*. It was... functional. Imagine a standard hotel pool, rectangular, chlorinated, with a slight smell of… well, chlorine. It's not a tropical paradise. But it delivered on its promise of liquid fun! I even braved a quick dip. Let me tell you, after a day of exploring Utica (more on that later…), that cool water was a gift. Plus, I managed to get a whole hour of undisturbed floating. Pure. Bliss. Side note: I saw a tiny child attempt to wear a floatation device as a hat. I almost drowned laughing. Almost.
Breakfast. The make-or-break of any hotel stay. What's the deal?
The breakfast buffet. Oh, the breakfast buffet. Where culinary dreams are made…and sometimes shattered. The Delta’s buffet was… decent. Standard hotel fare: scrambled eggs that may or may not be made of actual eggs, rubbery bacon that I devoured like a starving wolf, and surprisingly good coffee (this is *crucial* when operating on minimal sleep and maximum existential dread). The best part? The waffle machine. Folks, if you know, you *know*. Perfectly browned, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. I may or may not have eaten four. Judgment-free zone, remember?
Utica, Utica, Utica. Was there anything to *do* in Utica? (Besides, you know, existing?)
Okay, so here's where things get interesting. Utica. Look, I went in with zero expectations. Zero. I'm talking "empty mental void" levels of expectations. And you know what? Utica surprised me! I spent an entire afternoon wandering around, checking out local shops (found a fantastic vintage bookstore – score!), and even managed to visit a local brewery. The people were genuinely friendly. I even struck up a conversation with a woman in a diner about… well, about everything. It was a weird and wonderful experience. Utica, man. Utica's got something going on. It just takes a little digging.
Let's talk staff. Were they, you know, human? Or just robots in uniforms?
The staff? Actually… surprisingly pleasant. They weren't overly effusive, which I appreciated. I’m not a fan of forced smiles. But they were helpful, efficient, and always willing to offer directions (because let's be real, I got lost more than once). One of the front desk folks even gave me a recommendation for a local pizza place that was *out of this world*. Seriously. Utican pizza is a thing, folks. A delicious, cheesy, carb-loaded *thing*. I’m still dreaming about it. And yes, they seemed human. Which is always a bonus, right?
Okay, biggest letdown? What was the ONE thing that made you internally scream?
Okay, here’s the truth bomb. Now. This is a tiny, tiny thing, but it kinda… it irked me. The elevators. The elevators were SLOW. Like, glacial-speed slow. It's the kind of slow that makes you contemplate taking the stairs, even if you're on the tenth floor. I’m pretty sure one of them got stuck for a solid five minutes while I was in it. In those five minutes I had an entire existential crisis: I’m claustrophobic. I’m dependent on civilization to function. What if that elevator *never* opened? What if I became a permanent Utica resident by unintentional elevator imprisonment? I am sure the staff got used to hearing a little groan of impatience from me every morning. This is truly the biggest, and I mean *biggest* imperfection. If they just sped those elevators up a little, it would be perfect.
So, final verdict! Would you go back to the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Utica?
Honestly? Yeah, I probably would. It wasn't a luxury experience by any means. But it was clean, comfortable, and the staff were decent. And the biggest takeaway? Utica itself. The city charmed me, against all odds. I would. If I needed a comfortable place to stay, with a good bed and reliable waffle maker, the Delta would be my pick. Sure, the elevators are slow, but I can live with that. And the pizza… oh, the pizza. Yup, I’d go back. And maybe this time, I'll try the gym... or at least, look at it.
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