Unbelievable Wilkes-Barre Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Awaits!
Unbelievable Wilkes-Barre Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites - Or, My Unexpectedly Pleasant Pennsylvania Pilgrimage
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your polished, corporate-speak review. This is me, unfiltered, after a whirlwind trip to… Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Yes, that Wilkes-Barre. And, surprisingly, I had a blast. And it was largely thanks to the… wait for it… Fairfield Inn & Suites. I know, I know, it's not the Ritz. But for a budget traveler with slightly elevated expectations (okay, maybe a lot elevated), it seriously delivered.
First, the Basics – A Little Bit About Me & Why I Chose This Place
Look, I'm a creature of comfort, but I hate paying for it. I'm talking, "would wear pajamas on a date" level comfort. I needed a place with easy access (because… well, sometimes I overpack. Judge me). Accessibility was a big one too; I'm not exactly a gazelle, and uneven surfaces are a personal nemesis. And, let's be honest, free Wi-Fi and a decent bed are non-negotiables. The Fairfield checked all those boxes, and then some. Plus, the reviews were… surprisingly positive. So, against my better judgment, I dove in.
The Accessibility Angle: Blessedly Easy
Okay, HUGE props to the Fairfield here. This place is… well, it's a game-changer for anyone who appreciates smooth transitions. Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely. Ramps, elevators, the whole shebang. No awkward steps, no narrow doorways. Just… easy. This, friends, is a HUGE win. And the fact that the entire hotel felt accessible, not just a token "accessible room," really made a difference. Makes you feel like a guest, not a burden.
My Room: Sanctuary (and the Occasional Sock Thief)
My room was… lovely. Not "ooh la la" luxury, but warm, clean, and functional. Free Wi-Fi? Spot on. Seriously, the internet connection was fast and reliable enough to stream movies (important research, obviously). And the bed? Oh, the bed. That glorious, extra-long bed! I am not a small person. And I love space. The mattress was supportive, the pillows fluffy, and I slept like a baby. (Okay, a baby who occasionally wakes up to raid the mini-fridge for a midnight snack. But still, a good night's sleep!)
- The Details: Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Saved me from the brutal Pennsylvania sunlight. Coffee maker? Essential. Ironing facilities? (Sigh…) Yes. And a laptop workspace, because even on vacation, the emails never stop. There was even a little closet - good for my clothes, and also, mysteriously, the place my socks apparently went to die, a common occurrence for me.
- Side note: They also had the basics covered – alarm clock, hair dryer, toiletries. (Though, I ALWAYS bring my own shampoo and conditioner. Trust me, you'll thank me.)
Cleanliness & Safety: Peace of Mind, Pennsylvania Edition
This is where the Fairfield really shines. Coming out of the pandemic, I'm all about cleanliness, and this place nailed it. The room was immaculate. Seriously, I'm talking, "could eat off the floor" clean (though, I wouldn't, just in case). I saw staff disinfecting common areas constantly. They were practicing physical distancing, and had all the sanitizing stations you could ask for, not just in the lobby, but everywhere you go. They even had these little individually-wrapped food options (more on that later…) and a cashless payment system, which I appreciated. You could tell they actually took the safety part seriously. Between stays, there was also room sanitization, so you could opt-out if you wanted the room cleaned. All the safety features were on-point - fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, 24-hour security, etc. It was reassuring.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: (Mostly) Pleasantly Surprised
Okay, so I’m not expecting Michelin star dining at a Fairfield Inn, and I didn't get it. But, honestly? It exceeded expectations.
- The Breakfast Buffet: This was the real star. Buffet without the buffet – it was a takeaway service. Individually wrapped danishes, hot options, all the standard fare: scrambled eggs, sausage, the breakfast tater tots of the gods. While I prefer a sit-down breakfast, this was super convenient for the early start I had planned.
- The Coffee Shop: It was a simple affair, but a solid cup of coffee is a lifesaver. Not that I needed rescuing, however.
- The Snack Bar: Not too sure about this, but I am sure that there WAS one.
- The Restaurants: There were restaurants in the hotel, apparently, but I had no time to visit.
Things to do: Beyond the Perimeter
Let's be honest, Wilkes-Barre isn’t exactly known for its swanky nightlife, or world-class spa experiences. But, I didn't come for that. (Okay, maybe a massage and spa would have been nice, but the Fairfield offered neither. Too bad!)
- Fitness Center: They had a decent fitness center that I, sadly, didn’t use (see: Pajama comment above).
- Pool: They had a pool, but it was outdoors, and it was November, do the math.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
This is where the Fairfield really surprised me. They had everything!
- The Front Desk: 24/7! Always a plus.
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly – even helped me figure out where to get some local grub.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room always felt fresh and clean. Excellent!
- Laundry Service: Got that done!
- Convenience Store: For those late-night snack attacks.
- Car Park (Free of Charge): Essential when you're driving around and trying to have an affordable life!
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
- Car Park (On-Site): Easy parking, always a bonus.
- Airport Transfer: Unavailable, but I wasn't the least bit angry about that.
For the Kids: (I Don't Have Any, But I Noticed)
They had kid-friendly amenities, which is always a plus for families. Babysitting service, family/child friendly vibes – made it a welcoming place for folks with littles.
The Quirks & Imperfections: Because No Place is Perfect
Okay, let’s get real. No place is perfect. Here are a few minor quibbles:
- The elevator: It was a bit slow at times.
- The lack of a spa and massage: I'm just putting it out there! A girl can dream, right?
- The sock thief: Still a mystery.
Final Verdict: Worth the Trip (And the Stay!)
Look, am I going to start wearing a Fairfield Inn t-shirt and join a fan club? Probably not. But I will absolutely recommend this place. For the money, for the location, and especially if you're looking for accessibility, cleanliness, and a generally pleasant experience? The Fairfield Inn & Suites in Wilkes-Barre is a solid win. Would I go back? Absolutely. It was a surprisingly great experience, and I left Wilkes-Barre feeling refreshed, relaxed, and ready to face the world again. (And maybe, just maybe, with a few less missing socks.) Give it a go!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a rollercoaster of a trip to Fairfield Inn & Suites Wilkes-Barre Scranton – or, as I’m already affectionately calling it, "The Wilke-Barre-ville Adventure." Prepare for a schedule that’s less "Swiss watch precision" and more "slightly tipsy toddler with a crayon."
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pizza Quest (aka "Embracing the Unplanned")
- 1:00 PM - Arrive at the hotel. Oh sweet relief! After battling traffic that made the Interstate 81 feel like a parking lot in a zombie apocalypse, I finally arrive! First impression of the Fairfield? Clean, yes. Bland, possibly. But hey, it's a place to dump my bags, and that's gold. Check-in was smooth, thank the travel gods.
- 1:30 PM - The Hunger Strikes My stomach is growling like a caffeinated bear. Someone mentioned pizza was the local delicacy. Excellent. Time to seek this mythical pie. I ask the friendly front desk person (whose name I already forgot, bless their heart) and they point me towards a place called "Pizza Time."
- 2:00 PM - Finding Pizza Time: Oh boy, this place is bustling. Locals, families, all happily stuffing their faces. The smell permeates the air, pure bliss. I order a classic pepperoni, feeling like a true adventurer. Waiting is torture, the smells, the anticipation.
- 2:30 PM - The Pizza Revelation: Okay, I'm officially in pizza heaven. The crust? Perfection. The sauce? A symphony of tomatoey goodness. The cheese? Stretching for miles. I'm demolishing this pizza. I could eat this pizza every day forever. I am now obsessed with Pizza Time.
- 4:00 PM - Nap time: Okay, after that Pizza Time experience, my eyelids are feeling heavy. Time to go to the hotel and relax.
Day 2: Historical Hysteria and a Burger Breakdown (and Finding My People)
- 9:00 AM - Wake up, the breakfast buffet. The hotel breakfast. It exists. Coffee is lukewarm, the scrambled eggs look like they've seen better days but there are some waffles in the tray, which is what I am interested in.
- 10:00 AM - Wilkes-Barre History: I attempt a foray into history. The Luzerne County Historical Society. I'm excited, really I am. The exhibits are interesting. I read a few plaques, which is more than I usually manage. But after an hour, my brain starts to feel overwhelmed. Too many dates, too many names, too much… history. I need a break.
- 12:00 PM - Burger Panic: Lunch becomes a quest for a burger. I wanted a good burger, with crispy fries, and a milkshake. Simple, right? Wrong! The first two places are closed, the third is out of buns, seriously? I'm getting hangry. I end up at a diner, a classic, and order the biggest burger on the menu. It's a behemoth! And the fries, they're salty, perfect! The milkshake is the consistency of concrete, but it's my milkshake damn it.
- 2:00 PM - Meeting the Locals: While waiting for my burger, I got talking with a guy at the counter. Turns out he's lived here his whole life, and his stories… well, let's just say he's seen some things. This is the real Wilkes-Barre. He taught me how to properly say "Yinz". (It's with a slight squint, apparently.) He's proof that the best experiences on the road are the people you meet.
- 4:00 PM - The Hotel Pool of Regret: The hotel has a pool. I decide to take a dip. I'm not a pool person. I get in, it's freezing. I get out. Regret. I spent 5 minutes in the pool and walked away.
- 7:00 PM - Pizza Time - Round 2: Well, after that pool incident, I needed comfort. Pizza Time called out to me. The staff recognized me, which both weird and slightly embarrassing. Nevertheless, pizza. Again. Perhaps a Margherita this time, for variety!
Day 3: Departure and The Pizza Void (aka "The Aftermath")
- 9:00 AM - Bye-Bye Breakfast: Another hotel breakfast, another lukewarm coffee.
- 10:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Scramble: I realize I haven't bought a single souvenir. Uh oh. The hotel gift shop is… well, it exists. I grab a Wilkes-Barre key chain and a magnet. Done.
- 11:00 AM - The Pizza Void: Today is the day of departure. I feel a deep sadness. I will miss my pizza. I will miss Pizza Time. I wonder if they'll have delivery to my house.
- 12:00 PM - Check Out and Goodbye: Checking out of the hotel is quick. I bid farewell to the front desk, feeling a pang of sadness for leaving and the Wilke-Barre-ville.
- 1:00 PM - Back to Reality: Back to the highway, heading toward home. I'm already dreaming of the next Pizza Time experience.
This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, imperfect, and full of unplanned detours. But it was mine. And Pizza Time? That was pure bliss. See you next time Wilkes-Barre! (And Pizza Time, especially!)
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Unbelievable Wilkes-Barre Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Messy FAQ
Seriously, is this getaway REALLY unbelievable? Like, should I cancel my trip to Tahiti?
Okay, let's be brutally honest. Tahiti? Nah. Wilkes-Barre? Well… it's *unbelievable* in the sense that you might believe you're in a low-budget movie about a forgotten town. The Fairfield Inn & Suites? It's clean, it's got a pool (maybe, check the reviews, my memory's fuzzy!), and the continental breakfast is… there. Don't expect miracles. More like, "Oh hey, I’m here" kind of feeling. Unbelievable in the sense of "Wow, I *actually* made it here." And that in itself is a bit unbelievable because I almost tripped getting out of the car. (Spoiler: I blame the luggage handler, even though I am the luggage handler).
What's the absolute BEST thing about the Fairfield Inn? Spill the tea! (or coffee, whatever they have)
Alright, alright, the best thing… hmmm. Okay, this might sound weird, but hear me out. The *silence*. Sometimes, in a hotel, you get this constant hum of activity. Doors slamming, kids screaming, ice machines clanging. But at the Fairfield? It's…quiet. Seriously, I had to check if my hearing was still working. It was like a blissful void of noise. Actually, that’s a lie. The real thing is the comfiness of the bed. I swear, I could have slept there for DAYS. And I almost did. I think I napped for a whole afternoon! Maybe that’s why I can’t remember much else...
Tell me about the "continental breakfast." Is it… passable? A tragedy? A triumph?
The continental breakfast… oh, where do I even begin? It's a journey, my friends. A journey of lukewarm coffee and questionable pastries. The "fresh fruit" is usually a bruised banana and a sad-looking apple. The cereal? Prepare for a sugar rush that lasts until lunchtime. Honestly, I’d recommend smuggling your own granola bars and a thermos of decent coffee. Or, you know, just skip the breakfast entirely and get a decent breakfast sandwich somewhere. I do not recommend the "waffles." They’re… an experience. Let's just leave it at that. (I’m still having therapy for that waffle incident).
Okay, so the hotel. What's in Wilkes-Barre that might make this trip worth it?
Alright, let's be real, the hotel isn't the reason to come. Wilkes-Barre… it has its *charms*. The place is a little bit quirky. There are a few decent restaurants, and some interesting historical spots. You *might* find some live music, but don't hold your breath for anything Grammy-worthy. Honestly, if you're really dedicated, then check out the F. M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts. It's pretty, and a little bit haunted, and that's always fun. And if you’re feeling adventurous, follow the locals. I always find that they have the best spots. (They probably get better breakfast sandwiches too, the lucky ducks).
What are the rooms like? Are they… clean? (This is a dealbreaker for me.)
Clean? Yes, from what I remember! (My stay was a blur, remember?) They weren't sparkling, five-star hotel clean, mind you. Think… functional. Like my apartment after I've spent an hour cleaning. You know, acceptable. The beds are comfortable enough, the bathrooms are… well, they have bathrooms. No, they're not luxurious, but they do the job. The most important thing is that there were no creepy crawlies. (I have a phobia, okay? Don't judge.). I *think* the sheets were washed, and I managed to survive the night without contracting any mysterious illnesses. That's a win, right?
Any advice on what NOT to do while in Wilkes-Barre? Warning me now, please!
Okay, listen up. Here's some hard-earned wisdom: Don't expect a vibrant nightlife. Don't be afraid to ask for directions, even though your GPS says you know where you're going (speaking from experience here). Avoid driving during rush hour. And, for the love of all that is holy, *don't* judge the locals. They're good people! They’re just… living their lives. Be polite, be respectful, and prepare for… well, you know. It's Wilkes-Barre. Just go with the flow, which, honestly, is pretty slow to start with. If you're looking for a thrilling nightlife, you will be highly disappointed. Maybe just bring a nice pack of cards, and maybe even a friend or two.
I'm easily bored. Will I be utterly miserable in Wilkes-Barre?
Depends on your definition of "easily bored." If you need constant stimulation, flashing lights, and non-stop action… maybe Wilkes-Barre isn't for you. But if you're the type who can appreciate a quiet afternoon, a relaxing walk, or simply… *existing*, then you might actually enjoy it. Think of it as a break from the chaos. A chance to recharge. A perfect opportunity to read that book you've been putting off. That being said, I should be honest. If you are easily bored, Wilkes-Barre will probably… bore you. But hey, you might discover some unexpected charm? Who knows?
Is there a pool? Someone said there was a pool?!?
Okay, this is where the memory gets REALLY hazy. I *think* there was a pool. I *thought* I saw water. I *vaguely* remember chlorine smell… It was probably there? Honestly, I was too busy napping on that amazing bed to check it out. If a pool is essential to your happiness, call the hotel directly. I’m not a reliable source on this. (See: breakfast waffles). Maybe… maybe it was amazing? Maybe it was the highlight of the trip? Or perhaps… not? Ask the front desk, and then let me know! I’m morbidly curious.
Would you recommend it? Be honest!
Recommend? Hmm… It depends. If you're looking for a luxury getaway, a vibrant scene, or a life-altering experience? Probably not. But if you're looking for a clean bed, a quiet room, and a slightly quirky adventure that you'll probably laugh about later? Possibly. I *would* recommend it if you need a super cheap place to stay. Look at it this way: it did not kill me. IFind Secret Hotel Deals
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