Concord Getaway: Fairfield Inn's Unbeatable NH Deal!
Concord Getaway: Fairfield Inn's Unbeatable NH Deal! (Or, How I Learned to Love a Budget Hotel and Briefly Considered Becoming a Professional Spa-goer)
Okay, listen. Let's be real. "Unbeatable NH Deal!" sounds like marketing hype, and I hate marketing hype. But, after a whirlwind trip to Concord, New Hampshire (yes, that Concord, the one with…well, I'm still figuring out what exactly that Concord is known for), I have to admit, the Fairfield Inn delivered. And by delivered, I mean, it provided a surprisingly decent experience, even for a sometimes-snobby travel writer who secretly loves a good bargain.
Accessibility: Right off the bat, I'm giving the Fairfield Inn a solid thumbs up in the accessibility department. They actually thought about it. Wheelchair accessible? Yep. And not just some vague nod, but practical stuff like easy access to the reception area. Score! (Side note: I'm not personally in a wheelchair, but I always keep accessibility in mind. You never know when a rogue ice patch will betray you, and suddenly, you're that guy needing a ramp.) They seemed to have their acts together. Good start, Fairfield Inn. Good start.
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where the Fairfield Inn REALLY shined. In the era of… well, you know… the thing, cleanliness is paramount. They get it. They’re clearly going above and beyond. Before I even opened the door, I was already feeling safer. I saw staff meticulously wiping down surfaces, and the whole place smelled clean. I’m talking serious, almost clinical freshness. I felt like I could eat off the floor (though I didn’t actually test that theory). Then there were the anti-viral cleaning products, the individually-wrapped food options at breakfast (more on that later), and the super-important hand sanitizer everywhere. It wasn’t just a gesture – it felt genuinely implemented. This is a huge deal for peace of mind, and they aced it. Seriously, bravo on the sanitation.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: So, about breakfast… It was described as a "buffet," which is a bit of a generous term. Let's be clear: it was a buffet of individually wrapped items. Pre-packaged muffins, yogurt cups, and… well, you get the idea. It wasn’t gourmet, but it was safe. And they had coffee! Thank the travel gods for coffee. Coffee is the glue that holds society (and my sanity) together. There was a snack bar to get quick bits which was super convenient, especially after having taken advantage of the 24-hour room service! (I mean, who can complain?)
Services and Conveniences: This is where the Fairfield Inn went from “pretty darn good for the price” to “surprisingly impressive.” The basics were covered – complimentary Wi-Fi (a godsend), daily housekeeping (very, very appreciated!), and a decent front desk staff. But they also had a few surprises. The on-site car park, for example, was a breeze. No stressful circling, just park and go. And the super-useful convenience store and coffee shop was a massive plus!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (And My Unexpected Spa Revelation): Okay, here's where things get interesting. This is where that "Getaway" part of "Concord Getaway" actually paid off. Now, I'm not usually a spa person. I'm more of a "read a book on a park bench while simultaneously judging everyone's footwear" kind of relaxer. But, the mention of a Sauna and a Spa…well that got my attention.
Now, this wasn't a full-blown, luxury spa experience. This was a Fairfield Inn spa, after all. But the sauna! The sauna was… good. Hot. Steamy. Exactly what I needed after a day of exploring the (admittedly charming) historical sites of Concord. It was a small, intimate affair, but the heat was perfect, and I felt the stress simply melting away. I even considered booking a massage (they had one!), but I chickened out. Maybe next time. The idea of a body scrub and a body wrap was tempting in a bizarre, "I'm embracing my inner spa goddess" kind of way. Okay, I admit it… I almost did it. I nearly experienced a Footh Bath, Gym/fitness and Pool with a view. Oh, the pool with the view! I had to cut my spa fun short due to a prior engagement but I'm definitely going back.
Available in All Rooms: Seriously, the amenities were thoughtful. I’m talking top quality Slippers and Bathrobes!!! The complimentary tea and extra long bed were heaven..
For the Kids: While I don’t have kids, I saw that they had things like babysitting service and kids facilities!
Getting Around: Let's be honest, Concord isn't exactly sprawling. But, the free onsite car park? Huge win. And they offered a taxi service if you needed it.
The Oddly Heartening Imperfection: There were small imperfections, naturally. The elevator, while functional, was a bit slow. The coffee at breakfast, while plentiful, wasn't exactly gourmet. But honestly? That's part of the charm. They’re not trying to pretend to be something they’re not. They’ve got the basics covered, and they do it well.
Final Verdict:
The Concord Fairfield Inn isn’t going to win any awards for its architecture, or its exotic cocktail menu. BUT it's not trying to. It is, however, a solid, reliable, and surprisingly comfortable place to stay. Considering the price, the cleanliness, the accessibility, and the surprisingly enjoyable sauna, it's an unbeatable deal. And, after this experience, I'm officially considering becoming a spa convert. Who knew?
**Hotel Zico: San Jose's Hidden Gem (Luxury You Won't Believe!)**
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into… well, a trip to the Fairfield Inn Concord, New Hampshire. Sounds glamorous, right? Nah. But hey, every adventure, no matter how beige, has its moments. And this is going to be MY truth serum of a travel itinerary. Prepare for the glorious mess.
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Beige
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Fairfield Inn. Groan. Okay, let's be honest, the exterior screams "corporate beige". I swear, the parking lot practically absorbed the sunlight. Found a spot, which is a small victory. I'm already starting to judge all the minivans.
- 1:15 PM: Check-in. The lobby is… also beige. But the front desk person, bless her heart, is actually friendly, which is a win. She handed me my key card with a genuine smile, and for a fleeting moment, I felt like maybe, just maybe, this wasn't going to be a total soul-crushing experience.
- 1:30 PM: Room reveal. Okay, it's clean. Praise the Lord. Double beds. This is a solo trip. Why double beds, Fairfield? A poignant reminder of my single status? Hmm. There's that… ever-present beige again. The carpet, the walls, the… wait, is that a painting of a landscape? It looks like a generic image from a postcard collection I had back when I was 9 y.o. I might have to bring a splash of color in this mausoleum of hotel.
- 2:00 PM: Unpack…ish. Okay, let’s be real. I live out of a suitcase. I'm pretty sure it's 90% wrinkles and half-eaten granola bars. I just chucked my stuff on the bed. Crisis averted. Time to explore. Or… not. Maybe watch some TV…
- 3:00 PM: Forced exploration. I knew I would start to feel claustrophobic. Gotta get out. Walk around Concord? Where is the best place to start to break away from this beige hell. Google Maps, here I come.
- 4:00 PM: The statehouse. Okay, I'm going to take a quick look. It's actually pretty. I actually enjoyed staring a bit more. The granite facade and the gold dome… okay, I'm almost impressed. Walked around a bit. Still feeling a little bit like a tourist in a bad spy movie.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner. Found a little diner. The service was… slow. Like, glacial. Took about 30 minutes to get my coffee. But the waitress… she was an absolute character. She reminded me of my Aunt Mildred, God rest her soul. I ended up getting a burger and fries. Standard.
- 6:30 PM: Back to the beige prison. Time to unwind… aka, attempt to watch TV until my eyes bleed.
- 7:00 PM: Oh, no, I don't have any shows that I like. I forgot to download anything! Oh dear. I am doomed. I’m pretty sure my only option is that weird HBO documentary about competitive thumb wrestling.
- 8:00 PM: A deep dive of the vending machine. I've heard rumors of an existence of ice cream…
Day 2: The Great Coffee Catastrophe and a Religious Experience (Sort Of)
- 7:00 AM: Coffee. The hotel coffee. Do I dare? Let’s be honest, I’ve drunk worse. But this is a real test of character. I'm convinced it's been sitting there since… I don't want to know when.
- 7:10 AM: Coffee, the sequel. I took a sip. And… the coffee tasted like tar combined with something that definitely wasn't coffee. I threw it away. Nope.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. I ate some sad hard-boiled eggs that were in the breakfast bar. This place may have an issue with breakfast.
- 8:00 AM: The historical society. The State House was nice, thought I'd see what the local museum has to offer. It was actually pretty good. I found myself getting sucked down a rabbit hole of old town photos and local history. The history nerds will love this place. I loved it. I probably spent way too much time there, but, honestly, it made me feel less like a tourist and a little bit more like… well, someone who belongs here.
- 11:00 AM: More food! A nice shop with bagels and sandwiches was the perfect pick-me-up. I started to feel normal again.
- 1:00 PM: Explore the town. The whole town. It's not exactly bursting with excitement, but, you know, it's got a sort of… quiet charm. I decided to walk a path on the water, it was nice. I found a dog park. I'm not really a dog person, but, I'm tempted to go.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Regret of no dog-watching. I think about how bad I want to watch more television.
- 4:00 PM: I looked at the TV. I had a religious experience. I found a great show.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner-time. Nothing is open. I found a late-night diner.
- 7:00 PM: Bed.
- 8 :00 PM: I can't sleep. Oh, how I hate hotel rooms.
- 9 :00 PM: I slept.
Day 3: The Escape and the Realization
- 7:00 AM: Coffee. I found a Starbucks across the way. All is well.
- 8:00 AM: Check-out. Freedom!
- 9:00 AM: I'm driving home.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
Look, the Fairfield Inn Concord wasn't a disaster. It was a perfectly… adequate hotel. My stay in Concord was nothing spectacular. However, I think I needed it. You know, a sort of palate cleanser. A break from the loud, chaotic, glittery… well, my life. Did I find enlightenment? Nope. Did I discover a hidden gem? Absolutely not. did I have a good time? I did. Sometimes, maybe what we all need is beige. And maybe a decent cup of coffee. Don't we all get a little bit better by our imperfections?
And that, my friends, is the honest, messy, and absolutely human truth about a trip to Concord, New Hampshire.
Abilene's BEST Kept Secret: Baymont by Wyndham Review!
Concord Getaway: Fairfield Inn's Unbeatable NH Deal – Your Questions Answered... (and My Honest Opinions!)
Okay, spill the tea. Is this "Unbeatable NH Deal" actually... *good*?
Alright, alright, let's be real. When I saw the ad, I was skeptical. My default setting is *always* skeptical, especially when it comes to "deals." But honestly? Yeah, it's pretty darn good. Especially if you're like me and appreciate a comfy bed after you've battled the I-93 clusterf***. I mean, let's face it, New Hampshire in peak foliage is *beautiful*, but the traffic? Pure torture. The Fairfield Inn in Concord – it’s not the Ritz, folks. But for the price and the location? Solid. You get the essentials – clean room, free breakfast (more on that later), and a place to crash without completely emptying your wallet. And hey, the free parking is GOLD, considering I’ve spent a fortune in Boston just to park my beat-up Corolla.
What exactly *is* included in this magical "deal" anyway?
Okay, so the basics: a room (duh), free breakfast (again, a lifeline!), and usually some sort of little perk. I grabbed a deal that included a voucher for a local brewery. Which, let me tell you, after a harrowing drive up from somewhere-that-shall-not-be-named, was a *lifesaver*. That beer was the nectar of the gods. (Okay, maybe not *gods*, but after sitting in bumper-to-bumper, it was close.) Check the specific package because they sometimes change. One time I got a discount to the movies, which was, frankly, a waste of time. I'm in New Hampshire! I wanna see the *mountains*, not the latest superhero flick. But hey, free popcorn. Minor win.
Let’s talk breakfast. Is it… edible?
This is where things get… interesting. The free breakfast is your standard hotel fare. Think: continental, with a smattering of hot options. The usual suspects: scrambled eggs (sometimes), waffles (always a win), toast, cereal, the dreaded pre-packaged muffins that taste like… well, nothing. It's not gourmet, people. Don't expect Michelin-star quality. But, and this is crucial, it's *free*. And honestly, after a night of questionable gas station snacks on the drive, a decent coffee and a waffle is a darn miracle. My pro-tip: grab a waffle, slather it in syrup, and pretend you’re in a ski lodge. Works every time. Don’t judge me.
What's the room situation like? Is it actually clean? (The burning question.)
Okay, look, I'm a germaphobe. I admit it. So, cleanliness is a BIG deal for me. In general, the rooms are clean. And you know what? That’s a HUGE win. I’ve stayed in some… *places* in my life. The Fairfield Inn in Concord? Surprisingly decent. Always. Don’t expect sparkling chandeliers or anything, but I haven’t found any lurking dust bunnies plotting my demise. The beds are comfortable enough to sleep on which is the critical part after driving all day. The bathroom is usually clean, and there's always hot water, which is frankly, luxurious. I’m not saying it's perfect, but for the price, it's definitely above average. Seriously, I'm picky, and I've always been happy.
Any downsides? Gotta be some, right?
Oh, there are *always* downsides. Let's get this out of the way, shall we? First, it's a *hotel*. You're not going to be completely alone, even with the doors closed. You might hear a bit of noise – kids running down the halls, loud TVs, the incessant hum of the ice machine. Secondly, it’s not, shall we say, the *most* exciting location in the world. It's near a bunch of other hotels and... well, there's a parking lot. Concord is nice, but it's not exactly the glamorous French Riviera. Thirdly, the wifi can be a bit… temperamental. I tried to stream a show once, and it was a disaster. But hey, time to unplug, right? It's New Hampshire! Get outside! Finally, and this is a minor one: sometimes, the elevator is a little slow. But hey, at least there *is* an elevator! I'm looking at you, ancient bed-and-breakfasts!
What about the location? Are there things to do nearby?
Okay, this is actually a *huge* selling point. Concord is pretty centrally located. You can easily get to the White Mountains. You're in striking distance of the Kancamagus Highway (especially beautiful in the fall, just prepare for the traffic, oh god the traffic!), the lakes region, and all sorts of charming New England towns. I once took a day trip to a quaint little town, full of antique shops and a perfect little diner. Just a short drive. If you're into history, you're practically swimming in it. Plenty of historical sites nearby. Even Portsmouth and the coast are easily accessible for a day trip. And the best part? You don't have to pay Boston prices for everything. Bonus: I found a great donut shop nearby. I’m not telling you where, because I want to keep it a secret for myself. Sorry, not sorry.
Would you actually recommend this deal to a friend?
Absolutely. One hundred percent. I have, in fact, recommended it to friends. Especially the ones who are trying to be frugal and not breaking the bank. It's not going to be the most glamorous experience, but it’s genuinely practical. You get a good, clean place to stay, you get free breakfast, and you're in a great location to explore New Hampshire. It's a good basecamp for adventure. Plus, with the money you save, you can buy more maple syrup. And seriously, who *doesn't* need more maple syrup? Just don't expect perfection. Expect a solid, reliable, and perfectly serviceable deal. And maybe, just maybe, you'll find a hidden donut shop, too. (But don't tell anyone I told you.)
Post a Comment for "Concord Getaway: Fairfield Inn's Unbeatable NH Deal!"