Escape to Oregon: SpringHill Suites Medford Awaits!
My Messy, Honest, and Totally Unfiltered Look at [Hotel Name - Remember to Replace!]
Okay, so I just stumbled back from… you know… that place. The [Hotel Name - Remember to Replace!]. And honestly? My brain is still doing a little cha-cha with the sheer amount of stuff they offer. Trying to wrap my head around it all is like trying to herd cats while wearing a tutu. But hey, I'm here for it. Here's the lowdown, warts and all. Buckle up.
Accessibility: The Good, The "Meh," and the Awkward Stairwell
Alright, accessibility. This is where things get interesting, and let’s be real, also a little complicated. The checklist says they have facilities for disabled guests. Great! But like… how great? Did I see ramps everywhere? Mostly. But that elevator? A little… cozy for a wheelchair plus personal baggage and the attendant. And that "accessible" bathroom in the lobby? Well, let's just say navigating from the pool to there on a hot day was, shall we say, a journey. I mean, it’s there, which is better than nothing, but don't bank on pristine accessibility. This is a maybe, folks. Proceed with caution and maybe a call beforehand to confirm. Plus, I think I saw a step leading up to… something. Can anybody confirm?
On-Site Feast-Fest (Restaurants & Lounges) - Where My Taste Buds Went to Paradise (…And Maybe Got Lost)
Okay. Restaurants. Plural. Lounges? Yep. So, I went. Let's start with the good stuff. That poolside bar? Genius. Pure genius. Sipping a [mention a specific drink you had] while watching the sunset? Life goals. They even have a happy hour, which is a big plus, and the staff actually seemed happy while working it, which is a pleasant surprise sometimes. There are restaurants offering everything – Asian, Western, buffet… you name it. The buffet, for what it’s worth, was pretty darn good. But here's the thing. Too. Many. Choices. Seriously, my brain almost short-circuited trying to decide. A la carte, buffet, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast… It's like a culinary choose-your-own-adventure, and sometimes, I just want someone to tell me what to eat. I opted for the buffet, and it was delicious. The coffee was fresh and the view was stellar. Note: I also found a hidden gem – a quiet little coffee shop tucked away near the lobby. Perfect for escaping the chaos for a few minutes.
Wheelchair Accessible? (See Above – The "Maybe" Situation)
Refer to the accessibility rant. This deserves a separate paragraph because, really, accessibility is vital. I hope this is one of those areas they actively constantly improve on, and not let it be a one-off.
Internet – The Wi-Fi Whisperer and the LAN Labyrinth
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it actually worked. Not always a given, folks. I could stream [mention a show or activity] without any buffering, which meant I could actually relax. There's LAN internet access too, for those who like that sort of thing (I do not. I'm about that Wi-Fi life). But honestly, Wi-Fi is king in my book, and they delivered. Plus, the public areas also had Wi-Fi. Double victory!
Things to Do – A Whirlwind of Choices
Okay, so you’re not just sitting in your room (hopefully). This place is full of things to do. Swimming pools (outdoor AND with a view!). Fitness center (felt a little intimidating, ngl). Sauna. Spa. Steam room. Massages… I mean, the whole shebang. Honestly, it’s overwhelming. It feels like you could spend a week there and still not do everything. I did get a massage, though. And it was heavenly. Seriously. I’ll probably remember that massage for the rest of my life. Worth. Every. Penny.
Cleanliness and Safety – A COVID-Era Deep Dive
Alright, this is important. Are places actually doing the things they say they’re doing? In this case, mostly, yes. Anti-viral cleaning products, hand sanitizer everywhere (and I mean everywhere!), daily disinfection in common areas… They clearly take hygiene seriously. They even have room sanitization opt-out if you want it, though I kept the sanitization, because… well, fear. Staff were masked, and they even had the physical distancing thing going on. They're practicing the safety protocols without being overbearing about it. They took the COVID thing seriously like I'd hoped.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – From Buffet Bonanza to Midnight Munchies
We covered a lot of this already, but let’s dive a bit deeper. Breakfast? Buffet-tastic (and surprisingly good!). Room service? Available 24 hours. Score! I may or may not have ordered a burger at 2 AM. Don't judge me, I was hungry. The coffee shop was a lifesaver for those caffeine boosts. The poolside bar, again, a winner. Honestly, the variety is impressive. They cater to every craving. But again, prepare for decision fatigue.
Services and Conveniences - From Luggage Storage to "Wait, I Forgot My Razor!"
So many services. Luggage storage? Yep. Daily housekeeping? Yes, and they did a great job. Concierge? Helpful folks. I'm talking, like, you will not have trouble. They even had a convenience store (perfect for those "I forgot my toothbrush!" moments). Laundry, dry cleaning, you name it, they got it. They even had a doctor/nurse on call, which is reassuring. The whole atmosphere is professional, and I can’t really fault it.
For the Kids – Babysitting, Kids Meals… The Works!
I don't have kids, but I noticed they had a whole section dedicated to them. Kids facilities, babysitting service, kids meals. So, if you're travelling with little ones, this could be a good choice - there's all you need to keep them happy, and the staff seem to be very friendly toward the kids.
Room Vibes – Cozy, Comfortable, with a View (Hopefully)
Okay, let’s talk rooms. Mine had… well, it had everything. Air conditioning was a must. The bed was comfy. The blackout curtains were clutch for sleeping in. They had free Wi-Fi (see, I’m obsessed). Plenty of space. The bathroom was clean and well-stocked. And the best thing? Mine had a view. That alone made the whole experience worth it. Other rooms have things like balconies, bigger beds, etc. So, you have to hope you get a good one.
Getting Around – Parking Paradise and Airport Anxiety
Car park (free!)? Bonus! Airport transfer? Available. Taxi service? Present and accounted for. They’ve got the getting-around thing pretty much sorted. Just ensure you are on time for your airport transfer, or risk a hefty fine.
Final Thoughts – The Good, The Bad, and My Inner Critic
Okay, so look, it's not perfect. The accessibility could be better. The sheer volume of options can be overwhelming. But overall? I had a pretty good time. Clean, safe, with tons to do and eat. The staff were generally friendly and helpful. The massage was a highlight. And the Wi-Fi was reliable. I'd recommend it, with a few caveats. Just be prepared for a sensory overload! Still, I recommend it!
Grand Riviera Princess Family Fun: Your All-Inclusive Playa Del Carmen Paradise!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're going to Medford, Oregon, and this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is the messy, real, opinionated, and frankly, probably slightly chaotic SpringHill Suites Medford experience. Consider yourselves warned.
Day 1: Arrival & That Questionable Pizza (Oh, the Pizza…)
- 14:00 - 15:00: ARRIVAL. Ugh, the airport. Seriously, why are airport bathrooms ALWAYS so depressing? Anyway, grabbed the shuttle (thank GOD, I hate driving after a flight). The SpringHill Suites seems…well, it's a SpringHill Suites. You know the drill: cleanish, slightly bland décor. The clerk was nice, bless her heart. Getting the key card, going up to the room and dropping the bags.
- 15:00 - 16:00: Unpack. Or, more accurately, assess the damage my suitcase took in transit. Did my favorite scarf survive? (YES! Crisis averted). Then, the eternal question: where's the damn coffee maker? Found it. Made a pot. Needed that caffeine.
- 16:00 - 17:00: "Research" Medford restaurants. aka, Google Maps and TripAdvisor. Found a place called "Pizza Pete's" nearby. Reviews were…mixed. But I was hungry. BIG MISTAKE. The pizza arrived. The crust was…well, it was there. The sauce tasted suspiciously like ketchup. The cheese was…cheesy. Let's just say, I’m not expecting a Michelin star anytime soon. (My stomach is still questionable about this pizza)
- 17:00 - 19:00: Regret the pizza. Watched some dreadful afternoon TV (seriously, does anyone enjoy these daytime talk shows?). Contemplated ordering room service JUST to wash the pizza taste away… but then realized, that would be another bad decision.
- 19:00 - 21:00: Attempted to work out in the hotel gym. The treadmill was ancient. The elliptical creaked like a dying ship. Gave up after 10 minutes and vowed to start tomorrow with something physical. Made it through the "cardio" and crashed in bed, and promptly fell asleep.
Day 2: The Rogue Valley & the Great Bear Lake Disaster
- 07:00 - 08:00: The complimentary breakfast. Alright, this wasn't terrible! Okay, the scrambled eggs were a little…suspiciously yellow, there was a waffle and my coffee was bad. But free food is free food, and I may have grabbed an extra banana or two for the road.
- 08:00 - 10:00: Rogue Valley Drive. Headed out, hoping for scenery. And the scenery didn't disappoint! Driving through the valley, the mountains are gorgeous. The sun was shining (Oregon, you're surprisingly pretty!) Got a little side trip through the historic downtown of Jacksonville. I did some quick shopping and bought a local trinkt, which I really am excited to show off.
- 10:00 - 12:00: A visit to Great Bear Lake. Okay, this is where things went sideways. Google Maps promised a "scenic drive" and "breathtaking views." Reality? A dirt road that nearly destroyed my rental car, and the lake itself was…okay. Seriously, I've seen better lakes in my bathtub. Maybe I went on the wrong day, but I was very disappointed. My favorite shoes have now been fully dirtied and will require a deep clean.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch. Desperately needed to redeem myself with food after the pizza fiasco. Found a decent diner (thank GOD!). Ate a burger that was, to put it mildly, a culinary triumph compared to yesterday's pizza. The waitress was a sweet old lady who told me all about her cat.
- 13:00 - 17:00: Back to Medford. I was exhausted by the lake experience and needed a nap for the afternoon. Did some more hotel room relaxation
- 17:00 - 20:00: Back to town. Dinner? Oh, well, it was nice. A local restaurant, got my fill of fresh seafood (a real winner).
Day 3: Wine Country & Unexpected Epiphanies (and More Wine)
- 08:00 - 09:00: Breakfast at the hotel again. This time, a light breakfast. I'm still somewhat regretting the pizza of day one.
- 09:00 - 12:00: Heading to several wineries. Oregon wine is supposed to be a thing. I am not a wine expert, but I can appreciate a good glass. Spent the morning visiting vineyards, swirling, sniffing, and mostly just drinking. The Pinot Noir was fantastic, especially the one with the cute label!
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch at one of the wineries. Delicious food this time!
- 13:00 - 15:00: More Wine. More swirling. More sniffing. More… existentialism? I actually started to ponder life, the universe, and the meaning of it all. (Blame the wine, I guess.)
- 15:00 - 17:00: Shopping, getting souvenirs.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Back to the hotel, some more downtime.
- 19:00 - 21:00: Dinner. This time, I found a hidden gem of a restaurant. The food was wonderful, and the service was also on point.
Day 4: Departure & Sweet, Glorious Freedom
- 07:00 - 08:00: Last breakfast at the SpringHill Suites. A quiet moment, reflecting on the trip. Mostly on the pizza. Still gives me the shivers.
- 08:00 - 10:00: Packing. The dreaded ritual. Fighting with the suitcase to get everything to…fit. Did I buy too many trinkets? Probably.
- 10:00 - 11:00: Final Check-out. Smooth process.
- 11:00 - 12:00: Airport. The long goodbye.
- 12:00: Take off. Sigh of relief. The Medford experience was over. Will I return? Maybe. If I can find a pizza place that doesn't try to poison me.
And with that, the Medford adventure comes to an end. It was messy. It was opinionated. It was definitely not perfect. But it was mine. And that, my friends, is what matters. Now, back to real life!
Escape to Paradise: Kona Reef Resort's Luxury Awaits!
So, like, what *is* this thing anyway? (And do I need to be scared?)
Okay, okay, deep breaths. "This thing" could be anything, right? Life? Laundry? The weird stain on the ceiling? Let's narrow it down... What are *you* asking about? (Because, frankly, I'm operating on a very limited amount of caffeine at the moment). But, essentially, this page is supposed to be a collection of answers to the burning questions you probably have. Think of it like a digital advice column, but instead of Dear Abby, it's Dear... well, ME, I guess. And no, you probably don't need to be *terrified*. Unless you're asking me about my tax returns. *shudders* Forget I said that.
How do I even *start*...? (I'm already overwhelmed)
Oh honey, I *feel* you. The overwhelm is real. That's the state of my brain most days, to be honest. Just... start small. Really small. Maybe start by breathing. Deep breaths, in through the nose, out through the mouth. Okay, feeling better? Alright. Now, think about what's bugging you *the most*. That's your entry point. Don't try to solve the universe all at once. It's exhausting, and frankly, you probably won't succeed. (I haven't figured out how to fold fitted sheets yet, so… perspective!).
What are some common mistakes people make? (So I can avoid them, please!)
Oh, the mistakes... where do I even *begin*? Let's see... "The biggest mistake, in general, is probably overthinking things. I'm *guilty* of that one. Like, catastrophizing and assuming the worst before you've even started. Another biggie is perfectionism. It's a trap! It paralyzes you. Just get it *done*. Perfect can be the enemy of good. My own house is a testament to that. And finally, assuming you know all the answers. Seriously, we're all just winging it, folks. Even the people who *look* like they have it all figured out (they usually don't).
Okay, but *specifically*, what if I'm messing up *this* specific thing?
Alright, you want specifics? Let's get to it. WHAT is the specific "thing" you're bungling? Is it baking a cake? Are you burning a roast? Are you trying to navigate the mind-numbing world of online dating, like I was, a few years ago, before I went back to the dogs? (They treat me better!) Give me the juicy details. The more details you give me, the less likely that I will give you a canned answer.
Can you give an example (and, you know, not bore us to death)?
Okay, I'll try. Let's say you're trying to knit a scarf. (I've tried it, and it didn't end well.) *The biggest mistake people make is probably casting on too many stitches.*. You think, "Oh, I want a *wide* scarf!" but then you end up with a tangled mess of yarn and existential dread. True story, I spent an afternoon re-doing a pattern for a scarf, because the pattern said "cast on 20 stitches" and I cast 100. Now, you can learn from my mistakes or not, but you might regret it. In the end, the scarf ended up in the trash and I was too. And my dog, was the only witness of the crime.
What's the most important thing I need to know?
Patience, friend. Patience. And maybe a giant glass of wine. Or a very strong coffee. Or both. Truly, it's about letting go of unrealistic expectations and accepting that you're going to stumble, you're going to goof up, and you're going to accidentally set the oven on fire (speaking from experience). It's okay. We've all been there. It's part of the human experience. Embrace the chaos, the imperfections, and the sheer absurdity of it all. Because if you can't laugh at yourself, you're going to have a very, very long life... and it won't be a fun one.
Any tips for dealing with the inevitable setbacks? (Because, let's face it, they're coming.)
Setbacks? Oh, honey, they're practically a *guarantee*. My life is basically a masterclass in setbacks. First, acknowledge them. Don't bury your head in the sand. Okay, you messed up. Big deal. Now, assess the damage. Then, learn from it. Journaling is great for this, even if you have to rewrite the same mistake over and over again, like I do! What went wrong? How can you prevent it from happening again? Finally, be kind to yourself. Seriously. This is NOT the time to beat yourself up. This is the time to grab a cookie (or a whole bag, no judgement here), and move on.
Okay, but what if I'm *really* struggling? Like, completely and utterly failing?
Okay, let's get real for a minute. If you're *really* struggling... and I mean, feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or just plain lost... then this FAQ page probably isn't going to magically fix everything. And neither am I, by the way! Seek professional help. Talk to a therapist. A counselor. Your doctor. A trusted friend. Anyone. Don't suffer in silence. *Seriously*. There's no shame in asking for help. And honestly, sometimes the only thing that helps is just acknowledging all the stupid things you've done. You're not alone. And trust me, whatever you're going through, someone else has been there too. So, reach out. Please.
How do I know if I am really doing it right?
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