Unbelievable Chattanooga Getaway: Super 8 Wyndham Review!
The Grand Splurge-a-Rama: A Review That's Trying Its Best (And Probably Failing a Little Bit)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I just crawled out of The Grand Splurge-a-Rama (let's call it that, it’s less generic), and my brain is still reeling from the sheer… stuff. This review isn't going to be all polished prose and perfectly categorized bullet points. Think more like a hyperactive toddler describing their trip to the zoo after mainlining sugar.
(Metadata, Because Apparently That's Important)
- Keywords: Luxury hotel review, accessibility, spa, dining, Wi-Fi, family-friendly, [Hotel Name - I'm not naming names for privacy, but you get the idea!], [Location - Again, for privacy… you can probably guess].
Let's start with the Accessibility part. I was hoping for a flawlessly accessible experience, but let's just say it was a mixed bag. The wheelchair access was…well, it claimed to be wheelchair accessible. I saw ramps, but navigating the winding corridors felt like being on a treasure hunt, sometimes. Finding the elevator, felt the same. A bit of a mission. The Facilities for disabled guests were there, but felt like a box ticked rather than a passion project. They clearly tried, but didn't always hit the mark. Kudos for the effort, at least.
On-site accessible restaurants/lounges: Okay, here's the thing. One of the lounges claimed to be accessible, but getting a seat at a decent table with a good view? Forget about it, unless you're a contortionist or a magician, I am not either, and I failed! The other restaurants, felt better, though.
Moving on to Internet. Oh lord, the internet. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" the brochure chirped merrily. And, yes, it was there. But, like a shy unicorn, it only appeared when it felt like it. My poor laptop and I had more buffering sessions than I'd care to admit. There was also Internet [LAN], thankfully. I think it was an old-school option on this hotel, which made me chuckle at how behind on tech this place was. Still, I got the job done. Wi-Fi in Public Areas? Also, there, but the signal strength varied more wildly than my mood swings.
Now, Things to do, ways to relax, and let me tell you, they had tons.
The Spa. Ah, the spa. This is where things got…interesting. I'm talking a Body scrub that left me feeling like I’d been lovingly exfoliated by a sandpaper unicorn. The Body wrap, however, was a moment of pure bliss. I went deep in a Sauna and a Steamroom, which were a perfect pairing. The Pool with view? Stunning. Absolutely stunning. The problem was getting a decent lounger. It was a free-for-all, like a Black Friday sale that somehow happened every single day. I did appreciate the Spa, Spa/sauna, and the Massage. I really did. The masseuses were amazing, and I'd easily go back just for them. There was also a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness, but, let's just say, my idea of fitness is ordering another cocktail.
(Emotional Trigger Warning: Food Ahead)
Dining, drinking, and snacking. This is where things truly went wild. Hold on to your hats, because this is a major rollercoaster.
Restaurants: They had a few and a Poolside bar! The A la carte in restaurant was good. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was surprisingly tasty, the International cuisine in restaurant was decent, and the Vegetarian restaurant was actually amazing. I stumbled across a Coffee/tea in restaurant, which was perfect. The Breakfast [buffet] was… a symphony of choices. Some good, some not so much. My advice? Go early. Before the ravenous hordes descend. And don't miss the Asian breakfast. Trust me.
The Breakfast take away service was great for days I couldn't be bothered to leave my room.. Speaking of which the Breakfast in room was perfect!
The bar was a solid place to sit and be bored, the Coffee shop was decent. Desserts in restaurant? Oh, the desserts. I may, or may not, have hidden a few in my suitcase. I won't confirm or deny.
The Salad in restaurant was good, yet bland. The Soup in restaurant was a perfect addition to the menu.
The Room service [24-hour] was a savior. Especially after those late nights at the… Happy hour.
Cleanliness and Safety:
Okay, here's where the Grand Splurge-a-Rama earns some serious points. They were obsessed with cleanliness, and I loved it. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services: check, check, check, and check. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocols, and Sterilizing equipment visible (not lurking in the shadows). Individually-wrapped food options were pretty impressive. The Safe dining setup felt safe. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Thank goodness!
Services and Conveniences
Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge (super helpful), Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, and a Terrace. All good.
For the kids
They had something for everyone. Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities, including a play area.
Available in all rooms
Okay, so I can't NOT talk about my room. Air conditioning: Fantastic. Alarm clock: Essential. Bathrobes: Cozy. Bathtub: Soaked everything. Blackout curtains: Sleep was a dream. Coffee/tea maker: My salvation. Free bottled water: A nice touch. In-room safe box: Peace of mind. Internet access – wireless: When it worked, it was a godsend. Mini bar: Dangerous yet delightful. Non-smoking: Always a plus. Private bathroom: Obviously. Refrigerator: Kept my after-hours snacks chilled. Satellite/cable channels: A nice distraction. Seating area: Comfy. Shower: Efficient. Slippers: Comfy. Smoke detector: Safety first. Soundproofing: My sanity savior. Telephone: Old school. Wake-up service: Reliably on time. Wi-Fi [free]: Let's pretend it always worked. The Window that opens was nice, too.
(The Imperfections, Oh the Imperfections)
Okay, time for the brutally honest part. This place ain’t perfect. It’s got some quirks, some… flaws.
- The Exterior corridor felt a bit dreary. Like something out of a bad spy movie.
- They offer Invoice provided, which feels a bit off for a fancy hotel, shouldn't it just be a given?
- Pets were marked as unavailable Pets allowed, this is a bummer.
- The Room decorations felt… dated. Like they hadn’t been updated since the early 2000s.
- The Car park [free of charge] was good, but good luck finding a spot during peak hours. *The Cashless payment service was great!
The Verdict (Because You Want To Know)
Would I go back? Yes. Absolutely, yes. Despite its imperfections, the Grand Splurge-a-Rama has a certain charm. It's a place where you can get gloriously pampered, stuff yourself silly, and occasionally pull your hair out over the Wi-Fi. It's an experience, not just a stay. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Just don't expect perfection. Expect a little bit of chaos, a whole lot of luxury, and a memory you won’t soon forget. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need another spa day… and a strong cocktail.
Hyatt House LAX: Manhattan Beach Luxury Getaway (LA's Best Kept Secret?)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to wade into the chaotic, delicious, slightly-stained-with-road-trip-coffee world of my Super 8 adventure in Chattanooga. This ain't no polished travel brochure; this is the real deal.
Super 8 By Wyndham Chattanooga/East Ridge – A Love Story (Maybe?) - The Itinerary of a Human Mess
Day 1: Arrival – Where Am I, Again?
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Chattanooga. I swear, every time I get to a new place, the first thought that pops into my head is, "Did I pack a toothbrush?" Answer: Usually no. This time, miraculously, yes! (Emotional Reaction: Relief! And a sudden, irrational craving for mouthwash) The drive was… long. And I apparently have a superpower: getting stuck behind the slowest possible driver on the interstate. The speed limit is 70!
- 2:00 PM: Check-in at the Super 8. Let's be real, it smells like a generic hotel, a beautiful blend of chlorine, cleaner, and a slightly-musty air. But hey, the lady at the front desk was nice, and that's half the battle. (Quirky Observation: Are all Super 8s genetically identical? The layout feels eerily familiar from a thousand other road trips) The room: functional. Bed: hopefully not haunted.
- 2:30 PM: Explore the room. Found the remote and the AC, two survival necessities. Also, discovered a tiny, almost-too-polite spider in the corner of the bathroom. He's now officially my roommate. I named him Herbert.
- 3:00 PM: Lunch. Found a Waffle House. God bless America. Two scattered, smothered, and covered. (Opinionated Language: Best damn waffles on the planet. End of discussion.) Fuelled up to start the journey.
- 4:00 PM: Stroll around a bit, get my bearings. Chattanooga itself is… interesting. The city is bigger than I thought. I'm instantly amazed at how scenic the area is. I've never been a huge fan of heights, but I really want to try the Lookout Mountain area.
- 5:00 PM: Head back to the hotel. I have no idea what I'm going to do, but I'm going to enjoy the rest of the day. This trip is for me. My first time in several years to be out on the road. I might go to sleep early.
Day 2: Lookout Mountain & The Wonders of the World
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Herbert’s still there. He’s a good dude.
- 9:00 AM: Okay, the grand plan is in motion… or perhaps, the disorganized shuffle has commenced. Lookout Mountain is calling, specifically, Rock City. I heard it’s touristy, but come on, who doesn't love a good, slightly-overpriced tourist trap? (Emotional Reaction: Mildly giddy anticipation punctuated by the nagging feeling I forgot something important.)
- 10:00 AM: Okay, the car is packed. I'm ready to go. (Stronger Emotional Reaction: Overwhelming excitement. I can't wait)*
- 10:30 AM: Rock City! This place is… well, it’s Rock City. The gardens are lovely, in a slightly-manicured, Disneyland-esque way. The views are spectacular -- truly breathtaking. And the "See 7 States" thing? Totally worth being crammed on a narrow path with about a thousand other people to do so. (Quirky Observation: The gnomes are a bit… much. But I secretly love them.) The waterfalls are really cool too.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch near Lookout Mountain. The sandwiches are pretty good.
- 1:00 PM: I'm not going to lie, I am exhausted. I'm going back to the hotel. I'm going to take up the rest of the day resting.
- 3:00 PM: Wake up. I feel so much better. I got some much-needed rest.
- 4:00 PM: Decide I am going to try to find a nice local restaurant. I want to try something that isn't a chain. I found a restaurant called "The Public House" I might try.
- 5:00 PM: Got lost trying to find that restaurant. Ended up at a gas station that has some good snacks. I did end up getting a soda. Decided I didn't feel like the restaurant.
- 7:00 PM: Watching TV. I'm tired.
Day 3: The Riverwalk and the Winding Down
- 9:00 AM: Okay, I'm ready to go home. Let's go home.
- 10:00 AM: Headed to the Riverwalk. Beautiful. The water is pretty. I see some people fishing. (Opinionated Language: Very cool)
- 12:00 PM: Headed back to the hotel. Not a whole lot of stuff left to do.
- 1:00 PM: Checked out of the hotel. (Emotional Reaction: Sadness. I'm ready to go home.)
- 2:00 PM: Start driving home. Goodbye, Chattanooga. You were… interesting. And thanks, Herbert, for the company. I'll see you on the next trip! (Messy Structure: And I'm already thinking about where to go next… even though I haven't even made it home yet. The road calls!)
- 7:00 PM: Arrived home. I need a shower.
So, like, what *is* anxiety anyway? Does it just… pop up?
Ugh, anxiety. It's like that unwanted houseguest who just *refuses* to leave, right? Officially? It's excessive worry, fear, and general unease. Unofficially? It's that voice in your head that whispers, "You're going to embarrass yourself. You're a fraud. Everyone secretly hates you." And yeah, sometimes it *does* just pop up. I remember one time, I was at this work thing – a fancy gala, ugh – and suddenly, BAM! My heart felt like it was trying to escape my chest. I swore I was going to faint right there, in front of the important people. Turns out, the canapés were a tad too rich, and a touch of social awkwardness. Anyway, it felt like the end of the world. Turns out the world just kept on spinning. Isn't that just the way of it?
Different types of anxiety? Are there, like, levels?
Oh honey, yes. Different flavours of awful. You got your Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – the constant hum of worry. Social Anxiety - bless your heart, walking into a room full of people can feel like climbing Everest. Panic Disorder - where your body decides it's time for a full-blown emergency, even when there’s nothing happening. And phobias… I have a *terrible* fear of clowns. Like, actually crippling. They give me the creeps. My therapist calls it “coulrophobia” – fancy, right? It’s gotten in the way of a lot - especially when a work friend says, "I'm having a clown themed party, should you come?" And then you're frantically creating an emergency alibi. Level? Listen, one day it will be a dull ache, and the next can be a full-blown supernova. There is no scale.
Okay, so what causes this mess? Is it my fault?!
NO! It's almost *never* your fault. (Okay, maybe you did eat a whole pizza before that presentation, and maybe you’re partly to blame for that…) It's complicated. Genetics, brain chemistry, life experiences, the sheer absurdity of existence… it all plays a role. Trauma? Big one. Stress? Giant, heaping helping. I swear, sometimes I think my anxiety is just a side effect of living in 2024. The news is horrifying, the internet is overwhelming, and everything is just…. *too much* sometimes. You didn't ask for this. You just got served a generous helping of it.
How do I, like, deal with it? Is there a magic button?
Ha! Magic button. If there was one, I'd be hammering on it right now, trust me. Sadly, no. It's a journey, not a destination. Therapy is amazing. Find a therapist. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly helpful for learning to manage intrusive thoughts. Medication can also be a lifesaver. But you have to find the right balance. Also, start with the basics. Sleep. Eat good food. Exercise (ugh, I hate that word). And...breathe. Deep, slow breaths. Find little things that bring you joy. Even if it's just watching a cat video on YouTube. Small things. They make a difference.
My mind races constantly. How do I STOP THE THOUGHTS?!
Okay, deep breaths. I fully, *fully* understand. The racing thoughts...it's like a hamster wheel in your brain, and it's going at Mach speed. Sometimes it's impossible to slow down, let alone stop! I've tried meditation apps, and it's usually a disaster. I start thinking, "Am I doing this right? Is my posture correct? OMG, is that a mosquito?" I've tried writing them down too, but then I'm writing frantically for hours, and the problem becomes BIGGER! However, there are things you can try. Grounding techniques are super helpful. The 5-4-3-2-1 technique, where you:
- Name five things you can SEE
- four things you can TOUCH
- three things you can HEAR
- two things you can SMELL
- one thing you can TASTE
Is it ever "cured"? Or am I stuck with this forever?
Ugh, the c-word. Cure. I hate that word! Sometimes, people find ways to manage their anxiety so well it barely affects their lives. They learn the tools, they build the resilience, and they become anxiety ninjas. Others? It’s a lifelong dance. A sometimes graceful, sometimes clumsy, sometimes downright humiliating dance. But it doesn't define you. And it doesn't have to ruin your life. You will get better. You will have good days, bad days, and everything in between. The important thing is to keep trying. And give yourself a break. You're doing the best you can. That's good enough.
Can I self-medicate? Like, with alcohol or… something?
Absolutely NOT. Please, please, *please* don't do that. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs is a recipe for disaster. It might feel good in the moment, but it'll make everything worse down the line. You'll get into a cycle of dependency, and that's a whole *other* can of worms. Talk to a doctor, get help. Seriously!
I'm terrified of talking about my anxiety. What if people judge me?
I get it. The fear of judgment is a killer. It's this awful feeling that you're broken or weak or "too much". Here's the thing: people who judge you for having anxiety are probably either ignorant, or also secretly struggling with their own issues. (Most of them, anyway.) Finding people you can trust is key – a therapist, a friend, a family member, someone who gets it. And it's okay if you're not ready to shout it from the rooftops. Small steps. Build your support system. Web Hotel Search Site
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