Dallas Plano Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Residence Inn!
Dallas Plano Getaway: Residence Inn - My Honest Take (Unfiltered!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your cookie-cutter travel review. This is real. We’re diving deep (and maybe getting a little lost) in the Residence Inn in Plano, Texas, that’s always boasting about its “unbeatable deals.” Spoiler alert: deals were… alright. But the experience? Now that's where things get interesting.
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Residence Inn in Plano, Texas. We cover accessibility, the questionable "spa" (more on that later!), the buffet, Wi-Fi, and whether it's really a “deal.” Get ready for the unfiltered truth!
First Impressions (and the Parking Situation!)
Arrived in Plano, buzzing with that "vacation mode" energy…then hit the parking. FREE on-site parking is a HUGE plus, gotta say. Definitely beats fumbling with parking meters after a long drive. But finding a spot felt like a low-stakes scavenger hunt. Eventually, we snagged one. Phew.
Accessibility: Trying to Be Nice, But…
Okay, real talk. Accessibility is important, and the Residence Inn attempts to deliver. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests. The elevator was a godsend for us with luggage, and the hallways seemed wide enough… but the devil’s in the details. I’m basing this on what I saw, as I am not disabled myself, but it appeared there was a ramp to the entrance and some accessible rooms, but I didn't specifically check them out. So, check beforehand if you have specific needs. The front desk staff was very accommodating when I asked about it.
The Room: A Comfortable Cave (Mostly)
We got the "standard" room. It was… fine. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (thank GOD, it's Texas!), alarm clock (who uses those anymore?), coffee/tea maker (essential!), desk (good for pretending you're working), in-room safe (never used it), internet access – wireless (essential!), ironing facilities (always!), mini bar (mostly empty), refrigerator (appreciated!), satellite/cable channels (meh), seating area (that couch got a workout!), shower (fine), and a window that opens (needed a breath of fresh air!).
The Good: The bed was comfy. The blackout curtains were AMAZING; I slept like a log every night. The free Wi-Fi? Solid. Didn't drop out once. The Bad: The decor? A little…corporate. Beige on beige. The bathroom was functional, but nothing to write home about. It's like they were trying not to be memorable in any way.
Cleanliness and Safety: Gotta Feel Safe, Right?
This is a big one, especially post-pandemic. Cleanliness and safety: The room did seem clean. They claim to use anti-viral cleaning products, and that's reassuring. There was a hand sanitizer dispenser near the elevator. Rooms sanitized between stays: I assume so. Did I see them actually doing it? No. But I didn't have any reason to think it wasn't happening either. They provide a safety deposit box in the room.
The Gym (and My Lack of Stamina)
Okay, let's be real. I intended to hit the fitness center. Gym/fitness: It was there, a reasonable size. Treadmills, weights, the whole shebang. Did I actually use it? Nope. My "unbeatable deal" was the unlimited supply of Netflix and the comfy sofa. Judge all you want.
Pool with a View/Poolside Bar (More Like… Just a Pool)
The pool was… an outdoor pool. Swimming pool [outdoor]: Clean, rectangular, and filled with water. There was a little area with chairs. No "pool with a view," at least not from what I could see. And no poolside bar. Poolside bar: This was a bummer. Come on, Residence Inn! A margarita would have REALLY elevated the "unbeatable deal" experience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Buffet’s Brave Attempt
Breakfast. Breakfast [buffet]: The highlight… potentially. I will admit, I'm a sucker for a breakfast buffet. Eggs, bacon, (sometimes) waffles, the works. The Residence Inn served a Western buffet, with a few Asian-inspired options. Was it gourmet? Absolutely not. Buffet in restaurant: Was it filling? Absolutely. Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop available.
There was also a snack bar, which offered the usual suspects. Convenient if you needed something at odd hours, but nothing remotely exciting.
The "Spa" (…Don't Get Your Hopes Up)
Spa: The "spa" services are listed but I didn't see a full spa. I didn't see a sauna, steam room, or anything of the sorts. So if you're looking for serious pampering, look elsewhere.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
They had laundry service, which was useful. Laundry service: Daily housekeeping was, well, daily. Daily housekeeping: The staff were friendly, but not overly effusive. Which I'm fine with. I don't need a conga line of hotel staff saying "Good morning!" every time I walk the halls.
The Hidden Gems of the Stay
- The Staff: Truly, the staff was generally helpful and friendly. They made the experience.
- Proximity: It's a central location. Easy access to restaurants, shops, and the highway.
The Bottom Line: Unbeatable?" Probably Not, But…
Was the Residence Inn in Plano an "unbeatable deal"? Probably not. But it was a comfortable, clean, and convenient base for exploring the Dallas area. The free breakfast was a definite plus. The staff was great. Would I stay there again? Maybe. If the price was right. The "unbeatable deal" is subjective, right? But… if you're looking for a solid, dependable hotel with no serious flaws, the Residence Inn in Plano is worth a look. Just don't expect a luxurious spa experience or a mind-blowing culinary adventure. Go in with reasonable expectations, and you might just find yourself pleasantly surprised.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into an itinerary that's less "polished travel brochure" and more "slightly-unhinged vacation journal." This is my attempt to wrangle a semblance of order around my stay at the Residence Inn in Plano/The Colony (TX), and let me tell you, it's already feeling about as organized as my sock drawer.
Day 1: Arrival, Expectations, and the Great Texan Breakfast Debacle
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Okay, so far, so good. The flight was… well, it was a flight. Cramped, slightly smelly, and punctuated by the incessant snoring of my seat partner. You know, the usual. Honestly, the anticipation of solid ground was almost as satisfying as the first sip of that lukewarm airplane coffee.
- 1:45 PM: Grab a rental car, and hit the road. I swear, after flying for over 4 hours, I felt like I just crawled out of the womb again. My coordination was shot, and I was praying there weren't any potholes.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in at Residence Inn, Plano/The Colony. First impression? Clean. Efficient. Pleasant enough. My room smells faintly of cleaning product and a vague promise of a good night's sleep.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Unpack, settle in, and… Reality Check. Realizing I forgot my toothbrush. Ugh. Cue the desperate search for a convenience store. I'm pretty sure I spent an hour just staring at travel-sized toiletries, questioning all my life choices that led to me forgetting this small, but crucial, item.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner - Texas BBQ, or Bust! I'm talking authentic, melt-in-your-mouth, fall-off-the-bone, smoky perfection. I’m envisioning myself as a full-blown Texan after this. So I researched a few spots and now I'm faced with the ultimate decision: Which BBQ joint lives up to the hype? The struggle is real, people.
- 7:30 PM: BBQ Debacle (possibly). I'm running late. The traffic in this city is something else! I have to be honest, driving here makes me miss my little town.
- 8:30 PM: After dinner rest and relaxation.
- Optional: Get a head start planning the next day
Day 2: Culture, Confusion, and the Search for a Decent Cup of Coffee
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast at the Residence Inn. Now THIS is where things get… interesting. The free breakfast is a cornerstone of the Residence Inn experience, right? Well, let me paint you an honest picture: scrambled eggs that resemble sad, pale rubber; slightly stale bagels; and coffee that tastes like the tears of a disappointed barista. I've got to be honest, I'm not sure if I can go through with the breakfast.
- 8:00 AM: Explore the Local Area… Maybe. I think I'll skip the breakfast. I need to find a decent coffee shop stat, somewhere I can sit and plan out the day.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Art Scene. It's time to embrace some culture! I'm aiming for the Dallas Museum of Art… or maybe the Nasher Sculpture Center, if my brain can handle abstract shapes. I might get lost or confused, but hey, that's part of the adventure, right?
- 12:30 PM: Lunch (aka the Moment I Lose All Self-Control). Let's go with a local spot. Maybe a food truck park, so I can sample a little bit of everything.
- 2:00 PM: The Shopping Spree (or the Window Shopping Spree, Depending on My Budget). If my wallet allows, I'll be hitting some of the local shops.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner - I'm Thinking Italian (or Maybe Pizza, Because Comfort Food). I've got to be in the mood for some pasta. We'll see.
- 8:00 PM: Relax and recharge. Maybe I'll catch a movie on cable, or just collapse in a heap of exhaustion.
Day 3: The Great Outdoors (Maybe), Departures, and Departures
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast (The Second Attempt). I've resolved to give breakfast another shot. I might just stick to toast and coffee.
- 8:00 AM: Final plans for the day. Depending on the weather and my general level of motivation -- a walk-in a park or maybe a hike. Or maybe just some more window shopping.
- 10:00 AM: Goodbye, Texas. It's time to pack up, check out, and head back to the airport.
- 11:00 AM: The airport rush. I'm hoping there are no delays.
- 1:00 PM: Plane, home.
This is just a rough draft, a skeleton of a plan. The beauty of travel, though, is the messiness, the surprises, the imperfections. I'm ready to embrace the chaos, the wrong turns, the unexpected moments. Because those are the things you remember, the things that make a trip a true adventure. Wish me luck! And maybe send coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
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Dallas Plano Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Residence Inn! (Let's Be Real) FAQs
Okay, so "Unbeatable Deals"… What's the Catch? Is It Really CHEAP-CHEAP?
Alright, let's be real. "Unbeatable" is marketing speak, right? But honestly? The Residence Inn Plano *did* have some pretty sweet deals when I booked. I'm talking, like, less than I usually spend on groceries for a week! The catch? Sometimes… the *selection* in the free breakfast buffet is… well, let’s just say if you’re expecting artisanal avocado toast, you're in the wrong place. Think more… “efficient” breakfast. Still, free fuel is free fuel, and who am I to complain about a waffle I didn't have to make myself? And oh god, my husband… he *loves* the waffles. He'd eat them until he could breathe. He's not the most discerning.
Is it actually *in* Plano? Because sometimes hotels lie.
This is a legitimate concern. I’ve learned the hard way about hotels that claim to be near something and then you end up needing a Sherpa to get there. Thankfully, YES. The Residence Inn Plano is *actually* in Plano. We drove, and it was right there! We were thrilled. We were doing a shopping spree at the Shops at Legacy (another story, involving a credit card and a distinct lack of self-control – but hey, the deals were good!), and it was super convenient. I swear, the parking garage there is a character in itself. If you can navigate *that*, you can handle anything.
What about the rooms? Big? Clean? Smelling like… something *other* than a hockey rink?
Okay, the room situation. I am VERY picky about cleanliness. Like, I carry sanitizing wipes everywhere. So, I was cautiously optimistic. The rooms were… good. They were spacious, which is a HUGE plus for a family like mine (we travel with more stuff than a small moving company!). And yes, thankfully, no whiff of old hockey equipment. Phew. It was the kind of clean that felt… lived in in a good way. Like someone had *tried* to make it feel homey. The bed was comfy too. I slept like the dead, which is exactly what I needed after battling the aforementioned shopping mall. They got a good score from me for the bedding.
Free Breakfast - Spill the Beans! Is it *actually* edible?
Alright, breakfast. We've touched on it. It's… *functional*. There's the waffle machine (a godsend for my husband), scrambled eggs (questionable, but I survived), and a selection of cereals that ranged from "healthy-ish" to "why is this so sugary?". The coffee was… coffee. You won't write poetry about it, but it’ll get you going. The seating area had a view into the hotel lobby that was a little bit… interesting… at breakfast time. There were some people definitely still hungover. Made for good people-watching, though, I'll give it that.
Is there a pool? Because vacation without a pool is just… a slightly different version of real life.
YES! There *is* a pool! And it's… fine. It wasn’t exactly the shimmering oasis of my dreams, but it was clean, and the kids loved it. It's not huge, so don't expect to be doing laps. More like… splashing around. Kids shouting, the usual. There were also some very… competitive… kids going down the slide. My kids, of course, joined them. The whole scene was… very memorable. And a little loud. Bring earplugs, honestly. But hey, the kids had fun, and that's what matters, right? Right? (Deep breaths.)
What's the parking situation like? Do I need to sell a kidney to afford it?
Parking! Another potential wallet-drainer. But thankfully, no kidney required. Parking was *free*! Hallelujah! And there was *plenty* of it. (Unlike the Nordstrom parking garage, which I am still getting over.) This is a huge plus, especially when you're lugging suitcases, kids, and approximately seventeen bags of shopping loot. Major points for that.
Any downsides? Because nothing's perfect. (Sadly.)
Okay, the downsides. Honestly, the only real complaint I have is the Wi-Fi. It was… spotty. Keep that in mind if you need to work remotely or stream movies. It would cut out at the worst possible moments. Like, just as I was about to watch *the* scene in my favorite show. Infuriating! Also, the decor is… a little beige. A little… safe. A little *bland*. It's functional, but don't expect Instagram-worthy aesthetics. But hey, who am I kidding? I was there to shop, eat, and survive a weekend with my family. And for that, it was perfectly adequate.
Would you go back? Seriously?
You know what? Yes. For the price, the location (seriously, so close to everything!), and the generally okay-ness of everything? Absolutely. I’d go back. I'd stock up on my own coffee, bring my own Wi-Fi hotspot, and mentally prepare myself for the waffle frenzy. And I’d probably try to avoid the competitive slide kids. Unless, of course, my own offspring are involved. Then all bets are off. But yeah, I'd book it again. Definitely worth checking out if you're looking for a decent getaway without breaking the bank. Just manage your expectations. And stock up on coffee. And maybe earplugs.
Okay, one last thing… What was the *best* part?
Okay, the best part? That’s easy. Leaving the hotel with my shopping bargains, full of waffles if you can call them that, and knowing I didn’t have to clean up after anyone for *two whole days*. Pure. Bliss. It was the kind of trip that left me energized *and* exhausted. Like, I needed a vacation… *from* the vacation. But in a good way. In a messy, realistic, slightly-too-sugary-breakfast-filled, totally worth it kind of way. So, yeah. Go. And tell me what you think of those waffles. (And bring me back a coffee.)
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