Escape to LA: Fairfield Inn & Suites West Covina Awaits!
Escape to LA? More like a "Getaway" to West Covina (and the Fairfield Inn's Ups and Downs!)
Alright, here's the deal: you're thinking about escaping to LA. Maybe you're dreaming of Hollywood glamour, sun-drenched beaches, and the thrill of the city. Realistically? You're probably ending up in West Covina. And hey, that's where the Fairfield Inn & Suites comes in. This review? Buckle up, buttercup, because it ain't gonna be a polished brochure. It's gonna be real.
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- Description: A brutally honest and detailed review of the Fairfield Inn & Suites West Covina, covering accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, dining, services, and more. Get the real scoop before you book!
First Impressions & The Accessibility Angle - (My Bad Knees Were Praying!)
So, first things first, the sheer size of the place hits you. It's not some sleek, boutique hotel. This is a solid, dependable, "get-the-job-done" kind of place. And, thankfully, they seem to get it when it comes to accessibility.
- Wheelchair Accessible? YES! Elevators, ramps, and generally easy movement throughout the public areas. Huge win right off the bat for anyone with mobility concerns (like ahem… this reviewer and his creaky knees).
- Accessibility Score: 4.5 Stars. Definitely a point of pride for them, and deservedly so.
- Key features: Elevators that were actually working (praise the heavens!), well-lit hallways, and a clear pathway from the parking to the lobby.
The Room – Ah, Comfort, Finally! But…
Okay, the room. It was…fine. Clean, which is a major plus in the post-pandemic era. The carpet? A bit… dated, but hey, I wasn't here to judge interior design.
- Comfort & Tech: The bed was comfy enough. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver (needed that sleep!). The Wi-Fi? YES! Free and actually worked. Huge win, especially when you’re chained to your phone.
- Annoying little things The air conditioning was a bit noisy. The TV remote was… old.
- Rooms Sanitization? Seemed they were adhering to their promise. No lingering odors, and the surfaces were clean and disinfected. Kudos to them for making an effort to keep everything safe and clean.
- Soundproofing? Well, I didn't hear anything from my neightbors which is very satisfying.
- The Bathroom: The shower pressure was decent and the toiletries were fine. Basic stuff, but it works.
- Minor details: I liked the complimentary tea and coffee maker. Good for when you just want to unwind and relax.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – The Hunger Games, West Covina Edition
Alright, so, the "escape to LA" vibe takes a bit of a hit here. West Covina isn't exactly a foodie paradise. The on-site options were… limited.
- Breakfast: The complimentary breakfast was a buffet. It boasted the usual suspects: eggs, sausage/bacon, pastries, and cereal. It wasn't gourmet, but it was free, and it filled a hole.
- Dining options: There’s a restaurant in the hotel, offering everything from Asian cuisine, International favorites.
- Drinks: The bar was functional. Beers, wines, and the usual cocktails.
- Suggestions: They should put more options for the grab-and-go stuff. More fruit in the buffet would've been nice.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – The "Escape" Begins…Maybe?
This is where the Fairfield Inn tries to nudge you towards the "escape" part of the deal.
- The Pool: The outdoor pool. A respectable size, and clean. Good for a quick dip after a day of, well, whatever you're doing in West Covina. I didn’t get a view per se, but there's enough space for swimming and relaxing.
- Fitness Center: Decent gym. Treadmills, a few weights. Kept me from feeling too guilty about the breakfast buffet.
- Spa No spa. If you want a massage or other luxuries, you will have to look elsewhere.
- Suggestions: Some extra lounging space would be nice, especially around the pool. A pool bar would work.
Cleanliness and Safety – Peace of Mind, or Not?
Let's be honest – in today's world, cleanliness is paramount.
- The good: Daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff taking safety protocol seriously.
- The okay: Rooms were sanitized well.
- Overall, a good effort. I definitely felt that they were making an effort to do things safely.
Services and Conveniences – The Bells and Whistles (and some misses!)
- The good: Free parking, laundry service, and a 24-hour front desk.
- The okay: The convenience store selection was… convenience-store-y.
- The missing: No concierge.
- The "huh?" I did enjoy the facility for disabled guests.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly Vibes? Sort Of…
- The verdict: It’s family-friendly in the sense that they have family rooms.
- The downside: No dedicated kids' activities or special amenities.
Getting Around – The West Covina Odyssey
- The good: Free parking is always a win.
- The iffy: You'll likely need a car. West Covina isn't exactly known for its walkability.
- The suggestion: Consider airport transfer service if you need it.
The "Human Touch" – My Honest Feelings, Ramblings, and Imperfections
Okay, so here's where things get messy and real.
I had a rough day before I checked in. Travel delays, a cranky baby, and the general chaos of life. I just wanted a decent bed and a hot shower. And, you know what? The Fairfield Inn, at that moment, delivered. It wasn't fancy, but it was safe. It was functional. It was a haven from the storm.
The one thing that really stuck with me: The front desk staff. They were genuinely friendly. It was the kind of genuine friendliness that wasn't just a scripted "have a nice day" - it's the kind that shows you they're actually listening, and that they care about your experience.
The imperfections: The location is a little… sterile. West Covina doesn't have the buzz of downtown LA. But honestly? After a long day, the quiet was welcome.
The quirks: I'm obsessed with hotel soap. The bar soap here was… fine. Nothing remarkable. But in its very unremarkableness, it was perfect.
The emotional reaction: I'd go back? Yeah, I probably would. It's not a destination in itself, but it's reliable. It's comfortable and convenient. It's the kind of place that lets you breathe when you need a breath.
The Final Verdict - Escape to… West Covina?
The Fairfield Inn & Suites West Covina isn't going to blow your mind. But it does what it sets out to do. It's safe, clean, accessible, and generally pleasant.
- Overall Score: 3.75/5 Stars. Solid. Dependable. Would recommend if you're looking for a comfortable place to rest your head in the West Covina.
- Pro Tip: Lower expectations, embrace the "just fine" factor, and focus on what you need for a comfortable stay.
- Would I go again? Would go if in the area or needing a quick stay.
- Is this a total escape to LA? No. Is it a perfectly serviceable base camp? Yes!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly curated travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, Fairfield Inn & Suites Los Angeles West Covina edition! Prepare for a bumpy, hilarious, possibly sleep-deprived ride. This is a live document, folks, a living, breathing testament to chaos and the absolute glory of travel.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great West Covina Orientation (or, How I Learned to Love a Parking Lot)
- Morning (or, Whenever the Heck I Dragged Myself Out of Bed): Landed at LAX. Ugh, LA traffic already, naturally. Found the car rental place. Which, by the way, I will never understand why they put those things so far away from the actual airport. The endless shuttle ride felt like a purgatorial experience. Got the rental car – a slightly-used sedan that probably knew more about California than I did.
- Afternoon: The I-10 Gauntlet and Arrival: Battled the I-10 – honestly, it's a test of human endurance. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, arrived at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. The lobby was surprisingly… functional. Check-in was smooth, the guy at the desk had seen it all, I could tell. My room? Standard issue, but hey, clean sheets are a win, right? And the AC! Sweet, blessed AC. I immediately cranked it to arctic. It was probably 90 degrees outside. Needed to cool off.
- Evening: West Covina Reconnaissance and the Mystery of the Taco Bell (or, My First Taco Bell Experience…Ever): Okay, real talk: I was hungry. So, I did the highly sophisticated thing and just…drove around. It was a whirlwind of strip malls and fast-food joints. The "West Covina" sign felt BIG, like, capital-letter BIG, in a way that I was impressed! Ended up at a Taco Bell. (Yes, I'm a late bloomer to the Taco Bell experience.) So, the first bite, a cheesy Gordita crunch and I had a moment. Okay, I had several moments. I feel a little bit bad for all the years I missed out on this, and a little bit better now.
- Night: Collapsed in bed. Watched some truly terrible TV. Fell asleep with the TV on. Woke up at 3 AM, disoriented. The true travel experience begins.
Day 2: The California Dreamin' Hangover and the Quest for Brunch (or, Where Did I Leave My Sunglasses?)
- Morning: The Breakfast Buffer and the Caffeine Crisis: Woke up feeling… not entirely fresh. The free breakfast at the hotel was a standard continental affair. The coffee? Let's just say it was the nectar of the gods compared to whatever the heck that was in the hotel room. I definitely had more than one cup. And somehow, the entire breakfast was gone. The coffee was decent, but the lack of pancakes made me sad.
- Afternoon: Brunch and the Search The world was calling and I needed to get somewhere I could eat brunch. So I Googled a lot of places only to find some were closed. I got lost again. I found a local restaurant and it was really busy. This place was called "Crave Brunch." I asked for a seat by the window. I ordered everything. It was amazing.
- Afternoon (Continued): The California Dreamin' Hangover and the Quest for Sunglasses: After lunch, the sun was very bright. I needed to find my sunglasses. I was convinced I left them in the restaurant, but I didn't. Searched the entire hotel room. Went down to the front desk and asked if anyone had turned them in. Nope. Now I'm going to have to buy a new pair.
- Evening: The "Explore the City" Debacle (or, When My GPS Betrayed Me): I am a creature of the open road, I wanted to drive. But the GPS led me down a lot of back roads. Turns out, my attempts to "explore" led me to, uh, interesting neighborhoods that were quite a ways from where I wanted to be. It was a learning experience. I need to get a handle on the public transit.
- Night: The Movie Marathon and the Bed Bug Scare (Just Kidding… Maybe): Back in the hotel room, I was too exhausted to do anything but order pizza and watch cheesy movies on HBO. Or, more accurately, fall asleep halfway through them. Started to think I may have seen one or two bed bugs jump on the wall, but then again, the pizza was so heavy I may have also been hallucinating. Slept with the lights on. Just in case.
Day 3: The Theme Park Frenzy and the Quest for Inner Peace (or, Why I Might Need a Therapist)
- Morning: Parking Lot Wars Part 2 and the Arrival: Today was theme park day! I grabbed my bag, my new sunglasses, and off to the local theme park. The parking was chaos. I found a parking spot.
- Afternoon: Screaming, Spinning, and the Existential Dread of the Ferris Wheel: Rode all the rides. Ate all the things! I took too many pictures, and felt like a kid again. Then the Ferris wheel, which gave me time to think about the meaning of life. I felt sad.
- Evening: Stuffed Animals and Overpriced Souvenirs (and Emotional Breakdown): Spent way too much money on a stuffed animal and a ridiculously overpriced t-shirt. Felt a wave of pure, unadulterated JOY, followed by a wave of pure, unadulterated REGRET.
- Night: Hotel Room Reflection and the Early Alarm Clock: Back at the hotel, I journaled, watched TV, and slept. I set an alarm for the next day.
Day 4: Departure and The Promise to Return (or, Goodbye, West Covina, You Weird, Wonderful Place)
- Morning: Last Breakfast, Packing Panic and Goodbye: Tried the breakfast buffet one last time. Packed my bags with the efficiency of a sloth. Double-checked for bed bugs (just kidding…mostly!). Checked out.
- Afternoon: The Long Goodbye (or, When the Airport Shuttle Almost Killed Me): Took the airport shuttle. It felt like the apocalypse, but on wheels.
- Evening: The Air (or, I'll Be Back): Goodbye, West Covina! You were… an experience. I'll probably be back someday, to ride the rollercoaster of real life, and to experience everything I can possibly do again. Home sweet home.
Escape to LA: Fairfield Inn & Suites West Covina Awaits! (or Does It?) - A FAQ You Actually Want to Read (Maybe...)
Okay, so... West Covina. Sounds glamorous. Is this actually, like, *in* LA? Or am I gonna spend all day in a car?
Alright, let's be real. West Covina is *technically* LA County, but honey, it's not Hollywood. Think of it as… the appetizer to the main course. You're about 30-45 minutes (without traffic, HA!) to the heart of the action, depending on exactly *where* you're going. Which, let's face it, is probably Disneyland. (Don't judge me, I'm obsessed.) So, pack your patience, your podcasts, and maybe a little snack for the inevitable freeway crawl. My first time? I swear, the GPS said "Arrival: 40 minutes." Two hours later, I'm staring at a red light contemplating my life choices. True story. So, yes, you *can* get to LA. Just… plan accordingly.
The website promises a "free hot breakfast." Is it actually edible? Because I've had some…experiences.
Oh, the dreaded free breakfast. Bless their hearts, the hotels *try*. Okay, so, the Fairfield Inn West Covina breakfast? It's… serviceable. Let's go with that. Think your usual suspects: scrambled eggs (sometimes resembling something vaguely yellow-ish), sausage (probably not made from anything that ever saw the sun), waffles (that you have to make yourself, which is always a slightly precarious situation), and the glorious, glorious coffee. The coffee is usually decent. Thank God for the coffee. I once walked in, completely ravaged by jet lag and a desperate need for caffeine, and that coffee… saved me. Seriously. Saved. Me. Expect a decent variety, something for everyone, but don't expect Michelin-star quality. Lower those expectations, honey, and you’ll be fine. And always, ALWAYS, grab extra pastries. Just in case.
What about the rooms? Are they clean? And are they going to give me the room that's next to the ice machine? because I *hate* the ice machine room.
Room cleanliness is a big deal, right? You don't want to be sharing your bed with something… unexpected. I have to say, from my several experiences, the rooms at the Fairfield Inn West Covina are generally pretty clean. They seem to put effort into the housekeeping, which I appreciate. They are usually of standard quality. Think clean sheets, a bathroom that's actually *clean*, and a general absence of creepy crawlies. Now, the ice machine situation… that's a lottery. There’s no guarantee. Request a room away from it, plead with the front desk, bribe them with chocolate (kidding… mostly). Otherwise, you're at the mercy of ice-guzzling tourists. And seriously, those things are *loud* at 3 AM. Trust me. I may or may not have had to wear earplugs on one particularly noisy occasion.
Pool? Is there a pool? And more importantly, is it actually *warm*?
YES! There is a pool! And yes, it’s, *usually*, warm! (Let's be honest, some California nights can get a bit brisk.) Don't expect anything Olympic-sized, but it's a perfectly decent pool for a quick dip or some leisurely lounging. There are usually some lounge chairs around, but they tend to get snatched up early, especially on weekends. I actually love the pool. It is one of best part of this hotel! My greatest regret on my last trip was arriving late and not getting to swim.
Are there any restaurants nearby? Because I don't want to eat at the hotel every night.
Absolutely! West Covina might not be the culinary capital of the world, but you’ve got options. Walking distance? Not ideal. You're gonna need a car (or a rideshare). But a short drive away? Plenty. Chain restaurants abound, of course (it *is* America). But there are some surprisingly good local places too. Think tasty tacos, maybe some decent sushi. And for heaven's sake, consider a real California burrito! Do your research, check Yelp! (Or, you know, ask me... I might have a few recommendations. I'm a foodie, I'm *slightly* obsessed).
What's the deal with parking? Is it free? Because parking fees are the bane of my existence.
Okay, this is one of my pet peeves. Parking. At the Fairfield Inn West Covina, parking is… free! (Insert a small, happy squeal here). That's a major win, folks! You won't have to wrestle with meters or pay exorbitant fees. However… it can get a little crowded. Especially when there's a big event happening in the area. Arrive early if possible, and be prepared to do a lap or two. But hey, free parking! You're saving money, which means more money for… you know… tacos!
Is there a gym? Because I'm trying to be "healthy" on this trip. (Please don't judge my use of air quotes)
Yes, there's a gym. And… it's a hotel gym. You know the drill. A few treadmills, a couple of bikes, some weights that probably haven't been updated since the 90s. Don't expect a state-of-the-art facility. But it's there, it's functional, and it's enough to get a quick workout in if you're feeling motivated. I've used it, mainly to counteract all the waffles I consume at that "free" breakfast. It's a trade-off, really. The pool is better!
What is the best thing that happens when staying at this hotel?
Okay, the best thing? Other than the (generally) clean rooms and the warm pool? For me, it boils down to the *location*. It’s a good base of operations. It’s far enough away from the crazy, but close enough to get to the fun. It's close to the freeway which, with the exception of the hours-long traffic jams, is pretty amazing. Plus, it's affordable. And when you're saving money, you can spend more on, you guessed it, food.
Okay, so, overall... should I stay here or not? Give me the real, brutallyHidden Stay
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