Escape to Miami: Fairfield Inn & Suites Airport South - Your Perfect Getaway!
Escape to Miami: Fairfield Inn & Suites Airport South - My Not-So-Secret Getaway (And My Thoughts on the Whole Damn Thing!)
Okay, so, Fairfield Inn & Suites Airport South in Miami. Let's be honest, it's not the sexiest name for a hotel, right? Sounds more like a layover purgatory than a vacation destination. But hey, sometimes you stumble upon a place that surprises you. And, let me tell you, I had a few surprises during my stay – some good, some… well, let’s just say they added to the overall experience.
First Impressions & The Great Accessibility Gamble:
Right off the bat, I gotta give props for accessibility. The website claimed it was wheelchair accessible, and from what I saw, it seemed legit. Wheelchair accessible was definitely ticked off the list, and that's a HUGE win in my book. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Check. I didn't personally need any of those things, but seeing them made me feel good. It’s all about inclusivity, people! The elevator was surprisingly quick too, which is always a bonus after a long flight.
But the Lobby? A Bit…Meh. It felt like a holding pen for weary travelers. Function over flair, I guess. Though, a little more "Miami" vibe wouldn't hurt, you know? Maybe a splash of neon or something… anything to distract from the endless fluorescent lights.
Internet Tango: Free Wi-Fi (Thank God!)
Okay, so the free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a total lifesaver. Seriously, my inner internet gremlin can't survive without a solid connection. They had free Wi-Fi in the public areas too, which was nice. But let's face it, I mainly clung to my room's lifeline. I heard something about Internet [LAN] too…like, who even uses LAN anymore? But good on them for covering all the bases, I guess.
The Room: Functional, But Did I Love It?
Inside my room, it was…well, functional. Air conditioning? Yep. Desk? Check. Coffee/tea maker? Praise the caffeine gods! I survived purely on that thing. The bedding was clean and the linens were fresh. I dug the non-smoking policy. Although, I did appreciate the designated (smoking area) when I saw it on the way in. It wasn't luxurious, but it gave me a place to de-stress without feeling too guilty.
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet: Nope, not in my room.
- Alarm clock: Yep, a relic from the 90s.
- Bathrobes: Nope, unfortunately.
- Bathroom phone: Why??
- Bathtub: Yep.
- Blackout curtains: YES! Bless those things.
- Carpeting: Uh-huh.
- Closet: Plenty of space to hang my (limited) wardrobe.
- Complimentary tea: A life-saver.
- Daily housekeeping Always appreciated!
- Extra long bed: Perfect.
- Hair dryer: Yes!
- In-room safe box: Could be handy.
- Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN: Again, all the options, which is nice.
- Ironing facilities: Yep.
- Laptop workspace: Yes.
- Mini bar: Nope. Which is good, because I would have been broke in a day.
- Mirror: Check.
- On-demand movies: Tried to work it.
- Private bathroom: Yep.
- Reading light: Yes.
- Refrigerator: Yes.
- Scale: Nope.
- Seating area, Sofa: Yep.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Yep.
- Shower: Yep.
- Slippers: Nope.
- Smoke detector: Very important!
- Socket near the bed: Awesome!
- Soundproofing: Seemed fairly effective.
- Telephone: Yep.
- Toiletries: Basic, but got the job done.
- Towels: Plentiful.
- Umbrella: Nope.
- Visual alarm: Nope, wasn't an issue for me.
- Wake-up service: Yep.
- Window that opens: Yes! I love fresh air.
Okay… The 'Relaxation' Factor (or Lack Thereof)
This is where things get a little… dicey. The website boasted about all sorts of ways to unwind. Fitness center? Yup, saw it. Looked… well-equipped, I guess. Didn't use it, though. My idea of "fitness" on vacation is walking to the pool and back. Swimming pool? Absolutely! It was an outdoor pool, which made it that much better! The pool view wasn't anything spectacular, but hey, getting into the water and cooling off was a great break from the heat.
Spa? Nope. Sauna? Nope. Steamroom? Nope. Massage? Nope. Basically, the ‘spa’ experience was non-existent. That was disappointing. I was really hoping for at least a quick massage to work the knots out.
Dining – From Buffet-to-Go (And Everything in Between)
The breakfast [buffet] was… serviceable. Think, "airport hotel breakfast." There was a good variety, but the quality wasn't exactly stellar. Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Breakfast service, Western breakfast (and maybe Asian too?) So, overall the dining was pretty basic but functional. Room service [24-hour] was an awesome option.
Restaurants: A few options - I saw an Asian cuisine in restaurant, that I didn't try.
Drinks: The Poolside bar was nice! Bottle of water, Poolside bar, Snack bar: The Poolside bar was a nice touch.
Things to do: I spent very little time in all the services.
Cleanliness and Safety - The COVID Considerations (and My Mild Anxiety)
Okay, in the age of COVID, I’m a total germaphobe. I give credit where it's due: they seemed to be taking things seriously. Hand sanitizer was everywhere. The staff wore masks. They had daily disinfection in common areas. The rooms sanitized between stays claim was reassuring, though I couldn’t be completely sure. They had individually-wrapped food options which was good. They had Safe dining setup:
Services and Conveniences - The Essentials (and Some Surprises)
They offered a good range of services and conveniences. Daily housekeeping was great. Laundry service was a lifesaver! Concierge was available, though I didn't really need them.
Hotel Chain: Fairfield Inn and Suites.
Getting Around - The Airport Shuffle and Beyond:
Airport transfer: YES! Thank goodness! This was a HUGE win. Made getting to and from the airport a breeze, especially after dealing with Miami traffic. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking: The car system was an option.
For the Kids – Not My Arena, But Still…
I don't have kids, but the website mentioned Family/child friendly and Babysitting service. So, if you’re traveling with the little ones, it seems like they’ve got you covered.
Overall Verdict:
Fairfield Inn & Suites Airport South? It's not a glam getaway. It's not a luxury experience. But it’s a solid, reliable option. Clean, convenient, and with some surprisingly helpful features. Perfect for a layover, fine for a quick trip, and reasonably priced. And that free Wi-Fi? Absolute gold.
My Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Room for improvement, but definitely not a disaster. Would I stay again? Maybe. Depends on the price and my level of need for Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Mostly, I liked the pool, though. That's the ultimate deciding factor!
Escape to Paradise: Your West Orange Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This itinerary isn't your sanitized, brochure-perfect travel plan. This is the real, sweaty, slightly-hungover-but-still-excited version. Here we go: My Miami Airport South adventure, baby! (Fairfield Inn & Suites, you've been warned.)
Day 1: Arrival, Airport Shenanigans, and the Great Cuban Sandwich Quest
- 1:00 PM - ARRIVAL. MIA. (Hopefully.) Okay, let's be real, my flight's probably delayed. It always is. I'm already picturing myself: slumped in a too-small airport chair, the fluorescent lights buzzing like angry bees. But hey, Miami! Sunshine, right? Right?! I'm praying my luggage arrives with me. Losing my favorite pair of sunglasses would be a travel tragedy of epic proportions.
- 1:30 PM - SHUTTLE SURVIVAL. Find the Fairfield Inn shuttle. This is where the real test of patience begins. Dealing with airport shuttle drivers are like a lucky draw. Some are the best, some are the worst. If he's great, tip him over generously; This airport is so vast it is easy to get lost in it.
- 2:30 PM - CHECK-IN CHAOS. Arrive at Fairfield Inn & Suites. Hopefully, the check-in process is smooth. Last time, I swear the room key wouldn't work, and I had to trek all the way back to the lobby, defeated. But, let's be optimistic! Maybe the room will be clean! (Fingers crossed it still has a door to the bathroom)
- 3:00 PM - ROOM EXPLORATION & MENTAL PREP. Assess the situation. Inspect the bed. (Must be comfy. Sleep is vital.) Unpack (or at least, chuck stuff into the general vicinity of the closet). Contemplate the sheer volume of sunscreen I'll need. And then… breathe. Miami time, baby!
- 3:30 PM - THE CUBAN SANDWICH QUEST BEGINS. This is non-negotiable. I'm on a mission. I've heard glorious tales of crispy bread, succulent roasted pork, and tangy pickles. My stomach is already rumbling with anticipation. Researching the best Cuban sandwich near the hotel is crucial. (This is a serious endeavor, people. I'll probably Yelp-stalk the top-rated spots.)
- 4:30 PM - SANDWICH HUNT. Wander, sweat, and hope I don't get completely lost in the Miami heat. I'm terrible with directions. My sense of direction is a joke, honestly. I'll probably end up somewhere incredibly random. (Maybe a flamingo farm? Who knows!)
- 5:30 PM - SANDWICH CONSUMPTION (HOPEFULLY). Devour the Cuban sandwich. Relish every bite. Close my eyes and appreciate the symphony of flavors. If it's not perfect, well, I'll just have to find another one. (The sacrifices I make for travel.)
- 6:30 PM - HOTEL RETREAT & RELAXATION (OR, SLIGHT PANIC). Back to the hotel. Maybe take a quick dip in the pool? (If the water's not suspiciously green.) Or, maybe I'll just collapse on the bed and binge-watch trash TV. The possibilities are endless. Or, if the day is too long, take a nap.
- 7:30 PM - DINNER (OR, THE GREAT FOOD SEARCH CONTINUES). Finding dinner is a challenge in a new city. More Yelp-ing, maybe some online delivery (if I'm feeling lazy). The goal? To eat something that isn't fast food. (But, hey, if the Cuban sandwich was disappointing, I might need some comfort food.)
- 9:00 PM - HOTEL CHILL & SLEEP ATTEMPT. Watch some TV, read a book, and try to go to bed at a reasonable hour. (Which, let's be honest, probably won't happen.) This is the beginning of the trip and I should be sleeping
- 10:00 PM - BEDTIME. lights Out. Sweet dreams!
Day 2: Crashing & Burning in Little Havana (Plus, Pool Time!)
- 8:00 AM - WAKE UP! (Or, Maybe 9:00 AM? Or Noon?). The alarm will probably get hit a dozen times.
- 9:00 AM - BREAKFAST AT THE HOTEL (MAYBE). The hotel breakfast. Let's be real, it's usually a continental buffet of questionable quality. I'll probably grab a greasy donut and a cup of lukewarm coffee and call it a day.
- 10:00 AM - LITTLE HAVANA RUMBLE. This adventure is going to be a trip! I've always wanted to experience Little Havana, so let's do it!
- 11:00 AM - CAFE CON LECHE & CIGAR DREAMS. The best experience.
- 12:00 PM - EATING EVERYTHING!
- 1:00 PM - POOL TIME! Finally, RELAX time. And also time to think of going home.
- 2:00 PM - NAP TIME!
- 3:00 PM - REPEAT!
- 4:00 PM - BACK TO THE HOTEL
Day 3: Departure (and a Sad Farewell to the Miami Sun)
- 8:00 AM - WAKE! (Or, more likely, be woken by the cleaning staff.)
- 9:00 AM - CHECK OUT (UGH). Say goodbye to the Fairfield Inn & Suites. Give the staff a heartfelt thank you.
- 9:30 AM - FAREWELL BREAKFAST. A quick bite at the hotel or a nearby cafe. (Trying to squeeze in one last pastry.)
- 10:00 AM - AIRPORT BOUND. Pray traffic isn't a nightmare. One last look at Miami before the airport!
- 11:00 AM - AIRPORT CHECK-IN MADNESS.
- 12:00 PM - FLIGHT! Hope they have snacks on this flight!
- 1:00 PM - ARRIVAL! Home sweet home.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is a suggestion, subject to change based on whims, weather, and the availability of Cuban sandwiches. Expect detours, spontaneous decisions, and moments of sheer, unfiltered chaos. This is travel, people. Embrace the mess. And most importantly: Have fun! And for the love of all things travel-related, pack extra sunscreen. You'll need it.
Dallas Escape: Greenville Ave. Suites Await!
Escape to Miami: Fairfield Inn & Suites Airport South - Your (Maybe) Perfect Getaway! FAQs... Prepare Yourself.
Okay, so, is this Fairfield Inn even *good*? Like, REALLY good? Or just... a Fairfield Inn?
Alright, let's get REAL. "Good" is subjective, right? This isn't the Ritz-Carlton. But, and this is a BIG BUT, for what it *is* – a perfectly acceptable, clean, and generally reliable airport hotel – it’s pretty darn solid. I mean, you're not gonna write a novel about the architecture, but it won't make you actively *unhappy* either. Think of it as that dependable friend who always shows up on time, even if they’re not the life of the party.
I remember one time, I was SO jet-lagged, almost hallucinating after a red-eye. Just needed a clean bed and a shower. The Fairfield delivered. Boom. Relief. That's something, right? So, good? Yeah, probably. Avoid the "luxury" expectations and you'll be fine. Except…the airport shuttle…see below…
That airport shuttle… is it a myth? Does it *actually* exist?
Oh, the shuttle. The *shuttle*. Okay, let's be honest. It exists. Technically. Physically. It *can* get you to the airport. But its reliability? Well…let’s just say it's lived a life! One time, I waited a solid *hour and a half* in the pouring rain because the driver was… (and I'm not kidding) …apparently stuck in an alligator-infested swamp. (Okay, okay, I might be exaggerating a *tiny* bit, but it felt that way!)
The point is, plan accordingly. Don’t book a flight you *absolutely* can’t miss based on the shuttle's schedule. Uber is probably your best friend here. Or, if you're feeling brave, flag down a passing crocodile. (Just kidding… mostly.) Seriously, factor in potential delays. Trust me, I speak from…painful experience. Always.
Breakfast. Tell me *everything* about the breakfast. Is it… edible?
Breakfast… ah, the eternal question. Okay, here's the lowdown. It's complimentary. That's the good news. The not-so-good news? It's your classic, standard-issue continental situation: waffles you make yourself (usually a bit…limp), some sad-looking scrambled eggs, questionable sausage links, and the occasional rogue piece of fruit. The coffee…well, let’s just say it's *coffee*.
I’ve definitely had worse. I’ve also definitely had *better*. Think of it as fuel. It *will* fill the hole in your stomach. Just…don’t expect a culinary masterpiece. I'm pretty sure the same waffle maker has been in continuous operation since, like, 1998. It has seen things! Perhaps bring your own granola bar… just in case. Or, you know, a little bit of your own sanity.
The pool… is it… inviting? Or more like a murky swamp of despair?
Okay, the pool… a mixed bag. It's there. It’s… functional. It’s usually clean *enough*. It’s definitely better than the aforementioned alligator swamp. I've seen worse.
The problem? It's…small. And sometimes, when I was there, filled with screaming children, who, by the way, LOVE that tiny plastic pool, creating a loud chaos. So, tranquil oasis? Maybe not. You *might* be able to squeeze in a quick dip, depending on how crowded it is. Consider bringing your own earplugs. Or, you know, just head straight to the beach. Miami DOES have beaches, after all. Actually, scratch that, that's pretty much the answer to most of your Miami questions, isn't it?
Is there anything *nearby*? Like, can I walk to a decent Cuban sandwich? (Priorities, people!)
Okay, listen up. This is crucial. While the Fairfield Inn isn’t *totally* in the middle of nowhere, it's not exactly a culinary hot spot. Walking? Unlikely. Think of it this way: you're in airport-adjacent land. And I’m not kidding that airport land usually means… not much.
You'll probably need a car or an Uber. There *are* some restaurants within a short drive, but don't expect authentic, hole-in-the-wall Cuban joints *right* next door. You’ll need to put in a little effort. Do your research! Yelp is your friend. Or, you know, just embrace the airport food options. (I'm not judging! Sometimes a desperate traveler just needs a *burger*.) And if you DO find that magical Cuban sandwich… PLEASE tell me where it is. I’m still searching. For a *good* one.
What about the gym? Is it… functional? Because I need to work off the waffle-induced guilt.
Alright, the gym. Let's be honest, it's not exactly a state-of-the-art fitness complex. It’s small. Like, *really* small. Probably the size of my old college dorm room. And there are probably two treadmills, a bike or two, and a rack of… well, I'm not sure exactly what they're *called*, but the weight equipment.
My experience? I mean, I did actually use it once. It got the job done, even if I did feel a little bit like a hamster running on a wheel. It's enough to sweat a bit, release some endorphins, and maybe *attempt* to counteract the questionable sausage from the breakfast buffet. Don’t bring your expectations too high. If you’re a serious gym-goer, you’re probably going to want to look elsewhere. Think of it as…a very basic courtesy. And bring your own towel…just saying.
Okay, final verdict. Should I stay here? Be honest!
Look, here's the deal. If you need a clean, reasonably priced place near the airport, and you’re not expecting paradise, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Airport South is…fine. It's a perfectly *serviceable* option. It likely won't ruin your trip.
But if you're dreaming of luxury, a culinary adventure right at your door step, or a tranquil pool experience, look elsewhere. Maybe consider a resort. Or, heck, even a *different* airport hotelBook For Rest
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