Bangor's BEST Kept Secret: Residence Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Bangor's BEST Kept Secret: Residence Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!) – Seriously, I’m Still Processing It!
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to tell you about the Residence Inn in Bangor, Maine, and honestly, I'm still trying to de-brief. This place…it's not just good. It's a vibe. And that vibe? It's got some serious, unexpected layers. Prepare for a review that’s less sterile hotel guide and more… well, you'll see. Let's dive in, shall we?
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First Impressions: Accessibility & Getting In (Note: I didn't personally test everything, but made strong attempts to verify information.)
Alright, first off, let's address the elephant in the room - access. I'm happy to report – and this is crucial for many – that the Residence Inn seems to get it. They've got wheelchair accessibility, which is a HUGE plus. The elevator is present (thank goodness), and they've got facilities for disabled guests. They even mention things like bathroom phones and visual alarms in their room descriptions. Now, I can't say I personally wheeled around the whole place (I’m thankfully able-bodied), but based on the available information, they've tried to cover their bases. This is a huge win! There's car park [free of charge], car park [on-site] - what a relief, no headaches just like the airport transfer!
Rooms & Creature Comforts: The Good, the Slightly Odd, and the "Wait, What?"
Okay, the rooms. They're… spacious. Like, really spacious! They've got the standard Residence Inn setup: separate living area, a small kitchen. I'm talking: a refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, and microwave. Thank goodness, because I'm the type who needs a late-night snack, and room service options always have a surcharge, which, let's face it, is sometimes painful.
They boast air conditioning. Blackout curtains were a dream - Maine sunshine can be relentless! And the extra long bed? Oh man, a game-changer. I am 6'5" and it was a blessing to finally stretch without hanging my feet over the edge.
Now, the slightly odd: the bathroom phone. Seriously, who uses a bathroom phone anymore? They also offered slippers and bathrobes. I'm not quite sure why these would be provided, as you are in your room, but I am absolutely not complaining as I loved these!
Then there's the Internet access. They shout about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and offer Internet access – LAN. Honestly, both worked flawlessly, which is a massive relief, especially when you're trying to work or stream something.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Secure (Even in a Pandemic-ish World)
This is where the Residence Inn really shines. They're clearly taking COVID precautions seriously. The daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocol, and hand sanitizer were everywhere. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available. Honestly, it made me feel safe, which is a HUGE deal these days! I saw anti-viral cleaning products being used. They have fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and safety/security features galore. Seriously, thumbs up on this one!
Dining & Drinking: Breakfast Bliss (and a Curious Lack of Lobster Rolls)
Breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. It's their thing. A breakfast [buffet] is offered, with a decent spread. I was looking for an Asian breakfast, but the Western breakfast selection was awesome! They offered things like scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and waffles, but everything's a little… generic, even though they do have a breakfast takeaway service. I'd have loved a fresh salad, but they don't seem to offer that (sad face). I couldn't find a Vegetarian restaurant, which is a bummer, but maybe I missed something! I'm not sure I would have preferred the Asian cuisine in restaurant. What's really frustrating is that they had absolutely NO lobster rolls! This is Maine! Come on!
They have a coffee shop, which is a nice touch. And a bar, because…vacation. I did see a poolside bar, but it seemed deserted.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: The Spa Dream and the Real-World Reality
Okay, this is where things get… aspirational. They mention a spa, a sauna, a steamroom, and a swimming pool [outdoor]. And a fitness center. I imagined myself lounging poolside with a cocktail in hand, then getting a massage and a body scrub.
Except…the spa? Not exactly a sprawling, full-service experience (atleast when I went). It appears to be something you would have to book in advance, and you wouldn't get a foot bath or body wrap there either. The pool with view looked closed. The gym/fitness area was pretty standard. My expectations were a bit high, I'll admit. Still, it's better than nothing.
Services & Conveniences: Your Basic Needs (and a Few Surprises)
They offer the usual suspects: daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, and concierge service…I mean, expected. They have a convenience store and cash withdrawal, because, you know, travelers. They have meeting/banquet facilities and can host indoor venue for special events.
They have CCTV in common areas and outside, which is a bit unsettling, and I'm not a fan of the security [24-hour] presence.
They have a gift/souvenir shop and a shrine? What the heck?
For the Kids: (Potentially) Fun for the Whole Family
They are family/child friendly and offer babysitting service - which is great if you're traveling with kids!
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing (or Not?)
They offer airport transfer (a lifesaver!), taxi service, and valet parking. There is car park [free of charge], which is awesome. There's also car park [on-site], which is a plus.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back? (Spoiler Alert: YES!)
Okay, let's be real. The Residence Inn in Bangor isn't perfect. It has its quirks. But it also has a heart. It's clean, it's safe, it's comfortable, and it genuinely tries to make you feel welcome. The staff I interacted with were all incredibly friendly.
It's not a luxury resort, mind you. But it is a solid, reliable, and surprisingly welcoming place to stay. And those spacious rooms? They are chef's kiss fantastic. The location is also surprisingly convenient.
So, would I go back? Absolutely. In fact, I'm already planning my next trip. Bangor, here I come again! And Residence Inn, you better have those waffle irons ready!
Spindrift Inn Monterey: Your Dreamy Monterey Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded itinerary. This is a battle plan for surviving a few days in Bangor, Maine, while headquartered at the Residence Inn. And trust me, you'll need a plan.
Itinerary: Bangor, Maine - A Comedy of Errors (and Lobsters)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (and Possibly, a Lobster Roll)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at Bangor International Airport (BGR). Okay, first hurdle: the flight wasn't delayed (miracle!), but the air smelled vaguely of…well, I’m not sure what, but let's hope it's not dead fish. Grab a rental car. Remember that time I tried to parallel park in San Francisco? Yeah, we don’t talk about it.
- 1:30 PM: Drive to Residence Inn Bangor. Google Maps says 10 minutes. I'm guessing it will be closer to 20. Always factor in the "I-got-lost-and-had-to-reroute" time.
- 2:00 PM: Check In & Settle In. Room assignment: Pray for not too close to the elevator. unpack suitcase. Resist the urge to immediately order delivery…must be strategic the hotel food is to be avoided at all costs
- 3:00PM: (Possibly) Lunch & Bangor Exploration. The need for immediate sustenance is real. Researching where exactly to have the best lobster roll, but my brain is fried from travel . I am making a break for Dysart’s Restaurant & Truck Stop.
- 4:00 PM: Bangor City Forest. A brisk walk. A much needed bit of nature. Must not fall on the forest floor, as I am rather clumsy.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Ugh. Restaurant choices are surprisingly sparse, considering. Feeling indecisive.
- 9:00 PM: Crashing Hard. Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Staring at the ceiling. Maybe I'll watch a movie. Or not.
- 10:00 PM: Insomnia. That blasted existential dread is back. I'm starting to question my life choices. (Like, maybe should have avoided the airport food.)
Day 2: Stephen King's Shadow and Culinary Mayhem
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at Residence Inn (Attempt #1). Free breakfast is a gamble. I'm steeling myself for a buffet that's either depressingly empty or a scrum of hungry tourists.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast at Residence Inn (Attempt #2). It was exactly as expected. The waffle maker, however, was a source of immense joy. I made three. Don’t judge.
- 9:00 AM: Stephen King's House. Well, I can't actually go inside, but I'm driving by this house, and I can see the imposing iron gate. It's…eerie. Makes you wanna run and jump in the car. (I don't trust whatever is inside.)
- 10:00 AM: Downtown Bangor. Walk around, take photos, and maybe pop into a bookstore. Must find something to read.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Another lobster roll, but this time… I feel like I'm on a quest.
- 1:00 PM: Cole Land Transportation Museum. I wasn't planning on this, but it sounds interesting.. I am so in.
- 3:00 PM: Break. Coffee, perhaps a cookie. Sit in the hotel lobby and judge other tourists.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Maybe some local seafood? Or maybe I just give up and buy a supermarket pizza back at the Residence Inn and wallow in self-pity. The possibilities!
- 9:00 PM: Reading, Netflix, Whatever. I'm starting to feel like I need a vacation from my vacation.
Day 3: One Last Gasp (and Maybe a Souvenir?)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast (Final Assessment). Waffles again. No regrets.
- 9:00 AM: Shopping for Souvenirs. Gotta get something to bring home, I'm not sure what yet. Possibly something with a moose.
- 10:00 AM: Final Walk Around the Town. Soak it up. Trying to feel like I've done something with my life.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Last lobster roll. This will be a pivotal moment. Did I choose wisely all trip?
- 1:00 PM: Check out of Residence Inn. Freedom! (And also, a crushing sense of impending doom – back to real life.)
- 2:00 PM: Head to BGR. Reflect on my journey. Bangor, Maine. I can check that off my list of places I've been.
Observations, Rants, and Rambles:
- Maine people are genuinely nice. Like, suspiciously nice. Makes you wonder what they're hiding.
- I'm pretty sure I saw a squirrel wearing a tiny monocle. Or maybe that's just the lack of sleep.
- The weather is… Maine-like. Meaning, unpredictable. Pack layers! (And maybe a therapist).
- I'm starting to understand why Stephen King writes horror. It's the only way to deal with this much New England.
- The Residence Inn is… fine. It’s clean. Free breakfast. Microwave. It serves its purpose. (Though the Wi-Fi is a bit dodgy.)
- I am not sure I’ll ever go back again. But I did my best.
The Verdict:
Bangor, Maine: It’s a…place. It’s not for everyone. But it’s certainly an experience. And hey, at least there were lobster rolls.
Escape to Luxury: Toronto Airport's Hidden Gem Hotel!
Bangor's BEST Kept Secret: Residence Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Bangor's...well, maybe *not* so secret anymore… best-kept secret: the Residence Inn. Seriously, I just got back, and my brain is still processing the sheer *magnitude* of... whatever this place is. It's a rollercoaster, people. A glorious, imperfect, sometimes-questionable rollercoaster.
Is this place REALLY a secret? I mean, Bangor's not *that* big...
Okay, "secret" is maybe a *slight* exaggeration. It’s more like... underappreciated? Overlooked? Definitely *not* the first place you think of, right? And that's a damn shame because it *should* be. Look, I've stayed in some dives, and I've stayed in some swanky places that left me craving a good old fashioned sleep-on-the-floor-in-a-tent moment. This? This hits different. It's a very specific vibe. I'm starting to think this place is run by a guy who just REALLY loves fluffy waffles.
Let's talk about the rooms. Are they… you know… clean?
Hold your horses, cleanliness-obsessed folks! They're... mostly clean. Look, it's a Residence Inn. They actually have some really nice rooms, and seriously good layouts. Okay, one time, I swear I saw a rogue crumb that looked suspiciously like a… well, never you mind. But generally? Yeah, pretty darn clean. And the beds? OH. MY. GOODNESS. Seriously, the beds. I think they might have been made of clouds. Literal clouds. I may or may not have considered attempting to smuggle one out in my luggage... which, you know, would have been a problem, because I'm *terrible* at planning.
The breakfast? Everyone raves about the breakfast. What's the hype?
Okay, *the breakfast*. This is where things gets serious. I'm not kidding when I say it's one of the main reasons I'd go back. It's a *buffet*, and it's a glorious, potentially artery-clogging, beautiful mess! They got waffles (yes, the fluffiest, possibly best waffles in existence), eggs (sometimes scrambled, sometimes actually *cooked* – it's a gamble!), bacon (crispy, chewy… perfection!), fruit, yogurt, cereal, the whole shebang. Look, I was there for a weekend, and I pretty much ate enough breakfast to sustain a small village. The coffee? Hot and plentiful. The only slight downside? Sometimes the line can get a bit… shall we say… enthusiastic. Like, people are circling the waffle iron like vultures. But hey, it's a buffet, be patient! I almost got into a staring competition with a kid over a single strawberry once. It's a warzone of deliciousness, basically.
And here's a story: One morning, I was nursing a *serious* hangover (don't judge), and I stumbled down to the breakfast. I looked like death warmed over. This tiny old lady, bless her soul, saw me and just... handed me a waffle. No words. Just a waffle. It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Instant redemption. That waffle saved my life, I swear it.
They have a pool and a gym, right? Are they worth bothering with?
Yes, yes, they do. The pool? It’s… fine. Clean, chlorine-y, and sometimes has kids doing cannonballs. The gym? Ah, the gym. It has machines. They exist. I, personally, am not a gym person. My idea of exercise is walking from the bed to the waffle station, and then back again, maybe with a short detour to grab a refill on the coffee. So, I can't really give you a super detailed review. But, you know, if you're into that sort of thing, it's *there*.
What about the staff? Are they friendly?
Honestly, the staff are part of what makes this place special. They’re... nice. Really nice. They're the kind of people who actually *seem* to enjoy their jobs. There's this one lady, I think her name was Brenda? She made me a coffee one morning and asked me how my day was going. She then proceeded to give me a *pep talk* about how important it is to eat your breakfast and not skip meals and how important it is to have a good day. I was so frazzled, I nearly cried. And they actually seem to care. It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference. They are the real deal.”
Okay, so what's the catch? There *has* to be a catch…
Alright, alright, the catch. Hmmm... the parking lot can be a little… crowded. And sometimes, just *sometimes*, the Wi-Fi is a bit grumpy. Oh! And the elevators can be slow during peak waffle hours. But honestly? Those are minor things. I'm not sure I can really find one.
Bottom line: Should I stay there?
YES! Absolutely, without a doubt, YES! Seriously. Just go. Go now. Book a room. Stuff your face with waffles. Enjoy the friendly staff. And then, tell me if you agree. Because I'm pretty darn sure you will. This place is a hidden gem. It's imperfect, it's quirky, and it's a little bit magical. Go. You won't regret it. And if you *do* regret it? Well, at least you'll have the memory of those waffles…and hopefully, a decent nap. Don't forget that nap!
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