Escape to Luxury: Redmond's Silver Cloud Inn Awaits!
Escape to Luxury: Redmond's Silver Cloud Inn Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Review That's Almost as Chaotic as My Last Vacation
Alright, buckle up, folks. I just got back from Redmond, WA, and let me tell you, trying to review the Silver Cloud Inn… well, it's been a journey. Think less "polished travel blog" and more "friend rambling after a few too many margaritas."
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- Keywords: Silver Cloud Inn Redmond, Redmond hotels, Washington hotels, accessible hotels, spa hotels, luxury hotels, Redmond spa, pet-friendly hotels, free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, Silver Cloud Inn review, Pacific Northwest hotels, family-friendly hotels, business travel Redmond.
- Meta Description: My messy, honest review of the Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond! Accessibility, spa experiences, food, and the Wi-Fi that finally worked. Plus: Were they really cleaning things? Let's find out.
The Arrival: Promise and Pre-Pandemic Vibes
The website painted a pretty picture: "Escape to Luxury!" And, credit where it’s due, the lobby does have that 'polished, understated' vibe going. The elevators seem fine, the elevator, a godsend after a day of wandering. My first impression was, "Okay, maybe luxury is a stretch, but definitely… pleasant." The doorman gave a cheery welcome, and the 24-hour front desk was a reassuring presence. Check-in was contactless though, and I appreciated the speed of the check-in/out [express] process!
Accessibility - Score: Mostly Okay, Except…
Okay, so the facilities for disabled guests are technically there. I saw a few wheelchair-accessible rooms advertised. But I'm not in that situation, so I can't give a super in-depth report. Still, it looked generally accessible, with ramps and all that jazz. Now the CCTV in common areas was definitely noticeable – a little Big Brother-ish, but hey, safety/security feature I guess. CCTV outside property helped me feel a bit more secure when taking a late night walk.
Rooms: Clean(ish), Comfy(ish) and the Wi-Fi's a Godsend (Finally!)
My room? Cozy! The air-conditioning actually worked. Thank goodness, because Redmond in July can be a scorcher. The blackout curtains were a life-saver for sleeping in, and the bedding, while not unbelievably luxurious, was definitely comfy enough to pass out in after a long day. The air conditioning in the room was so effective I had to turn it off most of the time. A bit wasteful in terms of energy consumption, but very comfortable.
The real star, though? The Wi-Fi [free]! Finally, a hotel that understood the importance of a reliable internet connection. I had no issues streaming, working, or just generally avoiding human interaction. Bless you, Silver Cloud Inn! The free Wi-Fi in all rooms! claim was an absolute truth! The Internet access – wireless was fast and reliable.
But here's where things get a little… messy. See, the room sanitization opt-out available situation made me wonder. While they claimed to be cleaning between stays, how rigorous was it really? I'm all for being eco-conscious, but after the past few years, I wanted to see some serious CLEANING. The individually-wrapped food options were reassuring, and I appreciated the hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Still, I kept my guard up. I saw a few crumbs on the carpet when checking in - not a great first impression. I'd give the cleanliness a solid “C+”.
Plus, I'm not sure about the room decorations… a bit bland, if I'm honest.
Speaking of Messy: Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Mixed Bag
So, here's where the Silver Cloud Inn needs an intervention. I ordered room service [24-hour] one night. The a la carte in restaurant menu sounded great. The room service food… less so. Let's just say my burger wasn't exactly gourmet. But thankfully, the bottle of water was included. I definitely appreciated being able to grab a quick desserts in restaurant because I have a sweet tooth.
The bar was decent, with a surprisingly good selection of local beers. They have a happy hour, and the atmosphere was pretty lively. But don't expect Michelin stars.
They do have a breakfast [buffet] (though, in the age of COVID… I was like, really?). There's a breakfast takeaway service. It’s your standard continental fare, nothing to write home about. I felt a little guilty, taking away a bunch of disposables, though. There was a coffee shop available which was great. The coffee/tea in restaurant provided a fantastic boost to the morning because I don't function well before coffee.
The Spa: My (Mostly) Blissful Experience
Okay, this is where the Silver Cloud Inn almost redeemed itself. The Spa! I indulged in a massage. Oh. My. Goodness. It was pure, unadulterated bliss. The therapist was amazing, the room tranquil. Seriously, if you're stressed out, book a massage. Totally worth it.
They also have a pool with view (technically), a sauna, a steamroom, and a swimming pool [outdoor], which, even though I didn’t use any, looked nice. I was too busy basking in the afterglow of the massage.
Things To Do: Redmond and Beyond
Redmond itself is a fun place to explore. The convenience store was handy for snacks, and the location allows easy access to various activities. If you have a car, they have a car park [free of charge]. There's plenty to do nearby, like hiking or visiting local shops. I didn’t take advantage of the car power charging station because I don't have an electric car. They have options for seminars and meetings.
The Oddities: The Quirks and the "Huh?" Moments
- The "Shrine": No idea what it was for.
- The "Proposal Spot": Seemed… optimistic.
- The Lack of Pets: Apparently, pets allowed unavailable is the rule. Bummer, because I wanted to bring my (imaginary) golden retriever.
- The Randomly Placed "Smoking Area": Seemed ill-conceived.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects
The daily housekeeping was consistent, though I noticed they sometimes left a bit much in the room. The laundry service looked good.
They have a concierge, a luggage storage, and a gift/souvenir shop that I didn't quite get around to.
Cleanliness and Safety (Post-Covid): Verdict – Room for Improvement
While they claim to be up to speed with hygiene, like with the anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays, I remained skeptical. Maybe my standards are too high. I still don’t know if I could relax, though. It's a mixed bag. The safe dining setup and professional-grade sanitizing services were appreciated.
The Final Verdict: Worth It?
Look: Is the Silver Cloud Inn "luxury"? Nope. Is it a perfect getaway? Far from it. But, the location is great and it mostly gets the job done. The free Wi-Fi is a huge selling point, the spa is a dream, and the staff is friendly. I give it a solid 6.5/10. Worth it for a short stay. Just lower your expectations a bit. And maybe bring some Lysol wipes, just in case.
Palm Beach's White Elephant: Uncover the Secrets of This Luxurious Hideaway (FL)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because here's a travel itinerary for a Redmond, WA, adventure, Silver Cloud Inn style, and it's gonna be rough, honest, and probably involving a lot of coffee:
Redmond Rumble: A Stream-of-Consciousness Travel Tale
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread in a King-Sized Bed
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Land of the Luggage & Longing for Lattes (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Silver Cloud Inn)
- Okay, so I get off the plane. You know the drill: that weird, slightly-greasy-feeling air of an airplane cabin, the collective existential sigh of humanity disembarking. Found my luggage (miraculous!), and then… the shuttle. Seriously, why are airport shuttles always packed with people who look like they've just escaped a hostage situation? Are they also thinking about pizza?
- Observation: The guy next to me on the shuttle – total tech bro. Probably a Microsoft employee. Already talking on his phone about "synergies" and "disruptive innovation." I pray I don't have to run into him at the hotel breakfast buffet.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild annoyance bordering on sheer boredom. Okay, deep breaths. We're here now. Redmond, here I come (hopefully with coffee).
- Roadside Rambles: The drive to Silver Cloud revealed that all strip malls are made of the same three buildings in triplicate. I swear, I saw a Starbucks, a nail salon, and a dry cleaner… multiple times.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-In & Bed-Bound Bliss (Silver Cloud Inn)
- Check-in. Smooth, thankfully. The front desk lady was, like, genuinely friendly. A promising start! Got my room key, and the elevator ride felt like an eternity. Is it just me, or do hotel elevators always feel like the elevator in The Shining?
- Observation: My king-sized bed is glorious. Genuinely, the size of a small island. I could get lost in that bed.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. Sweet, sweet freedom from the cramped airplane seat. Ah, the luxury.
- Minor Category - Room Rundown: Clean, mostly. Small stain on the carpet (ew). The TV is a giant, blinking, black rectangle of potential distraction.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Great Coffee Quest & Exploring Redmond Town Center
- Okay, first things first: COFFEE. Desperate. There's a Caribou Coffee just down the street. Needed. The trek across the parking lot felt like climbing Mount Everest. The wind was biting.
- Anecdote: I ordered a large latte AND a pastry. I'm not proud of my choices, but I do not regret them.
- Emotional Reaction: Coffee. Sweet, sweet coffee. Relief. And I’m not going to lie, that pastry was heavenly.
- Rambles: Redmond Town Center is… well, it's a town center. Upscale, shiny, predictable. Shops, restaurants, the usual suspects. Wandered around, felt kinda bored. But hey, at least there was people-watching. The aforementioned tech bros were everywhere.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner and a Little Drama (Redhook Brewery or Similar)
- Dinner. Now, I wanted to go to that fancy Italian place I'd read about, but exhaustion and indecision kicked in. Found a decent brewery (Redhook or similar) and opted for the classic burger and fries. Needed something familiar.
- Quirky Observation: Watching other diner’s interactions. The couple next to me was clearly on their first date, and it was painful to watch. The excessive forced laughter, the stilted conversation… pure gold.
- Emotional Reaction: The burger was decent. The fries, soggy. The date, mildly entertaining. Overall, an average meal.
- Messier Structure - Mini-Crisis: Forgot to bring my phone charger! Panic ensued. Briefly considered charging my phone in the restaurant bathroom. Decided against.
7:00 PM - Bedtime : Phone Charger Search, Room Service (maybe?)
- The charger hunt began. Walked around the town for about an hour looking for a convenience store, finally found one.
- Emotional Reaction: Huge relief! I could now properly binge-watch whatever mindless show was on TV.
- Opinionated Language: The Silver Cloud Inn has a decent room service menu, but I'm always skeptical of hotel room service. It's usually overpriced and mediocre. Probably going to hit the vending machine instead.
- Imperfections: Ended up settling for a bag of chips and a candy bar. My diet is officially ruined, but I'm at peace with it.
- Back to Bed: Crawled into the enormous bed. Time to collapse, and dream of… well, probably coffee and a less-soggy french fry.
Day 2: Microsoft Mayhem, Coffee Conundrums & Departure
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast Buffet Battle (Silver Cloud Inn)
- The breakfast buffet. Ah, yes. A land of questionable scrambled eggs, sad-looking pastries, and the ever-present aroma of industrial-strength coffee.
- Anecdote: I saw the tech bro from the airport. He was wearing a Microsoft-branded fleece. I think he recognized me from the shuttle, because he gave me a weird, pitying look.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild revulsion. And a desperate need for more coffee.
- Minor Category - Buffet Observations: The waffle maker was broken. The fruit selection was… sad. The coffee, as mentioned, was strong and probably aged.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Microsoft Mothership (Optional)
- Debated whether to do the Microsoft tour. Honestly, I'm not a tech person. But, curiosity won out.
- Quirky Observation: The Microsoft campus. It's like a city. A city… of perfectly manicured lawns and people who look like they just escaped from a coding convention.
- Opinionated Language: I felt slightly out of place, and I was definitely overwhelmed by the scale of the place.
- Messier Structure - The Tour Itself: Learned some cool things about Microsoft, took some pics with the giant mouse cursor statue. The tour guide was a bit dull, but I did manage to buy a Microsoft t-shirt as a souvenir! I felt bad.
- More Imperfections: Felt a bit lost on the giant campus.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Coffee Rescue Mission & Lunch Mishap
- Needed coffee. Desperately. Found a coffee shop near the Microsoft campus.
- Anecdote: Ordered a fancy latte with some weird pumpkin spice foam. It tasted like… sadness.
- More Rambles Lunch was an after-thought. Found a fast-food place.
- Emotional Reaction: Regret. I should have gone for the plain latte. Or maybe just skipped lunch altogether.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Exploring Redmond (or Trying To)
- Wandered around the city again and took in the surrounding area.
- Quirky Observation: Redmond is very green & pretty!
- Additional Rambles and more Emotional Reactions: I was tired to be honest.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Final Coffee & Packing Panic
- Went back and grabbed a coffee from the hotel.
- Packing Panic? The usual chaos. Somehow, my suitcase always expands to contain twice as much as I brought.
- Emotional Reaction: A mix of sadness at leaving and utter relief at the thought of going home.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Check-Out & Shutter Shuttle
- Check out. The front desk lady was still super-friendly. Made me smile again.
- Anecdote: Somehow, I ended up on the same airport shuttle as the tech bro. He gave me the pitying look again. I met his cold glare with a tired wave.
- More Opinions: It's a weird travel tradition!
- Back to the plane:
Final Thoughts:
- Silver Cloud Inn: Decent. Comfortable bed.
- Redmond: Mostly pleasant. Lots of tech people.
- Coffee: Essential.
- Me: Exhausted, slightly caffeinated, and ready for a nap.
And there you have it. A chaotic, coffee-fueled, and completely honest account of my Redmond adventure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go
Washington D.C. Escape: Unbeatable Deals at Gaithersburg's Extended Stay America!
Escape to Luxury: Silver Cloud Inn Redmond - Because We All Need a Break (and Maybe a Nap)
Okay, spill the tea. Is the Silver Cloud Inn in Redmond *actually* luxurious? Or is it just… well, a hotel?
Okay, let's be real. Luxury is subjective, right? My idea of luxury involves someone else making the bed and maybe, just maybe, a chocolate on the pillow (which, spoiler alert, the Silver Cloud *sometimes* delivers). It’s not the Four Seasons, obviously. But, and this is a BIG but, for a solid, comfortable, and dare I say, *pleasant* stay? Absolutely. Think of it like this: it's luxury you can actually *afford* without selling a kidney. The beds are comfy. The rooms are generally clean (I’ve seen cleaner, I've also seen… well, let's just say I’ve stayed in hostels, folks). There’s a free breakfast, which, and I cannot stress this enough, is a lifesaver when you’re running late and just need *something* in your stomach before you unleash yourself on the public.
Important Side Note: My first stay? Disaster. My fault entirely. Arrived frazzled, exhausted after a flight delayed by a rogue flock of pigeons. The key card wouldn't work. I was convinced I was in some bad dream. Then, after 10 minutes of mortified staring, the lovely woman at the front desk, bless her heart, simply smiled and reprogrammed it. Lesson learned: breathe. And maybe travel with a backup keycard in your back pocket.
The free breakfast… is it worth getting out of the cozy bed for? Be honest.
Alright, let’s tackle the breakfast beast. Look, I’m not going to lie and tell you it’s a Michelin-star experience. It’s a *hotel breakfast*. Think: the standard fare of scrambled eggs (often… rubbery), waffles you make yourself (fun after a few too many cups of coffee), pastries, and cereal that's seen better days. However! There's usually a decent selection, and, and this is key, *it's free*. I mean, you’re already there, right? Embrace the carbs and enjoy the fact that someone else is doing the dishes.
Personal Hot Take: Don't skip the waffle maker. Let’s just say, my record is four. Don't judge me. And if you're a picky eater, maybe bring your own granola. Seriously. I'm not saying the granola is *bad*, just...well, you know.
Redmond. What is there *to do* in Redmond, besides, you know, sleep?
Okay, so Redmond. It's not exactly Vegas. But it has its charms! For tech folks, it's a Microsoft mecca. For the rest of us? Hiking! Lots of lovely trails nearby. Parks. The Sammamish River Trail is fantastic for a walk or bike ride. Seriously, get out there. Fresh air is good for the soul, even if you're just walking to the nearest coffee shop (which, by the way, there are plenty of). And don't forget the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is a bit further but *worth it*.
My Adventure: So, one time, I decided I was going to *conquer* a trail. Turns out, "conquer" and "I haven't hiked in years" are not a great combination. I ended up with aching knees, muddy boots, and a profound respect for actual hikers. I then spent the evening soaking in the Silver Cloud's jacuzzi, which, let me tell you, was heavenly. Lesson learned: start small. And bring ibuprofen.
Let's talk location. How's the Silver Cloud Inn Redmond situated? Convenient for… things?
It's pretty darn convenient, actually. You're close to the main drag (Avonelle) with a decent selection of restaurants – decent, not amazing, so manage your expectations. Close to the freeway, which is both a blessing and a curse. The blessing? Easy access to Seattle and surrounding areas. The curse? You can hear the freeway. (Pro-tip: ask for a room further from the road. Noise-canceling earbuds are also your friend.) The surrounding area? It’s Redmond – pretty safe, fairly clean. You're not going to get the gritty urban experience, but you're also not going to find yourself in a dodgy situation at 2 AM.
What about the extras? Does the Silver Cloud have a pool? A gym? Laundry facilities?
Yes, yes, and yes! There's a pool (indoor, which is great!). A pretty decent gym (weights, treadmills, the usual stuff – I've used it, and I didn't die, so that's a win!). And, crucially, laundry facilities. Laundry facilities are GOLD when you’re traveling, especially if you're prone to spilling coffee down your front. I'm talking from experience, here. The one downside? They're rarely *empty*. So, plan accordingly. Early morning or late evening are generally your best bets.
A Cautionary Tale: One time, I tried to do laundry at 11 pm. Big mistake. Every machine was occupied. I sat there, slumped in a chair, surrounded by mountains of other people's dirty clothes, pondering my life choices. Eventually, I gave up and went back to my room, defeated. Lesson learned: laundry waits for no one. And maybe pack extra underwear.
Are there any hidden costs or things I should be aware of? Tell me *everything*.
Okay, the fine print. As with any hotel, read the details! There isn't anything truly hidden, which is a relief in a world of extra baggage fees. There is parking, which is (I believe) free. Check online before you go to make sure, parking is always a thing! They usually have a decent cancellation policy, but always double-check that. And, of course, be aware of the usual hotel charges: extra charges for room service (or “room service” – remember, it’s Silver Cloud), laundry, etc. Taxes are a thing, of course.
My Take: Do your research *before* you book. Compare prices on different booking sites. Check the reviews. And, for the love of all that is holy, read the cancellation policy! I've made the mistake of not reading the fine print before, and let’s just say it was a costly lesson. No matter what, a smile goes a long way!
Would you recommend the Silver Cloud Inn Redmond? The *real* answer, please.
Honestly? Yes. For the price, the location, and the general level of comfort, it's a solid choice. Is it the pinnacle of luxury? No. Will you feel pampered? Probably not. But will you have a comfortable place to sleep, a warm breakfast to start your day, and a convenient base from which to explore Redmond and the surrounding area? Absolutely. I've stayed there multiple times, and I'd stay again. It's a good, reliable option. Just… maybe bring your own granola.
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