Escape to Philly: Microtel Inn & Suites Airport Deal!
Escape to Philly: Microtel Inn & Suites Airport Deal - My Chaotic Philadelphia Adventure (And the Hotel That Hosted It)
Okay, so I just survived, I mean, experienced, a whirlwind trip to Philadelphia. And you know what? I'm still unpacking, both literally and figuratively. Deciding to stay at the Microtel Inn & Suites Airport was a gamble, a classic "deals-deals-deals!" kind of choice when you’re on a budget. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this review is gonna be less "polished travelogue" and more "unfiltered brain dump." Prepare for some rambling, some oversharing, and maybe a little bit of me questioning my life choices.
Accessibility & Getting There (The Pre-Hotel Hustle):
First off, let's tackle the basics. Accessibility? I didn't personally need a wheelchair, but I did take a peek. From what I saw, it appears to be decently set up, with an elevator (thank GOD!) and what looked like facilities for disabled guests. But honestly, I'm no expert on maneuverability. Someone else needs to weigh in on the actual in-room details… I just hope they have their own reviews. Airport transfer? They do have it, which is a MASSIVE win for someone who, like me, can barely navigate a supermarket without getting lost. Car park [free of charge]? Tick! I drove, so this was another big plus, though finding my way around the lot late at night was a mini-adventure in itself. "Where did I park?" – a question I asked myself repeatedly.
Check-In & First Impressions (The Front Desk Drama):
Check-in/out [express]? Kinda. They try, bless 'em, but there was a slight hiccup. I arrived frazzled from a delayed flight, reeking suspiciously of airport coffee. The front desk person… well, let's just say she wasn’t exactly a model of welcoming efficiency. She seemed… distracted. And the moment I said “Microtel”, the words seemed to fade from my mouth. It took a minute. But it was a minor inconvenience, that I could look past. Exterior corridor… yep. I felt like I was in an 80's movie. Still alright!
Rooms & Comfort (My Temporary Fortress):
Wi-Fi [free]… Hallelujah! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Essential. My phone is my lifeline. The speed was… sufficient. Let's leave it at that. I could actually work in my laptop workspace.
My room, though… hmmm. Non-smoking rooms are a must; thank goodness! The air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially after dodging the sweltering Philadelphia heat! There were in-room safe boxes. And even a gasp refrigerator! I’m calling that a win. I was able to secure my beers.
Cleanliness & Safety (Paranoia Level: Normal):
Cleanliness and safety? This is where I got serious. This is 2024! Rooms sanitized between stays? I'm assuming so. I was glad about the hand sanitizer scattered around. I'm a little jumpy after the pandemic, so I appreciate the extra effort. The room appeared clean… but then again, I'm not a germaphobe. I definitely gave everything a quick wipe-down with my own wipes though. It's a habit now, don't judge me.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (The Foodie Fail):
Dining, drinking, and snacking? Okay, here's where the Microtel fell a bit flat. Breakfast [buffet]? Yep. But the "buffet" was a pretty sad affair. The breakfast service was… well, they offered the bare minimum. Pre-packaged muffins, some questionable fruit, and instant coffee that tasted like sadness. I'm not gonna lie, I opted for a quick breakfast at a local spot a few blocks away. No happy hour, no poolside bar… just a small coffee shop in the lobby. The snack bar had some chips, some candy, and some desperation. It was all just okay.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (The Exhaustion Factor):
Swimming pool [outdoor]? Nope. No time to relax. My schedule was packed! Fitness center? Yep, sure…I just didn't go. Maybe next time. Massage, Spa, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view? Absolutely not. This was a "get in, get out, see the Liberty Bell, maybe eat a cheesesteak, and collapse" kind of trip. Philly is exhausting!
Services & Conveniences (The Fine Print):
Services and conveniences? Daily housekeeping! Thank you, sweet merciful Universe. My room was a disaster. The dry cleaning and laundry service were convenient. Elevator? Yep. Doorman? Nope. The concierge, if there was one, was hiding. The convenience store was the same as the snack bar. This is a no-frills place, folks. Don't expect miracles.
For the Kids (I Don't Have Any!):
For the kids? From what I could see, they may have babysitting service. I don't have kids however so I couldn't tell you for sure.
Overall Verdict (The Rambling Conclusion):
Okay, deep breath. My overall experience? The Microtel Inn & Suites Airport is… fine. It's a perfectly functional place to crash if you're on a budget and need to be near the airport. The free parking is a savior. But if you're looking for luxury, romance, or culinary delights, look elsewhere. It served its purpose, which was to give me a place to rest my weary head. Would I stay there again? Maybe. If the price is right, and my expectations are low. The location is convenient, and I had a place to crash. But if I'm going to Philly again, I might… just might… splurge a little. Then again, I might be broke. This is the human experience. And this is my review! Fin.
SEO & Metadata Keywords:
- Primary Keyword: Microtel Inn & Suites Airport Philadelphia Review
- Secondary Keywords: Philadelphia Airport Hotel, Budget Hotel Philadelphia, Philadelphia Hotel Deal, Airport Hotel Review, Accommodation Philadelphia, Accessibility Hotel, Free Wi-Fi Philadelphia
- Metadata:
- Title: Escape to Philly: Microtel Inn & Suites Airport Deal - A Chaotic Review!
- Description: Honest and unfiltered review of the Microtel Inn & Suites Airport in Philadelphia. Find out about accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and whether it's worth your money! Includes personal experiences and opinions.
- Keywords: Microtel, Philadelphia, Airport, Hotel, Review, Budget, Accessibility, Free Wi-Fi, Travel, Accommodation, Philly, Exhausted Traveler
- Author: (Your Name/Website)
- Date Published: (Date of Review)
- Category: Travel Reviews, Hotel Reviews
- Tags: Budget Travel, Philadelphia Hotels, Airport Hotels, Accessibility, Hotel Reviews, Honest Reviews
- Focus Keyphrase: Microtel Inn & Suites Philadelphia Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to get real. Forget those pristine, perfectly crafted itineraries – this is the Microtel by Wyndham Philadelphia Airport, warts and all, diary-style adventure. And trust me, it's gonna be a ride.
Day 1: Arrival, Airport Angst, and the Quest for Caffeine
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at PHL. Hallelujah! Though, let's be honest, the airplane was a metal coffin. So. Much. Recycled. Air. And the kid behind me? Let's just say, his drumming on the seat felt like a personal vendetta. Sigh. My emotional state is… a solid 5/10, fueled primarily by adrenaline and the faint hope of actually making it to baggage claim before my suitcase takes a solo trip to Bermuda.
- 1:30 PM: Baggage Claim. Miraculously, my suitcase emerges victorious. This deserves a medal! Cue the internal glee. Okay, feeling a solid 7/10 now!
- 2:00 PM: Shuttle to Microtel. Okay, let's talk about the shuttle. It's free, it's functional, and it smells vaguely of stale coffee and desperation. The driver, bless his soul, is blasting some sort of upbeat polka music that's either a blessing or a curse depending on your perspective. I'm currently leaning towards the curse side of the spectrum.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. The front desk lady is a beacon of efficiency, which I desperately needed. My room key, I'm thrilled to report, actually works. Small victories, people, small victories.
- 2:45 PM: Disaster strikes! No coffee machine in the room. This is an EMERGENCY. I need coffee. Like, now. My 7/10 happiness? Crashing faster than the stock market on a bad day.
- 3:00 PM: Search for Coffee (Mission: IMPOSSIBLE). The "continental breakfast" situation? Let's just say it evokes the opposite of joy. The "freshly brewed coffee", I'm willing to bet, has been brewing since the Cretaceous period. It tastes of sadness, and the coffee machine looks like it's seen some things. deep dramatic sigh. The quest, continues.
- 3:30 PM: Found a sketchy diner across the street ("Penny's Place" – the name alone is a red flag, but I'm desperate). The coffee? Lukewarm, weak, and somehow… still an improvement. I'm starting to feel human again, 4/10, the journey to 10/10 will be long.
- 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM The room is small, but clean. So, points for hygiene and cleanliness! I have time to decompress and recharge, by just lying on the bed and watching TV.
- 7:30 PM: The journey to find food began again! I decided to go for a walk, and found an amazing Thai restaurant nearby! 10/10! Worth it!
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. Finally, I'm falling into the bed, tomorrow will be a new day!
Day 2: Philadelphia, History, and the Price of Freedom (and maybe a cheesesteak)
- 7:00 AM: The "breakfast" I'm supposed to eat in the Microtel? Nope. Not today. I'm sticking with the "Penny's Place" strategy (despite the questionable coffee) for sheer survival.
- 8:00 AM: Taxi to the city of brotherly love!
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Okay, okay, I'm a tourist. Sue me. But seriously, seeing the Liberty Bell? It's actually… pretty awesome. The feeling of actual history is almost overwhelming. But, let's be real, the crowds are a nightmare. There I was, standing in the same room with the people that were here hundreds of years ago. 7/10.
- 12:30 PM: Cheesesteak Time! After much deliberation, I settled on Pat’s. The line was long, the ordering process confusing (I may or may not have accidentally asked for “whiz wit” without fully understanding what that meant), and the whole experience was authentically Philly. The cheesesteak? Glorious, greasy, and the ultimate reward for dealing with those crowds. 9/10. Worth every single calorie!
- 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Wandering around the city, trying to take it easy.
- 4:00 PM: Back to Microtel, a quiet time to reflect on an amazing day.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant.
- 9:00 PM: Off to bed, ready for a new day!
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Scent of "Penny's Place" Coffee
- 7:00 AM: Last ditch attempt at the Microtel breakfast. Nope. Still a no-go. "Penny's Place", here I come. Again. I'm starting to feel like I belong there.
- 8:00 AM: Shuttle to the airport. Sigh. The polka music is back.
- 9:00 AM: Security. The TSA agent looked like he hadn't smiled since the invention of the wheel. I'm pretty sure my shoes offered up some sort of silent protest.
- 10:00 AM: Flying back home.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: The plane takes off!
- 11:00 AM: Time to go home.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- The Microtel? It's functional. It's close to the airport. It provided a place to crash. Don't expect luxury, but it wasn't a complete disaster. I'm sure I'll remember it.
- Philadelphia? A city of history, delicious food, and a certain gritty charm that I adored. I want to come back.
- Penny's Place? That coffee… I'll probably dream about it.
- Would I do it all again? Absolutely. Maybe with a better game plan for coffee next time.
Escape to Philly: Microtel Inn & Suites Airport Deal! - Frequently Asked...Well, Mostly Asked...Things!
Okay, so... What *is* this "Microtel Airport Deal" anyway? Sounds kinda... basic.
Alright, real talk. It's a deal. Probably. I mean, it's a Microtel near the Philadelphia airport. Think... reasonably priced. Think... potentially involving a shuttle. Think… avoiding actual Philly traffic for about as long as it takes you to peel a particularly stubborn orange. (And trust me, I've wrestled with some oranges in my time. That's a story for another FAQ... maybe.) Basically, they're tryin' to lure you in, promising a comfy bed and maybe, JUST maybe, a slightly less soul-crushing airport experience. Don't expect marble floors, okay? But a bed is a bed, and sometimes, that's all you need.
Is the shuttle reliable? Because *that's* been a source of much airport-related trauma for me.
Ooooh, the shuttle… This is where things get… *Philly*. Okay, so, it depends. On what, you ask? On the day. On the driver's mood (I swear, sometimes you can just *tell*). On whether it's rush hour (don't even *think* about it). On the lunar cycle. Honestly? I've had *miraculous* shuttle experiences – punctual, friendly driver, got me there and back faster than a cheesesteak disappears in front of a hungry person. Then I've had… adventures. Like the time the shuttle looked suspiciously like a converted plumber's van, or the time I swore the driver was practicing his interpretive dance while navigating the airport loop. My advice? Assume "mostly reliable," pack a healthy dose of patience, and maybe bring a book or a fully-charged phone. And a good pair of walking shoes, just in case. You know, for a *short* scenic stroll in case of emergency.
What's the room *actually* like? Like, is it clean? Because that's also important.
Okay, cleaning. The big C. Look, let's be brutally honest here. Microtel isn't the Four Seasons. I've stayed in rooms that looked… well, let's just say they hadn't seen a dust bunny in a while. But I've also stayed in rooms that were perfectly acceptable. Clean sheets, a working TV (important for those late-night airport anxieties), and a bathroom that didn't scream "abandon all hope." It's a gamble, folks. It's the lottery of budget travel. I'd suggest bringing some disinfecting wipes (never a bad idea, honestly). And maybe a small prayer. Or two. For cleanliness. And a decent shower. That's all I ask.
Are there any restaurants nearby? Because hangry me is not a pretty sight.
Restaurants... oh, restaurants. This is where the "airport" aspect really kicks in. Prepare yourself for the usual suspects: chain restaurants. You know the drill – the places with the names you already know, the menus you could probably recite in your sleep, the… well, you get the picture. But hear me out, sometimes that’s EXACTLY what you need! No thinking, no surprises, just familiar comfort food. There might be a hidden gem, or a local diner, but finding them takes research (and sometimes, a car). So, plan accordingly. Pack snacks! Or be prepared to embrace the familiar… or learn the location of the nearest 24 hour diner. That’s a life skill right there!
Is it *actually* worth it to stay at the hotel if I have a super early flight? Aren't hotels near the airport usually pricier?
Okay, this is *the* question. The money question! If you just want to save money, sure, sometimes the airport hotels ARE pricier... and sometimes they're not. It's a gamble! You need to factor in things like... the parking fees AT the airport, the gas money, and the sleep deprivation you might get driving early in the morning. I've found that with this Microtel, sometimes the price is GOOD! Especially if they have a deal. Then there's the whole "stress level" thing. Do you *really* want to be battling traffic at 4 AM? No! Trust me, no. And the extra hour or two of sleep? Priceless. It's a trade-off. Convenience versus cost. You gotta weigh it up. For me? Sometimes, the convenience of not having to roll out of bed at sparrow’s fart to get to my flight is WORTH the price. Just… do the math, okay? And then... trust your gut. And your bank account.
Would you recommend this hotel to your best friend?
Ah, the ultimate test. Would I recommend this Microtel to my best friend? Hmm. That depends. Is my best friend a travel snob? Absolutely *not*! Is my best friend looking for a luxurious getaway? Probably not! Look... if my best friend is looking for a clean, cheap, and convenient place to crash near the airport before an early flight with a decent (hopefully) shuttle, *then yeah*! I would recommend it. I would warn them about the variability, the potential for a mildly disappointing breakfast, and the possibility of a slightly… “characterful” experience. But I'd also tell them to pack some snacks, bring a good book, and maybe lower their expectations just a tad. And then I'd tell them… "Well? Go! And Tell me how it was!". And, honestly, I’d probably be jealous. Because even the slightly-less-than-perfect airport hotel is still *way* better than sleeping in the airport. Trust me on this
Okay, last question. What's the *worst* thing about this hotel?
Okay, this is the *real* truth time. The *worst* thing? Forget the potentially questionable breakfast, forget the sometimes-iffy shuttle… it’s the… the… *uncertainty*. The feeling that you might wake up in a parallel dimension where the bed is lumpy, your phone won't charge, and the air conditioner is emitting a noise that sounds suspiciously like a dying walrus. It's the *anticipation* that something, *anything*, might go wrong. It's a bit like waiting for the other shoe to drop. You *hope* everything will be fine, and in the end? Mostly… it is. But there's always that little nagging voice in the back of your head, whispering, "Are you sure you packed TWO pairs of socks? Just in case..." And this, my friends, is why I always bring my own pillow. Just in case.
Post a Comment for "Escape to Philly: Microtel Inn & Suites Airport Deal!"