Findlay's BEST Extended Stay? (Tiffin Ave. Suites Review!)
Findlay's BEST Extended Stay? (Tiffin Ave. Suites Review: Buckle Up, Buttercup!)
Okay, so, let's dive headfirst into the deep end of reviewing Findlay's Tiffin Ave. Suites, or as I half-jokingly called it during my stay, "The Suites of Serendipitous Survival." (Long story, involving a near-disaster with the coffee maker, more on that later.) This isn't your average, sterile hotel review, folks. Consider yourselves warned. I'm going to be as brutally honest as the peeling wallpaper in some of the hallways (I think it was wallpaper).
First Impressions & Accessibility (Ugh, those Ramps!)
Arriving, the exterior is… well, it's there. Not exactly Vegas-glam, but clean enough. Finding the entrance on a rainy Tuesday? That's a quest in itself. There is a ramp, which is crucial for accessibility. Praise the accessibility gods! They've got a good thing going there. Accessibility is a BIG plus. Because getting around is crucial when you're relying on your own two legs. Then again, after a week of using those breakfast buffets, I'm not sure my legs were relying on anything.
Oh, the Wheels of Chaos (and the Lack Thereof!)
Now I didn't personally require full-on wheelchair accessibility but I did peek around for those that did. Overall, it seemed pretty decent on that front. Elevators are a must, and if I recall (blurring slightly due to the over-caffeination I’ll get to), they had one. I recall it was pretty slow. I mean really slow. Like, the kind of slow where you start contemplating your life choices while ascending five floors. And then, you get up to your room and see the "desk and laptop workspace" as described. It was functional, but definitely not something I'd want to spend all day in.
Rooms: My Temporary Fortress (and the Coffee Calamity)
Okay, the rooms. They're not exactly designer digs, but they're functional. Think… a slightly-above-average college dorm room with more amenities. (And hopefully, fewer questionable smells.) The Wi-Fi [free] was a lifesaver. I'm a sucker for the free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Also the Desk, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Coffee/tea maker, and complimentary Bottled water were great.
But the coffee maker! Oh, the coffee maker. I shall never forget the fateful morning of the Great Coffee Explosion. It wasn't even my fault, I swear. I followed the instructions! But somehow, the machine decided to stage a miniature volcanic eruption of hot, brown liquid. The resulting stain on the… (checks notes)… Carpeting, unfortunately, refused to budge. I can only hope they've replaced it by now. (Seriously, though, a moment's silence for lost carpet fibres.) The Daily housekeeping was amazing. Really cleaned up the volcanic mess which was very much welcome.
Things to Do (or at Least, Attempt To)
Listen, Findlay isn't exactly known as a hotbed of hedonism. Let's be real. The Fitness Center was there, and I peeked in. Looked… functional. The thought of putting on workout clothes after my coffee-fueled near-death experience, though? Nah. My idea of a “way to relax” was a nap.
Dining (Buffets: My Kryptonite)
Ah, the food. The breakfast buffet. My friend, the breakfast buffet. Breakfast [buffet] was the main event, every morning. Buffet in restaurant was a bit of a mess, but it seemed to be what the people wanted. Was the food Michelin Star quality? Absolutely not. Was it… abundant? You better believe it. Did I, a glutton for punishment, eat way too much of it every single day? Guilty as charged. The Asian breakfast was pretty decent. I just wished they had a bigger selection of coffee/tea in restaurant.
There was also a Coffee shop which was a godsend, especially for the post-coffee-explosion trauma. I believe there was Breakfast service, but it wasn't what I had. Other than that, options were limited. Let's just say you want to stick to the basics for the most part.
Service & Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly-Confused
The staff was generally pleasant. The Front desk [24-hour], was a blessing, especially since I arrived at some ungodly hour of the night. Contactless check-in/out was also great. They were attempting to be helpful, though they seemed a little bewildered when I, uh, inquired about the nearest establishment specializing in stain removal.
They offer Laundry service, which I fully utilized, and it was efficient and reasonably priced. Daily housekeeping was a lifesaver after the coffee incident. They do indeed offer Air conditioning which is a must.
Safety & Cleanliness: A Ray of Sunshine
This is where Tiffin Ave Suites shines. Anti-viral cleaning products were noticeably used. Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol were very much evident. I felt safe, which is a huge weight off your shoulders. Especially with the current climate, I really appreciated the care taken. The Smoke detector was also handy, just in case a repeat of the Coffee Calamity occurred.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Look, Tiffin Ave Suites isn't perfect. It's a little rough around the edges, the decor is… dated, and the coffee maker may or may not try to kill you. But! It's clean, the staff tries, and the accessibility is solid. Car park [free of charge] is also something to consider.
Would I return? Yeah, probably. Especially if I needed a decent place to stay and I’m stuck in the area. Just… maybe I'll bring my own coffee maker. And a fire extinguisher. Just in case.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't some pristine travel brochure. This is the real Findlay, Ohio, experience, as orchestrated (read: haphazardly stumbled through) by yours truly, at the glorious (and occasionally questionable) Extended Stay America Suites on Tiffin Avenue. Prepare for a ride.
Day 1: Arrival and the Undeniable Charm (and Slightly Musty Odor) of Extended Stay Living
- 1:00 PM: Finally. After a drive that felt approximately the same length as the Oregon Trail (except with more toll roads and less cholera, thankfully), I hit Findlay. The first order of business? Check into the Extended Stay. Let's be honest, the exterior of the hotel doesn't exactly scream "luxury spa," but the promise of a kitchenette at least held some modicum of hope.
- Anecdote: The front desk clerk, bless her heart, had seen things. I swear I saw a flicker of recognition when I mentioned my name, as if I'd been here before. "Welcome back," she said, a little too knowingly. Did I accidentally materialize back here from the future? Or maybe… it's the vibe.
- Quirky Observation: The air inside had that distinct "lived-in" scent - a mix of stale air, questionable cleaning products, and a hint of… something else. (My theory? The ghosts of microwaved Hot Pockets past.)
- Emotional Reaction: Honestly? Slightly depressed. But mostly because the room felt like the last apartment available in a sitcom that had already been canceled.
- Opinion: Could use a serious deep clean. And maybe invest in a slightly cheerful looking bedspread.
- 2:00 PM: Unpack. Discover the horrors of what the previous resident left behind in the fridge. Actually, let’s not go there. But I did discover a surprisingly effective coffee maker. Score! (Also, I immediately scrubbed the bathroom down with the industrial-strength cleaner I always carry. Just in case.)
- 3:00 PM: Quick drive around Findlay. The downtown square has a certain charm, with the courthouse and everything. Plus, I located a Kroger and stocked up on the essentials: Cheetos, Diet Coke, and frozen pizza (for my sanity, not my health).
- Rambles: This little town is… well, it's something. Not much is happening, but that’s the charm. The people here are genuine. Reminds you of a simpler time, a time most of us have never experienced.
- 6:00 PM: Pizza and Netflix. The pinnacle of sophistication after a long day's travel. I'm beginning to think that the Extended Stay is actually pretty good at providing a space where to not think about the world. Tonight, I have an emotional connection with my pizza.
- 8:00 PM: Contemplate whether the AC unit is whispering to me. It’s making a weird noise. Probably needs to be replaced. Oh well, I’m just crashing.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Pray for a decent night's sleep.
Day 2: Findlay’s Finest? (Or, "Trying Really, Really Hard to Enjoy Myself")
- 8:00 AM: Wake up to the sun shining… through a crack in the blinds. The coffee, miraculously, is still working (or maybe I'm just hallucinating at this point).
- 9:00 AM: Decided to check out the Mazza Museum. The biggest public collection of original artwork from children’s books in the world! So, like, that’s a thing.
- Anecdote: Me, walking around with my camera, feeling a little self-conscious. Surrounded by kids and parents… and I’m this weird adult alone. But the artwork was actually pretty inspiring.
- Emotional Reaction: Unexpectedly moved. Some of these illustrations were truly beautiful. I spent way too long looking at the drawings.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local diner. Found a little spot with amazing pancakes and eggs.
- Quirky observation: The waitress, a woman who looked like she’d seen a few decades come and go, called everyone "honey." Honey, Honey, Honey.
- 2:00 PM: Trying to find something fun: the Hancock County Historical Museum. I think I'm gonna give the history of Findlay a pass.
- Rambles: It’s hard to judge a place properly when a big thing in your life is missing. I realized I'm more in my head than the world. I need to be here.
- Emotional Reaction: It's getting hard to stay here.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and a grocery trip; the pizza in the freezer is calling my name. I buy more snacks. I decide to watch a movie.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. The AC unit is still whispering.
Day 3: Get me Outta Here! (and Maybe a Little Self-Reflection)
- 8:00 AM: I can’t wait to leave. But, there’s something pulling me in.
- 9:00 AM: Driving around. I have a feeling that I will be back here again.
- 12:00 PM: Checking out, final goodbyes. I went to a different diner on my way out.
- 1:00 PM: On the road. Back on the road, realizing this trip wasn’t what I was looking for.
- Opinion: I love Findlay.
Post-Trip Ramblings (and Regrets):
Look, Findlay wasn’t exactly a non-stop thrill ride. But it wasn't bad either. It was a weird, melancholic, at times slightly claustrophobic, and ultimately… honest experience. The Extended Stay? Well, it was what it was – a place to land, to breathe, to maybe find a slightly stale connection to humanity. I'll probably never forget the air conditioner's whisper, the weird smell, and the pizza. And maybe that's enough. Maybe that’s exactly what I needed. Until next time, Findlay. And oh, if you ever have a lost toothbrush in room 217… it might be mine. Don't judge.
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Findlay's Tiffin Ave. Suites: The Deep Dive & The Real Deal (aka, My Brain Dump!)
Okay, Spill! Is Tiffin Ave. Suites in Findlay Even Worth Considering?
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this isn't your typical sanitized review. Let's be honest: Findlay, Ohio isn't exactly the Bahamas. So, yeah, Tiffin Ave. Suites, well, it's a mixed bag. It really REALLY depends what you're looking for. If you're expecting the Ritz? Honey, keep on drivin'. But if you're after, say, a CLEAN, reasonably priced place to *actually live*--not just crash for a night--then yeah, it's definitely worth a look. I mean, after spending a month there myself, I can give you a pretty good read. Don't expect perfection.
What's the Deal with the "Extended Stay" Part? I Actually *Need* to Stay a While...
That's the *point,* darling! Unlike those awful hotels where you feel like you're living in a stale donut for a night, Tiffin Ave. Suites is designed for folks who need to put down roots, at least temporarily. They've got kitchenettes, which is a GODSEND when you're sick of microwave dinners (trust me, I know). And, the best thing is, the prices are by *week* or *month*, not just the soul-crushing cost of a single night at a hotel. It's not luxury, it's practicality. Think... a better, less-soul-crushing version of dorm-living for adults. (I'm having flashbacks just thinking about the college cafeteria food. Shudder.)
So, the Kitchenettes... Are We Talking Microwave and Mini-Fridge, or Actual Cooking?
Okay, realistic expectations here. It's *mostly* cooking. Each unit has a stovetop (burner... single, or double. Depends on your unit), a mini-fridge (the bane of my existence when I couldn't fit a whole watermelon), a microwave, and usually a decent amount of counter space. My advice? Bring your own pots and pans! The ones are, for you know, *used*. The bare minimum is there, but you'll want your own stuff fast. Picture: me, trying to scramble eggs in a saucepan that was basically a historical artifact. Not pretty. I finally broke down and bought a proper non-stick pan. Best. Decision. Ever.
Cleanliness – Is It, You Know, Actually *Clean*? Or Am I Gonna Find Evidence of the Last Resident's Existential Crisis on the Walls?
Honestly? It's a mix. They clean the units, but let's be real, it's not a surgical suite. When I first walked in, MY FIRST THOUGHT, was "oh boy." But, the management is actually pretty responsive if you find something truly disgusting. The staff is working HARD, and in MY UNIT they were all super friendly. I found one tiny cockroach. It was a... traumatic experience. The place is an upgrade from a roadside motel. You know what? Bring your own cleaning supplies (wipes are a MUST!). They do sweep, which is good, but you'll want to give things a once-over when you move in. It's not a constant germ-fest, but it's also not a spa.
What's the Internet Situation Like?! I need Wi-Fi to survive!!!
Okay, this is where things get... interesting. They *have* Wi-Fi. It's... okay. It's free, which is a MAJOR plus, but it's not fiber-optic lightning. During peak hours (Netflix binge-fest, obviously!), it can get a little slow. Streaming can get choppy. I spent one evening staring at my phone, trying to watch my favorite show, the buffering wheel just taunting me... oh honey, the rage! I finally just used my phone's mobile hotspot. My advice? Prepare for potential internet skirmishes. It's not a dealbreaker, but don't expect to download massive files in seconds. Get prepared for the internet blues and try your best.
Is it Safe? Like, Can I Leave My Leftover Pizza in the Fridge and Not Worry About Someone Stealing It? (Asking for a Friend...)
Okay, let's get real. No place is 100% safe. Tiffin Ave. Suites has limited security, and the doors can be a little.. *ahem*... easier to get into than a Fort Knox vault. You can definitely secure your belongings with the locks, and there are security cameras in the common areas. But, common sense applies. Don't leave a mountain of cash lying around. I actually *did* forget my leftover pizza one night (it was a rough week). When I went back to get it, it was still there. So score one for pizza security! But keep your wits about you, and don't be an idiot. Lock your doors. If you are worried, get a door stop, or one of those little wedge things.
Parking? Do I Have to Circle the Block for an Hour Every Night?
Nope! They have plenty of parking, which is a HUGE weight off your shoulders. There are enough spots for everyone, and it's free! (Small victories, people!). It's also pretty well-lit at night, too. Just make sure you don't park like a jerk -- people gotta get in their cars!
Any downsides? Gotta know the bad stuff too...
Alright, here's the truth-bomb section. Yes, there are downsides. The walls? Thin as paper. You *will* hear your neighbors. I could practically narrate their arguments. The laundry room is a bit of a scrum sometimes -- bring quarters! The location, while not dangerous, isn't exactly prime real estate. It's not that charming or walkable.. Also, the landscaping could use a little love. But, let's be frank, you're not paying for a resort. You're paying for a roof over your head with some basic amenities. It’s a practical solution, not a paradise.
So, Would You Recommend It... Like, for Real?
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