Summerland Getaway: Unforgettable Stay at Inn on SummerHill
Summerland Getaway: My Honest Confessions from Inn on SummerHill (Spoiler Alert: It's Complicated)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Summerland Getaway at the Inn on SummerHill and… well, it was a journey. Forget those polished, pristine reviews. This is the messy, honest truth, warts and all, because let's face it, real life rarely comes with a perfectly filtered Instagram glow.
Accessibility: The Uneven Road
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. This is where things started to feel… a bit patchy. The website promised "facilities for disabled guests," which is great. But navigating the actual experience was a little like a treasure hunt. Certain areas, like the main lobby (a beautiful, sun-drenched space, by the way!), were easily accessible. The elevators? Smooth sailing. But getting to the pool with a view (more on that later… oh, the view…) felt a bit like a side quest. I'm not personally wheelchair bound, but I could see the potential struggles, the ramps that weren't quite right, the pathways that felt a little… neglected. They tried, bless their hearts, but it wasn’t quite fully nailed. This makes you wonder how the other aspects of accessibility were thought through and implemented (e.g., restrooms and general access).
The Internet: A Tale of Two Wi-Fis
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" screamed the website. And, blessedly, that was true. But, and there's always a "but" isn't there? The strength of that Wi-Fi? Let's just say I spent a good chunk of my time battling the digital gremlins. Uploading photos? Forget it. Streaming a movie? Prepare for buffering agony. They did have "Wi-Fi in public areas," which was consistently better (and, thankfully, free too). But, c'mon, a modern getaway should have strong room Wi-Fi. It’s a basic right!
And by the way, they had "Internet [LAN]" listed. Who even uses LAN anymore?! That felt… antique. Like finding a rotary phone in your room.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitization Station Overload?
Okay, this is where the Inn on SummerHill went above and beyond. Post-pandemic, they were ON IT. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Room sanitization between stays," "Hand sanitizer" EVERYWHERE. I'm not saying it was obnoxious, but it was noticeable. You could practically smell the bleach in the air. (Okay, maybe that was just my paranoia). The staff were masked, the tables were spaced, and there was even "sterilizing equipment" lurking in the hallways. Look, I appreciate the effort, I really do. But it felt… excessive. Maybe dial it back a notch, guys?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious, But Slightly Overwhelming, Food!
Okay, this is where things got… fun. They nailed the food situation. Seriously. Let's start with the basics: "Breakfast in room"? Check. "Breakfast [buffet]"? Absolutely! But here's the beauty of it: the buffet had options! We're talking "Asian breakfast," "Western breakfast," "Salad in restaurant," "Soup in restaurant," "Coffee/tea in restaurant." The choices were insane! I’m talking buffet-induced paralysis! You know the feeling? Where your eyes widen, your stomach rumbles, and you just… don't know where to start? That was me, every. Single. Morning.
And the restaurants?! There were “Restaurants” plural! "A la carte in restaurant," "Vegetarian restaurant," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "International cuisine in restaurant." Seriously, I felt like I needed a translator. My poor stomach couldn't keep up. The "Poolside bar"? Essential. I enjoyed many a cocktail there, watching the sun dip below the horizon. Perfect. They had "Happy hour" too, which, let's be honest, is a life-saver when you're on holiday.
But now, let's talk about… the memorable dinner. They had a very specific “Chef's Special,” I ordered the steak. It came with a side of… drama. My steak, whilst cooked to perfection (medium-rare, just how I like it!), was so massive it felt like eating a small animal. Ambitious. And the waiter? Bless him, he was either new or incredibly shy (possibly both). He tripped while serving me, nearly spilling a glass of wine (which, thankfully, he didn't). The wine? Delicious. The steak? A tad… intimidating. Overall? A story I’ll be telling for years. A messy, slightly imperfect, but ultimately charming evening.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day (Almost) Blissed Out
The "Spa" was a highlight. And not just because I needed some serious R&R after that steak. They had it all: "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Foot bath," "Massage," "Sauna," "Steamroom," "Spa/sauna." I went full-on indulgence. The "Pool with view"? Oh. My. God. The view! Picture this: an infinity pool that seems to melt into the rolling hills, the sun setting in a blaze of glory, a cocktail in your hand. The whole experience was pure, unadulterated bliss. Honestly, if I were rating the whole place based on the pool alone, it would be a perfect score.
The "Fitness center"? Yeah, I saw it. I intended to use it. But between the breakfast buffet, the steak incident, and the copious amounts of wine, let's just say, I enjoyed the idea of working out more than the actual execution.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
"Concierge"? Present and helpful. "Dry cleaning"? Excellent. "Daily housekeeping"? Spotless. "Elevator"? Thank goodness! "Luggage storage"? Convenient. "Cash withdrawal"? Necessary. "Currency exchange"? Useful. All the basics were covered.
But then there were the little things that felt a bit… lacking. "Food delivery" was available, but the options seemed limited. I’m not sure about ordering delivery to the hotel. "Gift/souvenir shop"? Small and overpriced. "Doorman"? Barely there.
For the Kids: Family Friendly-ish
They listed "Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," and "Kids facilities." I didn't bring my kids (thank God!), so I can’t speak too much to this, but I did see some kids running wild. This is a plus or a minus, depending on your preferences.
In-Room Amenities: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Odd
Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. "Free Wi-Fi"? Check! "Air conditioning"? Essential! "Bathtub"? Wonderful. "Mini bar"? Important. "Coffee/tea maker"? Vital. "Free bottled water"? Appreciated!
But then… there were the details. The "Additional toilet" seemed excessive especially for a standard room. The "Bathrobes" were comfy but maybe a slightly better quality. The "Hair dryer" was ancient. The "Alarm clock" was straight out of the 80s. The "In-room safe box" seemed… small. And while I appreciate the "Window that opens," I also appreciate soundproofing, because, let’s just say, certain guests (ahem) are a bit… boisterous.
Ultimately, the room itself felt like a bit of a mixed bag. It was functional, clean, and the bed was comfortable. But it lacked that little touch of luxury I was hoping for.
Getting Around: The Wheels on the Bus, Go Round and Round (Ish)
"Airport transfer"? A definite plus. "Car park [free of charge]"? Also a win. "Taxi service"? Readily available. Everything was convenient for getting around, which is always a major plus when you are hoping to stay local.
My Verdict: Worth the Trip? (With Reservations)
So, would I recommend Summerland Getaway at the Inn on SummerHill? Hmmm. That's complicated.
The Good: The view from the pool. The food (mostly). The friendly staff. The attention to cleanliness (possibly too clean). The easy access to the local area.
The Bad: The inconsistent accessibility. The patchy Wi-Fi. The feeling of… over-sanitization. The slightly dated room.
The Verdict: It’s not perfect. There are definitely areas for improvement. But, despite its flaws, Inn on SummerHill has a certain charm. It felt welcoming, the staff were genuinely helpful, and the location was beautiful.
Final thought: If you go, brace yourself for a slightly imperfect, but ultimately rewarding, experience. And for God's sake, go for the pool. And maybe skip the steak. Unless you're feeling really ambitious.
Wingate by Wyndham High Point: Your Dream High Point Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up Buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travelogue. This is… me, after a weekend at the Inn on Summer Hill in Summerland, California, and well, let's just say it left a mark. Let's see if I can even remember it all in the right order…
The Messy, Beautiful Chaos: Inn on Summer Hill & the Summerland Saga
Day 1: Arrival & Awkward Charm Offensive
- 2:00 PM (ish) - Arrive & "Charming Door Knocker" Fail: Okay, so the website photos? Glorious. Real life? Still pretty darn gorgeous, but slightly more… weathered, you know? Like, I walked up to that adorable Victorian-esque door with the wrought-iron knocker expecting a fairy tale. Instead, I fiddled with the thing for a solid minute, convinced it was broken. Turns out, I was just being an idiot. (Classic). The innkeeper, a wonderfully eccentric woman named Eleanor, finally opened the door looking a bit amused at my fumbling, and with the most perfect smile.
- 2:15 PM - The Room Reveal & Immediate Regret (Mostly Kidding): My room. The "Ocean Breeze Suite." Now, I'd envisioned sun-drenched luxury, a giant tub, maybe a fluffy robe. Reality? The room was undeniably charming, with a private balcony overlooking the ocean. I was smitten at first.
- The Imperfection: It took me a good 10 minutes to figure out the TV remote. The instructions were… well, let's just say they involved a lot of acronyms. I finally gave up and decided to embrace the unplugged life - which, honestly, was probably a good thing.
- 3:00 PM - Summerland Exploration – Where the Quirks Bloom: Eleanor, bless her heart, recommended I wander into town. Summerland, population… well, small. It's like stepping into a movie set. The shops are all painted these delightful, whimsical colors. I popped into a little antique shop, where I almost bought a porcelain doll with one eye missing. (I passed, visions of it staring at me in the dark later. Maybe I'm too easily spooked).
- The Emotional Twinge: The whole town had an air of faded glory, kind of melancholy. You could tell it had seen happier times, maybe more bustle. It made me feel a little wistful, in a strangely comforting way. Like, wow, everyone and everything becomes aged with time, and I think I'm just starting to understand.
- 5:00 PM - Wine Tasting Debacle (and Redemption): Back at the Inn, they offered a little wine tasting. I'm not a wine connoisseur; I'm more of a “red wine, makes me sleepy” kind of person. But I thought, hey, why not? Big mistake. I spit wine everywhere every time, and I accidentally knocked over one of the tiny, adorable appetizer plates. The innkeeper, who had seen me fumble with the door knocker, gently cleaned it up. I felt my face burn right now. At least the wine was good (I think?).
- 7:30 PM - Dinner at the Inn & My First Culinary Triumph: Seriously, the food was phenomenal. They have a little restaurant there and I got the pan-seared scallops. I'm not lying, I think I almost licked my plate clean. The chef is a genius. I even managed to have a conversation with the waiter without spilling anything. See? I can improve!
- 9:00 PM - Balcony Bliss & Staring at the Ocean: Sat on my balcony. Drank some chamomile tea (to soothe my wine-induced embarrassment). Listened to the waves. The stars were absolutely insane. I think I might have even seen a shooting star. Life was, for a fleeting moment, perfect.
Day 2: The Hike of Terror, The Spa & The Emotional Gut Punch Of a Day…
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast and the Eleanor Charm Offensive 2.0: The morning brought sunshine and Eleanor's fantastic breakfast (fresh fruit, pastries that could make you weep). She asked me if I enjoyed the scallops and I gushed about them. "Now," she said with a knowing twinkle, "are you ready for your hike?" Uh oh.
- 9:30 AM - The Hike of Absolute, Unadulterated Terror: Eleanor had recommended a short hike to a viewpoint overlooking the ocean. "Easy!" she chirped. Lies! Utter lies! It was a vertical climb up a path that could generously be described as "sketchy." I was convinced I was going to plummet to my death, yelling obscenities, the whole way.
- The Rambling Reaction: I was sweating. I was panting. My legs were screaming. I was pretty sure an actual mountain lion was eyeing me from the bushes. And I was absolutely, completely, and utterly miserable. But then… I reached the top. And, God. It was… breathtaking. The view was spectacular. The ocean stretched out forever. And for a moment, I forgot about the terror.
- 11:00 AM - Spa Time & the Serenity Reset: Back at the Inn, it was straight to the spa. I got a massage. The therapist's hands were magic. Everything was soft, pleasant, and quiet. I think I dozed a little. It was a total reset.
- My Opinionated Take: If any place deserved "serenity," it was me after that hike. I was still sore, but I felt… calmer. Which was nice.
- 1 PM - Lunch at a Local cafe - the "best" burger ever It was so good!
- 3:00 PM - Emotional Gut Punch & A Flashback: After the spa, I sat in the quiet of my room, feeling pretty damn good. The sun was shining. Everything was perfect. Then I saw a photo of my own dad smiling, and I got hit -- Hard. A flood of memories, of love, of loss. It was so unexpected. It made me feel… well, just raw.
- Doubling Down on the Experience: I decided to walk to the beach. The waves were calm, and I sat on the sand, for a long time. Just letting the ocean take my energy. I felt the raw, messy emotions and I needed them. And I felt a quiet kind of strength, too. Like the ocean, I could weather the storms.
- 7:00 PM - Farewell Dinner & a New Friend: Dinner, again, was amazing. And I chatted with Eleanor again, this time about life, loss, and the ridiculousness of overly difficult hikes. Turned out we had some things in common. It was a lovely, unexpected bond.
- 9:00 PM - Final Balcony Meditation & the Bitter Sweet Goodbye: One last night listening to the waves. One last look at the stars. I felt, in a strange way, renewed. I wasn't sure what I'd be returning to in the "real world," but I felt at least a little better armed to face it.
Day 3: Leaving & The Lingering Echo of the Inn
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast & The "Almost Tears" Moment: Another breakfast, and a final hug from Eleanor. I almost lost it. I actually might have teared up a little.
- 10:00 AM - Departure & a Silent Promise: Leaving the Inn was tough. It felt like leaving a little piece of myself behind. I made a silent promise to myself: I'd come back. And I wouldn't fumble with the damn door knocker next time.
Final Verdict:
The Inn on Summer Hill wasn't perfect. It was quirky, a little run-down in places, and it definitely put me through the emotional wringer. But in its imperfection, it was perfect. It was authentic. It was real. And I wouldn't trade the messy, beautiful chaos of that weekend for anything. Go. Just go. And prepare to feel all the things. You might even cry a little. And that's okay.
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Summerland Getaway: Inn on SummerHill FAQs - Because Let's Be Real, You Have Questions!
Okay, spill the tea: Is the Inn on SummerHill *actually* as idyllic as the website makes it look? (And do they Photoshop the breakfast?)
Alright, deep breaths. The website? Yeah, it's pretty. But let's be honest, *every* website is pretty. The Inn on SummerHill? Mostly lives up to the hype. Think charming, not perfectly manicured. The photos? They're *mostly* accurate... maybe the lighting is just a *smidge* more flattering in real life (as it should be!). The breakfast? Okay, here's the truth-bomb: it *isn't* photoshopped. It's... well, let's just say my first morning there, I was convinced they'd stolen my grandmother's secret pancake recipe. Seriously, the fluffiness! I almost cried happy tears.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they all the same? And are the towels… *fluffy* fluffy?
Okay, room rundown. No, they aren't all cookie-cutter. I poked my head into a few (don't judge me, nosiness is a virtue in travel, right?). They're all different, each with its own personality. Some have fireplaces, some have balconies, one even had a clawfoot tub that looked like it belonged in a movie. (I may or may not have spent an hour pretending I was a silent film star.) The towels? LISTEN. The towels are a religious experience. I'm not exaggerating. Fluffy infinity. Seriously. Bring your own, and you'll regret it. Pack light, and revel in the superior towel-situation.
The website mentions "peace and quiet." Is that *actually* a thing, or are there screaming kids practicing the tuba all day?
Okay, this is crucial. I *despise* noise. I'm that person who brings earplugs to a library. The "peace and quiet" at SummerHill? Mostly legit. There are no tuba-playing children (thank heavens). I went during the *shoulder* season, so it wasn't overrun. I did hear a couple of teenagers arguing over Wi-Fi near the pool, which, honestly, was much easier to handle than the tuba. But, during my stay, the biggest noise-related issue was the *damn* birds! Which I actually loved. Early morning serenades: pure bliss. If you're seeking absolute silence, bring your noise-canceling headphones. But honestly, the only real noise I heard was the gentle sound of my own relaxation, you know, *that* is a sound to cherish.
Food! We need to know. Besides the pancakes, what's the culinary vibe? (And are there any decent restaurants nearby?)
Oh, the food. *The food!* Okay, breakfast *is* a star. Beyond that, they do a lovely afternoon tea (sandwiches - yum!) and there is, (I’m not kidding) chocolate chip cookies left out at the evening turn-down service. Anyway, there's a small kitchen with a microwave for you to use if you're feeling lazy. For restaurants? Okay, so there’s this adorable little Bistro in the town, and the food is pretty good. There are a few other basic options, but honestly, I spend the majority of my time stuffing my face with the Inn's food. No judgment.
Beyond the Inn itself, what's there to *do* in Summerland? (Besides, you know, eat pancakes and soak up the fluffy towels).
Alright, so, Summerland. It's not exactly a metropolis. But that's kind of the point. There are hiking trails, which I tackled with varying degrees of enthusiasm. (Let's just say I'm more of a "sit on a bench and enjoy the view" kind of hiker.) There's a charming little town to explore, with some cute shops and galleries. I went to a local vineyard, and it was lovely, especially with a glass of wine. Honestly, my favorite activity? Just *being*. Lounging by the pool (if the weather permits), reading a book in the garden… just *existing*. I think. So, to answer your question: If you want to play the tourist, you can, if not, lay back and relax.
Okay, the *real* question: What's the catch? Is there something horrible we need to know before we book? (Like, is the owner secretly running a puppy mill?)
Deep breath. The catch? Okay, the owner is NOT running a puppy mill (as far as I know... I didn't check the basement). The biggest "catch"? You might not want to leave. It's that kind of place. It's not perfect; the internet wasn't always the fastest, but I didn't care. It was beautiful, relaxing, and I want to go back, like, *now*. So, be warned: SummerHill might ruin you for every other vacation. It's a risk… I'm willing to take it.
Is it kid-friendly… or should I leave the rugrats at home?
Ugh, kids. (Just kidding, I love kids... from a distance.) SummerHill is...okay. Some rooms are definitely more suited to families than others. They *do* have a pool, which is a huge plus. However, it's not *specifically* designed for kids. I wouldn't say it's a complete no-go, but if you're expecting a kiddie pool and a non-stop barrage of activities, you might be slightly disappointed. This is more of a place to relax while watching your child. So, for families? Proceed with caution. For those seeking uninterrupted tranquility? You can probably get away with it, but brace yourselves. And for the love of all that's holy, try to book a room far away from mine.
I heard the service is really good. Is it like, "we're here to serve you" good, or "slightly passive-aggressive, but will do anything you ask" good?
Ugh, okay, service. Let's be real. I've stayed in places where the staff acts like you're a massive inconvenience. The service at SummerHill? Actually, really good. I *think* they were genuinely happy to help. They remembered my name (which always feels a little bit special). They went above and beyond when one of the other guests had a slight issue, and they took care of it efficiently. They also left me cookies every night, and that, my friends, is the true mark of excellent service. So, good, indeed.
Okay, give it to me straight: Is it worth the money? (Because let's face it, travel ain't cheap these daysBook For Rest
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