Topeka's BEST Hotel? City Center Luxury Awaits!
Topeka's BEST Hotel? City Center Luxury Awaits! - A Down-to-Earth Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just survived… I mean, experienced a stay at Topeka's "City Center Luxury Awaits!" hotel. And let me tell you, the name? A little… optimistic. But hey, I’m here to spill the tea, the lukewarm coffee, and maybe a little bit of my own existential dread right onto this review. Let's get messy!
Meta-messy first:
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Getting In & Around - The Arrival and the Awkward Elevator Ride
First impressions? Uh, the outside looked… fine. Generic hotel exterior, you know? The parking situation was thankfully easy – Car park [free of charge]? Score! I hate paying for glorified asphalt. And the Valet parking? Tempting, but my wallet's already weeping.
Now, the elevator. This is where things got interesting. Elevator present? Check. But the button panel? Felt like a relic from the Jurassic period. I swear, it made more noise than my grandma’s dentures. And the ride itself… let’s just say I had a moment to contemplate the meaning of life. Facilities for disabled guests were listed. I'm not disabled but observed the set up looked good, but I did not see any wheelchair users to confirm this.
Accessibility - More Than Just Ramps (Hopefully)
Wheelchair accessible? That’s the million-dollar question, or rather, the hundred-dollar room rate question. The hallways seemed wide enough, yay! Accessibility is listed so fingers crossed.
Services and Conveniences - The Good, the Bad, and the Questionable
- Internet Access: Okay, crucial. Free Wifi in all rooms! And it actually worked. Praise the internet gods! Wi-Fi in public areas was decent too, which is a win. Internet [LAN] - I didn't bother, because, who uses LAN anymore?
- Services and Conveniences: Daily housekeeping? Yep, they kept my room mostly tidy. Emphasis on mostly. I found a rogue sock under the bed. But hey, nobody's perfect, except maybe… well, nobody. Concierge? Tried to call them for a dinner recommendation, but got put on hold for what felt like an eternity. Gave up and ordered pizza. (More on that later.)
- Air conditioning in public area & Air conditioning? Yes and yes, I was grateful and also got me thinking: did I just spend too long at the gym?
The Room - My Temporary Fortress of Solitude (and Sock Discovery)
The room itself… was a room. Non-smoking rooms? Check. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Hallelujah! I hate sunlight. Coffee/tea maker? Essential. That cup of morning joe was what fueled my very existence. The Mini Bar? Overpriced, but the little chocolates were a nice touch. I swear it was the reason I kept my sanity.
Available in All Rooms: Okay, so many amenities to list! Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. Whew. That's a lot.
Things to Do - Spa-tacular or Spa-thetic?
Okay, the big guns. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes, but it was freezing! And filled with mostly people getting in the way of MY relaxation. The Spa listed a variety of treatments: Body scrub, Body wrap, massage, sauna, spa/sauna, steamroom, and Foot bath. I splashed out (literally) on a massage. Let's just say the masseuse was either having a really bad day, or was secretly a professional arm wrestler. My shoulders still ache. Fitness center listed, which I avoided, for reasons mentioned previously.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - The Food Fiasco
This is where things went south, real fast. The hotel boasts multiple options: Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar.
- Restaurants: I tried the main restaurant. A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver, particularly after the arm-wrestling massage. I ordered a pizza, which was so-so. I suspect it was from outside. The hotel’s own restaurant was listed, but the menu seemed… uninspired. The Breakfast [buffet] wasn't much better, the scrambled eggs tasted suspiciously like rubber, and the coffee tasted like dishwater. The Snack bar was ok but the options were pretty limited. Alternative meal arrangement wasn’t necessary, as it was easy to find something to eat, though not something I'd write home about.
Cleanliness and Safety - Germaphobes, Rejoice… Or Maybe Not?
- Cleanliness and safety: They advertised: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
I mean, they said it was clean, and the staff seemed to be making an effort. Staff trained in safety protocol? I saw them wiping down surfaces. Hand sanitizer everywhere, which is always a plus. Rooms sanitized between stays? Let's hope so. But I did find that rogue sock, so… draw your own conclusions.
For the Kids - Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
The Verdict - Worth the Hype?
Honestly? Meh. It's not terrible. It’s a functional hotel. But "luxury"? I wouldn't go that far. The room was fine, the internet worked, and the staff was pleasant enough. But the food was disappointing, the spa was…memorable (for the wrong reasons) and while it appears they tried to be safe, I was in a post-pandemic state of heightened awareness. Could it be better? Absolutely. Would I stay again? Maybe… if there weren't any other options.
Overall Rating: 6/10. Room for improvement, Topeka! Maybe lay off the rubber eggs? Just sayin’.
Seattle's BEST Kept Secret: Mukilteo's Extended Stay Oasis!
Okay, buckle up buttercup. This ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is ME trying to survive a weekend in Topeka, Kansas, and I'm already half-expecting to get lost and/or find a life-changing piece of pie. Here we go…
Destination: Hotel Topeka at City Center, Topeka, Kansas (A.K.A. The Topeka Vortex)
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Questionable Pizza
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & The Great Luggage Struggle: Okay, so the drive from… well, somewhere… was mostly uneventful. Except for that brief moment I almost rear-ended a pickup truck sporting a bumper sticker that read "My other car is a tractor." Topeka welcomes me with a gentle, slightly dusty breeze and a lobby that smells vaguely of chlorine and… ambition? Check-in seemed fine until I hit my usual problem: getting the luggage from the car to the room. Seriously, I swear those bellhops are mythical creatures. I think I saw one once, in a documentary. Anyway, I managed to wrangle my suitcase and carry-on up to the room. Victory! Now for the unpacking. Or… maybe later. My travel sized shampoo bottle is probably going to explode and I will not be happy.
- 2:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance & Existential Dread: The room is… adequate. Beige walls, a slightly lumpy bed, and a television that, judging by the guide, only has access to the local public access channel and a lot of religious programming. Okay, maybe I should've packed a book. Quick look around – the bathroom has a small leak and oh, is that a weird stain on the carpet? Is it a stain or is it just… aged? Oh, and I think I heard a thump in the adjoining room. Maybe I'll avoid that area. This is the kind of place where you start questioning everything. Is this really my life? Did I leave the oven on? Is there an afterlife with better wifi?
- 3:00 PM - Pizza Quest & The Topeka Vibe: Hunger strikes. I need FUEL. I bravely venture out in search of sustenance. Yelp suggests a local pizzeria. I am craving pizza. The place is… well, it's got "local charm." Which, in my experience, can range from utterly delightful to slightly horrifying. The pizza? It's… pizza. Not the best, not the worst. More importantly, the place is bustling with… people. Observe: A table of boisterous teenagers, a couple deep in hushed conversation across a candle-lit table, and a man in a very well-worn "I Love Kansas" t-shirt, staring intently at a baseball game on a tiny TV. It's quintessentially Topeka. I actually appreciate it.
- 4:00 PM - Walk of Wonder After the pizza adventure and the feeling of 'it's all going to be ok', I decide to take a stroll. I walk through the hotel and go out to the side entrance. Nothing too exciting, just the usual parking lot, but walking feels good. I spot a dog! It's a good dog. I pet it and it wags its tail. Nice!
- 7:00 PM - Hotel Bar and Self-Doubt: Back at the hotel, because I'm already tired of venturing out. The hotel bar is… well, it's a hotel bar. I order a beer. The bartender seems used to this. A guy at the bar down is clearly trying to pick up the single lady. I don't want to interfere. I take a few sips of my drink and wonder if I should go out and explore the city or just give in to my desire to watch silly TV. I don't even know what's on.
- 8:00 PM - TV and Questionable Snacks: Okay, fine. I give in. Channel surfing is my best friend. And a packet of hotel crackers. Living the dream.
Day 2: Historical Happenings, Pie-Induced Bliss, and Existential Triumph
- 9:00 AM - The Breakfast Debacle: The hotel breakfast is… free. And, in a way, I'm grateful, but my stomach is rumbling from a breakfast that is barely food.
- 10:00 AM - History & Hesitation: Today, I am determined to do something. A trip to the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site is on the agenda. I am conflicted. History is essential, but sometimes, the weight of the past feels… heavy. But I go. This place is powerful. The stories, the struggle, the importance… it's overwhelming in the best possible way. I walk around for hours. I would like to buy a gift, but wait! The gift shop is closed!
- 1:00 PM - Lunch & the Great Pie Hunt: The historic site made me HUNGRY. Time for a legit lunch. I've heard rumours of a legendary pie place… I need to find it. I ask the folks at the site, they all laugh at me. After a lengthy quest, armed with the directions and my sense of adventure, I arrive. It’s a humble diner. Inside: heaven. I order a slice of… well, let's just say it's the best pie I've ever had in my entire life. Maybe the universe has forgiven me for the terrible pizza.
- 3:00 PM - Pie Hangover and Regret: The pie was too good. Now, I am in a sugar coma. I've reached peak enjoyment!
- 6:00 PM - Shopping and Evening Stroll: After sleeping off the pie, I actually feel pretty good! I go and shop for some trinkets and walk around the hotel.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: I end the day with a mediocre dinner at the hotel restaurant. It's fine, but not pie.
- 8:00 PM - Packing and Planning: I pack my things and prepare for my departure.
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (or, "Did I Actually Enjoy Myself?")
- 9:00 AM - Final Breakfast & The Check-Out Shuffle: Another "free" breakfast, another moment of silent contemplation. Then, the dreaded check-out. Gotta pack the car again.
- 10:00 AM - The Topeka Farewell: I depart. Did I have a good time? Honestly? Yeah, I did. Topeka… it's… quirky. It's real. It's got pie. And that, my friends, is sometimes all you need.
- 11:00 AM - Drive Back… And The Future Back home, I tell everyone about my trip. I show off my trinkets and share stories. It makes me happy and I feel happy, too. This trip was very important.
Post-Trip Notes:
- The Pie: I will be returning to Topeka for that pie. It's now a life mission.
- Hotel: The hotel was "fine". Next time, I'm splurging on a nicer place.
- Topeka: I'm not sure I'll ever be a full-fledged 'Topekan,' but I definitely have an appreciation for its oddball charm.
- Myself: I survived. I adapted. I ate pie. That's a win in my book.
- Next time in Topeka? I'm bringing a bigger suitcase, more books, and a serious plan to conquer the gift shop!
Okay, spill the beans: Is this "City Center Luxury" thing *actually* luxurious? Like, for real? Because Topeka... well, let's just say expectations can be... tempered.
Alright, alright, you want the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? Look, I walked in skeptical. I *live* in Topeka. Luxury? In Topeka? I'd seen more luxury at a county fair livestock judging. But… (deep breath) … they actually *delivered*. The lobby? Think less "Days Inn with a chandelier" and more "movie set of a fancy hotel." The marble! The artwork! I actually felt the urge to *not* wear my usual jeans (though, let's be real, jeans won the day, comfort first, always).
The rooms? Spacious. Like, could-swing-a-cat-without-hitting-anything spacious. And the beds! Oh, the beds! I'm not going to lie; I may have actually *groaned* with pleasure when I collapsed onto it after a brutal sales meeting (curse you, Mr. Henderson!). The pillows... they were like clouds. Fluffy, supportive clouds. I almost didn't want to get up the next morning. Almost.
Okay, there was *one* minor thing. The coffee maker in my room was... temperamental. It took three tries and possibly a prayer to get a decent cup. But honestly? I'm willing to overlook it. They got so much else right.
And the location? "City Center"… is that code for "right next to the highway and the siren calls of a 24-hour convenience store?"
Okay, let's talk location. "City Center" isn't *quite* the glowing, neon-lit, bustling metropolis you might imagine. It's Topeka. Let's be honest. But! It's actually pretty decent. You're close to... stuff. Restaurants, mostly chain restaurants, but hey, sometimes you need a familiar pizza. The Statehouse is a short (and pretty darn impressive) walk away. And it *isn't* right next to a truck stop, which is a definite win in my book.
Here's a (slightly embarrassing) anecdote: I tried to walk to a coffee shop I'd heard about, expecting a romantic stroll. Turns out, it was further than I thought, and I ended up drenched in sweat and mildly grumpy. My point is, walking distance *depends* on your definition of 'walking.' But overall, the location is a solid B+. Convenient, but not exactly a buzzing hive of activity. Which, honestly, sometimes is exactly what you want.
What about the food? Do they actually *have* a decent restaurant? Or is it the usual lukewarm buffet nightmare?
Ugh, buffets. The bane of my existence. But, thankfully, their restaurant, *The Golden Spoon* (or whatever they're calling it), is actually pretty good. I mean, I'm not saying it's Michelin-star quality, but it's a solid, reliable, and surprisingly tasty experience. I had the steak one night, and... hmm... okay, I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. Perfectly cooked. The service was… impeccable. Like, they refilled my water glass before I even *thought* about needing more water. Creepy good, but also excellent.
They also had a killer breakfast spread. Fresh fruit! Pastries! Omelet station! This is where the imperfections really show. There was *one* tiny mishap. I may have accidentally grabbed the wrong pastry (a cream-filled thing that looked AMAZING) and then discovered *after* I'd taken a massive bite that it… contained nuts. My allergy-induced anxiety was off the charts for a good five minutes. But the staff were super understanding and took care of everything immediately. Phew!
Amenities! We're talking pool? Gym? Jacuzzi where I can pretend I'm a spy?
Okay, amenities. Yes, yes, and maybe! (I didn't personally test the spy jacuzzi, but I *highly* approve of the idea). They do, in fact, have a pool. It’s indoor, which is great for Topeka weather (which can be... unpredictable). It's clean, and it wasn't overrun with screaming kids during my stay, which is always a plus.
The gym? Actually decent. More than just a treadmill and a dusty weight machine. Decent equipment, good lighting, and best of all, *nobody* was hogging the equipment. I spent a blissful 45 minutes working off some of that steak and pastry-induced guilt. The jacuzzi? I’m assuming it exists because (a) it's a luxury hotel and (b) it was the right thing to do. They need one. So just go with it. Tell me all about it afterwards!
The price tag... let's get real. Is this "luxury" going to require me to sell a kidney? (Or worse, take out a loan?).
Alright, the money question. Well…it's not *cheap*. Let's be clear. But! For what you get, I think it's actually… reasonable? Compared to some other "luxury" places I've stayed (and regretted), this is… acceptable. Look, I'm a practical person. I like a good deal. And if you're clever (meaning, book in advance, check for deals), you can find some pretty good bargains.
I’d say it's worth it for a special occasion or if you're just REALLY tired of the usual bland hotel experience. Think of it this way: You’re paying for comfort, decent food, and the illusion of being somewhere… fancy. And, honestly, sometimes that's worth every penny! Plus, you won’t be selling your kidney. Unless you *really, really* want to go back and don't care about the financial implications anymore.
Okay, fine. So, you liked it. But, seriously, *everybody* gushes. What's the *one thing* that really, truly annoyed you? Spill the tea!
Okay, alright. You want the dirt? Fine! (Sighs dramatically). This is going to sound petty, but… the elevator. It's… slow. Like, painfully slow. I swear, I aged an entire year waiting for that elevator to get from the lobby to my floor. I had to resist the overwhelming urge to simply sprint up the stairs. I felt so silly carrying my suitcase. And *every* time, it felt like forever.
Now, I am a patient person. Generally. But after a long day of meetings and being bombarded with sales pitches, that elevator was the bane of my existence. It's a minor complaint, I know. But I'm just being honest! This is what truly bothered me. So, bring a book, a friend, or just mentally prepare yourself for a brief journey through the slow lane of vertical transportation. Other than that? It's pretty darn good.
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