Escape to Waterloo: Luxurious Courtyard Marriott St. Jacobs Awaits!
Escape to Waterloo: More Than Just a Hotel, It's a Vibe (Courtyard Marriott St. Jacobs Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the literal tea (complimentary, of course… they have a great selection!). This isn't just a standard hotel review; this is a deep dive into the Courtyard Marriott in St. Jacobs, a place that promises "escape" and, well, for the most part, delivers. Let's get messy… and honest.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Trying
Okay, let’s start with the nitty-gritty. Accessibility: They say they're good, but I always approach claims like these with a side-eye squint. The website boasts wheelchair accessibility, and from what I saw of the public areas like the spacious lobby and the elevator (thank GOD for the elevator), it seemed legit. I didn’t spend my whole time glued to a wheelchair (sorry, not sorry!), so I can't vouch for the rooms specifically, but the initial impression was positive. Plus, bonus points for having facilities for disabled guests listed; I always appreciate the effort.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious (Mostly) Food!
This is where things get interesting. The hotel screams "comfort food" in its own way.
- Restaurants: They've got a few options. The primary restaurant offers everything from Western cuisine and international cuisine (think burgers, pasta, and some less-adventurous takes on global flavors) to a vegetarian restaurant section which is always a plus. I can't say it was Michelin-star worthy, but it was damn convenient, especially after a long day of… well, of escaping.
- Breakfast (the MOST important meal, let's be real!) was a buffet situation. Now, I'm not a fan of the word "buffet" for me personally because I'm looking for good food but their breakfast buffet was a decent option and I'm not complaining, even though I’m partial to hot, made-to-order bacon. There was a decent selection of Western breakfast, and some (I heard) Asian breakfast options. If you’re feeling lazy you might have a Breakfast in room option while you're at it.
- Happy hour? Yes, please! The bar was well-stocked, and the poolside bar beckoned (but more on that later).
- Snacks: They had a coffee shop which was great for that early caffeine fix, and a convenience store for those late-night cravings.
My Big Fat Pool Party (and Spa Debacle)
Okay, so here's the juicy part. Remember I was talking about the swimming pool [outdoor] and the poolside bar? Well, I’m gonna gush. I'm the kind of person who picks a hotel solely based on whether the pool looks good for lazy days. The pool with view was the absolute highlight of my entire stay! Sitting there in the sunshine, sipping a surprisingly good cocktail, and watching the world go by… pure bliss. The poolside bar was a game-changer. It was just what I needed.
But… here’s the kicker. I also wanted to try the spa. They list a spa/sauna, massage, body wrap, body scrub, foot bath, steamroom and, well, the whole shebang. This is where things went a little sideways. I booked a massage. The massage itself was…fine. Not the worst, not the best. The problem was the whole experience. The spa area felt a bit cramped and the ambiance was… lacking. The sauna was lukewarm and the steamroom tasted vaguely of cleaning supplies. The body scrub seemed to have been applied with a teaspoon. I'm being dramatic but, in short, the spa was not the "escape" I was hoping for. Let's call it a work in progress.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Age of Sanitization
Look, in this post-pandemic world, we're all a bit obsessed with germ warfare, right? The Courtyard Marriott seems to get that. I saw evidence of Daily disinfection in common areas, and they seem to be on top of the Anti-viral cleaning products. They had plenty of Hand sanitizer stations scattered around, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were apparent. Plus, they offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which I appreciate because I also appreciated the notion of personal freedom. I noticed smoke alarms and fire extinguisher, which is important.
Rooms: Cozy Comfort, Minus the Surprise Guest Appearances (Thankfully)
The rooms? Okay, they were solid. Clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. They have non-smoking rooms (a must), air conditioning, a coffee/tea maker, and a refrigerator – all the essentials. I had an in-room free Wi-Fi connection and the Wi-Fi [free] actually worked (a rare and beautiful thing!).
I appreciated the blackout curtains (essential for sleeping in after a day of, well, swimming) and the bathrobes (because who doesn't feel fancy in a bathrobe?). I didn’t get the interconnecting room(s) available, but I did get the separate shower/bathtub, always a win on my side. The only complaint is this: the walls could be a tad thin. I was almost invited to my neighbor's late-night phone call or so I feared.
Services and Conveniences: Everything You Could Need (Mostly)
The hotel offers a boatload of services. Air conditioning in public area which is obviously useful. The concierge was helpful, and the daily housekeeping kept things tidy. They have a gift/souvenir shop, (for buying stuff you don't need as a souvenir, obviously) a laundry service and dry cleaning, all the usual suspects. They also offer car park [free of charge] which is always appreciated.
There is also business facilities, which I didn’t need but which are probably useful if you're there for work. Meetings, semnars, they provide meeting/banquet facilities also.
For the Kids: Family Friendly, but…
They advertise as Family/child friendly and I saw things for the kids meal and they have babysitting service. I didn’t have kids with me, so I can't speak from experience, but I saw some things that suggest that they try to make this a good location for families.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
They have car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] which is golden. Plus Airport transfer and Taxi service and valet parking so you're covered.
Internet: Connected, But Not Always on High Alert
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yeah, it's the holy grail, right? And it mostly worked. The Internet access – wireless was reliable. They also had Internet access – LAN, just in case you're old school.
Overall Verdict: Worth the Escape?
Yes. Absolutely. Despite the slightly disappointing spa experience, the Courtyard Marriott St. Jacobs delivers on its promise of an escape. It's clean, comfortable, and well-equipped. The staff is generally friendly and efficient. The pool is divine. And sometimes, that (and a decent breakfast) is all you need.
Final Thoughts:
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (losing a star for the so-so spa).
- Go for: The pool, the convenience, and the general "cozy getaway" vibe.
- Skip if: You're very picky about spas, or you're looking for a truly luxurious experience.
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- Meta Description: Escape to the Courtyard Marriott St. Jacobs! Read a brutally honest and hilarious review of the hotel: the pool, the spa, the breakfast buffet, and everything in between, plus accessibility details.
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a journey through the labyrinthine landscape that is… my weekend at the Courtyard by Marriott in Waterloo (St. Jacobs), Ontario. Brace yourselves. It's going to be less "meticulously planned itinerary" and more "organized chaos with questionable snacks."
Day 1: Arrival and Mild Panic (and Pretzel Rods)
- 3:00 PM - Arrival at the Courtyard: Okay, first impressions? Place is… well, it's a Courtyard. You know the drill. Clean, beige, the kind of lobby that screams "business trip, not 'soul-searching retreat.'" But hey, the check-in lady was genuinely nice. Gave me a little smile and even asked about my day. Score one for the human race! (Side note: I've been on a serious "treat yourself to kindness" kick, so this was a major win.) Also, free parking. Bonus!
- 3:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance & Mini-Meltdown: My room! Decent size, a little bit of a "corporate yawn" aesthetic, but the bed looked inviting. I'd booked a king, hoping for a luxurious sprawl. Nope. Two twin beds pushed together. My heart sank. (Why are hotel beds always so narrow when you're craving space?) I immediately fantasized about calling the front desk and throwing a tantrum. Then I told myself to breathe. "It's just a bed, you dramatic weirdo," I muttered.
- 4:00 PM - Re-Acclimatization & Snack Intervention: Okay, the immediate doom-and-gloom subsided. I unpacked my bag, which included too many books I wouldn't read and a half-eaten bag of pretzel rods. Those pretzel rods became my best friends. They're the unsung heroes of solo travel. They get you through the existential crises. The crunchy comfort food of the lost.
- 4:30 PM - Exploring the Hotel & Pool Panic: I ventured out to scope the hotel. The gym looked depressingly sterile, but the pool! Oh, the pool. It had a kiddie pool next to the big one. I contemplated a swim, picturing myself flailing in the shallow end, dodging chlorine-soaked toddlers. Decided against it. The image was just… too much.
- 5:30 PM - Dinner at the Bistro (and Awkward Eye Contact): The Bistro at the hotel. Convenience wins. Ordered a burger. It arrived swiftly. The food was… edible. The problem was the silence. Every other table seemed to be occupied by people who were either: a) glued to their phones, or b) on intense business calls. I, however, was alone, eating a burger, feeling slightly like a character in a bad movie. I made eye contact with a woman across the room. She smiled. I smiled back. And then we both immediately looked away. Awkward.
- 7:00 PM - TV Binge and Bedtime Lament: Back in the room. Channel surfing. Found some terrible reality show to numb the soul. Then, the twin beds. I couldn't get comfortable. This is the tragedy of solo travel: the vast emptiness of a king-sized bed is replaced by the cramped confines of a pseudo-double. I spent the evening feeling lonely.
Day 2: Markets, Mennonites, and the Quest for the Perfect Coffee
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (and the Mystery of the Waffle Iron): Okay, breakfast at the hotel. This is where things went sideways. I was fully expecting a continental wasteland. Instead, I found a waffle iron. A waffle iron! I love waffles! Apparently, so did everyone else. The line for the waffle iron was like something out of a disaster movie. I waited… and waited… finally got to the iron and proceeded to burn the first waffle. Then the second. Then the third! I threw my hands up and retreated. Defeated. My inner child wept. I ended up with a stale bagel and a cup of lukewarm coffee. My quest for the perfect coffee had failed.
- 9:30 AM - St. Jacobs Market Mania (and Tourist Trauma): Time to invade St. Jacobs Market! The promised land of… well, everything. The market itself was a sensory overload. Baked goods! Quilts! Leather goods! And a bazillion other tourists. I elbowed my way through the crowds, overwhelmed. It was beautiful, and I felt a little bit like an outsider, like I'd landed on another planet. I bought some fudge. It was delicious. I then got lost. And almost had a panic attack.
- 11:00 AM - Mennonite Countryside Drive (and Unexpected Serenity): I took a drive. Out of the market madness and into the Mennonite countryside. The rolling hills, the horse-drawn buggies, the simple farms… it was breathtaking. Found a scenic spot to park. Sat there quietly. It was calming. Really, really good.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch and Local Charm: "The Stone Crock Restaurant": After the drive, I decided to try out the Stone Crock Restaurant. I ate there and enjoyed the food and the atmosphere.
- 2:30 PM - Back to the Hotel (and Another Mini-Meltdown): Back to my beige box. This time, the limitations of the room made me feel claustrophobic. I turned on the TV and watched reruns of a show about people going on blind dates. I felt bad for the people. Then, I felt bad for myself. More Pretzel Rods were eaten.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner and the Case of the Missing Sauce: I ordered a pizza. I was hungry. But when the pizza arrived, it didn't come with the dipping sauce I had asked for.
- 7:00 PM - The End of my Trip: The weekend was over. Time to head home, where, hopefully, the bed is a little wider.
Final Thoughts:
The Courtyard by Marriott was, well, a Courtyard. It wasn't glamorous. It wasn't perfect. But it was a place to rest my head. And the pretzel rods… those, my friends, were a revelation. Did I find my soul? No. Did I have a perfect weekend? Absolutely not. Did I experience some moments of genuine beauty and connection amidst all the self-doubt and minor catastrophes? Absolutely. And honestly, that's all you can ask for.
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So, is St. Jacobs actually worth escaping TO? Like, seriously? 'Cause I'm picturing Amish buggies and… well, that's about it.
Alright, confession time: I was also side-eyeing St. Jacobs. My mental image was, shall we say…limited. But here's the thing: It *is* charming, right? The buggies are definitely there, adding this weird, anachronistic vibe. But it's also got *stuff*. Like, actual shops. And a farmer's market that smells like heaven (seriously, the sausages…). But don't go expecting Vegas, okay? It's more…quaint. And frankly, after the year we've all had, quaint is GOOD. It's relaxing. It's... well, it's not a rave. So set your expectations accordingly. Think cozy sweater not ripped jeans. Honestly, I think I spent WAY too much time in the cheese shop than was strictly necessary. The Gouda was calling my name, okay?
The *Courtyard* Marriott? Is that... fancy enough? I like fancy. Especially after a long, stressful week.
Okay, so "fancy" might be a *stretch*. It's not the Ritz, people! But it’s perfectly *comfortable*. The rooms are clean, the beds are… well, I slept so well I legitimately missed breakfast one morning. That's a personal best, folks. And there's a certain *luxury* in the fact that you don't have to make your bed. Or cook. Or *look at your email*. That alone is worth the price of admission, let me tell you. Plus, they have that little bistro thingy where you can get a decent (and surprisingly delicious) burger. I was skeptical, I admit. But it was *good*. And look, sometimes comfy is enough. It's a good base. A place to recharge. A place to… well, not feel absolutely obligated to be "on" all the time. You know?
The amenities! What's the deal? Pool? Gym? Sauna? (Because, let's be honest, I need a sauna.)
Alright, let's get the details: There is a pool. And it's…fine. Not enormous, not swanky, but you can swim. There's a gym. I saw it. Did I use it? Well…no. I was on VACATION! But it looked…functional. There is NO sauna. This was a minor heartbreak for me (I'm a sauna enthusiast, a purveyor of steam, if you will). But listen, I’m getting ahead of myself. They have a hot tub. Which, after a long day of… well, looking at quilts (more on that later), was pretty much perfect. And the best amenity of all… the coffee pot in the room. Bless that coffee pot. Especially after that Gouda-induced cheese coma.
Okay, so the location… right by the market? That sounds…crowded. And possibly, well, overwhelming.
Yes, it's right beside the St. Jacobs Farmers' Market. And yes, it can get busy. Like, the kind of busy where you're dodging strollers and elbowing people for a glimpse of the artisanal sourdough busy. But here's a pro tip: Go early. Like, arrive-at-opening-time early. It's a whole different experience. You actually get to *browse* the stalls. You can *smell* the cinnamon buns without a crowd of hungry vultures circling. The market itself is an interesting experience, even in the crowds, with every walk of life coming to buy, sell, and visit. Seriously, the cheese. The baked goods. The…well, everything. Just. Go. Early. And maybe bring a reusable shopping bag. You’ll thank me later when you’re lugging home four pounds of cheese…like I did. Who am I kidding, I wasn't thanking you...I was thanking the cheese god!
Anything else to do besides the market? I like… variety.
Oh, absolutely! Well, kind of. Okay, the *main* draw is the market. But there's also the St. Jacobs Village, which is cute. Quaint. Lots of…quilts. And if you're into quilts, you're in heaven. I’m not *personally* a huge quilt person. But, I did spend a good while in one shop just…staring at them. Like, wondering how someone could possibly make something so…intricate. It was a weirdly meditative experience, actually. And then I bought a tea towel. So… progress? Waterloo is nearby. You can hit up some craft breweries. And there's some lovely countryside to drive around in. Honestly, it's a great place to just…breathe. And forget about whatever it is you’d been doing. It's a nice change of pace, a chance to unplug. Unless you're like me, and can't quite let go of that work email...which I guess is pretty ironic. Sigh.
So, the food… is it all just… Amish food? Because I’m not sure I can handle a week of that.
Okay, so you’re not going to be swimming in Michelin-star restaurants. Let's be clear. But there *is* a good selection. The market has tons of great options. You can get amazing sausages and baked goods. Loads of local, fresh food. There are restaurants in the village. I had a pretty decent schnitzel, if I'm being honest. And the bistro at the hotel? Surprisingly good burger. And honestly, sometimes, you just want a solid burger, you know? No pretense, no fuss, just…comfort food. Besides, it's a good opportunity to learn a new word. You might even... like... actually eat Amish food. Just try to avoid the butter tarts if you're watching your figure. I failed miserably. They were *that* good. I am still dreaming about those butter tarts.....
Anything I should avoid? Any major disappointments?
Hmmmm… let’s see. I did have one minor issue with a noisy air conditioner, but the staff fixed it immediately. I think the biggest disappointment was probably…not staying longer. Seriously. I went for a weekend and left feeling like I’d just dipped my toes in the relaxation pool. I wanted…more cheese. More quiet mornings. More time staring at those damn quilts! Okay, so maybe the parking situation can be a bit…funky during peak market hours. But honestly, that's it. Overall, it was a really pleasant experience. No major drama. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Absolutely. In a heartbeat. I'm already planning my return. I need to get back to that cheese shop. And I'm determined toOcean View Inn
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