Kelso's BEST Kept Secret: GuestHouse Inn & Suites Longview Getaway!
Kelso's BEST Kept Secret (Spoiler Alert: It's Not Such a Secret Anymore!) - A Rambling Review of GuestHouse Inn & Suites Longview Getaway
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just escaped the clutches of a surprisingly decent weekend at the GuestHouse Inn & Suites in Longview, and I'm buzzing with a review that's probably going to be more chaotic than a squirrel in a clown car. Why? Because this place, Kelso’s "BEST Kept Secret" according to… well, someone, actually delivered way more than I was expecting. And trust me, my expectations were lower than a limbo contest at a retirement home.
Accessibility: Rolling with it (Mostly)
First off, I'm not in a wheelchair full-time, but I do have a knee that's about as reliable as a politician's promise. So, accessibility always gets my attention. The GuestHouse gets a solid… meh. The entry seemed okay, but I didn’t go full-on accessibility audit. Elevators are always good, right? (Thank goodness, because my room was… higher than I realized). I’ll need to circle back with a REAL assessment later, but Initial impressions were… decent.
Rooms: My Inner Packrat Felt Safe
Okay, let's get the rooms out of the way. Clean. Clean. Clean! Actually spotless. I’m a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge, Covid did a number on us all!) and I was genuinely comfortable. Blackout curtains? Bless their little cotton souls! I slept like a log, and the extra long bed… heaven. The mini-bar? Let's just say it's good they had a well-stocked fridge because after the first day of driving, I was thirsty. And the damn internet? Fast and reliable. Finally a hotel where the Wi-Fi isn't slower than my grandma trying to use a smartphone.
Speaking of the rooms, I gotta say, I’m a sucker for a decent desk. The laptop workspace was a lifesaver. And that's where I spent the first day, getting a jump-start on my work… until my stomach started rumbling.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Beast
Alright, let's talk about the food. And here, my friends, is where the "Secret" part of the hotel’s name starts to crack.
- Breakfast: Free breakfast? Yes, please! And it was more than just stale muffins and questionable coffee. They actually had a decent buffet with hot options and fresh fruit. I’m talkin’ real-deal bacon, people! This might sound like a small thing, but a good breakfast can make or break a trip. This place, in regards to breakfast, made my day. (They advertised Asian breakfast, however, I missed it. Stupidly slept in.)
- The Bar: Now, let's talk bar. The beer was cold, the staff was friendly, and the happy hour? A true blessing after a long day of pretending I'm a savvy businessman. Could you imagine?
- Restaurants: I'm not sure if there were actually "restaurants" on-site. The hotel does offer Room service [24-hour] I'd say try it. After a day of seminars, I was not going near public. (But I did have a salad delivered to my room, which was far better than I expected).
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: The Unexpected Bonus Round
This is where the GuestHouse really surprised me. I had zero expectations for anything beyond "a place to sleep."
- Pool with View: Okay, yes please. The outdoor pool area was clean, well-maintained, and had a surprisingly lovely view. I spent a good hour or two just floating around, letting the sun bake away the city stress. It was blissful.
- Fitness Center: The Fitness center was there, but I was too lazy to hit it. I'm not here to exercise.
- Spa/Sauna: They have a spa too. I didn't go. But if I wasn't being a cheapskate, I would have.
- For the Kids: (I'm not a parent, but I saw a few families. Seemed kid-friendly, from what I could tell).
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized to the Max
Look, I'm a worrier. Covid did that to me. So, I was extremely happy to see the emphasis on cleanliness. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, and a general feeling of "we're taking this seriously." They even had individually-wrapped food options! The rooms were definitely sanitized between stays. (I might have even seen them use anti-viral cleaning products). Honestly, this part almost made me giddy with joy!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Front Desk: 24-hour front desk? Fantastic! I needed something at 3 AM one night, for some reason. They were super helpful.
- Daily Housekeeping: Yep, they clean your room. Honestly, I'm a slob, so I needed this.
- Laundry Service: Saved my bacon. (See the breakfast comment, above.)
- Convenience store: Okay, this was unexpected, but brilliant. I'm talking snacks, drinks, and all the last-minute necessities you could need. Genius.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Free car park? Yes. Seriously, this is a win. No stress about parking fees.
The Annoying Minor Stuff (Because No Place is Perfect)
- The Location: (I hate saying this, but) Longview isn't exactly the most glamorous city on Earth. But the GuestHouse is tucked away nicely. It definitely felt more isolated than urban.
- The In-Room Fridge: It's probably a good thing, but it's tiny. I'm that person that buys groceries on the road.
My Takeaway: Worth the Stay? Absolutely!
Would I recommend the GuestHouse Inn & Suites Longview Getaway? YES! It's not a five-star resort, but it's a fantastic value. The rooms are clean, the staff is friendly, and the amenities are surprisingly good. It's a solid choice for a weekend getaway or a business trip.
The "secret" is out. And honestly? I'm happy to share it. Just… don't tell too many people. I might want to stay there again someday!
Torreon Marriott: Luxury Getaway in Mexico's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary – unless your grandma's a gloriously messy, emotionally-charged, coffee-fueled travel fiend like myself. We're hitting the GuestHouse Inn and Suites in Kelso, Washington, and trust me, it's gonna be a ride.
Day 1: Kelso Here We Come (and OMG, Why Did I Pack This Sweater?)
- 1:00 PM (ish): Arrive at the Kelso-Longview airport (it’s teeny, which is actually kinda charming, in a "blink and you'll miss it" kind of way). The flight? Delayed, naturally. Spent the delay strategically judging people's carry-on sizes. Seriously, some people think they're moving continents. Anyway, finally landed, grabbed a rental car (hired “Rosie”, a beat-up but functional minivan, she's got character!). Rosie and I are going to be best friends.
- 2:30 PM (ish): Checked into the GuestHouse Inn and Suites. Okay, let's be honest, the lobby isn't exactly the Ritz. But the woman at the front desk? Pure sunshine. "Welcome, hon!" she practically yelled. Instantly felt a surge of warmth, which was good because…
- 2:45 PM: The Room Reveal: Okay, so our room. It's… compact. Tiny. The air smells faintly of chlorine (pool adjacent, I assume). But! The bed looks comfy, and the view… okay, it's a parking lot, but there are trees in the distance, so I'm counting it. I'm also pretty sure I packed a sweater I'll NEVER wear. Why, oh why, do I always do this? The eternal traveler's question.
- 3:30 PM: The Great Coffee Quest: Needed coffee, STAT. Wandered around Kelso, trying to locate a decent cup. Found a gas station. Sigh. Okay, it's coffee. It'll do. Drank it, stared at a map. Kelso seems…quiet. And I need to embrace this peace. Embrace the quiet.
- 4:30 PM: The Bridge to Nowhere…(But Actually Somewhere!) Strolled across the Longview Bridge. My God, it's longer than I thought. Magnificent view of the Columbia. Seriously, the river is HUGE. I started imagining sailing boats, then started thinking about the logistics of sailing, then gave up on sailing.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner Dilemma: Googled "best pizza Kelso." Found a place that claimed to be. Walked by it. The aroma was…questionable. Pizza night called off. Went to a diner. Ate a burger. Felt slightly sad. Still, the burger was tasty, and the waitress was named Brenda. Brenda, bless her heart, made everything better. She even offered me a coffee refill when I looked despondent.
- 7:30 PM: Entertainment?! Watched television. The options were… limited. Channel-surfed and found a cheesy movie. Let's be real: I fell asleep halfway through.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime: Wonder if I'll dream of burgers or pizza.
Day 2: Finding the Heart of Kelso (or at Least, Decent Breakfast)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast Blunder: The continental breakfast at the hotel… well, it exists. Dry muffins, instant coffee, and suspiciously orange juice. Ate. It's food. I survived.
- 9:00 AM: The Great Coffee Quest Part Deux (aka The Redemption): I need proper coffee. My sanity depends on it. Found a local coffee shop (thank GOD!). Ordered an Americano. Felt life flood back into my veins.
- 10:00 AM: The Town Exploration: Drove around. Kelso is a town of hidden gems. There's a library! Cute and tidy neighborhoods. Found a thrift store.
- 11:00 AM: Thrift Store Treasure Hunt: Spent an hour combing through the racks. Found the most hideous, yet strangely compelling, floral-print blouse. Bought it. Instantly regretted it. But maybe, just maybe, it'll become a statement piece.
- 12:00 PM: The Cowlitz County Historical Museum: Surprised by the stories I found. The history of this region is so much more fascinating than I would have expected. Reading about the area is unexpectedly… moving. Really had a good look at the past and saw how people lived and what they did.
- 2:00 PM: The Bridge to Nowhere…Part Two: Crossed the Longview Bridge, for a second time, for the views. Each time I've crossed the bridge, I've paid more attention to the bridge itself. The metal pieces and all the nuts and bolts that made up the architecture.
- 4:00 PM: Return to The Room: Relaxing. I realize now, it's a really simple room. There's no pretense. The room's not pretentious. It's just there, doing its thing. Quiet, and simple. Reminded me to breathe.
- 6:00 PM: Another Diner: Brenda was on duty! Ordered a burger again. Brenda and I had a long conversation, all about Kelso. Turns out she likes to cross-stitch during her free time.
- 8:00 PM: Staring at the Ceiling: It's not the Ritz. It's not fancy. It's a place to rest. I needed this.
Day 3: The Departure & Final Thoughts (and Maybe I'll Wear This Blouse, Who Knows?)
- 8:00 AM: Farewell, Continental Breakfast: Ate the muffin. Survived.
- 9:00 AM: Last Coffee: One last cup of coffee.
- 10:00 AM: Packing, with Regret: Packing. Definitely going to take the floral blouse with me.
- 11:00 AM: Check Out: Sad to leave.
- 11:30 AM: Drive to the Airport: Goodbye Rosie!
- 1:00 PM: Departure: The flight home is delayed.
Final Verdict: Kelso? It’s not the flashiest destination, but it’s got a quiet charm. GuestHouse Inn and Suites? Not luxury, but it’s cheap, clean, and the front desk lady is lovely. And sometimes, that’s all you need. The trip was a lot like life: messy, imperfect, occasionally ridiculous, but with pockets of unexpected beauty. And maybe, just maybe, I'll wear that blouse. Who knows?
Hattiesburg's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Marriott Review & Booking!
Is this place *really* a secret? Because I saw a billboard...
Okay, maybe it's not *literally* a secret, like the Illuminati's cheese stash. But you know that feeling when you find a restaurant everyone else seems to have missed? That hidden gem? Yeah, that’s the vibe. It's not plastered all over Instagram with influencers fake-gushing about the "rustic charm" (which is code for "dated"). It’s more like a well-worn, comfortable pair of jeans – *that* kind of a secret. Sure, there's the occasional highway sign (they gotta eat, too!), but the real magic is the... well, we'll get to that.
What's the *best* way to get to the GuestHouse? Seriously, GPS sometimes hates me.
Alright, listen up, map-challenged travelers! GPS is... well, it's a *suggestion*, sometimes a rude one. My advice? Ignore it, mostly. Fly into Portland International Airport, then go north on I-5. You won't miss the Longview exit. From there... okay, look, I'm not a cartographer. But the point is, it's relatively easy. Just… don't trust your phone *completely*. I've wandered aimlessly in the Oregonian wilderness thanks to over-reliance on technology. Take it easy, use your eyes, and trust your gut. You'll get there.
Okay, the rooms... what's the deal? Are we talking Motel 6, luxury suite, or something in between?
Think of it like this: it's not a Ritz-Carlton, alright? But it's also not where you expect to see a shadowy figure in a trench coat lurking in the parking lot. The rooms are... comfortable. Clean. Decent. The beds are actually quite good – I've slept on worse, much, MUCH worse. There might be a slightly outdated TV, maybe a patterned wallpaper that screams "1990s chic" (I secretly *love* that), but honestly? You're there to explore, right? It's a perfectly adequate basecamp for your Kelso-Longview adventures. Don't expect marble floors and a butler, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. And occasionally, a waffle maker appears at breakfast. That's always a win. Always.
Breakfast. The make-or-break moment for any hotel stay. What's the grub situation?
Alright, this is where the GuestHouse subtly shines. We're not talking gourmet brunch here, but it’s *way* better than you’d expect. Think continental breakfast, but elevated. The fruit is actually fresh (a small miracle!), the coffee is drinkable (another win!), and the aforementioned waffle maker? Pure, unadulterated joy. One time, I swear I saw a man weeping tears of happiness over a plate of scrambled eggs. Okay, maybe I embellished. But the point is, it's a good start to the day - enough to get you fired up for a journey to the best places. I like the sausage.
What are some of the BEST things to do in or near Kelso/Longview? I want to see the sights!
Okay, here's the real secret sauce: the GuestHouse is a *fantastic* jumping-off point. The area is gorgeous! You got the Columbia River, Mount St. Helens... It's not your typical tourist trap, thankfully. You can explore the riverfront, check out the local parks. The nearby hiking trails are absolutely stunning - seriously, pack some good boots! Check out the local art scene, dive into some history (the region is full of it!). The possibilities are endless, honestly. My advice? Don't over-plan. Let the area surprise you. Just… embrace the adventure. You might discover your new dream place. It's possible...
Is there a pool? Because, you know, sometimes you just need to float.
Yes! They do have a pool. And it’s... functional. Look, it's not the Olympic swimming complex. But after a long day of exploring, a quick dip is pure bliss. It's clean, it's warm, and it's a great way to unwind. Just don't expect any underwater disco lights or anything fancy. And maybe bring your own towel... just in case.. I'm not saying anything, but I *think* the last time I swam there, I used a spare, dry towel... Okay, I do not *think*! I DID. It's a decent pool, I stand by that! Also, there's no lifeguard, so keep an eye on your little ones!
Okay, serious question. Any downsides?
Alright, let's be honest. Nothing's absolutely perfect, right? The internet can be a little spotty sometimes (you can live without the internet for a short trip, yeah? Yeah.) The elevator is slow, but it's a small price to pay for getting that room on the top floor. Also, and this is completely anecdotal, and maybe I was just tired after a long drive, but the ice machine seemed to be perpetually out of ice one night. It was a hot night. I had a warm soda. The despair was real, okay? The other downsides? Minor. Over-all, the good far outweighs the bad. And those small "flaws" add to the charm, I'd say. It's part of the character of the place. I wouldn't change a thing. Apart from the ice machine, of course...
What's the deal about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Do they bring you fresh towels at 2 AM, like a certain luxury hotel does?
The staff? They're phenomenal! Seriously, they're the heart and soul of the place. They're cheerful, helpful, and genuinely seem to care. They’re not just going through the motions. I had a flat tire once (totally unrelated, but still). The front desk guy not only pointed me to a local place that was open on a Sunday (truly a miracle!), but also offered to help me change it! (I declined – my ego needed some serious maintenance.) They're the kind of people who make you feel welcome, like you’re a guest in their home. Okay, maybe not *exactly* their home, but you get the picture. They're awesome! They'll probably bring you fresh towels at 2AM if you ask nicely. (But seriously, don't do that. Be nice to the staff, people.)
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