Unbelievable St. John's Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Awaits!
Unbelievable St. John's Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Awaits! (Or Does It Really?) - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, so I just got back from a whirlwind trip to St. John's, Newfoundland, and I need to spill the tea on my stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. Buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average hotel review. Prepare for rambles, opinions, and the absolute truth, flaws and all.
SEO & Metadata Shenanigans (Because, you know, keywords):
- Title: Fairfield Inn & Suites St. John's Review: Honest Opinions, Quirky Observations, and a Newfoundland Adventure!
- Keywords: Fairfield Inn & Suites St. John's, Newfoundland, Hotel Review, St. John's Hotels, Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Cleanliness, Safety, [Insert relevant regional keywords: Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi, etc.]
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Fairfield Inn & Suites in St. John's, Newfoundland. Find out if the experience lived up to the hype (spoiler alert: maybe not completely!) - accessibility, amenities, and all that jazz.
The Grand Arrival (and the Initial Meh)
First impressions, people. Those are EVERYTHING. The location? Pretty good. Close to the downtown action, which is a must in St. John's. The exterior? Clean, modern… a bit generic, if I’m being honest. Like, it could be any Fairfield anywhere. No real "Newfoundland charm" at the curb.
This whole accessibility thing, though? Well, the hotel claims to be accessible. Now, I didn’t need specific accessibility features, but I did notice a ramp, at least at the front door, which is a plus for someone with mobility issues. (Accessibility). I didn’t go digging into the ins and outs of it, but it seemed like they had things in place. (Wheelchair accessible).
The Room: Functional, But Lacking the Wow Factor
Alright, let’s be real. My room wasn’t terrible. Functional is the word. Clean, yes. (Cleanliness and safety) The little details, however? Lacked the je ne sais quoi. (Room decorations, though they did have an alarm clock! The whole aesthetic? Bland. Safe, yes. Exciting? Not so much. The bed was comfy, though! (Extra long bed) Which is a win in my book. Free Wi-Fi? Thank god, because I'm lost without my Instagram. (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet access – wireless) And the internet was actually… decent. (Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services) No buffering during Netflix binges, which, let's be honest, is a crucial indicator of hotel quality.
The bathroom: Clean! (Private Bathroom) Standard. Shower was fine. (Shower) Not a spa-like experience by any means. They did have a little bottle of shampoo and a bar of soap, all individually wrapped, so, hygiene points! (Toiletries).
A Deep Dive into the Amenities (and My Own Personal Spa Dreams)
This is where things get interesting. The pool! (Swimming pool [outdoor]) Yes, there's an outdoor pool. Now the weather in St. John’s isn't exactly conducive to swimming year-round. I was there in August (a glorious time to go!), but I'm pretty sure the pool was more for show than actual use. It looked nice, though, with a view. (Pool with view).
Things to do, Ways to Relax: They mentioned a "Fitness Center." (Fitness center, Gym/fitness) I'm slightly embarrassed to say I didn't brave the gym. After all those gorgeous cod cakes, I was too full to lift anything – but there was actual gym equipment!
They also listed a spa/sauna. (Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna) A sauna?! Did I get to relax in anything? Nope. I should be angry, but… I'm just a little disappointed. I was hoping for a quick sauna session. My own fault. But, a missed opportunity. I need to work on setting expectations.
Food Glorious Food (and the Occasional Disappointment)
Restaurant and dining: They had onsite restaurants! (Restaurants). I did check the restaurant. (Restaurants) Not exactly going to win any Michelin stars. A buffet, which is always a gamble. (Buffet in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant) Basic breakfast options, like the usual suspects. I was there hoping for a true Newfoundland experience (chowder, of course!). But it was all your typical "continental" fare, though. (Western breakfast). No, I definitely didn't eat the Asian breakfast. (Asian breakfast). No, I didn't get any salad. (Salad in restaurant)
(Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Hygiene certification, Staff trained in safety protocol).
The Service: Hit or Miss (Like a Newfoundland Weather Forecast)
The staff? Generally friendly. (Front desk 24 hours). Not overly chatty. I got the sense they were probably run ragged. They didn’t seem too overwhelmed, either.
The check-in/check out was easy. (Contactless check-in/out).
(Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Luggage storage, Daily housekeeping, Doorman)
The Price and the Verdict: Would I Go Back?
The price was… reasonable, considering the location. (Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Elevator). I wouldn't say it's a steal, but it wasn’t daylight robbery either.
So, would I go back? Hmmm… It's a solid, dependable hotel. It's not going to blow your mind. It's safe. It's clean. It's got the essentials. If you are looking for a place to base yourself while you explore St. John’s, it’s definitely worth considering. If you're looking for a truly memorable experience, maybe look elsewhere. But seriously? You probably don't want to do that at a hotel.
Final Score: 3.5 Stars (out of 5) - A solid, if slightly boring, choice. Fine.
Tampa Bay's BEST Kept Secret: La Quinta Inn & Suites I-75!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly-planned itinerary. This is my attempt at surviving, nay, thriving, in St. John's, Newfoundland, courtesy of the Fairfield Inn & Suites! Get ready for potential chaos, questionable decisions, and the unvarnished truth about my travel experiences.
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh, Canada!" Effect
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Fly in, land in St. John's! Pray to the travel gods that my luggage arrives with me this time (seriously, the anxiety is real). Cab to the Fairfield. Okay, first impressions: it's… a Fairfield. Clean enough, the staff seem nice, but my brain is still screaming from the jet lag. Check-in. Settle in. The room? Perfectly fine. Beige carpet, slightly suspect artwork, but hey, a bed is a bed. Anecdote Alert: Found a rogue chocolate in the drawer. Score! Refused to pay for the minibar chocolate!
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Lunch! Find a local joint, ideally with friendly locals and decent grub. Stumble upon a little place called "The Bagel Shop". Ordered a bagel with cream cheese. I'm not sure I have ever had a better bagel, I went back for dinner. Okay, maybe the jet lag is starting to affect my judgment. Walk around the area, soak up the colorful houses…wow, they are really something. The "Jellybean Row" is truly Instagram-worthy. I mean, come on! Every single house painted a different vibrant color? It's like living in a rainbow! Feeling like I'm in some whimsical movie, the streets are so steep! Quirky Observation: Why are there so many "no parking" signs…even in front of someone's front door? And how do they park on these hills at all?
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at The Bagel Shop (again!). The bagel with cream cheese was so good, I just really needed another one. Afterwards, back to the hotel to crash hard. Emotional Reaction: Exhausted. Overwhelmed. But also, kind of… happy? The air is fresh, the people are friendly, and my belly's full of carbs. Not a bad start.
Late night (9:00 PM - Whenever I wake up): Sleep and get some much needed sleep.
Day 2: The Cabot Tower and a Whale of a Time (Maybe)
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Wake up. I really needed that sleep! The hotel breakfast? Mediocre continental selection. Grab some coffee and toast mostly. Head out to Signal Hill and Cabot Tower. The views are supposed to be amazing. Drive up, park. The wind is howling! This place is windy! The view is incredible, but I swear, I almost got blown off the cliff. Stunned by the panoramic beauty. Stronger Emotional Reaction: This is why I travel! This is why I face the airport shuffle, the delayed flights, the questionable hotel breakfasts! Seeing this kind of thing is just amazing!
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Whale watching tour. Okay, here's where things get interesting. Booked a boat tour. Hop on! We're all excited, camera's at the ready. I start getting seasick. This is not fun. The boat is incredibly small and the waves are massive. We see a glimpse of a whale's back…then the boat is being rocked. The seasickness is growing. I finally have to admit defeat and duck inside, praying for it to pass. Imperfection Alert: Failed whale watching. It's okay, this is travel, it's not meant to be perfect.
Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at "Mallard Cottage". (I looked up reviews from the hotel.) It's supposed to be the place. The smell of wood smoke welcomes you. Cozy and inviting. The food is amazing! It's like a hug on a plate. The salmon was excellent. I'm starting to believe I'm in love with Newfoundland.
Late night (9:00 PM - Whenever I wake up): Back to the Fairfield. I think I needed that evening. I'm just not cut out for boat rides.
Day 3: Quidi Vidi and Last-Minute Ramblings
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Wake up. Check out. Before leaving, I'll go to Quidi Vidi. This little fishing village is supposed to be charming. It is! More colorful houses, more picture opportunities. Walk around the lake. Enjoy the scene. Get a coffee and scone from a local café. Anecdote Alert: I started chatting with a local fisherman, got way into the conversation, realized I'd forgotten where I parked my car while I was rambling on. It took me ages to find it.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Browse through the shops and stores. Okay, I spent a lot of time in the shops. Got a few souvenirs. Feeling a little sentimental that I'm leaving. I definitely love how friendly and welcoming the people have been.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Before going to the airport, I went for a dinner in the hotel, they told me it's a good place to eat breakfast. I had a steak. The steak was good! The service? Excellent. Emotional Reaction: Damn. I don't want to leave! I could easily stay in Newfoundland another week, just wandering around.
- Late night (9:00 PM - Whenever I wake up): Flight time. Home. With a heart full of memories and a stomach full of amazing food.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- The Fairfield was… fine. Clean, convenient, but definitely not the star of the show.
- Newfoundland? Absolutely unforgettable.
- Would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Just maybe with a seasickness patch next time.
- Opinionated Language: Newfoundland is a hidden gem, and it deserves way more attention. Go there. Now. And maybe skip the whale watching if you're anything like me.
There you have it. My messy, honest, and absolutely human take on a trip to St. John's. May your travels be as unpredictable and rewarding as mine! (And may your luggage arrive with you).
Escape to Paradise: The Woodlands Resort's Unforgettable Luxury Awaits
Unbelievable St. John's Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Awaits! - Yeah, *Really*? Let's See...
Okay, so, "Unbelievable" St. John's? Seriously? What's the Big Deal?
Alright, alright, "unbelievable" is probably marketing speak, isn't it? My expectations were admittedly, low. I'd seen the pictures. Clean, standard, beige... you know the drill. But actually, St. John's itself is *gorgeous*. The colourful row houses... the salty air... the... wait, I wandered off. The big deal is the *experience*. Think rugged beauty meets charming town feeling. And the Fairfield Inn? Well, let's just say it became our launchpad for that experience. It's not the highlight reel, but it's… functional. More on that later.
Is the Fairfield Inn & Suites Actually... Nice? Or Just... Clean?
Okay, truth time. It's clean. Thank God for clean. Especially after you’ve been clambering around Signal Hill in the wind and the rain. Seriously, pack waterproof everything! The cleaning staff deserve hazard pay. "Nice"? It's not the Ritz. Think… reliable. Think… predictable. The bed was comfortable enough, which after a day scrambling over the cliffs is all I really wanted. Don't expect a spa-like atmosphere. Do expect... normalcy with a side of practical. I swear, I spent half my trip just staring at the hotel TV figuring out how to work it.
What About the Breakfast? Fueling Up Before Adventures? (Because Newfoundland Adventures *Are* Adventures!)
The breakfast situation... hmm. It’s included. That’s a win. And let’s be honest, free is my favorite flavor. The standard fare was there: cereal (those little boxes!), toast, watery scrambled eggs... the usual. There were waffles! Those, I attacked. And the coffee?... well the coffee will, in a pinch get you going. It *felt* like the same coffee I had at work and the same feeling of dread, so not great. You’re not going to write home about it, but it'll fill the void. My tip? Load up on the fruit. And maybe sneak a muffin for later... just sayin'.
Location, Location, Location! How's the Fairfield Inn Situated? (Meaning: Can I Walk Anywhere?!)
Okay, GOLD STAR for location! It's a win. You *can* walk, which is crucial. Downtown St. John's is walkable, and that's where the *magic* happens. The hotel isn’t *right* in the thick of things, but it's a manageable stroll. I’m talking colourful houses, shops, restaurants. You need to get out of Downtown for the real hike to the cliffs however. The main sites are easily accessible by car if the walk is too much. We did a ton of driving, so location was a good trade-off. Plus, parking isn’t horrendous, which in some cities is a total nightmare. Seriously, being able to *walk* back after a few pints of local brew at The Ship Pub? Priceless. Worth the price of admission, for sure.
Speaking of the Ship Pub, Any Recommendations for What to *DO* in St. John's? (Besides Sleep, Obviously.)
Oh, buddy, where do I even START? Okay, first thing: Signal Hill. GO. Walk to the top. Get blown around by the wind. Admire the view. Take a million pictures. Pretend you’re a fancy Victorian lady. Then, the Quidi Vidi Village. It's like a postcard come to life, Seriously. The restaurants at the village are amazing. The fish and chips...oh, the fish and chips! And go whale watching. We saw whales! Actual, real-life whales! It’s a bit of a splurge, but worth every penny. And… the bars. The Ship Pub (as mentioned), O'Reilly's Pub… just wander and drink local beer. Oh, and eat the cod tongues (if you're brave). Trust me: St. John's is an adventure. But bring comfortable shoes! And a raincoat!
Did Anything Go Wrong? Be Honest! (Because Perfection is... Boring.)
Oh, you want the dirt, huh? Okay, here's the deal. The first morning the coffee machine in the lobby was out of order. Disaster! The internet dropped once or twice. Minor inconveniences, really. But the *true* test was when the fire alarm went off at 3 AM. Turns out, someone burnt toast (or worse). Standing outside in my pyjamas, shivering in the Newfoundland breeze, a woman was screaming at her husband to stop eating pancakes. I can still smell a whiff of burnt toast and despair anytime I think of the trip. The hotel staff handled it okay, but it was a wake-up call, literally. It's a travel tale for the ages now. And, you know what? Those little "perfect" imperfections made the whole thing memorable. It gave me some good material.
Okay, So... Would You Go Back? (To the Fairfield Inn, and St. John's in General?)
Absolutely, without a doubt! St. John's is *amazing*. I felt a connection to the place. The people are friendly. The scenery is breath-taking. And okay, I'd probably stay at the Fairfield Inn again. It served its purpose. It was a solid basecamp, practical. Maybe next time I'll splurge on somewhere with ocean views, but for a no-frills, get-out-there-and-explore trip, it's a good choice. I mean, the coffee situation could use some work, but, again..free! And the memory of that crazy fire alarm is worth the entire experience. You’ve got to take the plunge into this beautiful town. My advice: pack layers, embrace the chaos, and go drink a pint for me.
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