
Burlington's BEST Courtyard Hotel: Williston, VT Hidden Gem!
Burlington's Best Kept Secret: Forget the City, Find Serenity (and Free Wi-Fi!) at the Williston Courtyard - A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, so here's the deal. I just got back from a stay at the Courtyard by Marriott in Williston, Vermont, and I need to tell you about it. Forget the downtown Burlington hustle and bustle (though it's awesome!), this place is a legit hidden gem. It's not perfect, mind you – no place is perfect. But for a chill escape, some genuinely good service, and a surprisingly comfortable stay, this place hits the spot.
(SEO & Metadata - Let's Get This Out of the Way!)
- Keywords: Courtyard Williston VT, Vermont Hotels, Burlington Hotels, Accessible Hotels VT, Williston Hotels Reviews, Best Hotels Burlington Area, Free Wi-Fi Vermont, Family Friendly Hotels VT, Spa Hotels Vermont, Williston Restaurant, Hotel Deals Vermont
- Meta Description: Discover the Courtyard by Marriott in Williston, VT - a hidden gem near Burlington! Read our honest review: accessibility, free Wi-Fi, dining, amenities, and more! Get ready for your next Vermont getaway!
(My Real-Life Rant/Rave Begins)
First off, let's talk accessibility. I didn't need it personally, but I gave the hotel a good once-over on this point. They've really thought things through. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available, and the common areas, like the lobby, restaurant, and pool, are easy to navigate. The elevator is a lifesaver if you're on a higher floor (and, let's be real, for lugging bags!). I appreciated the thought. Major kudos.
Internet Access (Because, Duh!)
Okay, this is a big one. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! I'm a millennial, ahem… digital native— WiFi is practically oxygen. And the connection? Surprisingly good. I was able to stream Netflix without buffering (a MUST for late-night relaxation), and my video calls were crystal clear, even from the Laptop workspace in my room. Also, they have Internet [LAN] too, just in case. A true haven for the plugged-in traveler!
The Room: Cozy, Not Cramped
My room was clean, which, during Covid times, is a massive relief. They mention Rooms sanitized between stays, which made me breathe easier. It also had basic stuff that makes a big difference: Air conditioning that actually worked, a comfy bed, a refrigerator for my late-night snacks, and blackout curtains (sleep is sacred, people!). I even had a window that opens, which is a rarer treat than you'd think.
Now, the bathrooms are pretty standard Courtyard fare, but the hair dryer was actually decent (no wimpy hotel hair dryers that take forever!), and the shower had good water pressure. Okay, I'm going to be totally honest: I'm not a fan of shower curtains. I prefer glass doors. Is that enough to ruin my stay? No. But it's a note.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Stomach's Perspective
Let's be real, hotel food can be hit or miss. The Breakfast [buffet], when I went, was a solid B. They have good coffee. Coffee shop! I found the Western breakfast items to be a good choice. The Buffet in restaurant also offered the usual suspects to get you going. I didn't partake in the Asian cuisine in restaurant.
Okay, the real star here? The Poolside bar. Picture this: lounging by the Swimming pool [outdoor], sipping a cocktail (they make a killer margarita), with a view, and enjoying the beautiful Vermont summer. I just want to say the Pool with view was the bomb.
The Happy hour was a nice touch too.
The "Things To Do" - or, the Art of Doing Nothing (Perfectly)
Okay, let's be real. I was there to relax. So the Fitness center went untouched. I'm more of a "walk around the block" kind of person. They have stuff there, if you're into it. They also have a Spa!!! Which is a big part of why this is a great place to settle!
The Spa/sauna is the best part. All I have to say is go. The Sauna is very traditional and lovely too.
Cleanliness and Safety - The Covid Shuffle
I felt safe! They were SERIOUS about Cleanliness and safety. I did see Staff trained in safety protocol. They had Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and things like Individually-wrapped food options. I felt like they took it seriously. They had the Anti-viral cleaning products. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
This is where Courtyard hotels sometimes fall down. But not this one. Daily housekeeping? Check. A concierge who actually knew things about the area? Check. They had a convenience store which always comes in handy. Air conditioning in public area? Check. The fact they had a Car park [free of charge] was just a win.
For The Kids? - Or For the Parents Who Need a Break
I didn't travel with children this time, but I noticed they have Family/child friendly facilities.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy
Car Park [on-site]! The hotel is right off the highway, so it was easy to get to. They even had Car power charging station. This is vital.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Life Isn't Always Instagram-Worthy)
No place is perfect, people! It's not a "boutique" hotel. The decor is a little… corporate. But it's comfortable!
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back? Absolutely!
This Williston Courtyard is a solid choice. It's got a great location, solid amenities, and, most importantly, a chill vibe. If you're looking for a relaxing escape near Burlington with easy access to everything, (and free Wi-Fi!), I highly recommend it. It's not just okay, it's great! Get ready for that amazing Pool with view and book it!
(P.S. - I'm already planning my next trip!)
Madison, AL Getaway: Unwind at the BEST Country Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-formatted travel itinerary – this is a chaotic, caffeine-fueled glimpse into my potential disaster/delight in Burlington, VT, all centered around the Courtyard Burlington Williston (because, you know, points and free breakfast… gotta love a good Marriott).
Trip Title: Burlington or Bust (And Probably Both)
Hotel: Courtyard Burlington Williston (because I’m basic, but at least I’m comfortable)
Dates: Hypothetically, let's say… Friday afternoon to Sunday evening. Pretend I actually have time for a weekend getaway. (Spoiler: probably won't).
Day 1: Arrival, Adjustment, and the All-Important Beer
- 3:00 PM - Arrival, Check-In, and the Eternal Struggle: Okay, so the drive up from… wherever I supposedly live… is always a gamble. Will the GPS hate me? Will there be construction? Will the gas station coffee kick in before I hit the Vermont border? The answer is always yes to at least two of those. Arrive at Courtyard, pray for a parking spot that isn't a mile from the entrance. Check-in. This is the first test. Do I actually like the room? Is the AC on? The answer is always a resounding maybe.
- 3:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance and the Immediate Mood Assessment: First job? Assess the room. Is it clean? Does it smell like bleach OR that weird hotel air conditioning funk? (Important distinction). Plop the bags down, unpack the essentials - phone charger, snacks, and the travel-sized bottle of whatever-the-hell I'm reading at the moment. Immediately flop on the bed and sigh. This is the relaxation phase, if I can find it.
- 4:00 PM - The All-Important Caffeine and Snack Run: Okay. Coffee is absolutely mandatory at this point. I need something, stat. Probably will drive a few minutes to the nearest store and buy some Vermont-themed snack like maple candy or a bag of local chips. If I’m feeling truly adventurous, maybe a Ben and Jerry's ice cream. And don't judge. I am on a break.
- 5:00 PM - Downtown Burlington – The Search for the Perfect Brew: Gotta head downtown. Traffic will probably be a nightmare, I'm already bracing myself. Tonight's mission: a good Vermont beer. I'm thinking Church Street Marketplace, maybe a patio (if it's not freezing). Maybe I get lucky and stumble into a live music situation. Maybe. I'll probably end up wandering around lost, and end up at some dive bar, nursing a beer with a side of existential dread. This is part of the charm, right?
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Disaster/Deliciousness at…Somewhere: Dinner is a crapshoot. I’ll try to pick a place beforehand, but I am notoriously bad at making decisions. I'll probably Google "best restaurants Burlington VT" and pick the place with the fewest bad reviews. Or, even better, grab a slice of pizza from a food truck and call it a night. (No judgment. Calories don't count on vacation, right?).
- 9:00 PM - Evening Wind-Down - Room Service and a Good Book (Maybe): Back to the hotel. Room service? Tempting…. Probably Netflix. And the book? If I'm being honest, I probably won't get past page three. Collapse in a heap, exhausted, and excited for the next day.
Day 2: Champlain Charms and a Deep Dive into…Whatever Catches My Eye
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet Battle (or, the Quest for the Perfect Waffle): The hotel breakfast. The ultimate litmus test. The coffee usually sucks, let's be honest. The waffles, however, are a different story. I will pursue that waffle like it is a holy grail.
- 9:00 AM - Lake Champlain Exploration - The Plan and The Reality: Ok, Lake Champlain bound. I plan on a scenic drive, maybe a ferry ride. The reality is probably a traffic jam, a missed turn, and me muttering under my breath about the lack of decent parking. But the lake is beautiful, I'll give it that.
- 11:00 AM - Church Street Ramble and People-Watching Paradise: Time to get back to Church Street, because it's the pulse of Burlington. I'm going to stroll around, enjoy the sights, and shamelessly people-watch. This is where I come alive, or at least feel… mildly entertained.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch Adventure: Lunch will probably involve an impulsive decision, and a place that looks interesting but turns out to be… well, you get the idea.
- 2:00 PM - Cultural Interlude - Probably The Shelburne Museum (Maybe): Ok, I should probably do something cultural. The Shelburne Museum is on the list. But I also have a really, really short attention span. (Is there an exhibit about cats? Highly likely to go). Will I make it? Who knows. Maybe I’ll end up at a yarn store instead. I regret nothing.
- 5:00 PM - Late afternoon chill out, before the drinking starts: Might grab some local beer to drink in the room. Relax. Try to breathe.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Dilemma (Again!): Dinner. The eternal question. Tonight, I'm going to try the place with the long wait time. Wish me luck. Pray for good food. Pray for no screaming children.
- 9:00 PM - Evening Entertainment - A Comedy Show or Collapse: Maybe a comedy show. Maybe I'll just collapse in my hotel room and watch reruns of something idiotic. I'm embracing the freedom of choice here.
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast, the Sequel - Waffle Redemption? The hotel breakfast, again. The waffle quest continues. I will not be denied. Is it wrong to get the staff to fill multiple plates?
- 9:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Search (And Panic): Gotta get some souvenirs. I'm thinking maple syrup, maybe a t-shirt. Panic set in. Did I get enough?
- 10:00 AM - Pack, Check Out, and The Final Departure: Pack. Pray I haven’t forgotten anything vital. Check out (hopefully without incident). The long drive home.
- 11:00 AM - Departure.
- 12:00 PM - Realization: I'm hungry, still. Stop for one last meal.
- 1:00 PM - Contemplation Was it good? Did I have fun? Probably. Definitely. Maybe.
- 2:00 PM - The inevitable post-vacation blues hit.
- 3:00 PM- Back to reality. At least I have pictures to look at.
Important Notes/Disclaimers:
- This itinerary is subject to change. Heavily.
- I am easily distracted.
- My sense of direction is questionable.
- I am fueled by coffee and sarcasm.
- Embrace the chaos. That is the only rule.
- Disclaimer: This will probably not be a luxurious vacation. It will probably involve a lot of yelling at GPS, indecision, and questionable food choices. But hey, at least I'll have a story (or several) to tell.
- I might actually enjoy myself. I hope I enjoy myself.
- Don't expect perfection. Expect real life.
- Pack extra socks (and maybe a stress ball). You'll need them.
Alright. Let's do this. (Or, more likely, let's try to do this). Wish me luck. I'll probably need it.
Gonzales, TX Getaway: Book Your La Quinta Inn & Suites Now!
Burlington's BEST Courtyard Hotel? Seriously? Let's Dish on the Williston Hidden Gem!
Okay, Okay, So Is This Courtyard REALLY "Best?" You Sound Like You're Gonna Hype it Up.
Location, Location, Location! What's the Deal with Williston? Is it a Dead Zone?
The Rooms! Spill the Beans. Are They Decent? Clean? Don't Get Me Started on the Carpet...
Breakfast! The Most Important Meal of the Day (or A Pain in the Butt). Tell Me About it!
Fitness Center/Pool - All That Stuff? Are They Worth a Damn?
The Staff! Are They Nice? Do They Pretend to Care, or Actually Care?
Parking? Free? Pain in the Butt?
Any Downsides? Gotta be SOMETHING I need to know!


Post a Comment for "Burlington's BEST Courtyard Hotel: Williston, VT Hidden Gem!"