Framingham's BEST Marriott? Residence Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Framingham's BEST Marriott Residence Inn: You WON'T Believe This! (My Honest Take)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your perfectly polished travel blog review. This is me, after a whirlwind stay at the Framingham Residence Inn, spilling the beans with all the glorious imperfections of a real human experience. And honestly? You're going to get a wild ride. I'm talking highs, lows, and the utterly random. Let's go!
First Impressions (and a Side of Anxiety):
Pulling up, the Residence Inn looked the part. Modern, clean lines, the usual. But my inner anxious traveler immediately started buzzing. Is it clean enough? Is it safe? Will the key card work? (Spoiler alert: it did… eventually). Finding the entrance was easy, thankfully.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Honestly:
- (Wheelchair Accessible): The entrance? Yep, totally accessible. Elevators? Check. The hallways felt wide enough for maneuvering, and that was a huge relief.
- (Facilities for disabled guests): I didn't personally need these, but I peeked during my tour (I’m nosey!), and I saw good grab bars and some low-level fixtures in certain rooms. Points there.
- (Other): I'm always concerned about bathrooms. The ones I saw were alright but maybe could be a little bit bigger for some. I am sure they had the right stuff but like I mentioned, smallness is what's gonna get ya.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly!)
- (The Good Stuff): The room itself? Spacious! I mean, a Residence Inn is known for that, right? My studio, with its mini-kitchenette, sofa, and desk, was a welcome sight.
- (A Few Hiccups): The bed was… well, let's just say it wasn't the cloud-like experience I'd hoped for. A little firm, shall we say? The air conditioning was a bit of a beast, sometimes blasting like a jet engine, then deciding to sulk in silence. And the TV? Let's just say I spent a good chunk of time wrestling with the remote. But hey, I had Wi-Fi [free] in-room so it made up for a bunch of it.
- (Available in all rooms): Honestly, the usual suspects are present. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker, and especially the Refrigerator are great. Especially considering the price tag. The Desk was pretty nice as well. They even had Blackout curtains! Good.
- (Internet Access): Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms! Seriously, a lifesaver. I'm talking about a strong enough signal to stream movies, do some work, and not lose my mind. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN were nice options too.
Cleanliness and Safety - A Relieved Sigh… Mostly:
- (The Obsessive-Compulsive Traveler's Delight): The Residence Inn seemed to be taking cleanliness seriously. I say seemed because I have a natural distrust of everything. I'm talking Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol I could almost relax.
- (My Anxiety's Takeover): They had Hand sanitizer stations galore, and I saw staff wiping surfaces frequently. The Anti-viral cleaning products also made me a bit more at ease.
- (Room sanitization opt-out available): I liked that! Makes me feel like they're trying!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Breakfast, the Savior:
- (Breakfast [buffet]): Okay, this is where the Residence Inn shined. The Breakfast [buffet] was actually pretty decent! Lots of options, from the usual scrambled eggs and bacon to waffles and fresh fruit.
- (Free Breakfast): Breakfast service was excellent! I enjoyed that!
- (The Bad News): The rest of the food options were… limited. There's a Snack bar and a Coffee shop, but it's nothing to write home about. Room Coffee/tea in restaurant was good and I was also happy to see Bottle of water.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - A Bit of a Letdown (For Me, Anyway):
- (The Fitness Enthusiast): They have a Fitness center (I didn't use it, because, well, me).
- (Swimming pool): No pool here. A bummer I guess.
- (Spa): Nope, no spa. Oh well. This is where the Residence Inn concept takes its hit. You're here for a comfy stay, not a pampering session.
Staff and Services - Mostly Smooth Sailing:
- (The Crew): The front desk staff were friendly and helpful. Front desk [24-hour] is pretty cool I suppose.
- (The Little Things): Concierge, Daily housekeeping, and Laundry service were all appreciated.
- (Stuff that's Nice to Have): They offered Car park [free of charge].
For the Kids:
- (Family/child friendly): They're pretty welcoming to families and that's a great thing.
Getting Around:
- (Car Park): Finally! Car park [free of charge] is such a sweet deal. A huge plus. They also had Car power charging station.
- (Other): I can see that there is Taxi service!
Overall Verdict?
The Framingham Residence Inn? It's solid. It's a reliable choice, especially if you're looking for a comfortable stay with lots of space, decent breakfast, and a commitment to cleanliness. It's not a luxury getaway, but it delivers what it promises.
Would I go back?
Probably. The location and the roominess make a big difference. It's a good base of operations for exploring the area. I just hope the bed gets an upgrade! And maybe, just maybe, a slightly less temperamental TV remote.
Escape to Oregon: SpringHill Suites Medford Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the whirlwind that is… a stay at the Residence Inn Boston Framingham. And lemme tell you, it wasn't all sunshine and roses (though there was a surprising amount of sunshine, actually). This isn't some perfectly polished travel brochure; this is my Framingham experience, warts and all.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pantry Raid (and the existential dread of grocery shopping)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Residence Inn. Okay, first impressions: the lobby is… functional. Not exactly “oooh, fancy!” but clean enough. Check-in was smooth, which is always a win after a long flight. The lady at the desk, bless her heart, seemed genuinely happy to welcome me. That alone earned it a solid two gold stars.
- 1:30 PM: Trudge up to Room 312. Ah, the apartment-style room. Spacious? Yes. Does it smell faintly of… air freshener trying very hard to cover something else? Also yes. But hey, it’s a kitchen! And that's where the real fun begins (or ends, depending on how my cooking skills hold up).
- 2:00 PM: The Great Pantry Raid. Okay, maybe not a "raid," more like a hesitant exploration of the local grocery store, Wegman's. I hate grocery shopping. It's the epitome of adulthood. The endless choices, the strategic item placement designed to make you buy stuff you ABSOLUTELY DON'T NEED… it's overwhelming. I end up with a sad-looking carton of eggs, a loaf of bread that's already going stale, and a bag of chips I absolutely will devour by sundown.
- 3:00 PM: The existential dread sets in. Alone in my "home away from home," staring at the microwave… Maybe I am a failure. Maybe I peaked in college. Maybe I should have stayed in Italy and opened up a tiny coffee shop. Sigh. Gotta get a grip. Gotta at least TRY to make a salad.
- 4:00 PM: The Salad Disaster. Let's just say I’m no chef. The pre-washed lettuce had a weird… texture. The tomatoes? Rock hard. The dressing? I apparently bought ranch, not vinaigrette, so now I'm eating a sad, creamy pile of… things. At least the chips were good.
- 6:00 PM: Attempt to watch TV. The channels are arranged in some sort of cryptic order. Where's Jeopardy? WHERE IS IT!? Eventually, I give up and just stare out the window at the parking lot. The car traffic makes a gentle humming sound. That's nice, I think.
- 8:00 PM: Chips and "research" on local restaurants. I found a place called "Bertucci's." Pizza sounds good. Comforting. Less emotionally taxing than cooking.
Day 2: Bertucci's Pizza & the Unintentional Gym Tour (and the perils of hotel coffee)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up, bleary-eyed. The coffee in the room is… well, let's just say it tastes like sadness. I contemplate going to the lobby for the "complimentary" (read: lukewarm and disappointing) coffee, but the thought of interacting with another human being so early in the morning is paralyzing.
- 9:30 AM: I make a desperate run to find the nearest Dunkin'! The closest one turns out to be 15 minutes away, which is kind of insane, but I need a coffee. I get a large coffee. I also get a bagel. I feel better already.
- 10:00 AM: Commence work from my laptop, trying to ignore the incessant hum of the mini-fridge. I hate working from hotel rooms, but such is life.
- 1:00 PM: Bertucci's. Okay, the pizza was… decent. Not life-changing, but adequately cheesy and comforting. The server was nice, even though I accidentally spilled my water. Bless her for not judging my clumsiness.
- 2:00 PM: Attempt to go to the hotel gym. I say "attempt" because first, I got lost. Twice. The signage in this place is… nonexistent. Finally, after what felt like a trek through the Amazon, I found it. Let's just say the gym was… functional. The equipment was old, the weights were a bit dusty, and there was a guy grunting loudly. But hey, points for effort, right? I did some push-ups, got bored, and left.
- 3:00 PM: Back in the room. Contemplated ordering a pizza for dinner, but decided I should, really focus on the work. I failed.
- 5:00 PM: Pizza.
- 8:00 PM: Actually, I am working now, but the TV is on in the background because I'm a sad, sad person.
Day 3: The Framingham Exploration (and the lingering scent of air freshener)
- 9:00 AM: Pack up. I have to leave.
- 10:00 AM: Departure. Smooth checkout. Did they notice the faint smell of pizza in the air? One can only hope not.
Overall Thoughts and Ramblings:
Okay, so the Residence Inn Boston Framingham wasn’t exactly a luxury spa experience. The building felt a bit dated. The air freshener issue remained a mystery. But honestly, it was… fine. Clean enough, the staff was genuinely kind, and the apartment-style room was actually pretty convenient. The kitchen, even with my culinary shortcomings, was a lifesaver. It's not the best hotel I've ever stayed in, but it's also not the worst. It was just… real.
It was a very honest, messier, and therefore much more relatable, experience.
And isn't that what travel is really all about? The unexpected detours, the accidental pizza binges, the little imperfections that make the story your own? Yeah, maybe I won't be writing home about the Framingham Residence Inn anytime soon, but it was a solid, if unspectacular, slice of life. That is to say, I wouldn't mind going back. Maybe. For a week? Probably not. But for a night? Sure, why not. Plus, let's be honest, I could probably use a few more bags of chips.
Natchez's Hidden Gem: Red Carpet Inn - Unforgettable Stay Awaits!
Okay, REALLY, is this Residence Inn in Framingham *actually* good? I'm reading mixed things!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because the truth about the Framingham Residence Inn is… a *thing*. Let's just say it's less "five-star luxury," more "comfy enough for a week of Zoom calls and questionable leftovers." Honestly? It depends. My take? It's not *terrible*, but it’s also not going to win any design awards. Think of it like your weird, slightly-too-friendly uncle's house. You tolerate him, you might even love him… but you wouldn't exactly show it off to your friends. Seriously, I've heard stories of the front desk… let’s just say they're not always the picture of efficiency. But, hey, who am I if not an optimist?
What's the deal with the breakfast? Everyone always raves (or rants) about hotel breakfasts. Spill the beans!
Oh, the breakfast. The *breakfast*. Okay, deep breaths. It's free, which is a HUGE win, especially when you’re living out of a suitcase. But let's be honest, it's not going to replace your weekend brunch spot. It’s the classic hotel breakfast spread: eggs (of variable consistency, let's be real), sausages (can be dry, very dry), waffles (sometimes magically fluffy, other times… well, they resemble cardboard). I swear, one morning I swear I saw someone *attempt* to use the waffle iron as a panini press. Bless their heart. The coffee… well, let's just say I've had *stronger* coffee from a gas station. But, hey, there's fruit! (Sometimes it’s even ripe!) And the bagel situation? Hit or miss, depends on the day, the bagel gods, and your willingness to tolerate a slightly stale carb. Overall, it's functional. Fuel, if you will. Don't go expecting Michelin stars, and you'll be fine. And grab extra yogurt, just in case.
I need a suite! How's the space situation? I'm picturing cramped… or a spacious sanctuary? Tell me!
Okay, this is one of the *better* parts. The rooms ARE suites, which is a major plus. They are actually pretty decent-sized, especially compared to some other hotels! You've got a separate living area (with, yes, a sofa – though it might be a little worn), a little kitchen (microwave, mini-fridge – essential for leftover pizza and questionable snacks), and a bedroom. Not palatial, mind you. But a definite upgrade from a standard hotel room. I particularly like the fact that they sometimes offer rooms with views. Okay maybe views is a strong word; views of a parking lot and maybe a distant Dunkin Donuts. Still, it's nice, right? You actually can live there comfortably for a week or two. The storage, though? Could be better. Pack light, and embrace the "everything-in-a-suitcase" lifestyle.
The pool! Is the pool worth a dip? I'm a pool person!
The pool… ah, the pool. Okay, here’s the REAL scoop. It's… there. It exists. It’s not gigantic, think more like plunge-pool-adjacent. It can be delightfully refreshing after a long day of meetings. But… let's just say the ambiance is… *understated*. Don’t expect a tropical oasis. Sometimes the chlorine levels are a bit, well, aggressive. I remember one time, I went down there and it was like a scene from a low-budget zombie movie - the water was practically glowing green. I don't think I even went in that day. The towels? A little thin. Bring your own. But, for a quick dip? It’ll do the trick. Just don't go in expecting a lap-swimming paradise. Plus, you have to weigh the risk of the pool-side noise. Kids, babies, all the delights.
Okay, but what REALLY annoyed you? What's the *worst* part of staying there? Spill!
Alright, alright, here's where I get *real*. The absolute WORST part? Okay, this is going to sound petty, but it's the noise. It depends on your room, of course, but let me tell you about the time I was trying to sleep...
I was there for, what, five nights? It was a business trip, a big one. I had crucial meetings, tons of emails, the works. I was exhausted. And I requested a quiet room. I *begged* for a quiet room. And did I get one? NOPE. I was stuck in a room right above the… *where do I even start*? First, the air conditioning unit outside my window that sounded like a jet engine taking off every fifteen minutes. Then, the hallway conversations that echoed through the thin walls. And finally, the early morning deliveries with the incessant buzzing of the delivery trucks. It was non-stop! I got zero sleep, I was a mess by the time my meetings rolled around! I was practically running on fumes and cheap coffee. I swear I overheard someone complain about the same thing! It felt like I was in a construction zone. All night long. It drove me absolutely bonkers! I had to buy earplugs the size of my head and still barely got any sleep. So, yeah, pack earplugs. Seriously. Or consider requesting a room on a higher floor away from the street and any potential noise source. Or just bring a pillow and cry. Either way, that noise situation can be a real dealbreaker.
Parking? I'm driving in. Is it a pain to park at this place?
Thankfully, parking is generally pretty easy. It's free, which is a HUGE plus. The lot is relatively spacious, and I've never had a major issue finding a spot - even when the hotel's busy. So, no stress there. But, like, I wouldn’t be surprised if, someday, I show up and find a parade of monster trucks has taken over the place. Because, you know, Murphy's Law.
Location, location, location! Is it easy to get around from this hotel? What's nearby?
The location is… functional. It's in Framingham, which is a perfectly fine suburban town. It's easy to get to the Mass Pike (I-90), which is a HUGE win for getting around the Boston area. Nearby, you have the usual suspects: restaurants, fast food, shopping centers. There's a Target nearby (always a win). Natick Mall is also a short drive away, if you're into that kind of thing. But, it is not in the middle of anything amazing, so your experience very much depends on what specifically you're doing.
Is there a gym? Because, you know, gotta work off those waffle calories…
Hotel Whisperer
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Framingham Framingham (MA) United States
Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Framingham Framingham (MA) United States
Post a Comment for "Framingham's BEST Marriott? Residence Inn Review (You WON'T Believe This!)"