Escape to Cheat Lake: Your Morgantown Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Cheat Lake: My Morgantown Getaway - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Escape to Cheat Lake and, let me tell you, it’s… something. Buckle up for a review that's less polished brochure and more spilling-my-coffee-on-the-table realness. My expectations? High as a kite! Reality? Well, let’s dissect this stay piece by messy piece.
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The Accessibility Gauntlet (Or, "Can You Actually Get In Here?!")
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is a big one for me (and should be for everyone!). While the website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," I'm gonna be brutally honest: it's a bit of a mixed bag. The Elevator was a godsend. Seriously, navigating hotel corridors with luggage is hard enough, let alone if you have mobility challenges. And yes, the Car park [free of charge] was a huge plus, especially when you're hauling things around.
BUT (and there’s always a but) getting to your room felt a little… cumbersome. While the main areas – Front desk [24-hour] was there and friendly enough – some corridors felt a bit tight for wheelchairs. And navigating the Restaurants? More on that later… let's just say, accessibility needs some serious work. We're talking a solid 3.5/5 stars on accessibility - room for major improvement.
Rooms & Restless Nights (Or the "Did I Actually Sleep?")
My room? Meh. It was a Non-smoking room, which is a win in my book. Air conditioning was a must in West Virginia, especially during the humid summer. The Wi-Fi [free] was a lifesaver. Gotta stay connected, right? And I loved the Blackout curtains and Soundproof rooms - a girl needs her beauty sleep! I also really appreciated the desk and laptop workspace, although my attempt at work resulted in my falling asleep in a crumpled position. I'm not sure how much "work" actually got done.
However, some minor gripes: the Bed was a bit too soft - I could feel myself slowly sinking into a black hole of sleepiness. And the Linens , while clean, weren’t exactly luxurious. The Bathroom was… functional. The Toiletries were generic. It just wasn't anything to write home about. I was also slightly annoyed by how much of my stuff I could hear other rooms, perhaps a more robust Soundproofing solution is needed.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Necessary Comfort (Or, "Did I Catch Anything?")
Here’s where Escape to Cheat Lake shone. With the current world situation, I was hyper-vigilant. I'm happy to report that I witnessed a serious commitment to cleanliness. They had Staff trained in safety protocol, a Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I even saw them using Anti-viral cleaning products. The Hand sanitizer was plentiful. I felt safe - which is HUGE. It really eased my mind about a trip. They also had a First aid kit and a Doctor/nurse on call, although I didn’t need either. They also allowed the Room sanitization opt-out, a nice touch for the more environmentally conscious. 5/5 stars on this category - bravo!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (My Stomach's Tale of Woe)
Sigh. This is where things went… downhill, and I'm going to go into specifics. The Restaurant - a major letdown. Yes, there was Coffee/tea in restaurant, and a Snack bar, but the quality? Mediocre at best. The menu options were limited, I'm talking really limited. The Buffet in restaurant was a letdown as far as food quality went. I'm not sure why I expected a Michelin star experience when it comes to hotel buffets. The dishes themselves, I can't even remember! Just a pile of food in a lukewarm fashion. The Asian cuisine in restaurant was better, I would say. The Vegetarian restaurant also was a plus. But, you know what, the food itself wasn't worth the price.
The only saving grace? The Poolside bar. Nothing like a poolside margarita to wash away the disappointments of the day!
What made my trip somewhat worth it: the Spa!
Ways to Relax: Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Pool with view:
Okay, okay, THIS, on the other hand, was a definite plus. I indulged in a Massage. The Spa, in general, was lovely. The Sauna and Steamroom were blissful - the perfect way to sweat out all the stress of life (and questionable hotel food). I have to admit, I felt myself melting into a puddle of relaxation, and forgot all the hotel problems for a few blissful hours. The Pool with view? Gorgeous. I would return for the spa alone. 4.5 stars.
Things to Do (Besides Regret My Food Choices)
Besides the spa (which, let's be real, I spent a lot of time in), there was a decent Fitness center. I even attempted a workout! Then I went back to the spa. There's a Kids facilities if you have little ones, and the hotel is generally Family/child friendly. There's a Gift/souvenir shop if you're into that kind of thing. I'm not. Meetings and Seminars were a possibility, but I was there to escape those things!
The Quirks and the Annoyances (Or, the Devil is in the Details)
- Check-in/out [express]: Smooth. No complaints. They also offer Check-in/out [private], but I didn't experience it.
- Pets allowed unavailable, so I did not bring my cat. (Though I may have considered it had I known!)
- Cashless payment service: Great! Easy and efficient.
- Luggage storage: Useful.
- A nice touch was having a Hot water linen and laundry washing.
The Verdict: Should You Escape to Cheat Lake?
Honestly? It's complicated. Escape to Cheat Lake isn't perfect. It has its flaws. But, I still had a good time, and I will remember it fondly, despite some of the less-than-stellar aspects.
Overall Score: 3.75 / 5 stars (mostly for the spa, and the cleanliness!) It’s a decent option, and definitely has potential. Just, lower your expectations a bit, pack your own gourmet snacks, and make sure you book that spa treatment! And, for heaven's sake, bring some earplugs.
Unbelievable Morgan Hotel San Simeon: Oceanfront Luxury You Won't Believe!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're hitting up Morgantown, West Virginia, and the glorious, questionable embrace of the Super 8 at Cheat Lake. Let’s see if we survive this. Wish me luck, because I'm going in blind.
The Unofficial, Highly Subjective Cheat Lake Adventure: Morgantown Edition
(Emphasis on "Adventure" and "Cheat" – because, let's be real, it probably will be BOTH.)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread at a Truck Stop
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Super 8. Pray the check-in process isn't a drawn-out battle with archaic computer systems. (Pray harder; it probably WILL be). My stomach is already growling from the 10-hour drive.
- 1:30 PM: Finally in the room. It smells like… well, it smells like a Super 8. That vaguely plastic-meets-cleaning-product aroma. Okay, let's unpack. I hope they remembered to leave the clean towels because I will be showering after that drive.
- 2:00 PM: Okay, crisis averted. Towels are present. But now I'm staring at the ceiling… Existential dread sets in. Why am I here? What is the meaning of life? Should I order room service, or is that just…sad?
- 2:30 PM: Okay, enough of the navel-gazing. Need caffeine. NEED. COFFEE.**
- 3:00 PM: Finding coffee. The only logical place to find it is the Love's Truck Stop down the road, you know, the one that's practically another Super 8. I'm already questioning my life choices. The coffee is just okay. Seriously, for a place dedicated to refueling, the coffee is a crime against humanity. I got a stale donut, too. I wouldn't even feed it to a crow.
- 3:30 PM: Back at the Super 8, fueled (barely) by caffeine and self-loathing. Need to plan a bit. Google maps, here I come.
- 4:00 PM: A walk down to the pier. Maybe there's something to observe in this sleepy area. There isn't, but it's still relaxing.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at some random place. I'm starving. I'll decide once I get there.
- 8:00 PM: Get to the room. Watch TV. I think I'll pass out from exhaustion soon.
Day 2: Cheat Lake, Appalachian Dreams, and the Deep-Fried Abyss
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Free breakfast at the Super 8. The anticipation is almost more exciting than the actual experience. I'm betting on sad, pre-wrapped pastries and watery instant coffee. (I am not disappointed. They are sad).
- 9:00 AM: Okay, gotta get out the door before the existential dread creeps back in. I'm headed to Cheat Lake. Supposedly it's beautiful. Pray for me.
- 9:30 AM: Drive to Cheat Lake. The drive is stunning, with rolling hills and a surprising amount of greenery. West Virginia, you may have won me over, at least a little. I feel some sense of relief; it's worth coming.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Cheat Lake exploration. Hiking! I told myself I could hike! (I'm lying, my legs hate me already.) But the views are gorgeous, and the air is crisp. I may actually enjoy myself. The water is pretty and so clear. I should bring a kayak next time.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch. Found a recommendation for a restaurant near the lake.
- 1:30 PM: This is one of those times when the restaurant is too good to be true. I'm talking deep-fried everything, including the air. The food is, as expected, amazing. I might have had multiple servings of fries. I am regretting nothing.
- 3:00 PM: Nap time. Back at the Super 8. I'm in a food coma. My bed calls my name.
- 6:00 PM: Shower. Get a sense of being clean after the hike.
- 7:00 PM: Consider going out again. The bar calls my name but the thought of going out is intimidating. Pass on that, and think about the next day.
Day 3: Goodbye, West Virginia! (Probably)
- 8:00 AM: Same as yesterday. Sad breakfast is sad. I'm okay with it.
- 9:00 AM: Pack up. Clean up. Make sure I didn't leave anything behind.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Pray to the Super 8 gods for a smooth process.
- 10:30 AM: Head home. Stop at the Love's Truck Stop and grab some snacks.
- 11:00 AM: Start the long drive. Sigh.
Post-Trip Ramblings:
- Did I find myself? Maybe not. Did I survive the Super 8 experience? Absolutely. Did I appreciate the beauty of West Virginia? Surprisingly, yes.
- Would I go back? Maybe.
- Would I stay at the Super 8 again? Yes, probably. It was cheap.
- Cheat Lake is actually worth a visit. The bar is a must-see. The overall time with the lake is relaxing, and I would come back for it.
- Always pack snacks. Always.
- And, finally, bring a sense of humor. You'll need it.
Escape to Cheat Lake: So You Think You Wanna Go? (An Unofficial FAQ)
Alright, buckle up buttercup. I've been to Cheat Lake. Several times. This ain't your sanitized tourism brochure. This is the real deal. Prepare to be... informed. Or at least, slightly entertained.
1. Is Cheat Lake Actually... Fun? I've seen the pictures, it looks... scenic, I guess.
Okay, let's be real. Fun is subjective. If your idea of a good time involves pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, and zero mosquito encounters? You might wanna rethink Cheat Lake. I went with high expectations once, my friend. HUGE mistake. It's not a *bad* place, mind you. The scenery? Yeah, it's pretty. The lake shimmers sometimes, the trees are green... yadda yadda. But "fun"? Depends. If you like the *idea* of lake life – boating, waterskiing, grilling… and are willing to embrace a little... well, "West Virginia charm," then yeah. Maybe. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure for your own sanity. You're playing in the water, but you're also playing in the world. The world of Cheat Lake, and she is... a character.
2. What's the Deal with the Boating? Do I Need My Own Yacht? (I wish.)
Alright, boating. This is a *big* deal on Cheat Lake. You see boats everywhere. From tiny little fishing boats to some seriously pimped-out pontoons that look like floating living rooms. Do you *need* your own yacht? Absolutely not. Unless you *want* to be the envy of everyone at the dock. You can rent boats, which is your safest bet if you don't have a boat, and are not one of those people who own one but haven't used it in five years, you know what I mean. The docks are… well, they’re docks. Expect a bit of a scramble to get a spot, especially on weekends. And watch out for those jet skiers. They’re like water-based ninjas, I swear. I've almost been sideswiped a couple of times. Not exactly thrilling, and I had to do a *lot* of apologizing.
3. Okay, But the Water Quality... Is it... Swim-able? I have standards.
Let's be frank. Cheat Lake water isn't exactly Fiji. Is it swimmable? Technically, yes. Is it always the *most* appealing? Debatable. Sometimes it's clear, sometimes it's got a little… *personality*. Algae blooms happen. Stuff *could* be floating. But let's be honest, you're in West Virginia, not the Bahamas. My philosophy? If I can't see what's touching me, I don't want to know. Just jump in. So get some water shoes, and a healthy dose of "it is what it is" attitude.
4. What's the Food Situation? Any Good Restaurants? Or am I doomed to hot dogs?
Okay, food. This is where Cheat Lake actually shines, in my humble opinion. There are restaurants. Good ones. Some seriously delicious ones. From casual lakeside dives (where you *will* smell like fried fish) to slightly fancier places where you might actually get a real cocktail, not just a sugary, fluorescent concoction. I'd recommend checking the reviews, just to make sure you're not going to a place that's… well, let's just say "acquired a certain level of rusticity." Seriously. Google is your friend here. I've been burned. Burned *bad*. The best restaurants? They're often busy. Make reservations. Or be prepared to wait. Which brings me to my number one tip: bring snacks. You'll be glad you did.
5. Can I Bring My Furry Friend?
Depends. Some rentals are pet-friendly, some aren't. Some restaurants have outdoor seating. Some…well, some frown on the whole concept of dogs in public. Call ahead. And for the love of all that is good, if you do bring Fido, please, please, please clean up after him. I swear, I almost lost it on a poorly chosen patch of grass one time. It's not fun.
6. Where Should I Stay? Hotels? Rental Houses? Camping?! (Help!)
Accommodation options range from… well, again, from basic to fancy. Hotels exist, but rental houses (like those on Airbnb) are often the way to go if you have a crew. They are much more spacious and relaxing. Camping is a thing too! If you're into it, the campgrounds are usually pretty packed, especially during peak season. The best advice I recommend is to book in advance, like, way in advance. Especially if you're planning a trip during a big festival or holiday weekend. I learned that lesson the hard way, wandering around for hours trying to find a place to crash. Let me tell you, nothing is worse than a stranded, tired, hangry human.
7. Is There Anything *To Do* Besides Being On The Lake Itself?
Yes! Sort of. Morgantown is nearby. You can visit the West Virginia University campus (Go Mountaineers!), explore the shops and restaurants downtown, and... well, that's pretty much it. Don't expect a bustling metropolis of entertainment. The true entertainment, as I've said, is soaking up the unique atmosphere of Cheat Lake. It's an experience.
8. What About Bugs? Are We Talking Mosquitoes The Size Of Small Birds?
Let's just say, I'm not exaggerating when I tell you: bring the bug spray. Bring the *good* bug spray. The stuff with the high DEET content. You will become a walking buffet for mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying, biting, buzzing things. Especially at dusk and dawn. I made the mistake of going out on the deck one evening without any. Holy. Mother. Of. Bugs. I actually considered just staying inside forever.
9. What's the Vibe? Is it a Loud Party Scene, Or More Relaxed?
It can be both! Cheat Lake has different vibes depending on the season, the day of the week, andHotels Near Your
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