Escape to Somerset: Your Dream Franklin Township Getaway at Residence Inn!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Residence Inn's "Escape to Somerset: Your Dream Franklin Township Getaway!" And let me tell you, some dreams are… well, reality gets in the way, you know? This isn't going to be a perfectly polished travelogue, because frankly, life isn't polished. It's more like… well, let's just say it's got layers.
The Arrival & Initial Impression: Sunshine and… Parking?
First off, FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. Never been! Suddenly I'm in Somerset, NJ. And the Residence Inn? Yeah, it's one of those… well, reliable-looking places. Modern. Clean-ish. Important note for those of us with… "priorities": Car park [free of charge]! YES! Free parking. A small victory in a world constantly trying to nickel and dime you. The exterior corridor kinda gives it a motel-vibe, which… alright, I'm okay with that. Less pressure. No snooty bellhops judging my travel attire. (Sweatpants, always sweatpants.)
Accessibility - The Real Deal?
Okay, deep breath. Accessibility. This is a HUGE one. Let’s face it, hotels can sometimes pay lip service to this. The Residence Inn claims to have Facilities for disabled guests. And they do have an Elevator, which is a huge plus. I was very pleased with the Wheelchair accessible aspects of the hotel - the wide hallways are a godsend and the rooms I saw were perfectly workable for folks with mobility concerns. I can’t speak personally about the Bathroom phone in the accessibility rooms, but it looked like the right stuff was in place. They should really make sure to have a specific room for each need, though. Seems to be lacking in this area. For the most part, thumbs up!
The Room – My Castle (or At Least, My Temporary Barracks)
Alright, Non-smoking rooms – check! Thank GOD. I can't STAND the smell of stale smoke. My room, while not exactly palatial (no Proposal spot here, folks, unless you're REALLY desperate), was… functional. Air conditioning that ACTUALLY WORKED – another win! The Blackout curtains were my friends. Because, you know, jet lag. And… the Desk was adequate for, uh, answering some emails while hiding from the world? They do have Internet access - wireless, which is kind of the bare minimum now, isn’t it? And… Free Wi-Fi?! YES! That’s what I’m talking about! No ridiculous hidden fees. No tiny fonts about the “premium” Wi-Fi. Just… Wi-Fi. (And yes, I tested the Internet access – LAN just to be sure. Still good.)
The Clutter-a-thon: (Or, What’s ACTUALLY In the Room)
Now, here's where it gets real. Remember how I said life is layered? Well, so is the room. Let's break it down, shall we?
- Bedding: The Linens were, fine. Not cloud-like, not scratchy, just… there. Perfectly acceptable, which is exactly what you want when you're exhausted.
- Bathroom: Towels were decent. There's a Separate shower/bathtub, good for two people, really. I do like that they include the Toiletries but… I think they could do better, because I'm picky.
- Little Luxuries Ah, the Coffee/tea maker. Nice to have. The Free bottled water always gets a thumbs up. But those Slippers? I totally forgot to wear them!
- Electronics The Alarm clock actually worked! No fumbling around with the hotel's convoluted system. Satellite/cable channels and On-demand movies, always a bonus, but I barely used them.
- The Small Stuff Extra long bed? Yes! Mirror? Check. Hairdryer? Yep. Ironing facilities? Praise the laundry gods.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure (Or Just Trying to Survive)
Okay, let’s be honest, hotel food is rarely gourmet. The Residence Inn has… options. It gives that it has a Breakfast [buffet] and Breakfast service. I will say that the Breakfast [buffet] was… standard. Scrambled eggs (mystery ingredient?), sausage (again, mystery ingredient?), some sad-looking fruit. I did see some Asian breakfast offerings but the usual. A Coffee shop is available so that makes up for it. The Poolside bar seemed a little underused and the Snack bar provided decent (if overpriced) sustenance. Sadly, there was no Vegetarian restaurant advertised.
The "Relaxation" Zone: Can I Really Escape?
Here's where it gets interesting. The brochures boast Swimming pool [outdoor], as well as a Fitness center. And a Spa/sauna. And. a Sauna. And a Steamroom. And… well, you get the idea. They're trying to sell you a retreat.
Okay, truth time. The pool… looked inviting. I did not actually use the pool. I'm more of a "sit in my pajamas with a book" kind of relaxer. The Fitness center? Looked… well-equipped. (And empty, which is always a plus for the slightly self-conscious gym-goer.) I did see a Gym/fitness, but the Spa, I passed on. I'm a sucker for a good Massage, especially the deep-tissue kind to melt away the stress from that flight, but let’s be honest, I didn’t even attempt the Body scrub or Body wrap.
Cleanliness and Safety – Trying to Breathe Easy
Okay, in THESE times? This is IMPORTANT. They tout Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, and stuff like Daily disinfection in common areas. I saw a little Hand sanitizer dispensers scattered around. They claim they do Professional-grade sanitizing services. I hope they do! The Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a thoughtful touch for the environmentally conscious. The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, and Security [24-hour] gave me a sense of security, even if you really can't prove it! The Fire extinguisher was, thankfully, in place. They included Smoke alarms everywhere. They include all the stuff you want to hear, but no guarantees, you know?
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
Ah, the extras. The Residence Inn had the usual lineup. Daily housekeeping (which I secretly love). Laundry service (praise be!). Dry cleaning. Concierge (didn't use him, probably because I was too busy staring at the TV). Cash withdrawal is available. Elevator! Which is great. There is a Convenience store! They've got an Indoor venue for special events, which could be cool if you were into that. (I'm not.)
Okay, About That Internet…
Back to the internet for a second. I needed to work. It's the curse of modern life. I had a few video calls, and the Internet held up. No dropped connections, no buffering. So, thumbs up, Residence Inn. You kept me employed! There were some Business facilities available, and some Meeting/banquet facilities for the more… professional traveler.
For the Kids (and the Kid in All of Us!)
I saw some Family/child friendly stuff advertised, but I didn't have a kid with me. So, I'm guessing it's okay.
Getting Around – Navigating the Somerset Labyrinth
Okay, so you NEED to get around, here are the options: The Airport transfer requires a call. Car park [on-site]? Yep! Taxi service, you can call one!
The Verdict – To Escape or Not to Escape?
OK. So, overall, the Residence Inn in Franklin Township? It’s… fine. It’s a solid, reliable, functional place to stay. It's not going to blow your mind. It won't change your life. But when you need a clean bed, reliable internet, and a place to recharge, it does the job. It's a workhorse, not a show horse.
Wilmington Beach Getaway: TownePlace Suites Perfection!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking about a Somerset, NJ, adventure from the Residence Inn, and trust me, it's gonna be… well, let's just say it's gonna be something.
The Semi-Organized Chaos of Somerset, NJ: A Residence Inn Odyssey
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Coffee (and Maybe Sanity)
- Arrival (Around 3 PM): Ugh, the drive. Traffic on the Turnpike nearly sent me over the edge. Managed to snag a surprisingly decent parking spot at the Residence Inn, bless its heart. Feeling a profound need for caffeine. Major need.
- Unpacking (3:15 PM - 3:45 PM): Found the room! Pretty standard Residence Inn fare, which is to say, clean, functional, and beige. Immediately plopped myself on the surprisingly comfy pull-out couch. Briefly considered ordering pizza.
- The Coffee Crisis (3:45 PM - 4:30 PM): First, the in-room coffee situation. Let's be honest, instant coffee is like a promise broken by a vending machine. Then, I had to find real coffee. Google Maps to the rescue! Or, you know, it tried to. Ended up circling a strip mall for a good fifteen minutes. Finally, Starbucks. Joy! It was a little bit too hot, and I dropped the lid. Not great.
- Settling in and minor mental check (4:30 PM - 5:30 PM): Okay, coffee consumed, now for real. Let's see: laptop, charger, favorite book. Oh, I also unpacked my phone! Gotta make sure that bad boy is at 100%! Now time for some work. The Wi-Fi is surprisingly fast, almost… suspiciously fast. I keep expecting a message that it's all been a dream.
- Dinner Interlude (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM): After a lot of internal debates and arguments with myself, I decided on food. I'm trying to make healthier choices, so I looked at the options near the Residence Inn and found a place that had some good-looking salads. I'm hoping it's not another chain restaurant. The food was okay, but there was this kid who just kept staring at me the whole time with a look of deep, profound boredom. Maybe I should've ordered the burger.
- Evening Wind-Down (7:30 PM onwards): Back in the beige embrace of the room. I spent a little bit of time working on the computer, but I'm now too tired to work. I'm also way too wired from the coffee. It's a vicious cycle, really. I'm going to watch some TV and hopefully pass out. Maybe I'll get a text from my friend. The most important thing is to sleep on time. Nighty night!
Day 2: Exploring, or at Least, Attempting To
- Breakfast (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Free breakfast at the Residence Inn. The waffle iron is tempting. But, I feel like a little bit of toast is probably the safest choice.
- Destination: Finding a Park (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): I wanted to find a park. Somewhere to walk around, clear my head, breathe fresh air. Google Maps led me on a wild goose chase. Turns out, "nearby park" is a vague concept. I ended up driving in circles for what felt like an eternity before giving up. It's either the heat, Google Maps being Google Maps, or me being an idiot.
- The Mall Recon (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, plan B: the mall. Always a good source of people-watching. I ventured into the air-conditioned haven. The shopping was okay. I did purchase a new journal. The sales clerks were… vocal about it.
- Lunch (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM): I ended up at the food court, and the smells were overwhelming. I really have a hard time making healthy choices when surrounded by fast food. I eventually got a salad. Again.
- Reflection and the Netflix Abyss (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM): Back at the hotel, and honestly… I kind of lost it. I crashed on the bed and watched an entire episode of a show I've never seen before. My brain is officially mush.
- Swimming (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The pool! I have to try it. I need to decompress. The water was cool and refreshing, and I forgot how much I love it when I get to swim. The water was nice, but I would've loved to have had a drink or a snack.
- Early Dinner (6:00 PM - 7:30 PM): I went with another restaurant. The waiter didn't stop looking at me. I swear, it was the longest dinner of my entire life.
- Night Time (7:30 PM - Bedtime): Back at the hotel. I watched some TV before bed. I got a text from my friend. I hope tomorrow goes well.
Day 3: Departure and Existential Dread (Just Kidding, Kinda)
- Breakfast (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Scrambled eggs. They were… fine.
- Packing (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The most dreaded task of all. Why does everything need to get dirty? And how did I acquire so many socks? Seriously, the amount of socks I had to pack was ridiculous.
- The Drive Home (10:00 AM onwards): This is where the journey truly begins. The long, lonely drive home, back to reality, back to whatever "real life" is supposed to be. I hope there's no traffic. I'm just going to listen to music, and hope for the best. And, maybe, just maybe, plan my next escape…
Postscript: Somerset, NJ. You were… an experience. A messy, strange, slightly disappointing, and ultimately, just a little bit cathartic experience. I'll be back. Probably. Eventually. Maybe. Don't hold your breath.
Escape to the Finger Lakes: Unforgettable Inn Awaits in Auburn, NY
Escape to Somerset: Your Dream Franklin Township Getaway – Or Maybe Not? (A Residence Inn FAQ... Kinda)
Okay, so "Dream Getaway"... What's *actually* the deal with the Residence Inn Somerset? Is it, you know, *good*?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because "dream getaway" might be a *slight* exaggeration. Let's just say, it's a *functional* getaway. I've stayed there. Twice. First time, thought it was heaven. Second time… well, let’s just say my expectations adjusted. It's a Residence Inn, which means… long stretches of corridors, kitchens that probably haven't seen a gourmet meal in their lives, and a free breakfast situation that's more about quantity than quality. Good? Depends. For a weekend to escape the city and not have to completely bankrupt yourself? Yeah, probably good. For a romantic anniversary trip with rose petals and violin music? Ehhh… maybe rethink that one.
**Personal Anecdote:** Look, the first time I stayed, I was fresh out of a brutal work week. Anything with a bed and a roof was a win. I remember stumbling into the lobby, practically drooling with exhaustion, and being greeted by the friendliest front desk person *ever*. Offered me a cookie. A freaking *cookie*! Suddenly, Somerset was paradise. Second time? Different front desk person, and the cookie was… a little stale. Perspective is everything, people.
What's included with the stay? I need the nitty-gritty details.
Okay, so you get the predictable stuff: a room (obviously!), a bed (hopefully comfortable!), a TV, and a kitchen. The kitchen situation is potentially amazing, depending on your skillset. Fridge, microwave, stovetop… perfect for leftovers or… *shudders*… cooking. They *say* they have a hot breakfast buffet… which, let's be honest, is the real make-or-break for a Residence Inn. You also get free Wi-Fi (thank GOD), a pool (smaller than you’d think), and a fitness center (that smells vaguely of chlorine and regret). Parking? Free. Because, you know, it's Somerset, not Manhattan. Speaking of which…
**A Word of Warning:** The "free breakfast" is a minefield. Prepare for a sea of lukewarm scrambled eggs, questionable sausage, and waffles that taste suspiciously like cardboard. Coffee is usually strong, which is a plus. Toast? Hit or miss. Cereal? A safe bet. Don't expect gourmet, just… sustenance. And bring your own peanut butter. Seriously.
Is the location actually convenient? What's nearby? I need to go shopping!
The location is… suburban. Which basically means good if you like strip malls. You're close to a lot of things, technically: restaurants, shops, and the highway. Bridgewater Commons Mall is a short drive away… and it's glorious. Seriously, the mall is your friend. Also, various grocery stores, which is handy. And, theoretically, you're close to various attractions… if you’re into that. But let's be real. You're probably there to *get out*. The location is functional, not necessarily charming. Think of it as a launchpad.
**My Shopping Disaster:** Once, I tried to be adventurous and explore the “local” restaurants. Big mistake. Ended up at a diner that looked like it hadn't been updated since the 80s and smelled faintly of burnt grease. My tuna melt was a culinary tragedy. Stick to the familiar franchises, my friend. Or, better yet, order takeout from a delivery place. You'll thank me later.
What are the rooms like? Clean? Spacious? Do they have enough outlets? (This is crucial!)
Rooms are… decent. They're usually clean, but don't expect pristine. Spacious? Yes, for a hotel room. You'll have a living area, a separate bedroom (usually), and a kitchen. Enough outlets? Hmm… that’s a good question. I’m a chronic phone-charger horder! I'd say, bring an extension cord and a multi-plug outlet thingy. You know, the ones with USB ports? You'll need them. Things are definitely better if you get a renovated one.
**Outlet Obsession:** One time, I spent a solid 20 minutes trying to figure out how to charge my phone, my laptop, and my Kindle simultaneously. It was a crisis. Almost considered running out to buy a power strip at 10 pm. Lesson learned: always be prepared for an outlet apocalypse, people!
Is it kid-friendly? We're traveling as a family!
Yes, it's *probably* kid-friendly. There's a pool (which kids adore). The suites are spacious. The kitchen allows you to make your own meals (a huge win for picky eaters and harried parents). The free breakfast? Well, the kids *might* survive. It's also pretty easy to relax with the kids. They won't get bored as easily.
**The Swimming Pool Saga:** The pool can be a bit… chaotic. Especially on weekends. Expect screaming children, chlorine fumes, and the constant threat of rogue pool noodles. But hey, the kids love it, and that's… well, that's something, right?
What if I have a problem while I'm there? What's their customer service like?
Customer service can be hit or miss. Sometimes it's amazing. Sometimes... not so much. I've had experiences ranging from incredibly helpful to "oh, we'll get to that eventually." (Spoiler alert: they didn't.) Politely but firmly, persist in getting your problems resolved. Be nice, but don't be afraid to speak up. If something's broken, tell them to fix it – or expect a long wait.
**My Air Conditioning Nightmare:** One time, the A/C in my room went out in the middle of the night. It was July. It was sweltering. I called the front desk. They said they'd send someone up. Three hours later, still no A/C. I spent the rest of the night sweating and contemplating moving to Antarctica. Eventually, they moved me to another room. But man... it was a rough night. Moral of the story: air conditioning is your friend. And if it fails, be *very* persistent.
So, overall… would you recommend it?
Look, it depends. If you're looking for a luxurious, unforgettable experience? Probably not. Book a spa resort. If you’re looking for a clean, functional, and relatively affordable place to crash for a few nights while you explore the mall and the other local businesses? Then yeah, the Residence InnCoastal Inns
Post a Comment for "Escape to Somerset: Your Dream Franklin Township Getaway at Residence Inn!"