Charleston Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites South Charleston Awaits!
Charleston Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites South Charleston Awaits! - A Review That's More "Real" Than a Brochure
Alright, buckle up fellow travelers, because I just got back from a stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites South Charleston, and I'm here to give you the real lowdown, not some sterile travel brochure garbage. Forget the flawless prose, it's time for the gritty truth, peppered with my own brand of delightfully cynical charm.
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Let's start with the basics. "Charleston Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites South Charleston Awaits!" – that's what they're selling, right? Well, "awaits" felt a little optimistic, let's be honest. Maybe "Charleston Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites South Charleston Is There!" is more accurate. But hey, I'm here, and that's what counts.
Accessibility - The Good & the "Meh"
- Wheelchair accessible: Right, so the website says it's accessible. From what I saw, it seemed mostly true. Ramps were there, which is a huge plus, but the elevator was a tad…slow. Like, "watching paint dry" slow. I'm not in a wheelchair, but for someone who is, I imagine impatience could become a factor.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Didn't see a ton of specific details, but the availability is a plus, it's important. More info would be beneficial, ideally the hotels could share this themselves in the future.
Cleanliness and Safety - My Inner Germaphobe is Slightly Relieved
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good. In this day and age, essential. Plus, it helps me feel less like a walking petri dish.
- Breakfast in room: …I didn't ask for that. Weird.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Okay, that's reassuring. Especially after seeing some of the other guests, who, bless their hearts, were clearly not that concerned about hygiene.
- Hand sanitizer: Plenty of this stuff, and I used it! Multiple times an hour. No regrets.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Another check. I like this.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed to know what they were doing. At least, they weren't sneezing directly onto the breakfast pastries.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Pristine, from what I could tell.
- (Other hygiene bulletpoints): These are positive things to report.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Breakfast Buffet: A Love/Hate Story
- Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, the breakfast buffet. This is where it gets interesting. They do offer one. And they do use a lot of the practices on the above cleanliness list. However, it's the breakfast buffet, so expectations should be tempered. We're talking your standard fare: scrambled eggs that may or may not resemble eggs, questionable sausage links, and the glorious, life-affirming waffle maker (a true hotel breakfast staple, I’m a huge fan).
- Restaurants: The hotel doesn't really have a restaurant aside from breakfast. This wasn't a dealbreaker, but sometimes, you just want to roll downstairs for a late-night snack, you know? This may require some extra planning.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The coffee was… well, it was coffee. I loaded it with enough creamer and sugar to make it palatable.
- (Other minor dining features): These are fine, if not essential.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter (Mostly, I Guess)
- Air conditioning in public area: Hallelujah. West Virginia summers can be brutal.
- Cash withdrawal: Good to have, just in case the credit card machine decides to have a melt-down.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent. I'm a slob, and left to my own devices, my room would become a biohazard.
- Elevator: Mentioned above, but worth reiterating: a bit slow.
- Laundry service: Always handy for those "oops, I spilled wine all over my shirt" moments.
- Luggage storage: Useful if you arrive early or need to check out late. I didn't use it, being a master packer and all, but still- good to see.
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind for valuables. I don’t have many of those, but it's nice.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Helpful for the few work conferences and weddings that are being hosted, but honestly didn't affect me.
For the Kids - Family Friendly, But Don't Expect a Theme Park
- Family/child friendly: Yep. I saw a lot of families there. Good for them, I guess (I'm single, what do I know?). Kids facilities… didn't see any specific, but the pool will probably be a big hit for kids.
- Kids meal: Not a feature.
Getting Around - Location, Location, Location (and Parking)
- Airport transfer: Available, which is convenient if you don't have a car.
- Car park [free of charge]: Score! Free parking is always a win.
- Taxi service: Good to know it's an option.
- (other transport features): these are standard features of most hotels.
Available in all rooms - The Nitty Gritty of the Room Itself
Okay, let’s get down to the actual room. This is where details like the feel of the place come into play.
- Bed: The bed was… fine. Not the most luxurious I've ever slept in, but comfortable enough. I slept. That's the goal, right?
- Air conditioning: Worked like a charm. Pure bliss!
- Hair dryer: Essential, unless you’re going for the "wet dog" look, which is not generally well-received.
- Internet access – wireless: The Wi-Fi was decent. Could stream Netflix (of course I did), it was generally stable.
- (The standard of features): These are all things you expect, and there weren't any big problems.
Things to do, ways to relax – The Pool: My Undying Love (and Occasional Hate)
This is where I want to elaborate, because… the pool. I love hotel pools. They are a sanctuary where I can chill out, read a book, and pretend I'm actually on vacation, even if I'm just on a work trip.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes! They had a pool! This was the highlight for me. It was clean, not overly crowded (good for social distancing), and the perfect temperature for a refreshing dip after a long day. Also, the sun! Oh, the sun.
- Poolside bar: No, sadly, there wasn’t a poolside bar. A huge missed opportunity, if you ask me. Picture it: a cold beverage, a comfy lounge chair, maybe a cheesy novel… pure bliss.
- (Other relaxation features) The hotel had many other features, but I primarily was interested in the pool!
The Anecdote & Imperfections: My Personal Charleston Story
So, the pool. One day, I was lounging by the pool, basking in the sun, lost in a book. Then… bam! A rogue beach ball, launched with the force of a small cannon, smacked me right in the head. It came out of nowhere! I looked up to see a group of very enthusiastic kids, clearly having the time of their lives. I managed a weak smile and waved, pretending to be unfazed. Inside, though? I was plotting revenge. You know, the whole "leave a rubber ducky in their room" kind of revenge. But, hey, that's life, isn't it? A little bit of chaos, a little bit of sunshine, and a whole lot of chlorine. I mean, what else are you going to do at a pool, right?
My Final, Messy Verdict
The Fairfield Inn & Suites South Charleston? It's not perfect. It's not the Four Seasons. But it's clean, the staff were friendly, and the pool… well, the pool was mostly perfect. It's a solid choice for a comfortable, budget-friendly stay in Charleston, and it's definitely a place I'd consider staying again. Just maybe… I'll bring my own beach ball next time. And maybe a spyglass, so I can keep an eye on those kids
Hacienda del Mar: Cabo's Most Luxurious Escape? (You HAVE to See This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you’re about to witness the glorious, messy birth of a potential travel itinerary for a stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston South Charleston, West Virginia. This ain't your grandma's meticulously planned vacation. This is REAL LIFE, baby.
Day 1: Arrival – Mild Panic & Pizza Bliss
1:00 PM: Land at Yeager Airport (CRW). Ugh, airports. The purgatory of the perpetually delayed. My flight was only 15 minutes late--I AM triumphant! Grab a slightly overpriced Uber to the hotel. Hopefully, the driver doesn’t try to sell me crypto again. Last time… well, let's just say I'm still regretting that "shiny new coin."
2:00 PM: Check in. Fingers crossed for a non-crappy room. I'm not picky, just… not a room that clearly hasn't seen a proper dusting since the Reagan administration. I'll deal with the hotel lobby, and its potential for awkward elevator interactions.
2:30 PM: Unpack… or, attempt to unpack. My suitcase resembles a black hole of wrinkled clothes. Seriously considering just living out of the suitcase for the duration. Decision: suitcase life. It cuts down on the clutter and the dreaded ironing.
3:00 PM: Post-travel Snack Attack! Gotta find something to eat pronto! Hotel vending machines are a risky gamble. Usually, the chips are stale, and the Snickers bars have been sitting there since dinosaurs roamed the earth. This is a gamble I am willing to make, though.
3:30 PM: Pizza Time! Driving past the hotel, I see a little roadside place, some local pizza joint. No chain pizza for me, thank you very much. I want that authentic, slightly greasy, probably-a-little-too-much-cheese kind of pizza. The kind that leaves your fingers glistening and your soul… slightly more content. This is the quintessential, perfect welcome.
4:30 PM: Check in. Try the lobby, maybe a nap, maybe a dive into some terrible TV, or maybe just stare at the wall for a while.
7:00 PM: Pizza binge. I've eaten so much pizza I look like one. But, I am happy. More importantly, I didn't regret the pizza.
8:00 PM: Call a friend, talk trash.
9:00 PM: Bedtime. Hoping the hotel bed isn't one of those rock-hard torture devices disguised as a mattress. And praying to the sleep gods for a peaceful night, free from the incessant hallway chatter and the dreaded ice-machine symphony.
Day 2: Coal Country Exploration… and Chocolate Therapy
7:00 AM: Wake up grumpy. Why can’t I sleep in a hotel?! It's a conspiracy, I tell you! Coffee. Good, strong, life-giving coffee. Gotta get it. If I don't I become impossible.
8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Probably the usual suspects: stale pastries, vaguely orange juice, and eggs that defy all known culinary principles. But hey, it's free. Right? Right.
9:00 AM: Drive to the West Virginia State Museum. This should be interesting. Hopefully, less dusty than my motel room. I'm not a huge museum person, but I feel like I should learn a thing or two about the state. Probably learn how terrible the local economy is, given that the area is not exactly a tourist magnet. Ah, the human condition.
11:00 AM: Head to the West Virginia State Capitol. Okay, maybe a quick photo op. I'm not exactly a political aficionado, but I'm sure it's a pretty building. Or I hope… the architecture could be great.
12:00 PM: Lunch. Local recommendation? Maybe a diner with checkered floors and waitresses who call everyone "honey." That's the vibe I'm going for.
1:00 PM: COAL MINING TOWN! I'm going to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in Beckley. This is where it gets REALLY interesting. I'm talking serious underground adventure! I'll put on a hard hat, ride a coal train, and pretend I know something about the industry. Then, I'll have a total existential crisis when I realize how dangerous and awful the conditions were, and how lucky I am to have a comfortable hotel room. It's going to be…educational.
4:00 PM: Drive back to Charleston. I'm starving.
5:00 PM: The Chocolate Problem. I am. Literally, addicted. My only salvation is the amazing local chocolate shop I found on Yelp. I am going to consume copious amounts of artisan chocolates.
6:00 PM: More coffee. The chocolate is kicking in, my energy is soaring, and my mind is spiraling.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Maybe I'll try some of the local cuisine. Is there such a thing as authentic West Virginia food? Or is it all just hot dogs and pepperoni rolls? Either way, I'm in!
8:00 PM: Another call back to the hotel room. I am a master of the art of doing nothing.
9:00 PM: I am just so unbelievably tired. Bedtime. I wish I could sleep.
Day 3: Departure - Goodbye, Sweet Paradise (Or Not)
8:00 AM: Pack. The suitcase demon returns to torment me. How did I accumulate so much stuff in two days?!
9:00 AM: Hotel breakfast. Repeat yesterday's experience, with slightly lower expectations.
10:00 AM: Check out. Praying for a smooth exit. No hidden fees, no surprise charges. Just a clean getaway.
10:30 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Gotta grab something ridiculous to remember this trip by. Maybe a t-shirt that says "I survived Charleston, WV!" or maybe, another box of chocolates.
11:00 AM: Head to the airport. Traffic, delays, and the inevitable airport chaos. I'm ready to be back home. Except, am I? Maybe I'll miss the pizza… and the chocolate… and the fact that I saw a squirrel.
1:00 PM: Flight. Bye bye, Charleston, you little corner of West Virginia. Until next time… hopefully.
This is just a rough draft, of course. It’s subject to change based on my mood, the weather, and the availability of really good chocolate. So, wish me luck… and pray for my suitcase.
Boise's BEST Budget Hotel? (Inn Review!)
Okay, spill! Is this Fairfield Inn in South Charleston *actually* a good base camp for exploring Charleston? Don't give me the canned answers!
Alright, alright, get the real truth. Look, it’s… complicated. Charleston is a *vibe*, and this Fairfield isn't exactly dripping with vintage charm. You're not gonna swan dive into history from the lobby. But listen, it's *South* Charleston, not *Charleston*. So, perspective is key. Think "practical" meets "potential." It *is* close to the interstate, which is a godsend after a day of dodging cobblestone streets. Plus, the price... Let's just say, it's waaaay friendlier to your wallet than snagging a room smack-dab in the historic district. I actually saved enough there to justify splurging on that extra hushpuppy at the Crab Shack (more on that later... trust me, you want this).
Here's the deal: if you want to *live* Charleston, then spend your days downtown. If you want a comfy, clean place to crash and recharge your phone for the next day's adventures, then this works. It really depends how much you value being right in the thick of the action, even if it does cost you a small fortune.
What about the *room?* Clean? Comfy? Or, you know, borderline-sketchy motel vibes? Be real!
Okay, the rooms. Honestly? They're a solid "meh." Not "OMG, luxurious!" But definitely not "Eek, I'm sleeping with the roaches!" The beds... well, they did their job. Slept like a log after my crab shack bonanza (those hushpuppies...). The bathroom was clean, which is a *huge* win in my book. The whole place is pretty standard Fairfield Inn. You know what to expect. It's functional, modern, and (thankfully) not trying too hard to be anything it's not. Okay, I'm being a little harsh, it's not a *bad* room. I've definitely slept in worse. Much, much worse. Remember that one time in Vegas... No, scratch that.
The best part of the room? That glorious air conditioning. Charleston humidity is no joke. Seriously. Like, walking outside feels like you’re wearing a wet wool sweater in a sauna. A/C? Lifesaver. And the blackout curtains! They worked wonders after those late nights out & about. So, yeah, practical. Totally practical.
Breakfast - the make-or-break of any hotel stay. What’s the grub situation like? Is it worth getting out of bed for? (Be honest… I'm a late sleeper).
Ohhhhh, the breakfast. Alright. Here's your intel. *It is not gourmet.* Nope. Don't expect fluffy omelets made to order. Think… "buffet basics." Cereal, some sad-looking (but still serviceable) fruit, pastries that probably came out of a box, and that glorious waffle maker. Seriously. That waffle maker *saved* me mornings. I’m a sucker for a fresh waffle, especially with the questionable, yet oddly appealing, syrup they provide. I mean, hey, it filled the waffle shaped void in my belly. Coffee was passable. The whole thing is… efficient. Will it blow your mind? No. Will it get you going for a day of exploring? Probably. And, hey, it's *free*. Can't argue with free, especially when you're trying to budget for all that Charleston shopping (trust me… the shops… resist, resist…).
The Pool? Is that a real thing? And, more importantly is it, like, clean... or a swampy, mosquito-breeding ground?
The pool... Alright, let's be honest, I didn't *hit* the pool. I *looked* at the pool. From the outside, while contemplating a second waffle. It *looked* clean. Perfectly standard hotel pool clean. Not sparkling, crystal-clear, magazine-worthy clean, but perfectly… functional. I saw a couple of kids splashing around happily. No obvious signs of algae or swamp monster lurking. Judging by what I could see, it’s a good place to cool off after a hot day, maybe get a little bit of sun. But I never found the time, dang it! Next time...
Tell me about the location, please. Is it easy to get around? How far is it to the "good stuff"?
Location, location, location... This is where things get interesting. As I keep on saying, it's *South* Charleston. So, not in the heart of the historic district. The upside? Easy access to the interstate. Makes getting to different areas a breeze. You'll probably want a car. Uber and Lyft do exist, but they add up. You're looking at a good 15-20 minute drive to downtown Charleston. I *loved* being able to zip back to the hotel after a day of sightseeing. It's a nice, quiet break before heading back out for dinner and ghost tours (which, by the way... go on one! So cheesy, but so good!).
And here's a confession: I actually *liked* being slightly out of the fray. It forces you to slow down a little. To appreciate the drive, the scenery, the chance to grab a coffee on the way. It's not perfect, no. But it has its advantages. The parking *was* easy back at the hotel, too. Always a bonus.
Okay, the *Crab Shack*. You mentioned it. Give me the lowdown. Is it a must-do, or just hyped up? And what *exactly* did you eat?!
Okay, buckle up, because the Crab Shack is the *reason* you should stay here. It's not exactly *next door*, you'll still have to drive, but it's a relatively easy jaunt from the Fairfield Inn (take the interstate, avoid the small roads, trust me!). The Crab Shack… is… *an experience*. Picture this: a casual, slightly dive-y, outdoor/indoor seafood joint. The air is thick with the smell of the sea and, oddly, Old Bay seasoning. You're probably gonna be slightly sticky by the end of the meal. And your fingers? Forget about it. Embrace the mess.
I went *all in*. I’m talking a colossal platter. Crab legs, shrimp, clams, corn on the cob, potatoes... the works! First, the waitress was a true southern character. So helpful, so sweet, really made the whole experience. The shrimp? Divine! The crab legs? Heavenly. The clams? So, so good. And… those hushpuppies. Oh. My. God. I had three orders. (Okay, maybe four. The waitress stopped counting). They were perfectly crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, and served with a sweet and savory dipping sauce that I'm still dreaming about. Honestly, I probably could’ve just eaten hushpuppies and called it a success. I mean, it's not Michelin-star dining, but it's *soul-satisfying*. The kind of meal that makes you utterly content and just… happy. And then you waddle back to the hotel room, completely full and prepared to sleep like a rock. Absolutely a must-do.
Honestly, the memory of that meal *alone* almost justifies booking this hotel again!
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