**London's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Marriott Luxury Awaits!**
London’s Hidden Gem? Maybe… My Chaotic, Contradictory, and Ultimately, Enjoyable Stay at the Courtyard Marriott! (Spoiler: It's Complicated.)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea on my recent stay at what the brochure calls "London's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Marriott Luxury Awaits!" Truthfully, it was more like London's Surprisingly Okay Place to Crash (And Maybe Get a Massage if You're Lucky). But hey, that’s life, right? Let’s get into it.
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Accessibility: The First Hurdle (or Hopefully, Just a Small Bump in the Road)
Right, so, I’m a big fan of hotels that actually get accessibility. Makes life a whole lot easier, you know? The Courtyard Marriott, bless their hearts, made an effort. Wheelchair Accessible? Yep, ramps, elevators, the whole shebang. They advertise Facilities for disabled guests, which is always a good sign. The elevator was thankfully reliable and surprisingly quick compared to the quirky lifts you so often find in older London hotels. Now, I didn’t need any of the disabled-specific features, but it's comforting to know they're there. Big thumbs up.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges? Well, the restaurant claimed to be accessible, but navigating between tables with a walking stick (which I sometimes need) felt a tad tight. More on the food later.
Internet: Wi-Fi Warriors Assemble!… (But Don't Expect Miracles)
Look, in this day and age, free Wi-Fi is baseline. And thankfully, the Courtyard Marriott delivers on that. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Huzzah!) The signal was generally strong, allowing me to keep up with my endless email and, more importantly, binge-watch some guilty-pleasure TV. They also advertised Internet [LAN] for the old-school folks. Didn’t even investigate that. Old tech, old problems. Internet Services were available too, whatever that even means nowadays.
However, let me just say the Wi-Fi in the common areas was… less reliable. Especially during the breakfast rush. Trying to load a simple news website felt like watching paint dry. My advice? Load up on your streaming before heading down for the buffet.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Rollercoaster of Expectations and, Let's Be Honest, Regrets… Occasionally
Okay, here we go. The food situation was variable.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Buffet in restaurant. Honestly, a pretty standard affair. Western breakfast was the main event, with a decent selection of pastries, cereals, and hot items. The Asian breakfast options seemed a bit… lonely. A sad little bowl of congee and some mystery dumplings. I skipped them. The coffee, though, was… passable. Not the best, not the worst. Coffee/tea in restaurant – check. Coffee shop? Never saw one.
- Restaurants: The main restaurant was generally okay. A la carte in restaurant was an option for dinner, which was nice. Vegetarian restaurant? No, just vegetarian options. I ordered a salad one evening, and it was, well, a salad. Nothing to write home about.
- Room Service [24-hour]: This was a lifesaver. Especially when I was battling jet lag at 3 AM. Room service [24-hour]. Not a Michelin-star experience, but they had a decent burger. And that, my friends, is all that matters at 3 AM.
- Bar: Bar. I sampled this a few times. Happy hour was… decent. Nothing to go wild over. A solid selection of beers and cocktails. Poolside bar… there was an outdoor pool, but I never saw any bar staff. They need some staff that knows what it is doing; it looks abandoned.
- Snack bar: Never saw it.
Things I'd like to add:
- Soup in restaurant and Desserts in restaurant are ok. Salad in restaurant is ok.
- Bottle of water: available.
Ways to Relax (And Did I Actually Relax? The Million-Dollar Question!)
This is where things got interesting. I'd booked this hotel because of the advertised spa facilities. Spa/sauna was promising. Spa! Well, sort of.
- Spa: I had a massage. My massage! Honestly, it was amazing. A real treat after a long flight. I'd easily recommend it. I needed it.
- Sauna: Did not use it.
- Steamroom: Did not use it.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Did not see it open.
- Pool with view: Sadly, my view was of a brick wall.
- Fitness center: I used the Fitness center. It was adequate. Didn't need more than a treadmill.
- Body scrub: No, thank you.
- Body wrap: Also a no.
- Foot bath: Did not check.
- Gym/fitness: Yes.
Cleanliness and Safety: Gotta Talk About the Elephant in the Room (Or, You Know, the Virus)
Let's be real, the world's a slightly germier place than it used to be. So, how did the Courtyard Marriott handle the sanitization situation?
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Advertised.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Felt like it. Place looked pretty clean.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Tick.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly observed, especially in the lobby.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Probably. Or at least, they made a good show of it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Fingers crossed.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Probably.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Or Don’t!)
- Concierge: Helpful. Sorted out a taxi with ease.
- Cash withdrawal: Available.
- Currency exchange: Checked.
- Daily housekeeping: Check.
- Doorman: Check.
- Dry cleaning & Laundry service: Yes.
- Elevator: (Again, a win!)
- Food delivery: Did not check.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Didn't see one.
- Ironing service: They had it.
- Luggage storage: Yes.
- Safety deposit boxes: Yep.
- Smoking area: Yes.
- Terrace: Available, but not really used.
For the Kids: (I Don't Have Any, But I Noticed…)
- Babysitting service: Advertised.
- Family/child-friendly: Seemed to be.
- Kids meal: Offered, I believe.
- Kids facilities: Did not see.
Getting Around: (Not That I Left the Hotel Much!)
- Airport transfer: Available.
- Taxi service: Yep.
- Car park [on-site]: Available but could have been a nightmare.
- Car park [free of charge]: Not.
Available in All Rooms (The Essentials):
- Air conditioning: Praise be!
- Alarm clock: Check.
- Bathrobes: Yep. (A nice touch.)
- Bathroom phone: Never used it.
- Bathtub & separate shower/bathtub: Check.
- Blackout curtains: Needed after that 3 AM burger.
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential.
- Complimentary tea: Yes.
- Hair dryer: check.
- In-room safe box: Yes.
- Internet access – wireless & free: Yes.
- Ironing facilities: Yes.
- Mini bar: Present.
- Non-smoking: Yes.
- Private bathroom: Yes.
- Refrigerator: check.
- Room decorations: Nothing special
- Seating area: Yes, with a surprisingly comfy sofa.
- Smoke detector: Hope so.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good—although I still heard the occasional siren.
- Telephone: check.
- Toiletries: Yes.
- Towels & Slippers: Yes.
- Wake-up service: Utilized.
- **Wi-Fi
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is… my attempt at a Courtyard by Marriott (London, Ontario edition!) adventure, and it's gonna be a hot mess. Just like me.
Courtyard by Marriott London (ON) – My Semi-Planned Mayhem
Day 1: Arrival… and Regret (Maybe?)
1:00 PM: Arrival and Initial Panic. Okay, the flight was a bumpy reminder that I'm not a fan of air travel. Found the hotel, the Courtyard. (Cute, but slightly generic, you know? Still, the lobby’s got free Wi-Fi, so… small victories.) Checked in. Now, the real struggle: unpacking. I swear, I can't pack for one day. I brought three outfits, just in case of… alien contact? Who knows. Found the room. Clean. Functional. A little… beige. But hey, at least the air conditioning works. THAT'S IMPORTANT.
1:30 PM: The Great Snack Hunt. Immediately, the stomach starts rumbling. Where's the vending machine? Where's the damn vending machine?! Turns out, tucked around the corner, it was a glorious sight after the flight. (My brain is currently running on the limited power of gummy bears and a bag of chips.) I got a pop, a bag of chips, and a chocolate bar.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Indecision and Room Serenity. Okay, so, I should probably do something. The itinerary said "explore London, Ontario." But the bed looks… inviting. And that's all she wrote for me. The call for a nap was too strong.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Food, glorious food. I woke up to find the light of the setting sun beaming through my window. I skipped lunch, got hungry. Went down to the hotel's Bistro. Wow, the service was actually great! I got the Club House Sandwich, or as I call it, the "pile-of-food." Pretty good! I have no complaints.
6:00 PM: The Gym… Almost. Right. Time to work off that "pile-of-food." Walked to the gym. Opened the door, saw the treadmills, and immediately turned around. Tomorrow. Maybe.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner and a local bar adventure. Okay, so… I wandered out. Google Maps to the rescue! Found a local spot called "The Richmond Tavern." The place I went to, was packed! I had the the beef nachos! (A classic, I know, but I'm simple). The beer was cold, the people were friendly. I was starting to feel… human again.
9:00 PM: Back to the Hotel. TV. Okay, I'm beat. The comfort of Hotel TV. I'm going to have the best sleep tonight.
Day 2: Museum Madness and Existential Coffee
9:00 AM: The Breakfast Buffet Challenge. Free breakfast at the hotel! It's a battlefield, I tell ya. Waffles? Scrambled eggs that might or might not be real? Coffee that tastes vaguely of despair? I'll take it!! (I also snuck a banana. Don't judge.)
10:00 AM: The Museum of Archaeology. Okay, okay, I forced myself out of the room. Found the Museum of Archaeology. Was pretty fun! I don't know why, but taking in the different cultures, and history was pretty cool. History class was a long time ago.
1:00 PM: The Coffee Crisis. Okay, this is a critical point. I need caffeine. Found a local coffee shop. The barista asked how I was, and I nearly launched into a monologue about the crippling emptiness of modern existence. I just got an iced latte.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: "Relaxation" by the Indoor Pool. I actually tried the hotel pool! Small, indoor, slightly chlorinated, but… refreshing. I made eye contact with a kid who looked as unimpressed as I felt. We shared a glance of mutual understanding.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Quest for the Perfect Pizza. My stomach is a fickle beast. Pizza is the cure. Went to a place called "Pizza Pizza." I got the pepperoni pizza! I have no regrets.
6:00 PM: The Lounge… or Not. The hotel has a lounge. I considered it. Then I remembered I'm wearing sweatpants and a questionable t-shirt. I chickened out. Room service and Netflix it is.
Day 3: Farewell, London (ON!), and the Existential Dread of Leaving
9:00 AM: The Breakfast Battle, Part Deux. More waffles, more despair-coffee. But oddly, I wasn't as grumpy. I'm starting to embrace the beige.
10:00 AM: The Walk of Regret. I should have done more. Seen more. Ah well. Checked out.
11:00 AM: The Airport Debrief. Back to the airport, the whole ordeal of security and potential delays. Waiting. The whole time I'm thinking about the pizza, the coffee, the museum. What the HELL was the point to it all?
12:00 PM: Safe Travels. Overall, it was a trip. I am leaving with new food memories and a renewed appreciation for my own bed. Until next time… London, Ontario? Nah! I'll probably be back.
Final Thoughts: The Courtyard by Marriott was fine. The whole trip was a little… aimless. But that’s the point, right? Embrace the imperfections, the lazy days, the questionable food choices. It's all part of the adventure. And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually go to the gym next time. (Probably not, though.)
Harlem's Hidden Gem: Aloft Hotel's Unbelievable NYC Views!
Okay, spill the tea: Is this Courtyard Marriott REALLY a "Hidden Gem"? Or just marketing fluff?
Alright, alright, let's get REAL. "Hidden Gem" is a loaded term, isn't it? They *always* say that. Honestly? Going in, I was skeptical. Totally. Expecting a standard, beige-toned Marriott experience. But… this… this was different. Think of it like finding a tenner in an old coat pocket, a proper surprise. It's not some secret castle, obviously. But, for London, *and* for the price point, yeah. Actually yeah it is a gem. The location is killer, I’ll tell ya that.
I remember walking in, knackered from the train, and BAM. The lobby... it was surprisingly stylish. Not the usual airport hotel vibe. It felt… good, actually. The staff were genuinely friendly, not the forced smile kind. And the best part? I’d booked a room with a view. Now, London views are expensive, but here, it was actually affordable and gorgeous.
What's the location like? Tell me *exactly* where it is! (I need specifics!)
Okay, location, location, LOCATION! This is where this place *really* shines. I'm not going to give you the exact address (gotta maintain the gem-ness!), but let's just say... it's central-ish. Think short distances and quick walks and you're on the right path. I’m talking a stone’s throw from... well, enough said. You'll be near tube station! Trust me. I hate spending half my holiday commuting. And this place is perfect for it!
I remember one day, I wandered around all day -- got utterly lost on purpose. Then I stumbled back to the hotel, utterly spent, and the proximity was perfect. It was so easy to get back to. After a long day of exploring, that's priceless, honestly. No hours of misery in the Tube. Bliss.
Okay, but the rooms? Are they tiny? Because London rooms... I have trust issues.
Right, the rooms. Here’s the deal. They're not the size of a football pitch. Let's be realistic. They're London rooms. But, they're surprisingly well-designed. Really cleverly done. I’m talking actual space to move, and even somewhere to put my bag. (Which, as we all know, is a *big* deal!).
They're not cramped. They're clean. The best rooms, like mine, have a view. A proper view, not of a brick wall (which, let's face it, is what you often get in London). My room was so good . The bed was like... a cloud. I swear, I could have stayed in that bed and just looked out of the window all day. And, for London, that is rare. I did a little dance when I first saw it. Don’t judge me.
What about breakfast? Because a bad hotel breakfast is a dealbreaker!
Breakfast, the most important meal of the day! Okay, it's not Michelin-star level, but it’s good. Really good. There's a decent buffet. The coffee isn’t that sugary, and the breakfast staff are friendly. I was there at 6:00 AM one day, jet lag, and the poor lady making the scrambled eggs must have felt sorry for me, but she still smiled. And the eggs were delicious.
It's not the *most* amazing breakfast ever, I’m not going to lie to you. But it’s got the essentials: pastries, fruit, cereal. And decent coffee. Plus, it’s included so you can just load up and not worry about. It's the kind of breakfast that sets you up for a day of exploring. And trust me, in London, you'll need it.
Is there a gym? Because I feel guilty eating all that breakfast!
Yeah, there's a gym. It's not HUGE. It's not the size of a proper health center. But it's got enough for a quick workout. Treadmills, bikes, weights. I only visited it once, because, well... who has time on holiday? But I did check it out, and it was clean and modern. Good enough to work off those pastries. Guilty pleasures! Oh, the guilt...
Let's talk about the staff. Are they helpful? Or just going through the motions?
The staff, the heart and soul of any hotel! And honestly, they were excellent. I dealt with them several times and they were always so polite. They even helped me find my way. I was a disaster. They were polite when I had to check in a little early. And the day I managed to lock myself out of my room (don't ask), they were absolute angels. Quick, efficient, and no judgment. That was a huge plus.
They seemed genuinely glad to help. Not just, "Here's your room key, goodbye." They actually gave recommendations, helped me with directions, and generally made me feel like a valued guest. That makes a difference, you know? It turns a good hotel into a great one.
Any downsides? What should I be aware of? (Don't sugarcoat it!)
Okay, let's get real. No hotel is perfect. I mean, some things are okay, but, I have to include it. I'm not going to be blind to the faults. The elevators, could be slow. A little bit. And I think the one time my ice machine on my floor wasn't working. That was annoying. Tiny things. And if you're super sensitive to noise, ask for a room not facing the street – London can be lively.
And the biggest thing is… it’s not THAT luxurious. It’s a Courtyard Marriott. It’s not the Ritz. So, if you're expecting marble floors and butler service, you'll be disappointed. But if you want a comfortable, well-located hotel that offers excellent value for money, this is a terrific choice. Seriously, I’d go back in a heartbeat.
The most important question: Would you recommend it? (Be honest!)
Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. I would recommend this place. It's not flawless, I've pointed out the issues. Sure. But it's hard to find a hotel that balances price, location, comfort and friendliness this well, especially in London.
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