DC Area's BEST Extended Stay: Eisenhower Ave. Luxury Awaits!
DC Area's BEST Extended Stay: Eisenhower Ave. Luxury Awaits! - A Messy, Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe some coffee…see below) on the Eisenhower Ave. Extended Stay. They call it "Luxury Awaits!" and… well, let's just say expectations sometimes clash with reality. But hey, that's what makes a good story, right? This isn’t a dry, corporate brochure. This is real.
First Impressions &… Accessibility? (and the Escalator of Doom)
Finding the place was a breeze (thanks, Google Maps!), snuggled right up by the metro – score! Accessibility, though… that's where things got interesting. I'm no wheelchair user, BUT I noticed. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests… but the ramps felt a little… steep. And the elevator? It felt like it was built in the Eisenhower era, not for Eisenhower Ave. Also, I almost got eaten by an escalator. Okay, that's dramatic, but I tripped and thought I was going down for a second. Thank God for the quick reflexes! So, yeah, accessibility needs another look, folks.
Checking In & Out (or, The Art of the Contactless Shuffle)
The check-in/out process was actually pretty smooth. Contactless check-in/out is a godsend in these times. The staff, bless their hearts, were clearly trained in their safety protocols. Masks everywhere, hand sanitizer dispensers strategically placed – I felt relatively safe. And the front desk [24-hour] was a lifesaver when I needed a late-night coffee (more on that later).
The Room: A Sanctuary… or a Mildly Disappointing Apartment?
Okay, so the rooms… they're… fine. Let's be clear. They're functional. And that, in the extended stay world, is sometimes the highest praise you can give.
- Available in all rooms: They had damn near everything mentioned "all rooms" section, from the air conditioning (essential in DC!), to a desk to work at. The coffee/tea maker was my new best friend (and I used it).
- The Good: I loved the extra long bed. As a taller human, it felt like a slice of heaven. Also, free Wi-Fi! And not just in the rooms, but seemingly everywhere I wafted through. Internet access – wireless was flawless, and that’s critical for a remote worker like myself. The in-room safe box was handy for keeping valuables secure.
- The Not-So-Good (and a Minor Freakout): The bathroom was…adequate. The slippers were a nice touch, but I never use them. The window that opens was a welcome feature for a bit of fresh air, but my particular view was a brick wall. The soundproofing wasn’t perfect. I swear I heard a dog barking in the hallway at 3 AM one night. Also, that alarm clock? I couldn't figure out how the hell it worked, but luckily, the wake-up service kept me from missing an important call.
- The "Meh": The mini bar was present, but it was empty. Which, on the one hand, saves you money. On the other hand, what if you wanted a midnight snack from the convenience store? A real first world problem, I know.
- The Weird: Room decorations. Don't get me started on the art. I'm pretty sure my toddler could have done better.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: My Personal Coffee Crisis & the Quest for a Decent Salad
Alright, this is where things got complicated. "Luxury Awaits" apparently doesn't extend to culinary excellence.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Nope. Scratch that. It was a buffet, but really only worth eating if you are ok with eating pastries and mediocre coffee.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: The coffee situation was…a drama. The in-room coffee was fine, but the hotel restaurant's coffee…was an abomination. I’m not even exaggerating. It tasted like burnt tires mixed with sadness. This triggered a personal crisis – I NEED my morning caffeine! I ended up making multiple trips to the coffee shop across the street. A real hassle.
- Snack bar: The snack bar, was a lifesaver.
- Restaurants: The restaurants seemed promising, offering Asian cuisine, International cuisine and Western cuisine, but after the coffee debacle, I was hesitant.
- Room service [24-hour]: Another thing that kept me sane, they actually had it.
- Salad in restaurant: I did attempt a salad in restaurant. Verdict: edible, but not memorable.
I did, however, appreciate the option for an alternative meal arrangement (I'm vegetarian).
Relaxation & Recreation: The Gym, The Pool, and the Elusive Spa
- Fitness center: The fitness center was decent enough.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The swimming pool was… a pool. Nothing fancy.
- Spa:The spa*, or rather, the *idea* of a spa, was the real letdown. The brochure promised blissful spa services – *sauna, steamroom, massage*… but the actual spa was… closed. Or under renovation. Or maybe just a figment of someone's imagination. I never actually saw it open. Major points deducted here.
Cleanliness & Safety: COVID-19 Concerns (and a Sense of Security)
Okay, this is where the Eisenhower Ave. Extended Stay actually shined. They took the whole COVID thing seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: The room smelled clean.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: I saw people constantly spraying and wiping.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Big plus.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They were, and they actually seemed happy to do it.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Safe dining setup: Pretty good.
I felt reasonably safe. The safety/security feature was working, and I was glad that I had it, also, the fire extinguisher made me relax.
Services & Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Good & Meh
- Concierge: They had one of these.
- Laundry service: I did the laundry.
- Cash withdrawal: I could withdraw any cash.
- Elevator: It's there.
The doorman was a nice touch, and the daily housekeeping was efficient. I appreciated the luggage storage and the dry cleaning. The gift/souvenir shop was… small. The fact is, they offered a lot of the services you’d expect, some are decent (e.g., the laundry service) and some left something to be desired (e.g., the concierge services).
Getting Around: Parking, Taxis, and the Metro
- Car park [free of charge]: Car park was free, a huge win in the DC area.
- Taxi service: Available, but I used Uber.
- Airport transfer: Available, but I didn't need it.
For the Kids: The Babysitting Question & Family Friendliness
No kids, but I noticed some things.
- Kids meal: A little expensive
- Family/child friendly: They had kid-friendly amenities, but nothing to write home about.
- Babysitting service: They advertised this, but I didn't test it out.
In Conclusion: To Stay or Not to Stay?
Look, the Eisenhower Ave. Extended Stay isn't perfect. It has its quirks, its shortcomings (that coffee!), and its moments of… meh. But it’s also got some serious strengths: prime location, serious safety precautions, and comfy beds (hello, extra-long!).
Would I stay here again? If the price was competitive and if I knew the spa was open, maybe. If the coffee situation improved dramatically, then absolutely. Just remember, "Luxury Awaits" might need to be adjusted to "Comfort & Convenience Awaits… with a side of mild disappointment". But hey, life's like that sometimes. And at least I have a story to tell.
Escape to Paradise: Courtyard St. Augustine Beach Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because here’s the messy, unfiltered, and probably slightly sarcastic itinerary for my Extended Stay America adventure in Alexandria, VA. Prepare yourself, because I’m not a travel blogger. I’m just…me. And this is gonna be a ride.
Extended Stay America - Alexandria, VA - Eisenhower Ave. - The Reality Show (Mostly)
Day 1: Arrival and the Eternal Struggle of Luggage
- 1:00 PM - Arrive at Reagan National Airport (DCA): Okay, first of all, how is it possible to accumulate this much stuff? I swear I packed “light,” but my suitcase practically exploded in a puff of defiance when I wrestled it off the baggage carousel. Note to self: Consider adopting a minimalist lifestyle. Probably won’t happen.
- 2:00 PM - Uber to Extended Stay: The Uber driver, bless his soul, was a chatty fella. He regaled me with tales of DC traffic (prepare yourself, apparently it's a beast) and his (unsolicited) opinions on the best pizza places. I nodded and smiled, mostly because I didn't want to break my vow of starting this trip with a good mood. And because I couldn't argue with him while holding my overflowing bag.
- 2:30 PM - Check-in: Ah, the glorious Extended Stay. I mean, the aesthetic is…functional. Think "beige sanctuary" with a hint of institutional. But hey, it has a kitchenette! (I'm envisioning a culinary masterpiece of microwave popcorn and instant ramen.) The front desk person seemed exhausted. Honestly, same.
- 3:00 PM - Unpack and Assess the Damage: My room is…well, it's a room. The bed looks suspiciously like it could be a portal directly to a black hole, but I'm optimistic about surviving the night. The kitchenette does have a fridge, which is a win. (Wine, obviously.)
- 3:30 PM - The "Oh, Crap, I Forgot" Moment: Left my phone charger at home. Facepalm. Cue frantic search for a store. I'm sure there is a store… somewhere nearby. This is going to prove to be a real obstacle.
- 4:00 PM - Wandering Around, Feeling Like a Newbie: I walked outside, and the sun was warm and the streets were new. It felt amazing to be a tourist. I went for a wander around the little neighborhood, mostly to find that elusive phone charger, and made a few observations. The architecture is charming, but the sheer number of SUVs is a bit overwhelming. Also, I accidentally wandered into a park and became fascinated by watching the squirrels. They were incredibly sassy.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Debacle (Finding Food): Found a pizza place, but it was closed. Walked to the next closest restaurant, which was permanently closed. After a while of searching, I realized I was starving and decided that a grocery store was necessary. I ended up at a generic chain, and I ordered some ready-made food.
- 8:30 PM - Wine, Ramen, and Regret (Maybe a little bit): Okay, so the ramen was…ramen. The wine, however, was doing its part. Watching TV and feeling the bliss of having reached the end of the first day.
Day 2: Historical Hysteria (and a Slight Meltdown)
- 9:00 AM - Sleepy Start: Woke up feeling like I’d been run over by a bus. Maybe the wine wasn’t such a good idea. Coffee is the only option.
- 9:30 AM - "Continental" Breakfast: Let's talk about the included breakfast. Hard-boiled eggs that look like they've seen a few centuries, a questionable selection of muffins, and coffee that could probably strip paint. I choked down some coffee and fruit before heading out.
- 10:30 AM - Mount Vernon - The Good, The Bad, and the George Washington: Okay, this was the reason I came to Alexandria. I love history! I mean, I think I do (mostly). Mount Vernon was…beautiful. The house itself was stunning, the gardens were meticulously kept, and the whole place hummed with a sense of…well, it was a little sad, honestly. Seeing the enslaved people's quarters was a gut punch. It brought a tear to my eye. I’m not a big crier, mind you, but it's hard to ignore the injustices of history.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch with a Side of Guilt: Ate a sad sandwich at the Mount Vernon visitor center. Overpriced and bland. My stomach was rumbling, and I had an emotional hangover from Mount Vernon.
- 2:00 PM - Alexandria's Charm (and a Parking Disaster): Decided to explore Old Town Alexandria. Cute cobblestone streets, quaint shops…and a parking situation from hell. I drove around for a good 30 minutes, getting increasingly hangry. Finally, I managed to find a spot, only to realize it was a ridiculously expensive metered space. Cue the existential dread. Do I really need this souvenir?
- 2:30 PM - "Almost Broke the Bank" Shopping: Bought a scarf. Very pretty, and I definitely did not need it.
- 3:30 PM - Riverfront Rambles: It was peaceful, but the whole time I was worried about my parking meter.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Quest Part 2: This time, I planned. I looked up a place that was supposed to have decent food and be within walking distance. I was wrong. It wasn’t a full mile. Again.
- 7:00 PM - Rest: Back to the room. I'm exhausted. Netflix it is.
Day 3: Smithsonian Shenanigans (and a Brief Crisis)
- 9:00 AM - Wake Up and Repeat: The breakfast situation is still a tragedy. I’m losing faith.
- 9:30 AM - Hit the Road: Uber to the metro station, then the city. It was chaos.
- 10:30 AM - Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: WOW. Seriously, this was incredible. The sheer scale of the exhibits is mind-blowing. I spent hours there. Walked right up to the first plane to cross the Atlantic, and was utterly blown away.
- 1:30 PM - Food Court Frenzy: Survived the museum! Ate lunch in a crowded food court. The only emotion I had was hunger.
- 2:30 PM - The Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs rule. Also, I started getting really, really tired.
- 4:00 PM - Meltdown Alert: Suddenly, I was overwhelmed. Too many people, too much noise, too much…everything. I wanted to go home and hide under the covers. This is the emotional rollercoaster of travel, folks. Deep breaths.
- 4:30 PM - The Unexpected Oasis: Found a quiet bench in the rose garden. Sat and watched the clouds for a while.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and Debrief: Uber back to Alexandria. I ordered take-out from a small Mexican restaurant. It's decent. I’ve eaten more than I thought I would.
- 7:00 PM - More shows. This time, I will go to bed early.
Day 4: Departure (and Maybe a Modicum of Wisdom)
- 9:00 AM - Goodbye Breakfast (and the Last of the Terrible Coffee): The end is near. My stomach is not looking forward to a break from the terrible coffee.
- 9:30 AM - Pack and Reflect: I packed. Was it good? Did I experience the city? What did I learn? I’m not sure. Travel is weird.
- 10:00 AM - Check Out: Said goodbye to the beige sanctuary.
- 11:00 AM - Uber Back to the airport: I'm so exhausted. I had a very interesting trip.
- 12:00 PM - Depart: I'm off.
Final Thoughts:
Extended Stay was…serviceable. Alexandria is lovely, but also a bit… overwhelming. The Smithsonian was fantastic. The people were mostly friendly. And I probably gained five pounds. Would I do it again? Probably. Because, you know, wanderlust and all that. And hey, at least I have some stories to tell (and a slightly deflated bank account) when I get home. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And a really, really good cup of coffee.
Phoenix Getaway: Unbeatable Comfort Inn & Suites Deal!
Is "Luxury" just a fancy word for "expensive"?
Hah! Okay, let's get real. "Luxury" in the Eisenhower Ave. context… it’s a *relative* term. Picture this: I walked in, and the lobby was gleaming. Marble floors, you know the drill. My *first* thought? "Alright, alright, fancy-pants." My *second* thought, after tripping ever-so-slightly on a rug that was *slightly* out of place? "Maybe not *completely* fancy-pants." Look, the amenities are decent – we'll get to those later. But the "luxury" is more like a sophisticated illusion. It’s a well-dressed apartment. Expensive? Absolutely. Truly luxurious? Debatable. I'd say it's *aspirational* Luxury, you know? Like, they're *trying* to be luxury. And, bless their hearts, they're doing a pretty good job. Sometimes.
The apartments – are they actually nice? Spill the tea!
Okay, the apartments. This is where things get… interesting. Mine, for the most part, was pretty solid. Spacious, lots of natural light (which is GOLD in the DC area, seriously), and a kitchen that wasn't a total joke. The appliances were modern, which is a MASSIVE plus because, let's be real, I can’t cook to save my life, but I *can* make a decent frozen pizza in a modern oven. BUT… there was this one time… the showerhead. Oh, the showerhead. It decided to stage a full-blown waterworks display, completely unprompted, at 3 AM. Imagine, me, half-asleep, frantically trying to figure out how to shut off a geyser in my supposed "luxury" apartment. Ended up wearing a soggy bathrobe for the rest of the night. Maintenance got it fixed, eventually. So, yeah, nice-ish. Expect a few… *adventures*.
What about the amenities? Pool? Gym? Dog park? The good stuff!
Alright, the amenities. This is where Eisenhower Ave. *kinda* redeems itself. The pool? Lovely. Lovely until you realise it's *always* crowded with people who've clearly forgotten what "personal space" means. The gym? Functional, with decent equipment. I spent way more time there than I intended to, if I'm honest. Finally got my pull-up game on lock. The dog park? This is my happy place. If you love dogs (and who doesn't, honestly?), you're in for a treat. Watching those little fluffballs run around is pure joy. The only downside? Sometimes the owners aren't so great at cleaning up… and, well, let's just say I've developed ninja-like skills in avoiding… you know… *landmines*. But seriously, the amenities are a huge draw, especially if you're an extrovert who loves a good crowd. Or a dog owner!
Is it kid-friendly? Because I have… *a few* of those.
Kid-friendly? Hmm. That's a tough one. I saw kids. A *lot* of kids. The pool is definitely a kid magnet. There's… a playground, I think… somewhere… I never actually explored it myself. The noise levels can get kinda intense, especially in the hallways. If you're a light sleeper, or if your kids *are* light sleepers, forget it. You'll be rocking back and forth, muttering about earplugs and the sweet, sweet silence. On the flip side, there's lots of space to run around inside the apartments and the area around the complex, so your kids will probably love that. And, there's likely other families with kids hanging around. So, yeah, maybe? It depends on your pain tolerance levels. And your willingness to embrace the chaos. Good luck. You'll need it.
How's the location? Commute-wise?
Location, location, location! This is where Eisenhower Ave. *really* shines. The location is its saving grace. You're close to the Metro, which is a godsend if you're working downtown. Driving? Eh, traffic in the DC area is always a gamble. Prepared to sit for... hours. BUT. If you work near the Metro, you're golden. And access to the shops a few blocks down is great. Need to get to the airport? No problem. I will say that the area itself isn’t exactly bursting with character. It's… functional. Lots of office buildings and not much in the way of quirky local businesses. A bit of a sterile vibe, if I'm honest. But the *convenience* of the location is undeniable.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they... helpful?
Okay, the staff. Ah, yes. The staff. Look, I'm not one to complain, but… the staff is… well, it’s a mixed bag. Some are amazing. Super helpful, friendly, and genuinely seem to care. They'll remember your name and ask about your dog (that's always a win). Others… well, let's just say they could use a crash course in customer service. The communication between the various departments can be… a little lacking. One time, I thought the office forgot about me entirely. I went to pick up a package, and the front desk guy looked at me like I was speaking Martian. "You… live *here*?" he asked. Ouch. Eventually, someone found my package… buried under a pile of other packages. The staff... is a work in progress. I’ll leave it at that.
Would you recommend it? The big question!
Would I recommend it? Ugh. That’s the million-dollar question, isn't it? Look, honestly? It depends. If you're okay with a few… *quirks*… and value convenience above all else, then yeah, maybe. The location, the amenities, and the fact that the apartments are generally pretty decent are all solid pluses. But if you're looking for true "luxury" and expect everything to be perfect, you might be disappointed. Be prepared to embrace the chaos, the occasional maintenance snafu, and the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with living in a place that *wants* to be luxurious, but doesn't *always* succeed. For me? I'm kinda glad I lived there. It was an experience. Would I move back? Maybe. If the price was right... and the showerhead was fixed. And the dog park had a designated, dedicated pooper-scooper patrol. Okay, maybe. Probably. Eventually. Maybe.
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