Roanoke Airport Marriott: Unbeatable Deals & Luxury Await!
Roanoke Airport Marriott: More Than Just a Layover? Let's Dive In! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Roanoke Airport Marriott. Forget your perfectly polished, corporate brochure reviews – this is the real deal. I'm talking honest opinions, the good, the bad, and the gloriously average. Because let's be real, life isn't always a five-star Michelin experience, and neither is a hotel stay.
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First Impressions: The Good, The Grumpy, and the "Meh"
Right off the bat, let’s be clear: this place is convenient. It's right at the airport. Which is gold after a delayed flight and a rumbling stomach. That proximity? That’s probably the biggest selling point, and honestly, it delivered. The lobby? Standard hotel lobby stuff, a little generic, but clean enough. I'm not expecting a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, you know?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Frankly.
This is where things got a little… complicated. The wheelchair access was thankfully pretty good in the public areas. Elevators were available obviously, and I saw ramps where necessary. However, I didn't dig deep into every single room and cranny to check every single nuance. So, while they say it’s accessible, I can't give a definitive "gold star." More investigation needed on that front. Now, the website says something about the facilities for disabled guests, but I couldn’t personally review them. So, take that with a grain of salt and maybe call ahead to double-check.
Gotta Love That Wi-Fi! (Especially When It's FREE)
Okay, I love free Wi-Fi. And the Roanoke Airport Marriott delivers on this front. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And in the public areas! Yes, people! I was able to work, stream, and annoy my friends with endless cat videos without paying a dime for internet access. Bliss. Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services: All present and accounted for. This is important especially if you're there on a business trip, which many are considering the Business facilities available.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
The room itself? Pretty standard. Clean, which is always a win. Air conditioning blasted, which I needed after a particularly brutal flight. Blackout curtains were clutch for sleeping off the jet lag, and the bed? Comfy enough. Non-smoking rooms, thank heavens. That's seriously a deal-breaker for me.
Now, the bathroom. It had everything you needed. Good water pressure, a hair dryer, decent toiletries… nothing that made me jump for joy, but nothing that made me want to scream. The mirror was clear, which is a rare luxury these days. The towels were… well, towels. You know?
I would like to mention that I was happy to see bathrobes for some pampering, but that wasn't what got me. The most pleasing thing? Fresh, crisp linens. Such a simple pleasure.
Let's Talk About Food & Drink: The "Foodie" Finds…
Okay, the dining situation? It was a journey.
- Restaurants: They have them! Several! I’m not going to lie, I didn't try every single one. Too much to go around.
- Breakfast [buffet] and buffet in restaurant: This was the highlight. The buffet was the best!
- Room service [24-hour]: Always a lifesaver!
- Snack bar: I appreciate a good snack bar.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Coffee was okay. Nothing to write home about, but adequate for a caffeine fix.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Gym Glitches?
This is where the Marriott really tried to flex its muscles. They had a Fitness center/Gym/Fitness which I appreciated, because I needed a workout!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: A pool with a view would be nice to relax at and is a massive positive!
- Spa: Okay, this is where things got interesting. I did check out the spa… and again, it’s a mixed bag.
- Massage: The massage? Good. Not life-altering, not the worst I've had (I’ve had some pretty horrific massages, honestly), but decent.
- Things to do: All in all, the hotel has plenty.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Era Shuffle
Okay, let’s be real, in the age of… well, everything… cleanliness is paramount. I was happy to see the daily disinfection in common areas. The hand sanitizer was omnipresent, which eased my slightly neurotic mind. The staff trained in safety protocol was reassuring.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Matter
This is where the Marriott shines, or at least attempts to. Here’s what I noticed:
- Daily housekeeping: Spot on!
- Concierge: Helpful!
- Dry cleaning and Laundry service: Very helpful.
- Food Delivery: Convenient.
For the Kids: Family Friendly or… Frustrating?
I don't have kids. However, they claim to be Family/child friendly. I saw some signs for a Babysitting service, and a Kids meal.
The Overall Verdict?
The Roanoke Airport Marriott? It’s a solid choice. Not a showstopper, not a disaster. For convenience, cleanliness, and a decent night’s sleep, it’s a win. The spa is a gamble, the dining options are a mixed bag, and the accessibility report warrants more investigation. But overall? It’s a perfectly acceptable hotel. A good option for a layover, a business trip, or a quick weekend getaway. Just don’t expect fireworks.
Escape to Paradise: Days Inn Mt. Pleasant, MI – Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, bullet-pointed itinerary. This is a chaotic, glorious mess of a travel plan, Roanoke-style, from yours truly. We're going to do this Courtyard by Marriott Roanoke Airport trip wrong (meaning, we're just going to embrace the real-life chaos).
Project: Roanoke Romp (Courtyard Edition)
Day 1: Arrival & Airport Anxiety (Plus a Side of Chili)
- Time: Clock's tickin'! Landing around 2PM, which should give me enough time (famous last words when you travel, right?) to snag that rental car. Note to self: Print out the dang confirmation this time. Last trip, the rental place looked at me like I'd grown a third eye when I fumbled through my phone.
- Transportation: Fly into Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA). Pray to the travel gods for a smooth landing. I always get a little panicky on final approach. Always.
- Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Roanoke Airport. Hoping for a decent view, preferably NOT of the parking lot. Okay, deep breaths… let's get settled in.
- The Grand Question of Food: First things first: Find food. Immediately. I'm thinking something quick and Roanoke-y… Maybe a chili dog from a local joint? Searching "best chili dogs in Roanoke" as we speak. This is where the real planning begins. (Oh, and if they have good craft beer, even better!)
- Evening: Successfully checked in? Hooray! Unpacked some of my stuff (let's be honest, the suitcase will be a disaster zone by day's end). Then… I'm going to wander. See what's around the hotel. Maybe there's a sketchy convenience store within stumbling distance. You know, the ones that are always a little… interesting.
- Observation: The airport itself – it's small, which is comforting! I have a weird phobia of massive airports. They feel… judge-y. Plus, there always seems to be a random person aggressively selling luggage. No thanks!
Day 2: Blue Ridge Parkway Bliss… and Backlash
- Morning: Okay, this is the BIG day (or so I've deluded myself). The Blue Ridge Parkway. Everybody raves about it, so here goes nothing. Plan: Drive a short segment, stop at a scenic overlook (probably one with a name that sounds fancy), maybe a short hike if I'm feeling ambitious, before my morning coffee.
- Breakfast: Praying the hotel has a somewhat edible breakfast buffet. If not, the gas station's questionable coffee might be my only option (insert dramatic sigh).
- The Parkway Experience: I'm imagining myself there, windows down, wind in my hair (okay, maybe just a slight breeze). I'm prepared for the postcard-perfect views… and the inevitable traffic. Because, let's face it, beautiful scenery = people. Lots of people. Hoping to avoid the "OMG I NEED TO PULL OVER AND FILM THIS" hordes.
- Lunch: Pack a sandwich, because I am cheap! Finding a decent picnic spot is part of the charm, right? Hopefully the weather cooperates and the bugs don't eat me alive.
- Afternoon: Okay, here's where it could get dicey. The plan is ambitious: I'm contemplating a hike. A mild hike. Nothing too strenuous. Probably. I'm easily distracted by pretty rocks and squirrels, which means I'll probably manage five feet. But the intention is there! The illusion of fitness is important, people. I'll check out the Roanoke Star and Mill Mountain Park… maybe.
- Reality Check: This entire day could be a bust. The weather could be awful. The traffic could be horrendous. I could get lost. I might even get eaten by a bear. But hey! Adventure!
- My Emotional Reaction: A mix of excitement and dread. I really WANT to enjoy the Parkway, but I'm also terrified of falling into a ditch. This is the embodiment of me as a traveler, always wanting to embrace the beauty and beauty of nature, while also fearing death by natural disaster.
- Evening: Back at the hotel, hopefully scrubbed the dirt from my knees, it it's even warranted. Dinner? I'm leaning towards a local recommendation, something the hotel front desk suggests. Or maybe pizza. Let's be realistic. Pizza is always a solid choice. Plus a well-deserved adult beverage.
- Quirky Observation: I wonder if the hotel has those tiny bottles of shampoo that always leak in my luggage. They're the bane of my existence. (And if they do, I'm taking all of them. Don't judge me!)
Day 3: Downtown Dips and Departure Dilemmas
- Morning: Okay, gotta check out some of the "old" Roanoke shops and city sights. Hopefully the weather is still cooperating, because I refuse to spend this whole trip stuck indoors.
- Transportation: Drive into downtown Roanoke. Parking challenges always awaited. But the plan is to find a parking garage and hope for the best.
- Activity: Plan to hit a few Roanoke landmarks like the Taubman Museum of Art or explore the historic downtown area. I’ll try to find something cool in all these locations.
- Lunch: Probably a sandwich I picked up somewhere in the downtown area. Because, again, cheap!
- Afternoon: The dreaded packing, a task I loathe. Try to cram all my stuff in a suitcase (which will inevitably burst at the seams).
- Departure: Head back to the airport. Pray to the travel gods again for on time flight this time!
- My Emotional Reaction: Sad to leave Roanoke. The city had its moments of joy.
- Quirky Observation: I'll probably forget something. Always. My toothbrush. My charger. My sanity. It's practically a tradition.
- Messier Structure and Occasional Rambles: Roanoke, you’ve been a mixed bag. A bit of nature, a bit of city – a dash of the expected and a pinch of the bizarre. Will I come back? Who knows! The real truth is I’m a travel addict, and anything looks appealing if you’re locked in an office Monday through Friday. See you later, Virginia!
This is a bare-bones itinerary, but that's the point. It's a starting point. The real adventure is the stuff that happens along the way, the mistakes, the surprises, the random encounters with quirky locals, and the eventual realization that you forgot to pack clean socks. Embrace it! It's all part of the fun. Bon voyage (or, you know, bon Roanoke)!
Escape to Paradise: BWI Airport's Best-Kept Secret Hotel!
Roanoke Airport Marriott: Unbeatable Deals & Luxury - ...Is it, though? Let's See!
So, like, is this place *actually* luxurious? 'Cause "luxury" gets thrown around, you know?
Alright, buckle up. "Luxury" is a relative term, right? Remember that time I stayed in that... *ahem*... "luxury" yurt in Montana? Let's just say the wildlife was the main amenity, and it wasn't exactly my type of spa day. The Roanoke Airport Marriott? It's... comfortably upscale. Think good quality, not gold-plated toilet seats. Nice beds (thank GOD for the comfy beds!), clean rooms, decent-sized TVs, and a lobby that doesn't scream "budget motel." The lobby *does* get a little crowded at peak times, I remember getting completely mowed over by a wedding party once. But luxury? Let's say... *refined convenience* with a smile, and not a full-blown palace. Unless you get the Presidential Suite, then maybe. I wouldn't know, I'm not *that* fancy!
Is the location good? I'm flying in, duh.
Well, hello Captain Obvious! Yep, it's right *there*. Like, practically *in* the airport. You can practically roll out of baggage claim and into the hotel. That's a huge win, especially after a flight where you're pretty sure your soul has been sucked dry by recycled air. The shuttle is quick and easy. Seriously, I almost *missed* the shuttle once because I was gawking at a particularly majestic flock of pigeons... but I digress! The hotel's close to everything you need, including the airport, but you're also fairly close to downtown Roanoke. I mean, you're not *walking* there, mind you. But you should definitely get a rental car so you don't have to rely on Ubers or Taxis.
What about the food? Hotel restaurants are notoriously...hit or miss.
Okay, this is where things get a *teeny* bit messy. The restaurant, "Shula's 347 Grill"... is good, but expensive. The steak I had there was absolutely *divine*. Cooked EXACTLY how I wanted it, and it was like a religious experience, seriously!. But that whole "religious experience" thing? It hit my wallet *hard*. Like, REALLY hard! My advice? Enjoy it for the splurge, or get a quick bite at the lounge (the nachos are pretty decent for a quick snack). The Starbucks is a lifesaver in the mornings for that caffeine fix. Just...pack a sandwich or two for the room if you're on a budget. This is America, after all.
Are there any hidden costs or fees I should be aware of? Because no one likes surprise charges.
Ah, the dreaded "hidden fees." The Roanoke Airport Marriott is fairly transparent, which is a relief to a paranoid booker like myself. There's parking fees, which, you know, is what it is. Also, if you are a Marriott Bonvoy member, make sure that you log in. Otherwise, you'll miss out on the loyalty programs, and trust me, those points SAVE YOU MONEY! Check your bill carefully, as you should at *any* hotel, just in case. Other than that, you should be good.
Do they have a pool? Because sometimes, you just *need* a pool.
Yes! They DO have a pool. It's... a pool. Indoors! They do have a fitness center. Honestly, after the steak at Shula's, you'll want to hit the treadmill. Well, *I* did, anyway. My inner voice was screaming, "Nooooooo! But the dessert!" I can definitely recommend. So, a pool is a plus!
Okay, so I've read some reviews about noise from the planes. Is this a problem?
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room... or, rather, the elephant… *in the air.* The noise! Yes, you're near an airport. But it is not constant, I promise. The windows are actually pretty good at blocking the noise. I didn't have any problems with noise during my stay. But let's be real, you're NOT in the middle of rural silence. If you're a super light sleeper, bring earplugs, or request a room away from the flight path if that's an option. But honestly, I slept like a log.
Is there anything *really* bad about this place?
Okay, I'm gonna be brutally honest here. The elevator situation is… *iffy* at times. Like, the wait can be a little long during peak hours. So, if you're on the 10th floor and you're in a hurry, expect a bit of a wait. And, well, I do wish the hotel had a cute little convenience store. I always want to grab some snacks at 3 AM...and that can be hard to find. Aside from that, I don't really have any other gripes, honestly.
Overall Review?
Look, it's a solid choice. For an airport hotel, it's surprisingly pleasant. The convenience and quick access to the airport are a huge plus. Overall I'd give it a solid 4/5, it's not perfect but it's pretty darn good. I would definitely go back.
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