Crater Lake Getaway: Best Western White City's Hidden Gem!
Okay, let's dive into this hotel review, shall we? Buckle up, because it's gonna be a bumpy, unfiltered ride. I'll be your messy, opinionated, and hopefully hilarious guide. And let's be honest, ain't nobody got time for perfection.
Title: Hotel Review: Where the Pool is Pretty, the Wi-Fi is Free (Thank God), and My Stomach Had a Few Adventures
(Meta Keywords: Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Dining, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Location, [Hotel Name - Use the actual name!], Review, Travel, Vacation)
Alright, so, you book a hotel. You hope for the best. Me? I went in with the usual mix of optimism and dread. Let's unpack this, shall we?
Accessibility: (A+ for some, F for others?)
Okay, HUGE shout-out to them for mentioning accessibility. Look, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I know it's a huge deal. They say "Facilities for disabled guests" and "Wheelchair Accessible," but the proof is in the pudding, ya know? I did spot an elevator, which is a good start. But I'm betting it's not a perfect experience for everyone. Let me know if anyone has some personal experience. I am putting a caveat in there, and that's the real world. *(Anecdote: I once stayed at a hotel that *claimed* accessibility. Let's just say my grandma's walker wouldn't have made it past the lobby. Frustrating.)*
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: I'm guessing there is some. Again, need some details.
Internet: (Free Wi-Fi? Praise the Gods!)
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Oh, hallelujah. Thank the internet gods. This is a must-have in this day and age. And "Internet [LAN]"? For those who apparently still like wires, you go, glen coco! "Wi-Fi in public areas?" Yes, because sometimes you just need to Instagram your poolside cocktail immediately.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: (Spa Day, Anyone?)
- Pool with view: Yep, always a plus. I'm a sucker for a good pool, especially with a good view chefs kiss.
- Fitness center: Okay, I may have glanced at the gym. From the outside. Once. Don't judge.
- Spa/sauna/steamroom: Now, this is more my speed. Body scrub? Body wrap? Yes, please. I need all the self-care. The sauna is a must. The steamroom, I'm a sucker for, I'll admit it.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: See pool with view
- Massage: This is my weakness. Give me a massage any day.
(Anecdote: I'd do almost anything for a good Thai massage after a long flight. Almost.)
Cleanliness and Safety: (COVID-19 Edition)
This is where things get interesting. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer," "Room sanitization opt-out available," and "Staff trained in safety protocol." Sounds good on paper, right? The proof is very important right now. Seeing staff cleaning is a good start. The hand sanitizer is what I want to know. I trust no one.
- "Individually-wrapped food options" "Safe dining setup," "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items," - YES. This is how you have to do it now.
"Physical distancing of at least 1 meter". Good.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (My Stomach's Diary)
- "A la carte in restaurant," Good.
- "Asian breakfast," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "Buffet in restaurant," "Coffee/tea in restaurant," "International cuisine in restaurant" - All good.
- "Poolside bar," "Bar," Happy hour? I'm there.
- "Breakfast [buffet]" Yep. I love it.
- "Room service [24-hour]" - Fantastic! Especially if you're me and love to order random snacks at 2 AM.
- "Desserts in restaurant," "Salad in restaurant," "Soup in restaurant," "Vegetarian restaurant," "Western breakfast," "Western cuisine in restaurant". YES!
- "Bottle of water" A necessity.
(Messy Food Diary Entry: Day 1) - Okay, so the "Asian breakfast" was… well, let's just say the noodles weren't exactly al dente. The coffee? Weak. But hey, at least the buffet had a decent selection of fruit. The "Happy hour" was a lifesaver - I can tell you!
Services and Conveniences: (The Essentials)
- "Air conditioning in public area" - Essential
- "Business facilities". Not important to me but good for the business people.
- "Concierge". Always helpful to find hidden gems.
- "Daily housekeeping" - Yes please!
- "Elevator" - Always good.
- "Laundry service," Because ain't nobody got time for washing underwear on vacation.
- "Safety deposit boxes" - Nice for peace of mind.
- "Terrace" - Great for unwinding and enjoying the views.
(Emotional Reaction: I love a good terrace! Give me a comfy chair, a drink, and a view, and I'm in heaven.)
For the Kids: (Babysitting and all that jazz…)
"Family/child friendly," "Kids facilities," "Kids meal," - Great for families!
Access & Security: (Feeling Safe, Hopefully)
- "CCTV in common areas, "CCTV outside property," "Check-in/out [express]," "Check-in/out [private]," "Fire extinguisher," "Front desk [24-hour]," "Non-smoking rooms," "Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed," "Room decorations," "Safety/security feature," "Security [24-hour]," "Smoke alarms"
- I LOVE 24-hour security. Always.
- Smoke alarms - important.
- Non-smoking rooms - crucial.
(Quirky Observation: I always check for smoke alarms. I'm paranoid about fire. Sue me.)
Getting Around: (Getting Home)
- "Airport transfer," "Car park [free of charge]," "Taxi service," "Valet parking," - Awesome.
- "Car park [on-site],"
Available in all rooms:
- "Air conditioning," YES!
- "Free bottled water", Yes.
- "Internet access – wireless,"
- "Hair dryer,"
- "Non-smoking,"
- "Shower,"
- "Wi-Fi [free]".
(Anecdote: Forgot to mention, I can't sleep in the cold! AC is a life-saver.)
(Final Verdict: Mixed bag, leaning toward positive. But I'm still waiting to see the real magic. Overall, I enjoyed myself, but I'm keeping my expectations in check next time. You know, the human way.)
That's the kind of review I'd write. Now, go book that room, but don't say I didn't warn you.
Raleigh-Durham Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Morrisville!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a White City/Medford adventure that's less "perfect Instagram post" and more "real-life human stumbling through the Oregon wilderness." And let me tell you, I'm the human, so prepare for some glorious mess. We're talking Best Western, Crater Lake Highway, remember? Let's see what kind of chaos we can stir up, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Disappointment (and Maybe Pizza?)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Medford-Jackson County Airport (MFR). Already, things aren't smooth. The flight was delayed. Surprise, surprise. Feeling a little hangry and I'm already plotting my escape.
- 1:30 PM: Rent a car. Hopefully, it’s not some rusty bucket. I need something that won't die halfway to Crater Lake. Crossing my fingers for decent air conditioning too, because, you know, Oregon sun can be a real thing sometimes.
- 2:30 PM: Check into the Best Western. Okay, okay, first impressions: Lobby's… fine. Not exactly the Ritz, but hey, free continental breakfast, right? That could be a game changer. The room? Well, it has a bed. And a TV. Maybe some decent channels. Priorities, people, priorities.
- 3:00 PM: Unpack (or, more accurately, toss suitcase onto the bed and assess the damage). The unpacking will come later, maybe. First, a survey of my kingdom. Is the WiFi fast? Is the coffee maker functional? Are there enough outlets for my essential devices? These are the questions that truly matter.
- 4:00 PM: Consider venturing out for some actual food. Brainstorming food options (pizza, maybe?). Finding a place that isn't a chain is a must. Gotta get a local flavor, even if it’s just by eating a ridiculously large slice of pizza.
- 6:00 PM: Pizza acquired! (Hopefully, it's actually good pizza.) Eating pizza in the hotel room (because, let's be honest, I'm exhausted). Reflect on the day. Realize I missed half the stuff I wanted to do. Sigh. Embrace the imperfection.
Day 2: Crater Lake (and Existential Dread)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Breakfast time! Free continental breakfast is the only thing that has saved me today, so it's all a win.
- 8:30 AM: Attempt to leave. Realize I left my phone charger. Curse under my breath. (Maybe out loud.) Find the charger. Finally, embark on the drive to Crater Lake National Park. It's a beautiful drive, and I'm feeling giddy with anticipation.
- Around 10:30 AM: Arrive at Crater Lake. OH. MY. GOD. This is the moment. It's…stunning. Pictures don’t do it justice. The color of the water is unreal. It's like someone spilled a bottle of sapphires into a giant bowl of water. Feel a wave of… well, awe. And then, a quick, sharp pang of existential dread. What am I even doing with my life? But, hey, the lake is gorgeous, right?
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail. (This is the ONLY access to the lake!) It is a steep hike. Seriously. I mean, my legs are SCREAMING. I’m huffing and puffing like an old steam engine. The view from down at the lake is even better than at the top, but that was a tough trek.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Drive the Rim Drive. More gorgeous views. Take a million photos even though I know half won't do it justice. Spend too long at a scenic overlook and almost miss an exit. (Oops.)
- 4:00 PM: Back in the car. Realization that maybe I should have planned for more Crater Lake time. I spend literally all day there. I don’t even care. This one experience deserves it.
- 5:00 PM: Head back to the hotel.
- 6:00 PM: Pizza, again. (Don't judge. It's convenient.) Reflect on the day. Realize that the beauty of nature can make you forget about all the small, annoying things. And for just a little bit, that's pretty damn amazing.
Day 3: Medford and the Road Home (And Regrets, I’ve Had a Few)
- 8:00 AM: Farewell hotel breakfast. Try to be cheerful. Fail.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. Say a silent thank you to the Best Western employees for putting up with me.
- 9:30 AM: Explore Medford. Visit the Medford Rogue Historical Museum; learn a little bit about the area.
- 11:00 AM: Explore the local shops, buy some souvenirs, talk to strangers (at least, try to).
- 12:00 PM: Find a local diner. (Maybe another pizza? Just kidding… maybe.) Eat too much. Regret it immediately.
- 1:00 PM: Head back to the airport. Realize I should have stayed longer.
- 3:00 PM: Board the plane. Reflect on the trip. Feel slightly melancholy mixed with a good dose of gratitude.
- Thoughts: Next time, I'll pack lighter. I'll plan better. I'll… I'll still probably eat pizza. And, honestly? That's okay. This trip was as much a part of me as I am a part of it. And now, time to tell everyone about my (mostly) unforgettable Oregon adventure.
So, what even IS this "thing" we're supposedly "doing"?
Ugh, okay. Let's just rip the Band-Aid off. It's... well, it's a thing, alright? A thing that tries to... I don't even know. Sometimes it feels like trying to herd cats while juggling chainsaws. Basically, the goal is to build... something. What something? That's the real question. Some people are building empires made of money. Others are building relationships made of memories, and still others are building sandcastles on the beach that will be destroyed by the tide in a few hours. The point is, there's building involved. And paperwork, probably. And...coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. Oh, and don't get me started on the jargon. You'll need a translator. Possibly a therapist.
Why am I doing this? Seriously. Why? Is there like, a prize?
The prize? Ha! That's a good one. Honestly, I ask myself that *daily*. Sometimes, it's for the sheer thrill of it. That moment when the pieces *finally* click into place, the "Eureka!" moment? That's a powerful drug. Other times? Pure, unadulterated stubbornness. "I started this dang thing, and I'm going to finish it, even if it kills me!" (Don't worry, I'm probably exaggerating... a little.) Maybe it's just the existential dread of doing *nothing*. Being unproductive. Falling into the void. The idea of the void scares me, so I keep working. But seriously, a better prize would be nice. Like, a lifetime supply of really good pizza. Or a kitten. I like kittens.
This All Sounds Hard. Is it?
Hard? Oh honey, it’s not just hard, it’s a marathon in a hurricane wearing clown shoes. Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic... But really, yeah. It's hard. Some days you're a superhero, conquering the world. Other days, you're curled up in a fetal position, questioning every single life choice you've ever made, staring at a blank screen, wondering if you should just give up and become a llama farmer. (Llamas seem pretty chill, tbh). There are days when you'll be pulling your hair out, and then there are days where you think you're absolutely brilliant. The key? Ride the waves. And invest in strong coffee. And maybe a therapist. I've heard they're useful.
What's been the Biggest Disaster so Far? Tell Me Everything!
Oh, where do I even *begin*? Okay, buckle up. There was the time I accidentally sent a VERY strongly worded email (to the wrong person, of course) that involved a lot of exclamation points and a few choice... adjectives. Let's just say HR wasn't thrilled. Then there was the presentation that I spent weeks prepping for, only to have the projector die *mid-sentence*. And the catering...oh, the catering. I once ordered sushi for a client meeting, and the delivery guy showed up three hours late...with the sushi *unrefrigerated*. (I'm still traumatized by that one.) But honestly? The biggest disaster? Probably the time I thought I could handle everything myself. I thought I was Wonder Woman. Turns out, I'm not. I burned out. Badly. I ignored my friends, my family, my health, everything. I ate nothing but instant noodles and lived on caffeine. It wasn't pretty. I learned the hard way that asking for help isn't weakness, it's survival. And now I actually have a support system. It has really taught me to keep up with my personal health as much as possible.
Okay, Okay, What's the BEST thing? The real upside?
The BEST thing? Okay, I'm getting all mushy and sentimental here, so brace yourselves. It's the feeling. The feeling of... *creating*. Of taking an idea, a spark, a... *thing*... and turning it into something real. Something that didn't exist before. It's the people you meet. The people who believe in you, even when you don't believe in yourself. It's the moments of genuine connection, the laughter, the shared struggles, the victories (even the tiny ones). It's the freedom to, well, *be*. To be yourself, quirks and all. And the freedom to work in pajamas, which is a huge bonus, let me tell you. And also that I learn something new pretty much every single day.
Any Regrets? Would You Do It Again?
Regrets? Oh, honey, I have a filing cabinet full of them. But would I do it again? Absolutely. Even with the sleepless nights, the crippling self-doubt, and the occasional (frequent) moments of wanting to throw my laptop out the window. Because, despite the chaos, the exhaustion, and the occasional existential crisis, it's...worth it. It's my chaos. It's my messy, imperfect, beautiful, terrifying chaos. And I wouldn't trade it for all the llamas in the world. (Okay, maybe for a *few* llamas. They *are* pretty cute.) And also, I have learned something. I'm still learning.
What Advice Do You Have? (And be honest!)
Okay, here's the hard truth, straight from the trenches: * **Take care of yourself.** Seriously. Sleep, eat, exercise, and for the love of all that is holy, step away from the screen sometimes. Your brain (and your sanity) will thank you. * **Ask for help.** Don't be a hero. You can't do it all. It's a sign of strength, not weakness. * **Embrace the mess.** It's going to be messy. Expect it. Embrace it. Learn to laugh at your mistakes (because you're going to make plenty). * **Find your people.** Surround yourself with people who support you, believe in you, and make you laugh. They'll be your lifeline. * **Celebrate the small victories.** Because sometimes, just showing up is a victory. And a good cup of coffee deserves its own parade. * **Don't quit!** Even when it's hard. Even when you want to, keep going. You've got this.
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