Escape to Paradise: Red Lion Inn & Suites Vancouver Salmon Creek Awaits!
Escape to Paradise… or Just Vancouver Salmon Creek? A Messy Review of Red Lion Inn & Suites
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sanitized hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth about Red Lion Inn & Suites Vancouver Salmon Creek, and frankly, after my stay? I need a stiff drink (thank goodness for the… well, we'll get there). Let's dive in, shall we?
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Gotta Play the Game):
- Keywords: Red Lion Inn & Suites, Vancouver Salmon Creek, hotel review, accessible hotel, inclusive amenities, spa, pool, free Wi-Fi, dining, family-friendly, pet-friendly (maybe not!), clean hotel, safe stay, travel Vancouver, WA.
- Meta Description: Honest and detailed review of Red Lion Inn & Suites Vancouver Salmon Creek. Accessibility, dining, spa, cleanliness, and more! Plus, a whole lotta real-life impressions (and maybe some ranting).
First Impressions… and Immediate Problems (and the Front Desk Lady’s Eyes…wow):
Arriving felt… ordinary. The exterior wasn’t exactly beckoning me to paradise. More… "meh." But hey, I'm a glass-half-full kinda gal (usually after a few drinks). Parking was plentiful, which is a major win. It was free, too, which is rare these days, and always a bonus. Score one for RL.
Immediately I needed to get the lay of the land and ask about how the rooms were on the upper floors. The front desk experience… was… interesting. A very nice lady was there, but the other one… I swear, her eyes could cut through steel. She made it clear that I was interrupting something, which was apparently just staring into space. But I needed the information.
Accessibility: The Highs, the Lows… and That Elevator (Oh, That Elevator!)
Okay, I'm going to be brutally honest about the accessibility. This is important. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, mostly. The lobby was fine, the hallways seemed wide enough, and, thank goodness, there is an elevator. However, that elevator. Ugh, that elevator. It was slow. Painfully slow. And, I swear, it smelled vaguely of… disappointment. It made me have to think about what's important, you know?!
If you need a wheelchair-accessible room, check, double-check, and triple-check before you book. Because, you know, sometimes the descriptions are, shall we say, optimistic.
My Room: A Mixed Bag (And Those Blackout Curtains… Bless Them!)
My room? It varied. Let's start with the good: Blackout curtains! Oh, hallelujah! Sleep is sacred, and these things were a godsend. They blocked out EVERY SINGLE RAY of light. Honestly, they almost made me late for breakfast. Almost. Also, the bed was comfy, and the pillows… well, they weren't the worst I've ever slept on. The internet? Yep, free Wi-Fi in the room, and it actually worked (mostly). Extra long bed which was appreciated. Bathroom was big but not huge and was well laid out.
Now for the less-than-stellar: The decor was… bland. Beige on beige on beige. It could use a serious injection of personality, maybe some more color? I'm thinking some interesting art pieces, something… anything!
Cleanliness and Safety: Did I Survive?
Look, I'm a little germophobic, so this is a big one for me. And honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. This is where Red Lion shines. Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly in use (you could smell it), and I did see staff actually cleaning. The room seemed freshly sanitized. Rooms are sanitized between stays which is a relief, and daily disinfection in common areas made a positive impression
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Ups and Downs of Feeding Yourself
Okay, the food situation. Let's be real, this is a hotel, not a Michelin-starred restaurant. The breakfast buffet (that's a win for those of us who love a good "free" meal in a hotel) was… decent. Standard hotel fare: scrambled eggs, sausage, waffles, cereal. Nothing to write home about, but it filled the gap. Breakfast takeaway service was available, a nice touch, especially if you're in a hurry (or just want to eat in your pajamas after a rough night).
Restaurants? There was a restaurant, but the menu was limited. The coffee shop was a good thing, if you could find it. However, the room service hours were fantastic (24-hours!) which is always a plus.
Ways to Relax (or Try to): Spa, Gym, and Pool with a View of… What?
They tout a Spa, and Gym/Fitness, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Pool with view, and Swimming pool. Let me tell you, it was a very long walk – a mini-marathon from my room! Finally, I arrived to a pool area that, I presume, had more to offer on a certain day. I would have enjoyed more time, but my expectations were very low, so it was, well, it was "okay".
Services and Conveniences: The Essentials… and the Unexpected
The basics were there: air conditioning in public areas, daily housekeeping, laundry service, etc. The front desk was 24-hour, which is vital. I also noticed a concierge (though I didn't use it), I appreciated a safe box in the room, because I am paranoid of valuables. The lack of a Convenience store was disappointing. I needed snacks, you know? A gift/souvenir shop would have been nice, too, to bring back things to my family.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
I didn't bring any kids with me, but it felt like they were catered to.
Getting Around: Parking, Airport Transfers, and My Love-Hate Relationship with the Car
As mentioned, car park [free of charge] was a huge win! Saved me a few bucks, and that's always appreciated. I didn’t need airport transfer, bicycle parking, car park [on-site], car power charging station, taxi service, and valet parking. I did use the car, quite extensively.
The Elephant in the Room: The Overall Vibe
Look, the Red Lion Inn & Suites Vancouver Salmon Creek isn’t going to win any awards for its personality. It's functional. It's clean. It has a good location, in my opinion. It’s a solid, reliable choice. It's not going to blow your mind, but it'll provide a comfortable base for exploring the area.
My Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Honestly? Yes, I probably would. It's competitively priced, the location is convenient, and the cleanliness is a major selling point for me. I'd just lower my expectations, pack my own snacks, and maybe invest in a good book to distract me from the beige-ness. And definitely double-check that elevator! All in all, it's a perfectly acceptable, if slightly bland, escape. Just… don't expect paradise. Expect… Vancouver Salmon Creek. And that's okay.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into a trip planning dumpster fire… I mean, itinerary for the Red Lion Inn & Suites in Vancouver, Washington. Remember, this is real travel. There will be tears (probably mine), hopefully some laughter, and a healthy dose of "what was I thinking?"
The (Un)Official Red Lion Rhapsody: Vancouver, WA - A Messy Memoir
Pre-Trip Meltdown (AKA The "Planning" Phase):
The Dream: Okay, the dream was "peaceful Pacific Northwest getaway." Picture it: misty mornings, a cozy hotel, maybe a hike, definitely some good coffee. Reality? A screaming toddler, a forgotten passport (nearly, anyway – crisis averted!), and the sinking feeling I'd booked the wrong dates. I'm already exhausted, and we haven't even left the house.
The Red Lion Conundrum: I chose the Red Lion thinking it was strategically located: close proximity to the airport (PDX), easy access to some parks (that's the plan), and… well, it seemed like a decent price. I have, however, also heard some not-so-great reviews about some Red Lions across the US. I am now holding my breath. Let's just say, I hoped for charm, and I was prepared for basic.
Day 1: Arrival, Awkwardness, and a Plea for Coffee
Morning: The flight. Oh, the flight. The toddler, as predicted, was a whirling dervish of chaos. Chewing on seatbelts, shrieking at the flight attendants (who, bless their hearts, were remarkably patient). Me? I'm pretty sure I aged a decade.
Afternoon (Check-in): We finally arrive at the hotel – which, from the lobby, at least, is totally fine. Check-in went surprisingly smoothly. Now, the room. It’s… a room. Decent size, thankfully. The view? Well, it isn't anything, but is also okay (I just checked, if I could be honest, it could have been better, but I am not complaining). The air conditioning, which worked a treat! It is August, and it is hot here.
The Coffee Crisis: Seriously. Where is the good coffee? The in-room coffee maker is… adequate. We need something stronger. I scour the hotel grounds, and I find… nothing. A sad little vending machine with instant coffee and a generic Starbucks. The world feels bleak. I vow to hunt down a real coffee experience tomorrow. This is a matter of life and death, people!
Dinner Dilemma: Okay, after a short rest, we are ready to go to dinner. But first, the dinner dilemma. Vancouver, WA. What to choose? I went with Taco Tuesday and we went to a local Mexican restaurant. It was good and cheap. Score!
Day 2: Nature's Embrace (and a Near-Miss)*
Morning After a good night's sleep, I started my day hunting for coffee. After a short search, I found a great little coffee shop. It was a beacon of hope in a sea of mediocrity. I'm now buzzing with caffeine, and ready for anything.
Afternoon: I decided to go to the Park. I had a wonderful time until the toddler, who was really in full form, decided to make a run for the water. I pulled him back, but I had a moment: I was so tired!
Evening: After the Park incident, I decided to have a relaxing dinner in the room. The Red Lion had takeout from a local restaurant. It was great!
Day 3: Departure and Reflections
- Morning: The dreaded packing. This is the part where I always question every single decision I made while packing. I vow to travel lighter next time. The toddler throws a tantrum because I attempt to pack his favorite stuffed dinosaur. I negotiate. We're getting somewhere.
- Departure: The worst part of the whole trip. Saying goodbye to a place you had some fun, but will not surely go back. I left the place with mixed feelings.
Final Verdict:
The Red Lion? It was a place that felt like home to me, but not a place I'd recommend. the room was too simple. The location was convenient, the staff was nice, and the coffee, eventually, saved me. It’s definitely not the luxurious getaway I envisioned, but hey. It got me through a family trip that was fun. Would I go back? Maybe. But I'd pack my own coffee maker. And possibly a straitjacket, just in case.
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Escape to Paradise: Red Lion Inn & Suites Vancouver Salmon Creek - FAQs (and a Whole Lot More!)
Okay, seriously, is this place actually *paradise*? The Red Lion, Vancouver, Salmon Creek?
Paradise? Woah there, slow your horses! Let's just say the *promise* of paradise is maybe a *little* over-egged. (And honestly, who can resist a good theme, right?) Look, it's not like you're landing on a deserted island with coconuts and a butler. It's the Red Lion, Vancouver, Salmon Creek. Practical, functional, and... well, *slightly* less glamorous than the advertising leads you to believe.
My first impression? Okay, *mild* panic. You know, the one where you're like, "Did I book the right place? Is the address correct? Is this going to be... a *thing*?" Let me be honest: the exterior doesn't exactly scream "luxury resort." It's more like "solid, dependable roadside stop." But hey, I'm all about lowering expectations, so I was already winning!
But, then, the staff! Now *they* were lovely. Seriously, a lifesaver when I was a bit frazzled after a delayed flight. I mean, if 'heavenly staff' is a category, then yes, maybe it is closer to paradise than a rundown airport hotel.
Speaking of staff, are they actually helpful? Because "helpful" in hotel-speak can mean anything from "barely functional" to "actively trying to avoid eye contact."
Okay, buckle up because I'm about to gush. The staff? Beyond helpful. Like, genuinely *nice* helpful. Remember my delayed flight? They were all about it. I'm not kidding, *everyone* was friendly and approachable. They even put on a smile for my early morning coffee run where I was still half-asleep.
You know how sometimes you get this feeling like you're bothering someone by even *asking* a question? No trace of that here. They helped with directions, recommendations, just generally being… well, *helpful*. That's a big win, right? Because a good hotel can be ruined by bad staff but great staff can *almost* make up for a mediocre hotel.
The free breakfast… is it worth getting out of bed for? Be honest. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Alright, let's talk breakfast. Free breakfast. The Holy Grail of the budget traveler. And? It was… fine. Look, don't expect a Michelin-star brunch. But it did the job. Cereal, bagels, yogurt, some sad-looking fruit that I'm pretty sure had seen better days. But hey, coffee! And I'll take a coffee over questionable fruit any day.
The best part? The waffle maker! That little guy held so much promise. I got a bit overzealous on the first day, maybe. (And by "maybe," I mean I made three waffles, covered in syrup, and nearly choked myself with pure deliciousness). Okay, maybe *too* much syrup. But still, those waffles, man. They were the unsung hero of that stay. Seriously, I might go back just for the waffles.
Okay, okay, I'm exaggerating. But the point is, it's *serviceable*. It fills the hole. It gets you going. It's free. And sometimes, that's all you need in this crazy, crazy world.
What about the rooms? Clean? Spacious? Or more "motel 6 chic?"
The rooms… okay, the rooms are… a room. They were clean, which is a huge plus in my book. And spacious enough. Not exactly the Presidential Suite, mind you. But I didn't feel like I was trapped in a phone booth.
The decor? Let's just say it's… classic Red Lion. Think neutral tones, a vaguely-hotel-y aesthetic, and maybe a slightly dated vibe. Nothing offensive, nothing particularly exciting. It was a perfectly adequate place. A clean, comfortable place to crash after a long day of… well, whatever you're doing in Vancouver, Salmon Creek.
Here's the thing: I'm not really about living in a picture-perfect hotel room. So for me, this was all just gravy.
Is the location convenient? Are you going to spend your whole trip stuck in traffic?
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The location? Salmon Creek. Vancouver, Washington. Not *Vancouver* Vancouver, B.C. Let me tell you, I did, for a brief, mortifying moment, mix those up. A good lesson in geography.
But more importantly, the Salmon Creek area itself? It's… fine. It's not right in the thick of all the action. You need a car. But there are restaurants and shops nearby. It's easy to get to the highway, and if you're planning on exploring the area (which you should!), it's a decent base camp. Traffic wasn’t awful, which, coming from *any* major city, is a relief.
If you're hoping to walk everywhere, this might not be the place for you. But if you're okay with driving, it's a pretty good jumping-off point for exploring the area. And hey, less city noise! I'm all about that.
Any downsides? Because no place is perfect. Spill the tea!
Okay, here's the messy part. First off, I'm going to talk about the air conditioning: in the summer, it wasn't the strongest. I like it *cold* at night, so I had to adjust some things. It wasn't awful though - manageable. And the pool. I was hoping for some serious relaxation. It looked a little… small. And, the water was a little murky. I didn't go for a swim, which was disappointing, because the advertising promised me watery oasis.
My biggest 'downside'? The elevator. Now, to be honest, it didn't *break* per se. But it made some... interesting noises. And there were times it was slow. Clattering and whirring. It made me a bit nervous, every single time I rode it. That's it. That really is it. A little creaky elevator. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with my stay.
The biggest issue? Me. I overpacked and regretted it. That's not the hotel's fault!
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