Oxford's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Oasis Awaits in MS!
Oxford's Hidden Gem Review: Courtyard Oasis Awaits in MS! (Spoiler: It's Surprisingly Good…Mostly.)
Okay, so Oxford, Mississippi. Home of the Rebs, Faulkner's haunt, and, apparently, a surprisingly decent hotel called "Courtyard Oasis Awaits in MS!" (Yes, that's the actual name. It's a bit…enthusiastic, isn't it?). I went in expecting your run-of-the-mill, "meh" motel. But, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (probably sanitized) tea.
First Impressions: The Curb Appeal (or Lack Thereof)
Let's be honest. The exterior isn't gonna win any architectural awards. Think…functional. But the inside? That's where things get interesting. The lobby is…gasp…actually modern! Think clean lines, pops of color, and a (thankfully) functioning air conditioner. (Because, Oxford in the summer? Honey, it's a sauna.)
Accessibility: A Few Stumbles, But Mostly Good
Right off the bat, the hotel tries to be accessible. There's an elevator (praise the heavens!), and they list "Facilities for disabled guests" on their list of "Services and Conveniences." The website claims wheelchair accessibility, but navigating around the pool area, particularly near those very picturesque (and potentially treacherous) stone walkways, could be a bit of a dice roll. The main entrance is fine, and the front door area is easy to maneuver.
The Room: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
Alright, so let's talk room. I booked a "non-smoking," which, whew, was actually true. The air conditioning worked (again, HUGE plus in Mississippi). The bed? Comfortable enough. You know, the kind where you sink in just enough to feel like you're actually resting. They have those "extra long bed," which I like it. I never had to worry about having my feet hanging off the edge of the bed (a pet peeve of mine).
They have pretty much everything you need in the rooms: Air conditioning, a closet to hang up your clothes, a mirror, and even a scale. The complimentary tea and coffee are nice, too. They even have a seating area! They also equipped the room with a desk, a desk lamp, and a chair. The rooms have free Wi-Fi, as expected, and I can verify that you don't have to pay for it. "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" is true.
The Bathroom: A Tale of Two Toilets (Figuratively Speaking)
My biggest gripe? The bathroom. It was clean, thankfully. I'm a stickler for clean bathrooms. They're the barometer of a good hotel, in my opinion. However, the shower…it was one of those slightly-too-small, slightly-too-low-pressure, showerheads. So you have to sit in the shower, which is weird. Also, there was a bit of a mildew situation developing in the grout. Tiny, but noticeable. I'd probably opt for a different room if I stayed here again.
On the plus side, the toiletries were surprisingly decent. And, I do appreciate the "additional toilet" offered. They also included a sink and a hair dryer.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food (Emphasis Not Always Where You'd Expect)
Okay, here's where things get… interesting. The hotel does have a restaurant. And, they offer "Asian breakfast," "Asian cuisine in restaurant," "Breakfast [buffet]," "Breakfast service," "Buffet in restaurant," "Coffee/tea in restaurant," "Desserts in restaurant," "International cuisine in restaurant," "Restaurants," "Salad in restaurant," "Snack bar," "Soup in restaurant," "Vegetarian restaurant," "Western breakfast," and "Western cuisine in restaurant." Phew! That's a lot.
However, the description on the website and menu are a little bit off. The "Asian breakfast" was, let's say, a creative interpretation of Asian cuisine. Mostly, I got a plate of scrambled eggs, some bacon, and a questionable sausage link (that I tentatively poked at, but didn't dare taste). The breakfast buffet was… underwhelming. Think rubbery scrambled eggs and slightly stale pastries. But a very polite staff. And the coffee? Surprisingly decent.
The "Coffee shop" was closed. The Poolside bar (yes, there is a pool) seemed perpetually unattended. I never saw anyone serving drinks at the pool, so I couldn't test out the "Happy hour" and the bottle of water was good, but not great.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Pool Party or Spa Day? (Maybe Not)
The website brags about a pool (“Swimming pool [outdoor]”, "Pool with view.") and a "Spa/sauna." Jackpot, right? Wrong. The pool was pretty meh. It looked clean, at least. And it's open! They also have a "Fitness center" and "Gym/fitness."
The spa, on the other hand… well, that's where the "Courtyard Oasis" bit comes into play. I booked a massage. Oh my god. It was… heavenly. The masseuse, bless her heart, was a true artist. Seriously, I felt like a limp noodle afterwards, in the best way possible. The "Body scrub" and "Body wrap" were really inviting, but I didn't have the opportunity.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-Era Precautions (Mostly)
The hotel really leaned into the whole "cleanliness and safety" thing. They have "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Cashless payment service," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Hand sanitizer," "Hot water linen and laundry washing," "Hygiene certification," "Individually-wrapped food options," "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter," "Professional-grade sanitizing services," "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Safe dining setup," "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items," "Staff trained in safety protocol," and "Sterilizing equipment." I saw people wearing masks but not everywhere.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects (Plus a Few Surprises)
They provide "Air conditioning in public area," "Audio-visual equipment for special events," "Business facilities," "Cash withdrawal," "Concierge," "Contactless check-in/out," "Convenience store," "Currency exchange," "Daily housekeeping," "Doorman," "Dry cleaning," "Elevator," "Essential condiments," "Facilities for disabled guests," "Food delivery," "Gift/souvenir shop," "Indoor venue for special events," "Invoice provided," "Ironing service," "Laundry service," "Luggage storage," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Meetings," "Meeting stationery," "On-site event hosting," "Outdoor venue for special events," "Projector/LED display," "Safety deposit boxes," "Seminars," "Shrine," "Smoking area," "Terrace," "Wi-Fi for special events," "Xerox/fax in business center," "Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," "Kids facilities," and "Kids meal."
They got "Food delivery." And the "Concierge" was actually helpful! They even told me about a fantastic little BBQ place down the street called "The Big Pig" (which, if you're in Oxford, you absolutely must try).
For the Kids: Bring 'Em (Maybe?)
"Babysitting service," "Family/child friendly," "Kids facilities," and "Kids meal" are offered, even if the website doesn't go into a ton of detail about these.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
They offer "Airport transfer," "Bicycle parking," "Car park [free of charge]," "Car park [on-site]," "Car power charging station," "Taxi service," and "Valet parking." Parking was free, easy, and abundant. Oxford's not exactly a walk-everywhere kind of town, so having a car is pretty much a necessity. They have a "Car power charging station" which is nice.
Overall Verdict: A Solid Choice (With Caveats)
Look, "Courtyard Oasis Awaits in MS!" isn't perfect. It's not a five-star experience. It's a solid, moderately priced hotel that's clean, comfortable, and conveniently located. The spa is a major plus. The food leaves something to be desired. The staff is nice, but I'd advise setting your expectations low for the restaurant.
Would I stay again? Yes, I'd stay again. Especially if I'm looking for a relaxing massage and a comfortable place to crash after stuffing myself with BBQ. Just, maybe, pack some snacks.
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- Keywords: Oxford MS, Courtyard Hotel, Review, Mississippi Hotels, Spa, Massage, Wheelchair Accessible, Restaurant, Cleanliness, Safety, Oxford, Mississippi, Hotel, Accommodation, Travel, Vacation, Southern USA.
Accessibility:
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Courtyard Oxford, MS assault course, designed to stress-test your chill and maybe, just maybe, leave you feeling that sweet, sweet taste of… well, something. Let’s see if we even make it through Day 1.
Day 1: Arrival, Oxford Ambitions, and the Crushing Weight of Reality
1:00 PM - The Great Arrival Debacle: Picture this: me, fresh off a flight that felt longer than my last relationship, lugging a suitcase the size of a small Labrador, and desperately seeking the promised land of the Courtyard Oxford. Google Maps, bless its algorithm-driven heart, had a different opinion. Apparently, "turn left at the Sonic" means "spiral into an adjacent reality where parking lots become labyrinths." After a solid 20 minutes (and a mini-breakdown triggered by a particularly aggressive SUV), I finally stumble, sweaty and grumpy, into the promised air-conditioned paradise.
- Quirky Observation: Seriously, how come all hotel lobbies look exactly the same? Beige, bland, and smelling vaguely of disinfectant and unfulfilled dreams. The lobby lady was nice, though. She probably sees this level of disarray daily. I should start carrying a stress ball.
- Emotional Reaction: Relief. Sheer, unadulterated relief. I survived the parking lot. Now, a nap is in order. Maybe two.
2:00 PM - Checked in. Room Reconnaissance: Finally, I found my room! Small, but neat. The bed looks comfortable enough. There is a small, and I mean SMALL, closet. Okay, small closet, I'm not sure what is expected. But hey, at least there's a mini-fridge. Which, as a wise person once said, is the gateway to snacks and ultimate happiness.
- Anecdotes & Imperfections: My first attempt to open the mini-fridge resulted in a battle that I lost. I had to call for maintenance. It was a struggle, and I even had to take a break. I'm not even that old.
- Rambles: Ah, mini-fridges, the unsung heroes of the travel world. They hold the promise of late-night pizza remnants, emergency chocolate bars, and that all-important bottle of water that keeps you from feeling like a desiccated prune.
- Anecdotes & Imperfections: My first attempt to open the mini-fridge resulted in a battle that I lost. I had to call for maintenance. It was a struggle, and I even had to take a break. I'm not even that old.
2:30 PM - Snack Acquisition: Right after the mini-fridge victory. I'm off to find a snack. This is the first thing I had to do. The hotel has a little market of some sort. Okay, I found a few things: A bottle of water, some chips, and a granola bar.
- Opinionated Language: Snack game: weak. Seriously, who decided that a handful of overpriced trail mix was a viable meal replacement? It's a travesty.
3:00 PM - Oxford, Here I Come (Sort Of): I stumble out, feeling like I've aged a decade. I'm supposed to be super excited about Oxford. The square is what I am supposed to be looking for. Walk, walk, walk… I don't know if this walking is even worth it. The sun is hot. I'm in Mississippi, after all.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: Okay, the sun is hot. And I forgot my sunscreen. I hate it. I hate everything. I'm going back to my room.
3:30 PM - Sweet Victory Nap… and The Call: One hour of sweet, sweet silence. I have a full two hours of nothing. Then, the phone rings. It's my Mom.
- Messy Structure: Seriously. This is not what I wanted to hear. "Are you having a good time?" She asks. I don't want to lie, or be negative. I just need another nap.
4:00 PM - Oxford: Take II (or Regretful Return): Okay, fine. I drag myself out. This time, I take an Uber. The square is crowded. It's charming though. I can see why this is a good place to visit.
- Doubling Down on Experience: I end up in a bookstore. Yes, I could have done this at home, I know. But I didn't, so I'm doing it here. I find a book I want. And some bookmarks.
6:30 PM - Dinner at the Square: I eat something. I'm not sure what. The service was slow. And they were out of what I wanted.
8:00 PM - Back to the Courtyard: I'm done. I don't care about anything else. This trip is over.
Day 2… (Maybe): The adventures will continue tomorrow (maybe). Wish me luck. I may need it.
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Oxford's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Oasis Awaits (Maybe... Depends on Your Mood, Honestly)
Okay, spill the beans! What *is* this Courtyard Oasis everyone's whispering about?
Alright, alright, settle down, Nancy Drews. The Courtyard Oasis... well, it's basically a vaguely advertised (and sometimes poorly-maintained, let's be real) little pocket of Oxford County that *attempts* to be serene. Think... a courtyard. With some plants. Maybe some tables. And the *promise* of escaping the Mississippi heat for a few precious moments. I say "attempt" because sometimes it's glorious, like a freaking paradise, and other times... ugh. We'll get to that.
Where the heck IS it? I've walked everywhere in Oxford!
That's the best part (or the worst, depending on your navigational skills!). It's tucked away. Seriously tucked. I'm withholding the exact address because, honestly, half the fun is stumbling upon it. Let's just say, it's near the Square, but you'll need to embrace your inner explorer. Okay, FINE! It’s mostly behind businesses. You have to look for the vague signs and hope you’re not being lured into a storage unit. Seriously, google maps is your only friend here. Don't expect flashing neon lights, okay?
Is it... fancy? Like, do I need to wear a blazer? (Please say no.)
NO. God, no. Leave the blazer at home. Unless you’re *really* trying to impress the squirrels, then, suit yourself. The vibe is… *casual*. Think comfortable shoes, maybe a sundress (or jeans, who cares?), and a willingness to relax. I've seen people in full hiking gear, and I once saw a guy in pajamas, so… yeah. Anything goes. Just don't show up in a bathing suit. I think that would be weird.
What's there to *do* at this Oasis? Besides, you know, not melt in the Mississippi sun.
Ah, the million-dollar question! Primarily, it is about… *existing*. Seriously. Reading a book. Chatting with a friend. People-watching (the best sport). Sipping a coffee (if the cafe's open, which is a whole other adventure, and sometimes it’s not, which is MURPHY’S LAW IN ACTION). Maybe even – and this is a big *maybe* – reflecting on the meaning of life, if you're feeling particularly pretentious that day. I've personally cried there after a particularly brutal breakup. (Shhh, don't tell anyone. It was the ice cream, okay?) The point is, it's a place to unwind. Or, at least, that's the *intention*.
Okay, that sounds… nice. But what's the Catch 22? What are the downsides?
Oh, honey, the downsides are legion. *First*, and this is HUGE: Availability. The courtyard might be closed. It might be under renovation. It might be hosting a raucous private party (bless their hearts). You just… never know. You *have* to be prepared for disappointment. I’ve walked all the way there, hyped up, ready to meditate, and BAM – locked gate. Heartbreak in action, I tell you. *Second*, the maintenance is… spotty. Sometimes the plants are lush and gorgeous. Other times it's giving "abandoned botanical experiment." *Third*, and I’m not proud to say this, the bugs. Be prepared. Mosquitoes, gnats, things that bite… bring bug spray. You've been warned.
What about food? Is there food?? Coffee??!
Again, this is where the chaos begins! Sometimes, there's a café attached or nearby. Sometimes it's closed. Sometimes the coffee is AMAZING. Sometimes… well, let’s just say you're better off bringing your own. And food? Same deal. BYO picnic essentials. And don’t even get me started on bathroom availability. Plan accordingly. Nature calls, alright?
Tell me your *best* memory of the Courtyard. The one that makes you keep going back. Spill the tea!
Alright, alright, fine. Here’s the tea. It was a scorcher, the kind of Mississippi summer day that makes you question every life choice you've ever made. I was miserable. Everything was going wrong. My A/C was out in my car, the grocery store was out of my favorite ice cream (again!), and I was about to lose it. I wandered into the Courtyard on a whim, completely dejected, because hey, why not be sad in a vaguely pretty place? And… it was perfect. The fountain was running. The sun was filtered just right through the canopy. There were birds chirping, I swear. And a cute couple was laughing over a book. Totally cheesy, I know, but I felt… a flicker of peace. I brought a sandwich, and it was the best sandwich ever. The sun hit my face, the breeze felt *real*, and for exactly 47 minutes, I felt like I was in an actual movie. It was a moment of pure escape, a tiny pocket of joy in the middle of a chaotic world. And that’s why I keep going back. Even when it's falling apart. Even when the mosquitos feast. Even when the damn cafe is closed. Because that one perfect moment? That's worth the risk, you know?
So, should I go? Is it worth the effort?
Look, I'm not gonna lie: It's a gamble. A beautiful, potentially frustrating, occasionally disappointing gamble. But… yes. Go. If you can handle a little uncertainty, a few gnats, and the occasional closed gate, it's worth it. It’s a little slice of something different, a chance to slow down, and maybe, just maybe, find your own tiny moment of sunshine. Just… don't expect perfection. Embrace the mess. And bring bug spray. Seriously.
Is there Wi-Fi? (Because, duh, gotta post that Instagram pic)
Ugh. See, this is why we can't have nice things. No. Assume there's *no* Wi-Fi. Be present. Actually, maybe that’s the point. Be un-present, whatever that means. Okay, be in the moment! Just don’t go expecting to upload photos of your latte. Focus on the… you know… the *actual* latte. If any. Seriously, be careful, it could be a disaster and a struggle with technology. Be ready to embrace the quiet. Or at least, the potential quiet.
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