Escape to Atlanta: Luxurious Extended Stay in Alpharetta!
Escape to Atlanta: Alpharetta's Almost Perfect Getaway (My Honest Take)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Escape to Atlanta: Luxurious Extended Stay in Alpharetta! – and honey, luxury is a word thrown around a lot these days. This is my real take, the good, the bad, and the slightly-off-key. Think less travel brochure, more rambling, slightly-caffeinated friend.
Metadata & SEO Stuffs (Ugh, Gotta):
- Keywords: Alpharetta hotels, extended stay Atlanta, luxury hotel Alpharetta, accessible hotel Atlanta, spa hotel Alpharetta, pet-friendly hotel Atlanta (we'll get to that…), Alpharetta restaurants, hotel with pool Atlanta, extended stay with kitchen Atlanta, business travel Atlanta
- Focus: Overall stay experience, accessibility, dining, amenities, cleanliness, and a healthy dose of (hopefully) relatable human-ness.
First Impressions – The Good (Mostly):
Pulling up, the place looks the part. Slick, modern architecture with a decent amount of greenery. My first thought? "Alright, alright, not half bad." The lobby's spacious, the front desk folk seemed friendly, even though it was that awkward mid-afternoon check-in time, when everyone's clearly tired.
Accessibility & My Somewhat-Uncomfortable Run-In:
Now, this is HUGE for me. I'm picky about accessibility, and frankly, it wasn't perfect, but it's above average. Wheelchair accessible is definitely in play. They had an elevator, no problem getting to my room. The facilities for disabled guests were definitely there, a plus.
- RANT ALERT: Now, the issue? The "accessible" bathroom in my room? It was technically accessible, but the layout felt cramped. My wheelchair just fit. And the toilet… was positioned awkwardly. It felt like someone tried to make it accessible but didn't quite understand the practicalities. Like when you attempt to bake a cake, but the end result looks more like a volcanic eruption. Ugh. But hey, I am just one person and I am not going to let one bad experience dictate the rating!
The Room – Pretty Darn Comfy (But…),
Okay, the room itself was nice. Clean, with that "new hotel scent" (you know the one, like freshly-laundered dreams). Air conditioning worked a treat, thank god, because Atlanta heat is no joke. And the blackout curtains are a godsend for a light sleeper like me. Free Wi-Fi? Absolutely in all rooms! Sweet!
Goodies Goodies:
- Bathroom: Additional toilet, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Hair dryer, Mirror, Private bathroom, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Toiletries, Towels.
- Electronics: Alarm clock, In-room safe box, Satellite/cable channels, Telephone, Wake-up service.
- Other Comforts: Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Free bottled water, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Reading light, Refrigerator, Seating area, Sofa, Soundproofing, Smoke detector
- The Imperfection: Extra long bed? Yes! And that's where I fell in love… at first. But the bed wasn't that comfortable! It was one of those mattresses that were either too firm or made me sink in. Not my favorite.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – More Than Expected (Even If…),
The dining options were surprisingly diverse. They have Restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop, and a snack bar.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] and a buffet in the restaurant. I may or may not have gorged myself on the Asian breakfast. Delicious. Now I realize why a buffet is so tempting. They also offer Breakfast takeaway service
- Other things: Coffee/tea in the restaurant, Desserts in the restaurant, Happy hour, International and Western cuisine in the restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in the restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in the restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant
- The Problem: Okay, the coffee. It was… meh. Hotel coffee. You know the drill. But they had a decent espresso machine if you knew how to work it. I may have embarrassed myself with the barista, but hey, caffeine wins!
- The good stuff: I had a killer burger at the bar, and the staff there was actually fun.
Relaxation & Things To Do – Spa Time! (Mostly):
Okay, let's talk spa. This is where things got real good. The Spa/sauna didn't disappoint. The steamroomwas a dream. The pool with a view was absolutely stunning. This hotel has a Fitness center and a gym/fitness as well.
- Full body spa: The Body scrub was delightful, and the Body wrap made me feel like a pampered queen (or king!). I'm not going to lie, I fell asleep during my massage, which is the highest compliment I can give.
- The badness: My massage was a little weird! It felt rushed and impersonal, however, the overall experience was still great. The place does not have a Foot bath.
Cleanliness & Safety – Pretty Impressive (Especially Now):
In these times, this is a big deal. They were clearly taking things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. The staff wore masks, and I saw them constantly wiping things down. Made me feel safe, which is priceless.
Services and Conveniences – Perks and Quirks:
They've got almost everything. Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking.
- The quirk: The Convenience store was ridiculously over-priced, like, airport-level expensive. But hey, they had snacks!
- The problem: I did not like the Invoice provided.
- The plus side: The front desk team, even with my cranky nature, were always polite and helpful.
For the Kids:
I didn't have kids with me, but the saw Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal.
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, and taxi service
The Verdict – Worth the Stay? (Mostly, Yes!)
Look, Escape to Atlanta wasn't perfect. The accessible bathroom could use a rethink, and the coffee needs an intervention. It is missing the pets allowed (unavailable), that it's supposed to have.
But overall? I really enjoyed my stay. The staff were great, the spa was divine, and the room… well, I slept well enough. The flaws were minor, and the pluses definitely outweigh them. Sure, not perfect. But a damn good escape, and sometimes, that's all you need. My rating: 4 out of 5 stars (and I'm being generous with that star!) Would I go back? Yes. Absolutely. And maybe this time, I'll bring my own french press.
Escape to Des Moines: Baymont Wyndham's North Des Moines Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary is less a meticulously planned trip and more a chaotic dance with fate, fueled by lukewarm coffee and the dubious promise of free continental breakfast at the Extended Stay America Select Suites in Alpharetta, GA. Let's be honest, "select" is doing a LOT of heavy lifting there. But hey, it's where we’re crashing, so let's get to it.
Day 1: Arrival, Alpharetta Awakening, and the Perils of the Mini-Mart
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Okay, let's admit it, I'm already running late. This is practically my signature move. Trying to remember where I parked the car. Ugh. Found it. It's a miracle!
- 2:30 PM: Check in at the Extended Stay. Praying the room doesn't smell like stale cigarettes and regret. Briefly, the hotel's exterior leaves a little to be desired, but hey, clean sheets and working AC are the ultimate luxuries. Still a bit on edge from the drive.
- 3:00 PM: Unpack (read: shove suitcase contents somewhere vaguely resembling organization). Discover a rogue gummy bear hiding in my bag - victory! The little joys, people, the little joys.
- 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM: The essential trip to the local mini-mart. Gotta stock up. The fridge in the room is my new best friend. The selection is never great in these places, and I'm always slightly judging myself as I select snacks. The soda selection is always a little bit sad, but I have to get some ice for my drinks. Okay, maybe I'll get a candy bar or two. And a bottle of water. Wait, did I pack toothpaste? Oh dear.
- 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Unwind in the room. Seriously, a nap sounds amazing. But I'm also craving the adrenaline of seeing a new place. The TV remote is a battle I'm destined to lose. The cable selection is…let's just say it has "options".
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Okay, this is where things get dicey. Food options are surprisingly limited in Alpharetta. Google says there’s some decent pizza place a few miles away. The thought of driving makes me want to scream, but pizza calls. Praying I don't get lost.
Day 2: Alpharetta Wandering and the Eternal Struggle of the "Free" Breakfast
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. This is the moment of truth. The "continental breakfast" promise. We all know what it means. Dry muffins, questionable fruit, and coffee that tastes like disappointment. But hey, it's free, right? You gotta eat, right? There's a chance I might be late for all the activities, but that's okay since I don't have one to begin with.
- 9:00 AM: Exploring downtown Alpharetta. Wander around, see what's there. I feel obligated to find at least one local shop. There's probably some kind of artisanal bakery. I'm already mentally preparing for sticker shock, but I can't handle my trip without a treat.
- 11:00 AM: The dreaded "research" (a.k.a. getting lost in a mall). Ugh, and then I will get lost.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch somewhere close to the mall (whatever I find is fine). Stressed about actually making a decision; I'm terrible at the last-minute options.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Return to the hotel. You know how you get to your room and suddenly feel the full weight of your exhaustion, and everything is easier to put off? Maybe some television or reading.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Let's be honest, by now, I'm starting to question my life choices. And probably Googling "Alpharetta food delivery."
Day 3: The Great Escape (Maybe, Possibly, Probably Not)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast (repeat the performance of Day 2 breakfast. More dry muffins, yay!). Attempt to channel my inner optimist. The coffee, at least, is consistently caffeinated, if not delicious.
- 10:00 AM: Consider driving to Atlanta, but immediately become overwhelmed by the prospect of Atlanta traffic. Maybe another day.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Check out some online options to fill my day. Maybe a museum I should visit. Maybe I can find some free entertainment.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. The Subway is a reliable choice (or the one by the mini-mart, ugh).
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More lounging. Embrace the nothingness. Sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
- 7:00 PM: The end. Dinner somewhere simple. The closest thing I've found to bliss on this trip.
Day 4: Departure and the Epilogue of Regret
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast (same as Day 2 and 3, but with a higher degree of resignation.)
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Scramble to gather all the stray items I’ve accumulated. Realizing I've lost a sock. Accept it.
- 10:30 AM: Drive back to ATL. Avoid rush hour.
- 12:00 PM: Flight. (or, maybe not).
And that's it! A masterpiece of meticulous planning and utter chaos. But hey, at least it's authentic. And if nothing else, I’ll have a slightly overstuffed suitcase, a lingering sense of mild existential dread, and the memory of at least one genuinely okay pizza. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to hunt down that lost sock. Wish me luck, because I'm gonna need it.
This itinerary is a reminder that travel is rarely perfect. Sometimes it's about the mishaps, the unexpected turns, and even the lukewarm coffee. So, embrace the mess, the imperfections, and the sheer absurdity of it all. You'll have a much better story to tell. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find a few gummy bears along the way.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Medina (OH): Your Perfect Medina Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Atlanta: Luxurious Extended Stay in Alpharetta! – ...Or is it? (Let's Find Out, Shall We?)
Okay, so... What *exactly* is "Escape to Atlanta: Luxurious Extended Stay in Alpharetta"? Sounds fancy.
Alright, picture this: You're *supposed* to be escaping. Maybe a work project that's gonna be epic, a temporary move, or you're just *over* your current life. The *escape* part is debatable. The term "luxurious" gets thrown around a LOT in the hospitality biz; I've certainly learned that the HARD way. Basically, it's a furnished apartment or condo in Alpharetta, GA, specifically designed for longer stays. Think of it as a hotel, but you get more space (crucial!), a full kitchen (HALLELUJAH!), and hopefully, a bit more...well, *life* than you get in a cramped hotel room. However, "luxury" is entirely subjective and can often mean a slightly nicer couch.
Alpharetta? Is that... nice? I mean, is it actually *escapable*?
Alpharetta is... well, it's Alpharetta. Let's put it this way: it's not *exactly* the gritty, vibrant, heart-of-the-city experience you might be picturing. (Think less "Manhattan hustle" and more "soccer moms and sprawling office parks"). But that's NOT a bad thing if you are looking for tranquility. It's *nice*. Clean, safe (which, let’s be real, is a massive win), and generally has all the amenities you could want. And yes, it's escapable. Easy access to the whole Atlanta area. From my experience if you’re coming from a major city Alpharetta can be peaceful. I've seen more wildlife in my apartment complex than I ever saw in the city, but be prepared to share your porch with a squirrel or two. They *will* judge you.
What kind of "luxury" are we *really* talking about? (Be honest, I need to know!)
Alright, let's get real. "Luxury" can vary wildly. I've stayed in places where "luxury" meant a king-sized bed and a coffee maker that wasn't held together with duct tape. That was a personal triumph. I've also seen "luxury" mean a granite countertop and a pool. (Bonus points if the pool is actually clean, by the way.) *Generally*, expect things like: nice appliances (stainless steel is standard, but doesn't always mean good), a decent-sized TV (important!), a fully equipped kitchen (pots, pans, the works - although be prepared for some slightly-worn-down equipment, like my oddly melted spatula from the last place), in-unit laundry (a godsend, seriously!), and hopefully, a comfortable couch. *Always* check the reviews. Seriously! And ALWAYS look at the photos. Don't be shy about it. I mean, it's okay to look at photos, right? Right?!
What's the biggest advantage of staying in one of these places over a hotel? Or, like, a regular apartment?
Space! Oh my god, the SPACE. You get *room to breathe*. Hotels feel so suffocating after a week. Having a separate living area and a full kitchen is HUGE. You can actually *cook* (or, you know, order takeout and eat it on a properly-sized table instead of balancing it precariously on the edge of a bed. I mean, I'm not saying *I've* done that...). Plus, you've got a washing machine AND dryer. No more lugging laundry to a laundromat. That alone justifies the price, sometimes.
What about disadvantages? Are there any *real* downsides?
Okay, let's get into the not-so-glamorous side. First off, "furnished" can mean "furnished with the stuff nobody else wanted." I've seen some... *interesting* design choices, let's say. Some places can be a bit sterile. And sometimes, things break. I remember one time in this Alpharetta 'luxury' apartment-- the toilet seat spontaneously detached itself. I will never forget that, I had to call maintenance, and they had to use a drill to fix it. I'm not kidding, that made me start doing "the hover," and it wasn't cute. Another potential downside is the price. “Extended stay” often sounds cheaper, but it adds up. Seriously, keep track of your spending! And finally, you might be in a complex filled with fellow temporary residents. This can be great for socializing, or it can mean a lot of coming-and-going and the occasional late-night party. Get used to the sounds of other people.
What if I am a total slob? Do they even care about the cleanliness?
Oh, honey, *they definitely care*. Most places have a cleaning fee or require you to clean up before you leave. They’ll probably send someone in to do a once-over, but if the place looks like a bomb went off, you *will* get charged extra. My advice? Try to leave it in a condition where you would be happy to move back in. If you have a mess, clean it the best you can. I have a bad habit of eating on the couch, leaving crumbs for the critters to find. I would suggest taking the trash out more often. That will also solve some issues. And, keep in mind, it's still someone else's property. Treat it with respect!
How do I even *find* one of these places?
Google. Seriously. Search terms like "furnished apartments Alpharetta," "extended stay Alpharetta," or "corporate housing Atlanta." Check websites like Airbnb (but be careful – prices can vary *wildly*), corporate housing providers, and even some hotel chains offer extended-stay options. READ REVIEWS. Seriously, I cannot stress this enough! Especially about things like noise levels, cleanliness, and the responsiveness of the property manager. I spent like, a week, once trying to get a dead lightbulb replaced. It's important.
Should I bring my own stuff? Like, linens?
Usually, furnished places come with basic linens and kitchen stuff. But, again, check the listing! Some might also include things like towels, and stuff like that. I always bring my favorite pillow. A familiar blanket is a MUST! It’s just nice to have a *bit* of home with you, especially if you're going to be there for a while. And if the place doesn't have a coffee maker (shudder), *definitely* bring your own. (Priorities, people, priorities!)
Can IRoam And Rests
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