Escape to Alexandria: TownePlace Suites Awaits!
Escape to Alexandria: TownePlace Suites Awaits! (Or Does It?) – A Deep Dive & Maybe a Little Rant
Okay, people, buckle up. I just staggered out of the TownePlace Suites in Alexandria, and I need to unpack this whole experience. It wasn't bad, per se… but it wasn't exactly a life-altering, soul-cleansing, zen-inducing getaway either. More like a… functional stay. And since you're here looking for a review, function is what we'll be dissecting, piece by slightly-sanitized piece.
(SEO & Metadata Time! - Don't worry, I'll sprinkle these in organically…ish)
Keywords: Alexandria hotels, TownePlace Suites review, Accessible hotels, Free Wi-Fi, Fitness center, Swimming pool, Breakfast, Cleanliness, Safety, Family-friendly, Onsite parking, Business travel, Extended stay, Wheelchair accessibility, Pet-friendly… maybe?, Virginia hotels, Conference facilities, Alexandria VA, Things to do Alexandria, Spa-less Spa Experience
Let's Start with the "Good" (or At Least "Acceptable")
Accessibility: This is important, and I'm happy to report (with a caveat, keep reading!) that TownePlace Suites mostly delivers. Wheelchair accessible? Yeah, the ramps are there, the elevators work (thank God), and the common areas seem navigable. The rooms are… well, accessible-ish. I didn't roll a wheelchair through them, but they look like they're set up for it. The big BUT? I kept wondering about the actual execution, not just the layout. We're in the "appears to be compliant" phase, not the "actually thoughtful accessibility" phase. And for us who don’t use wheelchair it is fine. But for disabled travellers, make sure you call beforehand and grill them on the details. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but the devil is always in the details.
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it actually works, which is a near miracle these days. I could post my Instagram stories, doomscroll, and research the best craft beer Alexandria has to offer, all without burning through my data. The Internet services were fine. Internet [LAN] is available, too, for the old-schoolers. They also have Wi-Fi in public areas, which, again, is the bare minimum.
Cleanliness and Safety… Mostly.
Let's be clear: in the post-pandemic world, cleanliness is everything. And TownePlace Suites… tries. They offer the usual suspects: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Staff trained in safety protocol, Hand sanitizer everywhere. Yay! The Rooms sanitized between stays seemed plausible. But I did feel a little… uneasy about the room. It “looked” clean but I am not a detective. First aid kit? Check! Doctor/nurse on call? (or at least the possibility of one?) Check! The Rooms sanitization opt-out available is a good addition too.
Room… Situation.
Available in all rooms: This is a monster list. I feel guilty calling them out one by one. But there are Air conditioning, Alarm Clock, Bathrobes (fancy!), Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (duh!), Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Seating area, Shower, Smoke detector, Sofa, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free] … the works. Some have interconnecting room(s) available, which is handy for families. I stayed in one.
Anecdote Time: I'm not going to lie, I slightly panicked when I saw the Blackout curtains. I have a weird phobia of being trapped in a pitch-black room. But honestly, they were effective. I slept like a log.
The Great Amenities Divide: Promises vs. Reality
This is where things get… interesting, and a little bit frustrating.
Things to do, ways to relax: They list a Swimming pool [outdoor], a Pool with view, a Fitness center, and even a Spa/sauna. Now, I'm not saying I expected a full-blown Roman bath, but "Spa/sauna" conjures up certain… expectations. What I actually found was a small, slightly-chlorinated pool and a gym that looked like it hadn't been updated since the early 2000s. The Sauna looked like it was out of order. No views to see. No steam room, no massage, not much to relax with. Don't necessarily go expecting much.
Food, Glorious… Food (or Lack Thereof)
Breakfast [buffet]: This is a big one. The website boasted it. The signage promised it. The reality? Well, let's just say it was… functional. Breakfast takeaway service was available, which was nice. They even had breakfast in room, which I thought was a nice option. Asian breakfast and western breakfast were the same stuff basically. And I saw someone grab a Bottle of water. There was the usual: pre-packaged cereals, lukewarm scrambled eggs, and the kind of coffee that tastes like it's been brewing since the Reagan administration. Buffet in restaurant? Technically yes, but "buffet" is a generous term.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: There's a Coffee shop, but more of a self-serve situation. No poolside bar, no bar. No restaurants. So, you are stuck with either your own stuff or use the room service. Speaking of which… Room service [24-hour] is listed as available, but the menu was pretty basic. If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, this isn’t it. Snack bar? Again, think vending machine level.
Business traveler? They Got You?
Business facilities are present, which is a solid "meh". Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, and Seminars are all potential options. Invoice provided makes sense. They have Xerox/fax in business center. They offer Wi-Fi for special events and Audio-visual equipment for special events. I assume Cash withdrawal is probably possible. So, a solid foundation but not exactly cutting-edge.
For the Kids.
They claim to be Family/child friendly, but the evidence is… limited. Babysitting service? Maybe. Kids meal? Probably nothing specific. Kids facilities? Non-existent, as far as I could see. No playgrounds, no game rooms, nothing to actively entertain the little ones.
The "Little" Things (That Matter!)
Services and conveniences: Concierge? Nope. Doorman? Absolutely not. Daily housekeeping? Yes, thankfully. Elevator? Yes, thankfully. Currency exchange? Don't hold your breath. Gift/souvenir shop? Forget it. Laundry service? Yes, but probably expensive. Luggage storage? Yes, but I'm sure it's locked up. Cashless payment service is available, which is a big plus.
Getting Around:
Car park [free of charge]: HUGE win! Car park [on-site] is a given. Airport transfer: Maybe. Taxi service: Probably. Bicycle parking: Maybe. Valet parking: Not happening. Car power charging station: I didn’t see one.
Quirks & Imperfections (Because Life Isn’t Perfect)
- The Staff: The staff were generally pleasant, if a little… strained. You could feel the pressure. They were polite, efficient, and maybe a bit overworked. Bless them.
- Hotel Chain: This is a standard hotel. Don't expect charm.
- CCTV in common areas: Good for them.
- Exterior corridor: It's not what I would call a beautiful exterior.
- Proposal spot: Not great for it. Don't.
- Smoke alarms: Always a good thing.
The Verdict:
TownePlace Suites in Alexandria is a perfectly okay place to stay. It ticks the boxes for cleanliness, basic amenities, and (mostly) accessibility. It's functional. It's safe. It's… not particularly memorable. The lack of real "spa/sauna" resources and the mediocre breakfast are bummers. It's a place to rest your head, and if you need a home base in Alexandria, it'll probably do. Don't expect a luxurious experience. Just expect to survive.
Would I stay there again? Probably, yes. If it fit my budget and location needs. But I’d definitely lower my expectations and bring my own snacks.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars.
Lake Powell Getaway: Unbelievable Deals at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your dry, antiseptic travel itinerary. This is a journey. A messy, imperfect, and possibly slightly caffeinated journey of me experiencing the hallowed halls of TownePlace Suites Alexandria, Louisiana. Prepare for feelings. Lots of feelings. And maybe a little bit of judging – of myself, the hotel, and possibly, you for reading this. Let’s dive in:
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic (and a surprisingly comfortable couch)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Great Louisiana Landing (and Finding the Front Desk). Okay, so I’m slightly late arriving. My flight had the usual "unexpected delays" because, you know, reality. Finally made it to Alexandria, Louisiana! First impressions of the airport? Small. Efficient. And I swear I saw someone wearing a cowboy hat and holding a crawfish. Definitely in Louisiana. Finding TownePlace Suites wasn't too bad (thank you, GPS, you magnificent robot overlord), but I did manage to get slightly flustered when the signage got a bit… vague. Finally, success! Check-in was smooth. The friendly woman behind the desk, bless her heart, actually smiled at me, even though I probably looked like I'd wrestled a bear (the flight was rough!).
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Suite Life (and the Sofa's Appeal). Unpacking. Ah, the sacred ritual of unpacking in a hotel room. First thought: "This is… bigger than I expected!" A kitchenette, a living area, a separate bedroom – oh my. The couch. Oh, the couch. Plush. Inviting. Dangerously close to being the only place I want to be for the next three days. I'm already envisioning epic couch potato-ing.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring the Fortress of Calm. Bathroom inspection! Gotta check the water pressure, you know? And… sigh of relief… it's decent. Not the best, not the worst. Acceptable for washing away the travel grime. I'm contemplating the possibility of a nap, but I shall resist because the day is young. Also, the faint scent of… cleaning products? A good sign, at least.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Food Quest. Time to scavenge for sustenance! Exploring the area for food. This hotel has a very good location because I can see a few places that will serve me and I need food. It is essential to start my stay healthy.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner. Decided on Italian. There was a lot of it!
Day 2: The Great Outdoors & Sudden Emotional Turmoil (and Laundry)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast, The Ultimate Test. The free breakfast. This is where TownePlace Suites either shines or…well, doesn't. I walked in with cautious optimism. Waffles! Okay, we're off to a good start. The fruit looked… adequate. Let's just say I didn't go back for seconds on the pineapple, or the scrambled eggs. The coffee, however, was acceptable. A solid, caffeinated foundation for the day.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: I Did Laundry. I Did a Terrible Job. I saw the laundry room! I thought I could do it! But no. It was a disaster. I shrunk everything. I'm just glad I have a lot of shirts.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Exploring Historical Alexandria. I was going to go to those historical buildings! But I just decided to sit at the pool instead. I am supposed to be at a hotel to explore! What is wrong with me? I think this is the first sign of depression.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: The Great Hangry Debacle. My hunger was a beast. There was a lot of yelling coming from me. It wasn't a good time.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Pool Time. The pool was nice. The sun and the water and the time I had to reflect helped me. But I still ended up depressed.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Back to the Room of Doom. The room. The couch. Its siren song was too strong, and I sunk back into its embrace.
Day 3: Farewell and Reluctant Departure (and a final, lingering look at the couch)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast (Again… and Trying to Be Positive). Okay, let's try for some positivity this morning. Waffles, yes! Fruit, maybe a little better this time. The coffee, still decent. I'm trying to embrace the "free breakfast" life, even if it's not exactly Michelin-star quality.
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Attempt to explore! I am trying my best! I almost got lost! But it was fun exploring.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check Out- The bittersweet goodbye.
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Airport. The end. I wish I had a bigger bag, but alas.
Final Thoughts:
TownePlace Suites Alexandria. It was a place. It was… a hotel. The couch was fantastic. The free breakfast was, well, free. And I think that's what matters most.
Ultimately, it's not the perfectly curated experiences, the flawless itineraries, or the Instagram-worthy shots that make a trip memorable. It's the lived-in moments, the imperfections, the little quirks that make you laugh (or sometimes cry). And that, dear reader, is what this adventure was all about. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a therapist.
Richmond Marriott: Your Dream VA Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Alexandria: TownePlace Suites Awaits! (Uh... Maybe?) - FAQ's with a Side of My Brain
(Because let's be honest, flawless FAQs are BORING)
Okay, seriously, what *is* TownePlace Suites Alexandria, and why should I care?
Alright, alright, settling in for the long haul, are we? TownePlace Suites is, like, a Marriott thing. Think extended stay, but hopefully, cleaner than that image that just popped into your head of a sketchy motel. They're trying to be comfy, apartment-y, with little kitchens. *Alexandria* Alexandria, Virginia. You know, close-ish to DC.
Why should *you* care? Depends. Are you: a) Traveling for work and your boss is cheap? b) Moving to the area and need a temp nest? c) Visiting family/doing touristy stuff and want to save a few bucks on a hotel? Then maybe, *maybe*, TownePlace Alexandria. Look, I stayed there once. It wasn't awful. My expectations were so low, the bar was practically underground. Let's just say, it's a place to *stay*, alright?
What kind of rooms do they have? Like, are we talking shoebox or... space to breathe?
Okay, so the "suites" part is the key word here. You *do* get a little more room than a standard hotel prison cell. The ones I saw… well, they had a separate living area with a couch, which, *blessedly*, wasn't made of that scratchy, soul-sucking material. Some had actual kitchens, with a fridge, microwave, and a teeny tiny cooktop. (Don't get any ideas about cooking a gourmet meal, unless your idea of gourmet is ramen and sadness).
(Personal Anecdote Alert!) I remember trying to make coffee in the morning, and the coffee machine was this ancient, sputtering dinosaur that took approximately 47 minutes to brew a single, tepid cup. I think I let out a primal scream. But hey, at least there *was* coffee, right? Silver linings and all that jazz.
Overall? Not palatial, but better than a basic hotel room. You'll survive.
Free breakfast, you say? Is it the usual sad continental fare, or anything remotely worth waking up for? (Food is CRUCIAL).
Ah, the breakfast. The eternal question. Honestly? It *is* your standard fare. Think pre-packaged muffins, yogurt, maybe some sad-looking scrambled eggs that probably came from a carton (I'm choosing to believe that).
Honestly? I've had worse. (I once stayed at a place that served only stale donuts and lukewarm coffee. TownePlace is WAY better than that dark time.) They usually have instant oatmeal, which is good for a quick carb fix. Try going for the waffle maker. Sometimes, if you're lucky, the waffle iron actually works and the waffles aren't entirely inedible. Embrace the simple pleasures! Prepare for disappointment, and you might be pleasantly surprised!
My tip? Bring your own granola bars. Trust me. You'll thank me later.
What about the location? Am I going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere?
Okay, so the *location*. This is where things get a little... nuanced. It depends on what you're there for. The TownePlace Suites Alexandria is fine, I guess. It's not *in* Old Town Alexandria (that's the pretty, historic area), which is a bummer, but it's close enough to drive. You'll likely be needing a car. Public transport? Maybe. But taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available.
It's in a slightly more… industrial-feeling area, with big roads and chain stores. I wouldn't call it charming, but it also isn't a total wasteland. It's practical. And hey, sometimes practical is good. You can get to stuff relatively easily.
Personally? I'd probably prefer being closer to the action. Then again, my wallet usually prefers *not* being so close to the action. Decisions, decisions...
Parking situation? Because nobody wants to circle the block for an hour after a long day.
Oh, the parking. Yes, the parking. From what I recall, it wasn't a *complete* nightmare. They *do* have parking, which is a HUGE plus compared to some hotels I've encountered. (I'm looking at you, that place in Manhattan where they charged me the equivalent of a small country's GDP for a spot!).
I seem to remember it being a bit busy, but I don't recall any massive parking meltdowns. (And if there had been, I definitely would have remembered. I still have PTSD from a parking garage in Rome). Odds are good you'll be able to find a spot without too much drama.
(Okay, this memory's a bit foggy. I *might* be blocking out the struggle. But let's just assume it's *mostly* okay for the sake of my sanity.)
Are there any perks like a pool or gym? Or am I just fantasizing?
Alright, let's get real. You are not exactly staying at a resort. But, yes, there's usually a gym. I confess, I may or may not have actually *used* it. (Let's just say my vacation goals rarely involve exercise.) But it's there in theory. They usually have a pool, too.
I’m a pool person and *I remember* using the pool! It wasn't the fanciest, but it was clean and cool. A welcome sight after a hot day of sightseeing. I think I remember it being pretty decent. It's the little things, right? The chance to do a few laps and enjoy a lazy break. I'd say good pool experience!
Do not expect luxury. The gym is probably adequate. The pool is probably adequate. They're not the *reason* you're staying here. Unless, of course, you're *really* into swimming. Then, adjust your expectations.
Wi-Fi? Because the internet is my lifeblood.
Ah, yes, the Wi-Fi. The essential question in the modern age. It's usually… *there*. I don't recall it being *horrendous*. (I've stayed at places where the internet was slower than a snail in molasses). So, you will *probably* be able to send emails, browse the web, and maybe even stream something. Don't bank on it.
My advice? If you're a data hog, maybe get a portable hotspot. Or, prepare to be slightly frustrated.Uptown Lodging
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