Escape to NYC: Luxury Near LGA Airport! Fairfield Inn Astoria Awaits
Escape to NYC: Fairfield Inn Astoria - Or, My Near-Miss at LGA and a surprisingly chill stay!
Okay, so let's be real. You're looking at a hotel near LaGuardia. That probably means a flight got delayed, you've got a layover from hell, or maybe – like me – you just really wanted to see a specific neighborhood and the airport was just…there. Whatever the reason, the Fairfield Inn Astoria promised luxury and convenience, and after my recent experience, I'm here to break it down, warts and all!
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- Metadata: Review of Fairfield Inn Astoria, a luxury hotel near LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Astoria, NYC. Features include accessible rooms, free Wi-Fi, on-site dining, a fitness center, and a spa. Offers a range of amenities for families and business travelers.
Alright, Let's Dive In - Chaos First, Then Calm
First, the chaos. My flight? Delayed. By hours. I was so convinced I was going to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of bored passengers, I started planning for a zombie apocalypse. Thankfully, the airline (cough, cough, United) finally got its act together, and I found myself staring at the Fairfield Inn Astoria, a beacon of sanity amidst the airport madness. Or so I hoped.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and a Little Bit of Hope)
Okay, good news: Wheelchair accessibility is definitely a thing here, and that's HUGE. The website boasts about it, and from what I saw, it seemed legit. Elevators? Check. Accessible rooms? Apparently yes. I didn't personally need this, but seeing it readily available gets major points.
Now, here's the thing about this review: I didn't stay in an accessible room specifically, so I can only offer my anecdotal take and observations. But from the layout of the place, it really seems like things are accommodating.
The "Luxury" Part - My Thoughts & the Reality:
Look, it's a Fairfield Inn. Let's manage our expectations. "Luxury near LGA" isn't exactly the Four Seasons. But, it exceeded my, shall we say pessimistic, expectations. The lobby was clean, the staff was friendly – a good start after a terrible travel day.
Rooms: Comfort & Cleanliness (with a Side of "Maybe I Should Have Asked for a Higher Floor")
My room? Decent. Clean, which is paramount. Air conditioning worked beautifully, a godsend in the NYC humidity. The bed, not the most luxurious I've felt (but it was comfortable enough), and what I honestly appreciated the most was the blackout curtains. Seriously, those things saved my sanity. The Internet access – wireless, the Wi-Fi [free] was indeed free! You should note it’s complimentary tea, and you need it. After the day I had, I needed a lot of tea.
I'm not going to lie, I was on a lower floor (my fault for not asking!) and could here a bit of airplane rumble. If you're sensitive, definitely request a higher floor or the soundproof rooms.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Post-Pandemic Examination
This is where the Fairfield Inn Astoria really shines. Listen, I'm not usually one for antiseptic vibes, but after a year and a half of, well, everything, I was delighted to see that they take this seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products are legit. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. The entire vibe was one of constant vigilance.
They also had hand sanitizer everywhere. And the Staff trained in safety protocol made it very clear they were on my side. The Safe dining setup means you can relax a bit.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Traveler
Okay, food. This is where things get a bit… inconsistent. They have an Asian breakfast. A Buffet in restaurant. They have a coffee shop there too! I wasn't sure of their alternative meal arrangement. But they do have a bar, which is much appreciated after a flight delay.
I will say, the breakfast buffet was decent. Nothing earth-shattering, but perfectly acceptable and they have bottle of water!
Spa, Fitness & Relaxation: The Promise of Pampering!
Okay, here's my confession: This area was where I was REALLY hoping to unwind. And, because of my own disorganization, I unfortunately missed out on most of it. BUT. They have it!
- Fitness Center: They had a gym! And its not terribly small.
- The Pool with a View! That’s what my goal was! But because I was a dummy didn’t check the hours before I arrived.
- Massage, Sauna, Spa? I assume they would be lovely.
If you are staying here PLEASE check out the spa and fitness center.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They had a concierge! Daily housekeeping was excellent, and the laundry service was a lifesaver after a long journey. The Safe deposit boxes are an underrated pleasure. I especially liked the Contactless check-in/out – efficient and safe.
Things I Didn't Experience (But Noticed):
- My stay wasn't for a family, but they do have Family/child friendly amenities.
- I saw no Pets allowed, so I can’t say much about that.
- They offer Cash withdrawal and even a convenience store.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Look, it's a solid option. It's not the Ritz, but for a hotel near LGA with a focus on cleanliness, accessibility, and decent comfort, the Fairfield Inn Astoria delivers. It's perfect for a layover, or as a base for exploring Astoria (a great neighborhood, by the way).
My Final Word:
Book with confidence, but also – if relaxation is your primary goal – plan ahead and hit up the spa! And for the love of all that is holy, set an alarm for that breakfast buffet. You won't regret it.
Okay, the end.
Escape to Colorado Springs: Luxurious La Quinta Inn & Suites Awaits!
Okay, buckle up Buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded itinerary. This is my potential disaster, a whirlwind of Astoria and LaGuardia, fueled by lukewarm coffee and the desperate hope of avoiding a truly epic travel fail. Here goes nothing…
Operation: Astoria or Bust (and Maybe a Melt-Down)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Baggage Claim
- 1:00 PM (ish) - Arrival at LaGuardia (LGA). The moment of truth. Did my luggage actually make it? The airport always feels like a chaotic, oversized washing machine. You know what I always think? That my suitcase has a better social life than me, jetting off to exotic locals while I'm stuck in my comfort zone. Praying to the baggage Gods (whoever they are – probably airline employees who secretly enjoy our suffering) that my bag isn't on a scenic trip to, say, Albuquerque. And if it is, I might just join it.
- 1:30 PM (give or take a meltdown) - Taxi/Uber to Fairfield Inn New York LaGuardia Airport/Astoria. The journey begins. Already I'm in a panic because I can't seem to find the app and now the taxi driver is staring at me. Ugh! I'm gonna make him think he is a fool so he can drive me like I am the queen of England!
- 2:00 PM (if I don't get lost on the way) - Check-in and room wrangling. Okay, the front desk lady seems nice. Pray to god I don't get a room facing the highway with a leaky faucet! I hope they are okay with me being clumsy and having no manners.
- 2:30 PM - The Great Unpacking (and the Search for My Sanity). Okay. Let the unpacking begin. Which usually involves me throwing everything on the bed and then staring blankly. And the inevitable, "Where did I put that charger?" I'm hoping the hotel room isn't a cramped shoebox, hoping for SOME breathing room.
- 3:00 PM - Astoria Recon Mission - Stumbling into a food coma! Time to explore Astoria. First stop: coffee. I need it. Badly. Then a walk… maybe. The thought of actually DOING things after the travel is daunting. I'm thinking of getting some ethnic food. Maybe a Greek place? Maybe I'll just eat my emotions after the flight.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and the Existential Dread of Solo Dining. Finding a restaurant. My inner monologue: "Do I look okay? Is my hair a mess? Am I going to be the awkward person sitting alone, staring intently at my phone?" And then the food comes, and suddenly everything is a little bit better. Hopefully. (Oh god, what if the service is bad? I hate bad service.)
- 9:00 PM - Staring at the Ceiling and Wondering Why I Do This (Travel, I mean). Back at the hotel. Finally, a chance to breathe, or at least TRY to. I'm already exhausted.. Scrolling through Instagram, feeling a pang of jealousy seeing everyone else's "perfect" lives and trips, then I remind myself that they probably have baggage claim nightmares too. Sleep. Or at least, the attempt at.
Day 2: Queens, Culture, and the Imminent Risk of Overstimulation
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast… or a Scramble to Get Breakfast. "Complimentary breakfast!!!" I'm already steeling myself for a slightly underwhelming buffet experience. The joy of dry cereal and lukewarm coffee never gets old. (Sarcasm alert.)
- 10:00 AM - Museum hop! I'm thinking of checking out MoMA PS1 in Long Island City. I hope it is not a nightmare.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch- Mission: Impossible to not get lost. Finding a decent lunch spot. Again. My stomach is growling already. I have a feeling this will involve aimless wandering until I stumble upon something that looks edible.
- 1:30 PM - Queens Exploration (and Potential Panic Attacks on the Subway). I'm gonna take the subway! It's always a bit of a white-knuckle experience. Hope I don't end up in the Bronx by accident.
- 3:00 PM - Coffee Break #2 (or Maybe #3). Needed. Just… needed. Seriously, must find caffeine.
- 4:00 PM - Culture Fix - the Real deal! I'm going to go to a museum. I have a feeling I might get bored.
- 6:00 PM - Thinking of dinner. Dinner is another adventure. I feel like I might ask the front desk for a good place to eat at.
- 8:00 PM - Trying to Watch TV (and Failing Miserably). Back at the hotel. Sinking into the bed. The allure of the hotel TV is strong. But so is the lure of a quiet room, a book, the bliss of not having to do anything.
Day 3: Airport Chaos and the Sweet, Sweet Relief of Going Home
- 8:00 AM - Packing Up in a Frenzy (and Leaving Half My Stuff Behind). The mad scramble to pack before check-out. I'm pretty sure I'll leave something crucial behind. Probably my charger. Or a shoe. Or my dignity.
- 9:00 AM - Desperate Attempt at Breakfast (Again!). Maybe I'll actually eat this time. Or at least, attempt to.
- 10:00 AM - Check-Out and the Sad Farewell to the Hotel Room. A final look around the room, just to make sure I haven't left a piece of my soul behind.
- 11:00 AM - Travel to LGA. The dreaded journey back to the airport. More traffic, more crowds, more stress. What do I expect?
- 12:00 PM - Airport Survival Mode. Navigating security. Avoiding the impulse to scream. Trying to find coffee before I lose it entirely. Fingers crossed the flight isn't delayed.
- 1:00 PM - Flight! Finally. Sitting in the plane. The sweet relief of being on my way home.
Important Side Notes (and Ramblings):
- Mood swings: Expected. I'm a highly emotional traveler, and the highs and lows will be epic.
- Food is critical: Fuel. It keeps me going.
- Impulsiveness: I might just end up doing something completely different than what I planned. That's part of the fun (maybe?).
- Hotel room is my sanctuary: Where I will process things, have a good cry, and take long naps.
So, there you have it. My (probably overly dramatic) Astoria/LGA adventure. Wish me luck. I'll probably need it. And maybe a therapist. And a whole lot of caffeine. But hey, at least it'll be an experience, right? Right?
Escape to Comfort: Microtel Inn & Suites Searcy, AR - Your Perfect Getaway!
So, what *is* this whole "FAQ" thing anyway? Besides a way to procrastinate, I mean...
Alright, first things first. FAQ stands for "Frequently Asked Questions." (Duh, right?) The idea is: "Hey, people are probably wondering about X. Let's answer X!" Basically, it's a way to prep people on what to expect. But let me tell you, sometimes the "frequently" is more a "barely ever" situation. I mean, how many people *really* need to know the exact shade of beige I prefer in my living room? Probably zero. But hey, it's an FAQ, so...we roll with it.
Why create these FAQs? What's the point? Is it, like, a desperate cry for attention? (Asking for a friend...)
Honestly? Maybe a little. Look, creating an FAQ...it's supposed to be helpful. It's supposed to preempt questions, give people info up front. But mostly, it's because the internet demands content, and I'm nothing if not a willing (and sometimes terrified) participant in the algorithm's hunger games. I want to be seen, dammit! Plus, it kind of gives me a reason to ramble, and I *love* to ramble. Ask my therapist. (She doesn't love it *quite* as much.)
What should I *not* ask in the comment section? (Because, let's face it, people are going to ask anyway...)
Okay, here's the deal. Avoid asking me super specific questions about, like, my banking details. Not gonna happen. Nor am I giving you my social security number. And PLEASE don't ask me to write your college essays. I'm all for helping, but my brain is already overloaded with trying to keep track of what day it is. Also, anything that's obviously a trap to get me to reveal personal information. I'm not a dummy.
Do you have a secret origin story? Like, did a radioactive spider bite you while writing this?
Ha! Wouldn't *that* be fun? No radioactive spiders, unfortunately. My secret origin story is WAY less exciting. It involves a lot of coffee, a stubborn refusal to go to bed at a reasonable hour, and a near-constant internal monologue of "What if...?" The "What ifs" are the real villains here, people. They'll keep you awake and writing until 3 AM. And now here we are…
What are your hobbies? (Besides dodging the inevitable existential dread of this digital age.)
Oh, hobbies! I love this question. I'm a simple creature. I hoard books. The physical kind, you know, the ones you can smell and hold. There’s something so comforting about that. I have a cat that requires constant petting, a dog who is a professional napper, a bad habit of binge-watching documentaries (mostly about food, let's be honest), and a slightly unhealthy obsession with online shopping. Tell me I'm not alone. Seriously, tell me.
What's the worst writing advice you've ever gotten?
Oh, the worst writing advice... Hmmm. Oh, I know! "Just write every day!" Now, don't get me wrong, consistency is good. But there are days...days when my brain is a barren wasteland. Days when the best thing I can manage is writing a grocery list. The pressure of "writing every day" just shuts me down. It makes me feel like a failure before I even start. It's the equivalent of telling someone with a broken leg to "just run a marathon." (I'm speaking metaphorically, of course. I've never run a marathon. Or even a 5k. I walk occasionally, though.)
How do you deal with writer's block? Because, let's be real, it's the bane of our existence.
Ah, writer's block. My arch-nemesis. The thing that haunts my dreams. Seriously, I've had dreams where I'm staring at a blank page, and it morphs into a giant, snarling monster. (See? Existential dread, I told you.) How do I deal with it? Honestly? I try a few things, sometimes at the same time. I read. A lot. I go for a walk (if the weather isn't trying to kill me). I talk to people (or at least *attempt* to, depending on the actual *people*). I rewrite an entire paragraph over and over until my eyes turn square. And sometimes, I just *give up* for the day. That sometimes does the trick and the idea for the project just pops itself into my head.
What does your workspace look like? Is it inspirational? A chaotic mess? Both?
My workspace... *laughs nervously*. Okay, so "inspirational" is probably not the word. "Chaotic mess" is more accurate. Imagine a small desk, piled high with books, notebooks, half-empty coffee cups, stray pens, and the occasional cat. There is also, very often, a small mountain of unopened mail. It's the kind of space where you have to clear a spot just to *think*. And yet... I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's where the magic (sometimes) happens.
What is the weirdest thing that's ever happened to you while writing?
Oh, gosh. The weirdest thing... hmm. Once, I was completely engrossed in writing a particularly dramatic scene, and I swear I felt a sudden chill. I turned around, fully expecting to see a ghost (I'm a sucker for spooky stuff). Instead, I saw my dog, staring at me with this mournful look. He had somehow managed to *eat* an entire stick of butter off the counter, and clearly, he was regretting his life choices. The dramatic scene? Totally ruined! I spent the next hour cleaning up butter-covered dog drool. So, yeah. The weirdest thing.
What is your writing process? Are you a "pantser" or a "plotter"?
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