Odessa's BEST Staybridge Suites? (IHG Hotel Review!)
Odessa's Staybridge Suites: My Honest-to-Goodness Review (Spoiler: It's Complicated!)
Alright, folks, let's talk about a hotel. Specifically, the Staybridge Suites in Odessa. Because, hey, I'm a sucker for a good IHG property and a decent suite, and this one… well, it's an experience. Get ready, because this ain't your average, sterile hotel review. This is the real deal, unfiltered, with all the quirks and questionable decisions a guy can find!
(First, the Basics: The Pre-Trip Blues & Hopes)
Planning a trip? Odessa, Texas, doesn't exactly scream "luxury getaway," does it? More like "oil rigs" and "long drives." So, finding a decent hotel is critical. The Staybridge Suites seemed promising: "Suites!" "Free Wi-Fi!" "Breakfast!" My hopes were high. I was envisioning a haven of post-work relaxation, a clean, comfortable basecamp… You know, a place where I could actually unwind.
(Accessibility: A Mixed Bag – Literally!)
Let's start with the stuff that should be a priority. Accessibility. The Staybridge Suites? Well, bless their hearts. They attempted. I’m not wheelchair-bound, but I always check, just for principle.
- Wheelchair Accessible: The website claims to be accessible. Good! The lobby looked accessible. I saw an elevator! Excellent! Realistically, though, you'll need to double-check the specific room accessibility with the hotel. Accessibility is tough, and no one does it perfectly, but they were trying. Props!
(Getting Connected: The Wi-Fi Saga & More!)
Internet, Internet, Internet! In today's world, it's as essential as oxygen. So, did the Staybridge Suites deliver?
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! This is a major win. And it mostly worked. Mostly. There were times I swear I was staring at a loading wheel for so long I almost considered writing a novel about it.
- Internet [LAN]. Nope, didn't use it. Who even uses LAN anymore? (Says the guy who gets irrationally angry when the Wi-Fi isn't lightning fast… go figure!)
- Internet Services. Well, aside from the wonky Wi-Fi, it was pretty basic.
(The Room Itself: A Suite Life? Maybe…)
The room? Oh, the room. Let's break it down:
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning (thank God, it's Texas!), Alarm clock (still a thing!), Bathtub (yes!), Bathrobes (YES! I love a bathrobe!), Free bottled water (always a plus!).
- The Good: The separate living area was amazing. A comfy couch, a desk, a little kitchenette… it felt like an apartment, not a cramped hotel room. The bed was decent, not the best ever, but decent. Extra long bed? Didn't measure, but felt normal.
- The Not-So-Good: The decor was… bland. Beige on beige on beige. The lighting was fluorescent. The TV was small. But hey, I wasn't there to admire art, I was there to work and… well, sleep. And the damn carpeting! I had to wear shoes at ALL times. It felt a little grimy, to be honest.
- My Most Memorable Moment: Okay, so, the mini-fridge. It was just… there. I spent a good 10 minutes staring at it, wondering if it actually worked. Did it cool? Would it hold my precious Dr. Pepper (I'm a Texan, judge me all you want!)? Turns out, it did! Triumph!
- The "Oh, Crap" Moment: I might have accidentally set off the smoke detector while making toast. Oops! (Quick note: the fire alarm was a tad dramatic, and the battery was low. My bad.)
(Dining, Oh Dining: Breakfast & Beyond!)
Breakfast! This is where the Staybridge Suites almost won me over. Almost.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: Yes, a buffet. A blessedly free buffet. It had the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (decent!), sausage (slightly questionable!), waffles (a win!), cereal, fruit, and, of course, coffee.
- Western Breakfast: Pretty standard. Nothing to write home about, but filled the void.
- The Imperfect Truth: The breakfast area was… chaotic. The waffle iron was constantly jammed. The coffee was lukewarm. Also, the staff did not seem to be too thrilled to be there.
- The Unexpected Delight: They had a little to-go bag option! I'm all about taking it to go, it's my kind of breakfast.
- Other options: Room service was not an option, but for the money, you can't complain.
(Amenities and "Things to Do" (or Not))
The Staybridge Suites had the standard amenities: a pool, a small gym.
- Swimming Pool: Yes. Looked clean. Didn't go in because, well, I'm not a pool person.
- Fitness Center: "Gym/fitness." Fine. Treadmills, a few weights… it'll do in a pinch.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom/Massage: Nope. Not here. Definitely not a "relaxing getaway" kind of place.
(Cleanliness & Safety: Navigating Pandemic Realities)
Okay, let's get serious. This is 2024, and COVID is still hanging around. Did they do their best?
- Anti-viral cleaning products. Hopefully!
- Hand sanitizer was present.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Didn't really see that enforced.
- Rooms sanitized between stays. Hopefully!
- Staff trained in safety protocol. Probably?
- The reality: While I didn't witness blatant disregard for hygiene, things felt a little lax.
(Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter)
- Daily housekeeping. This was dependable. My room always seemed to have been cleaned, which I appreciated.
- Business facilities: Business facilities was good.
- Cash withdrawal: They are good with this.
- Concierge: They didn't really have a concierge.
- Laundry service. Nice to have
- Car park [free of charge]. Awesome!
- The thing that mattered most: A functional iron and ironing board. I needed it. Life or death.
(The Upshot: Would I Stay Again?)
Honestly? It's complicated. If I needed to be in Odessa, and the price was right? Yeah, I probably would. It's a decent option, especially given the limited choices in the area. It's not luxurious, it's not perfect, but it's functional.
Final Verdict:
- Pro: The suite layout, free breakfast (even with its flaws), free parking, and the (mostly) reliable Wi-Fi.
- Con: The slightly tired decor, the questionable cleanliness, and the general feeling of "budget business hotel."
- Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Not a disaster, but not a destination. It's… Odessa. What do you expect?
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-formatted itinerary. This is the real deal, the messy, hilarious, and occasionally stressful journey of me, attempting to navigate Odessa, Texas, and the Staybridge Suites off I-20. Consider this your slightly-over-caffeinated travel diary.
Day 1: Arrival (and the Existential Dread of a Parking Lot)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at Midland International Airport (MAF). Honestly, the airport itself is less "international" and more "extended Texas truck stop." But hey, it's the gateway to Odessa! Pick up the rental car (a sensible sedan, hopefully, since my driving skills are… let's say, evolving).
- 1:45 PM: The drive to the Staybridge Suites. I swear, the vastness of the Texas landscape nearly swallowed our car whole during the drive. It's just… endless. It really makes you reflect on the insignificance of humankind in the face of, well, a lot of nothing. But on the bright side, you can make a pit stop at Buc-ee's.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. Oh, the sweet relief of air conditioning! The front desk gal was super friendly, bless her heart. She looked like she'd seen it all, and probably had. I bet she had some stories… I mean, it's Odessa. I'm sure I'll hear some of the best tales of my life.
- 2:45 PM: The room! Okay, it's a suite. That's fancy. Decent. It's a hotel room, not a portal to another dimension…though I'm not ruling that out after the drive. The kitchen is… well, it's got the potential. The free breakfast is sounding pretty good right now.
- 3:30 PM: Unpacking, followed by a sudden, overwhelming urge to nap. The bed is calling my name. I’m already feeling that mix of exhaustion and anticipation for the next few days.
- 4:30 PM: The dreaded parking lot experience. Okay, here's where things get real. Finding a parking spot at this hotel feels like a scavenger hunt. Seriously, I circled that lot three times before settling for a spot that's practically in another zip code. This is a sign, isn't it? A sign that I'm going to be walking. A lot.
- 5:00 PM: Wandering around the hotel. Investigating the amenities, because I can’t live without a gym and the gym needs me! The pool looks decent, but the thought of actually getting in after driving all day… nah, I'll pass.
Day 2: Oil, History, and a Desperate Search for Decent Coffee
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Honestly, the free breakfast is… standard. They have the usual suspects: cereal, yogurt, waffles that you make yourself, and a vaguely suspicious-looking sausage. I mean, it's fuel, right? Gotta power through the day.
- 9:00 AM: Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. Okay, this is cool. Actually, really cool. Oil derricks, vintage cars, and a whole history of the boom and bust of the industry. Seeing the actual pumps is wild. I realized that the black liquid beneath the ground is the lifeblood of Texas. Really a journey into Texas history.
- 11:00 AM: The White-Pool House. So, a historic house museum. This is where I began to feel a little underwhelmed. I mean… the tour was well-meaning, but the details about the furniture were just boring. I think I was expecting more drama. Maybe some ghosts?
- 12:30 PM: Lunch. Okay, this is where the quest for decent coffee begins, because let’s face it: the hotel coffee is… well, it isn’t going to cut it. I'm on a mission. Found a local cafe that had decent reviews. Food was okay. Coffee? Still mediocre. Sigh.
- 2:00 PM: Exploring downtown Odessa. Okay, it’s… quaint. A few cute shops. Some faded charm. You can tell this town has seen some things. I'm keeping an open mind, but so far, it's not exactly setting my soul on fire.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a break. Napping is not an option. It's a necessity.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a place that looked promising but turned out to be… well, it was food! Everything was a bit bland and overpriced. I'm starting to understand why people rave about chain restaurants.
- 7:30 PM: Evening swim. Okay, I took the plunge. The pool was refreshing (mostly). Felt a little guilty about not actually swimming, just sort of wading. The only other people in the pool were a couple of kids who seemed to be channeling their inner synchronized swimmers. Bless them.
Day 3: The Big Day: Stonehenge and Space (and More Questionable Food)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Same deal as yesterday. I managed to make edible waffles, at least. Small victories, right?
- 9:00 AM: Driving to Odessa's 'Stonehenge'. Yeah, I know. It’s a replica. A very, very small replica. But hey, it's something! It's also in the middle of a field, so prepare for some serious sun exposure. Did I mention that the Texas sun is brutal?
- 10:00 AM: Stonehenge experience complete. Walked around for, I don't know, fifteen minutes? It was worth it. I mean, the photo opportunity alone was worth it.
- 11:00 AM: The Ellen Noël Art Museum. Okay, this was surprisingly good. Some cool art. A little bit of everything.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch – again! A local recommended a diner. The food was… a rollercoaster of textures and flavors that made me realize I hadn't been in Texas long. But the waitress was a total sweetheart, and the atmosphere was pure Texas.
- 2:30 PM: Spending hours at the Presidential Museum. This Presidential Museum is a real hidden gem. Filled with fascinating stories and artifacts.
- 5:00 PM: I went back to the hotel to recharge after all the walking.
- 7:00 PM: Okay, dinner at the same chain restaurant as last night. Comfort food. I’m starting to feel the charm of Odessa, even if it's a little… unconventional.
Day 4: Farewell (and the Parking Lot Strikes Again!)
- 7:00 AM: Final breakfast. I'm emotionally attached to the waffles by now, honestly.
- 8:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping for the folks back home.
- 9:00 AM: That parking lot battle. Seriously, it’s a test of wills. The final round. I parked approximately in the next county over.
- 10:00 AM: Check Out time. Sad to leave, but happy to go.
- 11:00 AM: Drive to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: See ya later, Odessa! I honestly had a great time. It’s not perfect. It’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s part of its charm. I'm already mentally planning my return trip. And next time, I'm bringing my own coffee maker.
- 1:00 PM: Flight home.
So, there you have it. My Odessa adventure. It was a little messy, a little underwhelming, a little weird, and totally, undeniably, human. And that, my friends, is the best kind of travel.
(P.S. I apologize in advance for any typos. Hotel Wi-Fi is not my friend).
Mysore's Hidden Paradise: Unwind at Silent Shores Resort & Spa
Odessa's Staybridge Suites: The Real Deal - FAQs (Brace Yourself!)
Is this place actually *good*? Like, REALLY good? (Because the internet lies!)
Okay, let's be real. Odessa ain't exactly the Bahamas. So, "good" in the Odessa context means… well, still pretty good! Look, I've stayed at some *dreadful* hotels in my life. Think flickering lights, suspicious stains on the carpet, and the lingering scent of sadness. Staybridge Suites? It leans towards the *not dreadful* end of the spectrum. It's a solid, dependable choice. My first stay I checked in, the lobby, was… clean, ya know? Not sparkling, but clean. And that's a good start. It’s not luxury, okay? Let's be clear. It’s not like you’re going to be sipping champagne in a marble bathroom. BUT, it’s a definite improvement over sleeping in your car.
What's the deal with the suites? Are they actually… suites?
YES! Finally, an actual suite! (Well, mostly.) I mean, they *call* it a suite, and it *feels* like more than a glorified closet. You've got a little kitchenette situation – bless their little hearts! – a living area, and a separate bedroom. The microwave saved my bacon (and my frozen burritos) on multiple occasions. The space is definitely a plus. I'm claustrophobic and the separate bedroom made the world of difference. I could actually breathe without feeling like I was stuck in a phone booth. Just remember to bring your own spatula. The utensils they provide are… well, let's just say they're not exactly chef-grade. Don't plan on making gourmet meals. Maybe, just maybe, heat up a pizza.
Breakfast - yay or nay? Because hotel breakfasts are usually a gamble.
The breakfast is… a mixed bag. It's *free*, remember that. You get what you pay for is a motto that comes to mind. There's usually the standard stuff: cereal, yogurt, some sad-looking pastries. They *sometimes* have hot options – the scrambled eggs are… well, they’re eggs. Edible. The waffle maker? That's the star. Bring a sense of humor and maybe some hot sauce. I once witnessed a guy constructing a waffle tower the size of Mount Everest. It cheered me up. Don't hold your breath for Michelin-star quality, but it'll fill you up before you hit the road, provided you're not overly picky.
What about the gym? Do they actually have one? And is it any good?
They *do* have a gym. Yes! It's… compact. Let's call it "cozy." It's got the basics: some treadmills, a couple of elliptical machines, a weight bench. Don't expect a fancy fitness center. I saw a guy try to do squats with a 5-pound dumbbell. I wouldn't recommend it. It'll do the trick if you just need a quick workout to get the blood flowing, but don't go expecting to break any personal records. I’m just happy there's something, because after being cooped up in a hotel room all day… I need to run and get out some stress.
Is the pool… a disaster? I need that swimming pool!
The pool... Oh, the pool. Look, it's outside. That's a plus, especially in the Texas heat. I went once, it was clean that day! But the pool deck… it's a bit… exposed. So bring sunscreen and a towel. And don't count on a luxurious poolside experience. There's not much shade. It's not exactly resort-style, but hey, it's water! And after a long day, that's all you need. My tip: Get there early to snag a chair. I saw a family trying to share a single lounge chair… it was a sight. I'm sure its a hit with families.
Let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or just… there?
Okay, the staff? They're generally pretty good. They always seemed genuinely helpful. One time, I forgot my phone charger. PANIC! I was practically hyperventilating. The front desk lady (her name was Brenda, I think – bless her heart!) rummaged around and found a spare one. LIFE SAVER! Beyond that, I never experienced anything that was super memorable, but they aren't unfriendly. So, generally good! Its an area you never know. You might get someone super grumpy, but I thought they were very helpful. They made me feel welcomed.
Okay, honest moment: Worst thing about this place? The ONE thing that REALLY bugs you?
Hmmmm… okay, I need to be honest here. The air conditioning. It's either freezing you out or… struggling to cool the room at all. There's little in between. It's a gamble. I slept with multiple blankets one night. The next, I was melting. Pack accordingly! Also, the walls might be a tad thin. I could sometimes hear my neighbor's TV, which could get annoying, but hey, it ain't a deal breaker. The A/C really did get me though.
Location, location, location: Is it easy to get around?
The location is OKAY. It's not exactly smack-dab in the middle of the action, but it’s not out in the boonies either. There are restaurants nearby, especially chains! I’m not saying they’re the best restaurants, but they're there. The highway access to get around is great, which is what matters. If you are driving, it’s fine. If you're relying on public transport… well, good luck. Consider the location a solid B. This is Odessa, so don't expect a walkable metropolis!
Final verdict: Would you recommend it? Spill the tea!
Overall, yes, I'd recommend the Staybridge Suites in Odessa. It's not perfect, obviously! (See: Air Conditioning). But it’s clean, the suites are a nice touch, the staff is generally helpful, and the location isn’t terrible. It isn't going to be a highlight of your trip, but it's a perfectly functional, and relatively comfortable base of operations. Just pack earplugs for potential neighbors. And a sweatshirt. And a good book! And maybe a wine opener, just in case. Odessa hotels... It won't be bad!
Post a Comment for "Odessa's BEST Staybridge Suites? (IHG Hotel Review!)"