Escape to Richmond: Your Home Away From Home at Extended Stay America!
Escape to Richmond: Extended Stay America - My Honest (& Haphazard) Take
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. I'm coming at you live from the… well, from the remnants of my Extended Stay America adventure in Richmond. "Escape to Richmond," they call it. Escape from Richmond, perhaps? Just kidding (mostly). Let's wade through this together, because frankly, writing this is cheaper than my therapy bill after the experience.
Let's Get Physical (and Maybe Cry a Little): Accessibility, Hygiene & Safety
- Accessibility: Okay, gotta give props where they’re due. They say wheelchair accessible. I didn't personally test this, but I saw ramps and elevators. I am hoping it's legit and that the facilities for disabled guests actually function properly. I will be brutally honest, I am not a huge fan of the idea of having to navigate a hallway to find a facility.
- Cleanliness and Safety: This is where things get… murky. They tout Anti-viral cleaning products and Professional-grade sanitizing services. They also mention stuff like Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays. Sounds fantastic, right? Well, then I saw… a rogue dust bunny the size of a small hamster. The Room sanitization opt-out available option actually makes me more nervous. Like, is the alternative worse? The Staff trained in safety protocol seemed… well, they seemed like they knew the protocol. Whether or not everyone followed them, well, I'm not a detective. The cashless payment service helped a lot though and the hand sanitizer was handy!
- The Mask of Disapproval: Every time I've been around others, I feel like there are too many people with no thought for the safety of others. I'm over here washing my hands and taking extra precautions. I'm just saying.
My Stomach is Rumbling (Let's Talk Food – or Lack Thereof)
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: The food situation was… well, it was extended stay-ish. Breakfast takeaway service was apparently the name of the game. Imagine, a tiny paper bag, a sad-looking granola bar, maybe a bottle of water if you're lucky, essential condiments and the sheer melancholy of it all. I mean, breakfast in room sounds nice on paper, so does alternative meal arrangement, but let's face it, you came here to stay the night and you're not here to eat at any fancy A la carte in restaurant or Buffet in restaurant experiences. The coffee shop had some ok coffee in it though.
- Snack Bar: The vending machine? My best friend. The only bright spot.
- The Missing Culinary Mystique: Honestly, I did NOT see any Asian breakfast or Asian cuisine in restaurant or anything even remotely resembling a Happy hour. Nor a Poolside bar. Nor even a Salad in restaurant situation. Let's be real, if you're dreaming of International cuisine in restaurant at an Extended Stay, you're dreaming too hard.
- One (Slightly) Positive Note: They do have Coffee/tea in restaurant. Because who doesn't need a pick-me-up before the impending long-term-stay-induced breakdown?
Services & Conveniences: The Good… and the Questionable
- The Good Stuff (ish): Cash withdrawal is a lifesaver. Daily housekeeping is appreciated, even if the dust bunnies are still alive and well. I appreciated the Concierge but the guy was MIA for 4 hours one day. Dry cleaning is a plus for business travelers (or chronic spillers like myself). Elevator is a must. Laundry service is a lifesaver, though the machines are kinda grungy. Meeting/banquet facilities exist, but who's meetings are meeting here?
- The "Meh" Zone: Air conditioning in public area is… there. Doorman? Nope. Food delivery options are abundant, but that's more a reflection of the city than the hotel itself. Luggage storage… well, you’re at an Extended Stay, you probably have luggage storage. Car park [free of charge] - thank goodness!
- The Quirks: Invoice provided just makes me think about how long I’m really here. Projector/LED display? For what, exactly? Watching dust bunnies breed in glorious HD?
For the Kids: Bless Their Hearts
- Family/child friendly: Family/child friendly is a generous description. There are Kids facilities of zero and the babysitting service has to come from outside. Still, kids can't really complain cause they can't even remember this place later in life.
Access, Getting Around, & Security: Keeping You (Somewhat) Safe
- Safety First (Eventually): CCTV in common areas is reassuring, I guess. Fire extinguisher, yup, definitely present! Front desk [24-hour] is a must. Smoke alarms are probably working… I hope. Security [24-hour] feels a bit like overkill, but hey, better safe than sorry. Check-in/out [express] is the only kind of check-in/out there is!
- Getting Around: Car park [free of charge] is a MUST. Taxi service is an option, and Airport transfer is available, which is key if you’re trying to escape… from here.
- The Lack of Romance: I did hear that the Couple's room available but I have doubts. I suppose that's more of a "hotel" activity.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty (and My Personal Beefs)
- The Basics: Air conditioning worked, praise be. Alarm clock saved me from oversleeping. Blackout curtains are a lifesaver. Coffee/tea maker is essential for survival. Desk: good for spreading your stuff everywhere. Free bottled water – always a plus. Hair dryer – thankfully, present. Refrigerator: vital for stashing your vending machine snacks. Satellite/cable channels – at least something to numb the pain. Shower and Toiletries: basic, but functional. Wi-Fi [free] – thank goodness.
- The Oddities: Additional toilet? In a budget-friendly Extended Stay? Doubtful. Bathroom phone? Does anyone actually use those these days? Extra long bed? Did the last occupant actually sleep in it? Probably not.
- My Biggest Complaint: The walls… they're thinner than the paper used in the vending machine coffee cups. I could hear everything. The arguments, the late-night phone calls, the… other activities. Let's just say, privacy is not a priority here.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (if you can)
- The "Relaxation" Paradox: Okay, let's be real. This ain't the spa. Pool with view? Not on the list. Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Massage? Keep dreaming. Gym/fitness is a Fitness center that looks like it hasn't been touched since the early 2000s. I mean, they do have a Swimming pool [outdoor], but I didn’t. The Body scrub and Body wraps are completely absent.
- The Escape Plan: Honestly, the best thing to do is to get away. Head out, Explore Richmond.
Overall Impression (The Rundown)
Extended Stay America in Richmond? It's… an experience. It's a place to crash, to survive, maybe to work, but definitely not to thrive. It's clean enough, but cleanliness is not the reason you're here. The staff are trying, but I’m pretty sure all of them would like to escape too. In short, it’s a place to hunker down when you need a place to hunker down. Set your expectations low, bring your own entertainment, and maybe pack an extra set of earplugs. You'll survive. And hey, maybe you'll find the dust bunny I mentioned earlier.
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Escape to Greensboro: Microtel Inn & Suites Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a real person’s chaotic, glorious, pizza-stained journey through Richmond, Virginia, centered around the Extended Stay America on Broad Street. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster, the questionable food choices, and the probable existential crisis (or two). Here we go…
Richmond Ramble: Extended Stay & Existential Dread (and BBQ, obviously)
Day 1: Arrival, Acceptance & the Quest for Wi-Fi (and Maybe a Shower?)
- Morning (Err, make that LATE Morning): Touchdown in Richmond. Ugh, airports. Always a symphony of crying babies, frantic travelers, and overpriced coffee. Grabbed that coffee, needed it. Delayed flight, naturally. My luggage? Currently residing in… well, who knows? Hopefully, it’s NOT on a scenic tour of the baggage claim carousel.
- Afternoon: Finally, arrive at the Extended Stay. That familiar beige-on-beige-on-maybe-slightly-orange interior. Smells of vaguely stale air and… possibility? Checked in, grabbed the key, and wrestled my way into the room. Found the Wi-Fi password (a small victory!). Immediately began the frantic search for my phone charger (essential for survival, duh). Then, the real test… the shower. Did it work? Did it have hot water? (spoiler alert: it did, but the water pressure was… optimistic).
- Evening: The REAL quest began: Food. Thankfully, there was a Papa John's practically next door. Pizza. Comfort food. Needed. Stuffed my face with cheesy goodness. Then, because I'm a glutton for punishment, I attempted to work. The Wi-Fi was spotty. Cue the existential dread creeping in. Why am I here? What am I doing with my life? Is this pizza crust made of… cardboard? Debating the merits of another slice, while staring out the window, watching the sunset. The beauty was marred by the flickering neon sign of… you guessed it… another fast-food joint. Sigh.
Day 2: History, Heartbreak, and the Holy Grail of Fried Chicken
- Morning: Okay, so, the “continental breakfast” at the Extended Stay: Don't get me started. Think lukewarm coffee, dry muffins, and the lingering feeling of regret. But, fueled (barely) by caffeine and an underlying sense of optimism, I bravely ventured out.
- Mid-Morning: Tried to do the "history" thing. I'm not typically a history buff but the allure of Richmond's monuments and stories got to me. Visited the Virginia State Capitol. Architecture. Impressive. My attention span? Not so much. Wandered around, pretending to understand the significance of everything. Found a bench. Sat. People-watched. Much more interesting.
- Lunch: The quest for the real Richmond experience. Heard tell of some amazing Southern cuisine. Okay, here we go. Stumbled upon a local diner - a total local dive. The food was ridiculously good. Fried chicken, collard greens, mac & cheese… I felt like I was in food heaven. The place was packed, filled with regulars and an older lady working the front who looked at me like I had five heads when I ordered water. No regrets.
- Afternoon: Back to the history. This time, I went to see Monument Avenue. Seeing all the statues was just… wow. Heavy. Reflective. Took a few photos but mostly just stood there, feeling the weight of time and history. Started thinking about my own life, my own legacy (which mostly involves unpaid bills).
- Evening: Emotional overload. Needed retail therapy. Found a thrift store. Spent two hours looking for a bargain. Ended up buying a weird ceramic cat figurine and a t-shirt with a questionable slogan. Head back to the hotel, feeling exhausted and strangely hopeful.
Day 3: Art, Anger, and a Burger Battle
- Morning: Slept in (thank goodness for the hotel's blackout curtains. Bless them!). Contemplated skipping the "breakfast". Decided the dry muffin was better than nothing.
- Mid-Morning: Took a (much-needed) shower. Seriously, how do people live without regular showers?
- Afternoon: Headed to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. The collection was awesome. Lots of modern art to question and critique. The sheer number of paintings made my head spin and my feet begin to ache. I walked and walked until finally, I sat. I sat in front of a painting and stared until the images came out of my head. The rest of the day faded into a blur of art, confusion, and some mild existential angst.
- Late Afternoon: The dreaded burger battle began. Google reviews led me to a place claiming to have the BEST burger in Richmond. Nope. It was okay. The fries were soggy. Frustrated, I decided it was personal and decided to go find another burger. Found another place, it was a little bit better, but still not the BEST burger.
- Evening: Back at the hotel. Staring at that weird ceramic cat. Realizing I don't have an apartment. Thinking about going home earlier.
- Night: Decided to order some takeout, while researching some more places. Ordered the most expensive burger on the menu. It was okay. Maybe the best burger in the world? Probably not. But still, it was good.
Day 4: Departure, Disappointment, and the Long Road Home (and maybe a promise to myself)
- Morning: Packing. Always a deeply unpleasant experience. Where DID all this stuff come from? Scrambled to check out of the Extended Stay. Left the room a mess (sorry, housekeeping!). Said goodbye to my beige sanctuary, and with a sigh, I grabbed my bags.
- Early Afternoon: Back at the airport. Flight delayed. Surprise, surprise. Bought another overpriced coffee. Contemplating my life choices. Thinking about Richmond. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't always fun. But it was… something.
- Late Afternoon: On the plane. Reflecting on my Richmond adventure. The good, the bad, the ugly. The food coma. The historical overload. The questionable art. The ceramic cat. The burgers (still searching for the perfect one!).
- Evening: Back home. Unpacked. The apartment is cold. The kitchen is empty. The cat figurine? It's waiting on the shelf. Maybe it's a sign. Maybe it's a reminder. Maybe it's just a weird statue. But hey, maybe next time I'll spend more time finding "the best burger". Or maybe I'll go somewhere completely different. Maybe explore another state. Until then, I'm going to get some sleep.
Final Thoughts:
Richmond, you were… a lot. You challenged me, frustrated me, fed me. And I'll probably be back. Eventually. When I can afford a better burger. Or at least, a better Wi-Fi connection.
Hartford's Hidden Gem: Fairfield Inn & Suites Manchester Review!
Escape to Richmond: Extended Stay America - The *Actual* FAQ (Because Let's Be Real...)
(Prepare for some honesty, folks. And maybe a tear or two. Or a laugh. Or all of the above. Your mileage may vary.)
1. Is this place... actually *good*? Like, is it truly an "escape," or just a place to, you know, *exist*?
Okay, real talk. "Escape to Richmond" sounds idyllic, right? Like, beaches, sunsets, maybe some charming, cobblestone streets... And Extended Stay America... well, let's just say it's not exactly the Ritz. But *good* depends on your definition. Are you expecting a spa day? Nah. Are you expecting a pristine, perfectly curated experience? Probably not. But is it a reasonable, affordable base camp? Absolutely. I mean, I *survived* a week there during a particularly chaotic family visit. And that, my friends, is an achievement. Plus, the fridge is HUGE! Seriously, the fridge is a lifesaver when you're trying to keep a week's worth of groceries (and emergency ice cream) cold. It's a win.
2. What about the cleaning? I read some reviews... Let's just say they weren't glowing.
Alright, the cleaning. This is where things get... interesting. Here's the deal: don't expect the immaculate perfection of a five-star hotel. They're not scrubbing every single crevice daily. (And honestly, who does that at home anyway?) My advice? Pack some disinfectant wipes. Seriously. Wipe down the counters. Wipe down the remote. And, God bless you, wipe the bathroom. I always bring my own Lysol, just in case. But the staff *are* generally helpful, and they'll usually fix any major cleanliness issues pretty quickly. Just be prepared to roll up your sleeves a *little*. It's a choose-your-own-adventure in cleanliness, really.
3. Kitchenettes/Kitchen! Tell me about the cooking/eating situation!
The kitchenette is a GAME CHANGER. Seriously. Microwave – check. Fridge – check. Cooktop (maybe, depends on the room) – check. This is where Extended Stay America *shines*. I literally made a full Thanksgiving dinner (well, maybe just the essentials) in one of those tiny kitchens. It was a masterpiece of culinary improvisation. I baked a pie in the microwave - don't judge! It was... edible. Okay, it was a pie. The point is, you can actually *cook*. That saves a TON of money on eating out. And there's nothing quite like the feeling of conquering a tiny kitchen and feeding yourself (and maybe a tired family member or two.) Don't expect top-of-the-line equipment, but it's functional. I once burned some toast and the smoke alarm... well, it worked. So, there's that."
4. Okay, but the *location*? Is it actually, you know, *Richmond*? Is it convenient for anything?
Location, location, location. This one's a gamble. Each Extended Stay America has a different location. Hopefully, it's *near* Richmond things – like, close to the places *you* need to be. Check the specific address and do some research. Google Maps is your friend. But here's a little anecdote: I once booked one that was, and I'm not exaggerating, *right next to a major highway*. Constant traffic noise. Could barely sleep! So, do your homework. Look closely at the map. This isn't necessarily a "walk to the historic district" kind of place. But with a car (or rideshare), you can usually get where you need to go. I can't emphasize this enough: know the location. It will make or break your stay. Because otherwise, it's just a highway and the sounds of speeding cars and... loneliness...
5. Pets? They allow pets, right? What's that *really* like?
Yes, they allow pets! And that's a *huge* plus for many of us. But let's be real, this is where things get a little... unpredictable. You'll hear barking. You may smell... Things. It's the nature of pet ownership. My experience was mixed. I had a dog. He was a good dog, but. Well, one night, the dog next door started howling at 3 AM. And it. Did. Not. Stop. I ended up banging on their door in the middle of the night. Awkward. But, hey, at least *my* dog wasn't the problem (that night!). It's part of the deal. Pack some earplugs, just in case. And maybe a sense of humor. You're essentially moving in with a bunch of (hopefully) well-behaved animals.. and their humans.
6. What's the *vibe*? What's the actual *atmosphere* like staying there?
Okay, the "vibe." This is a hard one to put your finger on. It's... functional. It's not a party scene. It's not particularly romantic. Imagine a motel - but stretched out a bit, long-term. You'll see a lot of people who are traveling for work, families in transition, people relocating, even the occasional… well, you know (long-term guests, shall we say). The hallway discussions can be... interesting. The parking lot sometimes feels like a small city within a city. People are just *living*. You'll probably be left alone most of the time. But, there’s definitely a sense of community that develops amongst long-term guests. It's the "we're all in this together" kind of vibe. Or the "I just need a place to exist without it costing a fortune" kind of vibe. It's… real life. Embrace it. Or, you know, bring a good book and some noise-canceling headphones. Your call. It’s not always sunshine and roses, you know? There’s definitely a sadness that sometimes wafts through the air. But hey, you're there, you do what you need to do, right?
7. Is there *Wi-Fi*? And does it actually work?
Yes. There *is* Wi-Fi. *Sometimes*. The Wi-Fi is usually usable, but it can be a little... temperamental. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds. Don't plan on streaming HD movies. It's more like... "can I check my email?" kind of Wi-Fi. It's functional. Maybe. If you *really* need super-reliable internet (Zoom calls, crucial work stuff, etc.), it's smart to have a backup plan. A mobile hotspot, or, well, just a Starbucks down the street. I remember one time, I was trying to do a video call withBlog Hotel Search Site
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