London Getaway: Unwind at Residence Inn London, Ontario!
London Getaway: Unwind at Residence Inn London, Ontario! - My Honest Take (AKA, Did I Actually Relax?)
Okay, so I just got back from a little escape to London, Ontario, and I'm here to spill the tea (and maybe some spilled coffee, let's be real). I booked a stay at the Residence Inn, and honestly, after the last year… I needed unwind to be the main event. Spoiler alert: it was mostly successful. Mostly. Buckle up, this is gonna be a messy, honest review, just like me.
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- Meta Description: My unfiltered experience at Residence Inn London, Ontario! Honest review of accessibility, amenities (pool! spa!), cleanliness, and everything in-between. Find out if it's the perfect London Ontario getaway for you!
First Impressions & Accessibility – Did They Get the Memo?
Entering the hotel felt… well, normal. Which, after the last few years, is a win! The lobby was bright, and the check-in? Easy peasy. Contactless check-in/out was a godsend, because social anxieties are real at this point. And bonus points for the 24-hour front desk - knowing someone's always there is a comfort.
Accessibility is huge for me (literally and figuratively, since you know…things are easier with the elevator) - and the elevator was a MUST. They ticked the right boxes here – facilities for disabled guests were clearly considered, though I didn’t get deep into that side of it. The whole place generally felt pretty wheelchair accessible. Didn't see any obvious issues, which is a relief! Didn't get a chance to test the exterior corridor as I was inside the whole time, but that's a good thing to look at.
Rooms – Home Away From… Actually, Pretty Okay Home?
My Room? Spotless (more on that later). I had a suite – which was glorious. The extra long bed was a game-changer (I'm tall, okay?). I actually really appreciated the separate shower/bathtub, and the toiletries were surprisingly good (I especially appreciated the slippers - luxury, folks, LUXURY!). The blackout curtains were essential for my mission to actually unwind and sleep in as late as possible. The alarm clock was defeated!
- What I Loved: The sofa area was perfect for crashing with a book. The mini bar was stocked (water bottle, that's it)
- What Could Be Improved: Coffee in the room was okay. Needs a real upgrade, the coffee/tea maker felt like a little work.
Cleanliness and Safety – Did We Survive the Pandemic?
Alright, let’s be honest. The pandemic has us all a little… vigilant when it comes to cleanliness. The Residence Inn seemed to take this seriously, which I appreciated. They had hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and signs about daily disinfection in common areas. My room had been sanitized between stays; and no doubt there were professional-grade sanitizing services! I felt like a germaphobe, but in the best way. They even had individually-wrapped food options, which, again, made me feel less anxious about… well, everything. They even let you do the room sanitization opt-out, which is the most I could ask for.
- My Weirdest Observation: Seeing the staff in masks and gloves, I felt weirdly comforted. I felt like I was being taken care of.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Relaxation Machine
Breakfast was included. (Bless you, Marriott). I had to face the Buffet in restaurant . Listen, buffets can be scary post-pandemic. I went in, and I just… took a deep breath. The food was, you know, buffet-quality food. But they had Asian breakfast options, that was a nice plus too! I definitely appreciate how many options the Breakfast service provided.
The coffee/tea in restaurant seemed to be good. I am a fan.
Things to Do (aka, Did I Actually Relax?)
Okay, this is the REAL test. Did I actually unwind?
- The Fitness center was tiny, but hey, it had the basics. I think I went in there once.
- The Pool With View was… nice. But the swimming pool [outdoor] felt basic, and I did not go the sauna, steamroom. These are the best part of the hotel.
- The Spa – The Real Reason I Came! I booked a massage. The spa was small, but the massage itself… oh, the massage. Truly. I need to put myself first more often. I had a body scrub and I felt like a new human.
- (And the big plus for me) Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - it was great. I was able to still work even though I was trying to take a break from things
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
They had all the usual suspects: laundry service, dry cleaning, daily housekeeping (thank god; I'm messy), and a convenience store for late-night snacks (crucial.) The meetings/banquet facilities were very corporate looking and not for me.
- Random Thought: I loved the complimentary tea in the room. Little things, people, little things.
For the Kids (I Didn't Bring Any, But Here's Some Info)
They have Family/child friendly and the Babysitting service is a good thing too. Didn't get to experience the kids meal, but it must be a good thing for families.
The Bottom Line (My Final Verdict)
Would I go back? Absolutely. The Residence Inn London Ontario provided a solid foundation for a much-needed break. It wasn't perfect, it had its quirks, sure, but it was clean, comfortable, and – most importantly – it helped me kind of unwind. If you're looking for a functional, relatively stress-free getaway, give it a shot. Just be prepared to embrace the imperfection. Because hey, that's life, right? And sometimes, that's the most relaxing thing of all.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's pristine itinerary. This is a London, Ontario experience, Residence Inn edition, and trust me, things are gonna get delightfully messy.
The Absolutely Unofficial, Probably Slightly Over-Optimistic Residence Inn London, ON Itinerary: A Descent into… Well, Adventures!
(Note: This is subject to whim, caffeine levels, and the inexplicable charm of Canadian squirrels. Don't @ me if things go sideways. Which, let's be real, they probably will.)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Quest for the Seriously Good Coffee
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival (and the Great Lobby Massacre of Luggage Wrangling)
Alright, first things first: CHECK-IN. Pray the front desk person is awake. My arrival at any hotel usually involves a silent prayer to the travel gods that my luggage doesn't explode. Did it this time? Miraculously, no! But the elevator seems to be playing a game of "will it/won't it" with me. I swear, I aged a year just waiting for that thing.
- Anecdote: Last time, I swear I saw a family trying to unpack an entire car in the lobby. A small mountain of suitcases, and a dad frantically searching for the tiny wrench. It was beautiful chaos. Let's hope for less chaos this time.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: The Room Reconnaissance (and the Initial Judgement):
Unpack, or at least attempt to. Immediately I am already assessing the situation and already I feel like I need a coffee. Which is the first thing I'm doing. I mean, the room is nice, I guess? King suite, so plenty of space to spread out my stuff (aka, my emotional baggage). The kitchenette… well, let's just say I'm not expecting gourmet meals. Microwave popcorn, maybe. That's the goal.
- Opinion: The hotel is nice. It's clean. But let me be clear: clean is important. I'm a sucker for a clean room. But is it memorable? We'll see.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: The Coffee Crisis (and the Search for the Nectar of the Gods)
The in-room coffee situation? Suspiciously weak. It's a crisis, I tell you! A true traveller's nightmare. The hunt is on for decent coffee. I'm thinking… Tim Horton's is a must. But is there anything special around here? I need to find a place that understands the true art of a strong brew. Google Maps, here I come.
- Quirky Observation: The little complimentary toiletries are always a gamble. Will I find a shampoo that leaves my hair feeling like straw? Or a body wash that smells like something from a spaceship? The suspense is… thrilling.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exploring the Surrounding Area (and the First Taste of London)
Armed with caffeine, I shall venture forth! A walk around the neighborhood is on the cards. I might even explore the nearby shopping centre. The goal? Familiarize myself with the area. Get a feel for the "vibe". Probably get distracted by colourful storefronts and start planning all the things I'm going to buy, that I probably don't need at all.
- Anecdote: I once got completely lost in a mall. For like, an hour. Ended up buying a singing fish because I was bored. Priorities, right?
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner (Gotta Eat!)
What to eat for dinner? Well it depends on time. Hopefully the hotel I'm in, has a restaurant. Otherwise I would have to go out. It either has to be something quick, or something delicious.
- Emotional Reaction: Hunger is a powerful motivator. And I'm pretty hungry.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Relaxation and Hotel Amenities
Back at the hotel. Depending on how tired I am, I'm either going to read a book, or watch tv.
- Opinion: After a long day, the pool and hot tub are a MUST.
9:00 PM - Bedtime, Bedtime, Bedtime:
Sleep.
Day 2: Delving Deeper (and Wrestling with Schedules)
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast (and the Battle for the Waffles):
Free breakfast? Don't mind if I do! Expecting the usual: scrambled eggs that may or may not be real eggs, suspect sausages, and the siren song of the waffle maker. The waffle maker is both a blessing and a curse. Because lines. I hate lines.
- Rambling: Breakfast is where you really see the human condition. The stressed business travellers, the sleepy families, the people who are just genuinely thrilled to be eating stale bagels. It's a sociological study, really.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Exploring London
Time to see what London has to offer. Might visit Victoria Park, the Covent Garden Market… or, depending on the weather, I’ll probably just wander around and see what I find.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm a sucker for a good farmers market. Fingers crossed for fresh produce and local crafts.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch
Time for lunch. I would probably want something casual and delicious.
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Activities
During this time, I might visit a museum or some kind of attraction.
- Stream of Consciousness: Or maybe I'll just find a cozy coffee shop and read a book. Or stare out the window. The possibilities are endless!
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner: A Foodie Adventure or a Quick Bite?
Another meal. Decisions, decisions… Gotta find that perfect balance between exciting and convenient.
- Opinion: I’m a total sucker for trying new foods, but sometimes, you just need a burger and fries. No judgement.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Evening Fun (or Hotel Relaxation Again)
Might catch a movie, watch some tv, or hit the pool again. You get the idea.
9:00 PM - Bedtime, Bedtime, Bedtime:
Sleep.
Day 3: Departure (and the Epilogue of a Trip)
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast (One Last Waffle?)
This is it, the final breakfast ritual. Will the waffles be victorious? Will I have enough coffee to face reality?
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Packing (and the Emotional Baggage Farewell)
Packing time. The dreaded moment. I'll probably leave it until the absolute last minute and do a frantic scramble.
- Imperfection: I'm terrible at packing efficiently. It's a skill I will never master.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Checkout (and the Silent Prayer for a Smooth Exit)
Hoping everything goes smoothly. And that the elevator actually works this time.
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM: The Departure
Time to leave. One last look at the Residence Inn. Did it deliver? Was it memorable? Did I get enough coffee? Guess we'll see.
- Emotional Reaction: Until next time London, Ontario!
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is a suggestion. A guide. A starting point. Life, and especially travel, is full of surprises. The best journeys are often the ones you don't plan. So, embrace the chaos! Embrace the uncertainty! And most importantly, embrace the quest for the perfect cup of coffee.
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London Getaway: Residence Inn London, Ontario - My Brain Dump FAQ!
Okay, so, Residence Inn... Is it *really* a getaway? Like, a *good* getaway?
Alright, let's be real. You're thinking "London, Ontario?" Not *exactly* Bali, right? But hear me out! My last trip? Needed a *break* from the usual chaos. The *key* is changing your perspective. Instead of aiming for paradise, aim for... convenience and a slightly less messy kitchen. For *me* it *was* a getaway. Especially after the week my blender tried to take over the world (long story). The Residence Inn? Clean. Comfy beds – I'm a sucker for a fluffy pillow. And, bonus, a fridge. Which, for a snack-aholic like myself, is crucial. So, yeah, *for the right kind of getaway*, absolutely. But if you are looking for exciting nightlife then probably this is not for you.
The Free Breakfast... Spill the Beans. Is it *actually* worth getting out of bed for? Or just lukewarm sadness?
Okay, the breakfast. This is *crucial* to the getaway experience. Let's be real. It's the most important part of a hotel stay. The anticipation! Will there be waffles? Will the eggs be… edible? The Residence Inn? They do alright. Think respectable continental with a few hot options. Waffles *were* a go, thankfully. (I have a *thing* for waffles). I *almost* burned mine attempting a flipping technique I saw on TikTok (note: do not try this). The coffee? Decent. Not life-changing, but perfectly drinkable. And honestly, after the blender incident... a hot, free breakfast was the ultimate luxury. My advice... Go. Eat the waffles. Don't try flipping. Enjoy a coffee.
The Rooms - Big? Small? Did you feel claustrophobic? Tell us EVERYTHING!
Room size! This is where the Residence Inn *shines*. Suites, baby! Seriously. They’re not tiny boxes. There's actual *space* to breathe! A separate living area, a kitchenette... it felt more like a mini-apartment than a cramped hotel room. The first time entering the room, I was like, "Woah! I could actually *live* here." Which, given my desire to escape my house, was a definite win. I even did a little happy dance because, finally, I could spread out without kicking something. And the bed? Comfortable enough to make me want to abandon all my responsibilities and just nap. Which I, of course, did. Several times.
Location, Location, Location! Anything exciting nearby? Easy to get around?
Okay, location…it depends what thrills you. It's a bit more... industrial-chic than touristy. Not *immediately* walkable to vibrant nightlife, let's be honest. You'll likely need a car or a ride-sharing service. But, it's close to... well, everything. Shopping, restaurants, the highway (handy). There's some green space around the corner, which is a bonus if you have a dog (or just need a breather). I personally went for a drive to a nearby park, which was nice for a little bit of peace during the day. I wouldn't say the location is a selling point but it is handy for getting around.
The Staff - Friendly? Helpful? Or Just… there?
The staff were lovely. Actually, *genuinely* lovely. Not the fake, forced kind. They were helpful, accommodating, and even patient when I asked for directions to a particular coffee shop (yes, I got lost. It's a gift). They definitely added to the relaxed atmosphere. And, honestly, a friendly face goes a long way, especially when you're a little stressed from the drive and the blender's antics of your recent past. So, thumbs up for the staff!
Any downsides or things you *didn't* love? Don't hold back!
Alright, honesty time. No place is perfect! The decor is a bit... generic. Think neutral colors, functional furniture. It's not exactly bursting with personality. If you're after a super-stylish, Instagram-worthy aesthetic, this isn't it. But it’s clean and comfortable. Also, the Wi-Fi wasn't always the fastest. Trying to upload my waffle-induced happiness selfie took longer than I'd have liked. And the gym? I didn't use it. I'm not a gym person on a getaway. My getaway involves a lot of Netflix and maybe, just maybe, a walk to the nearby grocery store. Did I mention the lack of immediate nightlife? But honestly, these are minor quibbles.
Okay, back to the Waffles. You are *obsessed*. Tell us your waffle-related epiphany!
Alright, buckle up. We're diving DEEP into the waffle experience. (And yes, I’m still thinking about them). It wasn’t just the taste, though the waffle did *taste* pretty good. It was the *feeling*. The quiet. The freedom. The lack of screaming kids (thank you, early-morning breakfast!). The perfect, crispy edges. The fluffy interior, just begging for syrup. I sat there, with my waffle, and I thought… *this* is what I needed. This fleeting moment of pure, unadulterated waffle bliss. It wasn’t about luxury or grandeur. It was about a simple pleasure, savored in peace. It was about a moment that somehow, miraculously, erased the memory of the blender's attempted coup. It was, dare I say, *healing*. So, yes, I am obsessed. It was the defining moment of my getaway. Fight me.
Would you go back? Be honest!
Honestly? Absolutely. For a quick, easy, affordable escape from the everyday grind? Yep. Especially now that my blender is safely tucked away and I have *mastered* the art of the Residence Inn waffle. Maybe next time, I bring a small bottle of fancy syrup... and maybe even try the gym. (Kidding. Definitely kidding). Plus, the promise of another stress-free breakfast is pretty darn tempting. So, yeah, count me in. Waffles and all!
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