Seattle's BEST Kept Secret: HomeTowne Studios Kent/Des Moines!
HomeTowne Studios Kent/Des Moines: My Love-Hate Relationship with Seattle's "Best Kept Secret" (Spoiler: It's Complicated)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on HomeTowne Studios Kent/Des Moines, that supposed "best kept secret" in the Seattle area. And let me tell you, it's been a journey. This isn't your polished, corporate review. This is me, raw and unfiltered, wrestling with my experiences. Think less "hotel review," more "therapy session…with a side of free Wi-Fi."
(Metadata: Seattle Hotels, Kent Hotels, Des Moines Hotels, Budget Hotels, Extended Stay, Accessible Hotels, Free Wi-Fi, Pets Allowed, Spa, Fitness Center, Cleanliness, Seattle Area, Washington State Hotels, HomeTowne Studios Kent Des Moines Review, Travel Review, Hotel Review, Kent Washington, Des Moines Washington, Budget Travel, Family Friendly Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible Hotels)
The Good, the Bad, and the… Surprisingly Okay?
First off, "best kept secret"? That's stretching it a bit. But hey, maybe it’s a secret to you, because the price point is definitely a secret to getting a good night's sleep haha! Located down in the Kent/Des Moines stretch, this place is definitely… there. It's not the Bellagio, let's just say that. Expect more "functional" vibes, less "luxury retreat."
Accessibility & Ease (or Lack Thereof)
Okay, let's rip the Band-Aid off first. Accessibility: They list a bunch of stuff, and honestly, some of it seems legit. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, they claim it. Facilities for disabled guests? Check. Now, how accessible exactly? That's where things get a little fuzzy. I didn't personally need those features this time, but I've seen enough wonky ramps and tight doorways in my travels to be cautiously skeptical. Get details if this is a must-have for you.
Getting Around: Okay, Car Park [free of charge]? YES. Thank God. Parking in the Seattle area is a blood sport. Airport transfer? I didn't use it, but it's listed. My advice? Uber it. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, navigate the local buses. They're…character-building.
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID Crucible
Alright, this is where it gets interesting. This place is trying, bless their hearts. Anti-viral cleaning products? Listed. Rooms sanitized between stays? They say it. Hand sanitizer? Yep, spotted it. Daily disinfection in common areas? Hmmm, I hope so. Let’s just say the level of visible sanitizing didn’t scream "Hazmat Team" – more like "Diligent Desk Clerk with a Spray Bottle." But I saw a few things being wiped down, so… points for effort. Hygiene certification? I have no idea if they have it. I will say this: The vibe felt…clean enough. You know? Not "sterile," but not "hoarder's paradise" either.
Rooms & Amenities: The Real Deal
Available in all rooms…and some are good, some are…not so good, I'm not a fan of the non-smoking rooms. Air conditioning? Yup, thank goodness. Alarm clock? Yep. Blackout curtains? Essential for a good sleep. Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker? Yes. Free bottled water? Yes. Internet access – wireless [Free Wi-Fi]? Hallelujah! And it actually worked. I mean, I needed that internet just to do this review, so it better work! This is a big win, folks. Refrigerator? Yep, and actually useful for keeping my grocery store purchases cool. Separate shower/bathtub, shower? Sometimes, it's a lottery. Some rooms are just better set up than others. Soundproofing? Ha. No. Let's just say you'll be intimately acquainted with your neighbors' late-night TV habits. Towels, Linens? Standard hotel fare, nothing to write home about. Window that opens? A lifesaver for fresh air, especially when your neighbor is chain-smoking…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Weakest Link)
Okay, so Dining, drinking, and snacking is the weak area here. Listing everything and expecting quality is a stretch. The Breakfast [buffet]? LOL. I'm not sure what the buffet was, but it wasn't what I was hoping for. Coffee/tea in restaurant? I can't even picture how you'd get that. It was more like "grab-and-go" from the mini-mart in the lobby. Poolside bar? I don't think so. Overall? Bring your own snacks. And maybe a flask.
Things To Do, ways to relax… (or try to)
Fitness center? Yeah, it's there. I peeked. It looked… functional. Again, think "utilitarian," not "spa oasis." Pool with view? Nope. Sauna, Spa? Nope. This is not a resort. This is a crash pad. A place to sleep, and maybe, maybe get some work done.
Services and Conveniences: The Practical Stuff
Cash withdrawal? Nope, but there's an ATM in the lobby, which is clutch. Concierge? Nope. But the front desk staff were helpful (for the most part). Daily housekeeping? Yep, and they actually do a decent job. Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service? They list them but again, you're kind of on your own. Luggage storage? Yep, and they seem to actually know what's in storage. Wi-Fi for special events? Sure, if you are having a special event.
For the Kids?
Family/child friendly is a plus. This is where the extended stay situation can be a big win. Babysitting service, Kids meal? Not that I noticed. But with the rooms being decent size, families will like the space.
My Takeaway?
HomeTowne Studios Kent/Des Moines isn't perfect. Far from it. It's got its quirks, its… shall we say… rustic charm. But it also offers a decent room at a decent price in a decent location. If you go in with realistic expectations – a place to sleep, a place to work, a place to park your car without selling your soul – you might actually enjoy it. It's not glamorous, it's not luxurious, but it's… honest. And sometimes, in a world of overhyped hotels, that's a refreshing surprise. So, is it a "best kept secret"? Hmm. Maybe. If your secret is "I need somewhere affordable, with free Wi-Fi, and I'm not super picky about the amenities." And sometimes, that's exactly what you need.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your polished, perfectly-timed itinerary. This is a cry for help, disguised as a vaguely planned trip, anchored by the beacon of HomeTowne Studios Seattle - Kent/Des Moines Kent (WA). Here we go:
Day 1: The Descent into Des Moines (and my sanity)
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Alarm screams. I hate mornings. Groan, hit snooze. Repeat three times. Finally drag myself out of bed, fueled by a questionable instant coffee. Pack. Or, more accurately, throw things into a suitcase. Realize I've forgotten a toothbrush. Sigh. That's just how my travels always, always start.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Drive to the airport, probably late. Traffic will be a nightmare. I can feel it in my bones. Try to navigate the labyrinth of airport parking. Usually, I end up in the wrong zone, wasting another precious 30 minutes and my patience. Maybe I’ll grab a sad, overpriced breakfast sandwich at the airport. The anticipation of this trip could possibly keep me awake. Or not. This is a gamble at this early hour.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Fly. Ideally, with minimal crying babies and inconsiderate armrest hoggers. Read. Watch terrible in-flight movies. Try to avoid thinking about all the emails I'm going to have to catch up on later. Arrive at SeaTac airport. The air smells like…Seattle. And maybe coffee. I'm strangely comforted.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Rental car pick-up. Pray the "economy" car isn't a clown car. (And the last one I got actually WAS a clown car, I swear!). Drive to HomeTowne Studios. Okay, so the reviews are…mixed. Let's just hope it's clean. Check into HomeTowne Studios Seattle - Kent/Des Moines Kent (WA). Note: Location is crucial. It's in the middle of… something. Hopefully somewhere with food.
- Evening (7:00 PM onward): Unpack. Or, again, dump luggage. Survey the "kitchenette." Assess the local takeout options. Maybe order pizza. Definitely order pizza. Start feeling the sheer, unadulterated relief of being alone, in a room, away from all the usual chaos. My brain might explode with joy and relief, but that means I have to clean a mess later. It’s a fair trade. Watch some mind-numbing TV. Pass out at 9:30 pm. Perfect!
Day 2: Exploring Kent (or, The Day I Lost My Mind at Target)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): "Morning," in the loosest sense of the word. Wake up, maybe. Consider getting dressed. (Or just staying in my pajamas all day. Heavens, nobody's judging.) Try to find a decent breakfast place nearby – hopefully not a chain. Maybe visit a local coffee shop. Maybe.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): I'm probably going to need to refill my toiletries, so… Target. Oh, Target. The siren song of cheap plastic and impulse buys. I swear I'll only go in for toothpaste. I'll come out with a new throw pillow, a candle in some ridiculous seasonal scent, and a tiny, highly-unnecessary succulent. I have a history with Target. I'll probably end up wandering aimlessly for an hour, trying to decide between the "farmhouse chic" and the "bohemian whimsy" sections. Might as well give myself the full experience.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Des Moines Beach Park. I hear this park is close by, so let's go there. A little bit of nature, some sea air, and maybe I can actually relax. Wander along the beach. Take some photos. Maybe try to skip rocks (unlikely).
- Evening (6:00 PM onward): Dinner. Honestly, I'm exhausted just planning this. Find a restaurant that doesn't require me to make small talk with anyone. Maybe I'll finally learn how to cook a proper dinner. Narrator voice - Probably not. HomeTowne Studios kitchenette it is. Order takeout. Consume the food. Read the book. Sleep.
Days 3 & 4: The Unknown (and the potential for complete collapse)
- Day 3: This is where things get… vague. (Because, let’s be honest, I don't actually plan that far ahead.) Maybe a day trip? Maybe stay in Kent and wander around aimlessly. I’m thinking a visit to the Museum of Flight is in order. I always wanted to go, but it keeps slipping my mind. Alternatively… let’s just say I am also very open to another trip to Target if the mood strikes.
- Day 4: Departure - It's time to go home, and I am torn. On one hand, I will go back to all the normal things that I hate. On the other - I will miss the peace. Pack. Sigh. The dreaded return journey.
Important Considerations (aka, the "Things I Will Undoubtedly Forget")
- Chargers: Because my phone will die and that's the end of the world.
- Extra Socks: Because I always lose one. Or two. Or my entire sanity.
- Snacks: Because I get hangry. Very, VERY hangry. I need snacks, I must have snacks.
- Patience: Because traveling is a lesson in patience. And I… could use some work in that department.
Emotional Reaction Scale:
- Excitement Level: Currently a solid 4/10. I'm not thrilled, per se, but there's a quiet hum of anticipation.
- Anxiety Level: 6/10. Mainly about the traffic, and the unknown. And the potential for bedbugs.
- Hope Level: 8/10. I'm hoping for some moments of genuine peace and quiet. Maybe even a good meal. And maybe, just maybe, a tiny bit of fun.
- Overall Mood: Ambivalent. I'm ready to go, but also ready to crawl back into bed and hide under the covers.
So, there you have it. My barely-there itinerary. Wish me luck. I'll probably need it. I’ll keep you posted if I survive. Send coffee. And maybe a therapist.
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So, HomeTowne Studios… What *is* it, exactly? Is it a motel? A prison? Is it haunted by the ghosts of lost socks?
Alright, let's get this out of the way. It's kind of a long-stay motel. Think extended stay, but… well, let’s just say “economical.” And yes, it *absolutely* feels like it could be haunted. I swear, the flickering lights in the hallway at 3 AM gave me the heebie-jeebies for a solid week. Forget lost socks; I'm pretty sure I left a piece of my soul in that place. But hey, for the price, you can’t exactly expect the Ritz, right? It's a place to lay your head, and to survive. You will survive.
Okay, but *WHY* HomeTowne? Specifically, why the Kent/Des Moines one? Are there other HomeTownes? Am I missing something?
Yes, there are *many* HomeTownes. I think it's a whole chain, or something. But let me tell you, the Kent/Des Moines one… it's special. Think of it as the slightly-less-crappy-than-you-expect option when you're utterly broke, between jobs, or just trying to escape… something. The location is decent, close to the freeway, which is both a blessing and a curse (because noise, people, noise!). Honestly, I ended up there because a friend was crashing on my couch, and I needed a place to, you know… breathe. And it's cheaper than, like, *everything* else. That's the draw. It's the siren song of cheap rent. You've been warned.
The rooms… what are they like? Be honest. I can handle it.
Honest? Okay. They’re… minimalist. Think "functional, but with a distinct aroma of… previous occupants." I'm not saying I found a mystery stain on the mattress, but… let's just say I slept fully clothed the first night. Don't get me started on the questionable state of the bathroom. Bring your own cleaning supplies. Seriously. And your own air freshener. And maybe a hazmat suit. Okay, I'm exaggerating. Slightly. They have a kitchenette, which is nice for making instant ramen (the unofficial food of HomeTowne, apparently). But let's face it, clean is not the first word that comes to mind when you think of the rooms. Functional, yes; sparkling, no.
Is it safe? Like, really safe? I'm a single woman, and I'm already picturing my doom.
Alright, this is a tricky one. It depends. They have security, or at least, people who *seem* to be security guards. I never saw them do much, but they were there. The clientele is… varied. You'll meet some interesting characters. Some are friendly, some are… not so much. I'd say be aware of your surroundings, trust your gut, and definitely lock your door. Don't flash any expensive jewelry. And if you feel uncomfortable, *leave.* Your safety is paramount. Honestly though, I never felt in *imminent* danger, but I was always a bit on edge. Maybe it was the peeling wallpaper, or the general air of despondency. Either way, trust your instincts, okay?
What's the vibe like? Is it a party scene? A quiet place to nurse a broken heart? Give me the goss.
The vibe? Oof. It’s a mixed bag. It's definitely *not* a party scene, thank god. More like… a place where life happens. Sometimes it's quiet. Sometimes it's not. There's definitely a sense of people going through stuff. You see a lot of long faces, weary eyes, and people pushing carts filled with everything they own. It's a place where you can feel the weight of the world. I saw a couple arguing in the parking lot at 2 AM, and my heart just broke. It's not a place for the faint of heart. It's a place for survivors. And sometimes, it's a place to just… hide. And maybe, just maybe, that's okay. The only way to know is to try. And, you know, maybe pack some earplugs. You'll need 'em.
The laundry situation...tell me about the laundry. Because laundry can make or *break* a place.
Oh, laundry. Laundry is a *journey* at HomeTowne Studios. The machines… they're old. And often, they’re out of order. Or, if they *are* working, they’re occupied. *Constantly*. You'll spend hours waiting for a single wash cycle to finish. I once saw a woman camping out next to the machines with a full grocery cart, just waiting for her turn. I think she was there for, like, three hours. It's a whole *thing*. My advice? Bring quarters. Lots of them. And patience. And maybe a good book. Or, you know, embrace the madness and people watch. It's a great opportunity to get to know your neighbors. Or, at least, to observe their laundry habits. (Judge away, I won’t tell.)
Okay, I’m tentatively considering it. Are there any redeeming qualities? Anything *good* about the place? Please, tell me something positive!
Okay, okay. Let me think… The price, obviiusly. It's the most attractive thing. Plus, it's a roof over your head. It's near some decent food places, like Pho Bac (do *not* miss out). And, I guess… it's an experience. You'll meet people from all walks of life, you'll see things you wouldn't see anywhere else, and you'll learn a thing or two about resilience. It's a crash course in… well, *life*, I guess. It gives you a perspective. You value the little things *so* much more after you’ve lived in a place like that. Like, running hot water. A clean bathroom. A bed that doesn't smell faintly of despair. Is it luxurious? Absolutely not. But it's a place. And sometimes, a place is all you need. And again, the Pho is amazing. Just go. Thank me later.
Would you recommend it? Honestly. Truly.
Here’s the thing. I wouldn’t *recommend* it unless you're in a pinch. Like, a *serious* pinch. But… I also can’t say I *regret* the experience. It was… memorable. It taught me a lot about myselfSerene Getaways
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