Atlanta Airport's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the supposed "BEST Kept Secret" near Atlanta Airport. The title alone? Atlanta Airport's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You! Ugh, clickbait, much? But hey, I'm a sucker for a good secret. And let's be honest, after surviving a red-eye flight and the ATL chaos, any hotel that promises a little peace is worth a look.
Let's Get Real: The Initial Impressions & The Accessibility Angle
First things first: Accessibility. Look, I'm not personally in a wheelchair (thank the heavens, my knees are already betraying me!), but I made damn sure to scope this out. The website claimed to be good. The reality? Well, it looks like they tried, you know? Wheelchair accessible is a checkbox, and they have a few accessible rooms. Problem is, the hallways feel a little cramped, and maneuvering through the lobby with luggage? Good luck. They do have an elevator, which is a lifesaver, and the front desk seems accommodating – Facilities for disabled guests is on the list, but I'd still call ahead and triple-check what "accessible" really means to them. It’s a good start, a solid B, but could be far better.
Internet – My Biggest Pet Peeve and a Godsend
Okay, let's talk internet access. This is where things get juicy, or boil over in frustration. I need the internet. It's my lifeline, my office, my soulmate. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – HALLELUJAH! And it actually worked. Seriously, a miracle. No dropped connections, no buffering hell. I could binge-watch bad reality TV and order takeout without tearing my hair out. Plus, Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN options, just in case you’re a technophile. They also throw in some additional services, "Internet services" like printing in the Business Center. I’m not entirely sure what those are, but I wasn't about to complain, not after the torture I’d been through at other hotels. They also seem to have Wi-Fi in public areas!
The Hotel Itself: A Mix of Good, Bad, and "Meh"
Now, about the hotel itself. The whole "Shocking" thing? Okay, maybe not shocking. It's… a hotel. But a decent hotel, to be fair.
- Cleanliness and Safety: They seem to be trying. Anti-viral cleaning products are a thing, and they trumpet their Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays? Fingers crossed. Hand sanitizer stations are everywhere, which is a definite plus. I saw staff wearing masks, and they seem pretty serious about their Staff trained in safety protocol thing. They also have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. I mean, no one wants to get sick. Or worse.
- Rooms: My room was…fine. Nothing spectacular. The air conditioning blasted, thankfully. They have Non-smoking rooms, which is essential. I appreciated the blackout curtains, because, lord knows, I needed sleep. Free bottled water felt luxurious. Cable channels, a refrigerator, a safe box, and the coffee/tea maker were all good touches. Also I appreciate the socket near the bed. The desk was a good size and it had a decent laptop workspace. I did wonder if the extra long bed was to compensate for the lack of space. However, the Bathroom phone freaked me out. Like, who calls a bathroom?
- Services and Conveniences: This is where they shine! They have 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and a concierge. I really appreciated using the dry cleaning. And the elevator saved me. They also have cash withdrawal, currency exchange, convenience store, laundry service, and an ironing service. They seem to have thought of everything.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Food Odyssey (and the Poolside Bar!)
Here's where things get fun. The "shocking" element, I think, is the sheer amount of food and drink options.
- Restaurants: There are several. A buffet in restaurant at breakfast, a vegetarian restaurant, and places for everything from Asian cuisine to international cuisine. I skipped the Asian, I still got a craving, I've made a vow to explore all the options.
- Breakfast: I ate so much breakfast. The Breakfast [buffet] was impressive. I, however, opted for the breakfast in room option, and enjoyed the freedom to watch TV in my underwear while consuming it.
- Bars: They have a Poolside bar. This is where it truly gets good. Picture this: weary traveler, sun glinting off the pristine water, a frosty beverage in hand… Ah, bliss! The happy hour deals are worth checking out.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour]! I may have ordered a pizza, and I regret nothing.
Things to Do (or Not): Relaxation and Recreation
Okay, let's talk about the "Secret" angle again. It's also the "Shock" moment. The hotel claims to have tons of ways to relax and be entertained. So I'll break down the options…
- Pool: They have a Swimming pool [outdoor]. A Pool with view! I think the view was of other buildings, but the water was cool.
- Spa: This is where the "shock" is revealed. The Spa has all the bells and whistles. The spa! Sauna! Steamroom! Massage! Body scrub! Body wrap! Foot bath! I went for the massage and it was divine, and I promptly fell asleep and missed my flight.
- Fitness: They also have a Gym/fitness center. I saw it. I avoided it. My travel pants felt enough like a workout.
Things they don't talk about: The Imperfections (Because, Let's Face It, Nothing is Perfect)
Look, no hotel is perfect. This one definitely has its quirks.
- The signage can be a little confusing. Seriously, I got lost trying to find the pool.
- The view from my room was… meh.
- The prices at the bar are a tad steep.
The "Shocking" Promise… and the Fine Print
So, is this hotel truly Atlanta Airport's "BEST Kept Secret" and is it "Shocking"? Maybe not shocking, but a solid contender. It's well-equipped, has a great pool and spa, and the food situation is top-notch. They have a lot of the things that could be important to people. It's a place you can actually relax before or after a flight.
The "OMG, BOOK NOW!" Offer (and My Emotional Reaction)
Listen, even with the imperfections, I had a GREAT time. And now, here is what you've been waiting for: a reason to go!
Tired of airport chaos? Ready to banish pre-flight stress?
Book your stay at [Hotel Name] and get:
- Free Wi-Fi: Because sanity matters.
- Access to a heavenly spa, massage included!
- 24/7 Room Service: Indulge your cravings at any hour.
- Complimentary Shuttle: Get to your gate and back without the stress.
- A chance to escape the pre-flight madness!
Limited-time offer! Use code "FLYAWAY" and get 15% off your stay!
This hotel is perfect if you're…
- Delayed at the airport
- Tired and just want to relax
- Need a break from your own life
- Want a comfortable space
Don't wait! Click here to book your escape!
Disclaimer: My experience, as always, is my own. Things change. But you know what? I'd go back. And that, my friends, is the highest compliment I can give. Happy travels!
SEO Optimized Keywords Used:
- Atlanta Airport
- Hotel
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restaurants
- Spa
- Pool
- Massage
- Fitness center
- Room service
- Breakfast
- Airport shuttle
- Cleanliness
- Safety
- Best kept secret
- COVID-19 safety
- Hotel near Atlanta Airport
- Things to do at Atlanta Airport hotel
- Relaxation
- Family friendly
- Best hotel near ATL
- Hotel review
- [Hotel Name] (replace with actual hotel name)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your average itinerary. This is… The La Quinta Lament… or, you know, my actual attempt to survive a weekend in Atlanta, centered around the glorious, and I use that term loosely, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Atlanta Airport South.
The Almost Perfect Atlanta Adventure (and the Mild Chaos That Ensued)
Day 1: Arrival and the Airport Embrace (or, How I Learned to Love the Luggage Carousel)
- 1:00 PM EST: Arrival at Atlanta – Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). Okay, first thing's first. I hate flying. Always have, always will. Somehow, despite my inherent fear of being airborne, I manage to get myself on a plane. This time, the flight was delayed. Shocker. You think after all these years, I'd learn to factor in travel delays as a given? Nope. I still sigh dramatically and mutter about the universe being against me. Still, I made it, with a few shaky breaths and a desperate search for the nearest airport bar.
- 1:15 PM - 2:00 PM: The Great Luggage Carousel Tango. Ah, the baggage claim. That purgatory of impatient travelers and the occasional rogue suitcase. My bag? MIA. Of course. Cue the frantic mental checklist: "Did I pack my toothbrush? My lucky socks? Oh god, did I forget my phone charger?" I was starting to sweat, visions of wandering around Atlanta, charger-less and sock-less, danced in my head. Then, there it was! My trusty, slightly battered, suitcase, circling the carousel like a lost puppy. Relief washed over me, a wave of pure, unadulterated joy. I grabbed that suitcase like it was a winning lottery ticket.
- 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Shuttle Shenanigans and the La Quinta Reveal. The shuttle from the airport to La Quinta. Bless the shuttle drivers. These unsung heroes of the travel world who ferry the weary and bewildered to their temporary havens. We arrived at the La Quinta. It looked decent enough from the outside. The sign even promised "suites." Suites are a luxury, right? I'm ready for some suite relaxation.
- 3:00 PM: Check-In and the Initial Assessment. Okay, let's be honest. The lobby was… functional. Clean-ish. Smelled faintly of chlorine and… ambition? The check-in process was efficient, but I was already tired of the whole ordeal. My internal monologue: "Is this room going to be a disaster? Is that stain on the carpet… is that… something I don't want to know about?"
- 3:30 PM: The Suite… Unveiled. Okay, "suite" is a strong word. It was a room. A somewhat spacious room, yes. With a mini-fridge! Score. But the decor? Well, let's just say it was a masterclass in beige. Beige walls, beige carpet, beige… everything. Still, the bed looked comfy enough. And hey, there were complimentary toiletries! (I always steal those. Don't judge.) A quick inspection revealed one of my biggest pet peeves - the comforter. Not on the bed, no. They were usually folded neatly and placed in the closet. I swear, they are designed to make you sweat!
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Settling In, The First Drink, and the Eternal Question of TV Remote Proficiency. Unpacked, showered, and put on my lucky socks (still no charger, that's a problem). I cracked open something cold from the mini-fridge. The TV remote! My eternal nemesis. It took me a solid twenty minutes to figure out how to turn it on. And another fifteen to find a channel worth watching. Victory! I collapsed on the bed with a sigh of contentment. Mission accomplished: Survive the arrival.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a Nearby, Questionable Establishment. Starving. The hotel’s breakfast, I had a feeling, would be bleak. Yelp to the rescue! (Or so I thought….) We ended up at a "sports bar" in a strip mall. The food was… edible. The service was… present. The ambiance was… loud. Let’s move on.
- 8:00 PM: A Glimpse of Atlanta – From the Hotel Window. Slept for an hour. Not very active today, but there were other activities to be planned for later.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 2: Exploring Atlanta (Or, My Blundering Attempts at Sightseeing)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast of Champions (and Regret). The La Quinta breakfast. It was fine, I guess. Continental, as they say. A dry muffin, some questionable yogurt, and coffee that tasted like it had been brewed in a rusty pipe. I ate it anyway. Fuel is fuel, especially when you're anticipating the day I had ahead of me.
- 8:00 AM: The Georgia Aquarium Deluge. Oh lord, the aquarium. I'd always wanted to go. I'm fascinated by marine life, and seeing all those creatures swim in their watery realms. The aquarium was amazing, with its giant whale sharks and shimmering jellyfish. I got a little choked up watching the dolphins. I did get a bit lost, because, well, that's what I do. And the crowds! Oh, the crowds. Navigating a sea of strollers and screaming children was an endurance test. I was there by the time I got the message that the aquarium was closing. It was still incredible.
- 11:00 AM: Lunch At A Local Diner The diners are delicious.
- 1:00 PM: World of Coca-Cola! It was what you expect. I still enjoyed tasting the different flavors of Coca-Cola from around the world.
- 3:00 PM: Centennial Olympic Park One of the more relaxing stops.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at The Varsity! This place is a must-go for anyone visiting Atlanta.
- 8:00 PM: Return to La Quinta. Sleep to get ready for the flight.
Day 3: Departure and the Post-Trip Existential Crisis
- 7:00 AM: The Breakfast Repeat. Yep, the coffee still tasted like rust. Ate another muffin, this time with a side of resignation.
- 8:00 AM: Check-out and the Last Glimpse. Checked out, said goodbye to the beige haven, and hopped on the shuttle back to the airport.
- 9:00 AM: The Airport Farewell. The airport. One last dance with the security line, one last overpriced coffee, one last moment of wondering if I'd forgotten anything vital (like my sanity).
- 10:00 AM: Flight. The departure.
- 12:00 AM: Arrival Home and the Post-Trip Letdown. I got home. Debriefed with anyone who would listen (my dog, mostly). The trip was… an experience. I'd seen some cool stuff. I'd eaten some… things. I'd survived.
- 1:00 AM: The La Quinta Legacy. I settled into my bed, and realized: the La Quinta Inn & Suites wasn't the pinnacle of luxury, but it had been my basecamp. It wasn't perfect, far from it. But it had a bed, and it gave me a place to rest! And that's really all I needed.
The Verdict:
Atlanta was… a whirlwind. The La Quinta? Well, it did the job. And despite the minor disasters and the beige carpets, I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything. I’m already planning my next adventure. Hopefully, it will involve a slightly nicer hotel and a much smoother luggage retrieval process. Wish me luck, I'm going back to the airport!
Lincoln's BEST Kept Secret: I-80's Chic Stay Inn by OYO!
Okay, *WHAT* is this "Best Kept Secret" and why is everyone so dramatic about a flipping hotel?!
So, it's a scam? Is everything you've read about this place... lies?
Alright, alright, I'm intrigued! What's the *best* part of this allegedly "secret" hotel?
And the *worst* part? Spill the tea!
Okay, okay, let's get to the nitty-gritty. Is it *actually* worth the price?
Describe your most memorable experience in this hotel. (Good or bad!)
So, is this place really a "shock"?
Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
What's one thing you wish you knew *before* you booked?
Post a Comment for "Atlanta Airport's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You!"