Baton Rouge's BEST Extended Stay? (Citiplace Suites Review!)
Baton Rouge's Best Extended Stay? …Or Just Another Hotel? (Citiplace Suites Review - Buckle Up, Buttercups!)
Alright, folks, let's get real. Searching for a decent extended stay in Baton Rouge is like hunting for a unicorn wearing a tutu. But hey, I'm your intrepid explorer, ready to wade through the swamp of mediocre hotels and emerge (hopefully) victorious. This time, it's Citiplace Suites on the menu. So, did it deliver the extended-stay dream? Or was it just another generic, beige box of disappointment? Let's unravel this… journey.
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From the get-go, the accessibility seemed… well, present. Listed facilities for disabled guests is the key. The exterior corridor was a plus, making it easier to avoid crowds (more on that later). The wheelchair accessible aspect? Didn't personally test it, but the website claims to have ramps and elevators (but does it really have enough space when you are in a wheelchair?) Still, a point for trying, I guess, better than nothing right? Checking in and out was a breeze with contactless options, which, in these crazy times, is a MAJOR win. 24-hour front desk is a given but a nice touch.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges? Hmm. We'll get to the food situation later. Let's just say… expectations need to be adjusted.
Internet! Oh, the Internet! This is crucial, people. Internet access – wireless is a MUST for, well, everything. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Internet access – LAN is also listed – good for those who are old school. During my stay, the Wi-Fi was… serviceable. Let’s leave it at that. Download speeds? Not exactly lightning-fast, but it got the job done for emails, the occasional Netflix binge (see, I’m human!), and the all-important Twitter war updates.
Things to do? Ways to relax? This is where things get… interesting. The Fitness center – yes! A small one, mind you, but hey, at least you CAN pretend to work out there (I did!). Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes! It looked… inviting. (I didn't actually swim, but hey, the option was there!) The Spa/sauna? Nope. Don't know what those are doing on their list! Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath… Absolutely not. False advertising or a massive misreading of what they offer? You be the judge. (I suspect the latter, some listings are probably the leftovers from other hotels, so don’t let it get your hopes up!)
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where the rubber hit the road. The COVID-19 situation definitely changed things. Here’s the good news: Citiplace Suites seemed to be trying. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer everywhere. This all calmed my paranoia. Staff trained in safety protocol – checked! Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was, well, attempted. (Let’s be honest: sometimes you’re closer than you’d like in elevators.) Cashless payment service? Yep. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Individual wrapped food options… more on that later. Hot water linen and laundry washing, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Sterilizing equipment… sounds promising, right?
The Room sanitization opt-out available is a great touch for people that want their privacy.
But here’s where it gets a little… off. The impression I got was that they were following the bare minimum. Not bad, but not exceptional either.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Okay, buckle up. This is where the extended-stay experience can REALLY make or break you. Breakfast [buffet]? They claimed to have one. The reality was… well, it was serviceable. Some pre-wrapped options. Breakfast takeaway service? Probably a good idea. Coffee/tea in restaurant… definitely NOT a highlight. The coffee… I’d rather not talk about it. Restaurants, a la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Asian breakfast None! Nada! Room service [24-hour] I didn't even try it, given the state of the 'buffet'. Bottle of water I bought a bunch of mine to keep on hand! Look, if you’re expecting a culinary paradise, you’re in the wrong place. Bring your own snacks. Plan to eat out. Embrace the convenience store life (they have one).
Services and Conveniences: Now, for the things that make life easier (or at least, less annoying). Air conditioning in public area? Yes, thank goodness! Business facilities? Yes. Cash withdrawal? Nope. Concierge? Nope. Convenience store? Yes! Essential for those 3 AM snack attacks. Daily housekeeping? YES! Elevator? Yes. Facilities for disabled guests? Mentioned earlier. Food delivery? Absolutely. Ironing service? Yes. Laundry service? Yes. Luggage storage? Yes. Safety deposit boxes? Yes. Smoking area? sigh. Yes. Terrace? Eh, not really. Airport transfer… probably – you’ll have to call.
For the Kids: Babysitting service? Negative. Family/child friendly? Sure, in that they allow kids. Kids facilities? Don't count on it.
Access: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailable, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, All present and accounted for.
Available in all rooms/Additional stuff: Air conditioning (thank GOD!), Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker (you’ll need it, believe me), Desk, extra long bed, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless (we covered that), Ironing facilities… that was available. I'm just not sure the ones available made anything ironable. Laptop workspace, Mini bar (well, a fridge, anyway), Non-smoking, Satellite/cable channels… yes. Shower, Smoke detector… also there.
Getting around: Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking all present and accounted for.
My Verdict:
Citiplace Suites is… fine. It's not going to win any awards for charm, but it provides the basics. It's clean-ish. It's (mostly) safe. It has Wi-Fi (ish). If you’re looking for a place to crash for a while, maybe it’s ok. But don't go in expecting a luxury hotel. Manage your expectations, bring your own snacks, and you might just survive your extended stay in Baton Rouge. Will I stay there again? Maybe, if other options evaporate. But I’m definitely bringing my own coffee next time. And a hazmat suit. Just kidding (mostly).
Escape to Paradise: Bayfront Inn Morro Bay Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel brochure itinerary. This is real life in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, starring your truly, and the ever-so-charming Extended Stay America Select Suites - Baton Rouge – Citiplace. Let's get messy.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (Plus, the Fridge's Sad State)
- 14:00 - Arrive at Extended Stay America - Citiplace. (Address: 3400 S Sherwood Forest Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70816) Okay, first impressions. Let's be honest, the building isn't exactly whispering "luxury." But hey, I’m a pragmatist. Free parking? Check. Close to… something? We'll find out. I’m already praying the air conditioning works because, Louisiana.
- Impression: "It smells faintly of cleaning fluid and… hope? The lobby looks eerily similar to a doctor's office, but I'll take it. Now, to find my room, and pray to God it isn't on the fourth floor."
- 14:15 - Check-in & Room Reconnaissance. Thankfully, the clerk was genuinely nice. Got my key card, navigated the (slightly confusing) hallways, and found my room. First order of business: The fridge. Praying the fridge is functional… it's a lifeline in this heat.
- Anecdote: The fridge sounded like a dying walrus. "Oh, joy," I muttered. "This is going to be a fun few days." It was pathetically empty. Just a sad little shelf. Guess it's time to hit the grocery store, and pray to the fridge gods.
- 15:00 - Grocery Run & Attempted Self-Sufficiency. Armed with a list of essentials (water, snacks, maybe some celebratory wine… you know, for survival), I hit the nearest grocery store. This is where I realized I should've checked the map before leaving. GPS failure, driving in circles for about half an hour… finally found the damn store, and emerged victorious, a bag of groceries swaying in my grip.
- Emotional Reaction: The fluorescent lights, the sheer volume of processed food… it was overwhelming. But the thought of ice-cold water kept me going. Gotta stay hydrated, people!
- Evening - Dinner & "Relaxation." I’m exhausted. Made some microwaveable dinner in the "kitchen" (a hot plate, a microwave, and a desperate hope for cleanliness). Watched some terrible TV, and tried to "relax." The walrus-fridge continued its mournful symphony.
- Quirky Observation: The TV remote had about a hundred buttons. Half of them probably don’t work. This hotel, on a scale of one to five stars, is hovering somewhere between a gas station and a spaceship. I think I saw a cockroach scuttle under the bed at one point. (But hey, I'm not confirming.)
- Opinionated Language: This is the definition of "functional, but soul-crushingly bland."
Day 2: Baton Rouge Bruised but Not Beaten (and That Dang Fridge)
- Morning - Morning Routine of the Impoverished Traveler. Woke up to the walrus fridge's aria, which gave me a start. Had a sad instant coffee (I forgot creamer) and contemplated the day ahead.
- Imperfect Moment: I had a moment. I started crying. I thought I was going to spend my whole life washing dishes! My life is now a kitchen… or at least a hot plate that needs washing.
- 10:00 - Attempted Cultural Immersion: The State Capitol. Figured I should see something. Drove to the State Capitol Building. It's… impressive. It’s a big ol' building.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: I felt a deep sense of awe. I love architecture, and this building has some serious personality.
- 12:00 - Lunch: The Search For Real Food. Found a local diner. Found an amazing burger.
- Opinionated Language: This burger was an act of culinary genius! I'd go back just for that.
- Afternoon - Exploring (Which means: Getting lost, again.) Tried to find a park… got turned around. Saw a pretty street. The weather was really hot, but at least I did not cry today!
- Messy Structure/Rambling: The heat… it’s oppressive. But every corner has more to explore.
- Evening - Dinner and Dealing With the Fridge: A Saga. Back at the hotel. The fridge got louder in the evening. It's like it's trying to tell me a story. After all, the fridge is a part of my daily life now.
- Doubling Down on a Single Experience: I could not stop focusing on my fridge. Every time I went to get a snack, I opened the fridge. There was nothing there, and the walrus sounds persisted. By the end of the night, I was half-convinced the fridge was a sentient entity plotting my slow demise.
- "I'm going to unplug that damn Walrus!"
- Opinionated Language: I am going to have so many nightmares about that fridge.
Day 3: Leaving Baton Rouge & A Final, Frustrated Farewell to the Fridge
- Morning - Pack, and Pray (For the Fridge to Shut Up). Packing. Making sure I haven’t left anything important. The fridge, of course, is still in its dying stages.
- 09:00 - Check-Out. Turned in my key card, and bid farewell to the… well, the whole experience.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: I didn’t have an emotional reaction. I just wanted to leave.
- 10:00 - Departure. Goodbye, Baton Rouge. Goodbye, Extended Stay America - Citiplace. I have mixed feelings. But, alas, it is time to leave.
Final Thoughts:
Extended Stay America – Citiplace. It wasn't perfect. It was hot. The fridge was a menace. But it was a roof over my head, a place to collapse at the end of a long day, and a reminder that travel, real travel, is often messy, imperfect, and sometimes, hilariously awful. Would I stay there again? Maybe. If I had to. And if they’d replace that fridge!
Escape to Luxury: Hampton Inn Southfield/West Bloomfield's Unbeatable Getaway
Citiplace Suites, Baton Rouge: FAQ - The Raw Truth (Yeah, the *Real* Real)
Okay, so, is Citiplace Suites actually *good* for an extended stay? I mean, like, REALLY good? Spill the beans.
Alright, alright, settle down, eager beaver. "Good" is a slippery word, isn't it? It depends, darling. If your mental image of "extended stay" involves pristine white linens, daily turn-down service, and a concierge who knows your coffee order by heart? Honey, you're in the WRONG place. Citiplace Suites is... well, it's *Baton Rouge*. And it's an extended stay. Think a slightly-less-sketchy version of a college dorm room. That's the baseline.
But here's the deal. I lived there for a *month*. A whole. Freaking. Month. (Don't ask. Long story, involve exes, lawyers, and a *very* embarrassing karaoke performance of “Baby One More Time.”) So, yeah, I have some *opinions*. And they swing wildly.
The Good (and the "Oh, Okay, I Can Deal With This Eventually"):
- The Price. Let’s be real, it's a *huge* factor. Compared to other hotels, other short-term apartments? Yeah, it's cheaper. You're trading luxury for economics. Like, a lot of luxury.
- The Kitchenette: Microwave, mini-fridge, and a stovetop. This is a lifesaver! I'm a terrible cook but I made enough ramen and frozen pizza that I could have powered a small village.
- Location, Location, Location: Citiplace is convenient. Traffic in Baton Rouge is... well, let's just say it's an art form in itself. Being near a major intersection makes getting around a bit easier. Grocery stores, restaurants, and even a decent (relatively speaking) gym are nearby.
The Not-So-Good (and the "Deep Breaths, Deep Breaths"):
- The "Smell": Okay, look. Every extended-stay place has *The Smell*. It's a combination of stale air, cleaning products, and a lingering memory of a thousand bad cooking experiments. Open the windows. Pray. Buy a candle. (I swear, the air fresheners smelled like an angry pine tree decided to attack a landfill).
- The Noise: Thin walls. People coming and going at all hours. Potential for late-night karaoke (See above. *shudders*). If you're a light sleeper, invest in some industrial-strength earplugs. or move along, friend!
- The Cleaning (or Lack Thereof): Weekly cleaning? Sure. Is it thorough? Ehhh… I found a sock under the sofa that looked like it had been there since the Jurassic Period. Just saying. Bring your own cleaning supplies, you'll need them.
So, yeah, "good"? It's a qualified 'good'. It's good if you value budget and convenience over, you know, having your expectations met. It's a survival situation. But, for the price, and the things you can do, it's great.
What are the rooms actually *like*? Are they clean? Are they spacious? Be honest!
Alright, the room. Let's delve into the details, shall we? I got a suite. And it was... yeah, it was a room. A slightly larger room. It's not a palace. Think "functional."
Cleaning: See the rant above? Seriously. Cleanish, kinda. The first time I walked in, I actually made a little "eep" sound. Dust Bunnies the size of small dogs seemed to be having a convention under the bed. But, it's not THAT bad. I recommend a thorough wipe-down of everything when you arrive. Just to be safe.
Space: Decent. I opted for a suite. It had a separate living area with a sofa (questionable comfort level, but hey, a sofa!), a small table, and a kitchen setup.
Amenities (the basics): Microwave, mini-fridge, coffee maker (the kind that makes coffee you wouldn't want to drink), and basic dishes and silverware. Don't expect anything fancy. The TV worked! (Mostly.) Bring your own toiletries. The provided shampoo had the consistency of dish soap.
My Specific Room: A "Memorable" Experience: Ah, yes. The memory is fresh. I got a room on the third floor. One night there was a loud noise. A loud bang. Then a bunch of shouting. Then I was the one who got to deal with it. Someone had had an absolute meltdown and ripped off the entire door to their room off the hinges, dragging it down the hallway. To this day I have no idea what was going on. But it was interesting.
In conclusion? It's a place to lay your head. It's not Instagram-worthy. But it's livable. Barely.
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Because, you know, I *need* the internet.
Oh, honey. The Wi-Fi. Let's just say it tested my ZEN patience. It's free, which is a positive. But it's also… erratic. Like, one minute you're streaming Netflix, the next your email is taking longer to load then the entire "Gone With the Wind" movie. You might as well be tethering to the stone age.
My Experience: I’m a writer. Internet is life. There were days the Wi-Fi would simply vanish. Poof! Gone. Like a magician's assistant. I spent hours in the lobby, desperately trying to connect to the (slightly) stronger signal. Or, occasionally, I'd drive to the local Starbucks. (which isn't a bad thing at all!).
Tips: Invest in a mobile hotspot. Or have a backup data plan. Lower your expectations. Embrace the occasional digital detox. (which, honestly, might be good for you). Be prepared for frustration. Deep breaths. You'll get through it. (Maybe)
Are there any amenities at Citiplace Suites? Like, a pool? A gym? Laundry?
Okay, here’s the breakdown of the extra stuff. A lot of these places offer promises but not quality. Let’s start with the good:
- The Pool: Yes, they have a pool! And it's… a pool. It's outdoors. It's usually open. But honestly, I think the water was greener than the nearby grass. Not exactly a pristine paradise. I only went in it once - and that was because I felt like I was going to die of heat. It did the job.
- The Gym: Okay, the term 'gym' is used loosely. It's a room with a few treadmills (which, let's be honest, probably haven’t been properly maintained since 2008), a few weights, and some machines that looked like they belonged in a torture chamber. I walked past it more than I went in.
And on the not so good side of things:
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