Escape to Vermont: Burlington's Cozy Residence Inn Awaits!
Escape to Vermont: Burlington's Cozy Residence Inn Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Seriously Unfiltered Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the real deal on the Residence Inn in Burlington, Vermont. Forget those sugar-coated brochure reviews. I'm here to tell you what actually goes down, the good, the bad, and the utterly meh.
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- Description: Honest and unfiltered review of the Residence Inn in Burlington, VT. Covering accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, breakfast), dining, services, room features, and a whole lot of personal opinions. Find out if this Burlington hotel is worth your hard-earned cash!
First Impressions (and a Bit of "Oh, God, Where Am I Going?" Confusion):
Pulling up to the Residence Inn, I gotta admit, it looks promising. Clean lines, that classic Marriott sheen. But then, the parking lot. Okay, free parking, score! But also, slightly chaotic. A few near misses with other drivers. This set the tone: a bit of organized chaos, a hint of "trying its best".
Accessibility: A Mostly Thumbs Up (But Not Without Hiccups):
Now, as someone who doesn't need accessibility, I still pay close attention. Because hey, everyone deserves a good stay! The Residence Inn in Burlington mostly delivers. Wide doorways, elevators are a godsend, and the public areas seemed navigable. My colleague, who uses a wheelchair, said the main entrance was easy, and the front desk staff was super helpful in directing him.
- The could be better: The pool area, though visually stunning (more on that later!), could maybe be slightly tricky to maneuver if you have mobility issues. Not awful, but worth noting.
On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges: Hmm, that one’s a bit of a tricky one, since the onsite dining is pretty limited – you have the breakfast buffet. So, “accessible” is really applicable here, though!
Internet Access – Praise the Wi-Fi Gods! And the Occasional Glitch:
Alright, let's be real. A good Wi-Fi signal is practically a human right these days. And, yes!, there's Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank heavens! It mostly worked like a charm. I could stream, surf, and occasionally pretend to write emails when I was actually scrolling through TikTok. There was a brief, traumatic period where things went wonky for an hour, and I nearly clawed my way into the lobby, screaming. Luckily, it resolved itself. Phew. Internet [LAN]: They've got it. But… have you used a LAN connection in the last decade?
Internet Services: Standard stuff, really. Gotta love it.
Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yup, and it seemed pretty reliable. You can't be too far offline in order to survive.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Poolside Bliss (Maybe) & Spa Dreams (Probably Not):
Okay, let's talk pool. The Swimming Pool [outdoor] is seriously gorgeous. It's got this view, kinda overlooking something…I think it was a business park? Doesn't matter, it was still pretty damn relaxing to sit by the pool and drink a beer. The Pool with a view is definitely a highlight.
Spa-ing? Meh. The hotel lists things like Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. But they're… not on-site. So, that’s a big letdown. Don't arrive expecting a pampering paradise.
Fitness Center: Didn’t look too bad. Gym/fitness are available.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Little (Possibly Too Much) Overkill?:
I can't fault the hotel on this front. They're taking things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, all that jazz. I mean, it's almost a little… suffocating. You get the feeling they're trying to keep you safe. Maybe a little too hard.
Room Sanitization Opt-out Available: Good to see I guess? Though, the initial clean was definitely appreciated.
Hand sanitizer everywhere. Like, everywhere. To the point I was getting paranoid about my hands being too clean.
Staff trained in safety protocol: Definitely observed.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast Buffets & Beyond… Kinda:
Alright, the Breakfast [buffet] is… well, it's a Residence Inn buffet. You get the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (could be better), sad-looking sausages, a waffle maker (which, I'll admit, I fully exploited), and weak coffee. Not gourmet, but it fills the void. And, hey, Breakfast takeaway service is available, which is clutch, especially for early starts.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant is a given. Because caffeine.
- Restaurants: Not really. More like a breakfast area.
- Snack bar: Nope.
- Room service [24-hour]: Not exactly.
- Happy hour: Definitely a plus!
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects & Some Unexpected Perks:
- Daily housekeeping: It's there, and it's efficient.
- Concierge: They were pretty helpful with directions!
- Business facilities: There's the typical Business facilities, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Xerox/fax in business center.
- Cash withdrawal: I’m not sure if they allow it.
- Convenience Store: Convenient.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Listed, and seemed accurate based on my observations.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Could definitely be improved.
- Laundry service: Yay!
- Luggage storage: Always a win.
For the Kids: Mostly Fine:
Family/child friendly is the vibe, certainly. Babysitting service is available, though I did. not personally test it. They had Kids facilities as well.
Access: Standard Security:
Check-in/out [express] & [private] are on offer. The front desk is staffed 24-hours, and there's Security [24-hour].
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location…and Parking:
- Car park [free of charge]: Yep, blessedly free.
- Airport transfer: Available! Nice!
- Taxi service: Available, though I'd recommend planning ahead for peak times.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty Gritty
This is where things get personal. And, I should say, slightly… overwhelming in terms of options. You get the standard Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Non-smoking, you name it. They're working hard to appease.
- The good: the beds were comfy. I slept very well.
- The bad: the mirror was too small for my liking (pet peeve), and the toiletries were… basic.
- The slightly weird: the extra long bed. Is this a Vermont thing?
My Verdict: Worth a Stay? Possibly.
Would I stay at the Residence Inn in Burlington again? Hmm. It depends. If I'm looking for a reliable, clean, and conveniently located base, then yes, absolutely. The free Wi-Fi, the pool, and the general convenience are hard to resist. But if I'm feeling fancy, if I want a spa day, or something more in the realm of gourmet dining? I'd look elsewhere. It's a solid, dependable choice. It's not the dream, but it's a comfortable place to crash after a long day. And sometimes, that's all you need.
Charleston Escape: Days Inn's Unbeatable IL Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously color-coded itinerary. This is… well, this is my chaotic Burlington, Vermont adventure. And it starts, naturally, at the Residence Inn Burlington Colchester. Don't judge, I needed the kitchenette. Coffee is a non-negotiable.
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh God, We Forgot the Shampoo" Debacle
- Morning (Like, late morning): Arrive at BTV. Okay, first hurdle: the rental car chaos. Turns out, "compact SUV" means "barely fits my luggage." The lady at Hertz was, to put it mildly, underwhelmed by my nervous attempts to navigate the parking lot. "Relax, honey," she said, sounding like she'd seen it all. Which she probably had. I finally wrestled the beast onto Route 89 North.
- Mid-Day: Arrive at the Residence Inn. Check-in. Okay, success! Briefly. Then… the unpacking. Panic. We forgot the shampoo. And the conditioner. And maybe the deodorant. The first sign of impending vacation doom.
- Anecdote: The shower, I swear, was designed by someone who hates tall people. I'm talking knees-to-chin discomfort.
- Afternoon: Grocery run. Trader Joe's, thank the gods. Loaded up on snacks I'll probably eat while staring at the TV at 2 AM. Also, shampoo. Crisis averted.
- Evening: Dinner at a local eatery called "The Daily Planet." Supposedly a Burlington institution. The burger was decent, but the overly enthusiastic waitress kept calling me "sweetheart" which, after a long day, felt… a little much. Maybe she was trying to make me feel better about my luggage size. I'm onto you, Burlington.
- Quirky Observation: The people here really love their flannel. It's a lifestyle. An aggressively comfortable, woodsy lifestyle.
- Emotional Reaction: I felt a strange, unexpected sense of… peace? Like, the world slowed down a little. Perhaps that's the Burlington magic. Or the maple syrup I had with my (admittedly delicious) fries.
Day 2: Lake Champlain's Allure and the Misadventures of Paddleboarding
- Morning: Coffee. Lots of coffee. The Residence Inn's complimentary brew is… functional. But I supplemented with a French press and some local Vermont beans. Ah, that is the good stuff.
- Mid-Day: Let's do this! Head to Lake Champlain. The promise of sunshine and water has me soothed. I went to the waterfront, rented paddleboards… and promptly realized I am terrible at paddleboarding.
- Rambling: Okay, so imagine this: me, precariously balanced, trying to look graceful, while repeatedly falling into the freezing lake. Locals watching with amusement. Birds judging me silently. The water, despite the sun's best efforts, was frigid. I felt like a clumsy, flailing seal.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Pure. Humiliation. But also? Utter, unadulterated, belly-laugh-worthy FUN.
- Afternoon: Found some of the BEST ice cream ever at a little place called "Ben & Jerry's" (I've heard they make it in this state). Ate way too much. Got brain freeze. Worth it.
- Evening: Wandered around Church Street Marketplace – charming, with a capital C. Found a record store and bought a (surprise!) new album. Had a beer at a local brewery, and the waitress looked like she knew exactly which beer to recommend. Another win for Burlington.
- Opinionated Language: Church Street is way too crowded at times. But the buskers? Pure gold. And the shops? Dangerous for my credit card.
Day 3: Hiking Hiccups and Finding the Perfect Sandwich
- Morning: A proper breakfast! Eggs and bacon (thank you, kitchenette!). Pondered how Vermont is so different from the South.
- Mid-Day: Hike at the "Lone Rock Point" trail. Well, attempted to hike.
- Messier Structure: We got, uh, slightly lost. The trail markers seemed to be playing a cruel game of hide-and-seek. Then the rain started. And I realized I'd worn the wrong shoes. The "waterproof" ones.
- Anecdote Doubled Down: The only reason we actually found a trail was because we were following a particularly energetic dog and his owner (who seemed to understand every inch of the forest) This dog was the real hero.
- Afternoon: Found a tiny deli called "The Daily Bread & Deli". Got the best (and biggest) sandwich known to mankind. The sandwich was a beacon of hope and deliciousness. I'm talking perfect bread, amazing meat, and the kind of pickles you dream about.
- Evening: Back at the Residence Inn - watching TV, finally. I needed a break.
Day 4: Departure and the "I Could Live Here" Feeling
- Morning: Coffee, pack, and prepare for the journey home.
- Mid-day: One last walk around the hotel and the city.
- Afternoon: Drive to BTV. Return the rental car (without any major incidents, miraculously). Depart.
- Emotional Reaction: Leaving! The world felt more lively, and the memories of my blunders were a good source of laughter. I did not want to leave.
- Quirky Observation: I swear, everyone in Burlington is ridiculously friendly. It's borderline suspicious. But in the best way.
- Final Thoughts: Burlington, Vermont. You were messy, you were humbling, and you were unexpectedly amazing. I'm coming back. And next time, I'm bringing better shoes and a waterproof camera. And maybe a paddleboarding instructor. Or, you know, just a bigger life raft.
So, uh, Burlington? Why *there*? What's the big deal?
Alright, alright, let's get this out of the way: because, Vermont, duh! It's picture-postcard perfect, even when it's raining (which, let's be real, is often -- I swear Vermont and the sky are in a dramatic, lifelong love affair!). But Burlington specifically? It's got this funky, artsy vibe that’s SO not cookie-cutter. Plus, Lake Champlain is just… *chefs kiss*. I remember, I went on a spontaneous trip once because I hit a major creative wall and needed… something. Turns out, Vermont was the something. Specifically, the Residence Inn. We’ll get there.
And the Residence Inn? Why THIS one? Isn't there like, a billion hotels?
Okay, good question. Yes, there *are* a billion hotels. But this… this is my happy place hotel. First, it's the *location*. It's close to everything, but not *too* close. You can walk to Church Street Marketplace (which, by the way, is a MUST. Seriously. Do it. Buy the maple syrup; thank me later), but you're also nestled in a quiet-ish area. And, honestly? As a solo traveler, the "cozy" vibe is a comfort. I don't want to be in some cavernous, soulless hotel room. I want… a hug. From a room. This delivers. Honestly, I've booked it out of pure desperation when I was supposed to camp and the weather was AWFUL, and it was the best decision I made all year! (Yeah, I'm still a beginner camper.)
Okay, Cozy… I see that. But what's actually *in* the rooms? Do I need to bring my own furniture?
HAHA! No, you do not need your own furniture. Although, I've sometimes *wished* I could bring my own comfy chair. The rooms are suites (major perk!), so they feel like a mini-apartment. There's a decent kitchen (microwave, fridge, the works!), and a living area. Perfect for, you know, spreading out and not feeling like you're living in a shoebox. The bed? Always a plus. And the wifi? Usually reliable, which is crucial if you're, um, *working* (cough cough, pretending to work, double cough). The last time I stayed, I had a fridge that was a little… loud. Like, sounded like it was plotting world domination. But honestly? Didn’t bother me. I actually kind of liked it. Kept me on my toes.
Breakfast? Tell me about the breakfast! Because breakfast is important.
BREAKFAST! Oh, the breakfast. This is where the Residence Inn shines. It's their *thing*. They serve a *full* breakfast. Not just a sad little continental deal. Think: eggs, bacon (or sausage, if you're into that), waffles you make yourself (which, let’s admit, is inherently fun!), fresh fruit, *delicious* coffee… Seriously, I have, on multiple occasions, lingered far longer than necessary in the breakfast area, just to squeeze every last drop of coffee-infused deliciousness out of the morning. I once saw a kid try to make a waffle look like a… well, let's just say it resembled something other than a waffle. It was a work of art. And the staff doesn't judge. That's the best part. Except for the coffee. Okay it's a tie.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Because bad staff can ruin everything.
The staff at the Residence Inn Burlington… are saints. No, seriously. They're always helpful, super friendly, and genuinely seem to *care*. I’m notoriously awkward at check-in (I always forget how to pronounce my own name), but they always make me feel welcome. They’re the kind of people who make you feel like you’re staying at a friend’s house, not just a hotel. One time, I left my wallet in the room (total airhead moment!), and they called me before I even realized it was missing. Lifesavers! I can't overstate how helpful this can be. It's an essential part of making someplace feel "cozy" for me.
Is it… family-friendly? Because I'm traveling with… well, *children*.
Yes! Totally family-friendly. Lots of families stay there. The suites give you space to spread out. They have a pool, and a gym (if you're into that sort of torture). And the breakfast buffet? Perfect for picky eaters (helloooo, waffles!). My personal experience with kids there is limited, but I've seen them, lots. Sounds are reasonable, and overall a good experience is always available. Definitely a winner for a family trip to Vermont.
Alright, but let’s be honest. Any downsides? Because nothing is perfect.
Okay, yeah, true. Nothing's *perfect*. It can get a little busy, especially during peak season (fall foliage is insane). And the parking situation can sometimes be a tiny bit… shall we say, challenging? It's not a deal-breaker, but just something to be aware of. Also, and this is nitpicky, the elevator can be a little slow. But honestly? Those are seriously minor quibbles. I'd trade a slightly slower elevator for that cozy vibe, that amazing breakfast, and the friendly staff ANY DAY. Also, I once forgot my toothbrush. Which wasn’t their fault, but it did make me discover how much I *love* the mini-toothbrushes they have in the gift shop. Seriously. Game changer.
Okay, fine. You've convinced me. But what's the ONE THING you'd tell someone about this place?
Okay, this is the MOST important thing: *it feels like home*. Not just a hotel room. A place where I don’t feel guilty about eating two waffles and drinking the entire pot of coffee *by myself* in my pajamas. There's a warmth, a genuine sense of comfort… it's the kind of place where you can truly relax, unwind, and just be yourself. And that’s worth its weight in Vermont maple syrup, my friends. Honestly, I have trouble actually relaxing anywhere *BUT* the Residence Inn Burlington. I should probably get help. But I won't. I'm going back there, soon.
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