Cincinnati's BEST Kept Secret: Unbeatable Sharonville Getaway!
Cincinnati's Hidden Gem: Sharonville Getaway - A Review That's More "Real" Than "Perfect"
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because if you're like me, you scroll through reviews expecting some cookie-cutter, robotic description of a hotel. But I'm here to spill the tea on the Cincinnati's BEST Kept Secret: Unbeatable Sharonville Getaway! And trust me, it’s a trip.
First things first: Sharonville. Where is that, exactly? Honestly, I had to Google it. (Turns out, it’s near Cincinnati. Shocker!) But for a quick weekend escape, somewhere that isn't downtown, it's actually surprisingly convenient.
(Accessibility & Safety)
Here’s where things get interesting. I have slightly mobility issues (stubborn knee, long story). The accessibility was, surprisingly, pretty damn good. The elevator was a lifesaver, and navigating the common areas with a wonky leg was much easier than I anticipated. Huge win! They also had facilities for disabled guests, which I didn't personally need, but it's great to see that level of inclusivity.
And the safety? Well, it's 2024, people. We're all a little germ-phobic. They were on top of it with anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and the ubiquitous hand sanitizer everywhere (THANK GOD!). They even have room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch. I never got that close to the doctor/nurse on call (thankfully!), but it's there, too. Seriously, felt safer there than I did at the grocery store.
(Internet & In-Room Goodies)
This place advertises Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and they are ABSOLUTELY right. I needed a decent Internet connection to get some work done (blech!), and it worked flawlessly. No buffering dramas during my Zoom calls, and that's saying something. Speaking of the room, I found a decent Internet access – LAN in the room, too. Didn't use it much (who needs LAN when you have Wi-Fi, am I right?).
The room itself? Pretty standard, but comfortable. A desk for that work I had to do, a proper laptop workspace, and a super-comfy bed. They had air conditioning that actually worked (a crucial point in humid Cincinnati summers) and blackout curtains, which were a godsend for sleeping in. Coffee maker, complimentary tea- basically, all the basics were covered. They even had those fluffy bathrobes, which always give you that 'fancy hotel' feel.
Important note: I’m a sucker for a good extra long bed. My giant frame thanked them.
(Dining, Drinking & Snacking)
This is where my opinion gets… varied. The restaurants on-site were decent, but nothing mind-blowing. The Asian cuisine in restaurant, was… well, let's just say I wasn’t blown away. The Western cuisine in restaurant, however, wasn't bad. The breakfast [buffet], on the other hand, WAS a winner. Omelet station, good coffee, what more could a hungover traveler want? They offer breakfast takeaway service too (essential for those early meeting days).
I appreciated the bar. A solid way to unwind after a long day of… well, whatever you're doing in Sharonville. They also have a poolside bar for cocktails… I didn't get to enjoy (thanks, rain!). There were coffee/tea in restaurant all day long, which was a lifesaver.
One minor complaint: The bottle of water policy was a bit strange. I wish it was more generous.
(Things to Do & Ways to Relax) - and My Undying Love for This Place!
Okay, here's the highlight reel, the thing that truly cemented this place in my memory: THE SPA. Listen, I'm no spa snob, but the experience absolutely blew my mind.
The Spa/sauna was incredible. Seriously, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. The sauna itself was the perfect temperature, and I spent a solid hour just sweating out my worries. The steamroom was also phenomenal. And the massage? Ah, the massage. Booked a Deep Tissue, and I am not exaggerating to call it restorative. This place really does have the whole Spa experience covered!
They had a pool with view, and a swimming pool [outdoor]. I'm so bummed I didn't get a chance to enjoy the outdoor one because of the rain! They also had a fitness center, but after all that lounging and massage, I was not motivated. Maybe next time!
(Services & Conveniences)
They offer all the usual suspects: Daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, concierge, and even cash withdrawal. All good. They also have meeting/banquet facilities which is probably good for business travelers. I found the staff incredibly helpful and friendly. They were trained in safety protocols, which, again, put my mind at ease.
(The Little Annoyances & Quirks)
No place is perfect. Like, there were a few minor hiccups. The slippers in the room could have been a little softer - you know? I wanted to have the luxury spa experience!
Also, the room decorations were… functional. Nothing to write home about.
(Conclusion: Would I Go Back? Absolutely!)
Look, this isn’t the Four Seasons. This is a well-run, comfortable hotel in a slightly unexpected location. But the combination of good service, decent amenities, and that incredible spa experience? It's a winner. It felt like a real escape.
My rating: 4.5 Stars! This “Sharonville Getaway” offers a pleasant blend of relaxation, service and good value giving a hidden gem for anyone looking for a well-deserved break.
Hershey's Sweetest Escape: Travelodge by Wyndham Review & Deals!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt to wrestle with the beautiful, chaotic beast that is a travel plan when you're staying at a Red Roof Inn. In Cincinnati. In Sharonville. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?
Red Roof Rumble: Cincinnati & Beyond (A Sharonville Saga)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Boxed Breakfast
3:00 PM: Arrive at the Red Roof Inn Cincinnati - Sharonville. Whew. Finally. The GPS estimated time of arrival was… optimistic. Traffic tried to swallow me whole. Found my room, which smells… vaguely of air freshener and maybe regret? Let's roll with it. First impression: it's clean-ish. Really, it's the "clean-ish" vibe that's key, right?
- Immediate thought: "Oh, the pool isn't open yet. Okay. Deep breaths."
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: Unpack. The suitcase explosion is real. Every trip, I swear, I pack too much. Then I underpack for the snacks. Always the snacks. Marvel at the art on the wall (a vaguely impressionistic print of a still life that evokes… well, I'm not sure what it evokes). Contemplate if the mini-fridge is colder than the outside air.
- Anecdote: Last time I stayed at a Red Roof, I accidentally left a whole bag of gourmet dog biscuits (yes, I travel with them) in the room. I hope that cleaning crew enjoyed them more than my dog would have…
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Figure out where I am (geographically, spiritually) and research dinner options. Sharonville seems… understated. Google Maps tells me I can get a pizza (hell yeah). Decide on a local pizza place… or maybe I'll just order something from doordash (I’m tired).
- Quirky Observation: The brochure in the lobby lists "nearby attractions." It's a pretty depressing list. "Sharonville Community Center," "Local Fast Food Restaurant." I'm not sure if it's a joke on me, but okay.
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM: Dinner! Pizza acquisition and consumption. Evaluate the ratio of cheese to crust. Was it worth the calories? Definitely. Absolutely.
7:30 - 9:00 PM: Attempt (and fail) to watch a movie. The TV remote is fighting me. Actually, the whole TV is fighting me. It’s a battle of wills. Sigh. Read a book, or just fall asleep. Either one is the goal.
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: The internal conflict of whether to get a midnight snack. The vending machines are a siren call of sugary snacks and regret. Do I? Don’t I? I might.
- Emotion: I've been on the road for hours, and it's only the first day. This trip needs more fun, and less quiet.
10:00 PM: Bedtime. Attempt to sleep. Probably fail due to the questionable temperature regulation in the room.
- Messy Structure/Rambling: Okay, real talk: hotel rooms are weird. You're in this sterile box, surrounded by someone else's idea of comfort. The pillows always have a weird plastic-y feel. Sleep is a privilege, apparently.
Day 2: Cincinnati Shenanigans & the Quest for Caffeine
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up. The coffee maker is a disaster. Box breakfast. Oh, the indignity of the individual cereal boxes. This is not the life I envisioned.
- Opinionated Language: This free breakfast is a scam. Seriously. It makes me miss my own kitchen and the comfort of my own routine.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Brave the Cincinnati traffic. Head to the city proper. Google Maps says a zoo! Decide to do the zoo. A zoo is perfect!
- Anecdote: On a previous trip, I tried to navigate Cincinnati during a festival of some kind. It took me two hours to go three blocks. I ended up ordering a burger and fries at a random place on a street corner and decided to just… live in that moment.
9:00 AM -12:00 PM: Cincinnati Zoo! (Assuming I'm not still lost in traffic) Ogle the animals. Make some friends. Pretend I'm a primatologist who's on a mission. Take way too many pictures of the giraffes. Feel a deep sense of peace.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: The zoo is amazing. The elephants were magnificent. It's pure joy. Pure, unadulterated joy. I was suddenly okay with everything again.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch near the zoo? Pack a sandwich? (Doubtful). Find something to eat. This is crucial, as low blood sugar can lead to catastrophic decisions.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: A museum? Maybe I go look at the art. Or maybe I stumble upon a weird curiosity shop. Or just go to the park and sit.
- Messy Structure & Rambling: Museum? Yes. I like museums. But I also want fun. I like being told what to do, but I also like freedom. This choice paralysis is terrible.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Attempt to navigate back to the Red Roof Inn. Traffic. Always. Traffic. Remember to breathe.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Recover. Take a nap? Read? Try to figure out what the heck to do with the rest of the day.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Shower. Put on something that makes me feel good. Whatever “good” means today.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Explore the culinary landscape of Sharonville (or befriend the doordash driver).
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Stare at the TV. Give up.
- Quirky Observation: The TV's programming is… interesting. Public access. Infomercials! It's like a time capsule from the 90s.
9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Attempt to read. Give up on the book.
10:00 PM: Attempt to sleep.
Day 3: Departure & the Aftermath
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Wake up. Box breakfast. Another indignity.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Pack. Contemplate if I really need to pack that extra pair of shoes. Probably not.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the Red Roof Inn.
10:00 AM: Hit the road, hoping I remembered to pack the charger.
10:00 AM Onward: Reflect on the trip. Vow to plan a better one next time. Begin planning the next trip immediately.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: It was a good trip. Even with the chaos. I learned a few things. Most importantly, I learned to breathe. And to never underestimate the power of a good zoo. And the power of a good pizza.
- Opinionated Language:* Red Roof Inn? It's just a place to crash. No frills, no expectations. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Not bad!
Sharonville: The Unofficial Guide (Prepare for Rambling!)
Okay, Sharonville. What's the *deal*? You're calling it a "best kept secret," which smells like a giant overpromise, right? Spill the beans!
Look, I get it. "Best Kept Secret" is a cliché. But I'm telling you, Sharonville isn't just a place to grab a quick pre-airport hotel. It's… well, it's *unexpected*. I've lived in the Cincinnati area my whole life, and I used to think Sharonville was just a blur on I-75. Then, BAM! Weekend spent exploring, and I'm converted. It's got this weird, charming mix of convenience, surprisingly good food, and… I don't know… a certain *je ne sais quoi* of relaxed vibes. Okay, maybe I'm overselling it… but seriously, give it a chance!
So, it's not *just* hotels? Because, let's be honest, that's what I'm picturing. Endless rows of sterile chain places. Shudder.
Alright, you do have a point. Sharonville *does* have a ton of hotels. A LOT. Seriously, you could live in a different hotel every week for a year. BUT! Branch out! Look beyond the usual suspects. There are some surprisingly decent (and affordable!) options, and some of them are actually… kinda cute. And the real treasure? The things around the hotels! Restaurants, shops… it's more than just a layover zone, trust me.
Food! Tell me about the food. Because a bad meal can ruin a whole getaway.
Food is KEY. And Sharonville DELIVERS. Beyond the usual, you get a surprisingly diverse scene. I mean, I’m a Cincinnati native, so I know my Skyline Chili. But Sharonville really, REALLY surprised me. I am a total sucker for **Pho Lang Thang 2** in the area. It's an absolute *experience*. The broth? Rich and complex. The noodles? Perfection. And the atmosphere? Busy, bustling, and smells *amazing*. My first time, I was a little overwhelmed by the menu options (so many things!), but the staff was super patient. I ended up going back three times that weekend just to try different dishes. Seriously, go. Get the pho. You won't regret it. And they have this incredible appetizer, the crispy rolls! Oh god, I’m hungry just thinking about it.
What about shopping? Are we talking outlet malls or… more interesting stuff?
Okay, there's *some* outlet mall action nearby. You can find your basic chains, but I'm not going to lie, I'm not a huge mall person. But the *real* shopping gem? I'd say it's more convenient shopping like large retailers. You can find something you need, for sure. Now, there are smaller, local shops scattered around, worth it if you've got some spare time.
Okay, you're selling me… slowly. But what about activities? Are we stuck in our hotel rooms or what?
Ha! No hotel room jail for you! Besides eating your weight in pho, there are a few hidden gems. There's a nice local park. Sometimes, they have local events and that's always a nice distraction. But honestly? My favorite activity is just… *chilling*. Maybe grab a coffee, find somewhere to sit, and just… unwind. It's a great place to de-stress, especially if you're coming from a hectic week. Plus, it's super easy to get around. The drive is not bad at all. And if you need to get somewhere else in the city? You're close to the highways.
Anything I should *avoid*? Any Sharonville sins to steer clear of?
Okay, this is honest time. Traffic can be a *nightmare* during rush hour. Avoid it if you can. Seriously. Plan your driving accordingly (or just stay put and order more pho!). Also, some of the restaurant options are… well, they're chains. Fine for a quick meal, but not exactly "experience" material. And the older parts of Sharonville are a bit… functional. Not exactly postcard pretty. But overall, it's a pretty safe and convenient place to be.
So, in a nutshell? Is Sharonville really worth it, or are we just being overly optimistic here?
Look. It's not the Amalfi Coast. But for a quick getaway? A chill weekend? A place to recharge without breaking the bank? YES. Absolutely. And the Pho. Seriously, the Pho. Go. Eat. Be happy. And don't tell *too* many people, okay? We want to keep it our little secret. (Just kidding… maybe.)
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