Fort Worth's BEST Courtyard Marriott? (Near NAS JRB!)
Fort Worth's BEST Courtyard by Marriott (Near NAS JRB): A Truthful (and Slightly Chaotic) Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on what's supposed to be the top dog Courtyard Marriott near Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) in Fort Worth. I’m talking the whole shebang – from the "ooohs" to the "oh, hell nos" – so you can decide if this place is worth your hard-earned…well, whatever you’ve got. Let's dive in, shall we? (And yes, this is a chaotic masterpiece. Prepare yourselves.)
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First Impressions (Accessibility & Getting There):
Okay, first things first: finding this place is pretty straightforward – even I managed it, and my sense of direction is legendary (for being terrible). The location near NAS JRB is a definite plus if you're in town for military business or visiting loved ones. Now, accessibility. I’m not in a wheelchair myself, but I always try to look for those details. I did notice a few things: the entrance seemed pretty accessible with automatic doors, and elevators, definitely a plus. I unfortunately didn't need the accessible features but it was clear that the hotel has those features. (Plus points for recognizing that people come in all shapes, sizes, and mobility levels.)
Rooms & Comfort (Wi-Fi, Oh My God, Wi-Fi!):
Now, the real test: the rooms. The first thing I did was try to connect to the Wi-Fi, because duh, if I'm writing a review, the internet is my buddy. Praise the internet gods, free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! You know how rare that is? Like, unicorn-riding-a-narwhal rare. And it actually worked! (I've stayed in hotels where the Wi-Fi is slower than dial-up, and I’m just not about that life.)
My room was, well, a room. Clean-ish. Not sparkling, but I didn’t spot any suspicious stains, which is a victory in my book. The bed? Let's just say it was a bed. Not the best bed I’ve ever slept in, but I wasn’t sleeping on the floor, so…win? The blackout curtains were a godsend. I love to sleep in. The bathroom was functional, if a little dated. Did it have all the essentials? Yes. Was it Instagram-worthy? Absolutely not. But hey, I'm not paying for aesthetics, right? The desk was a decent size for working on my laptop, and the outlet placement was mostly sensible near the desk. This is a huge win. I hate crawling behind furniture to find a place to plug in my charger. The shower had the regular amenities too.
The Messy Bits (Cleanliness, Safety & That Annoying Little Thing):
Alright, let's get real. Cleanliness. The rooms had the usual items. The usual toiletries. The regular bathroom accouterments. Things were not spotless, not something you'd put on a magazine, but they were adequate.
Safety? There were smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher… the usual suspects. I felt reasonably safe, although I didn't exactly wander around in the middle of the night to…test things. But the exterior corridor situation made me feel a little less secure than I would like. It’s fine, but it’s not the Four Seasons. It is a Courtyard.
The Food (Breakfast, Bar, and the Quest for Decent Coffee):
Breakfast. Ugh. The breakfast buffet was…well, it was there. Eggs? Check. Sausage? Check. Waffles? Check. It was the standard hotel breakfast fare, which is, you know, fine if you’re starving. I had the omelette, and it was… an omelette. No complaints. I also saw a lot of individually wrapped items, which is great for hygiene, especially in these times.
The coffee, however, was the real tragedy. It was weak. Thin. Bland. I'm a coffee snob (don't judge!), and I needed a caffeine fix. So I made an emergency run to the in-room coffee maker (which was also a slight disappointment). The coffee shop was closed when I needed my fix. I wandered over the bar one night, and it was…fine. The bartender was friendly enough, and the drinks were reasonably priced. But the atmosphere was a little…meh.
Amenities (Pool, Fitness & The Elusive Spa):
The outdoor pool… was a pool. It looked clean, and there were some nice views that were visible, but I didn’t take the plunge. It was a bit cold. I did venture into the fitness center. It had the basics: treadmills, weights, exercise machines. The gym was not the cleanest, but I wasn’t expecting a five-star workout experience. It was fine for a quick sweat session, and there were bottles of water.
Now, here’s the sad part: I was really hoping for a spa. I mean, some pampering after a long day is always a nice treat. But there was no spa! That was my biggest disappointment. I’d give this hotel a 4.5/10 for spa-like amenities.
Everything Else (Services, Quirks & The Little Details):
- Staff: The staff was generally friendly and helpful, from check-in to check-out. No major complaints there.
- Parking: Free parking! Another win! (Especially after the coffee situation.)
- Noise: The soundproofing in my room was pretty good. I didn't hear much noise from other rooms or the hallway, which is awesome.
- Location: As I mentioned, it's close to NAS JRB, which is the main draw for many. It's also near some restaurants and shops, which is convenient.
- Convenience Store: Yes, there was a convenience store. I didn’t use it, but it was there.
- Ironing facilities included: This is always a plus.
The Verdict (Would I Go Back?):
Okay, so… would I go back? Maybe. If I needed to be near NAS JRB, absolutely. It’s a perfectly acceptable, functional hotel. Is it the most luxurious place on earth? Nope. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But it's a solid choice with some serious pros: free Wi-Fi, convenient location, and a generally friendly staff.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars. It's a solid "good" hotel. The lack of a decent coffee and the non existent spa, however, really stung. But the free Wi-Fi and the overall convenience make it a reasonable option, especially if you're in town for military business or visiting loved ones. Go in with realistic expectations, and you won't be disappointed. And remember to bring your own coffee!
Escape to Minneapolis: Your Burnsville Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn’t your grandma’s itinerary. This is me trying to survive a few days at the Courtyard by Marriott in Fort Worth, Texas, and turning it into a… well, let's call it a "narrative experiment." Expect typos, existential crises, and possibly an unhealthy obsession with the complimentary coffee.
Courtyard by Marriott Fort Worth I-30 West Near NAS JRB - A Traveler's Existential Rodeo (ish)
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for Caffeine (and Sanity)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive. The dreaded "Do Not Disturb" sign is already hanging on my soul. Seriously, hotels are just temporary prisons for the weary, aren't they? I check in – thankfully, the lady at the front desk (bless her weary heart) is actually nice. Huge win. Room: Standard. Bed: Looks… acceptable. (Okay, maybe the prison metaphor is a bit harsh.)
- 1:30 PM: The caffeine craving hits. My inner monologue shrieks, "COFFEE! I NEED COFFEE!!" I stumble down to the lobby, heart pounding like I'm being chased by a caffeinated velociraptor. The Courtyard’s little coffee station… hmm. Pre-ground, unfortunately. But hey, it’s free. First sip… not terrible. Survival possible.
- 2:00 PM: Unpack. This is a ritual. The little dance of “where does my stuff go?” The suitcase explosion. The deep sigh of, “Yep, this is me, living out of a bag. Again.” I hang things up – a little piece of order in the chaos.
- 2:30 PM: Decide to explore the hotel. Pool? I peek in. Empty. Maybe I'll dip my toes later if the existential dread subsides. The "fitness center" looks… intimidatingly small. I give it a wide berth. Back in the room, I flick through the TV channels. Nothing. Not. A. Thing. Maybe this is my new life: staring at the back of a TV in a blandly decorated hotel room. Am I even real?
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Work. Ugh. Because even in a strange city, the bills don't stop. The desk is…adequate. The Wi-Fi is…mostly functional. I try to focus, but the sounds of the air conditioning are driving me insane. It sounds like a dying robot. I swear it keeps getting louder…
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: A Snack Run! I brave the outside world, searching for a decent snack. Ended up at a gas station. The "hot" dogs looked like they'd been through a war. Settled for a bag of chips and a weirdly delicious, sugary soft drink. Fuel for the soul, folks.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner. Let's be honest, I am a terrible decision-maker when hungry and tired. I'm going to order room service. The burger arrives. It's… fine. The fries are crisp. I eat in front of the TV I had previously considered obsolete.
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Attempt to watch a movie online. The Wifi laughs in my face. Again. I try to read. Can't focus. Stare at the ceiling. Overthink. Is this the meaning of life?
- 10:00 PM: Sleep. Maybe the horrors of the world will be temporarily suspended during these precious few hours of unconsciousness.
Day 2: The Stockyards & the Questionable Pursuit of "Authentic" Experiences
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. The robot-air conditioner is still at it. I decide to skip the breakfast. A second helping of pre-ground coffee, though? Yes, please.
- 9:00 AM: The Fort Worth Stockyards. Oh boy. This is what I signed up for. I wander through the historic streets, dodging crowds and the occasional "Howdy, Ma'am!" (I'm a city person, people). The cattle drive. It's… impressive, but also a bit… performative, right? Like a really well-rehearsed high school play. But hey, at least it's not raining.
- 10:00 AM: Wander around the shops. Leather goods. Cowboy hats. Anything with a boot on it. I’m tempted to buy a giant belt buckle that says “Keep on Truckin'” but resist. Partly because it’s ridiculously expensive, and partly because I'm not sure I am truckin'.
- 11:00 AM: The Stockyards Museum – Meh. Okay, there were some interesting facts about the history of the cattle industry.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local barbeque place. Ordered ribs. They were… okay. I was expecting a revelation. Instead, I got ribs. The side of coleslaw was truly delicious.
- 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Work (Again). The room service table now serves as a depressing desk. The constant hum of the air conditioner is driving me to the brink. I fight the urge to throw a shoe at the wall. The wifi has decided to intermittently work.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: I try to find some local music. I fail. I end up at a chain restaurant, and let's just say the atmosphere is not what I was hoping for. Eat some chicken fingers. Decide I should probably find a new hotel next time.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. More TV channel surfing. More existential pondering. I may or may not have consumed an entire bag of chips while watching a terrible reality show.
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Get a decent night's sleep and think about the world.
Day 3: Departure and a Glimmer of Hope (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM: Same routine. Coffee. The dying robot air conditioner. I am starting to feel like I have been at the hotel for an eternity.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. The front desk lady is still there. She smiles, a tiny spark of genuine kindness. "Safe travels," she says. And I feel… momentarily less despairing.
- 9:30 AM: Breakfast. Decide to go to a restaurant. It's not amazing, but it's a start. The coffee is slightly better.
- 11:00 AM: Make the airport. The drive there is uneventful, which is a good thing.
- 12:00 PM: Okay, so the Courtyard by Marriott wasn't a terrible experience. But it wasn’t exactly a vacation highlight reel, either. It was a place to exist, a buffer between work and… well, the rest of life. And maybe, just maybe, that’s all it needed to be. Still, I’ll be doing some serious research on better hotel options for next time.
- 1:00 PM: Get on the plane. Reflect on the trip. Decide that I needed this, and need to travel more.
- 2:00 PM: Arrive home.
- The End(?)
Fort Worth's "Best" Courtyard Near NAS JRB – You've Got Questions, I've Got Opinions (and Maybe a Few Regrets)
Okay, is this Courtyard Marriott actually *that* good, especially near the Navy base? Like, worth the hype?
Alright, let's be real. "Best" is a loaded word, right? It's like saying your grandma makes the *best* cookies – nostalgia colors everything. Is this Courtyard *objectively* the greatest hotel on the planet? Nope. But for what it *is* – a solid, reliable, and relatively comfy place to crash while visiting NAS JRB? Yeah, it's pretty darn good. Especially after flying all day and hauling a bunch of luggage – the closer the better! I mean, after that first flight, all you want is a good bed and an easy option for dinner. Believe me. I speak from experience. (More on that later... buckle up).
What about the location? Is it actually convenient to the base? Because I've heard horror stories about traffic…
Okay, location, location, LOCATION! That's the *real* selling point. You practically *roll* out of bed and onto the base. Seriously, if you're going for a quick visit, this is a HUGE win. No soul-crushing commute. No worrying about missing your kid's graduation because of a traffic jam. I should mention the infamous *Texas Weather* – a good location can literally save your sanity in a sudden hailstorm in summer. You might still want to avoid rush hour, but you're talking minutes, not an hour. And that, my friends, is a triumph.
The rooms – clean? Updated? Because I've had some *experiences*...
Clean? Generally, yes! Updated? Depends on your standards. They're not brand-spanking-new, luxury suites, but they're modern enough. I've stayed in rooms with slightly wonky showerheads (which, let's be honest, is a hotel rite of passage), but nothing truly egregious. The beds are comfy, which is the most important thing after a long day. Honestly, I'm more concerned with the Wi-Fi. Seriously, gotta have that Wi-Fi.
Is the breakfast worth it? Because free hotel breakfasts can be… a gamble.
The breakfast... ah, the breakfast. It's a Courtyard breakfast. Don't expect Michelin stars. You'll get the usual suspects: scrambled eggs that may or may not be rubbery (emphasis on *may*), questionable sausage links, a waffle maker (always a plus!), and some fruit that's probably been sitting out a while. Is it *worth* the price? Maybe. If you're in a rush, it's fine. If you have time, there are better options nearby. I'm just saying... I *did* once have a particularly unfortunate encounter with a rogue breakfast croissant that nearly ended my morning. (I'll spare you the gruesome details).
What about the gym? Do they even *have* one? And is it any good?
Yes, they have a gym! And honestly? It's not terrible. It's small, sure, but usually clean and has the basics: treadmills, ellipticals, some free weights. It's not going to replace your regular CrossFit box, but it's good for a quick workout to work off the stress of a day of travel or some of those *ahem* breakfast sausage links. I've used it. It's functional. That's all I ask for.
Any restaurants nearby? Or am I stuck with hotel food? (Please say there are other places!)
Okay, this is a mixed bag. There *are* restaurants nearby. A few chain places, mostly. You won't be starved. Don't expect culinary genius, but you *will* find something edible. But there's a great Mexican place a short drive away – *that* is worth the trip. I'm still dreaming of their enchiladas. (Seriously. Go there. Now.) The hotel has a little bistro too, but I'd probably go with an Uber Eats before I ordered there.
What's the biggest annoyance about staying there? The one thing that *drives you crazy*?
Okay, let's get real. The WORST thing? Parking. Sometimes, finding a spot can be a genuine *ordeal*. Especially if you arrive late at night. There's just not enough parking. I swear, one time I circled the lot for like 15 minutes, feeling my blood pressure spike. (I'm a relatively calm person, but after a long trip, I'm not exactly zen master material.) So, yeah, parking. Prepare yourself. It might involve a trek. Or a prayer. Or both.
So, should I stay there? Is it "worth it"?
Here's the bottom line: If you need to be CLOSE to NAS JRB, and you want a comfortable, reliable place to stay, then YES. It's a very good choice. Parking is a potential pain, the breakfast is meh, but the convenience wins. It's not perfect, far from it. It’s not luxury. But it’s a dependable workhorse. And sometimes, that's all you need. Plus… I will admit, I've had some pretty good conversations with other guests in the lobby. (Don't judge me.) And it's got a certain charm, in its own, slightly-cluttered, very-much-needed way. Just remember the parking. And bring a snack, just in case. And… maybe a Xanax? Okay, maybe I'm kidding. Mostly.
Okay, you mentioned a *single experience* earlier. Spill the tea! What's the *messiest* disaster?
Alright, fine, you twisted my arm. The *biggest* disaster... it was about three years ago. I was there for a graduation, coming in late, after a *grueling* flight. I was exhausted, starving, and just wanted to get to my room. The check-in went fine - no problems, (for now), and I waltzed in. I was on the third floor, and as I opened the door, there was aCheap Hotel Search
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