Yonkers Getaway: Unbelievable Marriott Courtyard Deal!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a hotel review situation. And I'm not pulling any punches. This isn't some sterile, corporate-speak regurgitation; this is REAL. Let’s get messy, shall we? (Also, I'm going to assume we're checking in during… well, let's just say a particularly cautious time, since the list of amenities is so COVID-conscious.)
SEO & Metadata (Okay, Fine, I'll do it… Eventually):
- Keywords: Hotel Review, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Pool with View, Free Wi-Fi, Restaurants, COVID-19 Protocols, Family-Friendly, Pet-Friendly, Luxury Hotel, Best Hotel, [City Name] Hotel, [Hotel Name], On-Site Dining, Fitness Center, Sauna, Steamroom, Concierge, Airport Transfer.
- Meta Description: Honest, in-depth review of the [Hotel Name] in [City Name], covering accessibility, amenities, COVID-19 precautions, dining, kid-friendliness, and more. Read on for unfiltered opinions and real-world insights.
The Arrival & First Impressions (Chaos Ensues!)
Okay, so first things first, getting to this place. Airport transfer? YES. Thank GOD. After a brutal flight, the thought of hailing a cab… no, thank you. The driver was actually EARLY, which, frankly, made me suspicious. Like, is this thing haunted? But whatever, at least it was air conditioned.
The exterior? Grand. Classic. Probably expensive. I’m talking, like, pillars and fountains, the whole shebang. I immediately checked for a proposal spot because, you know, you never know. (It's a good test of a hotel's romantic potential, obviously).
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, As Usual
- Wheelchair Accessible: Now, this is important. Let’s face it, accessibility is STILL a crapshoot in a lot of places. The front entrance? Good. Wide doors, ramps… so far, so good. The ELEVATOR was a delight. Spacious, no weird smells, and thankfully, no elevator music (small blessings). However, I didn't personally test EVERY aspect of wheelchair accessibility (duh!), but the initial impression was promising. Ask specifically about room door widths. This is a MUST.
- Facilities for disabled guests: This is good as well.
COVID-19 & The New Normal (So Many Rules!)
Okay, let’s get real. I was nervous. Like, really nervous. The list of COVID protocols was… extensive. Fine, good, necessary, whatever. But the sheer volume of rules… whew. I felt like I needed a PhD just to walk to the pool.
- Cleanliness & Safety: EVERYTHING was sanitized. Seriously. There was a sign at the door proclaiming "Daily Disinfection in Common Areas!" and this was not a lie.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: I believe it!
- Hand sanitizer: The amount of hand sanitizer dispenser was impressive, almost overwhelming.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Observed. Although, let's be honest, humans are terrible at this. Especially when trying to grab a croissant.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Good. Giving me options.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Also good.
- Safe dining setup: More on that later.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Absolutely! Staff were friendly, but also very aware of the rules.
- Individually-wrapped food options: You guessed it.
- Cashless payment service: Fine, I can deal with that.
- Hygiene certification: Okay.
- Sterilizing equipment: I spotted a mysterious UV light thingie being used, which was vaguely terrifying, but, you know… okay.
- Shared stationery removed: Sad, but I get it.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check and definitely confirmed.
Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (or the Lack Thereof)
- Available in all rooms: So many things! Air conditioning (Praise!), Alarm clock (meh!), Bathrobes (YES!), Bathrooms (duh!), Bathtub (YES, please!), Blackout curtains (HEAVEN!), Carpeting (meh), Closet (duh!), Coffee/tea maker (ESSENTIAL!), Complimentary tea (nice touch!), Daily housekeeping (thank God!), Desk (check), Extra long bed (always a win!), Free bottled water (thank you!), Hair dryer (check!), High floor (check!), In-room safe box (check!), Interconnecting room(s) available (check), Internet access – LAN (huh? Still a thing?), Internet access – wireless (YES!), Ironing facilities (check!), Laptop workspace (check!), Linens (check!), Mini bar (YES!), Mirror (duh!), Non-smoking (check!), On-demand movies (check!), Private bathroom (check!), Reading light (check!), Refrigerator (check!), Safety/security feature (check!), Satellite/cable channels (check!), Scale (ugh!), Seating area (check!), Separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), Shower (check!), Slippers (YES!), Smoke detector (check!), Socket near the bed (check!), Sofa (check!), Soundproofing (check!), Telephone (check!), Toiletries (check!), Towels (check!), Umbrella (check!), Visual alarm (check!), Wake-up service (check!), Wi-Fi free, Window that opens (double yes!).
The room itself? Pretty damn nice. Lots of space, the bed was comfortable, and the blackout curtains were an absolute GODSEND. I slept like a baby. The mini bar was stocked, naturally, but I restrained myself. This time.
The Wi-Fi Rant (Because, Obvs.)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Internet. Internet [LAN]. Internet services. Wi-Fi in public areas.
Okay, here's the deal. The free Wi-Fi was… mostly okay. But there were moments. Moments of buffering. Moments of frustration. Moments where I almost threw my laptop out the window. (Okay, maybe not almost). Look, it's 2024. Reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi should be a given. The LAN? Really? Do people still use that? I spent too much time trying to connect it. I hated it. The public Wi-Fi was slightly better, but still iffy. This is a HUGE deal for me. Come on, hotel! Get your act together.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: The Food Fight
- A la carte in restaurant. Alternative meal arrangement. Asian breakfast. Asian cuisine in restaurant. Bar. Bottle of water. Breakfast [buffet]. Breakfast service. Buffet in restaurant. Coffee/tea in restaurant. Coffee shop. Desserts in restaurant. Happy hour. International cuisine in restaurant. Poolside bar. Restaurants. Room service [24-hour]. Salad in restaurant. Snack bar. Soup in restaurant. Vegetarian restaurant. Western breakfast. Western cuisine in restaurant.
The dining options were… plentiful. Too plentiful, maybe? It was overwhelming.
- My Big Breakfast Battle: The buffet. A cornerstone of hotel life, right? Well, post-COVID buffet is… interesting. Everyone wearing gloves, tongs being replaced constantly (thankfully), and the sheer awkwardness of trying to grab a croissant without bumping into someone? Intense. The Asian breakfast options were fantastic, though. Delicious. The Western breakfast? Basic, but edible.
- Poolside Bar: Ah, yes. The poolside bar. Needed that after the breakfast buffet. Good drinks, nice view. Happy hour? Yes, please!
- Room Service (24 hours): Indulged. More on that later.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or Attempt To)
- Things to do: Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
This is where things got interesting. The options were… expansive.
- The Pool with a View: The outdoor pool? Stunning. Seriously, the view was breathtaking. Sun, water, cocktails… pure bliss.
- The Spa: A Personal Journey: I’m a sucker for a spa. A massage? Yes, please! The spa was gorgeous. The massage itself? Divine. I have no complaints. The sauna and steamroom were also tempting, but I'm a chicken. Next time!
- Fitness Center? I was intimidated. But it looked well-equipped.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (And Some That Don't)
- **Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Here's a gloriously messy, opinionated, and potentially disastrous (but hopefully delightful) itinerary for a stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Yonkers, Westchester County, NY. Consider this a pre-trip pep talk and therapy session rolled into one.
The "Yonkers Yikes! Or, Why Did I Book Here?" Itinerary (with apologies to Marriott)
Day 1: Arrival & the Existential Hotel Lobby
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Yonkers Metro-North station. Okay, so… "Westchester County" conjures images of sprawling mansions and manicured lawns, right? Let's just say the walk to the hotel from the station is… urban. (Translation: I need to recalibrate my expectations about "charm").
- 1:15 PM: Check-in at the Courtyard. Pray for a friendly face at the front desk. Seriously, a good check-in can make or break a stay. I've had experiences where I've felt more welcomed by a vending machine. (Side note: I once tried to bribe a front desk clerk with a half-eaten bag of gummy bears to get a better room. Don't judge me, it was a long flight.)
- 1:30 PM: The Lobby… Oh boy. Let's be real, hotel lobbies are a breeding ground for awkward small talk and the existential dread of being away from home. Assess the vibe. Is it loud? Quiet? Do I see anyone I might accidentally make eye contact with and be forced to engage in a conversation about their "amazing" vacation? Decide if I need to hide in my room immediately.
- 2:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance. Unpack. Is the bed comfy? (This is crucial). Are the pillows fluffy? (Even more crucial.) Does the air conditioning work? (If not, I'm going to have words. Very stern, passive-aggressive words.)
- 3:30 PM: Attempt to explore the surrounding area: Maybe a quick walk? I can't promise I won't be running back to the room in a panic, fearing a rogue pigeon attack.
Day 2: The City of Yonkers! (Probably)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The Continental situation: Scrambled eggs that taste suspiciously like rubber? Pre-packaged pastries? Or, gasp, actual, edible fruit? The breakfast buffet gamble is a daily ritual of existential dread.
- 9:00 AM: Head out, explore! (Or maybe just look like I'm going to explore). Today's mission – get out of the room, whether I like it or not.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Time for the main event: The Hudson River Museum! (My main point of interest) The museum: a beacon of local history, art, and (hopefully) stunning views of the Hudson River. I'm trying to be culturally enriched. This is my attempt at being an adult. I'm picturing myself strolling elegantly through the galleries, admiring the art, and saying things like, "Ah, yes, I understand the artist's nuanced commentary on the human condition." (Reality: I'll probably trip over a velvet rope, mumble something about being "inspired," and then spend an hour staring at a light fixture).
- 1:00 - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Find a local eatery. This is where things get real. I'm venturing out into the unknown. Will it be a charming little diner, an actual cafe or… the golden arches? The suspense is killing me. Prepare for a very detailed review of the chosen lunch spot. (I'm a food critic in my own mind, obviously).
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: More exploring. This is where spontaneity comes in: do some sightseeing? See a historical place?
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Maybe try a restaurant? Or just order room service. It could be fun.
Day 3: Farewell (At Least For Now)
- 9:00 AM: Pack up, check out, and face the inevitable feeling of post-vacation blues. The time to leave the hotel has come!
- 9:30 AM: Head to the train station (again). Reflect on the trip. I'm sure I saw some things, maybe did some things. Did I enjoy myself? Did I gain any wisdom? Did I make any lasting memories? (Probably not. But the journey itself? That's always something).
- 10:00 AM: Head home.
- Bonus: The "Things I Might Completely Mess Up" Checklist:
- Getting lost. (Guaranteed).
- Ordering something I can't pronounce. (Double guaranteed).
- Forgetting my toothbrush. (Standard operating procedure).
- Breaking something in the hotel room. (Pray for my sake). And finally… This is an itinerary, and I'll try my best to follow it. But honestly? Plans are meant to be broken. Roll with the punches, embrace the chaos, and just see what happens. After all, the best travel stories are the ones you never saw coming. (Disclaimer: This itinerary contains excessive sarcasm, an unhealthy dose of anxiety, and the potential for unforeseen adventures. It is not responsible for any lost luggage, missed trains, or existential crises. Enjoy the ride!)
So, I'm thinking of buying a used car...Is it *really* as bad as everyone says?
Ugh, that question. Look, "bad" is subjective, right? Is it going to be a *smooth* process like, say, buying a bag of chips? Nope. Is it going to be the most emotionally draining experience of your life? Probably not... unless you're me. My first car-buying experience? Let's just say I ended up with a car named "The Lemon Locker" (yes, I know, original) that spent more time in the mechanic's shop than on the road. True story. It was so bad, I swear I became fluent in "Mechanic-ese." Translation: "It's a complicated issue." Oh, and my own inner monologue? "Here comes more money down the drain." So, yeah, it *can* be bad. But... it can also be an adventure. Just... be prepared. And maybe bring a therapist on speed dial. Just in case.
Okay, okay, I'm hearing "prepare." What *exactly* do I do to prep? This whole thing is overwhelming!
Overwhelming? Honey, you have *no* idea. Before you even *think* about browsing cars, do your homework! My biggest mistake--BIGGEST--was going in blind. Don't be like me. First, figure out your budget. And be REALISTIC. That shiny sports car looks amazing, but can you *actually* afford the insurance? (Spoiler alert: probably not, unless you're secretly a millionaire. In which case, why are you even reading this?).
Then, research! What brands are reliable? What specific models are known for trouble? (Google "lemon car models" - I promise it's enlightening...and terrifying). Read reviews! And I mean *all* the reviews, the good *and* the BAD. You'll start to see patterns. Maybe the car has a history of exploding air conditioning systems! (Okay, maybe not exploding, but you get the point). And don't be afraid to ask for a vehicle history report! You have a right to know, so get it!
And my *biggest* piece of advice? Bring a mechanic with you! A good mechanic is worth their weight in gold (and maybe a few more dollars). They'll spot the hidden problems you would miss. Trust me. This saved my life once, otherwise I'd be driving a vehicle without brakes, or worse!
Should I buy from a dealership or a private seller? Each one seems terrifying in its own way...
Ah, the age-old question! It's like choosing between a lion and a tiger - both potential problems, but with different flavors of drama. Dealerships *can* offer some peace of mind, maybe. They'll usually provide some kind of warranty (though read the fine print, OH GOD, read the fine print!), and you *might* feel a little safer dealing with a business. But let's be honest, they are still trying to sell you a car. And some salespeople... well, they make "used car salesman" a stereotype for a reason.
Private sellers? You might get a better price, but you're taking on much more risk. You're on your own. Negotiating feels like you're in a high-stakes poker game. And the car... could be a gem or a disaster. I'm still scarred from that one time, I thought I was getting a deal. The car was beautiful, the guy was charming. It was a dream. Then, five days later, the engine died, along with my hopes and my wallet. He's probably still laughing.
Ultimately? Think about what you value. If you want a smoother experience, maybe a dealership. If you're a risk-taker (or a masochist like me), and REALLY want to save money and you're comfortable with it, then private sellers *could* be an option. Just remember I'm just a girl, and not a professional.
What about the inspection? What do I need to look for? I'm not a mechanic!
Okay, this is where having a mechanic friend (or the aforementioned hired one) REALLY comes in handy. But even if you're flying solo, there are some things you *can* check. Firstly look under the hood and see if there are any obvious leaks of any colorful fluids. Ask the seller when the car was last serviced, and ask for receipts (assuming they have them!). See if the tires are wearing abnormally; mismatched tires are a red flag. Does the car shake, rattle, and roll? (Hopefully not... just kidding). Listen to the engine start cold. Listen to the engine while idling. Does it smoke? Any unusual smells?
Check the lights, the blinkers, the wipers, the AC. Turn the radio on. Does the AC work? (I still can't get this one right).
But honestly? Don't rely on your own amateur inspections. Use a professional! It's worth the cost to avoid a future world of pain. Trust me, the "I thought it was fine!" followed by the "Oh god, what have I done?" is a gut-wrenching feeling nobody needs.
How do I negotiate the price? I'm terrible at this!
Negotiating... Ugh. It's a game. A very stressful game. But it's important. Do your research beforehand, find out the fair market value of the car. Check websites like Kelley Blue Book (KBB) and Edmunds.com. They'll give you a range.
Look for problems. See a scratch? "Oh, I didn't notice that scratch, I'll need to get that fixed. Does that lower the price?" Point out any issues you find. Be polite, but firm. Don't be afraid to walk away. Seriously. The ability to walk away is your greatest negotiating weapon.
And... try not to get emotional. I've made that mistake. "Oh, I LOVE this car! I MUST have it!" (Translation: overpay wildly). Don't fall in love. The car is a machine. A useful machine, yes, but still a machine. Until you are ready to pay, the machine does not love you back. Remember that.
What about financing? Should I get a loan from the dealership?
Financing... *Sigh*. This is another area where preparation is KEY. Do your research! Get pre-approved for a loan from your bank or a credit union BEFORE you go shopping. This gives you leverage. You'll know how much you can borrow, and you'll know the interest rate. Dealers might try to offer you financing, but their rates might (and often do) be higher. They make money off the financing too!Roam And Rests
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