Redmond/Bellevue Escape: Best Extended Stay America Suites Deals!
Redmond/Bellevue Escape: Best Extended Stay America Suites Deals! – A Rambling Review from a Tired Traveler
Alright, folks, buckle up. Because I just got back from a stay at the Extended Stay America in Redmond/Bellevue, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Trying to summarize it, you know, with all the proper SEO buzzwords and metadata, is like trying to herd cats while juggling flaming chainsaws. But hey, I always aim for the impossible.
(This is a review, a deep dive, into the details. Buckle up.)
Metadata Snippet (because I'm supposed to):
- Keywords: Redmond hotels, Bellevue hotels, Extended Stay America, Long-term stay, Accessible hotel, Pet-friendly hotel, Washington State, Budget travel, Extended Stay America Redmond, Extended Stay America Bellevue, Deals, Extended stay, Family-friendly, Business travel, Free Wi-Fi, Pool, Fitness center.
- Description: Detailed review of Extended Stay America Suites in Redmond/Bellevue, covering accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, dining, and overall experience. Honest and opinionated, with insider tips and real-world observations.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag, Like My Sanity After This Trip
Okay, first things first, let's talk accessibility. The website said it was. And, well, it technically was. There's an elevator, which is key, because dragging my suitcase up the stairs after a long day is not my idea of fun. The hallways seemed adequately wide for a wheelchair, though I didn't actually test it. The real kicker is the "Facilities for disabled guests". And my thoughts are: they try. But how well?
My biggest issue, and this wasn't the hotel's fault, but the local public transport. Getting to the hotel, and then around the Redmond/Bellevue area, if you're relying on public transport, can be a nightmare. It's not exactly wheelchair-friendly or even stroller-friendly. And I say that as someone who can walk. So if you truly rely on accessibility, then I would HIGHLY recommend calling the hotel prior to booking. Check accessibility. Confirm it all matches with your needs.
Stuff to Do (and Ways to Relax) – Gym? Pool? Meh…
Alright, this is a crucial section, am I right? The hotel does, technically, have a fitness center. And by "fitness center", I mean a small room with a couple of treadmills, a dusty elliptical, and the ghosts of people who actually stick to their workout routines. I peeked in once. The smell of stale sweat and lost dreams was enough to send me running back to my room.
The swimming pool (outdoor)? Closed. End of story. Maybe it was due to the season, maybe it's perpetually out of order. Either way, if you're dreaming of a poolside cocktail, you're out of luck.
Body scrub, body wrap, foot bath, massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool with view: Nope, nope, nope, and triple nope. This ain't the Ritz, people.
A slight rant in here, as I'm still finding the right words
I was kind of bummed about the pool. The "Pool with view" being non-existent was a let down. I was tired. I wanted to sit in a pool, drink something fruity, and forget about a rather disastrous work trip. You know, the usual. This hotel… didn't provide that. I'm beginning to think it's for the best. I ended up just… reading and going for a walk. And it was genuinely nice.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Sanitization Situation
Okay, this is where things get a little… intense. With everything that has happened, I was on high alert about this. The hotel claimed all the right things. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, all the usual suspects. They also had Room sanitization opt-out available. That's smart. I felt pretty good about this.
Staff trained in safety protocol, check. Daily housekeeping, check. Rooms sanitized between stays, check. They also had Cashless payment service and Contactless check-in/out, which were welcome additions in our current… situation.
But here's the thing. While the intentions were clearly there, there's always that little voice in the back of your head, whispering: "Are they really doing it every single day? Or are they just trying?" I chose to believe. And they looked clean. My room felt clean! So I left it there…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The "Dining-ish" Experience
The "dining experience" at Extended Stay America is… limited. You're not expecting Michelin-star cuisine here. Breakfast [buffet] is provided, but it’s pretty basic, consisting of pre-packaged muffins, instant oatmeal, and the questionable coffee. Think of it as fuel, not a feast.
Now, a little story about the coffee.
The coffee… was a journey. The first day, it tasted like something I'd find at the bottom of a fishing boat. The second day, slightly better. The third day, it was almost, almost drinkable. I suspect there's a coffee-related initiation ritual, but I never quite figured it out.
There are a few essential condiments. They have Coffee/tea in restaurant, which is good. But the selection is not the best. I will say that having a refrigerator in your room is a massive advantage. Massive. You can stock up on food.
A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Buffet 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 - These… are all not relevant. Forget about these.
Services and Conveniences – Mostly Functional, Sometimes… Quirky
The elevator worked. Thank god. Daily housekeeping was consistent, though they might need a lesson in subtle rearranging of personal belongings. Seriously, I swear my book was on a different shelf every day.
The business facilities were… a thing. There's a designated area. There's a Xerox/fax in business center. There's Meeting/banquet facilities, although I can't imagine what sort of gathering you'd hold in such a space.
Air conditioning in public area, definitely needed. Air conditioning in the room, a lifesaver. Luggage storage available, which was handy. Laundry service, a godsend after a week of travel.
There is a gift/souvenir shop but it was closed (shocked, I am not). Convenience store? It was a vending machine. Facilities for disabled guests – See above. Invoice provided.
This section is more utilitarian, more functional. It did what it needed to do.
For the Kids – (Not Really) The Place to Be
Babysitting service – Don’t think so. Family/child friendly – Not really. Is safe and functional to bring kids? Possibly. But there is nothing catering to children. Kids meal - Absolutely not. Kids facilities – You are dreaming.
Access – The Basics
CCTV in common areas, check. CCTV outside property, check. Check-in/out [express], yes, and efficient. Check-in/out [private], non-existent. Exterior corridor, well, yes. Fire extinguisher, present and accounted for. Front desk [24-hour], yes. Smoke alarms, present and accounted for. Safety/security feature, present and accounted for. Security [24-hour], nope (or at least, not obviously).
Getting Around – You’re on Your Own, Mostly
Airport transfer, no. Taxi service, you'll need to arrange. Car park [free of charge], yes, a big plus. Car park [on-site], again, yes. Valet parking, not in this lifetime. Bicycle parking, lol. Car power charging station. Nope.
Available in All Rooms – Your Room, Your Rules (Almost)
Air Conditioning? Yes. Alarm Clock? Yes. Blackout curtains? Yes. Coffee/tea maker? Yes. Desk? Yes. Extra long bed? Yes. Free bottled water, a thoughtful touch. Hair dryer? Yes. In-room safe box? Yes. Internet access – wireless, absolutely. Ironing facilities? Yes. Laptop workspace? Yes. Linens? Yes. Refrigerator? Yes. Safety/security feature? Yes. Satellite/cable channels? Yes. Seating area? Yes. Separate shower/bathtub? Yes. Shower? Yes. Smoke detector? Yes. Soundproofing? Well… mostly. Telephone? Yes. Toiletries? Yes. Towels? Yes. Wake-up service? Yes. Wi-Fi [free], yes, and mostly reliable. Window that opens
Escape to Paradise: Phoenix's Hottest Courtyard Hotel Awaits!
Alright, deep breaths. Here's my stab at a travel itinerary for Seattle-Redmond-Bellevue, staying at that charming Extended Stay America. Consider this more of a chaotic diary than a polished schedule. Buckle up, buttercups.
Extended Stay America - Seattle - Redmond Bellevue - The Heartbreak Hotel (Day 1)
Morning (aka the Great Struggle):
- 8:00 AM: Wake up (or more accurately, be violently woken up) by the world's most aggressive alarm clock. Turns out the "free continental breakfast" consists of pre-packaged danishes that taste suspiciously like sadness and lukewarm coffee that could strip paint. Already regretting my life choices.
- 9:00 AM: Attempt to conquer the hotel's internet. After 20 minutes of password wrangling and multiple existential crises, I finally connect. Success! (for now).
Afternoon (because apparently time still works):
- 12:00 PM: Decide to explore Redmond. GPS: check. Motivation: low. Get hit by a wave of overwhelming apathy as the car in front of me has to slow down to stop at a blinking yellow light.
- 1:00 PM: Found myself in a Microsoft office parking lot . I think I was drawn to the shiny chrome and the hum of productivity. I also considered getting a job. This is a lie. I wanted a snack, but the vending machine was out of everything except stale pretzels. I cried a little bit, then settled for a pack of convenience store gummies.
- 3:00 PM: Finally locate the Redmond Town Center. It's… a mall. A very well-manicured, slightly soulless mall. I wandered around shops, bought a t-shirt I don't need, and contemplated the meaning of retail therapy. Conclusion: I'm hungry.
Evening (the descent into madness):
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Found a random burger joint, ate my feelings, which were a messy combination of "meh" and "is this really my life?" The burger was fine. The fries were good. The overall experience? Utterly forgettable.
- 7:30 PM: Head back to the Extended Stay. The walls are thin. I can already hear the neighbors' TV. My soul is starting to feel like it's been run through a washing machine on high.
- 9:00 PM: Netflix and self-loathing. Watch a particularly depressing documentary about the downfall of civilizations. Maybe I'll start a blog about my decline. "Extended Stay Diaries" – title pending.
- 10:00 PM: Attempt to sleep. The bed is… adequate. The pillows are shaped like bricks. Pray for a quick night.
Day 2: Seattle - Into the Abyss (and Hopefully, Coffee)
- Morning (the caffeine crusade):
- 7:00 AM: Rise. Again. Alarm clock is Satan incarnate.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. This time, I'm prepared. I brought my own instant oatmeal. That's a win, right?
- 8:30 AM: Head into Seattle. Because apparently my masochistic travel spirit continues. (I need COFFEE).
- 9:30 AM: Pike Place Market. Finally. The vibrant chaos. The fishmongers yelling. The smell. It’s… a sensory overload, perfect. Get lost in the crowds, buy a bouquet of flowers that will probably wilt by tomorrow.
- 10:30 AM: Coffee. Real coffee. Found a little cafe that roasts their own beans. This is the redemption I needed. The world feels a little less bleak.
- Afternoon (The tourist trap):
- 12:00 PM: The Space Needle. Okay, it's iconic. The view is undeniably impressive. But… the price of admission? Highway robbery. Sigh.
- 1:00 PM: Head downstairs and look for a quick snack. The food stalls are an absolute labyrinth. Pick a sketchy hotdog from a place called "Bob's Dogs", regret it immediately, and then eat it anyway.
- 2:00 PM: Explore. Wander the waterfront, watch the ferries come and go, and get rained on. (Surprise! It's Seattle).
- Evening (Contemplating life choices):
- 5:00 PM: Dinner! Decide to go for a fancy seafood restaurant to at least pretend I have a decent life. The menu is entirely out of my budget. I order the cheapest thing and get the side salad. It comes with a side order of guilt.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the Extended Stay, the heartless hotel that slowly drains my sanity. I watch some mindless reality TV, the perfect accompaniment to my existential dread.
- 9:00 PM: Pack. Leave the hotel.
Day 3: Bellevue's Bland Beautifulness (and the Final Escape)
- Morning (the last push):
- 8:00 AM: Depart the heartless hotel that drained me of my life force. Thank God.
- 9:00 AM: Explore Bellevue. It's… clean. Very clean. A little too clean. It's like living in a perfectly curated Instagram feed.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Bellevue Botanical Garden. At least some beauty. The flowers are pretty, but I can't shake the feeling that everything's a facade, a carefully constructed illusion.
- Afternoon (the final stretch):
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Found a pretty nice cafe. It's ok.
- 2:00 PM: Final shopping! I bought some books, and even got a cool souvenir. It was a nice experience.
- 3:00 PM: Head out! Finally! I did it!
I'm sure there will be moments of joy, despair, and the profound ennui of a life lived in a hotel room. But hey, that's life, right? Now I just hope I survive the flight home. Wish me luck, because I sure as heck don't have any left.
Greer's Hidden Gem: Super 8's Unbeatable Spartanburg Stay!
Redmond/Bellevue Extended Stay America Debacle... I Mean, Suites Deals FAQ! (Because My Brain's a Mess)
Okay, so, Extended Stay America in Redmond/Bellevue... Are these *actually* deals? Like, *good* deals, or just… deals? Don't lie to me. My wallet's crying.
Alright, deep breaths. Deals? Ugh, that’s the million-dollar question, isn't it? It's… complicated. Let's be brutally honest. Compared to, say, the Ritz-Carlton? Definitely a deal. Compared to crashing on your friend's couch for a week (shoutout to Dave, who never forgave me for eating all his chips)? Probably not. Generally, yeah, Extended Stay America IS cheaper than a regular hotel. You get a kitchenette, which is HUGE if you're like, *me* and subsist primarily on instant ramen. (Don't judge. College was rough). But "deal" is relative. Check multiple booking sites! Prices fluctuate more than my mood swings after being stuck in a traffic jam. I've seen some absolute STEALS, and I've seen some prices that made me choke on my lukewarm coffee. So, the answer is... maybe? Do your homework. And Dave, I'm still sorry about the chips.
What’s the *deal* with the kitchenettes? Are they… usable? I’m picturing a rusty hotplate and a single, chipped mug.
Okay, the kitchenettes... ah, yes. The heart of any extended stay, and the source of all my culinary adventures... and disasters. The image of the rusty hotplate? I've *been there*. (Okay, maybe not rusty, but definitely seen better days). They're *usually* functional. Microwave (essential for those ramen nights), fridge (thank goodness for leftovers!), stovetop (if you're feeling adventurous, and I'm not usually) and a few basic utensils. Don't expect a gourmet kitchen. Think… college dorm room-esque, but slightly more sanitary. I once tried to make scrambled eggs. Disaster. Smoke alarm went off. Had to open the window, and the fire department nearly showed up. Lesson learned: stick to ramen. But hey, at least you can *try* to cook, right? It’s a step up from living entirely off vending machine snacks. Plus, you can store your secret stash of ice cream without it melting. That's a win in my book.
Is it actually *comfortable* for an extended stay? I’m prone to cabin fever.
Comfortable? That depends on your definition of "comfortable." If you're used to five-star luxury, probably not. If you’re like me, someone who values a functioning air conditioner and a relatively clean bathroom, then... maybe. It's a trade-off. You get more space than a regular hotel room, and you can spread out. There will be the odd, uncomfortable moment. Like, I spent a week there, and let’s just say… the mattress wasn’t exactly the height of orthopedic comfort. My back felt like I'd wrestled a bear. (I haven’t wrestled a bear, but I imagine it would be similar). Bring your own pillow! That's non-negotiable. Bring books, movies, maybe a game. Cabin fever is a real thing. And, if you get really desperate, you can always wander the halls, which I may or may not have done, just for some human interaction. (Don't judge. Loneliness is a cruel mistress when you're stuck in a hotel for a week). But honestly, it's doable. Just pack some comfort and temper your expectations.
Speaking of extended stays, what's the cleaning situation like? Do they even, like, clean?
Alright, buckle up, because this is a bit of a mixed bag... and frankly, depends on your luck, and, arguably, the phase of the moon. "Cleaned" might be the operative word, with a few caveats. Some Extended Stay Americas have weekly cleaning services. Bless the housekeepers, truly. They work HARD. Others? Less frequent. Think more spot cleaning... and by "spot cleaning" I mean, wiping down the counters and MAYBE, MAYBE, vacuuming if you're lucky. I’ve seen it all. One week, I had a housekeeper who was an absolute ANGEL, brought fresh towels daily and even rearranged my collection of half-eaten Twinkies (don't ask). The next week? Crickets. Dust bunnies built forts under the bed. The towels felt like they were from the Eisenhower administration. So, yeah, check the cleaning policy BEFORE you book. It's a crucial factor. The smell of stale ramen and regret can linger. Sometimes, it is better to go to the front desk. The front desk! They are often the harbingers of good and bad.
Is there free Wi-Fi? And does it *actually* work? Because I need to work, you know?
Free Wi-Fi? Yes, *usually*. Does it work? ...That’s where the fun begins. I’ve had experiences ranging from lightning-fast, streaming-HD-movies-while-video-conferencing Wi-Fi to dial-up-in-the-90s speeds. Prepare for the latter. Be realistic. I’d recommend downloading movies beforehand, just in case. The Wi-Fi can be spotty. Imagine trying to hold a video conference call while your connection drops 17 times. You'll look like a pixelated alien trying to sell something. Prepare for that. Consider tethering to your phone's internet if you're desperate (and have a decent data plan). Honestly, the Wi-Fi situation is the biggest gamble in my book. I usually pray to the internet gods. Doesn't always work, but hey, can't hurt!
I'm bringing my pet. Any pet-friendly perks or… perils I should know about?
Ah, the joys of pet-friendly travel! Extended Stay America *generally* welcomes pets, which is already a huge win. Finally, a place where you aren't forced to leave your furry (or scaly, or feathered) companion behind. HOWEVER. There's a pet fee. Read the fine print. It can vary wildly. The fee itself isn't always the issue; it's the *rules*. Some places have breed restrictions (which always makes me mad. Don't discriminate based on breed!), and some hotels have designated pet relief areas. (Prepare for walks; lots of walks). The real "peril"? Accidental damage. Your dog, my dog, any dog... they can be destructive. Chewed furniture? Stained carpets? It happens. Be prepared for potential charges. Bring pet supplies (obviously). And try to prevent your dog from becoming a hotel room wrecking machine! I've seen some horror stories. Also, and I need to emphasize this, CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PET! Seriously. Don't be "that" person. Cozy Stay Spot
Post a Comment for "Redmond/Bellevue Escape: Best Extended Stay America Suites Deals!"