Escape to Fontana: Your Dream Rialto Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Fontana: My Rialto Getaway – Truth, Tears, and a Tiny Jacuzzi
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Fontana, and honey, it's a rollercoaster. The website promised a “Dream Rialto Getaway.” Well, dream adjacent is more like it. Let’s dive in, shall we? And yes, I'm going to be brutally honest.
Accessibility – Mostly Okay, But…
They say they have facilities for disabled guests. Okay, good start. But, and this is a BIG but, the elevators were… well, let's just say they were character-filled. One time, the elevator stalled between floors. Thank goodness for my claustrophobia meds! I mean, the staff were apologetic, but it left me jittery. They DO have wheelchair access to SOME areas, but navigating the sprawling property… let's just say it's a workout.
On-site Restaurants & Lounges – Food, Glorious Food (and some, not so glorious)
So, they have a bunch of options. Restaurants, bars, the works. A la carte in restaurant? Yep. Asian breakfast? Yes, and it was actually REALLY good one day. The next day? Lukewarm. The inconsistency was maddening. Poolside bar – Happy Hour? Yes, to both! The happy hour was a lifesaver after that elevator incident, I’ll tell you. The cocktails were strong, and the sun was setting, and suddenly, the world seemed a little less… elevator-y. I remember specifically ordering a super fruity cocktail as I took in the view, and they got me a really great one. They also offer alternative meal arrangements which is nice.
Wheelchair Accessible – Kinda, Sorta… Read Above
Again… it's a mixed bag. The main areas are mostly okay, but getting around beyond that… well, be prepared for some adventures.
Internet – Wi-Fi & the Modern Dilemma
Okay, THANK GOD for the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked. Pretty good. Internet [LAN]? Haven't used a LAN cable in years, but the option's there, just in case you're a digital dinosaur. Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep, and mostly reliable which is a win. I did spend some time by the poolside bar enjoying an evening and doing remote work, and the reliability of their wifi made it a breeze.
Things to Do – Relaxation Station (with caveats)
This is where Fontana kind of shines, and where my expectations got REALLY high.
Spa/sauna/steamroom/massage: Oh yes, they have it, and they promised heaven. I decided to go with the body scrub. So, it started off okay. The scrub lady (let's call her “Elena”) seemed genuinely nice, but as she got to my back, I swear, she started aggressively rubbing… I mean aggressively, and I was left with what felt like a sunburn. It was NOT a relaxing experience. On the bright side, the sauna was lovely.
Pool with view – Swimming pool [outdoor]: The outdoor pool is gorgeous. Really. And the view is spectacular from the pool. I spent a glorious afternoon lounging by the pool, feeling that sun. Pure bliss. Until… I tried the jacuzzi. It was TINY. Like, two people tops, and you'd better be very comfortable with those people. I was hoping to relax in a grand jacuzzi, but it was barely big enough for one person to stretch out in. It's a shame. In my head, I'm picturing a private jacuzzi for me and someone that I'd probably not fight with.
Fitness Center/Gym/fitness: It's there, equipment is alright. I didn't use it, I was too busy complaining about the elevators.
Cleanliness and Safety – Modern Worries
- Anti-viral cleaning products? Supposedly.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? They claimed to.
- Hand sanitizer? Present and accounted for.
- Room sanitization opt-out available? Yes, but who the heck would opt out? And is that even a good idea?
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it, but even the best training can't predict the elevator gremlins.
- Breakfast takeaway service? Yes.
- Safe dining setup? Looks like it.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? I hope so!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Gastronomic Gauntlet
The food was a mixed bag, as I said before. The Asian cuisine in the restaurant was surprisingly good at times, and the Western cuisine was… well, fine. They have a Coffee shop – which was a lifesaver for me in the morning. The Poolside bar kept me hydrated… and sufficiently tipsy to deal with the elevator.
- Desserts in the restaurant? Yup and I loved it.
- Snack bar? Yes, a lifesaver.
- Breakfast [buffet] Okay, the buffet was… extensive. But like most buffets, things looked a little sad by the end of the service. I remember staring at the wilted lettuce and feeling bad for the chefs.
Services and Conveniences – Some Wins, More Challenges
- Concierge? Helpful, but a bit clueless at times. Like, when I asked for the best route to the Rialto Bridge. They gave me a map for Venice. Which also explains why the food was inconsistent; maybe the chefs were also a bit lost, too.
- Daily housekeeping? Yes, and efficient.
- Elevator? Mentioned above. Be prepared.
- Luggage storage? Handy.
- Room service [24-hour]? A godsend after those elevator-related panics.
For the Kids – Probably Fine, But I Don’t Have Any
Babysitting service? Yes. Family/child friendly? Seems to be. Kids meal? Yup. Look, I don't have kids, so I can't really comment on this.
Available in All Rooms – The Essentials (and some extras)
- Air conditioning: THANK YOU, BABY JESUS.
- Bathtub: Yes, and clean. I took a long soak, and it was glorious.
- Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Needed.
- Smoke detector: Thank goodness.
- Wake-up service: They managed to wake me up, that's for sure.
- Additional toilet? No.
- Hair dryer? Check.
- Mini bar? Yay!
- Safety/security feature? Yes.
- Coffee/tea maker? A plus!
- Daily housekeeping? Yes.
- In-room safe box? Sure.
- Ironing facilities? Yes.
- Slippers? YES.
- Scale? Didn't have to see that one, thankfully.
- Extra long bed? Not sure, but the bed was comfy.
Getting Around – Location, Location, Location
- Car park [free of charge]? Yes.
- Taxi service? Yes.
- Airport transfer? Yes.
The Verdict? …Mixed
So, would I recommend Escape to Fontana? It's complicated. It has potential. The pool is a definite highlight. The staff are, for the most part, lovely. The location is good. But the inconsistencies, the elevator issues, and that aggressive scrub… It needs some work. If you're looking for a luxurious, flawless getaway, maybe look elsewhere. But if you’re up for an adventure, some quirks, and a healthy dose of "it's what you make of it" attitude, then Fontana might be the place for you! Just pack some patience, and maybe a sturdy pair of walking shoes because walking in hotel rooms can be a workout.
SEO & Metadata Stuff:
- Keywords: Fontana Hotel, Rialto Getaway, Venice, Spa, Pool, Accessibility, Hotel Review, Travel, Italy.
- Title: Escape to Fontana: My Honest (and Messy!) Rialto Getaway Review
- Description: My unfiltered review of the Escape to Fontana hotel: the good, the bad, and the elevator-shaped ugly. Learn about the spa, food, accessibility, and whether it's worth the trip!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is my attempt at surviving – and maybe even enjoying – a stay at the Days Inn by Wyndham Fontana / Rialto in Rialto, CA. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Motel Room Reveal (aka: The Battle of the Remote)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & Check-in: Okay, so my flight landed, I drove through the delightful (said with heavy sarcasm) LA traffic, and finally, I ARRIVED. The Days Inn. The words "Days Inn" feel significant now that a motel, well, is all I have. The lobby is… well, it's a lobby. Beige, slightly stale-smelling, and populated by a bored-looking guy behind the desk. Check-in was painless, thankfully. After 20 minutes of driving, I was so afraid to get up to my room.
- 1:30 PM - The Room: A Study in Neutrality (and the Quest for a Clean Surface): Here we go. Room number… (eyes nervously dart around) 217. Elevator dinged. Okay, here we go. The door creaks open, revealing… beige. Everything is beige. The walls, the curtains, the carpet… it's like a beige-themed art installation, only this time it's involuntary. The bedspread looks… questionable. I'm betting it hasn't seen a washing machine since the Clinton administration. (Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating… maybe). I test the bed - not too bad.. wait, that's not a good sign. I really should be more tired. I was hoping to crash directly on it, but now I can't decide if it's clean.
- 1:45 PM - The Remote Control Saga: The ultimate test. Does the remote work? (checks). Yes! Praise the gods of cheap televisions. But wait… it’s missing the volume up button. Classic. This is where the fun really begins. I am going to have to be the best guesser on how to change the volume now. (Sighs dramatically). I may or may not hurl the thing across the room in a moment of frustration. (Don’t tell anyone, but it almost happened. It was very close.).
Day 2: Attempting Culture (And Failing Spectacularly)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast (The Continental Catastrophe): The continental breakfast. Oh, joy. I venture down, and find my options. The choices: stale-looking waffles, some sad-looking pastries, and coffee that tastes suspiciously like dishwater. Okay, I choose them all. No judgement.
- 10:00 AM - Culture Shock (aka: The Fontana Auto Swap Meet): I thought I'd try to inject some culture into this trip. Google suggests the Fontana Auto Swap Meet. Sounds… interesting. It turns out to be exactly what it sounds like: a vast expanse of car parts, greasy mechanics, and a dizzying array of chrome. My brain short-circuited. I was entirely out of my depth. The constant buzz of conversation and the smell of gasoline… it was an experience, alright. Let's just say I lasted about an hour before retreating back to the beige sanctuary of my room.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch (The Burger Debacle): I have lunch at a nearby burger joint. The burger was… acceptable. The fries were slightly soggy. The service was… well, let's just say the server seemed to have other places she'd rather be. Again – the experience was a mixed bag.
Day 3: Seeking Solace (And Getting Lost)
- 8:00 AM - Coffee & Contemplation (or, the search for the perfect cup): The motel coffee is a tragedy. A true crime against coffee lovers. So, I venture out in search of a decent cup. I find a little local coffee shop. The barista actually smiles! Is this real life? Okay, maybe not the perfect cup, but it's an upgrade. I sit there, people-watching, and attempt to contemplate the meaning of life. Mostly, I contemplate the meaning of "why am I here?"
- 10:00 AM - The Great Mall Adventure (and the Unexpected Meltdown): I decided to visit the local mall. Big mistake. I get lost. I get overwhelmed. I walk past several stores. One of them is a candy store that has my favorite candies. I find myself wandering aimlessly, battling a sudden wave of existential dread. Is this what it means to be truly alone? I have a moment where I want to cry. Is this normal? I find somewhere to sit and I feel, well, I'm not gonna lie, a little bit pathetic. Eventually, I find my way back to the Days Inn. Where I was. Safe.
- 1:00 PM - Pizza & Netflix (Embracing the Comfort Zone): Pizza delivered to the room. Netflix bing-watching. No shame. Sometimes you just need a day of pure, unadulterated laziness. It's necessary for survival, I think.
Day 4: The Departure (And a Glimmer of Hope?)
- 9:00 AM - The Pre-Departure Scramble: Packing. Trying to remember where I put all my socks. Mentally preparing myself for the hell of LA traffic all over again. The chaos of departure. This is my only plan.
- 10:00 AM - Checking out (with a slight sense of relief): The front desk guy is different today. This one actually makes eye contact. He asks how my stay was. Do I tell him the truth? Do I give a polite, generic answer? I just smile and say, "It was… an experience." He chuckles. And that’s that.
- 10:15 AM - Freedom (And a Vague Sense of Nostalgia?): I get in my car, start the engine, and pull away from the Days Inn. As I drive – I realize that the place - just like everything in my life – has its faults. But it got me here safe. It was enough. I felt a little less alone. Now I can go home. Goodbye, Rialto. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll be back. (But hopefully not anytime soon).
So there you have it. My Days Inn by Wyndham Fontana / Rialto adventure. It wasn't perfect. Hell, it was far from perfect. But, in its own quirky, beige way, it was… well, it was something. And maybe, just maybe, that's enough.
Fort Stockton Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites - Book Your Perfect Stay!
Alright, Fontana? Really? Is it, like, actually dreamy? I'm picturing… well, let's just say my expectations are low.
So, what *is* there to *do* in Fontana? Besides, you know, existing?
Tell me about the accommodations. Are we talking "rustic charm" (read: leaky roofs and bed bugs)? Or what?
Is it family-friendly? Because, let's be honest, kids are adorable, but sometimes...
What's the food situation? Are we looking at fast food only? Will I starve?
Is there anything I should *absolutely avoid*? Like, a real "stay away!" situation?
What’s the best time to visit? When is Fontana… *at its best*?
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