Merrillville's BEST Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!
Fairfield Inn & Suites Merrillville: My Honest (and Slightly Messy) Take
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into a review of the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Merrillville. Not just a dry, bullet point thing, but a real, lived-in experience. I'm talking the good, the bad, and the surprisingly-okay-considering-it's-Merrillville. (No offense, Merrillville, you're just…Merrillville.)
(Metadata & SEO Grab Bag - bear with me, gotta get this seen!)
- Keywords: Merrillville Hotel, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Clean Hotel, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Breakfast, Dining, Amenities, Merrillville, Indiana, Hotel Deals, Non-Smoking Rooms, Pet-Friendly (or NOT!), Accessibility Features, Family-Friendly, Business Travel, Spa, Meeting Rooms, Hotel Parking… (This is just a start, Google!)
Let's Get Started: The Arrival… and the Elevator Drama
So, first impressions? Pretty standard. The outside is… well, it looks like a Fairfield Inn. You know the vibe. Standard. Cleanish. Welcoming enough, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Accessibility: Now, this is huge. For me, and hopefully for you if you have accessibility needs! I'd rate the accessibility as pretty good, but with a few definite hiccups. The wheelchair accessibility is advertised, and mostly delivers. The ramp leading up to the front door was smooth, and the automatic doors? Bless them. But… I did notice one area where the entrance door was tight for a wheelchair and the lobby wasn't always perfectly clear of obstacles. The elevator was another issue. It was functional, of course, but it was slow. Painfully slow. And I swear, I almost got trapped in it once during a power outage, which was honestly a little terrifying!
The Room: Cleanish, Comfortable Enough
The rooms… they were clean. I can't stress that enough. Cleanliness and safety were clearly a priority post-pandemic. I noticed anti-viral cleaning products being used, and the staff seemed hyper-vigilant about wiping everything down. The rooms sanitized between stays, and I think they offered a room sanitization opt-out… though I'm not entirely sure. I may have missed it. Let's just say they were doing a lot of cleaning.
And the amenities inside the room? Pretty standard, which can be good if you like standard. Air conditioning, alarm clock, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, desk, free bottled water, hair dryer, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, mini bar, non-smoking, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, smoke detector, socket near the bed, telephone, toiletries, towels, Wi-Fi [free], and a window that opens.
I really appreciated the blackout curtains! My sleep schedule thanks you, Fairfield. The extra long bed was great, even if I didn't quite need it. I mean, who is actually that tall? The complimentary tea was a nice touch. I had to use the desk to get some work done. And I did appreciate the Wi-Fi [free].
The Wi-Fi, by the way, was solid, which is crucial for a business traveler like myself. I didn't, however, use the internet access – LAN.
Food Glorious Food… and the Breakfast Buffet…Oh, the Breakfast Buffet!
Honestly, the breakfast [buffet] was a bit of a mixed bag. Breakfast [buffet] is standard in almost any hotel these days! It boasted all the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (probably from a carton), sausage patties (questionable origin), waffles (always a win), and the ever-present (and slightly sad) fruit salad. But… there was also a decent selection of pastries, and the coffee was drinkable. Not the best, but not the worst. It got the job done! The Asian breakfast option was… limited, but they tried! They also had breakfast takeaway service, which was convenient for my early starts.
I did not go to any of the restaurants or the bar!
If you want a little something extra, they serve a salad in the restaurant!
Things to Do and Relax (More Like, Not Much)
Let’s be real, Merrillville isn’t exactly a hotbed of activity. The Fitness center was… well, it had the basic equipment. I did manage to get a workout in, which was a win. They also had a swimming pool [outdoor]. I did not go, though! I also did not see either a Spa, Sauna, or other fancy options.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Meh, and The Missing
- Cashless payment service: Yes! And I appreciated the simplicity.
- Daily housekeeping: Yup, they keep on top of it.
- Laundry service: Available!
- Elevator: Yep (see above for my elevator issues)
- Concierge: Non-existent. Well, I did not see them.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes!
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
The Verdict: It's Fine, Really
Look, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Merrillville isn’t going to blow your mind. It's a solid, dependable choice. It gets the job done. The accessibility is decent, the cleanliness is on point, the Wi-Fi works. The breakfast is what you expect. It's not luxurious, it's not particularly exciting, but it's safe, clean, and convenient.
Who is this for?
- Business travelers who need a reliable place to stay.
- People who need accessible features.
- Anyone who appreciates a clean room.
- People on a budget.
Who should look elsewhere?
- Luxury travelers seeking a spa day.
- People looking for a lively atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Would I return? Probably. If I needed a place to stay in Merrillville, I wouldn’t hesitate. It's a perfectly okay hotel, and sometimes, okay is good enough.
Pigeon Forge Getaway: Red Roof Inn & Suites Parkway Deals!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. You're in for a ride. This isn't your carefully curated, perfectly-planned itinerary – this is MY Merrillville survival guide. I'm currently holed up at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Merrillville, IN, and honestly? It's… well, it’s Merrillville. But hey, we make the best of it, yeah? Let’s dive in:
Merrillville Mayhem: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary (and Honest Reactions)
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and the Search for Decent Coffee
1:00 PM: Touchdown! (Well, more like "pull-up-to-the-hotel.") The drive from [Original Location] went smoothly. Smooth like… well, like a freshly paved Indiana road, which is to say, probably not that smooth. The automatic door at the Fairfield Inn almost ate me, I swear. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and… hope? Let’s go with hope.
1:15 PM: Check-in. (Bless the front desk lady, she’s seen things. I could practically feel her exhaustion.) I'm praying my room is a) clean and b) doesn't face the interstate. Cross your fingers.
1:30 PM: Room acquired! It's… fine. Neutral-toned. Predictable. (My first thought: Where's the personality? Where's the spark? Am I projecting? Probably.) Also, the air conditioning is already a battle. It's either a polar vortex or a humid swamp. No in-between.
1:45 PM: The Coffee Crisis Begins. There's supposed to be coffee in the lobby, but the urn is looking… forlorn. (Think: "Widow Weeping Over Her Lost Love"). Decaf only. DEC-AF. This is not how I imagined my afternoon…
2:00 PM: Caffeine Rush: Finally found a gas station a couple miles away with something that resembles actual coffee. My brain is finally online. This is essential.
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Work/Doomed Attempts to Relax: I'm supposed to be working (ugh). But, the siren song of the hotel pool is strong. (It's more of a kiddie pool, to be honest.) The chlorine smell is overwhelming.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner Debacle: After scrolling through reviews, I tentatively decide on a local burger joint. Let’s see if the "best burger in Merrillville" lives up to the hype. (Spoiler alert: It probably won't. But I'm hopeful!)
Anecdote: So, picture this: I'm walking into the restaurant, ravenous. The hostess smiles, which is a good sign. Then, she leads me to a booth… under a giant, flickering neon sign that reads "BURGERS." (I swear, it's the size of a small car!) I almost laughed. Pure, unadulterated Americana. Then the burger hit me. Nothing short of the best burger in the universe.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Back to the Room: I'm full, and I'm strangely okay with it.
7:00 PM: Evening Entertainment - The local news. It will be an adventure.
Day 2: Exploring, Eating, and the Constant Struggle for Wi-Fi (It's Personal, I Swear)
8:00 AM: Breakfast: The dreaded continental breakfast awaits. (Seriously, why is hotel coffee ALWAYS so bad? It's a conspiracy, I tell you!)
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Excursion Time! I attempt to explore the local "attractions". (I say "attempt" because I'm not sure what constitutes an attraction in Merrillville.) Shopping malls may or may not be involved.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch: I'm thinking something different - a local diner. I need real food, not hotel-breakfast-food.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Greatest Wi-Fi Battle of My Life: Seriously, why does the Wi-Fi in hotels always feel like it's connected to a potato? I swear, I spend half my time just trying to load a webpage. It's enough to make a person scream. (Which, I may have done. Loudly.)
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Swimming Pool: Well, it's a small pool, but it's the best thing in this whole hotel.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Meal Time: I found the only local sushi place. I'm not sure how good sushi is in Indiana…
Rant: Okay, the sushi was… intriguing. (Let's be kind.) I swear, the rolls had more cream cheese than actual fish. Flavor? Present, but not exactly… authentic. My brain registered, "Well, it's food." I'll take it.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Relaxation attempts, Netflix and the endless struggle
8:00 PM: Early to bed - tomorrow, I leave.
Day 3: Departure and a Quick Recap (With a Dose of Honesty)
- 7:00 AM: Continental Breakfast - Still not impressed. The coffee is still an existential threat.
- 8:00 AM: Final Pack, Check out. It's been real, Merrillville.
- 8:30 AM: Final farewell, out the door. Then I'm off to the airport.
- 9:00 AM: Goodbye, Merrillville. Maybe I'll be back… Maybe I won't. Let's be honest, it probably won't be my first choice.
Quirky Observations & Emotional Reactions:
- The sheer, unapologetic blandness of the hotel decor is both depressing and oddly comforting. It’s like a blank canvas for my own chaotic energy!
- The people-watching opportunities are surprisingly superb. You can learn a lot about humanity just by sitting in the lobby.
- I'm simultaneously bored, slightly annoyed, and strangely… entertained. Traveling solo is always a trip!
Final Thoughts:
Merrillville? It’s no Paris, okay? It's a place. It exists. I've survived. And the burger was actually kind of great. This whole experience has been… human. Imperfect. Annoying at times and surprisingly decent at others. And that, folks, is life. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find some real coffee.
Ann Arbor's BEST Kept Secret Hotel: Microtel Inn & Suites Review!
What *exactly* is this thing we're talking about anyway? And why is it always SO confusing?
Ugh, the million-dollar question. Honestly? Sometimes I wonder myself! Seriously, I think that's half the point. Look, it *is*, you know, a collection of concepts. But the *real* magic (or, if you're feeling cynical, the source of ALL the headaches) is how they're *connected*. It's like… a really complicated, poorly-organized family reunion. There are cousins from different sides of the tracks, aunts who gossip non-stop, and that one weird uncle who keeps trying to sell you… well, you know.
The confusion? Oh, that’s built in. It’s designed to make you *think* – or, at least, to make you *Google*. And that, my friend, is where the rabbit hole REALLY begins. I spent, like, three hours last Tuesday just trying to figure out ONE tiny piece. Three hours! And I *still* wasn't sure. So yeah. Welcome to the party. Bring snacks. And patience.
Okay, fine. But *why* does it seem so… esoteric? Is it *supposed* to be this complicated?
Oh, absolutely! It’s probably a selling point for some people. Like, if something is complicated, it *must* be important, right? But honestly? Some of it is just… bad design. I swear, some of the explanations are written in a language no human has ever understood. It’s like they *want* to keep you in the dark!
I had a *nightmare* experience once trying to explain a specific part to my friend Sarah. Now Sarah is a *smart* cookie. She's brilliant! But I swear, I saw her soul slowly evaporating from her body as I tried to dumb it down. We ended up ordering pizza and changing the subject. Moral of the story? Yes, it *is* probably supposed to be confusing, and yes, that's probably a big part of why it feels alien.
What are the *key* aspects of it? The absolute must-knows? Gimme the cliff notes!
Ugh. This is where it gets even *less* clear, because what's "key" depends on… well, everything! The entire context. But okay, here’s a stab at it. Don’t hold me to it, alright?
- **The Core Concept:** There's a central idea that everything revolves around. But let’s be honest, it's a vague concept. It's the foundation, but it’s also like... quicksand. The more you struggle with it, the worse it gets.
- **The Players:** There are various components in play. It's like any good story; without characters it doesn't make sense.
- **The Rules of the Game:** There are guidelines, principles, *stuff* that makes it function. Honestly, this is where a lot of the confusion creeps in. They can seem arbitrary.
- **The Goal:** Everyone seems to be aiming for something. Although, good luck figuring out what *that* is.
- **The Roadblocks:** Oh yes. These are the best. They can be literal or metaphorical.
How does it make my life *better*? Because frankly, right now I’m just confused and slightly annoyed.
Okay, lemme be honest. Sometimes, it doesn’t. Sometimes, it feels like more work than it's worth. BUT, *potentially* and if everything falls perfectly in line, it can be pretty neat. In theory, it's supposed to make your life… easier. More efficient. Maybe even… *smarter*.
I remember one time, I had a project involving something related to this. I struggled for days. DAYS! I was convinced I had a bad idea. But then, *finally*, something clicked. And suddenly, everything seemed… well, not *easy*, mind you, but manageable. I actually felt a (tiny) spark of satisfaction. It's a fleeting feeling, mind you. Don't get used to it. But when it happens, it makes all the headaches a *little* bit worth it. Emphasis on *a little*.
The truth is, the benefits are often indirect. They’re in the background. You might not even notice them… until you *do*. (And then you pat yourself on the back and order another coffee.)
What are the biggest pitfalls? What should I absolutely *avoid*?
Oh, this is where things get *fun*. (Said with a sigh.) The pitfalls are legion. Prepare yourself.
- **Overthinking:** The absolute cardinal sin. Do NOT get lost in the weeds. It's like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube while blindfolded. You'll go crazy.
- **Ignoring the Fundamentals:** Don’t skip the boring bits. They’re the foundation! Even though they *are* super boring.
- **Rushing:** Patience, young padawan! (Or not so young, whatever.) This stuff takes time. Don’t try to be a hero; you'll just end up… well, looking silly.
- **Assuming You Know Everything:** Trust me on this one. I’ve done it. It rarely ends well. Be willing to admit you’re wrong. This does not come naturally to me.
- **Giving Up:** Okay, this sounds cheesy, but seriously. Sometimes you have to power through the frustration. Sticking with it might actually pay off. Or… not. But you won’t know unless you keep trying!
Okay, I'm in. But where do I *start*? Give me some practical advice, *please*.
Alright, alright. Breathe.
- **Start Small:** Don’t try to conquer the whole world at once. Chunk it down!
- **Find good sources:** Not every source is created equal. Look for reputable sources that explain it clearly.
- **Embrace the Confusion:** It’s okay to not understand everything. The process is sometimes more important than the outcome.
- **Don't be afraid to ask for help:** Seriously. Reach out to those who know more, or even those who are just starting out. Sometimes commiserating with a fellow newbie is the best medicine. Or, you know, a giant pot of coffee.
- **Take Breaks!** Step away from the screen. See the light. Do something else. Your brain will thank you. My brain definitely thanks me.
Post a Comment for "Merrillville's BEST Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!"