Smithfield's BEST Hotel? I-95's Hidden Gem Near Selma! (Fairfield Inn Review)
Smithfield's "BEST" Hotel? Fairfield Inn Near Selma: A Brutally Honest Review (With Rambles!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving HEADFIRST into the Fairfield Inn near Selma, and I’m not gonna lie, my expectations were about as low as the price of gas these days. I-95, right? That highway has a reputation, largely one of being a desolate wasteland punctuated by the occasional gas station/truck stop apocalypse. So, “hidden gem” near Selma? My skepticism was palpable. But, hey, I needed a place to crash, and the reviews did mention… well, let’s see what they really had to say, shall we?
(SEO Keywords: Fairfield Inn Selma, Smithfield Hotel Review, I-95 Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Free Wifi, Clean Hotel, North Carolina Hotels)
First Impressions: The Arrival and the Lobby – And My Immediate Dread
Alright, so rolling up, it looks like a Fairfield Inn. Predictable, clean lines, not exactly the Taj Mahal, but functionally…present. The parking was… plentiful. Score one point for not having to circle like a vulture. Getting into the lobby, well, that’s where the first little niggling doubts started to creep in. I hate to say it, but the air smelled faintly… of cleaning products. Like, over-zealously applied cleaning products. Not necessarily bad, mind you, but it set a tone. Sanitized to within an inch of its life. Good for safety, maybe a little sterile for the soul.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag, But Mostly on the Up and Up
Now, I didn’t need an accessible room, but I always make a point of checking out the accessibility features because, well, it's the right thing to do. The hotel actually seemed pretty good on this front. Elevators, wide doorways, ramps. I saw a few of the accessible rooms, and they looked well-equipped. Plus, having the elevator is a huge plus, especially when you've been driving for hours and your suitcase feels like it's filled with lead bricks. (Accessibility Keywords: Wheelchair accessible, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator)
The Room – My Fortress of (Mostly) Neutral Comfort
Okay, the room. Let's get real. It was…fine. Perfectly…meh. The bed was comfortable enough. The sheets were clean (thank god). The TV worked. The free Wi-Fi (hallelujah!) was snappy enough for me to binge-watch some trashy reality TV. (Keywords: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet access – wireless, Air conditioning, Non-smoking rooms)
But here's the thing. It wasn’t memorable. It was… generic. Think beige, beige, and more beige. The kind of room that's designed to offend no one, and certainly doesn’t inspire artistic genius. I had an extra long bed; a welcome treat for my six-foot-something frame. (Additional Keywords: Extra long bed, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Desk)
The bathroom? Surprisingly decent. Good water pressure (a MUST). The toiletries were the usual suspects, but perfectly adequate. (Keywords: Private bathroom, Shower, Hair dryer, Toiletries)
The Great Wi-Fi Debate (Because Yes, It Matters)
Seriously, I can't stress it enough: the Wi-Fi was good. Not epic good, but completely reliable. I got some work done, streamed some shows, and didn’t experience any buffering-induced rage. Bonus points for that. (Keywords: Wi-Fi [free], Internet)
Cleanliness & Safety – Is This Place Actually Too Clean?
I'm not kidding, I'm pretty sure they're running a Hazmat team in there! Everything was spotless. The staff seemed to be constantly wiping down surfaces. They are obsessed with cleanliness. You could practically eat off the floor, not that I would, mind you. (Keywords: Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays)
Now, this might come across as me being weird but, I'm pretty sure they were spraying something under the door. I'm all for cleanliness, I truly am, but it was a little unsettling, like living in a bubble. Maybe a little less bleach, folks?
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Breakfast Adventure (Or Lack Thereof)
The breakfast situation. Let’s just say, it wasn’t exactly a culinary masterpiece. They had the buffet, which, let's be honest, is the same generic fare you find in every hotel across America: scrambled eggs that probably came from a powder, sad little sausages, and the usual sugary cereal. I’m being cynical… I know. But still. (Keywords: Breakfast [buffet])
There are, however, other options. You can order a la carte but that comes with various pricing. (Keywords: A la carte in restaurant)
The coffee was… serviceable. That's the best I can give you. You could say there was a coffee shop, and it was there, in the lobby, always serving, but it wasn't exactly a destination. (Keywords: Coffee shop, Coffee/tea in restaurant)
Things to Do / Ways to Relax – Where's the Pool?
Okay. This is where things get… limited. There's an outdoor swimming pool. Sadly, it was closed. I'm sad; I love swimming and always look for a pool. There are also no other relaxing choices – no spa, no sauna, no fitness center. (See more keywords: Swimming pool [outdoor])
Services and Conveniences – The Good, The Bad, and the Beige
The staff were perfectly polite, if a little… robotically so. Helpful, yes, but lacking in personality. (Again, think slightly too sanitized). (Keywords: Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Laundry service)
There's a convenience store, which is handy for grabbing a snack or a forgotten toothbrush. The front desk is 24 hours. (Keywords: Convenience store, Front desk [24-hour])
For the Kids – Uh… Maybe Bring Your Own?
I didn't see any specific kid-friendly amenities. There were no playgrounds, no dedicated kids' areas. It's just a standard hotel. (Keywords: Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids meal)
Getting Around – Easy Peasy
Parking was free and ample. The location is right off I-95, which is great for access but… well, it's right off I-95. You're not exactly steps away from a bustling cultural center. (Keywords: Car park [free of charge], Taxi service)
My Verdict: The Hidden Gem…Is a Decent Hotel
Look, the Fairfield Inn is not going to rock your world. It's not a destination. But, for an I-95 stopover, it's perfectly acceptable. Clean, efficient, and the Wi-Fi is solid. It's not the stuff of legends, but sometimes, that’s all you need. The best part? The reasonable price for a stopover. So, if you're looking for a solid, reliable, and very clean place to crash near Selma, then this Fairfield Inn is a safe bet. Just maybe bring your own excitement.
Rodeway Inn Ocala: Your Florida Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a Fairfield Inn and Suites Smithfield, NC adventure, my adventure, and it's gonna be a glorious, slightly chaotic, and probably grease-stained ride. Here we go!
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread, and Questionable Pizza Choices
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Dreaded Drive and Check-In:
- Alright, the drive. Road trip. Freedom! Except… traffic. Ugh. Why does it always seem like the slowest lane is always my lane? Anyway, finally, SMITHFIELD! My stomach is growling, I'm already questioning all my life choices that led me here (seriously, what WERE we thinking booking a hotel right next to the interstate? This is gonna be a noisy night).
- Anecdote: The GPS lady (who I've mentally named "Brenda," because all GPS ladies are named Brenda to me) nearly sent me into a ditch. Brenda, you are testing me.
- Okay, check-in. Hopefully, the room isn't directly above the pool or facing the truck stop. Praying for a window that actually opens.
- Verdict: Okay, the room is… fine. Beige. The air conditioning is LOUD. But hey, it has a bed and a TV. Progress?
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Unpacking, Regret, and the Elusive "Free" Breakfast Investigation:
- Unpacking. A chore. But I’ve got to get my stuff in. This is the part of the trip where I truly realize how much useless crap I always pack. Jeans? Three pairs? What the heck was I planning on doing, modeling?
- Emotional Reaction: I'm feeling homesick already. Maybe that's the beige walls. Maybe it's the thought of eating a microwave meal again.
- Okay, let's scope out the pre-breakfast room. Hopefully, it's not all soggy waffles and sad, dried-up scrambled eggs. My expectations? Low. Honestly, I expect to be disappointed. I'm a breakfast snob.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Food Crisis - or, Finding the "Perfect" Slice (or Pretending to):
- Alright, hunger pangs are setting in. Google tells me there's a pizza place nearby. "Wood Fired Pizza" it claims. This is a gamble. Big gamble. I've got a strict "no-chain-pizza-on-the-road" rule (unless there's absolutely no other option, in which case, Domino's it is.)
- Quirky Observation: Is it just me or do pizza places always smell like happiness mixed with a hint of regret?
- Food Experience: The pizza was… okay. The crust was a little undercooked. The sauce was a bit bland. But, it was hot, filled the void, and at least I could say I’d tried the local pizza.
- Opinionated Rambling: Man, finding good pizza on a road trip is an absolute quest! So much disappointment. So many cardboard-like slices.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Attempting to Chill: TV, Procrastination, and the Existential Dread Returns
- Ugh. Time to relax. Catch up on those shows you've been meaning to watch forever? Yes, the answer is yes!
- Messier Structure: But first, the room. The beige is getting to me. Maybe a quick shower? I'm gonna start a new hobby.
- Rambling: Wait, no, never mind. I'm too tired. And the shower pressure is probably awful anyway. Watching TV is more appealing.
- Emotional Reaction: I am incredibly bored. Is it 7:00 PM yet?
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner - Another Gamble, Another Disappointment, Contemplation.
- Alright. Time for a second-round hunger attack. Decisions, decisions. This time, I'm thinking… a local diner? Something authentic? Google Maps says "Mama's Fried Chicken Hut." I really hope Mama knows how to fry chicken.
- Emotional Reaction: Please, food gods, don't let this be another culinary disaster. Road trip food is always a gamble. And my stomach is demanding more food.
- More Rambling: Okay, the diner. The chicken was edible. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were out of that box. The waitresses were friendly. It fit the part. This trip is off to an underwhelming start.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Bedtime!
- Ugh. Bedtime. Probably toss and turn for hours. This room is going to be too hot, or cold, or just off. I'm really starting to miss my own bed. Maybe I can watch some more TV.
- Perfect ending of the day: Bed. Zzzzzzzz.
Day 2: Pancakes, Outlet Shopping, and the True Meaning of Road Trip Freedom (Maybe)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast - The Moment of Truth:
- Okay, time to face the "complimentary" breakfast. Deep breaths. Here we go.
- Food Experience: The continental breakfast was… not terrible! It had the usual suspects: cereal, fruit, yogurt, and waffles. The waffles were the best part. I feel energized.
- Opinionated Language: Fine, fine. It was palatable. Not life-changing, but hey, it’s free. I am not going to complain too much.
- 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Outlets (So Much Retail Therapy):
- They're out there: The Outlets. Time to face the consumerist beast. This is the part of the trip I'd been looking forward to.
- Quirky Observation: The outlets. Retail therapy. The pure joy of the hunt starts to feel like a drug after a while.
- Double Down Experience: Okay. I spent hours at that Banana Republic outlet. I'm talking, like, three hours. It was pure, unadulterated glee. I found a sweater! A new t-shirt! I'm practically a new woman. Or a new version of an old woman.
- Emotional Reaction: This is it! This is the joy. This is the road trip. This is why I do this!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch and Reflection (On the Joy of Sales):
- Lunch. After the outlet shopping spree. A much-needed break. Back to pizza? No. I'm thinking, I'm thinking. Something non-chain.
- More Rambling: Okay, lunch was at a little sandwich counter. Delicious. The perfect midpoint. I'm feeling good.
- Opinionated Language: You know what? Road trips are about the little things. A good sale. A passable meal. The freedom. Definitely the freedom.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exploring the Area? (Or Just Avoiding Existential Dread):
- Okay, so, what's in the area? I'm not really sure. Maybe a park. Maybe a… well, I don't know. Time to get off the highway.
- Quirky Observation: Well there isn't a whole lot nearby. Time to keep wandering.
- Messier Structure: Let's just drive. Let's drive and… find something to do.
- Emotional Reaction: I really want to go home.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner - The Search Continues (But with Lower Expectations):
- Dinner time. Again. I miss my kitchen. I miss cooking my own food. But, gotta keep going.
- Emotional Reaction: Hungry and tired… is it over yet?
- Rambling: I went to the nearest restaurant. It was fine. I really don't remember it. I'm not sure if I even want a description.
- 7:00 PM - Bedtime: The Long Goodnight, and the Promise of Home (or at Least, a Different Hotel):
- Bed. Zzzzzzzz.
- Opinionated Language: I'm exhausted. Goodnight.
- Finish! The End. (Maybe.)
This is just a framework, of course. Fill in the details as you go! Embrace the chaos, the questionable food choices, the beige walls, and the sheer, beautiful messiness of it all. That's the magic of a road trip, right? And who knows, maybe something truly amazing will happen. Or maybe
Luxury Lubbock Getaway: Ashmore Inn & Suites Awaits!
Smithfield's BEST Hotel? (A Chaotic Dive into the Fairfield Inn… and I-95!)
(Because let's be real, after a day on the road, "best" is a relative term… especially near Selma.)
So, is this Fairfield Inn really a "hidden gem"...or another I-95 motel mystery?
Okay, okay, let's be blunt. "Hidden gem" might be stretching it a *tad*. It's more like… a relatively *un-obvious* stopover. You're not going to find a Michelin star restaurant here. But, after battling the horrors that is I-95 traffic… the Fairfield Inn in Smithfield, near Selma, isn't the *worst*. Think of it as a perfectly acceptable port in a hurricane of road rage and questionable rest stop bathrooms. I've stayed at some real dumps on this highway, like the one in South Carolina with the *enthusiastic* roach population. This…this is an improvement. Mostly. More on that later… Much, much later.
The Free Breakfast… is it actually edible? Because, let's be honest…
Alright, the breakfast. The sacred morning ritual that can make or break a travel day. And here's the (slightly depressing) truth: It's… a *standard* continental breakfast. Think: pre-packaged muffins that taste suspiciously of cardboard, instant oatmeal that might as well *be* glue, and a waffle maker that's seen better days (and probably some questionable batter). HOWEVER! There's usually a surprisingly decent selection of fruit. And the coffee? Well, it's hot. And caffeinated. And after the drive, you'll down it like a desert wanderer hitting an oasis. Survived the breakfast. Survived the day. It's a win.
What about the cleanliness? Give it to me straight! I'm traumatized from the last motel bathroom.
Okay, okay, deep breaths. The bathrooms are… good. *Relatively*. I mean, no creepy crawlies doing the cha-cha on the tile. Showers that actually drain! (A HUGE win, people!). The rooms? Mostly clean. I did find a stray hair in the bathroom sink on my last trip, which, let's be honest, is par for the course in *any* hotel. And, I confess, I might have once (accidentally!) dropped a crumb of my pre-packaged muffin *on* the floor. So, take that how you will. Overall? Better than some… definitely not up to Ritz-Carlton standards, but hey, it's Smithfield, not Paris. You get what you pay for, and it's *mostly* clean...mostly.
The Pool! Is it a refreshing oasis or a green, slimy nightmare?
Okay, the pool situation. This is where things get a little… complicated. I'm a sucker for a hotel pool. I fantasize about diving in after a grueling drive. The Fairfield Inn’s pool *looks* inviting from the outside. But after a full day of driving, and let me tell you, I was *ready* for a swim. I mean, I could *smell* the chlorine already. Got my little swim shorts on, ready to dive in. And...it was… okay. It wasn't *green*. Luckily. The water was acceptably clear, and the chlorine smell was definitely present! But the whole pool area needed serious cleaning; there were a few rogue leaves and the sun loungers looked like they had seen better days. The kids seemed to be having a great time, though! So, a mixed bag. Might depend on the day. I still took the plunge, but bring your own expectations with you... they might just be slightly lowered.
What about the staff? Are they… actually helpful and friendly? Or do they seem like they'd rather be anywhere else?
This is a huge win! The staff at the Fairfield Inn are… *surprisingly* pleasant. I've had nothing but positive experiences. They're friendly, helpful, and actually *seem* to care. One time, I had a minor issue with my keycard (a classic travel woe!), and the front desk lady was genuinely apologetic and fixed it immediately. She was so nice, actually, that I almost forgot I was annoyed, which is saying something. They have that southern charm thing down pat. Bonus points for that! They seem to understand the weary traveler, the one just wanting a clean-ish bed and a warm shower. I rate the staff 5/5 stars! Seriously, good people. They make the difference.
Location, location, location! How convenient is it really? Is it near anything... besides I-95?
Ah, the siren song of convenience! Okay, the Fairfield Inn is *right off* I-95. Which is both good and bad. Good, because you can hop on and off with minimal fuss. Bad, because… well, it's right off I-95. You *will* hear the trucks, even with the windows closed. The surrounding area… not exactly a bustling metropolis. There are a few fast-food joints (of course), a Cracker Barrel (essential!), and a handful of other chain restaurants. Don't get your hopes up for anything too exciting. It's a convenient pit stop, not a destination. Selma and Smithfield are nearby, if you are looking for any type of entertainment. Perfect for that one night on the road though, I would plan on driving on from there.
Okay, spill the beans! Your *worst* experience? Come on, we all have one.
Alright, alright, fine. Here's the dirt. My *worst* experience. Let's call it "The Great Air Conditioner Debacle of '22." ( dramatic music begins). I arrived late, exhausted, after a truly horrific drive involving torrential rain and a near-miss with a squirrel. My room was hot. *Sweltering*. I fiddled with the thermostat for what felt like an hour. Nothing. It was like sleeping in a sauna. I called the front desk. They sent someone up to "fix" it. They tinkered. They muttered. They left. Still hot. I called again. Another person. More tinkering. More muttering. Finally, at 2 AM, after a truly epic emotional breakdown (fueled by exhaustion, let's be honest), they offered me a different room. Which… wasn't much better! But at least the air conditioner *worked*. Sort of. It's definitely my most memorable experience at the Fairfield Inn. And the next time I stay, I'll check that AC *immediately*. Every time. Lesson Learned.
So, should I stay here? The ultimate question!
Look, if you're passing through on I-9Hotel Blog Guru
Post a Comment for "Smithfield's BEST Hotel? I-95's Hidden Gem Near Selma! (Fairfield Inn Review)"