Scranton's BEST Kept Secret: Your Dream Stay Awaits at Residence Inn!
Scranton's BEST Kept Secret: Residence Inn - My Dream Stay… Or Did I Just Dream It? (A Very Honest Review!)
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Okay, deep breath. Here goes. I'm fresh back from a stay at Scranton's Residence Inn, and frankly… I'm still unpacking the experience. This ain't your grandpa's roadside motel, folks. This is a seriously slick, almost too-good-to-be-true kind of place. Let's break it down, shall we? Buckle up, because it’s gonna be a bit of a journey.
First Impressions (and a Moment of Panic About Accessibility):
Pulling up, the aesthetic is… modern. Think sleek lines, glass, and enough parking to make even the most road-trip-weary traveler breathe a sigh of relief. Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge] both get a BIG thumbs-up from this weary traveler. My initial concern, as always, is Accessibility. Now, I'm not personally in a wheelchair, but I've traveled with folks who are, and it's always my first priority. The website promised accessibility, but you know how that goes. I mentally prepared for disappointment.
Then… whoosh. Elevator access is everywhere. The lobby? Spacious. The hallways? Wide enough to do a clumsy two-step without knocking over anything (or anyone). Wheelchair accessible is actually true. Huge relief! The Facilities for disabled guests seemed genuinely considered. This is already a massive win.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (or, the Place Where I Lost My Socks):
Okay, the room. Glorious, spacious room. Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning in the room, crucial! The extra long bed was a lifesaver after a long drive. Blackout curtains? Absolute bliss. I swear, I think I slept for 12 hours straight. Alarm clock, Desk, Laptop workspace – all present and accounted for. Even a refrigerator to keep my emergency snacks (and that bottle of wine) perfectly chilled. There was even, glory be, free Wi-Fi [free] and Internet access – wireless! And get this, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Yep, I said it twice. It’s important!).
The details? They made me smile. Complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker. A mirror that actually showed me (mostly) in a flattering light. Bathrobes and slippers! I felt like a celebrity, even if I was just watching Bravo.
The Minor Annoyance Report: Where the Cracks Started to Show (But Were Quickly Filled):
Alright, the imperfections. Because no place is perfect, right? First, where were those socks? Seriously, they vanished. Secondly, the shower head, while fine, could have been a bit more forceful. And… well, I thought I saw a tiny, teeny speck of dust on the bathroom counter. GASP.
But here’s where Residence Inn redeemed themselves. I mentioned the missing sock situation (okay, maybe I yelled "WHERE ARE MY SOCKS?!?"). The staff member, bless her heart, just smiled, said "We'll check on it!" and offered me a fresh pair of hotel slippers. Talk about above and beyond! And poof the tiny speck of dust vanished before my very eyes. They're good. Really good.
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Fight Off an Alien Invasion?
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, especially post-pandemic. Residence Inn gets this. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They even had Hand sanitizer everywhere you turned. The entire property radiated a feeling of hyper-cleanliness.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food Glorious Food… and My Attempt at a Salad:
The Breakfast [buffet] was included, and it was solid. Nothing mind-blowing, but the usual suspects: scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries, fruit… They even had Asian breakfast options! I attempted to eat a healthy salad in restaurant, which was… adequate. Okay, it was mostly iceberg lettuce, but the dressing was good! There was also a Coffee shop. I got my caffeine fix. Room service [24-hour], score! I didn’t utilize it much, but knowing it was there was comforting.
Relaxation Central: Pools, Saunas, and the Elusive Body Wrap (Who Has Time?!):
The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting, though I didn’t take the plunge. It looked clean, well-maintained, and very tempting. They also advertised a Spa with Sauna and Steamroom. Oh, and apparently, Massage and Body wrap options! But honestly? I was so busy enjoying being lazy and eating all the free breakfast, I didn't get around to any of that. Gym/fitness was there, but my workout consisted of walking laps around the lobby.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost):
This is where Residence Inn really shines. Daily housekeeping. Laundry service. Dry cleaning. Luggage storage. Concierge. Cash withdrawal available. Convenience store right there for emergency snacks (essential!). Contactless check-in/out. They even had Food delivery. I mean, they thought of everything!
Accessibility (Again, Because It Matters):
I'm going to reiterate because it's crucial. This place delivers on accessibility. Wide hallways, accessible rooms, and genuinely helpful staff. Facilities for disabled guests are not just there, they're thoughtfully implemented.
The Verdict: Is This Place a Dream? (Or Am I Just Really Tired?)
Okay, so here’s the honest truth: My stay at Residence Inn in Scranton was absolutely fantastic. It wasn't perfect -- the shower could've had more oomph, and my socks are, to this day, still missing. But the cleanliness, the accessibility, the staff's genuine helpfulness, and all the little touches… it all added up to a truly enjoyable experience. I left feeling relaxed, refreshed, and maybe just a little bit spoiled.
Would I stay again? Absolutely. Should you stay there? Without a doubt.
Overall Score: 4.8 out of 5 stars. (Minus 0.2 for the missing socks and showerhead.)
P.S. If you find my socks, send them to me!
Escape to Des Moines: Baymont Wyndham's North Des Moines Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into a REAL trip to Scranton, PA, with all the glorious, messy imperfections that life (and travel) throws at ya. We're talking Residence Inn Scranton, and we're talking real experiences. Let's do this. (Deep breath… here we go…)
SCRANTON SAGA: A Trip Through Paper, Pizza, and Possibly, Existential Dread
Day 1: Arrival, Almost Disaster, and the Undeniable Allure of the Free Breakfast
1:00 PM: Land in Scranton. Or, well, attempt to land. Our flight from… (Ugh, who remembers? Somewhere. It felt LONG.) … was delayed. Again. You know that feeling? That pre-travel anxiety gnawing at your insides, amplified by the dread of a screaming baby and the guy eating a tuna sandwich directly next to you? Yeah. I had that. So, already, the trip's off to a stellar start. Made it just in time, I think.
2:30 PM: Finally, officially, in Scranton! Picked up the rental car. Okay, "picked up" might be a strong word. More like "acquainted ourselves, begrudgingly, with a cramped, beige sedan." The GPS lady, bless her digital heart, immediately steered us wrong. Not once. Not twice. But, like, three times. Almost ended up driving into a ravine. My own fault for not paying attention. Seriously, I need to learn to listen.
3:30 PM: Checked into the Residence Inn. Alright. Semi-clean. Smells faintly of chlorine and… hope? The lobby is beige. So. Much. Beige. My travel partner, bless her for allowing me to wander with my head in the clouds, is already scoping out the free breakfast situation. Priorities. She needs her waffles.
4:00 PM: Unpacked (sort of). Realized I forgot my curling iron. Panic. Minor meltdown. (Curling iron is my only tool for self-assertion). Rallied. Embraced my natural, slightly-too-frizzy hair. This is Scranton. No one cares. (Maybe. I hope.)
4:30 PM: The real question: Where's dinner? Research time. Google Maps' reviews are a wild ride. Some places look promising, some sound like a health hazard. Settling for a local pizzeria that I discovered on Reddit. Pizza is a must. We are in the United States. It's a requirement.
7:00 PM: The Pizza. Holy mother of all things cheesy and delicious. This Pizza is AMAZING. Like, “I could become a Scranton resident just for this pizza” amazing. Maybe this trip isn’t doomed. Maybe Scranton is actually… good. Ordered extra for leftovers.
8:30 PM: Attempted to watch some Netflix (comfort show) in the hotel room. Wi-fi is… slow. Like, dial-up slow. I guess, it’s a sign to get some rest.
9:30 PM: Bed. Exhausted. Hoping for a good night’s sleep and a magically appearing curling iron. (The latter is highly unlikely).
Day 2: Dunder Mifflin, Dreams, and the Eternal Quest for a Decent Cup of Coffee
7:00 AM: Breakfast! Waffles. Success! The free breakfast redeems everything. The coffee, however… is a challenge. It tastes like… brown water vaguely resembling coffee. I'll live. I must live.
8:00 AM: The Office filming locations tour. This is the big one. The reason we came. I'm a super fan, my expectations were extremely high. We arrive (late, per usual), and the other visitors look just as psyched as I am.
- The Scranton Business Park: It's real. The building where Dunder Mifflin was supposed to be is… well, it’s an office building. Not quite the magic I’d imagined, but the tour guide, bless her heart, is committed. The anecdotes, the trivia… I’m eating it up. I bought a "World's Best Boss" mug. Don't judge. I'm a sucker for merchandise.
- Poor Richard's Pub: It’s a real bar. We had to get a round of drinks here, for the atmosphere. A quick bite, some pictures. Pure, unadulterated fan-girling.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a local diner. Hearty. Greasy. Perfect. This is the kind of food I came to the US for.
1:00 PM: Museum time! Decided on the Electric City Trolley Museum. It was much cooler than I expected! Learning about Scranton's history and taking a ride on a trolley through the city. The museum is surprisingly interactive and provides a glimpse into Scranton's industrial past.
3:00 PM: Chasing more Coffee. Desperate. Searched for local coffee shops. The first one was closed. The second one was packed. Finally, found a quaint little café that was actually good. Took a moment to savor this coffee, after the earlier coffee disaster. The taste was… excellent.
4:00 PM: Shopping! We decided to go to a local bookstore. Ended up lost in the stacks for an hour. I'm buying all the books, for later on, of course.
6:00 PM: Dinner at a fancy steakhouse. Big mistake. Overpriced. Overcooked steak. Too many beige tones. Regretting that perfect pizza from last night.
7:30 PM: Back at the hotel, feeling slightly deflated by the steakhouse. Watched some TV.
9:00 PM: Bed. Still no curling iron. Maybe I'll just embrace the frizz. Or maybe I'll dream of perfect pizza and endless waffles.
Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and the Longing for More Pizza
7:00 AM: Breakfast. Waffles. Waffles. Waffles. (I could eat waffles every day)
8:00 AM: Check out. Said goodbye to the beige comfort of the hotel.
8:45 AM: One last, desperate attempt to find a decent donut. Success!
- The Donut Shop: They're closed.
- The Gas Station: The donuts look okay. Ate them in the rental car.
9:00 AM: Heading to the airport. (And by "heading," I mean "driving around in circles because the GPS lady has decided to troll me one last time").
10:30 AM: Airport. Security. Waiting. Reflecting. Scranton… you were a weird, wonderful, pizza-filled adventure. The coffee could've been better. The Wi-Fi could've been faster. But the pizza… that pizza… will live forever in my memory.
Whatever time the flight departs: Departure. Goodbye, Scranton. Goodbye, free breakfast. I'll be back. For the pizza. And the waffles. (Maybe I'll remember my curling iron next time).
This, my friends, is a Scranton story. A messy, imperfect, glorious Scranton story. And that's… more or less… how it went.
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Scranton's Best Kept Secret: Your Dream Stay Awaits (Maybe?) at Residence Inn! - FAQs... With Feelings!
Okay, Okay, Residence Inn... But Why? What Makes it "Secret" Anyway? (And Is It REALLY That Good?)
Alright, listen, "secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. It's not like we're talking about the Ark of the Covenant here. But seriously, how many people outside of Scranton, PA, *truly* know about the brilliance that lies within? The Residence Inn, right? It's... it's got a certain... je ne sais quoi. Maybe it's the comfy beds (seriously, I could sleep for a YEAR), maybe it's the free breakfast (hello, waffles!), or maybe it's just that feeling of, you know, *not* being crammed into a shoebox hotel room. The "secret" part? It's the VALUE! Compared to some of the other places in town, you get a HUGE suite, a kitchen (for those post-pizza-at-Alfredo's cravings), and a generally chill vibe. Look, I stayed there last year for my cousin’s disastrous wedding (don't ask), and honestly, the comfy couch in the living room saved my sanity. I'm telling you, after a day of family drama, plopping onto that thing felt like heaven itself. Pure, unadulterated heaven.
The Free Breakfast: Is it Actually Edible? (And More Importantly, is it *Good*?)
Okay, deep breaths. Let's talk breakfast. The holy grail. The reason we *all* get up in the morning (or at least, the reason *I* do). Look, it’s not Michelin-star dining, okay? Let’s be real. But it's *free*! And you get the classics. Eggs (sometimes suspiciously yellow, I'll be honest), bacon (crispy, sometimes), sausage (can be a gamble, depends on the cook), waffles (YES, THE WAFFLES!), cereal, fruit, yogurt... you get the picture. My personal strategy? Stack those waffles HIGH. Load 'em up with syrup, a little bit of whipped cream if I’m feeling fancy (which, let’s face it, I always am at breakfast). Then, you just… *breathe*. It's a pre-emptive strike against a day of, I don’t know, dealing with people who talk too much at the front desk during check-in. And let me tell you, those waffles are GREAT!
Suites? How Big Are We Talking? Room for a Small Army? (Or Just Me and My Luggage?)
Suites! Yes! This is where the Residence Inn *really* shines. We're not talking cramped hotel rooms here. We're talking... SPACE! Seriously. Living room, separate bedroom (usually), and a kitchen. The kitchen, people! Think about it! You can actually, like, *cook* something. (Okay, maybe not cook a full Thanksgiving dinner. But microwave popcorn? Yes. Heat up leftovers from a super-cheap Italian place? Absolutely.) The last time I was there, I was with my whole family, with my kids and their spouses; with kids, dogs, and ALL the luggage. The suite had it all; sofa bed in the living room, the master bedroom, the large kitchen! And the kids ran around everywhere, just to settle down after the first day! It was amazing! Honestly, the suites are a game-changer. Especially if you're traveling with family or have a tendency to spread out like I do… (I may or may not have used the entire coffee table for my collection of inspirational quotes sticky notes...)
Okay, You Mentioned the Kitchen. Is it Actually *Functional*? Pots and Pans? Microwave? Or Just a Microwave and a Dream?
Okay, let's talk kitchen equipment. It's better than a dream, that's for sure. You get a microwave (essential!), a refrigerator (also essential!), a stovetop (usually, depending on the room type - check before you book!). There are also pots, pans, and basic utensils. They usually have plates, cutlery, and glasses. So yes, you *can* assemble a meal beyond microwaving a frozen dinner. And the dishwasher! God, the dishwasher is a lifesaver. I was so grateful for that dishwasher. After a terrible day spent driving across a rainy mountain, the last thing I wanted was to do was to wash the utensils from my dinner. The only thing I'm missing sometimes is a quality chef's knife. But... you know...you can't have everything. And let's be honest, I'm not exactly Julia Child, I am the kind of person who thinks about ordering from room service!
Any Downsides? Gotta be *something* wrong, right? Even Paradise has a few mosquitoes, doesn't it?
Alright, alright, realism check. It's not *perfect*. Nothing ever is. Here's the deal: * **The Laundry**: The laundry facilities can sometimes be a pain. Machines might be taken. You might have to share space with a group of overly chatty soccer moms. Just... embrace the chaos. Bring a book. Or, better yet, bring a friend. * **Location, Location, Location:** While centrally located, it's not right in the middle of the party scene. That's a plus for me, personally. I love a quiet night. But if you're looking for a constant stream of nightlife, might not be your jam, but who knows! You're in Scranton, not Vegas. * **The Fitness Center:** Don't get your hopes up for a state-of-the-art gym. But they have the basics. Treadmill, elliptical, maybe a couple of weights. It gets the job done, if you're into that sort of thing. I am not. Honestly, the downsides are pretty minimal. It's mostly a win. It's like... finding a good pizza in a town known for its not-so-good pizza. You just feel grateful.
Parking. Always a Concern. Is it Free? Is it a Nightmare? Help!
Parking? Oh, the eternal struggle. But fear not! Residence Inn usually has free parking. And it's usually pretty straightforward. Nothing to stress about. You know what I mean? I've stayed at hotels where parking was like an extreme sport. Here? Easy peasy. A big load off your shoulders, right? No worrying about parking fees eating into your waffle budget!
Let's Talk About... the Staff. Are They Actually Nice? Or Just... Trained?
Look, I've always been a sucker for good folks. I'm a sucker for the underdog, a sucker for a friendly smile. I have had nothing but great experiences with the staff at Residence Inn in Scranton. Whether it's the folks at the front desk, the peopleHotel Safari
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