Escape to Yakima's Gem: Red Lion Inn & Suites Awaits!
Escape to Yakima's Gem: Red Lion Inn & Suites Awaits! - A Review That's Actually Real (and Maybe a Little Crazy)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Red Lion Inn & Suites in Yakima, Washington. Forget those sterile, corporate reviews, this is the real deal, complete with the good, the bad, and the "wait, did I just see…?!" moments. Let's get messy, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility: Making it Work (Mostly)
Right off the bat, accessibility is a big one. This is important, people! They do mention facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. The elevator is a lifesaver, especially if you've got the luggage of a small army (guilty!). I’m not a wheelchair user, but I did notice ramps and seemingly wide doorways. Always call ahead and confirm specifics, though – better safe than sorry, you know? It's not like I'm looking for a full-blown spa takeover, but knowing I can potentially access things is a game changer for inclusivity. There's CCTV in common areas and outside property, and a 24-hour front desk which makes me feel safer.
Rooms: Sanctuary or…Mild Chaos?
My room wasn't perfect. It had air conditioning which is MANDATORY in Yakima summers and really appreciated the blackout curtains and the fact that it wasn't directly in a busy road. Carpeting is fine, but I prefer something cleaner looking. They have Non-smoking rooms, but be aware that sometimes smells can still linger a bit, so if you're particularly sensitive, be sure to request a very specific room. The Wi-Fi [free]? Thank goodness! And yes, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That's a huge plus, especially since Yakima's cell reception can be…spotty. The internet access – wireless access also made it super easy to get my work done. I'm not sure what the Internet access – LAN is all about? Is that still a thing? I was obsessed with my laptop workspace, I love that they have the desk.
The desk was fine but I used it more as a place to haphazardly stash my stuff as I ran out the door. The mirror was clear. The hairdryer worked (hallelujah!), and I loved the complimentary tea. They have private bathroom, separate shower/bathtub -- Nice, though I just want a good shower with good pressure and a place for my body wash. The slippers were a nice touch.
Cleanliness & Safety: COVID Considerations (Important!)
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room…or, you know, the virus. I was super relieved to see the Anti-viral cleaning products being used. They have implemented daily disinfection in common areas which is crucial. They also have Hand sanitizer all over the place. Rooms sanitized between stays? Excellent. They also have Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and Staff trained in safety protocol. I also noticed a physical distancing of at least 1 meter. So, they’re trying. Overall, I felt pretty comfortable, which is a huge deal.
Dining: Fueling Your Yakima Adventures
Alright, food. The breakfast [buffet] was…well, it was a buffet. Let's just say it was what you'd expect. They serve Asian breakfast and have a Vegetarian restaurant, if you're into it. There's a coffee/tea in restaurant and also a Coffee shop so you can get your caffeine fix. I personally loved that they had a Poolside bar, for a little bit of a treat.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (or Not)
This is where things get interesting. The Fitness center? Okay, it's there. I walked in, saw some treadmills that looked a little…lived-in, and walked right back out. No judgment, just…not my vibe. I don't know, but the thought of someone's sweat on those machines just made me…shudder. Maybe I wasn't feeling particularly energetic at the time!
The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Now we're talking! It's not a water park, mind you, but it's clean, refreshing, and perfect for a quick dip after a long day of exploring. It's not a Pool with view, unfortunately. I was too nervous to try any of the spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom or Sauna things, I am not very familiar with things like this.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They offer Daily housekeeping, which is nice if you want it (I sometimes feel awkward about the people coming in and out, but then again, I'm the one who leaves a disaster zone). The Laundry service is a lifesaver, especially if you pack light (like I attempt to do). The Concierge service I didn't use, but it’s good to know it's there. Cash withdrawal is available. They also have a Convenience store!
Quirks and Confessions:
Okay, here comes the real honesty. I lost my phone charger. I ransacked the room. I was sweating. I found it…under the bed. The point is: I felt comfortable enough to be a total mess.
The Deal, The Pitch, The Honest Plea:
Look, the Red Lion Inn & Suites in Yakima isn’t perfect. But it is a comfortable, clean, and conveniently located gem, ready to be your home base as you explore the surrounding area.
Here's the thing: Yakima is a real place. It’s not fancy, but it has charm, and I was incredibly impressed with how well they were handling the Covid-19 times.
Here's Your Offer:
Tired of generic hotels? Crave a Yakima experience that's both comfortable and accessible? Book your stay at the Red Lion Inn & Suites in Yakima today! Use promo code "YAKIMAFUN" and get a complimentary welcome drink & a free upgrade (based on availability) because, let's be honest, you deserve it. So book today, and embrace the imperfections, the adventures, and the genuine heart of the Yakima Valley.
Namibia's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Majesty of Midgard Country Estate
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is my potential Yakima adventure, starting from…well, starting from the glorious, if slightly underwhelming, Red Lion Inn & Suites. Let's get this show on the road, or at least, get it planned.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Yakima Discombobulation
1:00 PM: Arrive at the Red Lion. Okay, first impressions. It looks…like a Red Lion. You know, the sort of chain hotel that seems permanently stuck in the 90s. Beige carpet, a vaguely ominous painting of a landscape I’m pretty sure is not Yakima, and a lingering smell of chlorine and… something else. I'm calling it "generic hotel scent." Check-in. Pray the room isn't haunted. Please, no ghosts. I swear, if a ghost tries to steal my mini-shampoo, I'm out of here.
1:30 PM: Room inspection. Okay, not haunted per se, but the TV remote looks like it’s been through a war. Found a questionable stain on the carpet near the door. Decided not to investigate. Ignorance is bliss, baby. Unpack the essentials - phone charger, snacks (must have), and a book I swear I'll read this time.
2:00 PM: Decide I deserve a nap. Jet lag is a real beast, and frankly, the "generic hotel scent" is starting to lull me into a false sense of security. Wake me up when September Ends…or maybe just when happy hour starts.
4:00 PM: Okay, awake! Time for a mission. Find coffee. Decent coffee. The hotel’s complimentary coffee probably tastes like battery acid. Yelp, here I come! Fingers crossed for a local gem, not another Starbucks.
4:30 PM: Armed with caffeine, stumble outside. Decided to wander down and explore the hotel to find out what it offers. Found a dusty pool which had an ominous smell, and it seems to also be closed. Guess I'm not going swimming.
5:00 PM: Pre-dinner drinks. Decisions, decisions… what even IS Yakima’s "vibe"? Found a pub nearby that seemed to have a happy hour! Ended up ordering a pint of local IPA, which was surprisingly good. Maybe Yakima isn't so bad after all.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Restaurant recommendation. Hoping for something better than the hotel restaurant, which probably serves… well, hotel food. Opt for the nearest recommended fancy places, and ordered the steak.
9:00 PM: Stumble back to the hotel, a bit tipsy and content. Consider the day a success. Yakima, so far, so good. But the real adventure is yet to begin…
Day 2: Wine, Wineries, and the Unexpected Chicken
9:00 AM: Breakfast. Forced to eat the hotel's "complimentary" breakfast. Dry bagels and rubbery eggs. Remind me to buy a box of granola bars. For my sanity.
10:00 AM: The Wine Tour! Yakima is famous for its wineries, apparently. Booked a tour. Praying I don't spill wine all over myself. And praying the driver doesn't have to deal with a tipsy me.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM: Wineries. Okay, this is where things get… blurry. First stop: scenic winery. The views were gorgeous, the wine was… well, let's just say I bought a bottle. Second stop: the "boutique" winery. Cute, but I'm starting to feel like I need a designated driver. Third stop: The one winery that offered a chicken as a pet. A giant, fluffy, completely unfazed chicken named Henrietta. I almost died of laughter.
1:30 PM: Lunch. At the last winery, where the chicken lived. The food was decent, but I'm still hung up on Henrietta. I want a giant, fluffy chicken! Is that a reasonable travel souvenir? Probably not.
2:30 PM: Back to the hotel. Feeling slightly sauced and sun-kissed. Need a nap. Definitely need a nap.
5:00 PM: Decided a quiet evening was in order. Ordered takeout, watched a cheesy movie on TV, and contemplated the meaning of life.
7:00 PM: The takeout was…meh. But I've had worse. The movie was worse. The meaning of life is still a mystery.
9:00 PM: Realized I forgot to actually see Yakima, the city. Made a mental note to explore more tomorrow. Yakima, I swear I'll get to know you better.
Day 3: The City, The Mountains, and the Bitter Sweet Goodbye
9:00 AM: Actually ate the hotel breakfast today. Okay, it's not as bad as it seems.
10:00 AM: Downtown exploration. Decided to finally see the city. Strolled around the downtown area.
12:00 PM: Lunch. Found a diner and ordered a burger. The burger was better than expected..
1:00 PM: Drive to the mountain. I decided to climb a trail, as I wanted to enjoy the landscape. I started to climb. It was difficult.
2:00 PM: I got lost. I don't know how. There was a clear marked trail, and I failed.
4:00 PM: Find my way back. I was covered in sweat. Got back. Didn't see the light.
6:00 PM: Dinner. It’s the end of the trip. I opted for a fancier restaurant, feeling like I deserved it.
8:00 PM: Packing. The most tedious part of any trip. Did I buy enough souvenirs? Probably not. Did I make any lasting memories? Absolutely.
9:00 PM: Last night. The lingering scent of generic hotel scent. The questionable stain. The dusty pool. The memories. Goodbye, Yakima. You were… certainly an experience.
Day 4: Departure
9:00 AM: Check out of the Red Lion. Head to the airport.
11:00 AM: The ride home.
Wherever it may be: Tell everyone about Henrietta, the giant chicken of Yakima.
So there you have it. My messy, imperfect, and hopefully entertaining version of a Yakima adventure. It wasn't the most polished itinerary, but it was my itinerary. And that's all that matters, right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to plan my next travel escapade… maybe somewhere with fewer generic hotel scents and more giant chickens.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Devika, Dibrugarh's Luxury Oasis
Okay, so what *are* we even talking about here? Like, *in general*?
But seriously, what *specifically* should I expect? Like, what am I *actually* going to read about?
What if I disagree with something you say?
Okay, let's get personal. What's the *worst* thing that's ever happened to you? Like, the absolute low point? Spill the tea!
And what's the *best* thing that's *ever* happened? Besides, you know, these riveting FAQs?
So, is there any sort of *theme* to all this, or is it just a random collection of thoughts?
What about the future? Where will this… thing.. go?
Is there anything I can't ask?
