Arlington's BEST Extended Stay? Value Suites Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the chaotic, glorious world of reviewing Arlington's BEST Extended Stay? Value Suites Awaits! Prepare for a rollercoaster of opinions, because frankly, I'm not holding back. This isn't some corporate brochure rewrite; this is the REAL DEAL.
Accessibility: (Okay, Let's Start with What Matters – And It Matters!)
First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE, people. HUGE. They seem to have their act together here, which is refreshing. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Listed. Now, I didn't personally need to test these out (thankfully!), but the presence is what matters. It shows they care. That's always a good start.
The On-Site Experience: Dining, Drinking, and (Hopefully) Not Disappointing
Alright, listen up, because this is where things get interesting. Restaurants? Listed. Good. Now, are they good restaurants? That's the million-dollar question. I’m seeing options galore – A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine, International cuisine, Western cuisine. Okay, okay, my stomach is rumbling already. They’ve got a bar (essential!), a poolside bar (yes, please!), and a coffee shop (got my attention!). They even offer drumroll Happy hour. Sold! On the less exciting side, more than one Buffet in restaurant is available. But hey, maybe the international cuisine is a buffet, and that might be a thing to go for. Food & Drink Tidbits that Matter:
- Breakfast [buffet]: The bane of my existence, but hey when there is availability, you can't complain.
- Room service [24-hour]: A lifesaver after a late-night mission!
- Desserts in restaurant – You’ve got my attention.
- Bottle of water – a must.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant – always a good choice
The Spa of Dreams… Maybe? The Relaxation Realm
Okay, here’s where my internal zen master kicks in. This place CARES about relaxation. Big, bold, capital letters. Spa/sauna? Check. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Double check! Pool with view? Oooooh, fancy! And then the real goodies: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage. Sold, sold, SOLD! This is my kind of vibe.
Health & Cleanliness: COVID Realities, and a Hope for Sanity
Okay, let’s get real. We're living in COVID times, and safety is paramount. Anti-viral cleaning products? Good! Daily disinfection in common areas? Excellent! But let's be honest, sometimes those "professional-grade sanitizing services" feel like a marketing buzzword. I'm looking for evidence of the actual work.
A few positive factors worth noting:
- Hand sanitizer – A necessity in these times.
- Daily housekeeping – Love that!
- Rooms sanitized between stays, Room sanitization opt-out available – Good. Very good.
The Digital Realm: Connectivity is Key (and Free!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! That's a win right off the bat. Internet access? Of course. Internet [LAN]? For the old-school folks! I appreciate they've covered all the bases.
The "Things To Do" Box: More Than Just Sitting Around
Alright, beyond hitting the pool (a must!), what's there to do? Fitness center? Yes! Gym/fitness! Alright, let's face it, I'm more "Netflix and chill" than "gym rat", but it's a bonus. There's a convenience store if you need anything. They've also got Audio-visual equipment for special events and even places to Shine, and terrace. They also have Meeting/banquet facilities if you're on an extended stay.
The Fine Print: Services, Conveniences, and Little Details
Okay, let's dive into the nitty-gritty. Air conditioning in public area? Essential. Concierge? Nice to have. Dry cleaning, laundry service, Ironing service? All welcome, especially on extended stays. Elevator? Needed – assuming you're not on the ground floor. Parking? Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site] – Huge plus! I am a big fan of the Facilities for disabled guests.
The Room, the Room, the Room (Where the Magic Happens… or Doesn't)
Alright, this is where it gets personal. Air conditioning? Good. Alarm clock? Ugh, the enemy. Blackout curtains? YES! Thank you, sweet, sweet blackout curtains. Coffee/tea maker? Crucial. Desk? Essential for getting work done. Free bottled water? Score! Refrigerator? Yes! Wi-Fi [free]? Absolutely! Slippers? A nice touch of luxury.
And the extras: Additional toilet? Luxury! Bathrobes? Fancy! Extra long bed? Yes please!
For the Kids (and Those Who Still Feel Like One)
Babysitting service? Good for parents, bad for my nap plans. Family/child friendly? Nice. Kids facilities? I have no kids, but good for the ones who do.
The Check-In/Out Experience: Smooth Sailing or Utter Chaos?
Front desk [24-hour]? Great! Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]? Options I like. Contactless check-in/out? A must in the modern world.
Safety First (Because Who Needs Panic Attacks on Vacation?)
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms – all the things that reassure me (and should reassure you!). Safety/security feature? Yes, please. Soundproof rooms? Hallelujah!
Getting Around: Because Life Happens Beyond the Hotel Bubble
Airport transfer? Awesome! Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]? Love it. Taxi service? Useful.
My Arlington's BEST Extended Stay? Value Suites Awaits! Verdict
Okay, folks, the verdict? This place actually sounds pretty darn good. It really seems like they've thought of a lot of things. This is a real contender. So, if you need somewhere comfy, clean, and with all the conveniences, this is a worthy consideration.
Turkey's Panorama Plaza: Unveiling Paradise!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt to survive a week in the Value Suites Extended Stay in Arlington, Virginia. Lord, help me.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Fridge Debacle (aka, Welcome to Hell)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived in Arlington (via the hellish purgatory that is DCA – Dulles is way better, just saying). Found the Value Suites. It's… beige. Very beige. Like, beige-on-beige-on-beige. Instantly felt a profound sense of existential dread. The lobby had this weird lingering smell of stale coffee and… desperation? Not a good sign.
- 1:30 PM: Checked in. The guy at the desk – bless his heart – looked like he hadn't slept in three days and had seen things (probably the inside of a Value Suites fridge). Got the key. Room 317. Oh joy. Third floor, away from the (hopefully) noisy road.
- 2:00 PM: Room inspection. Okay, let's be real, this is more like an assessment for biohazards. First impression: it's clean-ish. But the carpet… oh God, the carpet. It had this weird crunch to it. Like walking on a bed of… well, I don't want to know. Then I hit the fridge. That's where things went sideways. It. Did. Not. Work. Zero chill. Zero ice maker. Just a sad, empty, lukewarm box. This, my friends, is the straw that broke the camel's back. Or rather, the straw that almost made me cancel the entire trip.
- 2:30 PM: Confrontation with the front desk. My inner Karen, who is usually well-behaved, came bursting out. Long story short, they promised to replace the fridge. "Soon." Famous last words. Am I condemned to a week of warm Diet Coke and despair? Possibly.
- 3:00 PM: Okay, regroup. Walking around Arlington. Trying to find some actual food I can actually eat here. This is my emotional reaction.
- 4:00 PM: Found a decent deli. At least the sandwich didn't look like it had been sitting in the fridge for a week.
- 7:00 PM: Back in the room. Fridge still a wasteland of warm air. Seriously, am I supposed to enjoy lukewarm beer? (Not like I should, I know) Ordered takeout. Trying to avoid the microwave. This is the only thing I'm trusting here.
- 9:00 PM: Staring at the non-working fridge, wondering if I should just order a new one from Amazon. Decided against it. Too much effort. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe.
Day 2: Monuments, Museums, and the Ongoing Fridge Saga
- 8:00 AM: Woke up to the sound of… silence. Surprisingly, the world didn't end. Fridge still a useless lump.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The "complimentary" breakfast in the Value Suites is a joke. Think stale cereal, sad-looking muffins, and coffee that tastes like something you'd find in a porta-potty. Scrounged some yogurt from the lobby market.
- 10:00 AM: Headed to the National Mall. Monuments! Museums! History! Blah blah blah. Okay, the Washington Monument is actually pretty impressive. The Lincoln Memorial gave me chills. The Smithsonian? Overwhelming, but awesome. I spent approximately three hours wandering aimlessly through the Air and Space Museum, drooling over the rockets. My attention span, however, is about as reliable as my fridge.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at some overpriced cafe near the Mall. Food was forgettable. My bank account is now weeping.
- 2:00 PM: Museum fatigue setting in. Need. Caffeine. Found a Starbucks. The line was horrific. But the caffeine was worth it.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Value Suites. The fridge… still broken. Called the front desk. Again. "Coming right up!" they said. Right. Sure.
- 6:00 PM: Decided to take a walk and clear my head. Found a lovely little park. Watched some kids playing. Briefly forgot about my fridge-induced misery.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. Ate a somewhat decent burger!
- 10:00 PM: Still thinking about the fridge from hell. Maybe I should just sleep in the ice machine.
Day 3: Fridge: The Plot Thickens (Or, Doesn't)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up with the singular thought: FRIDGE. Checked the fridge. Still dead. Dead. Called the front desk. "We're waiting on parts!" Apparently, this fridge is a vintage model from the Jurassic period?
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. The sad muffins continued to taunt me.
- 9:00 AM: Decided to get out of the hotel, it's going to be a long day.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at some local shop. Had a really good sandwich!
- 2:00 PM: Back to the Value Suites. Fridge, of course, still out of commission. I swear, I heard it mocking me. It was a low hum, like an ancient, malevolent presence.
- 6:00 PM: Decisive time to buy a giant cooler and tons of ice.
Day 4: Arlington Cemetery & The Pursuit of Cold
- 9:00 AM: After many calls to the front desk, decided to finally get a cooler. Bought it. Now I can finally have some semblance of cold!
- 11:00 AM: Finally went to the Arlington Cemetery. It was… difficult. Overwhelming. Powerful. The sheer scale of loss. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Gave me the chills. I'm not usually one for patriotism, but it got to me. (Bring tissues)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Needed something to lift the mood.
- 2:00 PM: Took a walk and listened to music.
- 7:00 PM: Ordered food. Put everything in the cooler.
Day 5: DC and Farewell
- 9:00 AM: Checked out. Finally. I'm free!
Post-Trip Reflections (Because This Is My Life Now)
- The Value Suites? Let's just say I'm not planning on returning anytime soon.
- Arlington: A surprisingly pleasant city, despite the beige walls and fridge of doom.
- Lesson Learned: Always, ALWAYS, check the fridge.
- And, most importantly, always pack plenty of snacks. You never know when you'll be plunged into a fridge-less abyss.
- Never, under any circumstances, trust the "complimentary" breakfast.
- And the next time I travel, I'm bringing a small army of fridges.
The End (or at least, the end of this particular nightmare).
Middletown's BEST Hotel? Goshen's Hidden Gem! (Holiday Inn Express Review)
Arlington's BEST Extended Stay: Value Suites Awaits? Buckle Up, Buttercup! (A Mostly Honest FAQ)
Okay, spill. Is Value Suites *really* the "best" extended stay in Arlington, like, *actually*?
Alright, alright, let's be real. "Best" is subjective, right? Depends on what you're after. If your priorities are, say, a butler, a Michelin-star chef, and a jacuzzi the size of a small car... then no. Go rent a mansion, honey. You're in the wrong place (and frankly, probably the wrong budget for this FAQ).
But, if you're looking for a *value* – and I mean, a *real* value, like, "I-need-to-save-money-but-not-live-in-a-dungeon" value – then Value Suites… well, they *could* be worth checking out. *Could* is the operative word here. Depends on the day. I've had days where I'd crown them the unsung heroes of budget travel, and others where I'd swear the paint fumes were more welcoming. (Which, you know, maybe they were...)
Look, I landed here on a whim, fleeing from… let’s just say a *complicated* situation. I wasn't expecting the Ritz, and frankly, I didn’t *deserve* the Ritz (or the emotional baggage that preceded it). Found myself staring at a Value Suites sign, feeling that sinking “oh, here we go…” feeling. But hey, it was cheap. And sometimes, cheap is the best you can wrangle.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they, like, clean?
Alright, let's tackle the elephant in the room (pun intended, considering the space...and sometimes the cleanliness). Cleanliness? It's... variable. Think of it like the stock market – sometimes up, sometimes down.
I've seen rooms sparkle. I swear, the cleaning crew must have been angels that week, because the floors were gleaming, the towels fluffy, and the air... well, the air didn't smell *overtly* like despair. Then there are the days you walk in, and you're pretty sure the last occupant was a pack of wild raccoons that threw a party.
My *personal* experience? One time, I found a… I'm not going to lie… a single, solitary sock. Under the bed. Clean? Not so much. Am I judging? Maybe. But hey, it’s an extended stay, you know? You gotta be okay with a little “lived-in” vibe.
My advice? Scope out the room *thoroughly* upon arrival. Like, flashlight-under-the-bed, examine-the-shower-grout level thorough. If it’s a disaster zone – and be honest with yourself, this isn’t a five-star hotel – politely ask for another room. They *usually* try to accommodate. "Usually" being the operative word there as well...
Are there kitchens in the rooms? Because eating out gets old. Fast.
Oh, bless you for asking! The kitchenettes are *essential*. Seriously. Eating out every single night is, well, it’s expensive and frankly, it’s a bit depressing. I've been there. The siren song of the drive-thru turns into a raging ocean of regret around 2 AM when you're nursing the inevitable heartburn after a late-night taco binge.
Yes, they have kitchens. They’re…functional. Don't expect a Viking range, people. Think more along the lines of a mini-fridge, a microwave strong enough to nuke a small planet (watch out for the popcorn!), a stovetop (sometimes!), and some very basic cookware. I once made an entire pasta dinner using one of those flimsy metal spatulas. It was… an experience.
The key is to pack smart – a few essential spices, maybe a decent pan if you're a serious cook, and definitely your favorite coffee maker because Value Suites’ coffee is… well, it’s… an acquired taste. (Think burnt tires mixed with sadness.) Seriously, bring your own coffee!
What about the amenities? Is there a pool? Gym? Do they have free Wi-Fi that *actually* works?
Amenities, ah, the promise of luxury… Okay, let’s reel it in. I'll be brutally honest. The amenities are… limited. Let’s put it that way.
The pool? Sometimes it's open. Sometimes it's green. Sometimes, you swear you see something *moving* in there. (Just kidding…mostly.) The gym? I recall a treadmill that looked like it was older than me. Seriously, I think it was in the Smithsonian. And the weights… well, let’s just say don't expect to be sculpting your six-pack there.
Wi-Fi? Ah, Wi-Fi. This is where things get interesting. It's… spotty. Like a teenager's acne, it flares up and disappears at random. I’ve spent hours staring at the loading symbol, willing the internet to work, muttering under my breath. (Mostly expletives.) My advice? Embrace the digital detox. Or, you know, invest in a good mobile hotspot. Seriously. You'll thank me later.
Listen, I *once* tried to stream a movie, and it took so long it nearly ran into the next century. I finished writing my memoirs instead. (The irony…)
What's the neighborhood like? Is it safe? Are there things to *do*?
Okay, so the neighborhood… It depends on which Value Suites you're talking about, because there are multiple locations. Some are better than others. Do your research! Look up the reviews. Google Maps street view is your friend.
Safety? Again, do your homework! Read reviews. Get a feel for the area. The old "trust your gut" advice is surprisingly useful in these situations. Walk around during the day. At night, be extra vigilant. I'm not going to sugarcoat it. It's sometimes…a little rough around the edges.
Things to do? Well, you're in Arlington! (I *think*.) It's not like you're stranded in the middle of nowhere. There are shops, restaurants, maybe even some attractions depending on the specific location. But, you'll probably need a car. The walkability is… well, let's say it's not exactly Paris.
Okay, so you're not exactly selling me on this place. Should I stay there or not?
Look, I can't tell you what to do. I’m not your mommy! (Though my own, bless her heart, would *definitely* tell me to choose a different place…) Here’s the bottom line: Value Suites *can* be a decent option, but it's *all about* managing your expectations.
If you're on a tight budget and you need a place to stay forUrban Hotel Search
