Candlewood Suites Appleton: Your Appleton Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of and it's going to be less "objective travel guide" and more "me rambling about my actual stay, warts and all." Think less sterile hotel brochure, more chatty friend over a slightly-too-strong cocktail. Let's get messy!
First Impression: A Sigh of Relief (and a Slightly Nervous Twitch)
Alright, so I'm rolling up to the place, right? After a flight that felt longer than my last breakup, the first thing is that I’m hoping for is AC, because I'm already a sweaty mess. The air conditioning in the public area is immediately a blessing. They also got wheelchair access? Awesome! I wasn’t personally worried about that, but it always warms my heart knowing everyone can get in there. The exterior corridor looked pretty standard, like you expect. The doorman, however, was like a Hollywood director with his eye contact with me, which was a bit much, but not awful.
Safety First (Because, Pandemic PTSD)
Okay, let's be real. Covid's still a thing (sigh), and I'm a nervous Nellie when it comes to germs. The good news is, they seem to be taking it seriously. The anti-viral cleaning products listed, that's a good sign. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Check. Room sanitization opt-out available? Actually, a good detail, since if you are extra paranoid like me, you can skip the whole thing. Daily disinfection in common areas? Fine by me. Staff trained in safety protocol? Crucial. Hand sanitizer all over the place? YES. Because sometimes, you need to douse yourself in it just for peace of mind. I felt pretty secure, even if I did stealthily wipe down the elevator buttons. The front desk [24-hour] and the Security [24-hour] and the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property I am a big fan of. You know what is also great? Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and all the other safety/security feature.
The Room: A Sanctuary (Mostly)
Alright, let's talk room. Because that's where you actually live when you're traveling, right? First, the good: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Huge win. And it actually worked which is a godsend. A comfy bed, blackout curtains (thank God!), and a desk for when you inevitably need to pretend to work (we all do it). The in-room safe box is a must. I am also a sucker for slippers, which they had. Daily housekeeping felt good. They also provide free bottled water. That's lovely, but…
The bad, or what I'd change: The window that opens is great usually…this one didn’t. So I was trapped with a dark room until housekeeping arrived. Also the internet access – LAN didn't work for me. I couldn't get it to function, but I can forgive that. The bathroom phone? Kinda creepy. I didn't attempt to call anyone from the shower. I’m not sure what I would even do.
Food Glorious Food (And the Occasional Disaster)
Alright, food. This is where hotels usually either shine or spectacularly fail. Let's start with breakfast [buffet]. It was a buffet, let’s just say that much. It was…adequate. I saw Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, coffee/tea in restaurant, but honestly, it blurred together. I wouldn't go out of my way, but it was edible enough. The breakfast takeaway service is a good addition.
The restaurants they have were okay. The alternative meal arrangement is good in case you hated everything. The happy hour was a win for sure. The poolside bar was a nice touch. Room service [24-hour]? Thank GOD. I ordered a pizza at 3 AM after a terrible poker game. It arrived, it was warm, and I was in heaven. They have vegetarian restaurant, which I didn't test out.
Things to Do (Or, Why I Didn't Leave My Room for 48 Hours)
Okay, this is where I got lazy, probably. They advertise tons of things to do. They have a fitness center which I glanced at longingly. They also have a spa/sauna, body scrub, body wrap, foot bath, and massage. And a swimming pool [outdoor] and a pool with view! I didn’t use any of them! I spent most of my time binge-watching bad reality TV. I’m sure it was nice, but I was tired.
Okay, here's where the review goes sideways a little. The main reason I went was for some "me time." So, the couple’s room sounded amazing, and I wanted to try it out for a good sleep. But I had a terrible nights sleep. The room decorations were a bit… much. It was like, a lot of gold and fluff. I probably shouldn’t have started with that.
Extra Touches That Made Me Smile (And Then Grumble)
- The Coffee/Tea Maker: Essential. I cannot function without my caffeine fix.
- Cashless payment service: This is nice. I don't want to carry cash anymore.
- Luggage storage: Convenient.
- The Gift/Souvenir Shop: It saved me, because I had to get someone a gift!
- Invoice provided: Perfect for my expense reports.
The Annoyances (Because, Real Life)
- The Lack of Pets Allowed: I miss my cat. Always. I want everyone to know that.
- The Elevator: There are always delays!
- The Smell of Perfume everywhere.
Overall Verdict:
Would I stay here again? Maybe. It’s a solid hotel. The service was good, the rooms were okay, and the location was…convenient. The main negative of any hotel is the sameness of it all. If they could inject some personality, I’d recommend it more.
Booking Offer (Because, You Want to Know How to Book, Right?)
Okay, listen up! This hotel might not be perfect, but it's a solid choice. And hey, if you use my secret booking hint, maybe you can get a deal.
Here's my booking pitch:
"Are you craving a getaway where you can actually relax? Book a stay at the hotel and discover a world of convenience. With free Wi-Fi in every room, you can catch up on work or stream your favorite shows in peace. Indulge in the 24-hour room service, so you can satisfy any craving, any time. And with all the comfort, you have nothing to worry about. So book now. See you there…maybe after I’ve raided the mini-bar and put my "Do Not Disturb" on."
Montclair, NJ: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of This Charming Town
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're going to Appleton, Wisconsin, and let's just say, I'm going in with zero expectations and a whole lotta hope that the vending machine at the Candlewood Suites isn't a complete ripoff.
Day 1: Arrival and the Perilous Quest for Snacks
- 1:00 PM - Arrive at Appleton (or, as the locals probably call it, "Appleton"). I'm flying in – pray for my sanity and no screaming babies. The flight was delayed, naturally. I'm already cranky. My "happy place" is usually, like, a dimly lit bakery with a perfectly flaky croissant, so this airport situation is NOT hitting the mark.
- 1:15 PM - Shuttle to Candlewood Suites Appleton. Ah, the promise of "suites." Let's see if this matches the mental image of a plush hotel room or something resembling a college dorm with a kitchenette. First impressions count, and the lobby…well, it's there. We're off to a rocky start, people.
- 1:45 PM - Check-in and Room Reconnaissance. Okay, the room is actually a suite. A little sad, but a suite nonetheless. Mini-kitchen, check. Basic furniture, check. The decor screams "business travel," which, let's be honest, is probably exactly who this place caters to. I'm thinking of rearranging the furniture to make it feel less "corporate." Then again, I'm also considering ordering pizza and living off chips and Netflix.
- 2:30 PM - The Great Snack Hunt. This is the pivotal moment. I need sustenance. There's a grocery store a mile away, but I'm exhausted. This is where the vending maching has to deliver. I plunge a dollar. It spits out a bag of stale-ish, semi-burnt popcorn. I groan. Guess I'll have to work on my inner adventurer and hunt for a real grocery store.
- 3.30 PM - The Perils of the Grocery Store. Fine, I drove to the Hy-Vee (local chain!). I wandered, stunned, by the sheer amount of dairy products available in this town. Cheese curds? Wisconsin is living its best life. I'm torn between the Wisconsin cheese and the general feeling of overwhelm. The line was long. The cashier was very chatty. This is all part of the charm, I guess. Back to the hotel…
- 5:00 PM - Netflix and Chill (and Cheese Curds). Mission accomplished. Pizza, chips AND cheese curds. And let's just say, I'm now officially embracing the concept of "Wisconsin hospitality".
- 7:00 PM - Contemplating the Future. Do I leave the hotel room? Where do people actually go in Appleton? Should I start an episode of something new? So many questions. Too much pizza. I'll probably just go to bed.
Day 2: Architecture and the Unexpected Art of Making Friends
- 9:00 AM - Coffee and a Bit of Resolve. The coffee situation at this hotel is depressing. Like, instant coffee made with sadness water. But I'm alive, and I have a new determination to see Appleton.
- 10:00 AM - History Stuff. Okay, so Appleton has something called "Hearthstone Historic House Museum." Built in the 1880s, it was the first home lit by hydroelectric power. It's cool, if you're into history. I am, sometimes? The interior is interesting, but the guide spends, like, 20 minutes describing the wallpaper. I zone out.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and an Unexpected Chat. Found a cute little diner. While waiting, I overheard a conversation between two people. One of them were talking about how the local art scene is great. Turns out, they knew a lot about the area. They gave me a bunch of recommendations. Turns out, this town isn't what I expected!
- 2:00 PM - The Art Scene. Following their advice, I went to the "Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass." It sounds a bit boring, but it's actually really cool. Some of the glass art is gorgeous! I stand there, mouth agape, realizing I might actually be enjoying myself. It's like, a whole new world, this art thing.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner with New "Friends." The nice couple from the diner? They invited me to dinner! We ate at a place with fantastic craft beers. It was awkward at first, but as the evening progressed, it got better and better. We chatted about everything. Who knew a random lunch could turn into a fun evening?
- 9:00 PM - Reflecting and Regret. I've had a great day. I'm exhausted and I probably drank too much beer. The cheese curds have been replaced by amazing food. My initial cynicism about Appleton is slowly melting away. One little thing: I forgot my chapstick. I'm doomed.
Day 3: Nature, Shopping, and the Departure Dance
- 8:00 AM - Goodbye Beer and Headaches. Ouch. Coffee, and lots of water. Must. Recover. From. Evening.
- 9:00 AM - The Gardens. There's a botanical garden in Appleton. I figure a little fresh air is good for the soul (and the hangover). It's pretty, serene. Ducks waddle about. This is exactly the kind of quiet beauty I need right now.
- 11:00 AM - Last Minute Shopping. I have to get some souvenirs. Found a quirky boutique downtown. I bought a Wisconsin-shaped magnet that actually reminds me of my new friend. Maybe I'll actually appreciate my time spent in this town.
- 1:00 PM - A Quick Lunch. Back to my favorite restaurant on the itinerary. Another great meal.
- 2:00 PM - Preparing for Departure. Packing is always the worst part. The vending machine will probably not get my business this time around.
- 3:00 PM - Farewell to Appleton. The shuttle arrives. I leave with a slightly lighter bag, a fuller stomach, and a much different impression of Appleton than I had expected.
- 4:00 PM - Departure Flight. The gate is empty. The flight is on time. I close my eyes and think, "Well, that was a whirlwind." Then, I promptly fall asleep.
This itinerary is a work in progress, just like me. It might get messy, it might change, and it'll probably involve copious amounts of cheese. Wish me luck.
Jen's Amazing Paranaque Pad: Your Dream PH Apartment Awaits!
So, what IS all this "FAQ" stuff anyway? You sound like a robot.
Ugh, robots. Look, I am *definitely* not a robot. An FAQ, for those of you who've been living under a digital rock, stands for "Frequently Asked Questions." It's supposed to be a place where people find answers to the common blunders... I mean, questions... they got. I'm *attempting* to be helpful. Emphasis on "attempting." I'm not perfect, and I've got a whole lot of feelings, so the robot thing? Completely unfair.
Okay, okay, I’m sorry. But what are YOU answering FAQs *about*? Like, what's the topic?
Well... that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? And the answer? Life. And possibly, *everything*. See, I decided to tackle the big things... and the small things... actually, I just got an urge to put all thoughts that pop into mind. I have a thing for tackling things in general – whether it's the laundry mountain, or the existential dread of staring into the void. I'm going to provide answers to the questions YOU might be having, or *should* be having, whether you realize it yet or not. Ready or not, here comes the truth.
Sounds vague. Specifics?
Okay, okay! So, I might be talking to you about love, loss, career fails (been there, done that, got the t-shirt), the best (and worst) pizza toppings, the meaning of life (still working on that one), the proper way to deal with a screaming toddler (mine, usually), how to fold a fitted sheet (a mystery for the ages, honestly), and the existential dread of accidentally liking a Facebook ad. I'm pulling from experience! Trust me, the stories are the juicy part here.
You mentioned career fails. Tell me about it. Don’t leave me hanging.
Oh boy. Buckle up, buttercup; this is a long one. Okay, let's just say my resume resembles a graveyard of good intentions. I tried being a…a *lot* of things. I tried being a glamorous PR exec (wrongly assumed it involved cocktail parties all day; it did not). I tried being a freelance writer (lots of writing, very little freelancing – let’s just say deadlines and I don’t get along). I even tried to be a dog walker! (The dogs hated me. I suspect I was more of a "professional belly rub" provider, not a “get-them-moving” type). The absolute nadir? The infamous "pretend to be a sales consultant" job. The less said, the better. It was a disaster of epic proportions. Think "The Office" but sadder. It ended with me hiding in the bathroom, eating office donuts, and questioning my very existence. The point? Failure is not the end. It's a hilarious story to tell later. And it's okay to eat donuts when it sucks.
What about love and loss? Because those are REAL.
Oh, honey, love and loss? Those are the *bread and butter* of life, aren't they? I've loved. Fiercely. Foolishly. Probably a little too much sometimes. And I've lost. People, opportunities, socks (where do they even GO?!). The heartbreak? It's like getting hit by a bus (a very slow, emotional bus). I've learned that the only way *through* it is *through* it. Cry, scream, eat ice cream straight from the carton, listen to sad songs on repeat. Get it all *out*. And then, eventually, the sun *does* come up again. I remember after the breakup, I went to Greece alone. I sat on the beach, eating olives and crying into my sunglasses. Then, I looked up and thought, "Well, this is beautiful." The pain doesn't always vanish, but it does... soften.
Okay, pizza toppings. You mentioned it! The most important question. Go.
Alright, alright, settle down, pizza fanatics. This is serious business. The BEST topping combination? Hmm… This is going to infuriate some people, I can feel it. For me: Thin crust. Sauce? A spicy marinara. Mozzarella... obviously. And then? Artichoke hearts, crumbled goat cheese (don't @ me!), and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Yes, I've been known to argue with delivery drivers about the *quality* of their basil. It's a *passion*. And the WORST? Pineapple. Fight me. Okay, maybe I am a bit opinionated.
What about the meaning of life? No pressure or anything, but....
Okay, so, the Meaning of Life. Yeah, no biggie. Totally figured it out. (Sarcasm alert.) Look, if I had a definitive answer, I'd be on a yacht somewhere, not answering FAQs. Here's what I *think*: It's not some grand, preordained destiny. It's about the small things. The laughter with friends. The perfect cup of coffee. The feeling of sunshine on your face. It's about surviving the bad days, learning from the mistakes, and, most importantly, being as kind as possible, to yourself and others. It's a journey, not a destination. I am very sure about that.
Screaming toddlers. You mentioned it. What do you suggest?!
Oh, the screaming toddler. A symphony of chaos and tiny, tiny demands. Okay, first: breathe. Seriously. Deep breaths. Second: Identify the problem. Are they hungry? Tired? Overstimulated? Bored? (Usually all of the above concurrently). Sometimes, I find *distraction* works wonders. "Ooh, look a squirrel!" (Disclaimer: your mileage may vary; toddlers are crafty little beings). Other times, you just have to ride it out. Eventually, the screaming *will* stop. Eventually. I once spent an entire afternoon negotiating with my kid to eat ONE carrot. I lost. He ate the floor. It was... a day.
