Escape to the Columbia River Gorge: Fairfield Inn & Suites, The Dalles, OR
Escape to the Columbia River Gorge: Fairfield Inn & Suites, The Dalles, OR - A Review That's Actually Honest (and a Little Disorganized)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your average sterile hotel review. We’re diving headfirst into my recent stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in The Dalles, OR. And frankly? It was… an experience. One that definitely warrants a thorough unpacking. Here we go… (Deep breath)
First Impressions & Location, Location, Location (Accessibility & Getting There)
The Dalles, itself, is a hidden gem. The Columbia River Gorge is just… magnificent. The hotel’s location? Convenient! Finding the hotel was straightforward, a big plus after a long drive. Accessibility is a huge deal for me, and the hotel seems to make an effort. Wheelchair accessible features were readily apparent (ramps, elevators, etc.), which is always a good sign. I didn’t personally test everything, but from what I saw, it seemed pretty decent. But! And this is a big but… navigating the parking lot in a wheelchair? I’m just speculating because I don't have mobility issues, but the way it was set up, I bet it's a bit of a hassle. Car park [free of charge], though, gets a big thumbs up. No hidden parking fees! Score!
Rooms: Cozy-ish & Amenities A-Plenty… (And a Few Annoyances)
My room? Well, it was a room. No complaints on the basic functionality, the Air conditioning, which was a lifesaver, and the Blackout curtains (essential for sleep, people!). I'm all about a good night's sleep. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a godsend, especially since I'm a digital nomad currently (and my bank account is suffering, so paying for roaming is not happening!). The internet access – wireless was also good, and worked like a charm. I did like how the Sofa was set up in the room.
But… (see, there's ALWAYS a "but"!)… The carpet felt a little tired. And the bathroom? Functional, yes. Spa-like? Absolutely not. The water pressure was a bit… pathetic. I am also obsessed with a good Shower, so this was an immediate dislike. Also, the extra long bed was nice.
On the plus side, the refrigerator was handy for storing snacks and drinks. The presence of a coffee/tea maker was fantastic (coffee is my lifeblood). Complimentary tea was also available, I approve. I did hear the Alarm clock and immediately got PTSD from my school days. Oh well
All that being said, Daily housekeeping was a real bonus. The room was always tidy, which is appreciated, even if I don’t really care.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Protected (Mostly)
This is where the Fairfield Inn really shone. Given the state of the world, the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and the availability of Hand sanitizer everywhere were incredibly reassuring. They also had a Cashless payment service, which made me feel safe, and I like that!
I also felt that the hotel followed Hygiene certification, and the staff was all really skilled (they had been trained in Staff trained in safety protocol). I did feel that the hotel really cares.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Breakfast… Okay, Let’s Talk About Breakfast.
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for… the breakfast. (Dramatic pause). Well, it was a Breakfast [buffet]. Perfectly adequate.
The Asian breakfast was an interesting addition, you know, for people. I didn’t particularly enjoy it, but it's there! (Shrugs). There was your standard fare: scrambled eggs (a little… rubbery, if I’m honest), some sad-looking bacon, cereal, fruit, and the all-important coffee. The breakfast service was efficient, and the staff were friendly.
But here’s where my stream-of-consciousness, unfiltered opinion kicks in: They had one of those waffle makers. You know the ones! The kind where you pour in the batter and pray you don't end up with a burnt, inedible brick. I faced it. I conquered it (sort of). It was a Waffle of Triumph, or at least, a Waffle of Survival. This is your life, people
There's a Coffee shop too in the premises, which I appreciate, because I need my caffeine.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: More Than Just a Bed!
Okay, enough about food! Let's move onto other things.
The hotel boasts a Swimming pool [outdoor]. It was lovely, a really nice spot. There's also a Fitness center, a Gym/fitness. I, however, did not go to any of those. I think I went outside to the view to watch the sunset!
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
I appreciated the Concierge, and all their knowledge about the area. The Laundry service being available was great, as I'm quite lazy. They have Dry cleaning, too, but I did not use it. The Elevator was essential, of course! Facilities for disabled guests were available, which is cool. The Daily housekeeping was also appreciated. They also have a convenience store, which is awesome for snacks!
Okay, Here's the Rundown (SEO-Friendly, I Promise!)
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Metadata:
- Title: Fairfield Inn & Suites The Dalles Review: Honest & Unfiltered!
- Description: A detailed and brutally honest review of the Fairfield Inn & Suites in The Dalles, Oregon, including accessibility, cleanliness, dining, and more. Read real-life experiences and opinions.
- Keywords: Fairfield Inn & Suites, The Dalles, Oregon, hotel review, Columbia River Gorge, accessibility, free wifi, breakfast buffet, swimming pool, clean hotel, safe hotel, pet friendly, family friendly.
Final Verdict (My Unsolicited Opinion)
Would I stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in The Dalles again? Probably. It's a solid, reliable choice. It's not luxurious, but it's clean, safe, and the staff are friendly. The location is prime for exploring the Columbia River Gorge, and that, my friends, is a win. I just wish they'd invest in a better waffle maker… or maybe just offer pre-made waffles. Just a thought.
(And now, I need another coffee. Thanks for reading!)
Escape to the Heart of PA: Fairfield Inn & Suites DuBois Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into The Dalles, Oregon, baby, and it's gonna be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly tipsy kayak adventure." Here's the glorious, wonderfully messy, and utterly human plan for my stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites. Lord help us all.
DAY 1: Arrival, Apprehension, and Apples (Because Why Not?)
1:00 PM (ish): Arrive at Portland International Airport (PDX). Ugh, flights. The sheer humanity of shoving yourself onto a pressurized metal tube with a gaggle of strangers… it’s fascinating, in a disturbing, how-are-we-all-here way. Anyway, snag the rental car. Pray to the deity of easy driving that I don’t accidentally end up in Canada again. (Happened once. Don't ask.)
2:30 PM (give or take): Drive to The Dalles. Scenic route? Uh… yeah, sure. Google Maps says "scenic," which usually translates to "lots of wind farms and existential dread." I will, however, try to pay attention to the Columbia River. I hear it's pretty. (Narrator voice: She wouldn't pay attention, she'd be too busy trying to figure out how to make a decent Spotify playlist for the drive. And then re-do it three times.)
4:00 PM (ish): Check in to Fairfield Inn & Suites. Okay, confession time: hotels are hard. I'm that person who always gets the "room next to the ice machine" room. Or, worse, the one with the faint smell of… something. I'll cross my fingers for a room that doesn’t scream "former crime scene." First impressions of the room… well, it's a hotel room. Clean-ish. Bed seems… adequate. The air conditioning works! Victory!
4:30 PM: Unpack (messily). Toss everything everywhere. That one sock always runs off and hides under the bed. It's a constant mystery.
5:00 PM: Snack time. Locate the nearest grocery store. Because if there's one thing I can't do without, it's a decent bag of salty snacks. Maybe find some locally grown apples. Because, you know, Oregon. HEALTH! (Followed by a desperate search for the ice cream aisle.)
6:30 PM: Dinner! I'm thinking a dive into some local cuisine. Yelp, here I come! Pray The Dalles has something beyond burgers and chain restaurants. (Secretly hoping for a cozy bar with a fireplace and a grumpy bartender who secretly loves me. Don't judge.)
8:00 PM: Stumble back to the hotel. Watch some terrible TV, because, hey, vacation. Or maybe I'll attempt to read a book. I'll probably fall asleep two pages in. Whatever. It's a win.
DAY 2: Gorge-ous Adventures (and Probably Some Regret)
8:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Realize I’ve forgotten to set an alarm. Panic. Realize it’s fine. It's vacation. Stare at the ceiling for a bit. Contemplate the meaning of life. Decide to go to the free continental breakfast.
8:30 AM: Breakfast. Contemplate whether the "scrambled eggs" are really just a collection of dehydrated egg flakes. Decide they're probably fine. Load up my plate with all the carbs.
9:30 AM: Head for Multnomah Falls. Okay, technically it's not in The Dalles, but it’s the freaking Columbia River Gorge. You have to see it. Hope the crowds aren't insane. Secretly hope I can get a decent photo without a hundred other people in the background. (Narrator voice: She will fail spectacularly.)
11:00 AM: Multnomah Falls (fingers crossed). Gasp at the beauty. Probably take a million photos. (And complain about the lighting.) Try not to fall off anything.
1:00 PM: Lunch. Find a cute roadside cafe near the Gorge. Pretend I'm a travel blogger and take photos of my (probably overpriced) sandwich.
2:30 PM: Explore a local winery maybe. I'm not much of a wine drinker, but… hey, it's Oregon. Wine country, baby! (Prepare for a slight headache later. It's the price of scenic landscapes.)
4:00 PM (ish): Attempt to do some actual "outdoor activity." Consider a hike. Decide against a hike. Maybe a leisurely stroll along the riverfront? (Depends on how much wine I drank.)
6:00 PM: Dinner – this time, I'll actually plan it. And maybe not go back to the same dive bar. Though, grumpy bartender… hmmm…
7:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Write in my journal (or, more accurately, scribble down a few incoherent thoughts and hope I can decipher them later). Contemplate the meaning of life (again). Maybe find a weird, late-night TV show to watch. Or, let's be honest, pass out in front of the TV.
DAY 3: The Dalles Deep Dive (and the Imminent Departure)
8:30 AM: Wake up. Realize I still forgot to set an alarm. Feel like a champion.
9:00 AM: Repeat breakfast ritual. Judge the breakfast but eat it anyway.
10:00 AM: Explore The Dalles. Spend some time in the local shops, maybe. Check out the local history museum. Learn something. Pretend I'm suddenly very interested in the pioneers. (I will probably quickly get bored.)
12:00 PM: Lunch. Find the most local, charming, non-chain restaurant imaginable. Demand charm. And good food.
1:30 PM: Do something absolutely random and unplanned. Maybe go to a quirky antique store. Maybe find a hidden gem. Maybe just drive around until I get lost. The best adventures always happen that way.
3:00 PM: Pack up my stuff (with a growing feeling of despair about returning to reality). Try to figure out how to fold a t-shirt. Fail.
4:00 PM: Last chance to get any souvenirs! If I can't find a cool item (a mug, a t-shirt, something…), I’ll have to accept that this trip was just a dream.
5:00 PM: Enjoy a final, lingering moment of relaxation/despair at the hotel.
6:00 PM: Dinner. One last chance for a memorable meal. (Even if it's just a burger.)
7:00 PM: Depart from The Dalles. On the way, maybe I'll see a beautiful sunset. (Or maybe I'll be stuck in traffic and lose my mind, who knows?)
8:30 PM: Arrive at Portland International Airport (PDX). The airport is a vortex of humanity. I dread it, but then again, I love it. It’s where I'm from.
9:00 PM: Board the plane. Buckle up, and hope for the best! Pray for no turbulence. Pray I can actually sleep on a plane.
10:00 PM: Fly home, exhausted.
This, my friends, is my roadmap to potential disaster and unexpected joy. Wish me luck. And maybe send snacks.
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Escape to the Columbia River Gorge: Fairfield Inn & Suites - The Dalles, OR... Let's Be Honest (and a Little Messy)
Seriously, Is This Place Actually *Nice*? Or Just... Fine?
**Anecdote Time:** I remember one time, we arrived late, like, soul-crushingly late. The front desk guy, bless his heart, was clearly running on fumes. He fumbled with our key cards, mumbled something about "the continental breakfast," and then pointed us in the direction of the elevator. We got to the room, and I swear, I collapsed on the bed. It wasn't luxurious, but it was *there*. And it was, you know, clean-ish. And that’s sometimes all you need.
The Free Breakfast... Is It *Worth* It? I'm Thinking "Cereal and Regret" Here.
**Quirky Observation:** There’s always that ONE person who treats the waffle maker like a personal challenge, crafting towering abominations of batter and syrup. You just *know* they’re on vacation and determined to make the most of the “free” aspect. Godspeed, waffle warrior.
**My Opinion:** It’s… fine. It fills a hole. It saves you, maybe, ten bucks. I usually grab a waffle (because, why not?), a banana, and a cup of coffee that's more of a suggestion of coffee, and then I'm off to find some actual food. It is the very definition of "adequate." But I still go! Because, free.
What's the Deal with the Location? Is it Actually *Convenient* for Exploring the Gorge?
**Impression:** It's a really good basecamp. You can explore all day, then crash at the hotel. And, crucially, there are things to *do* nearby. Restaurants, a grocery store. You don't feel completely stranded, like you would if you were further out in the boonies.
Okay, But What About the Little Annoyances? You Know, the "Things No One Talks About" Things?
**Messy Thought:** The Wi-Fi is sometimes spotty. I mean, look, it’s not like I'm expecting stellar internet in the middle of nowhere. But sometimes, when it *really* matters, like when you are trying to book a last-minute dinner reservation for your Anniversary, it will fail. And the parking lot... It's not huge. So, if you get back late, you *might* be circling for a spot. I've totally done that dance before. Oh and the cleaning? I once witnessed a cleaning lady who did everything at once from the door, she looked at it and then went back out, I am not gonna lie. Honestly though, these are minor gripes. You're at a budget-friendly hotel. Manage your expectations. It’s not a penthouse suite, folks.
Is the Pool/Fitness Center Any Good? Or Just a Sad Afterthought?
The fitness center? I’ve walked through it. It’s the standard treadmill, elliptical, and a couple of weights. Enough to work up a sweat and feel slightly less guilty about all the waffles.
**Emotional Reaction:** Look, if you're expecting a luxurious spa experience, you're in the wrong place. But if you just want to take a dip (or hit the treadmill to counteract last night’s pizza), it does the job. Just don't expect miracles.
My Biggest Fear: Will My Neighbors Be Loud?
**Anecdote Doubled Down:** One time, I swear, the people in the room next door were having a full-blown argument that sounded like a Broadway play. I could hear every word, every dramatic sigh. It’s a reminder that even on vacation, life goes on. I'm not going to lie, it was entertaining.
My advice? Pack earplugs. Or headphones. And maybe a good book, in case you can't sleep... or in case you're eavesdropping. (Not that I would ever do that, of course.)
Overall: Should I Stay Here?
**My Opinionated Verdict:** If you're a fancy pants who demands luxury, well, you're probably not reading this. If you're on a budget, on a road trip, and prioritize locationBook Hotels Now
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