Escape to the Heart of PA: Fairfield Inn & Suites DuBois Awaits!
Escape to the Heart of PA: Fairfield Inn & Suites DuBois - A Whirlwind Weekend, Full of Surprises! (And Maybe a Little Too Much Coffee)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in DuBois, Pennsylvania, and let me tell you… it was an experience. Think of it as a whirlwind tour of Pennsylvania charm, peppered with unexpected hiccups (we'll get to those) and surprisingly decent coffee. This isn't just a review, it’s a therapy session, a confession, and a caffeine-fueled rant all rolled into one.
First Impressions (and a Questionable Odor):
Driving up, the Fairfield Inn & Suites looked… well, like a Fairfield Inn & Suites. No fireworks, no red carpets, just a perfectly functional, slightly beige building. The exterior was classic American lodging, and definitely accessible. Wheelchair accessible, check! Car park [free of charge]? Double check! They’ve even got Car power charging station which is a major plus in this day and age.
The lobby was clean enough, although, and I’m not going to lie, there was a faint, almost imperceptible smell… like… old air freshener struggling against a lingering swampy odor. Don’t get me wrong, not terrible, just… memorable. My first thought? "Oh honey, we're in DuBois."
Checking in was blessedly quick. Contactless check-in/out is a lifesaver these days, especially since I’m basically a walking petri dish. The staff seemed friendly enough, but you could tell they were managing a lot– this town has a weird energy, I'm still trying to figure it out.
Accessibility: More Than Just Ramps and Elevators… Almost Perfect
Now, as someone who occasionally requires a bit of extra room and ease of movement, I was genuinely pleased with the accessibility. The elevator was smooth and efficient. Hallways were wide, no awkward bumps or narrow squeezes. They got the basics right.
The room itself was generally good. No major issues. Elevator access for my room was perfect, always right there. Facilities for disabled guests were available, though I didn't personally need them. The Bathroom was fully accessible, with grab bars and all the necessities.
But here's where it gets a little messy. While the physical accessibility was solid, I didn't see real-world examples of inclusivity beyond the physical. A reminder that the true test of accessibility is about feeling included and understood and for this hotel, they still have a long road to travel.
The Room: Clean, Functional, and Surprisingly Decent… Coffee
The room itself was… functional. No five-star luxury here, folks. But it was clean! Daily housekeeping, a big win in my book. They definitely do Rooms sanitized between stays and have Professional-grade sanitizing services. The Air conditioning blasted, which was a godsend with the mid-summer heat. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a lifesaver for someone with work deadlines. As for the Internet access – wireless, it was fast enough to stream my cat videos!
The bed was comfortable; the blackout curtains were a blessing (hello, sleep!). Bathtub was clean, and the separate shower/bathtub was great. Plenty of Linens, Towels, and the usual Toiletries. Small details, done well.
Now, for the real shocker: the coffee. I know, I know, it sounds insane, but the little in-room coffee maker churned out a surprisingly decent cup. I’m talking, “worth waking up for” decent. I definitely utilized the Complimentary tea as well. That's the kind of small pleasure that makes an overnight stay worth it.
The desk was functional, making for a decent Laptop workspace.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Where the Adventure (and My Waistband) Began!
Breakfast was included, a buffet-style affair. Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, the whole shebang. The usual suspects: scrambled eggs that looked suspiciously yellow, rubbery sausage, bagels that could double as doorstops, and a waffle maker that I was afraid would swallow me whole.
There was some Buffet in restaurant but the food was… well, how do I put this nicely? Edible. Sort of. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was better than the in-room stuff, go figure. I’d be remiss if I didn't mention the questionable Asian breakfast with the option of Asian cuisine in restaurant which was offered. I'm still not sure if that was a dream or not. I think the strangest thing I saw was the salad in restaurant which did not look appetizing in the slightest.
Now, for the good news: There's a Coffee shop right next door, offering salvation in the form of actual, properly made coffee and delicious pastries. I'm not sure if this falls under the hotel's "on-site restaurant" category. I suspect not.
No Poolside bar, but hey, it's DuBois. Happy hour? Possibly. I was too busy trying to locate a decent cup of coffee to notice. They do have a Bar and a snack bar, but neither were remarkable.
Cleanliness and Safety: The New Normal (and Much Appreciated)
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so the Cleanliness and safety protocols were very important to me. They've definitely embraced the new normal. I noticed Hand sanitizer stations everywhere and the staff were wearing masks. They offered Daily disinfection in common areas, and I was given the option to opt-out from Room sanitization opt-out available.
As for Anti-viral cleaning products, they seemed to be working! My room smelled… clean, not disinfected. The hotel had a Doctor/nurse on call, (though I didn't need one), a First aid kit, and plenty of Smoke alarms. They even had a Fire extinguisher – nice to see it, hopefully, never used.
I appreciated the Cashless payment service and, in this day and age, it's vital. The staff seemed well-trained in the new hygiene protocols.
Things to Do (Besides Drinking Coffee and Contemplating Your Life Choices):
Okay, so DuBois isn’t exactly a bustling metropolis. But there are things to do!
- Ways to relax: Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Massage, Pool with view. I'll be honest: None of that happened. I saw no sign of a sauna, a spa, a steam room, or a pool with a view. The description on the website is highly misleading.
They at least have a Fitness center, which I peeked into. Looked to have the bare necessities. I didn't dare to use it.
They do have a Terrace that looks nice for some outdoor space if this is what you're looking for!
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
The Concierge was helpful, though their knowledge of the area was… limited. The convenience store was a lifesaver for late-night snacks. On-site event hosting is an option here, and they do have Meeting/banquet facilities if you need some of that for some reason.
They offer pretty standard services: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Luggage storage, and Safety deposit boxes. The Currency exchange option didn’t apply to me, but it was available.
The Air conditioning in public area was a plus.
For the Kids (or the Kid in You):
Family/child friendly – yes! They have a Babysitting service and Kids meal available. The hotel seemed well-suited for families.
The Quirks and the Quirky:
- The elevators had a weird, almost hypnotic rhythm.
- The brochure in the lobby featured a photo of a particularly uninspired-looking cheeseburger.
- The "Do Not Disturb" sign looked more like a suggestion than a firm rule.
The Verdict: Worth the Trip? Maybe, with Realistic Expectations and Lots of Coffee:
Would I stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in DuBois again? Probably. It's functional, clean, and the coffee is surprisingly good. But go in with realistic expectations. It's not a luxury resort; it's a serviceable, accessible place to rest.
Definitely a good base for exploring the heart of PA.
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is… well, it’s my trip to the Fairfield Inn & Suites in DuBois, Pennsylvania. And let me tell you, between you and me and the complimentary continental breakfast, things got interesting.
The "Officially Unofficial" DuBois Adventure: A Messy Love Letter (and a Few Gripes) to PA
(Day 1: Arrival & The Great Bathroom Mystery)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at the Fairfield Inn. Okay, first impressions. The lobby? Fine. Beige, predictable. I swear, every single Fairfield Inn in America is legally obligated to have a beige lobby. Anyway, check-in was smooth, which is always a win.
- 1:30 PM: Room discovered! And… there's an elephant in the room, or rather, a water-related problem. The bathroom floor? Slightly damp. Not a major flood alert, but definitely in "mystery seepage" territory. I call down to the front desk. Predictably, they say they'll get someone on it. I'd settle for just not slipping and falling while attempting to pee.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Room Re-Visited! The "Seepage" persisted. The maintenance guy came, fiddled, and gave me a vague explanation involving "pipes" and "things that move water." Okay, buddy. Moving on. Time to explore the glorious town of Dubois.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: A Dubois Town Exploration. I mean, the town of DuBois isn't exactly bursting with high-octane thrills, but there's a certain… charm? I drove around looking for anything remotely "iconic." Found a surprisingly good diner, "Luigi's Ristorante." Ate way too much pasta… and then, found a local park, and had a lovely visit with some of the locals.
(Day 2: Breakfast, Breakdowns, and Backroads Blues)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast: The Continental Combat Zone! I'm not gonna lie, the continental breakfast is a disaster. Mostly because I'm the kind of human who somehow manages to spill coffee on myself before I even take a sip. The waffles, though, were solid. I built a mountain of them and hid from society. Other People: Be warned!
- 8:00 AM: The Great Breakfast Battle Continues! I'm sure it wasn't the food. It was me.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: A Detour of Despair. I got lost. Like, really lost. The GPS decided it was a good time to take a lunch break and left me wandering down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere. I'm talking no cell service, crumbling barns, and a distinct feeling of being watched by a suspicious cow. This, my friends, is where my inner existential crisis kicked in.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch in the middle of nowhere, with a sandwich and a Coke. I felt utterly defeated.
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to Dubois. Back on solid ground! Went to the Penn State DuBois campus for a stroll, and then the mall, and then the hotel.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: The pool! Yes! This thing was not even crowded.
(Day 3: Farewell, DuBois (and One Last, Lingering Thought)
- 7:00 AM: The Continental Breakfast. The Waffle Mountains were calling, and I answered.
- 8:00 AM: Packing. Seriously, how does one always end up with more stuff than they started with?
- 9:00 AM: Check-out. No more bathroom weirdness. Success!
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shop! Why do I always leave this until the last minute? Found a "I Heart DuBois" bumper sticker. It's going on the junk drawer.
- 10:00 AM: Departure. I wave goodbye to the Fairfield Inn (and the mystery plumbing). DuBois, you were… something.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, silly, and full of moments where I questioned all my life choices. But you know what? That's life, right? And that's what makes the memories stick. I learned a valuable lesson in DuBois: sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that go hilariously wrong. And hey, maybe next time I'll bring a rubber chicken to deal with the existential dread. Or maybe not. Who knows? That's the beauty of it.
Hyatt Place Bethlehem: Your Dream Bethlehem Getaway Awaits!
Escape to the Heart of PA: Fairfield Inn & Suites DuBois Awaits! – Or Does It? (FAQs with a Side of Chaos)
Okay, so... DuBois? What's the *deal*? Is it actually an escape?
Alright, let's be real. DuBois isn't exactly the Maldives. It's...DuBois. Think rolling hills, a healthy dose of small-town charm (and sometimes, I swear, a layer of slightly dusty charm). But the Fairfield Inn & Suites? That's been my experience from the many trips to Pennsylvania.
It *can* be an escape. Depends on what you're escaping *from*. If you're running from the fluorescent lights of a big city, then YES. If you’re looking for a wild nightlife? Maybe not so much. Though I saw a karaoke night at something called “The Huddle” once. Let’s just say, it was… memorable.
My personal escape? I'm a writer, and sometimes I need to hit pause on my life. A change of scenery, even a slightly beige one, helps me think. So, for me, yes. It was a damn good escape. Though I brought my own damn good coffee.
The Fairfield Inn. Is the free breakfast actually worth the trip, or is it a sausage-based deception?
Breakfast. Oh, breakfast. Look, you're not gonna find Michelin-star cuisine here. But... the waffles? The waffle maker is a force of nature. I swear, I spent an entire morning trying to perfect the waffle-to-syrup ratio. (Spoiler alert: there's no such thing as too much syrup.)
Eggs? Okay, the scrambled eggs are...reliable. The sausage links? Eh. They do the job. But those waffles, man. They transport you to a place of pure, syrupy bliss. I confess. I am a waffle connoiseur. And the Fairfield's waffles... are passible. The coffee is...well, it's coffee. And the fruit? Hey, it's free! All in all. The waffles are enough to make the entire trip worth it. They provide hope.
What about the rooms? Are they clean? Comfy beds? Or should I pack a hazmat suit and a sleeping bag?
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks: the rooms are generally clean. I've stayed in worse. And better. But let me tell you. The beds? Oh, they're a DREAM. Seriously. I'm talking, sink-into-a-cloud kind of comfy. I'm a terrible sleeper usually, but their beds seem to do the trick, and I can get a good night's rest.
One time, though... I swear, there was a rogue crumb on the bedside table. But I'm talking, like, *one*. And I'm the kind of person who finds tiny imperfections. So, I can get past that. The TV worked, the bathroom was fine, and everything was generally... functional. Which, in my book, is a win.
Is there a pool? Because...priorities.
Yes, there is a pool. I *think*. I saw it. I think. Honestly, I'm more of a "sit-with-a-book-and-a-waffle" kind of gal. But I did see kids splashing around, screaming and having a blast. Which, you know, is the whole point. I am sure, if you are lucky enough yo get in there, you will be refreshed from Pennsylvania's weather.
My advice? If the pool is open, go for it. Just maybe...bring your own towel. Just in case. Always a good idea. I usually end up with my own towel no matter what and I never have any problems.
Okay, let's talk location. Is the Fairfield Inn a convenient base camp for exploring the area?
Location, location, location! It's… decent. Close to things, like, *mostly*. Depends what you're planning on doing. If you're a hiker, I know there are some state parks nearby. I am not a hiker, so I do not know much about it. But according to some websites, they’re pretty. If you're a shopping enthusiast, you'll find the usual suspects: chains, fast food, the works. You do have to drive. A lot. But hey, that's Pennsylvania for ya.
I recommend checking out the local diner. It sounds like a cliche' I am not a fan of cliches', but it is pretty good. And the staff are always friendly.
Anything else I should know before booking? Any hidden gems or major downsides?
Hidden gems... Hmm. I wouldn't call it a treasure trove. But the people are generally friendly. And the fact that there's a quiet, clean-ish place to sleep makes it worth it alone.
Downsides? Hmm. The Wi-Fi can be spotty. And one time, the elevator was out of service. Which was a total pain because, of course, my room was on the third floor. And I had all my bags. And I was tired. But I survived. That's the spirit, right? It's not the Ritz, but it's a decent place to rest your weary head after a day of, well, whatever you do in DuBois. Don't expect perfection. Expect a comfortable bed and a chance to escape (at least for a little while).... and those waffles.
I heard there’s a Cracker Barrel nearby. Is this true? Should I venture forth?
Cracker Barrel? Oh, yes. The siren song of the country store. It exists. It's a short drive. Should you venture forth? Look, if you crave the comfort food of your childhood (or just want some biscuits and gravy), by all means. It's Cracker Barrel. You know what you're getting. No surprises. Except maybe the wait time on a busy weekend. I hate waiting and I am impatient, so I usually avoid it.
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