Beckley's BEST Kept Secret: The Western Plus Beckley Inn!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of Beckley's BEST Kept Secret: The Western Plus Beckley Inn! Get ready for some honest takes, a bit of rambling, and maybe just a touch of oversharing. Let's do this.
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- Meta Description: Honest review of the Western Plus Beckley Inn in West Virginia! Discover why it's a surprisingly solid choice, from accessibility to the somewhat-disappointing-but-kinda-charming pool. Plus, all the messy details!
The Beckley Inn: My (Almost) Love Story
Right off the bat, let me preface this by saying I'm not a hotel snob. I appreciate a clean room, a decent breakfast, and Wi-Fi that doesn't make me want to throw my laptop out the window. The Western Plus Beckley Inn, bless its little heart, mostly delivers. Is it the Ritz? Absolutely not. Is it a place with character, quirks, and maybe a few minor issues? Oh, hell yes.
Accessibility: A Solid Start (and a Few Wobbles)
Okay, so this is IMPORTANT to me, and luckily, it's where the Beckley Inn shines. They claim to be wheelchair accessible, and from what I saw, mostly they are. The lobby had a ramp (yessss!), elevators worked (double yessss!), and the rooms I checked out had grab bars in the bathroom (triple yesss!). Now, I didn't personally need all these features, but I appreciate the effort and the fact that they make it easy for others. I'd give them a solid 4 out of 5 stars for this, but here's the wobble: I overheard someone complaining at the front desk about a specific room not being quite up to snuff. So, double-check if specific accessibility needs are vital. Don't be shy! They seem to try.
- Wheelchair accessible: Yes! Mostly yes!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Yes! The front desk staff was very helpful to the person complaining.
- Elevator: Yes, it had one that worked!
The Room: A Tale of Comfort and Slight Disappointment
The rooms…well, they were clean. Honestly, that's a huge win for me. The bed was comfortable enough. I slept, and that's what mattered. Now, let's get into the details:
- Free Wi-Fi: Yep, worked flawlessly. Major points for this. No one wants to be disconnected these days!
- Air Conditioning: The AC unit, however, sounded like a small airplane taking off. I used the earplugs from my travel kit. It worked but, ugh.
- Internet Access – Wireless and LAN: I only used the wireless. It was speedy.
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Ah, the sweet, bitter comfort of hotel coffee. Adequate.
- Desk + Laptop Workspace: Decent. Standard hotel desk, nothing fancy. I will say the chair wasn't amazing, but did the job.
- Non-Smoking Rooms: Thankfully. No lingering cigarette smell – a huge win.
- Extra Long Bed: This was not a huge win for me, at 5'3.
- Bathrooms: They had the basics and they were generally clean.
- Toiletries: Provided. The travel sized shampoo and conditioner, of course were useless to my long hair.
- Mirror: Present and accounted for.
- Blackout curtains: Perfect!
- Reading light: Perfect for reading!
- Alarm clock: Tick tock.
- Hair Dryer: Present!
- Mini Bar: Nope.
- Refrigerator: A real blessing!
- Safe: Not there.
- Sofa: Was not provided.
- Socket near the bed: Yes!
- Slippers: Nope.
- Towels: Clean.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
- Car Park [free of charge, on-site]: Huge plus! Finding a parking spot was never an issue.
- Taxi service: Available.
- Airport transfer: They offer this.
- Bike Parking: Not that I saw.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food (and Drink) Adventure Begins
Okay, here's where things get interesting. The Beckley Inn boasts a range of dining options. Let's break it down:
- Restaurants: Multiple.
- Asian Cuisine in restaurant: Indeed.
- Western Cuisine in restaurant: Yes.
- Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was… well, it existed. It had the standard hotel fare: scrambled eggs (questionable origin, but edible), sausages, waffles, fruit, and cereal. I went for the waffles and regretted it.
- Buffet in restaurant: See above for the buffet.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Endless coffee, which, as a caffeine addict, I appreciated. The tea selection was less impressive.
- Bar: Yes, and while it was a standard hotel bar, it was a nice place to unwind after a long day.
- Room service [24-hour]: I didn't use it, but it's nice to have the option.
- Snack bar: They were well stocked!
- Poolside bar: Yes.
- Breakfast takeaway service: Present but not my choice!
- Bottle of water: Yes!
- Happy hour: present!
Here's an anecdote: One night, I was starving. I wandered down to the restaurant (which apparently also has an Asian food component), and ordered Pad Thai. The pad thai showed up, and…it was certainly Pad Thai. Let's just say that it wasn't the best Pad Thai I've ever had, but it was edible. And the service was friendly, if a little slow.
Ways to Relax: The Spa (Maybe), the Pool (Potentially)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes, yes, yes! But the pool was… underwhelming. The water was clean, but the ambiance was lacking. It looked more like a concrete rectangle. It was a warm day, but I did not want to take a dip.
- Spa: Nope!
- Spa/sauna: No!
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying, Trying, Trying…
- Cleanliness: Generally clean, but you could tell it was an older hotel.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Mentioned in a sign, anyway.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: They seemed to be making an effort.
- Hand sanitizer: Stations strategically placed.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Promised.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Apparently so.
- Fire extinguisher: Present, yay.
- Smoke alarms: Yes.
- Safe dining setup: They tried!
- Additional toilet: Nope.
This is the important, the serious, part. I felt safer in the hotel. There was security present.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual, Plus a Few Surprises
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes, thankfully.
- Business facilities: They have business facilities.
- Cash withdrawal: You could do that.
- Concierge: Not that I saw.
- Convenience store: The have a small shop. Perfect for forgotten things.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes. They knocked early, but yes!
- Elevator: Yes.
- Invoice provided: If you need it.
- Luggage storage: Available.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: They have those.
- Smoking area: Designated.
For the Kids: What's On Offer?
- Family/child friendly: Yes, definitely!
- Kids facilities: Not that I saw.
- Babysitting service: They offered that.
Overall:
The Western Plus Beckley Inn is a decent choice. It's not going to blow your mind, but it provides a safe, clean, and somewhat functional base for exploring Beckley and the surrounding area. It's got its quirks. The pool is underwhelming. But the accessibility is a huge plus, and the free Wi-Fi is a godsend. If you’re looking for luxury? Look elsewhere. If you need something decent at a reasonable price, you could do a lot worse. In fact, you might just find yourself feeling more at home than you'd expect. I'd go back. Maybe. With earplugs. And lowered expectations for the pad thai.
Unbelievable Erie Getaway: Wingate by Wyndham Erie (PA)!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Here's my attempt at a Beckley, WV, adventure, fueled by strong coffee and even stronger opinions. And yeah, this ain't your grandma's perfectly curated travel itinerary. Consider it more like… a chaotic, slightly caffeinated love letter to a West Virginia motel room.
Beckley Bonanza: A Whirlwind of Wonder (and Maybe Mild Regret) at the Best Western Plus Beckley Inn
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and Anxiety
- 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: The Descent. (Or, "Getting Lost…Again.")
- Okay, so my GPS led me almost to Beckley. Emphasis on almost. Turns out, a detour through some suspiciously charming, and very hilly, back roads added an extra 45 minutes. Scenic? Yes. Efficient? Absolutely not. I pulled into the Best Western, sun-baked and slightly frazzled, already picturing the hotel receptionist judging my map-reading skills.
- 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Check-in & Room Reconnaissance
- The lobby was… fine. Standard Best Western fare. Clean-ish. And the receptionist? Surprisingly cheerful, considering I probably looked like a disheveled scarecrow. Room key acquired! I did a quick scan of the room.
- First Impressions: Everything felt…beige. Beige walls, beige carpet, beige bedspread. I momentarily considered starting a beige-themed art project just to spice things up. But then I saw the giant flat-screen TV, and all was forgiven. Plus, the AC blasted arctic air. Bliss.
- 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Food! (Necessity, Not Preference).
- Lunch was a quick bite at the fast-food restaurant down the street. Let's just say, after a long drive, anything that came in a brown paper bag was a culinary masterpiece.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
- Alright, this was the reason for my trip. I was itching to delve into some coal mining history, and the Exhibition Coal Mine was supposed to be the spot. My expectations were pretty high, and boy, did it deliver! The tour guide was knowledgeable and had a twinkle in his eye as he recounted the stories of the miners. The kids in the group though? Well, let's just say they were not as thrilled about the tales of hard labor underground.
- Anecdote: I was slightly mortified when a particularly enthusiastic toddler started mimicking the tour guide's mining-related sound effects (shoveling, hammering, etc.). The guy just laughed it off. A true professional.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner and Decompression
- Back to the hotel for a quick dinner. The local diner seemed closed, so the vending machine it was. The chips, that stale-tasting, yet still somehow satisfying, snack of champions. After the food, I dove headfirst into a bubble bath that, considering the water pressure, felt like a slow, luxurious glacier melt.
Day 2: Mountains, Mishaps, and the Quest for Decent Coffee
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast and the Great Coffee Quest
- Hotel breakfast? More like, "beige breakfast." The scrambled eggs looked suspiciously yellow, and the coffee tasted like… well, it tasted like the despair of a Monday morning. My mission? Find real coffee. This turned into a running theme for the rest of the day.
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Hiking in the New River Gorge National Park
- I drove a bit, parked the car, and then spent a glorious few hours hiking. The gorge was breathtaking, the trails were (mostly) well-marked, and the sweat was… plentiful. I even managed to avoid falling off a cliff, which, for me, is a major victory.
- Quirky Observation: The squirrels in the park were aggressive. I swear, one of them straight-up glared at me for not sharing my granola bar. And the view! The New River Gorge Bridge itself is a marvel. I took a thousand pictures, and none of them do it justice.
- 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch, and Coffee Hunt Part 2
- I grabbed a sandwich at a cafe. The coffee? Still, a disappointment, but at least the sandwich kept me alive.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring the Town (and More Coffee Disappointments)
- Beckley itself is charming, in a quiet kind of way. I tried to explore the local shops, but the afternoon heat had me feeling more like a melting popsicle than an intrepid explorer. More importantly, I still hadn't found good coffee. I asked a local, who gave me a cryptic answer about a "hidden gem" on Main Street. The coffee hunt was proving to be more difficult than the hike.
- Emotional Reaction: Frustration! I was starting to think good coffee didn't exist in Beckley.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner and the Evening's Entertainment
- Decided to skip the hotel restaurant, opted for a pizza from a local place. It was heavenly. I found that the best way to enjoy a great pizza is to eat it solo, in a darkened motel room, watching whatever weirdness comes on basic cable.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: The Late-Night Snack Run
- The pizza kicked in, so I had to go out and buy a soda and a snack. I ended up buying chips, and then got the idea to buy a pizza. So I had a pizza and some chips.
Day 3: Departure and Reflection (and a Sudden Craving for Beige)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: The Final Breakfast (and, Miraculously, Good Coffee!)
- I woke up, and, lo and behold, the hotel had a new coffee machine! This time, its quality was better. Hallelujah!
- 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Packing and Contemplation
- Packing is a skill I haven't mastered yet. My suitcase resembled a bomb went off in a laundry basket but, somehow, it all fit.
- 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Farewell to Beckley
- One last look at the beige room. It wasn’t awful. It was simple. It was where I had spent the past few days, and now it was time to go home.
- I left the hotel, with my memories, my dirty laundry, and a strange respect for the color beige.
- Overall Thoughts:
- Best Western Plus Beckley Inn: Not the Ritz, but perfectly adequate. Clean, comfortable, and the AC works like a dream.
- Beckley Itself: A charming town with a rich history and some truly beautiful scenery.
- My Takeaway: Don't be afraid to get lost (literally and figuratively). Embrace the chaos. And always, always, bring your own coffee.
And there you have it! My unfiltered, imperfect, and slightly caffeinated chronicle of a Beckley adventure. Hope you enjoyed it!
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Beckley's BEST Kept Secret (Shhh!) - The Western Plus Beckley Inn - FAQish, Rambling, and Probably Overly Personal
So, what's *actually* good about the Western Plus Beckley Inn? Seriously, is it worth it? Because I'm on a budget, okay?
Okay, let's be real. It's not the Ritz. But honestly? For the price – and let’s be super honest, I'm usually watching my pennies too – it's surprisingly decent. Honestly, the word "secret" might be a little dramatic. Maybe "Well-Kept *Value*." The rooms? Clean enough. Comfortable enough. Sometimes, the shower pressure feels like a disappointed trickle, and the décor… well, let's just say it hasn't been updated since the early 2000s. But, and this is a big but (pun intended – I'm a sucker for bad puns), it *works*. And hey, they have free breakfast, which, when you’re facing a long drive, is a lifesaver. I remember one time, rushing out the door, grabbing a waffle and literally pouring syrup down my shirt in the process. Didn’t care! Coffee and a waffle… survival.
The Free Breakfast. Spill the tea. What's it REALLY like? Is it edible?
Alright, here's the lowdown: Don't expect gourmet. We're not talking Michelin stars. Think… basic. But honestly? I’ve had worse paid breakfasts at supposedly "fancy" places. They usually have the standard continental fare: cereal (mostly the sugary kind, which is a win in my book!), bagels, toast, maybe some sad-looking fruit, and those glorious, slightly-plastic-y (but still comforting) waffles. They also usually have eggs and sausage, which vary in quality from "okay, I guess" to "surprisingly edible." The coffee? Let's just say it gets the job done. I've had a few questionable experiences with the waffle maker, I will admit (once, managed to set off the smoke alarm when I let the batter escape the edges and burn to a crisp. Mortifying!). But hey, free is free, folks. And honestly, that waffle? Sometimes, after a long drive, it's the best darn thing in the world. It’s a small comfort, a little taste of hope before you hit the road again. It gets you going, and that's the point, right?
Are there any downsides? Be honest. I need to know the *real* stuff.
Okay, yes. Let's be real here. There are… *quirks*. First, the Wi-Fi can be spotty. Prepare for it. Bring a book. Or embrace the silence! (I need more of that in my life). Second, the walls are paper-thin. So, if you’re a light sleeper and your neighbor decides to have a late-night karaoke session (it happened to me once. I could hear every warble!), well… you might be in for a rough night. I swear, I think I heard the guy practicing "Bohemian Rhapsody" at 3 am. Third, the parking lot *can* be crowded, especially if there's a big event in town. Fourth, and this is minor, the décor. It’s… well, it's not going to win any design awards. Think "generic hotel chain" with a slight whiff of faded glory. But really, are you going there for interior design? No. You are going there to rest your weary head.
What's the vibe like? Is it friendly? Is it a haven for… well, I guess I want to know if it's safe?
The vibe? Generally chill. It’s not a party hotel. It's more… a place where weary travelers (like myself!) collapse for the night. The staff? Usually friendly and helpful. I’ve had some truly lovely interactions with the folks at the front desk. They’re often locals, and they can give you the inside scoop on things to do in the area. As for safety, I’ve always felt safe there. The area around the hotel seemed fine. I’ve never had any issues. But, you know, be aware of your surroundings, as you should anywhere. Use common sense. But I've stayed there many times, and never felt unsafe. Always felt welcome.
Is it close to anything interesting? What's the location like?
The location is… okay. It’s not right in the heart of the action, but it's reasonably close to a few restaurants and shops. You'll definitely need a car to get around Beckley, though. It’s a good launching pad for exploring the surrounding area, though, especially if you're into outdoor activities. I once used it as a base for a hike in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. (Absolutely stunning, by the way). And hey, if you forget something? There's usually a Walmart or some other big-box store fairly close by. Convenience is key, my friends. I'm a sucker for convenience!
Okay, so the waffle incident. Spill the beans. What EXACTLY happened? I need details.
Alright, alright, you twisted my arm. The waffle incident. It was… epic. I was running late. TERRIBLY late. I had a meeting, a REALLY important meeting that I was already behind on. I was practically inhaling my breakfast (a bagel, some coffee and the aforementioned, slightly-plastic-y sausage). But then, the waffle beckoned. The siren call of fluffy, syrupy goodness. I decided to be optimistic about my time management, and went for it. I poured a generous amount of batter. Perhaps… *too* generous. Disaster struck. The batter overflowed, sizzling and smoking on the hot iron. I panicked. I fumbled with the controls (why are waffle makers always so confusing?), managing to simultaneously burn the waffle and set off the fire alarm. The entire dining area erupted in a cacophony of beeping and people staring. The staff, bless their hearts, were incredibly patient and eventually helped me turn it off. I think I apologized approximately 500 times. The waffle? A charred puck of regret. I ended up grabbing a pre-packaged danish and scurrying out the door, covered in syrup, my meeting a distant memory. It was the perfect metaphor for my life. And yet… I still go back for the waffles. Go figure.
Would you recommend it? Honestly? And why?
Look, here's the bottom line. If you’re looking for a luxurious, spa-like experience, this ain’t it. But if you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and affordable place to crash for a night or two, and you're not expecting perfection? Yeah, I would. I *do*. I have, many times. It's reliable. It's consistent. It’s a safe bet, and for the price, it's hard to beat. Plus, those waffles... (I still secretly judge anyone who doesn't get one -- the charred incidents be damned!). It'Delightful Hotels
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