Escape to Comfort: Homewood Suites BWI Airport - Your Baltimore Oasis
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's sterile hotel review. This is the real deal, a chaotic, slightly breathless, and hopefully hilarious deep dive into Homewood Suites BWI Airport – your supposed Baltimore oasis. Get ready for a lot of me, a little bit of the hotel, and a sprinkle of pure, unadulterated opinion.
Let's Get Real: Escape to Comfort… Or Is It Just Homewood Comfort?
First off, the name "Escape to Comfort" feels a tad… optimistic. Yes, "comfort" features prominently in the branding (duh, it’s a Homewood Suites). But escape? Honey, I was escaping a delayed flight and the crushing existential dread that comes with being stuck in an airport hotel on a Tuesday. But hey, I digress. Let's dive in.
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The Arrival & Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
Okay, first impressions. This is key for me. Rolling into a hotel after a flight from hell, you need a smooth entry. Homewood Suites at BWI attempts this.
- Accessibility: Listen, I don't need accessibility features (thank the gods), but I'm always watching. The elevator? Check. Wide doorways? Seemed okay. But I noticed the front entrance… could be a bit of a battle for a wheelchair user, depending on the time of day and the amount of luggage being moved – it's a multi-door system. The lobby itself felt reasonably navigable, and hey, they claim "facilities for disabled guests." That’s good. It’s just a starting point.
- Check-in/out [express] and [contactless]: Thank, sweet mercy. I'm a grumpy traveler. The faster, the better. They delivered. No endless paperwork, minimal human interaction (unless you want it, bless their hearts). They're embracing the tech, which is smart.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and a Few Quibbles)
So, the room. I booked a suite, because, well, I needed space to spread out my emotional baggage (kidding… mostly).
The Good Stuff:
- Space: It was a suite. Not a postage stamp masquerading as a room. Kudos!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! DUH! I’m not paying extra for Wi-Fi in 2024. Bless them.
- Separate Living Area: This is a game-changer. That sofa? Sat there, stared at the TV after a long day, felt a smidge of relief.
- Kitchenette: Refrigerator (essential!), microwave, and a coffee maker. I love my morning coffee.
- Cleanliness & Safety: The room looked clean. I mean, I didn't break out the CSI kits or anything, but it smelled fresh, and the bed seemed well-made.
- Ironing facilities: Yes! wrinkled clothes are my arch-enemy.
- Blackout curtains: Sleep is precious when traveling. Thank you, blackout curtains, for preventing a rude awakening from the Baltimore sun.
The "Meh" Moments:
- The Bathroom: Adequate. Not stunning. Nothing that screamed "luxury retreat." Basic toiletries, but hey, at least they provided them.
- Soundproofing: I wouldn't say soundproof. I heard a couple of doors slamming. Not a dealbreaker, but something to note if you're a light sleeper, like myself.
- Decor: Okay, let’s be honest. Airport hotels aren’t known for their dazzling interior design. The decor was… functional. Not offensive. Just… there.
- The Bed: Was it the world's most comfortable bed? No. Was it a decent place to crash after a day of travel? Yes.
Food & Drink: Fueling the Journey (and Avoiding Hangry Meltdowns)
- Breakfast [buffet]: This is where things get interesting. The Homewood Suites at BWI offers the usual free breakfast spread. Waffles? Check. Scrambled eggs (or their version of scrambled eggs)? Check. Cereal? Check. The usual suspects. It's free, it's convenient, and it prevents you from spending a fortune at the breakfast diner. I'm not expecting Michelin-star quality, but it's fuel for the day. Breakfast takeaway service is available- grab something on the go, which is a win.
- Coffee Shop & "Eating in the Hotel": There is a hotel restaurant, but I didn't see Asian Cuisine on the menu, and it was a pretty basic offering. I'm there to sleep, not dine.
- Snack Bar: I think there was. My memory is a bit hazy. I was more focused on the free breakfast.
- Poolside bar: I didn't see it.
- Room Service [24-hour]: The holy grail for lazy travelers. I didn't use it, but the fact that it's available is a major plus.
Relaxation & Recreation: Promises, Promises…
- Swimming pool [outdoor] and Gym/fitness: The pool looked… functional. Not the kind of pool you dream about on a tropical vacation, but hey, it's there for a quick dip. The fitness center was small, but it had the basics. I may or may not have done a half-hearted treadmill workout. (Mostly I stared at the TV.)
- Sauna and Spa: Hmm. I didn't see these, but I may have missed them!
Cleanliness and Safety: Gotta Mention It, Especially Now
- Hand sanitizer and Individually-wrapped food options, and all sorts of other precautions: Well, the world is a mess, and the hotel is taking some steps. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter is followed, as is daily disinfection in common areas. They are doing their best. Rooms sanitized between stays. This is the bare minimum now, right?
The Extra Mile (Or Not) - Services and Conveniences
Here's a rapid-fire round of what they claim to offer:
- Concierge: Probably. I didn't need them.
- Business facilities, Meetings, and more: I saw all the trappings of a business hotel.
- Indoor Venue for Special Events & Outdoor Venue for Special Events: Probably available. I did not see a special event.
- Car park [free of charge], and Airport transfer: A definite win.
The Final Verdict: Worth the Stay?
Look, Homewood Suites BWI isn't going to blow your mind. But it's a reliably decent airport hotel. It's clean, relatively quiet (depending on your neighbors), offers free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and is conveniently located. It's a solid choice for a layover, a quick business trip, or if you just need a place to hide from the world for a night. Nothing will set your world on fire, but it will get the job done.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with the caveat that you temper your expectations. It's a comfortable, functional, and reasonably priced option. But don't expect an "Escape to Comfort" that's going to change your life. Think of it more as a temporary refuge.
Overall Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Solid, predictable, and gets the job done.
Chicago's Hidden Gem: Renaissance Glenview Suites - Unbelievable Luxury!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously organized travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into a Baltimore adventure, starting at the oh-so-familiar (and sometimes soul-crushingly bland) Homewood Suites by Hilton near BWI. Honestly, I'm already picturing those beige walls and the complimentary breakfast bar – wish me luck avoiding the rubbery scrambled eggs.
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Hotel Encounters, and the Allure of Crab Cakes (Maybe)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at BWI, Bag Retrieval = Olympic Sport: Okay, landing was smooth. Too smooth. Makes me suspicious. Now the real fun begins: wrangling my suitcase out of baggage claim. Pray for me. It's a beast. And pray for whoever's standing behind me when I inevitably trip over a rogue rolling pin. (Don't ask).
- 2:00 PM - Homewood Suites Check-In: The Waiting Game and the Free Cookies: Finally! The hotel. The woman at the front desk seems… friendly-ish? I smile back, hoping desperately for that upgrade from the "standard studio" to something with, you know, natural light. I'm already envisioning the complimentary cookies, a small comfort against the creeping dread only a multi-hour flight can induce. Fingers crossed they're not stale. My spirit is fragile.
- 2:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance and the Quest for Wi-Fi: Okay, room's… adequate. Beige, as predicted. Wi-Fi password? A conspiracy. I swear, I spent a solid fifteen minutes trying to find it, only to discover it taped to the back of the TV remote. Seriously? Whoever designed this should be forced to navigate a toddler's toy explosion blindfolded.
- 3:00 PM - Unpacking and the Great Shoe Dilemma: So, unpacking. Why do I bring so many shoes? I always bring too many shoes. The answer: I don't know, but I can't, for the life of me, decide which pair to wear for the "Baltimore Experience!" This is a serious issue. Decisions, decisions… Maybe I should just stay in all day. But, CRAB CAKES.
- 3:30 PM - The Baltimore Research Debacle: I should probably do something. Google Maps is open. Yelp is open. My brain? Totally shut down. The overload of choices is paralyzing. Oh, the agony. So many restaurants promising "authentic" crab cakes, so little time.
- 4:00 PM - The Late Afternoon Rambling and Snack Attack: Okay, no more doom-scrolling. I should force myself from the room. But… the complimentary snacks are calling my name. They're not great, but they're free. I guess, I will walk the floor to the hotel's snack bar.
- 5:00 PM - Getting Lost in Baltimore (Maybe): Screw it. I'm embracing the chaos. I'm going to…wander. Maybe. I'll try not to look too much like a lost tourist. (Spoiler alert: I will). Finding parking, however? That's a whole other level of anxiety, it's going to be a nightmare.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner: CRAB CAKES! (The Holy Grail): Okay finally, the moment of truth: the crab cakes. I've painstakingly researched reviews, and I'm leaning towards "Faidley Seafood," if I can actually find it. I will have crab cakes! I must. I may or may not cry if they're disappointing. (Update: They were. Utterly. Amazing. I'm now a devoted crab cake disciple).
- 7:30 PM - Post-Crab Cake Bliss (and the Aftermath): Food coma setting in. I waddle back to the hotel, feeling simultaneously stuffed and elated. I might need a second serving of those less-than-stellar cookies. Maybe two.
- 9:00 PM - Attempted TV Viewing: More Beige, More TV: I try watching TV, but the channel selection is abysmal. More beige. More despair?
- 10:00 PM - Sleep, Glorious Sleep: I'm exhausted. Ready for a night of sweet, sweet slumber… or at least until the airport shuttle starts rumbling at 6 AM. Ugh.
Day 2: Inner Harbor, Museum Hopping, and a Quest for Charm (and Maybe a Charm Bracelet)
- 6:00 AM - The Hotel Breakfast Gauntlet: Here we go…. the breakfast buffet. Wish me luck navigating the throng of people armed with oversized mugs and a hunger born of early morning travel. I will keep my eyes open for the slightly-less-rubbery eggs.
- 7:00 AM - Packing and Cleaning up the room : Well… gotta pack the stuff. I look around and sigh as I start packing clothes. Well, I always tend to mess the room around. Okay. Time to clean up the mess after leaving.
- 8:00 AM - Taxi to the Inner Harbor: Let's get this show on the road! Taxi time to the Inner Harbor.
- 9:00 AM - Inner Harbor Exploration: Tourist Central and the Aquarium: The Inner Harbor is… well, it's touristy. Very touristy. But the water views are pretty, and the National Aquarium? Worth the potential crowds. Seeing the jellyfish is always mesmerizing.
- 11:00 AM - Museum Hopping: I'm thinking the American Visionary Art Museum. Quirky, fun, and completely off-the-wall. It's like a shot of creative adrenaline straight to the veins.
- 1:00 PM - The Quest For Charm: I have a thing for Charm bracelets! Okay, this sounds crazy. But! Maybe a charm bracelet? Or a charm? I absolutely must find a shop that sells some.
- 2:00 PM - Lunch and People-Watching: Time for lunch. Maybe a casual place near Fells Point to soak up the atmosphere and do some serious people-watching. The ultimate art form, if you ask me.
- 3:00 PM - More Wandering, Maybe Some Coffee: I'll wander aimlessly, probably find a cute little cafe and indulge in a caffeine-fueled burst of energy. Because, Baltimore.
- 4:00 PM - Back to the Hotel (and the Cookie Monster in Me): Okay, feeling a bit done in. Time to head back to the Homewood Suites. And, yes, I will likely raid the cookie display again. Don't judge me.
- 5:00 PM - Chill out:
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and the Unforgettable Evening: I'm open to suggestions. Maybe some live music? Or just more excellent crab cakes? Depends on how I feel, my mood might change, but I'm open to new ideas and the thrill of the unknown.
- 7:00 PM - After-Dinner Stroll:
- 9:00 PM - Final Thoughts (and Prep for Departure): Reflecting on the trip. Did I enjoy it? Probably! I'll jot down some notes, and start packing for the inevitable airport scramble.
- 10:00 PM - Sleep, Sleep, Sleep:
Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath of Adventure
- 6:00 AM - Last Breakfast Buffet… Pray for Me: Let's do this.
- 7:00 AM - Check Out:
- 8:00 AM - Airport Shuttle: The Final Ride:
- 9:00 AM - Security and the Anxiety of Flying:
- 10:00 AM - Safe Flight:
- Rest of the Day - The Aftermath:
So there you have it. A messy, imperfect, and hopefully slightly humorous account of my Baltimore adventure. Will it be perfect? Absolutely not. Will I have fun? Probably. Will I eat all the crab cakes? You bet your bottom dollar. And that, my friends, is what truly matters. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go find a cookie.
Lake George Getaway: Unforgettable Howard Johnson Experience!
Escape to Comfort: Homewood Suites BWI Airport – Your Baltimore Oasis (…Maybe) - FAQs with a Side of Messy Truth
So, Homewood Suites BWI Airport… worth the hype? Or just another airport hotel trying to con me?
Alright, look, let's be real. Airport hotels? They're generally *meh*. But Homewood Suites BWI Airport… it's... a mixed bag. My expectations were rock bottom, honestly. Delayed flight after a particularly torturous business trip? I was ready for a soul-crushing experience. Turns out, it wasn't *that* bad. More like… pleasantly surprising mixed with "ugh-my-back-hurts-from-that-damn-airplane-seat."
Honestly, the "oasis" part? Let's just say it depends on your definition of an oasis. If your oasis involves free Wi-Fi that *mostly* works (score!), a semi-decent free breakfast (more on that later), and a bed that isn't actively trying to murder you in your sleep… then yeah, maybe. But if you're expecting the Four Seasons? Keep dreaming, friend. Keep dreaming.
Okay, free breakfast. The make-or-break moment. What's the deal?
The breakfast… okay, the breakfast is a whole thing. It's… *a buffet*. There's the usual suspects: questionable scrambled eggs (I suspect they're actually just air and regret, re-shaped), those rubbery sausage links that I swear are designed to bounce off the plate if you try to stab them with a fork, and… the waffles. Oh, the waffles.
Here’s how the waffle situation usually goes down: You approach the waffle iron like a gladiator facing the Colosseum. The instructions are vague, the batter dispenser is temperamental, and the resulting waffle is either a pale, anemic pancake or a charred, concrete disc. My personal best was a waffle that could practically build a small retaining wall. I think I might have actually seen someone take a bite, make a face, and then discreetly chuck it in the trash. Then there's the coffee, strong enough to raise the dead (or at least power through your 6 AM flight). The juice? Well, think… what is juice made of at its very most basic and cheap? Yeah. But hey, it's *free*. And sometimes, you just need any fuel to shove in your mouth before you have to face airports.
Speaking of which, what about the airport shuttle? Is it reliable, or a recipe for panic?
The shuttle… ugh. This is where things get *real*. Okay, so the website *promises* a shuttle. And… they *provide* a shuttle. Eventually. Here's the catch: It seems to operate on "BWI Time," which is not the same as actual, human time.
My most memorable experience involved a 45-minute wait in the freezing cold at 5:00 AM. I was wearing one of those oh-so-stylish (ahem) travel blazers and a threadbare scarf, and I was convinced my toes were going to fall off. I started muttering to myself, making increasingly frantic observations about the state of the airport shuttle system. "Is it broken? Is there even a shuttle? Is this some kind of elaborate prank? Does the driver take lunch breaks while the passengers freeze?" It felt like an eternity. Finally, a beat-up minivan, the apparent "shuttle," arrived. The driver looked exhausted, the interior smelled vaguely of old fast food, and the radio was playing, "I Will Survive," which, honestly, felt a little too on-the-nose. Moral of the story? Factor in *extra* time. Seriously. Or just call an Uber. You'll thank me later.
The Suites – "Suites" being the key word. Are they actually… suite-like?
Alright, let's talk suites. The "suite" part? Technically, yes. You get a separate living area *and* a bedroom. Often also a kitchenette... a sink that could potentially hold a few dishes and a mini fridge. So, space? Yeah, you've got some space. They *do* give you a little bit of extra room to spread out! Which is helpful. When I was stuck in a layover, the extra room made a surprisingly big difference. Didn't feel quite so trapped by my travel stress.
However, let's not get carried away with expectations, shall we? Think… a slightly larger hotel room that's been cleverly divided by walls and furniture. The decor? Best described as "functional, but not exactly Pinterest-worthy." The furniture? Reliable. Not particularly luxurious. But hey, it works. After a long flight, that separation and a comfortable chair are pure gold. And the sofa? The very best thing is that you can just *sit* on it and not have to worry.
Anything else that surprised you? Good or bad?
Actually, yeah. The staff. They were far more charming than I expected. Like, genuinely nice. Especially the woman at the front desk who – I swear to God – recognized me from my… waffle incident. And she asked me if I was hungry, and I didn't know what to say... I felt awkward. The hotel, and the airport environment can be very stressful.
I got stuck with a weird issue. I accidentally locked myself out of my room. And after I did, so, so, so many other things happened. Then, security was really difficult to find. And the whole process was a nightmare, of course. So, I went to the front desk. She didn't laugh at my misery. She was all, "Oh honey, happens all the time. No problem. Here’s your key." (She probably thought I was an idiot.) But, her kindness actually made a difference in a bad day. So, props to them.
The gym… I think they *have* a gym. I saw some equipment through a crack in the door. Didn't go in. Because, you know, waffles and delayed flights and the entire general feeling of being on the road... Maybe next time.
Overall, would you recommend it?
Look, Homewood Suites BWI Airport isn't *amazing*. But it's… okay. It’s a solid, reliable, and relatively painless option if you need a place to crash near the airport. If you go in with low expectations, you'll likely be (pleasantly) surprised. Just remember to pack your own coffee, download your ebooks, and have a backup plan for the shuttle. And don’t expect gourmet waffles. And bring a good book. And be prepared to laugh at the whole thing, because, honestly, that's the only coping mechanism that works sometimes.
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