Escape to Paradise: Courtyard Fort Lauderdale's Miramar Oasis!
Escape to Paradise…Or Did I? A Raw & Real Review of Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Miramar Oasis!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea, the coffee, and maybe a little bit of my breakfast buffet on this review of Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Miramar Oasis. "Escape to Paradise," huh? They’re really laying it on thick, aren't they? Well, let’s see if this "oasis" actually delivered, or if it was more like a slightly-less-dusty desert mirage.
Accessibility – The First Hurdle (and Thankfully, Mostly Cleared!):
Look, I'm not using a wheelchair myself, but I ALWAYS check out accessibility – because everyone deserves a smooth trip, dammit! I did a solid once-over, and Accessibility seemed pretty decent. Though I didn't experience it directly, the information points towards decent Facilities for disabled guests, an elevator (essential!), and the promise of accessible rooms. Now, whether those rooms are actually good accessible rooms – you know, with proper grab bars and enough space to maneuver – is always a crapshoot. I didn't delve THAT deep. Consider it: "Generally, YES, MAYBE good, but DEFINITELY double-check before you book if you need it."
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe…ish:
Okay, this is where I started feeling a little less…relaxed and a little more like, "ARE WE SAFE?" They were doing their best, I'll give them that. Anti-viral cleaning products were probably doing their thing, they had Daily disinfection in common areas, and those "Rooms sanitized between stays" signs gave me a slightly false sense of security.
But listen, I'm a germaphobe. I get it. They had the Hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol (hopefully they weren't just trained to look like they knew!), and even Individually-wrapped food options. But the devil's in the details, right? Like, was the "Professional-grade sanitizing services" really…professional? Did they miss the dust bunnies under the bed? Look, I survived, so I can't complain too much. But I wasn't exactly breezy about it. Made me scrub down the remote control, which I always do anyway.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – A Gastronomic Adventure (Mostly in My Imagination):
Alright, this is where things got…interesting. Let's start with the positive: Breakfast [buffet]! Look, I love a good buffet. Especially a complimentary one. And this one…well, it was there. Asian breakfast? Maybe a nod to some vague international thing – a little egg fried rice, some sad-looking miso soup. Felt like an afterthought. The Western breakfast was more my speed – the usual suspects of eggs, bacon, and the elusive, never-quite-perfectly-crisp hash browns.
Now, for the bad: The Poolside bar was calling my name, but I only braved it once. The cocktails were a bit…weak. Disappointing, because the Pool with view was actually very nice. They had Restaurants, a Coffee shop, and even a Snack bar, but I didn't explore them deeply. Had a Bottle of water in my room, because that's the bare minimum you expect, right?
The Room – Where I Lived (Mostly):
Okay, this is where memories get hazy. I loved that there was Free Wi-Fi, because, duh. But, for some reason, I had problems accessing the Internet access [LAN]! I had to do a bit of a search to ensure it was working- but I just couldn't be asked to go down to the business center when things were working so fine on my mobile. The Alarm clock was…well, an alarm clock. The Air conditioning kept the place chilly, which was a lifesaver in Florida. The Bed was comfy enough. I’ll give them that.
Things I Really Liked:
- Blackout curtains! Sleeping in is my love language.
- The Refrigerator! Keeping the mini-bar snacks cold is crucial.
- In-room safe box Made me feel a bit more secure about my documents.
Things that Made Me Roll My Eyes:
- The Mirror was a little too strategically placed, like it was judging me.
- The Desk. It was mostly just somewhere to pile all my belongings.
Ways to Relax (Or Attempt to):
Alright, this is where things get interesting. They had all the trappings of relaxation, the Spa/sauna and Sauna, the Steamroom, the Massage, the Body scrub and Body wrap… the works! I honestly, didn't actually use any of them. I may be a hot mess but not the kind of person who indulges in a spa day.
Services and Conveniences:
This is where Courtyard really shone – or tried to, at least. They offered everything from Daily housekeeping (thank goodness!) to Laundry service and an Ironing service. I didn't need it, but the option to get your wrinkled shirt fixed is a godsend for vacationers.
Getting Around:
They had Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service. It felt like it was a little out of the way, but it was easy to get around once I was there.
Finally, Was It Paradise?
Look, the Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Miramar Oasis wasn't a bad experience. The location felt safe. The staff was friendly. The room was…adequate. But “Escape to Paradise”? Nah. It was more like a decent hotel with a few quirks, some good points, and a lingering feeling that you're mostly there for the conference next door. I'd stay again, sure, especially if the price was right. But I wouldn't be expecting a tropical paradise. Maybe just a slightly above-average stay with slightly above-average amenities.
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(Rambling Over)
Escape to Paradise: Days Inn Attalla, AL - Your Perfect Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary is about to get real. Forget those glossy travel brochures; you're getting the truth. Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Southwest/Miramar, here we come. And I'm already anticipating the sheer…meh… of hotel breakfasts. Prepare to be underwhelmed, yet somehow, charmed by the chaos.
Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Questionable Pizza
- 1:00 PM: Plane lands. (Ugh. The airport. Always a festival of germ-laden surfaces and questionable coffee smells.) My inner monologue at this point is basically a frantic mix of "Did I pack deodorant? Is the carry-on too heavy? Did I really water the plants before I left?" Let the games begin.
- 2:00 PM: Rent a car. (Praying it doesn't try to eat me.) Remember that time I nearly drove a rental vehicle into a ditch in Ireland? God, I hope this isn't like that.
- 3:00 PM: Check into the Courtyard. (Crossing fingers for a clean room. Seriously, I'm not asking for much. Just no questionable stains on the bedspread, okay?) Honestly, hotels are such a gamble. It's like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get… except, well, usually it's a slightly-worn-out room with a lukewarm shower.
- 4:00 PM: Unpack/Collapse. (Emotion: Relief. Just to be at the hotel, even if it might not be perfect. You're safe. You've survived the airport. Treat yourself.) Maybe a quick nap? Or at least a strong cup of coffee from my travel mug.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. (The eternal question: What to eat?!) The closest thing to the hotel is, you guessed it, a pizza place. Fine. Pizza it is. (Expectation: Mediocre. Hope: Surprisingly good. Reality: We’ll see.) I'm already bracing for a pizza-related disappointment. It's a classic travel hazard. Fingers crossed for no grease-induced heartburn.
- 7:30 PM: Pizza consumed. (The verdict? Undecided. It wasn't awful, but it wasn't life-changing. The crust was a bit… cardboardy. I have strong opinions about pizza crust.) Now to the important question: Should I or shouldn't I watch TV in order to stay awake and battle jet lag.
Day 2: Sun, Sand, and a Mild Panic Attack
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. (Jet lag is a beast.) Immediately head to the hotel's "free" breakfast, brace for disappointment. Expecting stale muffins and weak coffee.
- 9:00 AM: Head to the beach. (This is what I came here for, right? Sunshine, salty air, and the soothing sound of the waves. I hope. I really, really, hope.) Finding a parking spot will probably be the first test of my sanity.
- 10:00 AM: Beach time! (Finally. Sunscreen. Sunglasses. Attempting to relax. The waves are gorgeous. The sand…is…sandy. Everything is perfect until…) Oh God, I forgot my book! And my hat! And, wait…did I lock the car? Deep breaths. This is why I can't relax.
- 11:00 AM: Back to the beach. (Back with hat and book. Car still locked. Success!) Ah, the joy of sinking into the sand, finally experiencing some genuine calm.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a beachside shack. (Hoping for fresh seafood. Praying for a clean restroom. Okay, that's a low bar.)
- 1:00 PM: Naptime (or attempt at). Because let's be honest, all that salt and sun is exhausting. Plus, the air conditioning in the hotel room calls to me.
- 3:00 PM: Pool Time! (If the beach got too crowded, which it inevitably will.) If the pool is even remotely clean, that is.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel for showers. (Wash off the sand and the lingering anxiety of the day. And try to decide what to wear for dinner.)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant, hopefully something that doesn't involve pizza. (Sushi would be nice. Sushi is always nice. But probably too expensive. Fine, tacos it is.)
- 9:00 PM: Crumple into bed, exhausted but happy. (Maybe. We'll see.)
Day 3: A Day of Exploration (and Likely, More Disappointments)
- 8:00 AM: More hotel breakfast. (Repeat the "disappointment ritual." Pretend to be happy with it.)
- 9:00 AM: Head out for a drive. (No firm plans. The freedom is exciting and also terrifying.)
- 10:00 AM: Stop at a random roadside attraction. (Maybe something cheesy. Maybe something fascinating. Honestly, probably something disappointing. But hey, at least I tried.) The expectation is low. The excitement is high. The reality is likely to be a slightly-worn-out roadside attraction.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. (More food! Perhaps a proper sit-down meal this time.)
- 1:00 PM: Do something, anything, involving seeing something. (Some sort of touristy thing. Maybe a museum. Maybe a park. Maybe a really, really long walk that results in blisters.)
- 3:00 PM: Do some mindless shopping (to clear head from too much thinking and walking)
- 5:00 PM: Return to hotel
- 7:00 PM: Final dinner. (This is it. The last supper. Where should I risk the disappointment?!) This is the most important decision of the day: where and what to eat!
- 9:00 PM: Pack. (Ugh, the packing. The dreaded packing.) I always seem to bring too much stuff and then end up wearing the same two outfits the entire time.
Day 4: Departure, Reflection, and Pizza…again?
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. (Sigh.)
- 8:00 AM: Last hotel breakfast. (Make peace with the stale muffins. Accept your fate.)
- 9:00 AM: Check out. (Say goodbye to the slightly-worn-out room. Hopefully, it wasn't too traumatizing.)
- 10:00 AM: Head to the airport. (The final battle. Praying everything goes smoothly.)
- 12:00 PM: Board the flight. (Goodbye, Florida. It's been…an experience.)
- 2:00 PM: Land, go home
I know, it's not perfect. Life rarely is. But hey, at least I had something to look forward to, and I did it. And that, my friends, is what matters. Safe travels! And if you see me, say hi. Just don't expect me to be overly enthusiastic until I've had my first cup of coffee (and maybe a decent slice of pizza).
Minneapolis Downtown Getaway: TownePlace Suites North Loop Luxury!
Escape to Paradise: Courtyard Fort Lauderdale's Miramar Oasis - Ask Me Anything (Literally, Within Reason!)
Okay, so... Miramar Oasis? Is it actually... an oasis? And where exactly *is* it? Seriously, I'm geographically challenged.
Alright, alright, let's address the elephant in the room: the name. "Oasis" is a bit of a *stretch*, alright? It's not like you're gonna stumble upon a hidden spring and palm trees popping up in the middle of the desert. It's a *Courtyard by Marriott*, people! But, and this is a big but (and I cannot lie), they've actually done a decent job of creating a chill, slightly tropical vibe, especially around the pool. Think less "Lawrence of Arabia" and more "Florida Pool Party, But Less Chaotic."
As for WHERE it is... um... it's in Miramar. Which, if you're like me, conjures up vague images of… well, *nothing*. Honestly, before this trip, I thought Miramar was a perfume. (Don't judge!) It's in the greater Fort Lauderdale area, nestled in... commercial land. Yeah. That's the honest truth. However, it's a decent jumping-off point for hitting the beaches and other stuff. Just mentally prepare for some chain restaurants nearby.
What's the vibe like? Is it family-friendly or a couples' escape? Or something entirely different?
The vibe? Okay, so, I'd say it's… flexible. I saw a whole lot of families with young kids, which meant the pool could get a little rowdy at times. But it wasn't *overwhelmingly* kid-centric, you know? There were definitely couples relaxing by the pool, sipping on colorful, sugary drinks. And honestly, I just saw a few solo travelers doing their thing, chilling out in the lobby. Seriously, that's the best part of solo travel, you can do absolutely anything without the annoying input, hehe. That's always the best kind of travel.
It's good if you seek to be in an environment where you don't need to worry too much.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they…clean? Comfortable? Because, let's be honest, hotel rooms can be a gamble.
Okay, so here's the lowdown on the rooms, and this is a judgement-free zone, alright? My room was… fine. Perfectly acceptable. Clean? Yes. Comfortable? Mostly. The bed wasn't the best I've ever slept on, but it wasn't a torture device, either. The AC worked, which is a HUGE win in Florida.
I remember opening the door to the room and just thinking: "This is going to be alright". Not "OMG! I love it!!!!" But "Alright". It was functional more than anything.
And what about the pool? Because let's face it, that's the main reason I'm going. Is it actually nice? And how's the towel situation?
Listen, I'm a pool person. That's a fact. And the pool was… okay. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't the most spectacular pool I've ever seen. No swim-up bar, no fancy fountains, no lazy river. BUT! It was clean, and it was refreshing, and that's all I really needed. The pool area had a decent number of lounge chairs, which is a plus in my book. You know what's worse than no lounge chair? A lounge chair you need to fight to obtain.
The towel situation? It was… serviceable. You know. They had towels. They were there. I didn't run out of towels. So, yeah, I'd give it a thumbs up.
I'm a foodie. Is there anything edible besides the continental breakfast? And is the continental breakfast even worth it?
Okay, my fellow foodies, listen up! The continental breakfast… well, let's just say it's not going to win any James Beard awards. It's your standard hotel breakfast: bagels, toast, cereal, some sad-looking fruit... You get the idea.
Would I recommend it? If you get this for free from this hotel (as some plans do) Sure! But I won't go out of my way to pay for it. There are a few restaurants nearby you can try.
Okay, you mentioned the pool. Let's talk about the pool. Like, REALLY talk about the pool. I'm living vicariously, here. What's a day at the pool *really* like?
Alright, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the pool experience. Picture this: I, the intrepid traveler, slathered in SPF 50 (because Florida sun is NO joke), walk out onto the pool deck. The sun is baking, but there's a slight breeze. Ah, the slight breeze. That's the key. It prevents you from melting.
I stake my claim on a lounge chair, strategically placed. My book. MY water bottle. Done. First, a quick dip to test the waters. Perfect temperature. Not too cold, not too warm. Just... right. I see a couple of kids splashing in the shallow end and I just kinda smile, knowing that these kids don't know the stress of a work week.
Then, the book comes out. The world fades away. Just me, the sun, the water, and a good story. That's the magic. Of *course*, there's the occasional interruption. Someone splashing my way… or a kid screaming. It's Florida, these things will happen. But it's easy to ignore it.
And then, the afternoon. You get hungry. You grab a few fries and a cold drink from the bar, and you just chill and enjoy the moment... I'm not a person who can stay at a pool for a whole day, so I go back to my room. Still, even that small amount of pool time was perfect to relax.
How easy is it to get to the beach from the hotel? Do I need a car?
Okay, location, location, location. It's not exactly walking distance. You'll definitely want a car. Otherwise, you're at the mercy of ride-sharing services, and honestly, dealing with those costs and wait times can be a real drag. Driving is the way to go to Florida beaches... as you imagine it'd be. I had a rental, and it made life so much easier. You can drive to Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale beach is a breeze.
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