Escape to Paradise: Courtyard Mt. Laurel's Cherry Hill Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? Courtyard Mt. Laurel: A Cherry Hill Oasis…Or More of a Cherry-Sized Slice?
Alright, let's be honest, reviewing a hotel is kinda like dating. You go in with expectations, maybe a few rose-colored glasses, and then bam reality hits you in the face…or, in this case, the lobby. This is my take on the Courtyard Mt. Laurel, that supposed "Cherry Hill Oasis," and trust me, I've got opinions. Buckle up, buttercups, because this review is gonna be less "expert analysis" and more "scattered thoughts of a slightly caffeinated traveler."
(Metadata & SEO Stuff: Hotel Review, Courtyard Mt. Laurel, Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant, WiFi, Family-Friendly, Business Travel, Reviews, Hotel Stay)
First Impressions & Accessibility: Entering the Labyrinth (and Wishing for a Wheelchair Ramp)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for a lot of people, and… let's just say the Courtyard Mt. Laurel isn't exactly the Guggenheim. While they do claim to offer facilities for disabled guests, navigating the initial entry was… a workout. I'm ambulatory, thank goodness, but I saw a couple struggling with luggage and the front entrance felt less like a welcoming gate and more like a slightly intimidating obstacle course. Elevator access? Yes. Everything perfectly designed? Not quite. This is something they really need to improve. (I saw some CCTV cameras watching, so hopefully someone's listening!)
Amenities: The Good, the Meh, and the "Where's the Body Wrap?"
Let's talk about the shiny gems first. The Pool! Yes! The pictures weren't lying. It's an outdoor pool with a view, and during my stay, blissfully empty. (I actually got to swim without bumping into ten screaming kids. Victory!) The Fitness center was surprisingly decent – not a Gold's Gym, but enough to sweat out the stress of the day. The Sauna was tempting, but I chickened out and opted for more poolside lounging. There's a Spa, though it's more of a spa-adjacent experience. While I didn't go for a full body scrub, I'm a sucker for a good Massage, and the menu looked promising. Definitely a point in their favor.
Now for the "meh" category: The Breakfast was, well, Courtyard Breakfast. Standard buffet, though it did include an Asian breakfast option that was a surprisingly interesting departure from the usual scrambled eggs. (The coffee situation, however, was dire. I needed my caffeine fix and it was like drinking dishwater). And speaking of food… the Restaurant was… functional. The desserts looked better than they tasted, the salad was fine, but nothing to write home about. (I’m still dreaming of the Happy hour. ) In their defense, they did have a Vegetarian restaurant, which is a plus.
And the "Where's the Body Wrap?" category… Okay, so on the website they hype the spa, but it's not quite the full-blown zen paradise you might imagine. More like, "Hey, we have a spa… sort of…" A bit of a letdown, honestly. I'd have loved to be pampered silly.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitized and… Soul-less?
During this post-pandemic time, they're taking things seriously on the cleanliness front. The Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely working overtime. Daily disinfection was a constant, and the hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. They even had a Room sanitization opt-out which is great for us freedom-loving travelers. But did this constant blitz of cleanliness make the whole place feel a little… sterile? Maybe. It lacked that lived-in feeling, that cozy hotel charm. I'm sure everything was squeaky clean (and probably meeting the hygiene certification standards), but a little warmth wouldn't have hurt.
Rooms: My Temporary Fortress of Solitude
My room itself was decent. Non-smoking, thankfully. The Air conditioning worked like a champ, which was crucial during the heatwave. I loved having a desk to work from, along with free Wi-Fi. The blackout curtains saved me from the sun. They even had a seating area, which was perfect for collapsing with a book (and maybe a secretly smuggled-in snack). A big thumbs up for the extra long bed! The bathrobes were a nice touch, but honestly, I'm more of a "t-shirt and sweatpants" kind of gal. I'm happy they had slippers! The fact it was soundproof was a relief!
A quick note - I didn't see any of that "Safe dining setup" happening, which was…a little worrying.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (and the Mystery of the Missing Bottle of Water)
Okay, the food situation. I ordered a bottle of water from room service when I first arrived. They brought a single bottle and only after I had to call and nag them. Apparently, they have a snack bar, which I never found. They have restaurants, plural…but really, it felt like one restaurant playing multiple roles. The poolside bar looked promising but was closed during my stay. I’m a little sad I didn’t catch the Happy Hour. I'm glad they have a Coffee shop!
Services & Conveniences: The Unexpected Delights (and the Missing Shoe Shine)
Alright, they offered the basics: Daily housekeeping (bless them), laundry service (which I totally used – don't judge my travel packing skills), luggage storage, concierge (who was super helpful), and a convenience store with overpriced snacks. They even had a doorman! The elevator was a godsend, especially lugging my suitcase. They also had a dry cleaning service, which I didn't use, because, let's be real, I'm more of a "hang it in the bathroom and hope for the best" kind of person. What about the essential condiments?
The facilities for disabled guests are there, but as mentioned before, the entrance left something to be desired. I didn't see a cash withdrawal which was a little inconvenient. The only thing I saw was a lot of CCTV in the common areas – a little creepy, if I'm honest. (Are they watching the guests or the staff? Hmmm…) They have a nice terrace! I enjoyed my time there.
For the Kids: Bringing the Little Ones (and Praying for Babysitters)
Didn't have kids with me on this trip, so I can't do a thorough evaluation of their kids facilities or the effectiveness of the babysitting service. They do claim to be family-friendly, and I saw a few families around, which is a good sign.
Getting Around: The Car Park… and the Quest for the Perfect Uber
They have a car park [free of charge]. That's a massive win, especially in this area. No surprise fees for parking. I didn't use an airport transfer, or the bicycle parking, or a car power station. There's taxi service is easy to find.
In-Room Features: The Fine Print…and the Missing Plug
Let’s break down the room details! Air conditioning? Check. Alarm clock? Check. Bathrobes? Check (I already said that, but they're worth repeating). Bathtub? Check. Coffee/tea maker? Check. Desk? Check. Hair dryer? Check. High floor? Check (I requested it and they gave it to me!). In-room safe box? Check (satellite/cable channels, check. Shower, check. Slippers and smoke detector, check. Toiletries, check. Umbrella, check. Wake-up service, check. Window that opens, a mixed bag…it opened slightly. More like a crack in the window. I would have appreciated a socket near the bed.
Overall: The Verdict…and the Lingering Questions
So, would I recommend the Courtyard Mt. Laurel? It depends. If you're looking for a clean, functional hotel with a nice pool and decent amenities, and you don't mind a slightly corporate vibe, absolutely. But is it an "escape to paradise?" Mmm, not quite. Maybe a pleasant stay, but not necessarily an unforgettable experience. They have a good base here, a lot of the right ingredients, but they need to work on a few things: A bit more personality, more attention to accessibility, better coffee, and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere. They also need to work on the food delivery, and improve the in-room amenities.
Final Thought: Would I stay again? Probably. But I'd definitely bring my own coffee and maybe some earplugs to block out the… well, you know, the sterile silence. And I’d definitely find out where they were hiding this body wrap
Spokane's BEST Kept Secret: Western Plus North Spokane Hotel Review!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a survival guide, a confession, a love letter to the Courtyard Mt. Laurel Cherry Hill, New Jersey (and let's be honest, mostly to myself). I’m calling it… “Operation: Survive the Jersey Shore Adjacent.”
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (aka, the "I-Should-Have-Packed-More-Snacks" Phase)
1:00 PM - Arrival at Courtyard Mt. Laurel: Okay, first off, why is the lobby so…corporate? I'm pretty sure the last time I saw this much beige it was in a beige-on-beige family portrait. Still, the front desk person, bless her heart, was actually nice. A definite win, considering I just drove three hours and already spilled coffee on myself. Minor detail but it was important.
1:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance: The room. Standard. Clean-ish. Beds…seem comfy enough to collapse on after the inevitable emotional rollercoaster of this trip. Oh, and the window doesn't open. Sigh. Does anyone design hotel rooms for people who actually like fresh air anymore? Already feeling the first pangs of a pre-vacation existential crisis. Is this all there is? Beige and regret? Kidding… sort of.
2:00 PM - The Great Snack Heist: I told you. Needed snacks. Realized after I checked in that I left them in the car. Ugh. The vending machine. The eternal question of the hotel traveler. Is there anything good in it? So I take it, with the risk of getting a snack I don't like. I am such a rebel.
3:00 PM - Poolside (Attempted) Bliss: The pool's open! And…it’s…fine. A few kids splashing, a couple of sunbathers doing their best to look relaxed. Me? I'm trying to pretend I'm not self-conscious about my swimsuit. It's a losing battle. Also: the pool water smells heavily of chlorine. I’m already dreaming of the beach.
5:00 PM - Dinner Debacle: Okay, so I thought I would go to the restaurant. What a mistake. The decor is depressing. The food is worse. The waitress looks like she’s seen things…things that involve lukewarm chicken and a serious questioning of life choices. I ordered a burger, regretted it immediately, and then ate it anyway. It was a solid 4/10, and is an understatement.
7:00 PM - Room Re-Entry & Netflix: Collapsed on the bed defeated. Turned on Netflix, because what else is there to do? This is the best part of the day and I am not sure what to expect tomorrow.
Day 2: The Cherry Hill Hustle & Beach Dreams (aka, "Send Help, Preferably with Nachos")
8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet Battle: Free continental breakfast, baby! The coffee's weak, the bagels are dense enough to build a bridge, but hey, they have little yogurt cups! Victory! Or at least, a momentary truce in the war against hunger. I found a table next to the aggressively chatty couple who were clearly on their 40th wedding anniversary, and pretended to listen to their story for their whole breakfast.
9:00 AM - Retail Therapy (Sort Of): Hit up a local shopping center, because I needed to get out of the beige box. And because, well, I needed a new book. Also, I accidentally bought a scented candle. What even is my life?
12:00 PM - Cheesesteak Challenge: Okay, so I'm in Jersey. I. MUST. EAT. A. CHEESESTEAK. Found a place with a line out the door, which is always a good sign, right? It was greasy, it was messy, it was glorious. I think I ate an entire cow. Worth it. My stomach hurts now.
2:00 PM - The Jersey Shore Beckons (and Possibly Humiliates): Seriously, I decided that I wanted to go to the beach. It was a last-minute decision. I am not ready!
3:30 PM - Beach Day! Okay the beach was amazing. The sun, the waves, the salty air. I loved it. I stayed at the beach for the rest of the day, soaked in the sun, but did not go swimming.
Day 3: Departure & Reflection (aka, "Maybe I'll Come Back…Eventually")
9:00 AM - Goodbye Beige Boxes and Bad Coffee! Checked out. Said a mental thank you to the front desk person for tolerating my perpetually frazzled state. One last look at the Courtyard Mt. Laurel…yeah, it’s beige. But hey, I survived.
9:30 AM - Last Bite of Reality: On the way home, I stop at McDonald's. I order a large fries. It's the perfect closure.
10:00 AM: The Long Ride Home: Time to reflect. Was it a perfect vacation? No. Did I eat too many burgers? Possibly. Did I momentarily forget about the crushing weight of modern existence? Absolutely. And that, my friends, is a win. This hotel might be beige, but somehow, I made it my own little slice of reality. I'll see y'all next time! Maybe. If I feel up to it.
Escape to Paradise: Courtyard Mt. Laurel's Cherry Hill Oasis Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Messy FAQ
So, is this place actually paradise? Seriously?
Okay, alright, let's be real. "Paradise" is a STRONG word, isn't it? Like, you're expecting a private beach, a bottomless mimosa fountain, and maybe some friendly lemurs serving you breakfast in bed. This? It's *Courtyard by Marriott*. Let's just adjust those expectations... It's more…comfort-adjacent. It's a pretty solid, clean hotel, and the courtyard actually *is* kinda nice. But paradise? Nah. Unless your paradise involves a predictable breakfast buffet and the comforting hum of an air conditioner, then, yeah, maybe.
What's the deal with this "Cherry Hill Oasis" bit? Where's *that* coming from?
Right? "Cherry Hill Oasis"... Marketing, people. Marketing! Look, it's in Mt. Laurel, which is, you know, *near* Cherry Hill. And the courtyard *does* have some greenery. I spent like, a solid hour one afternoon, seriously judging the landscaping choices. It's… perfectly adequate landscaping. There's a little fountain that's supposed to be relaxing, but honestly, it kept making this weird *glug-glug* sound that stressed me out. So, Oasis? Let's say it's a *mildly* pleasant place to sit outside, rather than a rejuvenating desert spring.
The pool situation - good, bad, or indifferent? Because pool is important.
Alright, buckle up, because this is where opinions get… *complex*. The pool itself? Fine. Clean, good size, nothing particularly spectacular. The *ambiance*? That's where things get interesting. One time, I was there, and there were like, a *ton* of screaming kids. Like, seriously eardrum-punishing screaming. I swear, one kid launched a pool noodle that nearly took out a seagull (okay, maybe not a seagull, probably a pigeon, but still!). Then another time, it was blissfully quiet, with just a few people reading quietly. It really depends on the day, the weather, and the current volume of tiny humans. Bring earplugs. Or don't. It adds to the experience, right? Or at least, it *is* an experience.
Okay, let's talk food. The Bistro – what's the story?
The Bistro. Oh, The Bistro... It’s hotel food. Let’s just start there. They have the usual: overpriced snacks, microwaved breakfast sandwiches, and the ever-present "flatbread" that's neither really flat nor particularly bread-like. I had a salad one day. A *salad*. You know, leafy greens, some veggies, the whole healthy shebang? And I'm not a salad hater, but it was...meh. Mostly iceberg lettuce, a few sad-looking tomatoes. The dressing was forgettable. The only thing that made it memorable was that I spilled some on my shirt. Which, now that I think about it, is probably the most memorable thing about the Bistro. Pack snacks. Or Uber Eats. Seriously.
Is it a good place for a business trip? Or even a weird getaway?
Business trip? Yeah, fine. Clean rooms, reliable Wi-Fi (mostly), and a mostly quiet environment (except for the aforementioned pool-related screaming). It’s functional. Not exactly inspiring, but functional. Weird getaway? Hmm... That depends on your definition of weird. If your weird getaway involves binge-watching Netflix in a slightly above-average hotel room, then yes. If it involves, you know, ACTUAL adventure... probably not. I once considered a solo "treat-yourself" weekend and seriously thought about staying there. I wound up at home, eating popcorn. So maybe I'm not the best judge of this. But hey, the *possibility* is there, right?
I've heard the staff at some hotels can be... well, let's say "challenging." What's the vibe here?
The staff… they're generally pretty decent. Friendly, efficient, and they seem genuinely trying to do a good job. Nothing outstanding, nothing terrible. They once gave me an extra pair of towels because I accidentally managed to soak them at the gym, which was… embarrassing. (Don't ask). I think there was one time that I had to wait a bit to check in, but hey, things happen. They work hard, and let's face it, dealing with the public isn't always easy, especially when people are hangry from travelling and not sure of what they want. Overall, a positive experience with people who are just trying their best.
Parking – is it a nightmare?
No, the parking is totally chill. There's a ton of space. I mean, unless you're arriving at like, 5 PM on a Saturday night during a major convention, you should be fine. I've never had any issues, but I *am* notoriously terrible at parking and I didn't even have a problem. That should tell you something.
Any major downsides I should know about before I book?
Hmm… downsides… Okay, so, the noise can be a factor, particularly if you're near the pool or a noisy room. The air conditioning can be a little *too* effective (bring a sweater!). And the location is… fine. Close to shopping and restaurants, but you'll definitely need a car. And, truth be told, it's not exactly a destination in itself. But the biggest "downside," honestly? The expectations. Don't expect paradise. Expect a decent hotel. Manage your expectations, and you'll probably be fine.
Okay, final verdict! Would you recommend it?
Look, for what it is, yeah, I'd recommend it. If you need a clean, comfortable place to stay, and you're not expecting miracles and aren't too far away from the shopping mall and the local eateries, then it's a solid choice. Just don’t go expecting a life-changing experience. Think of it as a good, reliable Toyota Corolla of hotels. It gets the job done. It’s not glamorous, but it’ll get you from point A to point B without too much drama. And sometimes, that's all you need. Now, excuse me, I think I need a nap.
Easy Hotel Hunt
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Courtyard Mt. Laurel's Cherry Hill Oasis Awaits!"