Houston Westchase Escape: Fairfield Inn & Suites Luxury Awaits!
Houston Westchase Escape: Fairfield Inn & Suites – Luxury? Hmmm…Let's Unpack This Mess!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the slightly (and I mean slightly) glamorous waters of the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Houston's Westchase district. The tagline, "Luxury Awaits!"… well, let's just say my expectations were… adjusted. But hey, a hotel review is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get – except maybe a slightly sticky remote and a questionable coffee maker.
Let's start with the practical stuff, because even a cynical reviewer needs some basics.
Accessibility: This is good news, folks! They seem to have a decent grasp on making life easier. Wheelchair accessible spaces are available, and that's a huge plus. The elevator is vital (especially if you're like me and have a mild aversion to stairs after a particularly enthusiastic brunch). I didn't personally experience it, but I saw signs for facilities for disabled guests, which is promising. Kudos, Fairfield. You're off to a good start.
Getting Around: A car park [free of charge] is a win. Who wants to pay extra for a parking space? Not this gal. They also offer airport transfer – a lifesaver after a long flight when your luggage is basically a personal grudge. Beyond that, they've got taxi service.
Rooms – The Core of the Experience (and Where Things Get Interesting!)
The room itself… well, let's just say it wasn't the Taj Mahal, but it was functional. Here's the breakdown:
Available in all rooms: Pretty standard. We've got air conditioning (essential in Houston, unless you enjoy feeling like a wilted lettuce leaf), an alarm clock (because apparently, I still haven't mastered my internal clock), bathrobes (always appreciate the luxury, even if I feel a bit like a bathrobe-wearing alien), bathtub (bliss!), coffee/tea maker (ah, the sweet nectar of caffeine!), complimentary tea and free bottled water (score!), internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, non-smoking (thank goodness! No one wants to sleep in a stale smoke cloud), private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, shower (obviously), smoke detector, telephone, toiletries (the little bottles are always a source of joy), towels (yes, please), wake-up service (useful for those who sleep as deeply as I do).
Inclusions: I found a desk (for pretending to work – we've all been there), hair dryer, in-room safe box, reading light (essential for late-night bookworms), safety/security feature, seating area, separate shower/bathtub (a nice touch), slippers (because putting your bare feet on hotel carpet is just wrong) soundproofing, and a window that opens – though I was slightly afraid to open mine, given the Houston humidity.
Observations & Quirks: My room was clean, which is the most important thing, right? The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in. The Linens felt crisp and clean. The mini-bar was there… but I wasn't sure if it was stocked.
Things that made me smile: I appreciated the extra long bed because I'm taller than average and the additional toilet was a bonus, especially when traveling with family.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fuel for the Soul (and Belly)
This is where things get a bit…patchy.
Breakfast [buffet]: This was included, and honestly, it was your standard hotel breakfast. Cereal, pastries, some sad-looking fruit, watery coffee. Okay for a quick fuel-up, but don't expect culinary fireworks. The breakfast takeaway service was a lifesaver for those rushed mornings.
Restaurants: There's a restaurant there. I can't remember what kind. Everything seemed pretty generic.
Poolside bar: There is one! If you want to have a good time with your friends, go here!
Coffee shop: You can get your morning fix here!
Snack bar: Same as with the mini-bar, I was surprised.
Cleanliness and Safety – Pandemic Panic?
This is where Fairfield really shines. Seriously. They're taking this seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good.
- Cashless payment service: Smart.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: Check.
- Individually-wrapped food options: A little depressing, but necessary.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Good.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Definitely a plus!
- Safe dining setup: Good!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Excellent!
Things to Do (When You're Not Sleeping)
Okay, so "Luxury Awaits!" might be a bit of an overstatement in this department. However, there were a few options.
- Swimming pool: A nice way to cool off after a long day.
- Fitness center: I glanced at it. Seemed functional.
Services and Conveniences – Beyond the Bed and Breakfast
The hotel provided the usual services. Nothing spectacular.
- Air conditioning in public area: A must!
- Daily housekeeping: Appreciated.
- Laundry service: Useful for longer stays.
- Luggage storage: Helpful.
- Concierge: Available for help!
- Food delivery: I didn't need it but sounds amazing.
For the Kids – Family Fun? (Maybe)
Not really a family-focused hotel. No kids' clubs etc.
Internet Access – Wi-Fi Woes & Wonders
Internet Access – wireless was promised.
Overall – The Verdict (Drumroll, Please…)
The Fairfield Inn & Suites in Westchase is a perfectly acceptable hotel. It’s clean, the staff is friendly, and they're taking COVID safety seriously. It isn't luxurious in the sense of marble floors and butlers, but it's functional, safe, and offers the basics you need for a comfortable stay. If you're looking for a convenient, clean, and reasonably priced option in the Westchase area, it's a solid choice. Just don't go expecting a five-star experience!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the chaos that is a trip – specifically, a stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Houston Westchase. Prepare for whiplash.
Day 1: Houston, We Have a Problem (…Or Maybe Just a Really Long Drive?)
11:00 AM: Arrival and the Dreaded Hotel Lobby Struggle. Okay, so I envisioned waltzing gracefully into the Fairfield. Picture me, effortlessly chic, ready to conquer Houston. Reality? I wrestled with the automatic doors, nearly took out a potted plant, and then spent a solid five minutes fumbling with my phone to find the damn confirmation email. The lobby itself? Perfectly…beige. And the smell? That generic "hotel" scent – you know, a mix of cleaning products and vaguely disappointed expectations.
11:30 AM: Room Reconnaissance. My initial thought when I entered my room was, "Huh. Okay." It wasn't offensively bad, but it wasn't exactly the Four Seasons either. The bed looked comfy though – a crucial factor in my travel survival. The TV was…there. The view? Well, let's just say it involved a parking lot and a glimpse of a highway. Don't get me wrong, I did appreciate the attempt. The bathroom? Spotless. Always a plus!
12:00 PM: Lunch – The Search for Something Edible (and Actually Good). Okay, so I had BIG plans to get to the local food scene. But I am so tired, so very, very tired from driving. I didn't want to look like a tourist. So, I did what any self-respecting human would do: I consulted Google Maps. I thought, "maybe just finding a quick bite?"…I made a bad choice. The place was so-so.
1:00 PM: Power Nap & The Great Sock Hunt. I crashed. Face-first into the bed. Slept for precisely 1 hour and 37 minutes. Woke up disoriented, and then began the Great Sock Hunt. Where do socks even go in hotel rooms? I swear they have a portal. Found one, still missing the other, but I wasn't complaining.
3:00 PM: The Houston Museum District…or Attempting It. Okay, I am SO ready to be cultured. I'll admit I probably have an inflated sense of adventure. The Museum District is actually quite a drive…and then, parking. Oh, the parking! It was a battle, a war of wills, between me and the traffic gods.
5:00 PM: Return to Base & Dinner Dilemma. I'm back. The Houston heat is a real thing. I'm hungry and tired… and just really don't feel like leaving the hotel. But the vending machine only has Cheetos. Do I go out and find something delicious or cave to my own laziness? A pizza place delivers. Maybe?
7:00 PM: Pizza and "Reality TV" (My Guilty Pleasure). Pizza won. Life is short, y'all. And hey, no judgement!
9:00 PM: Bedtime Ritual & Mild Panic. I don't know if I'll ever get used to sleeping in a hotel bed, even though it's probably the world's most comfortable mattress. But there is a level of anxiety of being away from home. I'm going to make a cup of tea, and try to relax.
Day 2: Houston, You're Alright! (Maybe?).
7:00 AM: The Breakfast Buffet… A Love/Hate Affair. Okay, the breakfast buffet. The promise of carbs, protein, and questionable fruit. I'm a simple person. The coffee was surprisingly decent. The scrambled eggs? Let's just say they were…egg-shaped. I did, however, make a masterful waffle.
8:00 AM: Coffee Shop Crawl – and the Discovery of Local Charm. I needed something good to drink. So, I did a quick google map search, and found a local coffee shop. I loved it.
9:30 AM: Exploring Downtown Houston. Okay, I'm going full-on tourist. I actually enjoyed myself.
12:00 PM: Lunch & The Accidental Culinary Adventure. I did not plan my choices carefully. I ordered too much, and ended up eating the remnants for dinner.
2:00 PM: The Galleria…and Mass Chaos. The Galleria. People, shops, and an air of pure, unadulterated consumerism. I found a bookstore and was happy.
5:00 PM: Return to the Hotel. Wow, It was a lot.
6:00 PM: Dinner (Continuation of the Culinary Adventure). I ate the rest of the food.
8:00 PM: Final Day. I did not have a plan. I sat, and I watched TV. And I got ready for the long drive home.
Day 3: Departure (and the Longing for My Own Bed).
7:00 AM: Buffet Pt. 2.
8:00 AM: Checkout & The Final Goodbyes (to the Beige).
9:00 AM: On the Road Again.
Remember folks, it’s not about the perfectly constructed Instagram post. It’s about the REAL stuff. The misadventures, the unexpected delights, and the sheer, glorious messiness of being a human on the road. And in that, I hope you've enjoyed your time following me!
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Houston Westchase Escape: Fairfield Inn & Suites - Your Guide to Sanity (Maybe)
Okay, so, "Luxury Awaits!"... Is that... *really* what I'm getting at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Westchase?
Alright, let's be real. "Luxury" might be stretching it a *teeny* bit. Think... *clean*, comfortable, and a welcome escape from the Houston heat after you've been sweating buckets all day. You know, the air conditioning *works*. HUGE win. I wouldn't wear my tiara and expect a Michelin-star chef, but I *have* found peace there. Like, remember that time I was stuck in traffic for *three hours* trying to get home after a horrendous meeting? Pulled in there, and just... *breathed*. So, define "luxury" yourself, but… it's a solid, reliable haven. Think more "reliable comfort" than "Rolls-Royce of hotels." They aren't calling themselves the Ritz, thank goodness.
Breakfast: Free? Edible? Actually *worth* getting out of bed for?
Free! HALLELUJAH! Is it gourmet? Absolutely not. Is it a greasy spoon experience? Potentially. You'll find your standard hotel breakfast fare – waffles (make your own!), scrambled eggs (questionable, but you gotta try), and the ever-reliable sausage patties. Sometimes, there's fresh fruit (score!), and sometimes, it’s that rock-hard cantaloupe that's been sitting out for three decades. It is what it is, you know? I once saw a kid go absolutely bonkers with the waffle maker though - best memory. Honestly, if you're expecting a five-star breakfast buffet, bring your own avocado toast. Otherwise, it'll fill the hole. And the coffee? Bottomless. Which is important. Very important.
What about the pool? Can I actually *swim* in it, or is it more of a decorative feature?
The pool! Okay, this is where things get a little… variable. Some days, it's sparkling, inviting, and I can imagine myself channeling my inner Esther Williams. Other days, it’s… busy. And by busy, I mean a gaggle of kids gleefully screaming and splashing while their parents attempt to have a conversation. Again, it is what it is! I'm a people watcher, so it's a win win. The pool is clean, generally. But it isn't exactly a secluded spa experience. It’s the life. Bring a towel, some earplugs (maybe), and a sense of humor. And maybe don't expect a solo zen moment. Expect the opposite and be pleasantly surprised is my motto.
Is the location actually convenient? I need to get around Houston!
Convenient-ish. Westchase is a beast in Houston. Traffic is, let's just say, *a thing*. The Fairfield's well-placed: You're close enough to get to major highways, which is a lifesaver sometimes. But, don't be surprised by some rush hour chaos. Uber/Lyft are readily available, which is a huge plus. Just plan accordingly. Give yourself extra time. I *swear* I sat at a light for ten minutes once. Ten minutes! I almost lost it. Location is good. Traffic is... Houston. That's that.
Rooms: Are they clean? Do they have those tiny shampoos I inevitably hoard?
Generally, yes. The rooms are clean. I’ve never found any alarming surprises (thank goodness!). The cleaning staff seems to do a decent job. And yes, they do indeed have those tiny shampoos! I hoard them too. Don't judge me! I can't help it. It's a hotel thing, I suppose. The beds are comfortable enough, the Wi-Fi *usually* works (important!), and you have everything you really *need* - a desk, a TV, a comfy chair to collapse in after you've been running around all day. Just hope you get a room that doesn't face the highway. Noise, y'know?
Let's talk Parking. Is it a nightmare?
Parking? Okay, not usually a *total* nightmare, but it *can* get crowded, especially if there's a big event nearby. They have free parking, which is fabulous! But there are, maybe, 100 spots and, as always with hotels, some people don't understand the concept of "parking within the lines." I found someone across *three* spots one time. Like, how?! Just be prepared to circle the lot a few times looking for a spot. Arrive early, especially if you're there on a weekend. Otherwise, be patient, and have a good view of the valet because you might want to fight to get in. (Kidding, mostly.)
Any tips for making the most of my stay?
* **Pack Your Own Snacks:** Seriously. Hotel snacks are overpriced. * **Bring a Travel Mug:** Endless coffee from the breakfast buffet is your friend. * **Request a Room Away from the Highway:** Trust me on this one. * **Utilize the Pool:** Even if it's a bit chaotic, a dip can be amazing after a day of meetings. * **Embrace the "Good Enough":** It's not the Four Seasons, and that's okay. It's a perfectly fine place to lay your head. * **If you have a particular room request... call ahead!** I had a terrible room once. And after the staff accommodated me, I changed my mind. It's just how life is. * **Be polite to the staff!** They're often overworked and underappreciated. A little kindness goes a *long* way. They probably know exactly which rooms are noisy and which ones are quiet. They might even slip you a better coffee.
Can I bring my pet?
Yes, but check the hotel's current pet policy. Hotels change their policies all the time! Call ahead. Make sure about fees, weight limits, and breed restrictions. I once saw a *glorious* Golden Retriever lounging in the lobby. Made my whole week. Hotels are people-watching goldmines. You may need to pay a pet fee, be prepared for that. And PLEASE clean up after your pet. Seriously.
I need to work while I'm there. Is the Wi-Fi reliable? Is there a workspace?
Look, the Wi-FiRoam And Rests
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