Keene's Hidden Gem: Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown Review!
Keene's Hidden Gem: Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown Review! (Brace Yourselves, It's Gonna Be Long)
Okay, buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Downtown Keene, New Hampshire. I usually HATE writing reviews, mostly because I'm lazy, and also because I'm overly critical. But this place? This place… it's got a few things going for it, and a few things that made me go "hmmm." So here's the unfiltered, slightly chaotic, and hopefully helpful breakdown:
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Because Apparently That's Important Now) :
- Keywords: Fairfield Inn Keene, Downtown Keene Hotel, Accessible Hotel Keene, Spa Hotel Keene, Free Wi-Fi Keene, Best Keene Hotel, Pool Hotel Keene, Pet Friendly Hotel Keene (sort of!), Meeting Facilities Keene.
- Meta Description: A detailed, honest, and slightly rambling review of the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Downtown Keene, NH. Covering accessibility, amenities, dining, cleanliness, and the overall vibe. Get ready for some real talk!
Alright, Let's Dive In!
First off, I gotta say, finding this place felt like stumbling upon buried treasure. Keene itself is a charming little town, and the Fairfield is right in the thick of it. Easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and… well, everything.
Accessibility - My Brain's a Little Foggy, Was It Good?
Okay, I'm not using a wheelchair full time, but I was with someone who does, and this is where things get… interesting.
- Wheelchair Accessible? Largely, yes. The lobby, common areas, and most importantly, the elevator, were all good. The rooms… well, that's where I had to investigate.
- Bathroom… It depends on the room. We got the accessible room and after a change the bathroom was great, with grab bars and a decent amount of space. I was honestly expecting a cramped box, and I was pleasantly surprised. The door was wide enough, which is a BIG win.
- The "Hiccups": There was the usual stuff - a slight lip at the front door, so we had to go through the side. Nothing major, but it’s worth noting. And the pool area? I'll get to that mess later.
Overall Accessibility (I'm Giving It… A Solid 7/10?) It's a solid effort, which is more than you can say for many other hotels I've seen.
Cleanliness and Safety - Did They Murder the Germs?
This is where the Fairfield REALLY shines.
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products: I saw a few signs boasting about this, and it felt clean. The air felt fresh. No lingering smells of… well, you know.
- Daily Disinfection: Yep, they were on it. The staff seemed genuinely committed to keeping things spotless. I saw them wiping down everything.
- Hand Sanitizer: EVERYWHERE. Which, in these times, is appreciated.
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: Yep.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn't use this but knowing it was an option was great!
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: Seemed so.
- Shared stationery removed: Well done!
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: I only ate the breakfast, but I can say it seemed safe!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Awesome!
- Daily housekeeping: Yep!
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: I'd imagine.
Cleanliness Score: 9/10. They take this seriously, which is HUGE.
The Room Itself - Is It Livable?
Let's get into the nitty-gritty of the room.
- Air Conditioning: Yep, thankfully. It was summer, and it was hot.
- Free Wi-Fi: YES! This is non-negotiable for me. And it worked well.
- Blackout Curtains: Thank the heavens! Sleep is precious.
- Desk: a good one, I used the laptop.
- Coffee Maker/Tea Maker: Yep.
- Mini-Fridge: Yes! Essential for keeping my… ahem… refreshments cold.
- Bathroom: Nice little shower. Enough to do what you need to do.
- Bed: Comfortable enough. I got great sleep!
- TV: Didn't watch it much, but it worked.
- Soundproofing: The room was pretty quiet, which was great, but at times, the traffic was awful.
Rooms Score : 7/10. Basic, but functional and clean.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Fun!
- Breakfast (Buffet): Okay, listen. The breakfast wasn't gourmet, but it was… fine. Decent selection of the usual suspects: eggs, sausage, waffles, cereal, fruit, pastries. It was free, which is always a win.
- Breakfast Takeaway Service: I don't think I used this.
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant: Yep!
- Coffee Shop: I think they did but didn't use.
- Snack Bar (sort of): I'm not sure.
- Restaurants: Nearby, there are so many restaurants to try out!
- Poolside bar: There isn’t one.
- The Verdict on Food & Drink: 6/10. It gets the job done. The free breakfast will make your wallet happy.
Amenities & Things to Do - Beyond the Bed and Breakfast
- Fitness Center: Small, but functional. I am not a fitness person.
- Swimming Pool (Outdoor): The pool. Oh, the pool! It's a standard outdoor pool, BUT… the accessibility around the pool? A little lacking. The ramp seemed a bit steep, and there wasn’t a lift. This was a pretty big disappointment for us. I wish they had better options here.
- Pool with view: I don't think the pool had a view.
- Internet Access: Yep!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yep!
- Business facilities, Meeting/banquet facilities: I didn't use any of these.
- Concierge, Luggage storage, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests: All good.
Amenities Score: Good but Pool Accessibility needs work. Overall: 8/10
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things
- Concierge: I didn't use it.
- Contactless Check-in/out: Which makes me very happy!
- Daily housekeeping: Awesome!
- Doorman: I don't remember seeing one, but I may just have missed it.
- Elevator: Yes.
- Laundry service: I didn't use it.
- Cash withdrawal: YES!
- Gift/souvenir shop: Didn't see one.
- Safe deposit boxes: I don't think I checked, but it's a good addition.
Services Score: 7/10. Helpful and convenient.
Overall Vibe - Would I Go Back?
Yes. Absolutely. Despite the little hiccups with the pool and some accessibility issues, the Keene Fairfield Inn & Suites is a solid choice. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and it's in a great location. It's not a luxury resort, but it's comfortable, convenient, and does the job well. Highly recommended, especially if you value cleanliness and a friendly atmosphere.
Final Verdict: A Solid 8/10. Go for it!
Escape to Beckley's Gem: Country Inn & Suites Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned trip. This is the Fairfield Inn & Suites Keene Downtown, NH, through the filter of a slightly caffeinated, possibly sleep-deprived, and definitely opinionated human. Let's go, shall we?
Trip: Keene Chaos (or, "I'm Pretty Sure I Left My Sanity in the Car")
Hotel: Fairfield Inn & Suites Keene Downtown. (Sounds fancy, feels…well, let's see, shall we?)
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Doubts (and a Parking Lot That Seems to Mock Me)
- 2:00 PM - Arrival (ish): Okay, so the GPS said "arrived." The reality? Wrestling a suitcase that's seen better days out of the car in a parking lot that's clearly designed by someone who hates tourists. Seriously, are the spaces shrinking? Or did my car get bigger? (It’s the latter, definitely the latter…) First impression of the hotel: Shiny lobby. Too…perfect. Alarm bells. I'm already suspicious.
- 2:30 PM - Check-In & The Room Reveal: Check-in was painless, shockingly. The front desk person even managed a smile, which is a good sign, right? (Or is it just a pre-emptive attempt to soothe my already frayed nerves?) Room… Meh. Clean. Functional. The view? Well, let's just say it isn't the cover of a travel brochure. It's a brick wall, possibly a former prison. I’m kidding! (Mostly…)
- 3:00 PM - Unpacking, or, the Art of Throwing Things Around: Attempting to unpack is a messy affair. I swear my travel bag throws up its contents. Clothes exploding everywhere, the charging cables always tangled, and a rogue tube of toothpaste that always ends up rolling under the bed. It’s chaos! I’m immediately regretting not traveling lighter.
- 3:30 PM - Walking around the Area - "Is There Even a Town Here?" This hotel's location is super convenient, I've heard. I'm excited to get lost in Keene. So, I decided to walk around for a bit. The first thing to catch my attention are the quiet streets, the old brick buildings, and the little shops with colorful signs. The air is filled with the smell of fresh coffee and the sound of birds singing. It seemed like a great place to experience. But then I got hungry. I just grabbed a snack at a diner, and its flavor stayed with me until the end of the day.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner and a Beer (or two): Found a local brewery. Victory! The food was…decent, and the beer was cold. My mood improved exponentially with each sip. There's a weird comfort in a dive bar, isn't there? All the other patrons seem like they have their own stories. I was thinking about life.
- 7:00 PM - Pre-Bedtime Panic & TV Therapy: Back at the hotel. Scrolling through channels. Started watching a cheesy romantic comedy (don't judge!). Suddenly, the room felt…small. The brick wall outside my window felt…oppressive. Started thinking about all the things I haven't done. Then, I reminded myself, "You came here to relax, you nutjob!"
Day 2: Keene, You Surprisingly Enchanting Place… (and Ice Cream)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (Free!): The free breakfast buffet… It was what one would expect. Cereal that was probably manufactured in 1987, questionable "fruit," and coffee that tasted suspiciously like dishwater. But hey, it's free. And I did manage to snag a decent waffle. Small victories, people, small victories.
- 9:00 AM - Exploring Keene's Downtown Actually: I put on a pair of walking shoes and went. I found a few nice shops. I was excited to see a town that was not just a suburb. Keene has a nice vibe, it seems. I had a great time there.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and a bit of local history: I found a cool sandwich shop in town! I found out Keene has a rich history. Some of these buildings have been standing for centuries. It's weird to think about all the lives that have passed through this place.
- 2:00 PM - THE ICE CREAM. OH, THE ICE CREAM: Now, this is where things get serious. I found the absolute BEST ice cream shop. I'm not even going to name it, because I want to keep it for myself (okay, fine, it's called "So and So's Ice Cream"). But seriously, the flavors, the texture, the sheer joy… It was a religious experience. I had two scoops. Maybe three. Don't judge me. I would live here if I could.
- 4:00 PM - A Walk, a bench, and some regrets: I found a bench. I sat down on it. I sighed. I took out my phone, scrolled through my instagram, looked at all the other people's lives. I compared, I felt empty, I closed my phone. I looked up, breathed, and accepted my life. "What's so bad?" I asked myself. It felt good.
- 7:00 PM - A Nice Restaurant: Ate at a nice Italian place. The food was great. I'm glad I got out of the hotel.
Day 3: Departure and Existential Questions (and, Damn It, I Forgot Something)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (Round Two, Still Free): Back at the buffet. This time, I'm onto the waffle game. More syrup. Embracing the chaos.
- 9:00 AM- Check-Out & the Parking Lot of Doom (Part 2): Check-out was easy again. Heading out… The parking lot confronts me again. The suitcase? Heavy as ever. Trying to remember if I left anything. I'm pretty sure I left my sanity. No, wait, I think I packed that…
- 9:30 AM - Departure: Keene, NH. It wasn't perfect. I missed a turn. I didn't have enough time to see everything. But for the most part, I liked it. I actually enjoyed myself. And the ice cream… Oh, the ice cream. I'll be back.
- 10:00 AM - The Drive (with a Side of Regret): As I drive away, I realize…I forgot my toothbrush. Damn it. But hey, as I said: It wasn't perfect. It was real. And that, my friends, is what counts. Now, to find some ice cream on the way home….
Fairfield Inn & Suites Downtown Keene: The REAL Dirt (and I Mean REAL)
Okay, spill the beans! Is this Fairfield Inn actually a "Hidden Gem" like everyone says? Because frankly, my expectations are usually crushed.
Alright, alright, deep breaths. "Hidden Gem"? Look, in Keene, New Hampshire... let's just say dazzling luxury isn't exactly the local bread and butter. But is the Fairfield Inn & Suites downtown a pleasant surprise? Yeah, mostly. It’s not going to make you weep with joy, but for the price, the location, and the fact that you *actually* get a decent breakfast (more on that later!), it's pretty darn good. Think sensible, clean, and conveniently located. It's a reliable, not a breathtaking, kind of gem. Got it?
Location, location, location! Is it actually *downtown*? And is that a GOOD thing?
YES! Right in the heart of things. Seriously, you can practically trip and fall into a decent coffee shop (there are a few). Shops, restaurants… they're all walkable. That's huge, especially if you’re, like me, and pack way too much and hate lugging stuff. The only downside? Sometimes street noise. One time, the garbage truck decided 5 AM was the perfect time to serenade me. I may or may not have yelled out the window. (Don't judge, I hadn't had my coffee). So, pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper. But, overall, being downtown is definitely a win.
The Rooms: Are they… bearable? And are they clean?! That’s all I really want.
Okay, cleanliness is key, and I can confirm… mostly. The rooms are generally clean. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so believe me, I'm always squinting at things. I did find a stray hair in the bathroom once (shudders). BUT – it was a single, lonely hair, not a party of them. The beds are comfortable enough (I slept!), the bathrooms are functional, and the décor? Well, it's "hotel beige." Don't expect design awards, but you're there to sleep, right? Just breathe. It’s clean-ish, which, frankly, is a win in a lot of budget hotels.
*One HUGE caveat:* One time, I booked a room and they gave me the 'handicap accessible' room, right? I'm usually cool with things, but I'd booked a double bed, and this beast had *one* bed! I was traveling with a friend, and we were both like, "Umm... WHAT?" It was a little awkward, and reception was understanding, but that kinda put a damper on the evening. Check your bed type *immediately* upon check-in. Learn from my pain, people.
Breakfast! The most important meal, right? Is the "free breakfast" actually worth it, or is it that sad, sad continental thing?
Okay, here's where the Fairfield Inn actually shines, in my opinion. The breakfast is decent! It’s not some five-star brunch buffet, but it’s got the essentials: eggs (scrambled are usually okay), some kind of meat (sausage or bacon, usually), waffles (you make them yourself – which is always fun), yogurt, fruit, and the holy grail: COFFEE. Decent coffee, which, let's be real, is often a deal-breaker in a hotel breakfast. I've been known to fill up a travel mug for the road, no judgement at all.
The waffle situation is always a bit of a gamble. Sometimes the batter overflows and makes a giant mess, which is fun to watch (and clean up, ugh). Sometimes, you end up with half-cooked waffles that vaguely resemble rubber frisbees. But hey! At least you get a waffle! For the price of the room, absolutely worth it, plus it also saves money so you can splurge on a good dinner. I mean, come on, its free!
Parking? Because arriving anywhere on a Saturday afternoon is already stressful enough.
Parking is... adequate. They have their own lot, which is a godsend, but it can fill up, especially during busy weekends. Sometimes you'll be circling like a vulture, praying for someone to check out. If the lot is full, street parking is available, but read the signs CAREFULLY. Keene parking attendants are legendary. They’re like parking ninjas, always there, always watching, ready to pounce on a misplaced tire. Trust me on this.
One particularly harrowing experience: I arrived late Friday night, exhausted after a long drive. The lot was PACKED. I ended up having to circle for a good 20 minutes before someone finally left. By the time I got to the front desk, I was this close to just sleeping in my car. Then, I got a parking ticket the next morning from a meter on the street, it was *infuriating*. So, yeah, pay close attention to the parking situation; it’s a make-or-break kind of deal.
The Staff: Friendliness factor? Are they helpful?
Generally, the staff is friendly and helpful. Nothing overly effusive, but they get the job done. They're usually pretty good at answering questions, helping with directions, and fixing minor problems. I had a leaky faucet once, and they fixed it quickly. Sometimes, they seem a bit overworked, especially during check-in/check-out rush hour. But hey, they're trying their best.
There was this one morning, though… I was grabbing breakfast, and some poor woman was being a *terror* to the staff. She had some complaint about the eggs being too cold, and wouldn't let it go. The poor lady behind the counter was trying to be nice, but you could see she was about ready to cry. I felt so bad I almost walked up and apologized to her on the customer's behalf. Staff is great though.
The Pool/Gym? If they *have* them, are they worth bothering with?
Okay, this is where the Fairfield Inn takes a slight dip. Yes, there's a pool and a gym. The pool? Small. Indoor. Can get crowded, especially with kids. Not exactly a luxurious resort situation. It's fine for a quick dip, but don't expect a full-blown aquatic adventure.
The gym? Tiny. A few treadmills, some weights. Don't count on a comprehensive workout. Think of it as a way to *slightly* mitigate the effects of all those waffles at breakfast. The equipment is usually in working order, but nothing to write home about. If you're a serious fitness fanatic, you're better off finding a local gym. Just…Stay Mapped
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