Escape to Raleigh: Luxurious Cary Stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites!
Escape to Raleigh: My Cary Staycation at the Fairfield Inn & Suites - Was it Bliss? (Spoiler Alert: Maybe!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn’t your typical hotel review. I’m not just gonna list amenities, I’m gonna feel this stay. So, here we go! My "Escape to Raleigh" mini-vacay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Cary… or as I now lovingly call it, the stress-buster.
Let's be honest, the idea of a "staycation" sounded a little… lame at first. But after weeks chained to my desk (writing these darn reviews!), I NEEDED out. Raleigh beckoned, but Cary? Well, that's where the Fairfield landed, so Cary it was.
First Impressions (or, "Did I Actually Find the Place?")
Finding the hotel wasn't a Herculean task, thankfully. Parking? Free, right on-site, a Godsend. Valet? Nope, but honestly, I’m not a valet kinda gal, so no big loss. And the elevator? YES, an elevator! My creaky knees were eternally grateful. Accessibility gets a big thumbs up right off the bat.
The Room - My Little Kingdom (with a Few Quirks)
The room itself… okay, it wasn’t the Taj Mahal. But it was clean. And after a year of staring at the same four walls, clean felt like a luxury. I hopped straight into the Air Conditioning (praise be!), and the Blackout Curtains were a lifesaver. I’m one of those weirdos who NEEDS the room pitch black to sleep. The Extra Long Bed was a bonus, because… well, I sprawl.
The Wi-Fi [free] was a LIFE SAVER. Seriously. I needed to work a little (ugh, even on vacation!), and the connection was surprisingly solid. Internet access – wireless throughout the room! The Internet access – LAN – I didn't even attempt that, but hey, it's there if you're into that kind of thing.
The Bathroom, though… now, that's where we enter imperfection territory. The Shower was… functional. The Toiletries? Generic. The Mirror felt a tad… small. It was equipped with a hair dryer, which, again, worked. Bathrobes? Nope. Slippered feet? Not in my domain. You know, the little things, the details that make you feel pampered. I didn't find them. But, you know what? I survived.
The Not-So-Glamorous, But Necessary Stuff:
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where things get surprisingly good. They've clearly gone above and beyond to make you feel safe. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere you look, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I caught myself thinking, "Wow, maybe I should lick the doorknob…" (Just kidding! Don't do that!)
Speaking of Safety: Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas, Security [24-hour]? Check, check, and check. Made me feel…well, not exactly secure, but far from anxious.
Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] in restaurant? Yep, and honestly, it was better than I expected. Asian breakfast was available, as was the more general Western breakfast, and a decent Coffee/tea in restaurant. Okay, the coffee wasn’t amazing but, hey, free coffee!
The Amenities - Where Things Got Interesting
Okay, this is where the review gets a bit… scatterbrained. I’m a sucker for a good spa, so I poked around the Spa, where I had an amazing treatment on the Body Scrub, and Massage, and I have to say, the Sauna did wonders for my aching muscles from the long drive. So I'd recommend the Pool with view, while you are enjoying the water. I did the Fitness center, which felt more like a decent gym, so all of my goals towards weight loss actually started to be realised. I also, went to the Steamroom, and it felt like walking on clouds of pure bliss.
The Food & Drink Scene (or, "Where's the Wine?")
Restaurants? There are a few, including a Vegetarian restaurant with Asian cuisine in restaurant. The Poolside bar was fun for a quick drink, and I could grab a Bottle of water, and Coffee/tea in restaurant. There was also available, Happy hour, and Snack bar, and Desserts in restaurant.
The Verdict - Did I Actually Escape?
So, did I escape? Did the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Cary deliver on the promise of relaxation? It's complicated. It wasn't perfect. But the Cleanliness and safety were impeccable, which put my mind at ease. The Breakfast was decent. The Wi-Fi worked. And the whole stay was, for me, a much-needed dose of 'me' time. It wasn't a luxury resort, but it was comfortable, safe. And, most importantly, it let me breathe.
Overall Grade: 7.5/10 - solid, safe, and a good value for the price.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a glorious, messy, and probably slightly caffeinated adventure through the heart of… Cary, North Carolina. Specifically, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Raleigh Cary Cary. Here's the loosest semblance of a travel itinerary you'll ever see. Consider it more of a suggestion box brimming with chaos.
Day 1: Arrival, Apprehension, and Attempted Comfort
- 1:00 PM: Arrival. (Or, "The Great Luggage Shuffle") Alright, landing at RDU was… well, it was an airport. You know the drill. The air was thick with a weird, vaguely citrusy cleaning product scent, which is always a bad sign in my book. Found the rental car (a surprisingly clean Kia Rio, bless its plastic-y heart) and navigated the highway with the grace of a newborn giraffe. The Fairfield Inn & Suites loomed ahead, a beacon of… well, hopefully some kind of clean.
- Anecdote: The GPS, bless its mechanical soul, tried to reroute me into a pond. I swear, that little voice has a personal vendetta against navigating around water.
- Emotional Reaction: Relief. Pure, unadulterated relief to finally park. My shoulders were practically screaming for mercy.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. (Or, "The Hotel Hustle") The check-in process was… fine. Efficient, even. But you know the feeling, right? That slightly awkward dance with the front desk attendant, the forced politeness, hoping you haven't accidentally booked a room with bedbugs or a view of the dumpster. I feel like I should have asked some questions, like "Are you sure this isn't a storage closet?".
- 2:00 PM: The Room. (Or, "Is That a Stain?") Okay, the room. Not bad. Pretty standard hotel fare. Beige, beige, and more beige. The carpet looks suspiciously like it's seen a few… things. I did a quick sweep of the bathroom, because let's be real; the bathroom is the real battleground for your sanity. Found a suspicious hair, the size of my thumb, near the sink. Not mine. Made a mental note to use my own soap to scrub the sink.
- Quirky Observation: I swear, hotel rooms standardize the exact number of pillows needed. Always too many. Why?
- 3:00 PM: Snacks and Staring. (Or, "The Existential Crisis of the Mini-Bar") Unpacked, wrestled with the TV remote (always a challenge, these things are designed to confuse even the most tech-savvy), and decided to raid the snacks I'd brought. A bag of chips, and I swear, I'm already missing my kitchen. Opened the window.
- 4:00 PM: Pool Debacle. Okay, the pool. Or, as it turned out, the "potential pool." Found it closed. The sign said "Maintenance". Which, translated, means "Probably gross, we're pretending to clean it".
- Emotional Reaction: I'm slightly gutted. I'm a creature of impulsive pool-sitting on vacation.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a Random Restaurant. (Or, "That Chicken Wasn't Chicken") Headed out, after a quick shower (I had to use more soap), to find some dinner. I picked a place off a list online. Which turned out to be some sort of chain restaurant. The service was fine, the food was… well, let's just say I'm not entirely convinced that the chicken I ate was, in fact, actually chicken. I'm trying to forget the experience, really.
- Messy Structure: I’m also pretty sure I over-tipped, but like, those servers really do have to put up with a lot.
- 8:00 PM: Room Service? (Or, "The Quest for a Decent Coffee") Back in the room. Exhausted. Debating room service (probably a terrible idea, but you know, comfort), and desperately searching for decent coffee. I'm missing having a real Italian coffee right now. I think I'm going to sleep in, and eat everything.
Day 2: The "Explore Cary" Experiment, which went awry
- 7:00 AM: Wake-up. (Or, "The Horrific Hotel Coffee Debacle") The coffee. Let’s just leave it at that.
- 8:00 AM: Attempted Cary Exploration. (Or, "MapQuest: My Eternal Frenemy") Armed with a (slightly blurry, thanks to my own poor printing skills) map, I set out to "explore Cary!" This was supposed to be a deep dive into the local culture.
- Anecdote: I tried to find a cute local coffee shop. Ended up driving in circles for a solid 20 minutes, and found only strip malls, and a car wash open at 8 in the morning, which feels weird to me.
- 9:00 AM: The Cary Arts Center Disaster. Planned a visit to the Cary Arts Center. Turns out, it opens at 10, and I was already pretty sure I was the only one awake in the whole town, and I'm not really that much of a fan of art.
- Emotional Reaction: Frustration. I wanted something interesting. Something, other than more strip malls. My expectations, clearly were too high.
- Messy Structure: OK, I can accept that this is my fault. I should have checked the hours. I should have looked into what it was like to park. I should have, well, I should have been more prepared.
- 9:30 AM: The Cary History Museum. (Or, "The Saga of Closed Things") Decided to pivot and try the History Museum. Guess what? Closed. This is turning into a theme.
- Quirky Observation: I see a pattern. Apparently, Cary doesn't really "do" mornings.
- 11:00 AM: Brunch at a Diner. (Or, "The Savior of the Morning") Gave up on self-guided exploration and turned to Yelp. Found a decent-looking diner. The food was… well, it was diner food. Greasy, delicious, and exactly what I needed. At least someone was open.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy at the sight of a plate piled high with pancakes.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the Room. (Or, "The Solitude of Self-Reflection") Feeling defeated, went back to the hotel. Did some journaling, watched some random TV, and wallowing in my own self-pity.
- 3:00 PM: The Great Nap, and the Great Snack Attack. Passed out. Woke up. Snack attack. That's all I have to say.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner, Take Two. (Or, "Another Chain Restaurant?") Okay, I'm not proud of this, but I ended up at another chain restaurant. It was fine, whatever. I ordered a burger. What else is new?
- 8:00 PM: Early to Bed. (Or, "Accepting My Fate") I'm going to bed. This whole "adventurous traveler" thing? Apparently, not for me.
Day 3: Departure (Or, "The Sweet, Sweet Relief")
- 7:00 AM: Wake Up, and the Sweet Bliss of Leaving. The worst coffee of the trip, by far.
- 8:00 AM: Check-out. (Or, "The Escape") So much relief.
- 9:00 AM: Goodbye, Cary. (Or, "The Last Look") Looked in the rear-view mirror. I will be back when I'm old, with my wife, and perhaps with a dog.
And that's it! My super-duper polished, travel itinerary. Cary, you were a… experience. Maybe next time, I'll research better. Or maybe not. After all, the best travel stories are the messy ones, right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a real coffee shop.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Timber Lodge Awaits in Cle Elum!
Alright, spill it! Is this "Escape to Raleigh" thing actually worth the hype? I'm seeing a LOT of ads...
Okay, okay, settle down. Hype? Well, it depends what you're after. "Worth it" is subjective, right? If you're picturing yourself in a swanky, over-the-top "luxury" suite? Temper those expectations, friend. But if you're looking for a comfortable, convenient basecamp for exploring Raleigh and the surrounding area? Yeah, it's pretty darn good. I mean, for the price? Seriously, it's a win. I was initially skeptical, you know? "Fairfield Inn & Suites" screams "Business Trip," not "Epic Weekend Getaway." But after like, *three* visits (don't judge my indecisiveness!), I'm a convert.
Here's the thing: It's not the Ritz. It *is* a clean, relatively modern hotel with a decent pool (more on that later, oh yes, we'll get to the pool), friendly staff, and the holy grail of all hotel amenities: FREE BREAKFAST. And bless their hearts, that free breakfast is pretty solid. Waffles, yogurt parfaits, the works. I mean, it's not gourmet, but it gets the job done and fills that rumbling morning tummy.
The "Luxurious Cary Stay" part… realistic? Like, am I gonna feel like a king or queen?
"Luxurious"? Okay, let's unpack *that* little word. It's... stretching it, yeah. Think of it more as "Comfortable Cary Stay". I mean, your suite's not gonna be dripping in gold leaf or anything. But the rooms are well-maintained, the beds are comfy (I always check the mattress firmness, and these are good!), and the bathrooms are clean. Crucially, the AC works. And in North Carolina's summer, that’s a requirement of life!
I remember one time, I had a *massive* headache, and I just wanted a dark, quiet room. This was pre-meditation app days for me, so I was completely at the whim of the hotel's fate. The room was perfect! Black-out curtains, a comfy chair, and bless the internet, it was solid! Instant relief. And, y'know, sometimes that's luxurious enough.
But what about the pool?! I *need* a good pool experience. Tell me everything.
Okay, the pool. This is a *journey*. So, the pool is... well, it's a pool. It's not huge, but it's definitely swim-able. Clean, well-maintained, and usually not *too* crowded. That said, it can get a bit crazy on the weekends, especially when the kids are out of school.
The first time I went, I was so excited! I had this vision of myself, lounging on a comfy pool chair with a cocktail, soaking up the sun. Reality? I ended up sharing the pool with, like, a dozen screaming kids and a rogue inflatable alligator. Not exactly the zen I had envisioned.
But, I stuck with it. I went back! Every day! I even learned to embrace it. Sometimes, you need that chaotic energy! It's an adventure in itself. I will say, a word of advice: Get there early to snag a good chair. And bring earplugs. Just in case. On the plus side, the outdoor and indoor combination is perfect for all weather!
Okay, fine, the location. Is it actually 'escape-able' or am I stuck in a parking lot?
Location-wise? Spot on! You're in Cary, which is basically a hop, skip, and a jump from Raleigh! This is a major plus! It's close to like, everything. Dining, shops, the Museum of Art! You can head to the city without the bustle! This makes it a great base for day trips.
And parking? Surprisingly easy! Never had a problem finding a space. Which, let's be honest, is a huge win. I hate hotels where you play musical cars at midnight.
Spit it out: what's the WORST thing about this place? Be honest!
Okay, honesty time. The elevator. Look... it's slow. S-L-O-W. And sometimes, it has a mind of its own. One time, I was laden down with a million shopping bags, the key card, and a phone call with some really bad news; the elevator decided to take a detour to the basement for a good, long chat. I almost lost it. Literally.
Also, the 'fitness center' is... well, let's just say it's compact. Don't expect a state-of-the-art gym. Think a couple of treadmills, a bench, and some free weights. But, hey, at least there *is* one. And considering the delicious waffle possibilities at breakfast, you might want to make use of it. Just saying.
Is the included breakfast *really* as good as everyone says?
Good? No. Adequate? Yes. It's free, which is the key selling point. They usually have scrambled eggs (sometimes questionable), sausage or bacon, and those glorious waffle makers! Let's be real, those waffle makers are the stars of the show. You can build your own parfait, and they are always restocking the fruit.
It's not exactly gourmet. But, it'll get you started on the right foot. I often grab a plate, then head out for coffee. It’s not bad, but it’s not the reason I book my stay. So basically: don’t plan to have your life changed by breakfast, but enjoy the convenience.
Okay, I'm sold (maybe). What's the bottom line? Would you recommend it, generally?
Here's the deal: Yes. I do. I would recommend it, with the caveats mentioned, of course. It's a solid, reliable option. It's clean, comfortable, and the price point is usually right. The staff is friendly, and it's perfectly located for exploring the area.
If you're looking for pure luxury, keep looking. But if you're after a practical, convenient, and generally pleasant place to stay while you explore the Raleigh/Cary area? The Fairfield Inn & Suites in Cary is a winner. Just bring earplugs for the pool (you've been warned!).
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