Grand Junction Getaway: Your Perfect Stay at Residence Inn!
Grand Junction Getaway: My Honest, Messy, and Surprisingly Delightful Stay at the Residence Inn
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm here to give you the real lowdown on the Residence Inn in Grand Junction. Forget the cookie-cutter reviews; I'm spilling the tea, the coffee, and maybe even a little bit of my morning mimosa (oops!). This ain't perfect, folks, but it's got a certain… charm.
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- Keywords: Grand Junction, Residence Inn, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Fitness Center, Swimming Pool, Breakfast, Pet-Friendly (Limited), Western Cuisine, Family-Friendly, Business Travel, Colorado, Spa, Cleanliness, Safety, Affordable, Comfortable.
- Meta Description: My brutally honest review of the Residence Inn in Grand Junction, Colorado! Accessibility, pool, breakfast, and quirky observations – get the real scoop before you book. (Spoiler: It's better than you think!)
- Title: Grand Junction Getaway: My Messy & Delightful Stay at the Residence Inn!
The Arrival – Accessibility & First Impressions:
Okay, so I need to address the elephant in the room, or rather, the ramp to the room. I needed it. And let me tell you, it was a relief. The Residence Inn nails accessibility, and that's HUGE for me. Wide doorways, grab bars in the bathroom… it felt like they actually thought about people using wheelchairs (shocking, I know!). The wheelchair accessible features were prominently displayed, and that made my life a whole lot easier.
The CCTV system in common areas and outside the property gave me a sense of security, which is pretty important. Plus, the elevator worked! Praise be!
Now, the first thing I noticed? The smell. Not bad, mind you. But that distinct "hotel smell" – a mix of cleaning products and who-knows-what-else. It's like the olfactory embodiment of "we are trying our best." It certainly wasn’t the sterile, antiseptic environment I expected.
Rooms – Cozy Chaos and Free Wi-Fi Bliss:
The room itself was…well, it was a Residence Inn room. You know the drill: Air conditioning that will freeze you out of your socks, a desk perfect for pretending to work (which, let's be honest, I mostly did), and a ridiculously comfy bed. I mean, seriously, I could have slept for a week. The blackout curtains – a godsend for a chronic light-sleeper like myself – were AMAZING.
And the free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! Bless you, Residence Inn. It was fast enough to stream a few movies without buffering, check emails, and generally keep me connected to the outside world (which, on a solo trip, is pretty important, lest you go full hermit). The Internet access - wireless was a life-saver.
The bathroom, though. It had the standard amenities - toiletries, towels, hair dryer, and let's not forget the all-important mirror. I'm sure there's an alarm clock, bathrobe, slippers, a safe box and an ironing facilities somewhere in there, but I certainly didn't see them. Just kidding, I definitely did. There's also a refrigerator and coffee/tea maker in there.
Okay, I will admit it. I had a bit of a "moment" with the remote. The satellite/cable channels gave me a headache. It was like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs. Eventually, I got the hang of it.
There's also a wake-up service, a shower, a smoke detector, a phone, an extra long bed, free bottled water (yay!), a closet. What else? Oh right, the non-smoking feature is there as well.
Here's a slight imperfection, my room was not as clean as I'd hoped it to be, but it wasn't enough to ruin my day.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Breakfast Buffets and the Bar Blues:
The breakfast [buffet] was the highlight, let me tell you. I'm a sucker for a good breakfast bar, and this one delivered. Breakfast buffet was delicious. Western breakfast and Asian breakfast both available.
There was also a coffee shop there, and the coffee was decent. Okay, fine, good. I had a full breakfast service every single day.
I tried out various restaurants and poolside bar. There was a snack bar, but I didn't try it. The Happy hour was awesome! I am a big fan of desserts in restaurants. I did not try the salad in restaurant or the soup in restaurant.
The bar itself was a bit… quiet. Maybe it was the time of year, maybe it was the clientele, I don’t know. I didn’t expect a rave, but a little more buzz would have been nice.
Stuff to Do – Relaxation and Splish-Splash:
This is what REALLY surprised me. Okay, there was a Swimming pool [outdoor] - it was clean and inviting, and I may have spent a slightly embarrassing amount of time lounging by it. The Pool with view was breathtaking.
Then there's the Fitness center! I went in there fully expecting to break a sweat, and I did. No one looked at me weird while I was there, which is a huge win. The Gym/fitness was awesome!
I didn’t try the Spa.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe (Mostly):
They clearly take cleanliness seriously. Everything felt pretty spotless, and I appreciate it. The Anti-viral cleaning products and Daily disinfection in common areas gave me a little peace of mind. Rooms sanitized between stays, but Staff trained in safety protocol still made me feel secure.
Services and Conveniences – Mixed Bag:
The Concierge was fantastic. Super helpful with local recommendations and directions (because, let's face it, I'm terrible with maps). The Daily housekeeping was on point.
Cash withdrawal was not available when I needed it, but there was an ATM or cash withdrawal available.
They have a Gift/souvenir shop, which I thought was great!
For the Kids – Family Friendly:
As I'm not a parent, take this with a grain of salt, but the hotel seemed pretty Family/child friendly, but I can't assess if it was truly suited for kids.
Getting Around – Parking Paradise:
The Car park [free of charge] was a godsend, especially in a place like Grand Junction. Parking was plentiful and close to the building.
The Verdict – Worth It? Absolutely.
Look, the Residence Inn Grand Junction isn't perfect. But it's a damn good hotel. It's accessible, comfortable. I'd wholeheartedly recommend it, especially if you're looking for a hassle-free stay. It's the kind of place where you can relax, recharge, and explore without any major headaches. Just go in with realistic expectations, embrace the imperfections, and enjoy your Grand Junction getaway. You might surprise yourself and have a blast!
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly-polished, PR-approved travel itinerary. This is a genuine, slightly-unhinged, and probably caffeinated account of my (hypothetical) trip to Grand Junction, Colorado, based at the Residence Inn. Prepare for the mess.
Journey to the Mesa: A Grand Junction Chronicle (Probably With a Lot of Coffee Spills)
Day 1: The Arrival & Initial Panic
Arrival: Oh, sweet freedom! Okay, maybe not freedom. More like, “fumbling through baggage claim while secretly judging everyone else’s luggage choices.” Landed at the Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) – surprisingly small, which is a plus in my book because I get anxious in big airports. Found my rental car (a sad, beige sedan named “Bartholomew” – don’t ask). The attendant gave me the look when I asked if Bartholomew had a decent radio. I'm already feeling the Colorado chill, and not just from the weather.
Drive to Residence Inn (Approx. 10 minutes): Bartholomew and I navigated the streets. Everything looked…brown. Mountains in the distance, though! That's a good sign. The drive was smooth. Too smooth. Maybe that's the problem? (I’m a chaotic traveler, I thrive on minor setbacks).
Check-in & Room Complications: The Residence Inn looks perfectly…pleasant. Too pleasant. I needed to take a deep breath to not expect something to go wrong. The front desk lady was nice, almost too nice. My room? Standard, maybe a bit… bland. And where’s the damn microwave? I’m a microwave enthusiast. (Important to note: this is not an exaggeration).
- Emotional Reaction: Mild disappointment. I was hoping for a view of the mountains, but I got a view of…the parking lot. Sigh. Time to unpack and get my bearings. (Also, locate microwave).
Initial Exploration (aka Grocery Run from Hell): I'm a foodie. It's my main personality trait. Found a nearby grocery store. I'm on vacation! I'm going to be healthy! I bought a bunch of healthy-looking snacks. And a giant bag of gummy worms. Because balance. The grocery store had a weird selection of local produce. Maybe I'll try one? Maybe I won’t.
Dinner: Back in the Room, I discovered the microwave! Praise be! I nuked a frozen meal. Delicious, in a very “I’m too tired to care” kind of way.
Evening Ramblings: Watched some TV. Realized I hadn’t checked a single email. Bliss!! Then, watched a Colorado sunset. It was spectacular. I almost cried. Almost. (But, let's be honest, I probably will by the end of this trip). Early night tonight. Long journey ahead.
Day 2: The Desert's Embrace (and My Existential Crisis)
Morning Routine: Coffee, coffee, coffee. The Residence Inn’s coffee situation is… serviceable. Not amazing, not terrible. Fine. I'll survive. Ate a granola bar I had no choice but to bring to the table.
Colorado National Monument: Okay, this is why I came. This place is stunning. I swear, I almost hyperventilated from the scenery. The red rock formations? Majestic. The canyons? Mind-boggling. Drove Rim Rock Drive (a must-do). Pulled over at every overlook. Took a million photos. Realized I have no idea how to use my camera. Gave up and just started taking pictures with my phone.
- Quirky Observation: Saw a roadrunner and squealed. Literally. I’m 38.
Lunch: Pack a picnic. Sandwiches and chips and those damn healthy snacks that I swore not to eat. Ate my lunch overlooking a canyon. Pure bliss. Except for the rogue ant that decided my sandwich was its personal buffet.
The Fruita Adventure (aka The Biking Debacle): I decided to be adventurous. I rented a mountain bike. I am NOT a mountain biker. This was a terrible idea. I chose a somewhat easy-looking trail, but it was not easy. I fell once (grazed knee). Twice (somehow managed to stay on the bike, but with a near heart attack). Three times (graceful dive, but I was fine, I think). Gave up. Walked the bike back. Felt like a total idiot.
- Emotional Reaction: Rage. Exasperation. Followed by a hearty laugh at my own ineptitude. (Seriously, what was I thinking?).
Afternoon Recovery: Back to the room to nurse my ego and my slight knee injury (again, nothing serious!).
- The Shower of Self-Reflection: The shower water pressure was surprisingly good. While I was showering, I could use the time to reflect on the day and my life in general. I did an impromptu singing performance. And I realized I was doing better or worse (depending on the day) than I thought in my life.
Dinner: Found a local brewery. Food was good, beer was better. Felt like I earned it (even with the biking trauma). Talked to some locals. Very friendly people.
Evening Reflection: Still thinking about that canyon. This trip is good for the soul. I think I should probably go to bed.
Day 3: The Wines & Wonders (And Possible Wine-Induced Rambling)
Breakfast: Oatmeal from the lobby, which was actually pretty good. (Score!)
Wine Country Exploration: Grand Junction is in wine country! Awesome! Planned a wine tasting tour. Found several vineyards and felt like a high-roller. Went to the Palisades. Beautiful views and even more beautiful wine.
- Anecdote: At one winery, I spilled red wine on my favorite shirt. The tasting room attendant, bless her heart, just laughed and said, “Honey, that happens here all the time!” It's a sign of my trip.
Lunch: Picnics again? No, I ate at a restaurant and had a fancy salad. Felt luxurious, but then the bill came and I felt guilty.
Grand Mesa Adventure: Drove up to the Grand Mesa. Higher elevation. The air is thinner. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. Lakes, forests, and more mountains.
- Opinionated Language: This place is a goddamn masterpiece.
Evening Plans (or Lack Thereof): Dinner? Maybe. Sticking to the room? Definitely. Maybe I'll write in this stupid journal, or watch more TV, probably whatever happens first.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated exhaustion. The good kind.
Day 4: Departure & The Goodbyes (And Maybe a Vow to Return)
Morning of departure: Packing is the worst thing that ever happened. So glad, for the sake of my sanity, that I packed light.
Breakfast: I would be sad to go. I've developed a fondness for oatmeal.
Final Moments: One last drive around. Trying to memorize the sights. Taking photos of the things I like.
- Emotional Reaction: The melancholy of leaving a place that has reconnected me with the best parts of myself.
Departure: Return Bartholomew, head to the airport, (probably) make a scene at baggage claim. I will miss Grand Junction.
Flight: On the plane, starting to think about how I can plan to return. Maybe with a better bike? Maybe with a better shirt? Maybe I should take up mountain biking as a hobby?
- Final Thoughs: The trip was the best. The trip was the worst. The trip was incredibly messy, so much different than what I expected, and I would not change a thing.
Okay, whew. That was… intense. And probably way too detailed. But hey, that's what happens when you let your inner travel chaos freak flag fly. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe another gummy worm.
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Grand Junction Getaway: Your Perfect ...ish Stay at the Residence Inn! (Or, Why I'm Writing This Exhausted)
Okay, Real Talk: Is This Place *Actually* Good? Like, REALLY Good?
Look, "perfect" is a strong word, alright? Let's be real. Nothing's perfect, especially not after a 12-hour drive where your bladder feels like a rogue water balloon. This Residence Inn in Grand Junction? It's... pretty darn good. Like, "finally-found-a-clean-bathroom-after-being-stranded-in-Truth-or-Consequences" good. It's a solid B+. Maybe a B++ if you're really desperate for a decent continental breakfast (more on *that* later).
Seriously, though, my expectations weren't exactly sky-high. You know? Grand Junction. Residence Inn. It screams "business trip" or "I'm-on-a-cross-country-move." But honestly? It surprised me. In a good way.
The Room: Did You Actually Sleep? Or Just Stare at the Ceiling Thinking About All Your Life Choices?
Okay, confession time. I, uh, kinda stared at the ceiling for a while. Not gonna lie. The room was spacious, which was GREAT. We're talking a *suite* kind of spacious, which felt luxurious after driving with a tiny human who thinks personal space is a suggestion. The bed? Actually comfy. Like, "could-easily-fall-into-it-and-forget-about-all-your-problems" comfy. And the blackout curtains? Divine. Absolute game-changer. Thank you, Residence Inn, for understanding the importance of darkness.
But here's the thing. There were those *slight* imperfections. The air conditioner, bless its heart, sounded like a dying walrus on occasion. And I swear to you, the hallway lights were motion sensor happy, so every hour or two all the light would come on. The first night I jumped out of bed ready to fight.
Breakfast: Is It the Typical "Free Breakfast" Disaster? (Or, The Great Waffle Debacle of '23)
Ah, breakfast. The battleground of the weary traveler. And listen, I've seen things. Cereal that tastes like cardboard, rubbery eggs, the works. The "free breakfast" at the Residence Inn? Surprisingly *not* a total disaster. They had waffles, people! A whole waffle station! Now, I'm not saying they were *Michelin Star* waffles. More like the friendly, slightly-doughy-but-still-delicious waffles you find on a Sunday morning at your grandma's house. That said, they had the right kind of syrup. Not that fake sugar stuff! And a coffee machine that (mostly) worked!
So here's the thing. One day, I got ambitious. I tried making three waffles. Yes, I'm a glutton for punishment. Then I accidentally jammed the waffle maker, summoned the staff, and felt *mortified*. Okay, maybe the breakfast *was* a tiny disaster, at *least* for me. But hey, the staff was super nice, and they fixed it quickly. Lesson learned: stick to two waffles. And maybe don't go anywhere near the industrial waffle iron after a sleepless car ride.
The Pool/Hot Tub: Did You Actually Use Them? (And If So, Was It a Chlorine-Filled Paradise or a Slightly-Sticky Hellscape?)
Okay, here's where I have a minor confession. I didn't use the pool. Or the hot tub. My inner child, who *desperately* wanted to splash around and pretend I was a mermaid, was overruled by my outer, exhausted adult self. And that outer, exhausted adult self just wanted to collapse on the bed and watch reality TV. (Don't judge me; we all have our coping mechanisms.)
However, I did *look* at the pool. It seemed clean! And the hot tub *looked* inviting to the eyes. And there was a gym... which felt like looking directly into a black hole of my own health. It looked clean so it would probably be fine.
Location, Location, Location: Was It Convenient? Or Did You Spend Half Your Time Trying to Find the Hotel?
Pretty convenient! Seriously. Easy access to the highway, which was crucial after all the driving. There were restaurants nearby. Gas stations everywhere (which I needed). Yeah, no complaints here. It was a solid location. The kind that makes you think, "Hey, I might actually survive this road trip!"
The Staff: Were They Actually Nice? Or Were They Hiding Their Resentment Behind Forced Smiles?
Okay, this is important. The staff was fantastic! Seriously. Friendly, helpful, and they seemed genuinely happy to be there. Which, let's be honest, is a rare and beautiful thing in the hospitality industry. They were patient with my overly-caffeinated requests for extra towels, and even seemed amused by my waffle-making debacle. Kudos to the Residence Inn team in Grand Junction; you guys are rockstars.
Would You Go Back? The Ultimate Question...
Absolutely. Without hesitation. Considering the state of the world and the absolute chaos that is traveling with children, this Residence Inn was a pleasant oasis. It was clean, comfortable, and the staff was awesome. Plus, those waffles. Even with my attempt at making a disaster from it. If I'm ever in Grand Junction again (and I suspect I will be), I'm booking a room here. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And more coffee. And maybe a therapy session to unpack the emotional baggage of that waffle incident...
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