Newport Escape: Middletown's BEST Residence Inn Awaits!
Newport Escape: Middletown's BEST Residence Inn… Or Is It? (A Rambling Review)
Okay, okay, let's be real. I just got back from a trip to Rhode Island, and the pressure… the pressure of writing this review of the Residence Inn in Middletown! They call it "Newport Escape," which is already setting a lofty expectation. Did it deliver? Well, buckle up, buttercups, because this is going to be… a ride.
First Impressions – The Accessibility Angle (Because, You Know, Reality)
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. I always check this stuff because, frankly, we need more places doing it right. And the Residence Inn seems to get it, at least on paper. Listed features include wheelchair accessibility, which is fantastic. I didn’t personally need it, but I always look for good accessibility in my reviews. The elevator is a must, of course, and they've got that down. I didn’t see a ton of specific features (like Braille signage) on my brief visit, but it seems pretty solid overall. The devil, as they say, is in the details, so I can't give it full marks, but thumbs up for making the effort visible.
The Digital Landscape: Internet, Wi-Fi, and the Great Connectivity Caper
Okay, so Internet access is essential these days. Like, can't-live-without-it essential. And thankfully, the Residence Inn steps up to the plate. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Boom! That's the baseline. But how good is it? Well, during my stay it was pretty solid. Internet [LAN] wasn’t something I even considered using (who uses wired internet anymore?), but hey, the option is there. The speed was decent enough for streaming, and I didn’t have any serious dropouts during my video calls. They also offer Wi-Fi in public areas, which is a life-saver when you're waiting for a taxi or just need a quick email check. Good stuff.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – More Spa Than a Spa, Really?
Now, this is where things get a little… interesting. On the surface, the Residence Inn boasts some tempting amenities. A fitness center? Check. A swimming pool [outdoor]? Double-check! But the spa-related options are… a little sparse. It lists a Spa, Sauna, and Steamroom, but let's be honest, it's not a full-blown luxury spa experience. Don’t expect the full shebang. I found the fitness center to be adequate – nothing fancy, but enough to get a decent workout in. The pool looked inviting, although I didn't go for a dip (the weather was a bit fickle during my stay). The sauna? Well, I’m not a real enthusiast, so take that for what it's worth.
They also list some "relaxing" options like Body scrub and Body wrap, but I have a feeling those aren’t actually available on-site. I didn't see those anywhere. The massage option is also listed - probably available upon special request.
Cleanliness and Safety – My OCD Got a Workout
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: the virus. The Residence Inn seems to have taken things seriously. They list a whole suite of cleaning and safety measures. Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sterilizing equipment, Staff trained in safety protocol… It's a lot. And to their credit, I saw a lot of this stuff in action. Everything felt clean, and I definitely appreciated the extra care. I felt safe, which is a huge weight off your mind when you’re traveling.
But here's a little messy observation: I noticed once the cleaning staff almost missed a spot in my bathroom. Just a little lingering hair on the counter. It's minor, absolutely. But also… the whole point is they're supposed to be doing all that cleaning. It didn’t bother me too much, but it was the one tiny imperfection that slipped through the cracks.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Breakfast Bonanza! (And Maybe a Little Disappointment)
Breakfast is important. It sets the tone for the whole day. And the Residence Inn puts on a… decent spread. It's your standard Breakfast [buffet]. They had your usual suspects: eggs, bacon (sometimes crispy, sometimes… not so much), cereals, pastries, fruit. I will say, I did love the Coffee/tea in restaurant. The coffee was strong, and I'm a caffeine addict! It's included, and that's always a plus. They had Western breakfast – the American staple, which is fine.
The other restaurants, and snack bar, and stuff? Well, this is where things get a little weak. It wasn’t quite what I expected. The Poolside bar? Nope. The Happy hour scene? Non-existent. Just a tiny convenience store with microwavable stuff.
But let me go on a stream of consciousness ramble about breakfast again. Because, honestly, I didn't love the buffet every single day. It got a little repetitive. And I wish there was a better A la carte in restaurant option. The Asian breakfast that's listed? I didn't see it. The Vegetarian restaurant? Not really.
Services and Conveniences – Running the Gauntlet of Essentials
Okay, so, the Residence Inn offers a ton of services. They've got Air conditioning in public area – a must in the humid Rhode Island summers. Concierge service! Check. Convenience store (that could be better, but is still handy). Currency exchange. Daily housekeeping (see above re: the hair). Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests (again, thumbs up). Food delivery. Ironing service! (always appreciated). Laundry service, Luggage storage. They even offer a Gift/souvenir shop, which is a nice touch.
I will point out there are a few things that are missing that are included in the list. Babysitting service? Didn't see it (and if it's available, it definitely wasn't obvious). Meeting/banquet facilities? Didn't see them. Conference rooms? I am pretty sure their is one - at least I saw one.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly…ish
They list Babysitting service (again, haven't seen it) and "Family/child friendly," but I'm not sure how kid-centric the Residence Inn truly is. There aren't a ton of kid-specific activities, although the pool could keep them occupied.
Access and Security – Keeping Things Safe
They’ve got the basics covered: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property. Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Smoke detector… It all contributes to making you feel safe. They are taking the basics seriously.
Getting Around – Location, Transportation, and the Parking Puzzle
The Residence Inn is located in… well, Middletown. Fine. Not directly in the heart of Newport, but close enough. They offer Airport transfer (that, I didn’t use). They have Car park [free of charge]. Big win! No hidden parking fees are always a bonus. They also list Taxi service. I used them, but didn’t have to walk for long.
Available in All Rooms – The Home Away from Home Essentials
Okay, what's actually in the rooms? The essentials. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone (weird, but okay), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (a lifesaver for light sleepers like me), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (see above!), Desk, Extra long bed (always appreciated). Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (mostly empty – just a fridge, not a stocked minibar), Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens…
Dallas DFW Airport's BEST Kept Secret: La Quinta Inn & Suites Review!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get a travel itinerary written by a REAL human. Not one of those perfectly-preened travel bloggers who’s never seen a spilled coffee. We're talking grit, grime, and guaranteed glorious mishaps. We're talking… Residence Inn Newport Middletown, Rhode Island. Let’s go!
The "Almost Flawless (Maybe)" Newport Adventure: A Residence Inn Ramble
Day 0: The Pre-Adventure Jitters (and the Luggage Freak-Out)
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Location: My apartment, pre-Rhode Island
- Activity: Pack, panic, unpack, repack. Repeat. Seriously, I always overpack. I’m convinced I'll need a ballgown for a casual lobster bake. This time I actually threw in a pair of knee high boots! What was I thinking? This is Newport, not the catwalk! Oh well, in the bag they go.
- Transportation: Ugh, the car. My trusty, yet slightly temperamental, steed whose name I won't mention for fear of jinxing it into a breakdown. Fingers crossed.
- Emotional State: Mostly excitement. Mixed with that lovely cocktail of "Did I forget something?" and "Am I actually ready for a vacation?" Answer: Probably not.
- Minor Flaw: I triple-checked the passport (thank God!). I almost forgot my phone charger. The horror!
Day 1: Arrival, Settling In, and the Quest for Seafood (Fail-ish Edition)
- Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
- Location: Residence Inn Newport Middletown, check-in-ageddon
- Activity: Made it! Found the place, checked in, and assessed the room. Not the ocean view I was hoping for, but at least it wasn't facing a dumpster. The kitchenette is a nice touch, though I'm pretty sure my culinary skills peak at "nuking a frozen pizza."
- Transportation: Finally parked the car. She made it!
- Emotional State: Relief, followed by a slight disappointment about the lack of a jacuzzi. (Seriously, who doesn't want a jacuzzi on vacation?)
- Minor Flaw: The check-in line was longer than the line at Disneyland. But hey, at least the staff were cheerful.
- Rambling Observation: Hotel rooms have the weirdest smell. You can't quite put your finger on it, but it's like a mix of air freshener and a distant memory of other people's travels.
- Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
- Location: First Attempt(and failure) to eat at the "famous seafood place!"
- Activity: I heard they were good, I wanted them to succeed, so I went. The reviews I read online were good. The place was packed! 2 hours wait! I had to leave!
- Transportation: Car. It was the only option.
- Emotional State: Utter and complete disappointment. I'm starving. I'm craving clams. I'm starting to regret this whole trip.
- Minor Flaw: The only place open at this time was a greasy spoon diner.
- Rambling Observation: This city is clearly overrun by tourists. The roads are clogged, and the restaurants are full. I feel like I'm gonna be lost in a sea of tourist chaos for the next few days.
Day 2: Cliff Walk, Mansions, and Maybe Some Lobster (Please!)
- Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Location: The famed Cliff Walk
- Activity: Holy cow! This walk is stunning. The ocean crashing against the rocks, the mansions peering down like judgmental overlords. The air is crisp, the sun is shining, and I nearly tripped over a root. Almost took a header into the briny deep. Would have been a story, right?
- Transportation: Walked! Glorious, glorious walking.
- Emotional State: Pure, unadulterated joy. Okay, maybe a little bit of "Please don't fall" mixed in.
- Minor Flaw: My camera battery died halfway through. Grrr.
- Anectode Near the end of the walk, there was an older couple who got stuck on a muddy section. The man was yelling at his wife to be careful and almost fell himself. I swear to god, I thought they would have a divorce right there. But they didn't. They helped each other get up, laughed, and continued their walk. It was surprisingly beautiful.
- Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Location: The Breakers Mansion
- Activity: The Breakers. Oh. My. God. The opulence! The sheer, unapologetic wealth! I wandered through the rooms, gawking at the gold leaf and imagining what it would be like to… well, never mind. It was worth it though.
- Transportation: More walking! Also, possibly judging the wealthy.
- Emotional State: A mixture of awe, envy, and the overwhelming urge to tell someone, "I'll never be this rich."
- Minor Flaw: Getting lost in the maze-like interior. Almost got locked in!
- Rambling Observation: Every single room has a story. These people were clearly weird, but they knew how to live.
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Location: Restaurant TBD.
- Activity: Lobster hunt! I'M DOING IT! I'M GOING TO FIND LOBSTER! This time I called ahead for a reservation. I'm determined!
- Transportation: Car, then probably staggering.
- Emotional State: Hunger. Anticipation. The faint hope of actually enjoying a decent meal tonight.
- Minor Flaw: Praying the reservation isn't forgotten. (It's happened before!)
- Opinionated Language: If I don't get lobster, heads will roll!
Day 3: The Unexpected Delight and the Departure Blues
- Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Location: Touro Synagogue
- Activity: I wasn't planning on this, but it turned out to be the most moving experience of the trip. The history, the architecture, the sheer weight of human experience within those walls… Wow. I'm, like, not even remotely religious, but I found myself getting choked up.
- Transportation: Drove there.
- Emotional State: Profound respect and a bit of melancholy.
- Minor Flaw: Accidentally wandered into a guided tour group, and I had to pretend I knew what was going on.
- Quirky Observation: The building smelled of old wood and the quiet weight of centuries.
- Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Location: Newport's downtown
- Activity: Wandered downtown, bought a silly souvenir (a t-shirt that says "I survived Newport"), and ate ice cream. Nothing terribly profound, but necessary for a vacation.
- Transportation: Walking, shopping.
- Emotional State: Relaxation, the beginning of the "end-of-vacation" blues.
- Minor Flaw: Dropped my ice cream on the sidewalk. (Classic.)
- Anecdote There was this little girl with pigtails and that was her first ever visit to a city. She kept on pointing at various things with an astonished look on her face. It reminded me of myself when I was a child.
- Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Location: The Hotel
- Activity: Packing.
- Transportation: Walked to the hotel.
- Emotional State: Bittersweet. Sad it's over, but happy to be going home.
- Minor Flaw: I didn't want to leave.
- Opinionated Language: Newport, you did it. You actually impressed me. I hope to be back!
Day 4: Farewell, Newport (and the Post-Vacation Meltdown)
- Time: 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM
- Location: Residence Inn Newport Middletown, check-out, and the long drive home
- Activity: Say goodbye to the (mostly) clean room, wrestle with the car, and begin the journey back to reality.
- Transportation: Car. All. Day. Long.
- Emotional State: The crushing weight of returning to laundry, bills, and the daily grind.
- Minor Flaw: Accidentally left a sock behind. (I knew I forgot something!)
- Rambling Observation: You learn a lot about yourself on these trips, you know? You get to see how you behave in unfamiliar situations!
- **And that'
Newport Escape: Middletown's *Almost* Perfect Stay (Just Kidding... It's Pretty Great!) - FAQs
Is this place REALLY as amazing as those glowing reviews make it sound?
My *one* slightly less-than-stellar experience? The first time, I went in, booked the room, and went for a swim to cool off. The water was slightly too cold and I heard weird sounds. Turns out the gym was right next door. So if you're going for a relaxing swim, maybe scope out the background din first. But, on the upside, the staff was super cool about the whole "OMG, the pool's too loud, i'm leaving immediately" thing and comped me some extra coffee. Which, by the way, their coffee is *good*. Bless them.
So, yeah, "amazing" might be an overstatement. But "damn good, reliable, and with a staff that actually *cares*"? Absolutely.
What's the deal with the "Middletown" thing? I thought I was going to Newport!
The hotel itself is a short hop to all the Newport hotspots. And honestly? Sometimes, escaping *into* Middletown is an escape in itself. Less traffic, easier parking. Plus, the drive is scenic, so you're *always* winning. Just keep in mind that you're technically not *in* Newport. But close enough. Very close.
Think of it as a secret bonus.
Is the free breakfast actually worth waking up for?
And here's a little secret: the waffles. They have a waffle maker. It's a beautiful, glorious thing. And they usually have a ton of toppings, if that's your thing. Personally, I'm a purist. I just like the waffle.
It's not a gourmet brunch situation, but it's solid. Eggs, bacon, sausage, fruit, pastries... all the usual suspects. Plus, coffee, which I already mentioned is REALLY GOOD.
The one thing I'd complain about? The line can sometimes be a bit long, especially during peak seasons. SO, plan accordingly. My pro-tip? Go early. Or, if you *absolutely* must sleep in, grab a pastry and a coffee to go. They're surprisingly decent. I grabbed one once to go and ended up eating it in the car, and it was perfect.
Are the rooms clean? Because, you know… I have *standards*.
I've never had a cleanliness complaint. The housekeeping staff is incredibly thorough. And they seem to care. Which, when you're traveling, is HUGE. It's the little things. Like, the perfectly folded towels on the bed. The shiny mirrors. The lack of dust bunnies under the furniture. It's all there, and it's all GOOD.
I think the worst thing I could say about the cleanliness is that I thought I saw a tiny speck of something on the carpet, but then I realized it was just a fleck of… something. Not a big deal.
So, yeah. Clean. Relax. You’re gonna be fine.
Is there anything... *wrong* with this place? Like, truly anything?
Here's the one thing that bugs me: The elevators. There are two, and they can be slow during peak times. So, if you're on a high floor and in a rush, be prepared to wait. Or, you know, take the stairs for a bit of a workout. (I always seem to forget this, and I'm impatient. So, elevator it is).
And, honestly, the gym is a little... basic. A treadmill, some weights, the usual stuff. It gets the job done, but it's not exactly a state-of-the-art fitness center. But honestly, who goes to Newport to work out anyway? Get thee to the beach!
Oh! The ice machine on our floor sometimes runs out of ice late at night. This is a personal problem, because I *love* ice. So. yeah.
Honestly? Those are my biggest complaints. I'm grasping at straws here. It’s that good.
What's the parking situation like?
I *hate* hotels with difficult parking. It seriously ruins my mood before I even get to the front desk. This place? Zero parking stress. It's glorious.
Is it family-friendly?
I have yet to go, fully alone, without a friend or two or three. But every single time I go, I imagine a family going. There's a ton of them. Little kids, big kids, grandmas and grandpas.
It's that kind of place. I just go alone to eat breakfast. Don't judge.
How about pet-friendly?
They seem to have a lot of dogs on their website, so I'm *guessing* its great for dogs. It always *seemed* like a pet-friendly kind of place.
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