Escape to Paradise: Your Fort Lauderdale Getaway Awaits at Away Inn!
Escape to Paradise? More Like a Fort Lauderdale Fiasco… (But a Fun One, Really!) A Review of Away Inn!
Okay, folks, let's be real. "Escape to Paradise" is a bold tagline for a hotel. And Away Inn in Fort Lauderdale? Well, it’s not quite the Garden of Eden. But it's got its charms, its quirks, and honestly, a whole lotta potential for stories. I'm talking real, messy, lived-in stories, the kind you only get from a place that's trying its best, even when it’s slightly falling apart.
Accessibility: The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the Confused
Let's start with the basics, because, you know, accessibility is kinda important. They say they've got facilities for disabled guests. The website's vague on specifics, which always makes me nervous. I saw an elevator, which is a HUGE plus. I didn’t personally need a wheelchair, but I did see some ramps, and the exterior corridor setup could be decent for someone with mobility issues… but honestly, it felt like they were trying. And that’s the best I can conjure! They are at least attempting, but you'd want to call beforehand and grill them about specifics. Don't just assume, learn from my mistake!
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sigh of Relief (Mostly)
COVID times, right? Away Inn, bless their hearts, seemed to be taking things seriously… or at least, trying to. They had hand sanitizer stations everywhere (a win!). I saw staff trained in safety protocol. My room, while not sparkling, did look like it had been given a good once-over with those anti-viral cleaning products. The website shouted about daily disinfection in common areas and rooms sanitized between stays. Again, all good! I liked the Room sanitization opt-out available, even if it was largely symbolic. I mean, who would opt OUT?! I saw a first aid kit, smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher – I can’t fault them for covering their bases… I hope they know how to use them! The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property… a little Big Brother-ish, but hey, security, right? There was even a doctor/nurse on call and a Safe dining setup. So far, so good. I felt relatively safe, which is HUGE in these anxiety-ridden times.
The Room: My Semi-Paradise Prison (with Wi-Fi!)
The Available in all rooms features are… well, they're there. You get the classic essentials: air conditioning that mostly worked (thank GOD for that, it’s Florida!), a free Wi-Fi that, thankfully, was a Wi-Fi [free] in ALL rooms, a coffee/tea maker (crucial!), a hair dryer (praise be!), and a refrigerator to store your leftover pizza. And the mini bar options! Oh, wait, no. The mini bar was not there. But hey, the free bottled water was a nice touch.
My room’s bathroom was… well, let's just say the bathtub was tiny. But the separate shower/bathtub (a confusing combination, but there nonetheless) was clean! I saw the alarm clock, desk, linens, towels, and those glorious bathrobes were a welcome sight (and I lived in them while I wasn't swimming). The mirror was there to stare at my puffy face. I had a private bathroom, a reading light, and a socket near the bed (thank GOD for that, right?). And a window that opens - I love this element. I did NOT like the fact that my view seemed to be a brick wall..but, hey, it kept the sun out!
Now, the Internet access – wireless was okay . I even utilized the Internet access – LAN. It wasn’t the speed of light, but it got the job done for my emails and streaming. No complaints.
My room had a Non-smoking sign. I’m not a smoker, but I did see a smoking area outside.
I'm not sure if my room was special or what, but I did experience "a" soundproof rooms at least.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Maybe Not)
Okay, the food situation. This is where things get… interesting. Away Inn has a restaurant – or restaurants, technically. The restaurants were there, and the breakfast [buffet] was, well, a buffet. Think basic, and you'll be in the right ballpark. The buffet in restaurant was standard. I had a coffee/tea in restaurant, and a bottle of water. The Bar was decent. I saw a Poolside bar, which was nice, and they had a Happy hour, which I wholeheartedly embraced! There was a coffee shot where I could buy a dessert. Not sure if the International cuisine in restaurant was actually international! I opted for a salad in restaurant at one point! I saw a Room service [24-hour] option, but I am not sure when those meals were actually served. I did not see a snack bar or soup in restaurant.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and the Elusive "Spa"
Okay, "Escape to Paradise"… The Swimming pool [outdoor]? Actually, pretty nice. The Pool with view was an overstatement (it overlooked a parking lot). But the water was clean, and it was warm. Sunshine and chlorine? Can't complain!
Now, the spa… that’s where things got sketchy. The website mentioned a Spa/sauna, a Spa, and a Sauna. I asked about it. The staff looked confused, and then offered me a coupon for a massage at a place down the street because they had no spa (that would be a flat out lie, but let's be honest, I was not mad) I did not see a steamroom. No Foot bath. I didn’t spy any Body scrub or Body wrap options. The Fitness center, well, let's just say it was more of a "fitness corner." I saw some weights, a treadmill that probably hadn’t been used since the Clinton administration, and some other stuff. I was there, but no way was I working out! I'd say, if you’re looking for a serious spa experience, this ain’t it. BUT, the sunshine, the pool, and that general feeling of being away… that was pretty good.
Services and Conveniences: The Helpful, the Not-So-Helpful
Away Inn tries. They really do. They have a concierge service (helpful, not always super knowledgeable). A Daily housekeeping service that was pretty spot on for my stay. A dry cleaning service (I didn't use it, but it was there). Laundry service was available, which came in handy after a particularly muddy beach day. They have a luggage storage area. There was a convenience store (perfect for late-night snacks and sunscreen). A cash withdrawal option; a currency exchange service (doubtful).
They advertised Airport transfer (which would have been nice, as I struggled with the taxi). The car park [free of charge] was a godsend in expensive Fort Lauderdale. The elevator was fine.
I noticed a lot of Meetings, but I am not sure exactly what they were for! The Meeting/banquet facilities were probably okay, but I did not check them out. The Meetings and Seminars are a bit suspect, and a Shrine in the middle of the room sounded strange.
The Doorman was very helpful, and the Terrace was nice.
For the Kids: Babysitting and… Air Conditioning?
I didn’t have any kids with me, but Away Inn says they're Family/child friendly. I saw talk of Babysitting service, which is a plus. They have Kids meal. The only "kids facilities" I saw were the pool, so they should probably update this part!
Getting Around: Carpark Chaos
The Car park [free of charge] saved me a fortune! The Taxi service was reliable.
Check-in/out [express] was a blessing. Check-in/out [private] was a possibility for sure!
Final Verdict: Fun-ish, But Manage Your Expectations
Away Inn in Fort Lauderdale is not perfect. It's got its quirks, its imperfections, and moments where you might raise an eyebrow (or three). But it's also got a certain charm. It's clean enough, safe enough, and the staff tries hard. It's a place where you can mostly relax, have some fun, and create
Escape to Houston: Luxury & Comfort Await at Country Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't gonna be your sanitized, Instagram-perfect travel itinerary. We're talking Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the Away Inn. And honestly? I'm already anticipating a level of… charm… that only a budget hotel can deliver. Right. Here we go…
Away Inn Apocalypse: A Ft. Lauderdale Adventure (That's Almost Guaranteed to Go Sideways)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Disappointment (But Maybe… Intrigue?)
1:00 PM: Arrive at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Okay, first hurdle: baggage claim. Pray to whatever deity you believe in that my suitcase actually arrives. I'm already picturing myself stranded, wearing the same travel-stained t-shirt for a week. (And let's be real, I probably packed too many t-shirts to begin with).
1:30 PM: Uber to the Away Inn. Sigh. This is where things start to get… interesting. The reviews were… mixed. Let's just say "charming" was not a word anyone used. My expectations? Sub-basement. My hopes? Hold onto them loosely.
2:00 PM: Check-in. Pray the person at the front desk isn't simultaneously running a shell game. And pray the room key actually works. Remember that episode of Seinfeld where… well, never mind. Just pray.
2:30 PM: Room Inspection. Here's where the real adventure begins. I'm fully expecting a view of the parking lot and a working air conditioner would be a massive victory. My inner monologue is chanting: No bed bugs. No bed bugs. Please, no bed bugs…
- Anecdote: Okay, so after a flight delay from a missed connection -- I got to my room, and the A/C was blasting like a hurricane, the TV had one channel (local news, naturally), and… wait. Is that a… questionable stain on the bedspread? Nope, nope, nope. This is why I travel with Clorox wipes. And deep breathing. Deep breathing is key.
3:30 PM: Desperate Search for Coffee. Okay, first order of business: caffeine. I'm going to need it. Google Maps, here I come. Gotta find a decent coffee shop within walking distance, or I might spontaneously combust.
- Quirky Observation: Honestly, the sheer variety of neon signage in the area is already overwhelming. Feels like a fever dream of strip malls and… well, establishments of varying repute.
4:00 PM: Coffee & Reconnaissance. Armed with caffeine, hit the pavement. Get a feel for the area. Maybe scope out a cheap grocery store for snacks. And strategically assess potential escape routes, should the need arise.
6:00 PM: Dinner (at your own risk). I'm torn. Do I brave a local eatery? Or do I just order pizza? The thought of unknown levels of cleanliness in the restaurants is… daunting. Probably pizza. I'll play it safe for tonight.
7:30 PM: Evening Relaxation (If Possible). Back to the hotel. Watch TV (if that's even possible). Maybe read a book. Or maybe stare at the ceiling, contemplating the meaning of life while battling existential dread. The choice is mine!
Day 2: Beach Daze & Potential Disaster (Or, Maybe, Bliss?)
8:00 AM: Breakfast (Prepare for disappointment). See if the Away Inn provides a complimentary breakfast consisting of stale bagels and instant coffee. If not, it's off to the coffee shop.
9:00 AM: Beach Time! Okay, this is why I'm here. The beach! Sun, sand, saltwater… and, hopefully, fewer questionable stains. Grab a towel and sunscreen and head to the beach. Find a spot, and get ready to soak up some Vitamin D.
- Opinionated Language: Okay, the beach better be amazing. If the sand is full of cigarette butts and seaweed, I'm calling customer service. (Which probably doesn't exist, but still).
11:00 AM: Beach Life - Diving into the water. Yes!
12:00 PM: Lunch on the beach. Food truck adventure: hot dogs.
1:30 PM: Further Beach Exploits. Nap time! Or building sandcastles. Or maybe just staring at the ocean, reflecting on how utterly ridiculous the whole concept of life is.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm already feeling calmer, the sun is shining, the water is gorgeous… This trip is going well!
4:00 PM: Rinse off the beach. Grab a quick shower.
7:00 PM: Dinner: I'm feeling risky! Trying a local restaurant. The reviews look… mostly positive. Wish me luck.
8:30 PM: Evening stroll. Walk along the beach. Taking in the vibe. Soaking up the ocean air.
Day 3: Culture, Maybe? & Departure Anxiety
8:30 AM: Breakfast. Back at the coffee shop for a caffeine fix.
9:30 AM: Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. Time to actually do something productive. I'm planning to visit the Arts & Entertainment District.
11:30 AM: Lunch. Enjoying a quick lunch.
- Quirky observation: I'm trying to imagine the people that live in Fort Lauderdale -- the locals. What are they like?
1:00 PM: Finish off the Arts & Entertainment District.
4:00 PM: Last time at the beach!
6:00 PM: Dinner: Trying out a new restaurant.
7:30 PM: Packing and prepare for departure.
9:00 PM: Maybe a last stroll.
Day 4: The Escape
- 7:00 AM: Final coffee (necessary).
- 7:30 AM: Goodbye Away Inn.
- 8:00 AM: Head to airport.
- 9:00 AM: Final thoughts and evaluation of the trip.
Final Thoughts (Pre-Departure Ramblings)
Okay, so this is it. The Away Inn, the questionable food, the beach, the potential for bedbugs… it’s all been quite an experience.
This itinerary is a work in progress. It is likely to shift according to whims, mood swings, and spontaneous discoveries.
Remember:
- Pack light (yeah, right). Less luggage equals less stress.
- Embrace the chaos. Sometimes the best travel experiences are the ones you didn't plan.
- Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. Because trust me, something ridiculous will happen.
- And most importantly: Bring hand sanitizer. Lots and lots of hand sanitizer.
Wish me luck. I'll need it. And maybe, just maybe, I'll come back with some good stories. And hopefully, without too many… souvenirs.
Caen's Hidden Gem: Hotel Saint Etienne - Unforgettable French Stay
So, what even IS all this about?
Alright, alright, settle down. Look, I was *supposed* to be creating a standard FAQ, you know, the boring kind with neat little questions and even neater answers. But honestly? My brain just doesn't *do* neat. So, we're winging it. Think of this as... a therapy session for my overthinking. We'll figure out *what* it's about as we go. Probably regrets and questionable life choices. And maybe, *maybe* some actually helpful stuff. Don't get your hopes up.
Okay, fine. Let's start with the basics... what are you *selling*? Is there a product? A service? Is this some kind of weird pyramid scheme?
God, I wish! If this whole thing paid the bills, I wouldn't be here, staring at a screen, agonizing over the perfect shade of beige for a background. The real answer is... there's no one "thing" I'm pitching. I *was* trying to organize my thoughts, sort of a self-discovery journey. Let's just say, the process is way messier than the actual "product"...which is... well, me! The ramblings of a possibly slightly unhinged individual. You get what you pay for, and in this case, it's probably disappointment. Maybe some accidental wisdom. Maybe not. Mostly, just… *me*.
This is getting a little… vague. Can you maybe give an example of what we're supposedly "understanding" here? Like, what's the POINT?
Ugh, fine. Okay, there was this ONE TIME... I was supposed to be, let's say, "coordinating" a major event. And I mean *major*. Like, months of planning, hundreds of people, the whole shebang. And the day of? Disaster. Pure, unadulterated chaos. The catering got the orders wrong, the sound system died, and *I*… well, I completely froze. Like, deer-in-headlights, can't-speak-a-word frozen. I literally stared at a malfunctioning microphone for what felt like an eternity. My supposed leadership skills went right down the drain. The point? Sometimes, the best laid plans go to hell. And the *real* point... I learned, the hard way, to roll with the punches. And how to avoid a malfunctioning microphone. And how to delegate... *everything.* It was a humbling, scarring experience, and it completely changed how I approach, well, *everything*. So yeah, the "point" is, hopefully, you'll learn something from my mistakes. Or at least be entertained by the train wreck.
What if I disagree with your takes?
Listen, sweetie, you're allowed to have opinions. That's the beautiful thing about the internet. However I am not going to be a pushover. If you disagree, that's fine. Feel free to start your own mess of an FAQ and share your own questionable experiences. I'm not here to change your mind, I'm here to yell into the void and see if anyone yells back. Besides, you're probably right. I'm probably off-base. Just be polite, okay? I bruise easily.
Are you qualified to be giving advice? Should I trust anything you say?
HAHA! Absolutely not. "Qualified"? Honey, I'm pretty sure my laundry list of failures outweighs my accomplishments. Do NOT trust me blindly. Treat everything I say with a healthy dose of skepticism. Consider it more like... a cautionary tale. A very, very messy cautionary tale. Think of this as a free, slightly deranged, alternative to therapy. If you're looking for actual, reliable advice: find a professional. Seriously.
What's the deal with the tone? This is so... all over the place.
Yeah, about that... it's a work in progress. I'm trying to be... honest. And my honesty is apparently a chaotic blend of sarcasm, self-deprecation, occasional bursts of optimism, and the lingering scent of old pizza. I’m trying to sound human, not some perfectly polished AI bot. So, if it's jarring, I apologize. I'm working on it. Sort of. Maybe. Probably not.
Okay, okay, enough with the navel-gazing. What kind of specific problems are you *trying* to address here?
I'm not sure, to be honest. I'm trying to get a better understanding of the issues I deal with day by day. Things like… well, anxiety, procrastination, perfectionism (a real killer, that one), and generally just… being okay in a world that's often *not* okay. I’m wrestling with the fear of failure, the overwhelming urge to binge-watch trash TV, and deciding what constitutes a *reasonable* number of cats. (The answer: more than you think.) Some people might call it self-help. I think of it as documenting my slow descent into madness. Look, it's a journey, not a destination, alright?
Why the messy structure? Why not be more… organized?
Organized? Please, call an ambulance. I'm not a fan of organization, I like my life this way. Structure and order give me hives! I'm a free spirit, baby! Nah, seriously... I find that the constant need to organize everything is a way to procrastinate. I’m trying to embrace the mess. Life is messy. My brain is messier. This… this is just a reflection of that. If it were organized, it wouldn't be me. It would be a robot. An emotionless robot. And nobody wants that.
So, what's the ultimate goal? What do you *want* to achieve with all this?
Honestly? Survive. Thrive. Maybe help *someone,* somewhere, feel a little less alone. I want to get better at handling things. Even learn what that means. If I stumble across my "purpose" along the way, great. If not? Well. At least I'll have a very entertaining collection of self-deprecating ramblings to look back on. And maybe… just maybe… avoid the urge to eat ALL the ice cream. Probably not. But a girl can dream, can't she?
