Escape to the Charming Country Inn & Suites by Radisson (Elmira, NY)!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the… clears throat …Escape to the Charming Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Elmira, NY. (Let's just call it the "Country Inn" from here on out, yeah?). This isn't your slick, robotic hotel review. This is the real deal, warts and all. You're gonna get my experience, you know, the kind that’s got you laughing, thinking, and maybe, just maybe, booking a stay.
First Impressions & Getting In: The Accessibility Rant (Because it Matters!)
Okay, so here's the thing: I'm a big believer in accessibility. It's 2024 people! Thankfully, the Country Inn gets a good start here. They say they’ve got facilities for disabled guests. The website implies wheelchair accessibility. Implies is a key word here, folks. I didn't get to see a full accessibility deep dive test, so I can't say with 100% certainty. That being said, I would recommend calling ahead and asking for specifics. Let's not be coy, Radisson! Make it crystal clear, yeah?
Now, getting in was a breeze, which is definitely a plus. Express Check-in was nice.
The Rooms: Comfort & Convenience, but Let's Talk Carpeting.
Alright, let's talk rooms. They've got those essentials: air conditioning (thank GOD), a mini bar (score!), a refrigerator (double score!), and a coffee/tea maker. Plus, that free Wi-Fi. Yes! And a free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! Score! They’ve also got… a scale. Because nothing says "welcome to your vacation" like the potential for a post-travel-weight-gain freak-out. Okay, maybe some people find it useful? I'm not one of them. The beds are comfortable. The black-out curtains? Magnificent. I'm a light sleeper, so those things are a lifesaver. The bathroom? Decent. Extra long bed? Yes please. The biggest negative? The carpeting. It wasn't filthy, but it wasn't sparkling new either. Carpet in hotel rooms… it’s always a gamble.
Cleanliness & Safety: Doing Their Best, I Think
They seem to be trying with cleanliness and safety, which is a massive win. Hand sanitizer dispensers EVERYWHERE. They claim to use anti-viral cleaning products (yay!). Staff are supposedly trained in safety protocols (yay!). Rooms are sanitized between stays (yay!). Yeah I like that. They also offer the option to opt-out of room sanitization for privacy, which is cool. It's nice to see places taking it seriously.
The All-Important "Things to Do" & Relax Factor: Spa Dreams Shattered?
Okay, here’s where things get …interesting. The website teases us with a Fitness Center. Yes! And…a swimming pool (outdoor). Well, it ain’t the Four Seasons. No pool with a view. No sauna, spa, body wraps, or steam rooms. No massages. This isn’t your luxurious, "get-away-from-it-all" spa retreat. This is Elmira, people! Lower those expectations!
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: The Buffet Odyssey
Okay, so, restaurants. They have a restaurant. And a poolside bar, which is pretty cool. Breakfast buffet-style. I’ll be honest, breakfast buffets are a mixed bag. Sometimes they're glorious mountains of eggs and bacon. Other times… well, let’s just say, the sausage looks a little…lonely. Honestly, the buffet was fine! International cuisine, vegetarian options. Nothing exceptional but it did the job. They also claim they got a snack bar. No Asian Cuisine.
Services & Conveniences: Everything You Need (Probably)
They've got a concierge (always helpful!). Meeting/banquet facilities (good for business travelers). Laundry and dry cleaning services (always a plus!). Car park (free of charge!) – a major win in my book. A convenience store (essential for midnight snack runs). Basically, they’ve got all the usual suspects. Wi-Fi for special events? Yep.
For the Kids: Family Friendly (Kinda)
They're family-friendly. Yes! The kids facilities are there (kiddie buffet?). Babysitting? Maybe?
Getting Around: Car Is King
You'll probably need a car. Free car park (on-site) is great. Taxi service is available. No bike rentals from what I saw.
The Emotional Verdict (AKA, My Rambling Thoughts)
So, here's the deal. The Country Inn by Radisson in Elmira isn't going to set the world on fire. But it’s perfectly decent. It's clean, comfortable, and convenient. If you're looking for a basic, reliable stay, especially if you're just passing through or have business in Elmira, it's a solid choice. It's not luxurious, but it's not a dump either. You'll probably be fine.
Final Verdicts & Recommendations: The "Escape to Elmira" Offer!
Okay, here we go…
The "Escape to Elmira" Offer!
- Book your stay at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Elmira, NY, and receive a 20% discount on your first night's stay!
- Enjoy a fresh, hot, complimentary breakfast buffet to jumpstart your day.
- Relax in the well-equipped fitness center (don't expect a state-of-the-art gym!).
- Take advantage of the free on-site parking and high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Enjoy a refreshing dip in our outdoor pool (seasonal!)
Why you should book:
This is a great hotel for travelers. It has a central location, comfortable accommodations, and a range of amenities to make your stay enjoyable.
Ideal For:
- Business travelers
- Families
- Anyone looking for a comfortable, affordable stay in Elmira.
- People heading to Elmira.
Overall Score: 7/10 (A solid "good," with potential for improvement).
Book Your Escape Today! [Insert Link Here]
Magee's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn Review & Hidden Gems!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. We're diving headfirst into my proposed, slightly deranged, itinerary for a stay at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Big Flats (Elmira), New York. Prepare yourselves for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the undeniable charm of a travel plan that's more "suggestion" than "strict guideline."
The Elmira Escapade: A Big, Fluffy, and Possibly Flustered Adventure
Day 1: Arrival & the Sweet, Sweet Embrace of the Hotel (and Possibly Immediate Regret?)
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at Country Inn & Suites. Okay, let's be real, I hope it's 3:00 PM. My travel time calculations are, shall we say, optimistic. Traffic? Bathroom breaks? The allure of a particularly tempting roadside diner? All factors that could throw me (and this itinerary) wildly off course. Pray for me.
- 3:15 PM (ish): Check-in. Smile! Be polite! Secretly assess the lobby for potential hiding spots in case of, you know, a zombie apocalypse (or, worse, a really chatty front desk clerk).
- (Immediately thereafter): THE ROOM! This is where it gets real. Do I have a decent view? Is the bed truly as comfy as the pictures promised? (I'm betting on yes, because, let's be honest, hotel beds are a love language.) A quick scan for bed bugs. I always do that. It’s just…good practice.
- 4:00 PM: Unpack (or, more accurately, hurl suitcase contents onto the bed in a disorganized heap). The goal is to make the room feel like mine for at least 12 hours. Maybe I will watch TV. Maybe I won't. Who knows? Today is a blur of getting acquainted.
- 5:00 PM: Pool time! Or, at least, contemplation of pool time. I'll try to brave it and make my way down there. Swim a few laps or…sit in the corner.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Probably will be at a local diner because it's just the quintessential American experience.
- 7:00 PM: The Real Deal. (Hopefully!) I may actually get some work done, watch television, or explore a local park. Or, maybe I'll just lay on the bed.
- 9:00 PM: Attempt to get the hotel's wifi to work. (If it does, major victory!) Then, watch some streaming content and fall asleep before the credits roll.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep, hopefully. If not, I'll probably spend an hour staring at the ceiling, replaying every embarrassing moment of my life. You know, the usual pre-sleep ritual.
Day 2: Elmira & Its Wonders, or My Version of Them
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Complain about the lack of sleep (even if I slept like a log). Contemplate hitting the continental breakfast. It's usually a gamble, you never know in advance what the options are. I might hit the gym, which I will regret…immediately.
- 8:00 AM: Finally eat something. It's either the "meh" breakfast, a donut or I try a breakfast sandwich.
- 9:00 AM: Head out into Elmira. I might go to a museum or just do some of the local shopping.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch, probably some local restaurant. It is important to try the local food.
- 1:00 PM: Back exploring. I might take a walk.
- 5:00 PM: Heading back to the hotel. A needed rest after my big day.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. The last meal of the day. Do I go out again? It is the million dollar question.
- 7:00 PM: Relax in the hotel. Maybe I will try the pool.
- 9:00 PM: Watch some TV and start to get ready for my next day.
- 10:00 PM: Bed.
Day 3: Departure (and Emotional Goodbye, Maybe?)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Groggily pack my things. Make sure I've gathered everything I've strewn around the room.
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel. Try to enjoy it.
- 9:00 AM: Check out.
- 9:30 AM: I depart this beloved place.
Additional Notes & Ramblings (Because, Let's Be Real, This is Where the Real Fun Is):
- The Importance of Snacks: I'm bringing snacks. Lots of snacks. I'm talking granola bars, trail mix, a bag of gummy worms that I'll probably regret eating immediately. Because hangry is a real thing, and it can ruin everything.
- The Weather Factor: The weather in Elmira is a mystery. I'll pack layers, because I can't predict the atmosphere.
- Embracing the Imperfections: Expect delays, detours, and the occasional existential crisis. That's just part of the charm. This is not a perfect travel plan. It's my plan, and it's probably going to be messy. And that's okay.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: I'm anticipating a rollercoaster of emotions. Joy at finally getting away. Frustration at getting lost. Gratitude for a comfortable bed. And the occasional moment of pure, unadulterated wonder at the beauty of…I don't know, a particularly well-placed street lamp. It depends on the day.
So there you have it. My Big Flats (Elmira) adventure in a nutshell, or, more accurately, a slightly unhinged nutshell. Wish me luck (and maybe send snacks). I'll need it.
Baymont by Wyndham Marion (IL): Your Dream Marion Getaway Awaits!
Escape to the Charming Country Inn & Suites by Radisson - Elmira, NY: Your Questions Answered (and Then Some!)
So, is this place *actually* "charming"? I'm skeptical of any place with "charming" in its name.
Okay, look, let's be real. "Charming" is a heavy word. It sets expectations high, like, "Will I be waking up to a rooster and a basket of freshly baked something-or-others?" Nope. But, and this is a big but (and I cannot lie), it's *decently* charming, in a practical, upstate-New York kind of way. Think cozy quilts, a fireplace in the lobby (which, yes, they actually use!), and friendly folks at the front desk who genuinely seem to want to help. I went in with a "show me" attitude, and they didn't completely fail. My room was clean, which is a HUGE win in my book. It wasn’t bursting with character, more like gently whispering "relax," which is perfectly fine. I mean, I appreciated it after the godawful traffic I drove through to get there - the stress melted away a LITTLE. That alone made it pretty charming to me.
What's the deal with this "free breakfast"? Is it worth getting out of bed for? Or is it the usual sad continental situation?
Alright, the breakfast. This is where things get... interesting. "Free Breakfast" sounds promising right? Like, "Oh boy, a morning feast!" Nope. It’s a continental breakfast, yes, but the actual *quality* of “feast” is debatable. They had the usual suspects: a waffle maker (always a solid choice, because DIY waffles are inherently fun), some sad-looking scrambled eggs that I'm pretty sure were pre-made and microwaved, some pastries that were... well, they were there. The fruit looked okay – a lifesaver because I'm always craving something fresh. It's certainly not gourmet, but hey, it's *free* and fills the void of hunger that can sometimes hit in the mornings. And let's be honest, it's *convenient*. No frantic searching for a coffee shop before your morning adventures. Coffee itself was decent. So, yes, get out of bed. Just manage your expectations.
Is there a pool? Because I need a pool.
YES! There's a pool! A blessedly indoors pool! And a hot tub! Which I utterly abused. Alright, I'll be honest, the pool wasn't the Ritz-Carlton, but it was clean, and the water was properly heated. I spent a good hour just floating around, pretending I was a sophisticated travel writer (which, ha, I’m not.) I had a book with me, of course, but I think I mostly people-watched. There were kids splashing, couples quietly chatting, and a few people, like me, just soaking up the relatively peaceful vibes. The hot tub was, shall we say, "liberally" chlorinated, so if you're sensitive to that, maybe skip it. But for a weary traveler like myself? It was pure gold. Just be careful getting in and out, the steps in the hot tub were slightly slippery.
What kind of amenities are offered? Anything beyond the basic hotel stuff?
Okay, so beyond the pool and "free breakfast," it's pretty standard stuff. They have a gym (I didn't go – judging by my level of post-breakfast activity, I’m guessing I would have been laughed at.) They have a business center (I peeked – looked functional.) And a coin-operated laundry. *Laundry!* This is HUGE for a road-tripper like me. Being able to wash my clothes without having to find a laundromat is a true blessing. The vending machines felt a little… sparse. A bag of chips was my only friend one evening, so you might want to stock up on snacks beforehand. But seriously? Laundry. Huge bonus points for laundry.
Is the location any good? What's nearby?
The location is... fine. It's not smack-dab in the middle of Elmira's "action," but it's pretty close to everything. It's convenient if you are, like, visiting the National Soaring Museum (which I did, and it was surprisingly awesome – I’m not usually into aviation stuff, but it was genuinely interesting.) It’s also a short drive to the local wineries, which is a HUGE plus for a wine lover like myself. I didn't encounter anything truly "spectacular" right outside the door, but it's easy to get where you need to go. The downside? Traffic can be a bit of a beast in Elmira. Not LA-bad, but be prepared to be patient, especially during peak hours.
Okay, let's get real. What was your *worst* experience? Spill the beans!
Alright, buckle up, because this is where it gets a bit... dramatic. During my stay, I had a *slight* issue with my AC. Okay, it was more than slight. It sounded like a jet engine taking off. I called the front desk, and to their credit, they were very quick to send someone up to check it out. The technician was super nice, but unfortunately, the AC unit was beyond saving. This is when I realized how awful a room without a working AC really is. It's the middle of a humid summer, I'm tired, and the thought of a sleepless night in a sweltering room did not fill me with glee. I mean, I’m a light sleeper, too! They quickly apologized and offered to move me to a different room. The new room was fine, the AC worked (woohoo!), but the whole ordeal was a drag. It slightly changed the vibe. I became more critical of every tiny detail - the light fixture seemed too crooked, the bathroom sink faucet dripped. But hey, life is messy, and sometimes your AC just decides to stage a revolt. In the end, I can't fault the hotel too much for the equipment malfunction - they did their best to fix it. Plus, the lovely front desk clerk kindly offered a voucher for a free breakfast the next morning, that was a nice touch.
Would you stay here again? Be honest!
Honestly? Probably. It’s not the fanciest place, but it's clean, convenient, and the staff is friendly. The pool and hot tub are a fantastic bonus. The "free breakfast" is okay, as long as you temper your expectations. Despite the AC drama (which, again, happens!), it's a solid choice if you just want a comfortable place to crash while exploring the Elmira/ Finger Lakes region. I'd use it as a base again, definitely. Would I recommend it to a friend? Yeah, I probably would - as long as I warned them about the "charming" thing. And the AC, of course.
