Unbelievable Tacoma Getaway: Hampton Inn & Suites Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because we're not just reviewing a hotel, we're about to dive headfirst into the messy, wonderful, sometimes-slightly-chaotic experience that is a stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Tacoma. Forget perfectly polished prose, we're going for the real deal. This is my unfiltered, honest take.
Unbelievable Tacoma Getaway: Hampton Inn & Suites Awaits! – A Review You (Probably) Didn't Ask For
So, you're thinking Tacoma? Smart move. And you've stumbled upon the Hampton Inn & Suites. Let's break this down, shall we? Forget the travel brochures, here's the real lowdown, complete with the good, the not-so-good, and the "wait, what just happened?" moments.
First Impressions (and the Quest for the Holy Grail – Wi-Fi!)
Okay, let's be honest. Walking into any hotel after a long drive/flight/existential crisis is a vibe. The Hampton Inn is… well, it is a Hampton Inn. Clean, familiar, the kind of place you feel like you should know. The lobby, always the lobby, is the first hurdle. Is it bright and inviting? Check. Is the front desk staff…friendly? Yep, they were. Not “heart eyes emoji” kind, but perfectly efficient. (And that’s fine! I’m not looking to make best friends here.)
Now, the Wi-Fi, the ever-important Wi-Fi. The brochure proudly proclaims "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Fantastic. But let me tell you, there's "free" and then there's the Wi-Fi that makes you feel like you're trying to download a cat video on a dial-up modem. It was…spotty. Sometimes stellar, sometimes…well, I ended up tethering to my phone more than I'd like to admit. (Okay, a lot more.) I'm a writer, people! I need the internet. And that struggle… yeah, it brought back some visceral memories of internet woe. A minor gripe, sure, but a necessary one.
Accessibility: A+ (Mostly!)
Now, I didn’t personally need any specific accessibility accommodations, but I always pay attention, and the Hampton Inn gets some serious kudos here. The website explicitly mentions “Facilities for disabled guests,” and I saw the elevator, the accessible parking, and the general feeling that they cared about making things easy for everyone. This is a huge plus. It's the kind of thing that makes me feel good about a hotel, knowing they're thinking beyond just the "average" guest.
Rooms: My Kingdom for a Mattress!
My Room? Standard. Clean. Functioning. The air conditioning blew a little to hard. I opened the window… gasp you CAN open a window! The blackout curtains did a stellar job of turning the room into a bat cave at night, which, honestly, I appreciated. (Snooze is my religion.) The bed? Ah, the bed. This is where the Hampton Inn really shines. The mattress was… surprisingly comfortable. Like, “I could spend all day in this bed and maybe never leave” comfortable. The extra long bed was glorious. (I’m tall, and I appreciated it.) There were even proper slippers. I like slippers! Especially after my travel shoes (and my own feet, if I'm being honest).
The Bathroom Brigade
The bathroom was standard, with the usual suspects. But – and this is a big but – the water pressure in the shower was actually decent! And the toiletries… well, they did the job. Shampoo? Check. Conditioner? Check. The fact that there were separate shower and tub? Winner.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Symphony
Okay, in today's world? Cleanliness is king. And, blessedly, the Hampton Inn seemed to be taking it very seriously. "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Hand sanitizer" galore… You could tell they were going the extra mile. My room seemed spotless. They really did remove all the shared stationary, too. (Good move. No one needs to share a pen in the age of… well, everything.) They also had fire extinguishers EVERYWHERE, CCTV in common areas and outside, security around the clock, and smoke alarms. Seriously, this hotel is like an overprotective mom with a hazmat suit. A good thing, to be sure, but don’t be alarmed.
Dining & Drinking & Snacking - Food, Glorious Food, (or Lack Thereof)
Alright. Here's the weak spot. Okay, it's more like a dented bumper. "Breakfast [buffet]" is listed. However, the current Covid reality means things were… different. There was the usual "hot" breakfast items. But the options weren't fantastic. I’m not a big breakfast person, so it was fine. If you're a breakfast fiend, temper your expectations. Pro Tip: Hit up the local coffee shop. Get the good stuff. Skip the hotel coffee.
“Things to Do”/“Ways to Relax” – Or, Finding Your Zen (or Not)
This is where the Hampton Inn… isn't really designed to shine. There's a "Fitness center," which I peeked in. It looked… fine. Basic equipment. A treadmill, some weights… you get the picture. There's no spa, no pool with a view (although there is a swimming pool, but I didn't get a chance to splash around). This is a hotel for getting stuff done, not for pampering yourself into oblivion. It's NOT a "spa getaway." So, adjust your expectations accordingly.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They offered a laundry service. (Saved me a trip to the laundromat, which is always a plus.) The staff was helpful, the front desk was always staffed. They have a convenience store! (Essentials only, but useful for a quick snack or a forgotten toothbrush.) They have a free car park! (Huge win if you're driving. Seriously.)
For the Kids?
The Hampton Inn is family friendly. Their kids’ facilities would keep your children entertained. I'll be honest, I wasn't traveling with children. I would suggest searching online for a babysitting service.
The Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?
Look, the Hampton Inn & Suites in Tacoma isn’t going to win any awards for luxury. It's not going to be the backdrop for your cinematic debut. But it is a solid, reliable, clean, comfortable place to lay your head. It’s a workhorse, not a show horse. If you're in Tacoma and need a place to sleep, recharge, and get things done, it's a perfectly acceptable choice. And, honestly, sometimes that's exactly what you need.
Here's the Deal: A Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma Getaway – Your Unofficial Guide
Ready to book your Tacoma adventure? Here's my (highly opinionated) take on why you should give the Hampton Inn a shot:
- The Comfort Factor: That bed? Seriously comfortable. You'll sleep like the dead. (In a good way!)
- Location, Location, Location: It's likely in a good spot to get around and see the sites.
- Cleanliness and Safety: They take it seriously. That peace of mind? Priceless.
- The Price Is Right: It's generally affordable.
- Accessibility: They're making efforts to make things easier for everyone.
My Offer (Not a Sales Pitch, Just My Two Cents):
Okay, friend. Here's the thing. Don’t go in expecting the Ritz-Carlton. Do go expecting a clean, comfy place to stay where you can kick back after exploring Tacoma. Book your stay, bring your own coffee mug, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised. Don't forget to download a podcast to fill any dead internet time!
So, go ahead. Book The Hampton Inn & Suites. You will be satisfied!
Escape to Paradise: White Ville Apartments Await in Phetchabun!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned trip. This is my Hampton Inn & Suites Tacoma, Washington adventure, and trust me, it's gonna get messy.
Day 1: Tacoma, the Taco-Conscious Titan (and my Arrival Disaster)
1:00 PM - Arrival at SeaTac Airport, Seattle: Okay, so technically not Tacoma yet. But the air smells like… well, airplane air. And anxiety. Because I HATE flying. Spent the entire flight clenching my knuckles and silently judging a passenger who felt the need to recline their seat all the way. Seriously? Just a tiny bit of common courtesy, people!
2:00 PM - Transportation Disaster: "Oh, it'll be easy," I thought, "Just grab a ride-share." Ha! Famous last words. Two drivers cancelled. Then, one showed up and got lost - in the rain. In Seattle traffic. Dear God, this is already a sign. Final arrival, finally.
3:30 PM - Hampton Inn & Suites Check-In: Finally, solid ground! The lobby is… well, it's a Hampton Inn. Clean, efficient, smells vaguely of chlorine (which, after the flight, is kinda comforting). The front desk person is way too cheerful. I suspect she's been trained to the point of robotic enthusiasm. I'm more of a "surviving the day" kind of person.
4:00 PM - Room Rendezvous & Reality Check: My room. It's a room. Bed, desk, TV. Standard. But the view? Sigh. Overlooking a parking lot. I wouldn't complain but the price. But then, I remind myself, I am in Tacoma. Maybe the parking lot is where the magic happens. Maybe there are secret taco-eating competitions. (Tacoma is supposed to be big on tacos, right? I’m already mentally preparing myself.)
5:00 PM - Taco Reconnaissance Mission: Okay, time to put the "Tacoma Taco Theory" to the test. Yelp to the rescue! Found a highly-rated taqueria a few blocks away. This is essential research. This is what I came for. And I am famished.
- 5:30 PM - Taco Revelation: El Antojo Mexican Restaurant. The sign is slightly crooked. Excellent sign. This promises authenticity. Ordered two tacos: one carne asada, one al pastor. The carne asada was good. The al pastor? Oh. My. God. Crispy, savory, pineapple-y bits of heaven. I might need a moment. Actually, I might need a third taco. And a margarita. Don't judge.
7:00 PM - The Struggle is Real: The margarita was a good idea. Now I'm back at the hotel, battling the urge to order room service (fried anything, possibly). That whole "eating in moderation" thing is clearly not happening. My brain is already plotting a midnight raid on the vending machine. I am not proud.
9:00 PM - Netflix & Regret: Fine, I’ll watch cat videos. Comfort food (and margaritas) are my coping mechanism for overthinking everything.
Day 2: Museum Mishaps & Bridge Blunders
8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet Blues: Free breakfast! Hooray! Except… the "hot" food looks suspiciously lukewarm. The scrambled eggs are… fluffy, but of questionable origin. I settle for a waffle. And pretend I don't see the person making a mountain out of a single blueberry sausage.
9:00 AM - Museum of Glass (MOG) – Attempt #1: I’m trying to be cultured. Or at least pretend. So, MOG it is! The glasswork is stunning, truly. The Chihuly pieces are mind-blowing. I wander around, trying to look like I understand art, internally judging everyone else. (Is that wrong?)
- 10:30 AM - Museum of Glass Mishaps: The museum is huge. I get… well, a little lost. Wander into a glassblowing class. The heat! The noise! The sheer potential to accidentally knock over a bunch of priceless artwork. I promptly retreat, feeling like a clumsy, slightly sweaty elephant.
11:00 AM - Point Defiance Park - Bridge Blunders: Okay, I’m trying to get to Point Defiance. It's supposed to be lovely. Apparently, the drive has a gorgeous view of the bridge. I get horribly lost again. It starts raining. I mutter obscenities under my breath. Eventually, I found it and the bridge is pretty so I am now happy.
12:30 PM - Lunch and a Meltdown: I'm starving. I decide to treat myself to lunch, and I mean it. I found a place on the water, Fish Brewing Company. Food and the view are perfect, but I didn't check the price, and now my budget is bleeding. I order a coffee and just stare at the water. Life is too short to be upset. The sea gulls are my friends.
2:00 PM - Free Time: Walk and shopping.
6:00 PM - Dinner: A quest for the perfect burger.
- 7:00 PM - Hamburger Hunt's Success: I found an amazing spot: Frisko Freeze. This place is a true time capsule. The burger? Thick, juicy, perfect, and the fries are crispy. My soul is happy. I feel renewed.
8:30 PM - The Aftermath: Back in my room, watching TV. The Taco from yesterday is haunting me. What if? What if I've missed another amazing taco shop? I have to research that.
Day 3: Departure & Departure Anxiety
8:00 AM - Breakfast & Resignation: Another waffle. More judgment of the other breakfast-goers. Feeling generally defeated by the day. I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe I should have gone to a spa or something.
9:00 AM - Last-Minute Shopping & Regret: Found a quirky little shop, bought a Tacoma-themed mug (because souvenirs are mandatory, right?). I then realized I have way too many mugs.
11:00 AM - Check-Out & Farewells: The front desk person, still alarmingly cheerful. I almost, almost, managed to look happy myself. Almost.
12:00 PM - SeaTac Airport, Take Two: The dreaded airport. The security line. The thought of… a flight. At least this time, I'm prepared: a giant bottle of water, earplugs, and a silent prayer that the seat-reclining offender is in a different section.
1:00 PM - Reflection & Realization: Okay, so my Tacoma trip wasn’t perfect. I got lost, I ate too many tacos, and I judged everyone. But… I also ate some amazing tacos, saw some incredible art, and experienced a city that, despite my grumbling, has a certain charm. And hey, I survived! That, in itself, is a victory. The End (But the taco cravings… they'll never end.)
Unbelievable Tacoma Getaway: Hampton Inn & Suites Awaits! - The Unfiltered Truth (Probably)
Okay, okay, so... what's REALLY so "Unbelievable" about a Hampton Inn in Tacoma? I'm skeptical. Very skeptical.
Look, I get it. Hampton Inns aren't exactly known for… um… *transformative* travel experiences. But hear me out! I went in thinking, "Budget Comfort, Maybe a Waffle." I came out… well, let's just say I *saw* things. And by "things," I mean a surprisingly decent view, a surprisingly comfy bed after a frankly *rough* drive, and a profound appreciation for the quiet hum of the mini-fridge. The "Unbelievable" part isn't necessarily the hotel itself, it's the whole *experience*, the escape from the everyday. This particular trip was born out of a screaming need for a break. My kid had been, bless his heart, *testing* my patience for a solid month. Think toddler meets tornado, multiplied by a whiny preteen. So, the Hampton Inn? It was a freaking *sanctuary*. Even the slightly chemical smell of the cleaning products was a welcome change from the pervasive aroma of burnt toast and existential dread that usually permeated my house. So, unbelieveable? Maybe not. Needed? Absolutely.
Let's talk location. Is it, like, actually in a good spot? Did you spend your whole time fighting traffic?
Alright, the location. Here's the deal: It's Tacoma. Traffic is *inevitable*. I'm pretty sure merging onto I-5 is akin to a gladiatorial combat sport. You gotta have the reflexes of a caffeinated squirrel. However! The Hampton Inn, bless its heart, was actually pretty well-situated. Close-ish to things. I wouldn’t say *walking distance* to anything particularly exciting (unless you consider a Starbucks *super* exciting, which, on the second day, I absolutely did). But it was a decent basecamp for exploring. I even, and this is a point of pride, *successfully* navigated to the Museum of Glass without getting hopelessly lost or bursting into tears. That’s a win in my book! And frankly, even if the traffic was a nightmare, the promise of that clean, quiet room at the end of the day... well, that kept me going. Honestly? The location gets a solid "B+". Room for improvement, but definitely passable. Especially if you, like me, are basically a very tired, slightly grumpy, sleep-deprived explorer.
The Breakfast: The Make-or-Break Factor. Tell me the *truth* about the continental breakfast! Is it just sad cereal and stale pastries?
Okay, the breakfast. This is crucial. This is where empires rise and fall. This is... where I encountered THE WAFFLE. Look, I'm not gonna lie, I went in EXPECTING despair. You know, those sad, pre-packaged muffins that taste like sawdust? The crusty, lukewarm eggs? The watered-down orange juice? But… the waffle maker. Oh, the waffle maker. It was a glorious, magical machine. It had a timer! It beeped! It promised waffles of golden, crispy perfection. And it *delivered*, people. It delivered. Now, I confess, I may or may not have consumed three waffles. Maybe four. Don't judge me! I was running on fumes, people! Plus, they had a surprisingly decent selection of toppings: strawberries, whipped cream, the *works*. My inner child rejoiced. My outer, slightly-more-mature self, silently judged the quantity I ate. But the waffles… they were worth it. Seriously. The breakfast? Surprisingly good. Especially if you're a sucker for a perfect waffle. And I am. I *am* a sucker.
The Room Itself: Beyond the Waffles (tempting as it is), what was the room REALLY like? Clean? Quiet? Smelling like a damp gym sock?
Right, the ROOM. Okay, okay, let's get down to brass tacks. It was… fine. Really, it was. Cleanish. I'm a bit of a germaphobe (thanks, kid!), and I did a quick Lysol wipe-down of high-touch surfaces *just* in case. Don't judge me, I know it's a bit much. But after the year I'd had, I was taking NO chances. The bed was comfy. The pillows... well, they weren't the *best* I've ever experienced, but they definitely weren't the worst. Let's just say, after a full day of attempting to be a functioning human being, they were sufficient. The TV worked (a *must* for a relaxing evening of mindless television). And, crucially, it was QUIET! Gloriously, blessedly quiet. I could actually HEAR myself think. Or, you know, not think. Which, frankly, was the ultimate luxury. There was a slight, faint smell of… something. Not damp gym sock, thankfully. More like… cleaning products and… potential for future questionable choices, perhaps? Okay, that might have just been the memory of a particularly potent margarita the night before. But all in all, the room? Definitely passed the test. Solid B. Would stay again. Would recommend, especially if you need a break from the constant chaos of existence.
Did anything go wrong? Did the toilet explode? Did you encounter any… hotel shenanigans?
Oh, you want the juicy stuff, huh? Alright, alright. Nothing *exploded*, thank GOD. Though, there was a minor incident involving the hairdryer. Let's just say I may have attempted to use it WHILE still half-asleep, and it… sputtered. Then died. Then I woke up, fully. And I was late for the waffle-making. It was a tragedy. Actually, wait! The AC unit *did* make a rather alarming noise on and off, like a tiny, tormented gremlin trapped in a metal box. But it worked. And I learned to ignore it. Hotel shenanigans? Well, there was the guy across the hall who appeared to be conducting a very enthusiastic (and rather loud) phone call at 3 AM. But, hey, who am I to judge? Maybe he was having the time of his life. Life is short! Also, I’m pretty sure I saw a lady wearing a bathrobe in the elevator at noon. Hotel shenanigans! But all in all, nothing too crazy. Just your standard hotel… with waffles. And a tiny, occasionally-whining air conditioner.
Would you go back? Seriously. Would you inflict this upon yourself again?
Absolutely. Without hesitation. Even with the questionable AC unit and the potential for accidental hairdryer-related incidents. The waffles alone are worth a return trip. But more than that, it's the *feeling*. It's the escape. It's the… the freedom to eat waffles in peaceStay Finder Review
