Escape to Gila National Forest: Your Cozy Comfort Inn Awaits!
Escape to Gila National Forest: Seriously Cozy? Let's See! (My Honest-to-Goodness Review)
Okay, deep breaths. I just got back from the Escape to Gila National Forest, a place promising "Cozy Comfort Inn" vibes. And you know what? I'm still processing. This isn't your sterile corporate hotel review. This is me, raw and real, spilling the tea (or maybe the lukewarm coffee – more on that later) on my experience.
Metadata & SEO (Because, you know, Google):
- Keywords: Gila National Forest, Comfort Inn, hotel review, New Mexico, Southwest, accessibility, spa, dining, wifi, swimming pool, family friendly, pet-friendly (sort of… see below), clean, safe, comfortable, travel, vacation, getaway, outdoor adventure, relaxation, hiking, biking
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the "Escape to Gila National Forest," comparing its cozy inn promises with reality. Dive into my unfiltered experience with accessibility, dining, spa services, cleanliness, and the ever-crucial Wi-Fi (yes, it's free!). Expect quirks, opinions, and maybe a little whining.
Accessibility - The Steep Slope of Arrival:
Right, so let's get the "accessibility" bit out of the way. The website claims it's accessible. Now, I didn't roll in myself, but I did observe folks navigating around. The lobby? Fine. The main areas? Okay, maybe a little tight in places. The ramp up to the main entrance… let's just say it looked like a good leg workout. Probably doable with assistance, but definitely not the "smooth, easy access" I'd envisioned.
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges (and the Great Coffee Debacle):
Okay, the restaurant situation. Here's the truth: I wouldn't call it a "restaurant." It's more of a… dining area with tables and a buffet. And the coffee? Oh, the coffee. Let's just say it tasted like disappointment brewed in a rusty bucket. I swear, I tried it three times, hoping for a revelation. Nope. Each time, it was a murky, lukewarm tragedy.
- Restaurant Specifics: The claim of "A la carte in restaurant" and "Buffet in restaurant" is a bit generous. It's a buffet, alright, but "a la carte" felt like a distant dream. The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was, as mentioned, a bust. The "Asian cuisine in restaurant" felt stretched, and the "Western cuisine in restaurant" was… well, it was. I did see some "Salad in restaurant," but nothing that would write home about.
Wheelchair Accessible:
See above. It's technically accessible, but with a strong "buyer beware" caveat. The ramps aren't exactly friendly.
Internet Access, Wi-Fi and the Digital Hold:
Internet Access and Internet Services were okay. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! That was a selling point for me. And it worked, most of the time. The internet was better in public spaces, as "Wi-Fi in public areas" confirmed. The "Internet [LAN]" was beyond my capacity so I did not even tried.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Spa, Sauna, Oh My!
This is where it got interesting. The Spa was… a promise. They had a room, and they listed all the possible things: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. But accessing them was a bit difficult and requires reservations in advance. The Pool with view was awesome and even had a "Poolside bar" which could offer refreshing refreshments. This "Fitness center" (Gym/fitness) was pretty good.
Cleanliness and Safety - The Sanitization Saga:
Honestly, I was relieved. They took the COVID thing seriously. Plenty of "Hand sanitizer," "Anti-viral cleaning products," and the staff were, to their credit, clearly trained in "safety protocol." I even noticed "Sterilizing equipment" being employed. "Rooms sanitized between stays," and it made me feel a lot better. The "Safe dining setup" actually felt safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Buffet Blues and a Glimmer of Hope
I'll admit, the buffet was… well, it was there. "Breakfast [buffet]" and "Buffet in restaurant" are accurate, but enthusiasm kind of wanes when they are only there. I did see "Vegetarian restaurant" and "Asian cuisine in restaurant" and "Western cuisine in restaurant," but my experience did not provide any special information.
- Room Service (24-hour): I didn't order it, but the availability was definitely a plus!
- Snack bar: I saw a few, but they were pretty basic.
- Bar: The "Happy hour" at the bar was decent.
Services and Conveniences - The Good, the Bad, and the Missing
This is where the hotel really shone (and sometimes, didn't). "Air conditioning in public area" was a lifesaver. "Daily housekeeping" was prompt and friendly. "Currency exchange" came in handy. "Concierge" was helpful with basic info. There was a "Convenience store," which was handy for forgotten toiletries.
- The downers: They had "Laundry service' but I did not use it. I did not use "Dry cleaning" as well.
- The positives: "Car park [free of charge]", "Security [24-hour]", "Safe dining setup".
For the Kids - A Family-Friendly Forest?
I can't speak to the "Babysitting service" personally, but I did spot a "Kids meal" option. The hotel is advertised as "Family/child friendly."
Available in all rooms:
"Air conditioning" was a game-changer! "Alarm clock" (yup). "Coffee/tea maker" (alas, the coffee, the coffee!). "Free bottled water." "Hair dryer" (essential). "In-room safe box" (appreciated). "Refrigerator" (good for storing that lukewarm coffee!). "Satellite/cable channels," "Shower," and "Slippers" were all great. "Smoke detector", "Sofa," and "Telephone" were there as well.
Getting Around - The Car is King
"Car park [free of charge]" was excellent. "Airport transfer" (I didn't use it). "Taxi service" was a phone call away.
The Bottom Line:
Okay, so the "Escape to Gila National Forest: Your Cozy Comfort Inn Awaits!" wasn't perfect. But it was… good. Not perfect, definitely not luxurious, and the coffee situation remains a dark chapter in my memory. But, honestly? It was a decent basecamp. The staff was friendly. The internet worked (most of the time). And, if you're looking for a functional (but not fancy) hotel in the area, you could do worse. Just pack your own decent coffee… and maybe a decent ramp.
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 rusty coffee makers.
Rodeway Inn Mercer (PA): Your Unexpectedly Amazing Getaway!Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is… well, this. A chronicle of potentially questionable decisions, questionable coffee, and the wild, wild West (or, you know, Silver City, New Mexico). We're crashing at the Comfort Inn near the Gila National Forest. Don't judge me, the reviews were decent, and I needed a pool.
The Comfort Inn Chaos: A Silver City Sojourn, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Desert (Maybe)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Motel Room Flop (and the Pool! The Pool!)
- 1:00 PM - Landed in…Somewhere. Albuquerque? Wait. It had to be the Albuquerque Airport. I think. (Jetlag already hitting hard, folks). Rental car secured. I named it "The Wanderer" because, frankly, it sounded better than, "The Beige Sedan of Doom." My GPS, Susan (yes, I named it Susan), is already giving me existential dread with her monotone instructions.
- 3:30 PM - Arrival at the Comfort Inn. Silver City. Sun blazing. Pool glistening. My heart, a little bit…happy? Check-in was…uneventful. The front desk guy had a nametag that said "Jerry". Jerry seemed like a nice enough guy. He even gave me a map. Of Silver City. Apparently, they still give those things out. Sigh. This is all kinda… underwhelming so far. The room? Standard motel fare. Two double beds. A slightly questionable-looking stain on the carpet. But…it’s got a pool so I can't complain right now.
- 4:00 PM - Pool Time! Okay, pool is surprisingly clean. Water’s…cold. But I’m in. I’m in. People are actually smiling. A kid is doing cannonballs. This is the life. I'M. IN. HEAVEN.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (and Redemption). Tried the local diner, "The Busy Bee Cafe." Apparently, it’s a Silver City institution. Ordered the meatloaf. It arrived looking a little…sad. And tasting…sad. Then, I bumped into some hiker types at the restroom. They were loud and smelly, but they gave me some tips. Apparently, "Vail's Grocery" is perfect for picnic stuff.
- 7:30 PM - Sunset at the Big Ditch. Okay, I'm thinking about Vail's Grocery picnic later. But first… the Big Ditch. It's a drainage channel. That's it. A drainage channel. Still, the sunset over the ditch and the mountains was… surprisingly gorgeous. Reminded me that even the mundane can be beautiful. Sort of.
- **9:00 PM - Back to The Room. Bed. Maybe watch something on Netflix and then try not to think about the meatloaf. Try to plan something for day 2. Tomorrow's the Gila National Forest… but how do i approach this. Fear and excitement at the same time.
Day 2: Into the Gila (And My Own Head)
- 7:00 AM - Wake-Up Call: The Free Breakfast…and the Dreaded Fruit Salad. Okay, free breakfast. Yes! This is the life. Except, like, with the fruit salad. It looked suspiciously… brown. Coffee was lukewarm. Ate a waffle, though. It was…adequate.
- 8:30 AM - Gila National Forest Adventures Begins! Armed with the aforementioned map and Susan's increasingly irritating instructions. Driving along the winding road, I couldn't help but be utterly amazed. I've forgotten what it's like to see something that is not a skyscraper.
- 9:30 AM - Trailhead Trauma. Hiking, or rather, an attempt at hiking. I picked a "moderate" trail. HA. This is the desert, dammit! This is not a walk in the park. After 10 minutes, I was gasping for air, my legs felt like lead, and I was contemplating turning around. But I didn’t. I pushed myself. That's enough for now.
- 12:30PM - Lunch in the Wilderness. Picnic Picnic Picnic. Vail's Grocery did not disappoint! The cheese was sharp, the sourdough crisp, and the view from the top of the trail was magnificent. I even managed to avoid getting eaten by any particularly aggressive cacti. Life is good. More than good.
- 2:30PM - River Crossing (and Near-Disaster). There's this part in the Gila where you walk across a river. It's supposed to be "shallow." Susan (the GPS) was wrong. It was not shallow. I almost lost a boot. And dignity. But I made it.
- 4:00 PM - Back to the Comfort Inn. Exhausted. But alive. This is where i actually feel like I got somewhere.
Day 3: Silver City Serendipity (and more questionable decisions)
- 9:00 AM - TRYING to sleep is very difficult with the thin hotel walls. Even the coffee is a little bit less tasty after the Gila.
- 10:00 AM - ART. Silver City has a surprisingly vibrant art scene. Walked around some galleries. Saw some funky sculptures made out of recycled garbage. Kind of made me re-think my "Wanderer" as a garbage truck.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at "Little Toad Creek Brewery." Ok, this is a must-try!!!
- 1:00 PM - Memory Lane: The Silver City Museum. It's pretty neat.
- 3:00 PM - Last Swim. I deserve this.
- 5:00 PM - Last supper. I ate at the Mexican restaurant.
- 6:00 PM - Packing up. It's time to go.
- 7:00 PM - Goodbyes. I have really enjoyed it.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
Silver City. Who knew? It's not fancy. It's not particularly refined. It's got a certain…charm. And the Gila National Forest? Brutal. Beautiful. Worth every aching muscle. Would I go back? Maybe. Definitely. Just maybe with better shoes and a stronger stomach for the free motel breakfast. But also I would buy a better suitcase.
Knoxville Getaway: Unbeatable Comfort Inn Powell Deals!
Escape to Gila National Forest: Your Cozy Comfort Inn Awaits – or Does It?! (FAQ...ish)
Okay, so "Cozy Comfort Inn?" Is that… sarcasm? Because I've seen those online photos. Pretty idyllic.
Look, let's be real. "Cozy" is subjective. And "Comfort Inn"...well, Google Maps *thinks* there's one lurking near the Gila. I've heard whispers. (Maybe it's a mirage fueled by caffeine deprivation after a day of hiking... which it likely *will* create.) The online photos? Probably shot by a drone on a particularly sunny Tuesday. The reality? Could be anything from 'surprisingly delightful' to 'haunted by the ghosts of misplaced socks.' (Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic. I *did* lose a sock once in a motel in Arizona, though…) The Gila itself? Unquestionably breathtaking. The Inn? Well, pack your own definition of "cozy." And maybe a REALLY good book.
What's the deal with the Gila National Forest itself? Like, what do you *do* there besides, you know, potentially befriend the ghosts of socks?
Oh, the Gila? That's where the magic happens. Or at least, where you *hope* the magic happens. Hiking, obviously. Miles and miles of trails. Some easy peasy, some that'll make you question your life choices (looking at *you*, that ascent!). Then there's camping – which, if you're me, always involves forgetting *something* vital. Like, last time? My toothbrush. The horror! Canoeing, kayaking... if you're into that sort of thing. I'm more of a "sit on a rock and contemplate the vastness of existence" kinda gal. (Which also involves a lot of snacks. Important.) The hot springs are supposed to be amazing too. Haven’t been. Yet. My feet are already itching, so maybe this time... Oh! And stargazing! The air is so clear at night… just… *wow*.
I'm picturing bears. Are there bears?! And what if I see one? Do I… sing to it? Pretend I'm a tree? Help!!
Yes. There are bears. And mountain lions. And snakes. And probably all sorts of other things that would rather you weren't there. (Though, the snakes are pretty crucial to the ecosystem, so… be cool, okay?) As for "singing to it"… probably not a good idea. "Pretend to be a tree?" Tempting. But, honestly? **Bear spray.** Carry it. Know how to use it. Watch videos. Learn the difference between "I'm just passing through" and "I'm about to eat you for breakfast." And for the love of all that is holy, don't leave food out! Seriously. I once heard a story (probably embellished, but still) about a woman who left a *whole birthday cake* on her picnic table. A bear ate the whole thing. *The entire cake*. The woman? Well, let's just say she learned a valuable lesson about bear etiquette. (And probably chocolate frosting.)
Okay, fine, bears… But what about the actual Inn? Is it, you know, *clean*? I’m not asking for the Ritz, but…
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Clean is a relative term, folks. Think of it like this: you're going to be spending most of your time *outside*. So, even if the Inn isn’t exactly up to 'hospital-grade' standards, it's probably got… well, it's likely got *something*. I mean, they *have* to clean, right? *Right*? Okay, deep breaths. I've heard generally good things. I've also heard some… less flattering anecdotes (moldy towels, questionable stains, the usual… you know, what you’d expect in a budget hotel after a day of hiking). My advice? Pack some Clorox wipes. And maybe a hazmat suit, just in case. (Kidding! Mostly.) But seriously, lower your expectations… then be pleasantly surprised. Or, at least, don’t be *too* horrified. And check the reviews. Always check the reviews. (I'm going to check the reviews again, just to be sure…)
So I'm sold! (Maybe.) What should I pack? Give me the essentials, please.
Alright, the essentials. Okay, ready? A sense of adventure. Patience (you'll need it for both the driving and the potential… Inn experiences). Hiking boots (duh!). Layers – the weather in the Gila can change its mind faster than I change my mind about what to eat for dinner. Sunscreen. Bug spray. Lip balm. First-aid kit. A REALLY good book (see above about 'cozy'). Water bottle (a *big* one!). Snacks (again, see above about snacks). A flashlight (better yet, a headlamp – trust me, those hands-free moments are invaluable). And… this is important: A phone charger the size of a small car. Because the signal isn't going to be amazing. Or even remotely functional in some areas. Prepare to be disconnected, my friend. Embrace it! (Unless you have kids… then good luck.) My most important thing? A small bottle of my favorite essential oil. Helps the anxiety of not being able to post my Insta-pics in real time.
Anything else I should be aware of… like, local quirks or hidden gems?
Oh, the quirks! Okay, besides the potential for a "rustic" hotel experience, be prepared for... well, small-town vibes. The towns around the Gila are… charming. In a slightly-lost-in-time kind of way. Embrace it! Ask the locals for tips. They'll probably know about secret swimming holes (that aren't bear-infested… hopefully). Check if there’s any special events going on. Some charming little fairs or festivals… or, y'know, the annual armadillo race, which I swear I didn't make up! But the REAL hidden gem? The vastness. The quiet. The feeling of getting away from it all. The stars at night – I swear, you'll never see anything like them again. So go. Go and get lost. And maybe, just maybe, find yourself. (And hey, if you see a Comfort Inn, let me know what you think. I'm genuinely curious. And maybe pack a hazmat suit. Just in case...). And if you happen to encounter any socks, please leave them where you found them. I need them back. It's a story for another day.
