Escape to Coastal Bliss: Your Old Saybrook Getaway Awaits!
Escape to Coastal Bliss: Your Old Saybrook Getaway Awaits! - A Raw & Real Review (Buckle Up!)
Okay, so you're looking for a getaway, huh? Well, let me tell you, I've been through a few getaways in my time. From backpacking hostels to those stuffy, "luxury" places that smell faintly of old money and judgment. But this…this "Escape to Coastal Bliss" in Old Saybrook? Worth a shot. Here’s the raw and unfiltered lowdown, SEO-ified (because, hey, gotta find this place, right?).
(Let's be honest, I'm also secretly hoping I can get a referral bonus. Shhh.)
Accessibility: Right, so first things first: Accessibility. Accessible, Wheelchair accessible is a big deal for a lot of us, and Escape to Coastal Bliss seems to get it. They've got Facilities for disabled guests, which is promising. I didn't personally need that, thank goodness (knock on wood!), but it's good to see they're thinking about everyone. Big thumbs up for even considering it! And for this reason, the hotel is very accessible to all.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, These Days…):
Okay, full disclosure: I'm slightly germophobic. Pre-COVID, I was wiping down airplane armrests; now? You might as well call me Captain Clean. So, the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services all made me breathe a sigh of relief. They’ve really gone all-in and have a Hygiene certification which is really helpful! The Hand sanitizer everywhere was also appreciated. Plus, they have stuff like First aid kit's, just in case. And the best is, room sanitization opt-out available, so you can choose how you want to keep your space tidy, which is ideal!
They say they use Cashless payment service, too, which is great. I’ll be honest, though… I didn't bother getting any cash so I forgot to find out if it was actually true. Oops!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because Let’s Be Honest, That’s Half the Fun):
Right, food. Let's be real. I love to gorge and I love to eat. So, what’s the situation at Coastal Bliss? A solid offering, with all the expected options: Restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Coffee shop, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour]. You can get your A la carte in restaurant, which is fine if you don’t fancy being at the buffet. They’ve got things like Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Bar, and even a Snack bar (essential for those late-night cravings!). Asian cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant are also available. I really wanted to try the Vegetarian restaurant, but frankly, I was too busy stuffing my face with the Western breakfast. (Apologies to the veggies out there, but that bacon… chef's kiss.) If that's not enough, they have Alternative meal arrangement, and Breakfast takeaway service (nice if you're in a rush). And if you get peckish in your room, there are Bottle of water in the room – and even Essential condiments which is a nice extra. Breakfast in room is available. They have the option of Happy hour, which sounds like my kind of party. I, unfortunately, missed it. Next time, I'm THERE.
The Sauna Experience: A Full-On Deep Dive (Because THIS is what I came for!)
Okay, so I'm not one of those super-zen people. I'm more "anxious caffeine addict," if I'm honest. But, wow, the Sauna at Escape to Coastal Bliss? Game changer! It’s part of the Spa/sauna, which also has access to the Steamroom, Body scrub, Body wrap. So, picture this: You strip down (well, mostly), wrapped in your Bathrobes and Slippers, and you head into the sauna. The heat slowly coaxed the tension out of my shoulders. I have no idea how long I was in there, but it was heaven. And, the view? Oh, the Pool with view was out of this world. And afterwards? I had a Massage! The masseuse was amazing, totally zoned in on all my knots. I actually dozed off, which NEVER happens. Honestly, that sauna experience alone might be worth the price of admission. Seriously. If you're even slightly stressed, get yourself in that sauna. You'll thank me later. And maybe someone should put me on the payroll for how enthusiastically I’m promoting that sauna moment.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax:
This place is serious about relaxation. They've got the Swimming pool, plus the Swimming pool [outdoor]. The Fitness center seemed pretty decent, although I may have been too busy… you know… relaxing. They do, however, have a Foot bath which sounds delightful. They also have a Spa, because, you know, why not?
The Room (aka My Tiny Fortress):
Okay, the rooms are decent. They're not the biggest, but they're clean, comfortable, and have everything you need. Think Air conditioning, a really comfy Bed, Blackout curtains (HUGE plus!), a Seating area, and your usual suspects like Coffee/tea maker, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels… the works. The Wake-up service was on point, thankfully. And the Window that opens is a godsend. The Non-smoking rooms are a must for me.
Quirks & Imperfections:
- Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms, which is amazing. They've also got Internet, Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN. But sometimes, the Wi-Fi was a little… slow. Like, dial-up slow. Which, in the age of instant gratification, can be a bit frustrating. But hey, at least it's free!
- Staff: The staff were generally pleasant, although I did have one slightly awkward encounter with the concierge. Something about me "not looking like the type to leave a gigantic tip”… But hey, I am what I am.
- The Elevator: There is an Elevator! Thank goodness.
Services and Conveniences (Because Life is Easier When Someone Does the Work):
- They have a Daily housekeeping, which is always a plus.
- There is a Laundry service and a Dry cleaning if you need it
- They have a Concierge which is helpful.
- The Car park [on-site] is free, which is a real bonus.
- There is a Luggage storage
- They offer Food delivery, if you're lazy, like me.
- Contactless check-in/out, good for these times.
For the Kids (or, The Babysitter’s Paradise):
They have Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal, which is good for the little ones.
Getting Around (Because You Might Want to, You Know, Leave the Hotel):
- They have a Car park [free of charge] (yay!).
- You can get an Airport transfer but I didn't use it.
- There's a Taxi service available.
In My Humble Opinion…:
Escape to Coastal Bliss is a solid choice. It's not perfect (no place is!), but it's clean, comfortable, and the sauna experience alone is worth it. The location is great for exploring Old Saybrook!
Final Thoughts! The Booking Call to Action (aka, Give Them Your Money!):
Ready to escape the daily grind and soak up some coastal bliss? Escape to Coastal Bliss: Your Old Saybrook Getaway Awaits! is calling your name! With its amazing sauna, relaxing spa, and comfortable rooms, you'll be unwinding in no time. Book your stay NOW and experience a truly rejuvenating getaway! Don’t delay - that sauna is waiting for you, and you deserve it! Click here to book your Escape to Coastal Bliss now and start planning your perfect getaway! (Link to booking page, of course!) Don't miss out!
Kirksville Getaway: Book Your Quality Inn Stay Now!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is the truth about a weekend at the Quality Inn in Old Saybrook – warts, triumphs, questionable breakfast choices, and all. Let's see if I can actually string this together without getting distracted by the sheer mediocrity of the hotel carpet…
FRIDAY: The Arrival and the "Maybe I Should Have Packed a Better Attitude" Phase
3:00 PM - The Great Escape (From Reality, aka Work): Okay, so, technically, I was supposed to leave at 3. But, you know, emails. And then one more thing… and suddenly it's 4:30. Sigh. The drive from the city to Old Saybrook is supposed to be charming, right? Coastal vistas and all that jazz. Well, at this point, it's just bumper-to-bumper traffic and the existential dread of a Friday evening. My initial impressions of the Quality Inn? Well, from the outside, it looked like every other budget hotel in America… drab, but functional.
6:00 PM - Check-In Chaos and the Quest for the Best Room (Good Luck with That): Ah, the front desk. The gateway to your weekend of, well, something. The clerk (who, bless her heart, looked like she’d seen a thousand weary travelers just like me) was pleasant enough, but the room? Let's just say, the pictures online were highly airbrushed. I'm not asking for the Ritz, but a working light switch would be nice. Plus the "ocean view" promised was a distant shimmer of water behind a massive parking lot. I thought to myself - maybe I should have spent an extra $50 to get the room with the king-size bed.
7:00 PM - Dinner Debacle at a Generic Diner: There HAS to be more to eat around here than this, right? But I was starving. So, I stumbled into the nearest diner. It smelled of stale coffee and vague sadness. The food? Bland. The waitress? Overworked. The entire experience? Utterly forgettable. (Except for the fact that I forgot to tip well, which is something that will probably haunt me until Monday.)
9:00 PM - Hotel Room Rendezvous with Netflix and the Crummy Pillows: Back at the hotel. The ambiance? Non-existent. The pillows? Essentially, lumpy bricks. I spent a good thirty minutes fluffing them, trying to achieve some semblance of comfort, but it was no use. I'm not a high maintenance person, but I need pillows. I finally gave up and succumbed to the siren song of Netflix (binge-watching a show I'd already seen).
SATURDAY: Saltwater Dreams and the Unexpected Glory of a Lobster Roll
7:00 AM - The Breakfast Bar Blues (Avoid at All Costs, Seriously): Oh, the breakfast bar. This is where things get dicey. I ventured down, optimistic, ready for a quick energy boost. The reality? Anemic-looking scrambled eggs that tasted suspiciously of plastic, lukewarm instant coffee, and a stale bagel that could double as a doorstop. I think I had a single yogurt. I think.
9:00 AM - The Beach… Sort Of: Okay, here’s where the weekend almost redeemed itself. I found a tiny, unassuming beach. The salty air, finally! The sound of the waves! Sun! I'm an ocean person, so this actually did bring me a sense of peace. I walked along the sand, watched the seagulls squawking, and felt a little bit less like a stressed-out city dweller and a little more like a human being. Success!
12:00 PM - The Lobster Roll Revelation (Hallelujah!): Okay, so the beach was nice, but THIS… this was the highlight. I stumbled upon a little shack, a hole-in-the-wall place (that's the whole point, right?), that served the BEST lobster roll I've ever had in my life. Seriously. Sweet, buttery lobster piled high on a toasted roll. Pure, unadulterated joy. I nearly cried. I almost went back for a second one. I almost moved in. This single experience almost justified the entire trip. And now I wanted lobster every day.
2:00 PM - The "I Should Probably See Some Sights" Phase (Procrastination is My Forte): Okay, so I meant to explore more of Old Saybrook. Maybe see the historic buildings? Maybe poke around the quaint shops? But the afterglow of that lobster roll, and the general languor of the day, called me back to the beach. I tried to find a book to read, but it was too hot and it was just more fun to watch everyone else.
6:00 PM - Dinner Round 2: An Attempt at "Local Flavor" (Results Vary): I branched out and tried a restaurant in town. The reviews were decent, but the food was…fine. I think I've become spoiled on delicious lobster. I really need to make lobster a regular thing.
8:00 PM - Back to the Room, and the Cycle Begins Again…
SUNDAY: The Departure and a Promise to Myself (Maybe):
7:00 AM - Breakfast, The Sequel (I'm Not Even Going to Talk About It): Let’s just say, the coffee tasted vaguely of regret.
9:00 AM - The Quick Drive-By Sight Seeing: I drove around some of the town before hitting the road. I promised myself I would remember to do that next time.
10:00 AM - The Great Escape (Again): Checking out was painless. The drive home was… well, still filled with traffic, but this time, I was armed with the memory of that lobster roll. And the faint hope that maybe, just maybe, next time, I could find a hotel with decent pillows. And maybe, just maybe, I'll actually get to enjoy the damn trip.
Overall Verdict:
Look, the Quality Inn Old Saybrook? It's not the Four Seasons. But that lobster roll? That beach? They made it all…almost…worth it. Would I go back? Maybe. If I can find that lobster roll again. And if I bring my own darn pillow. And if I prepare myself for inevitable disappointment. Because, as this messy, honest, and slightly rambling travel journal proves, the search for perfection is futile. Sometimes, you just gotta embrace the mess, the awkward moments, and the occasional glimpse of beauty in the midst of it all. And the lobsters rolls, don't forget them. I am still thinking of lobster.
London's Athenaeum: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits (You Won't Believe Room #7!)
Escape to Coastal Bliss: Your Old Saybrook Getaway Awaits! ...Or Does It? (FAQs, with a Side of My Thoughts)
Okay, alright, so...what *is* this "Escape to Coastal Bliss" thing, anyway? Like, besides a catchy title?
Well, *technically*, it's a vacation rental experience in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Think charming Connecticut shoreline vibes, maybe a little salt air, hopefully some lobster rolls involved. They promise "relaxation," "unforgettable memories," blah, blah, blah. Sounds idyllic, right? Let's just say my experience was... well, we'll get to *that*.
Basically, they rent out houses and apartments. They're all supposed to be "carefully curated" for maximum comfort and, you know, Instagram potential. I'll admit, the photos *did* look lovely. Sun-drenched porches, cozy fireplaces... I'm a sucker for a good porch swing.
So, are these places actually CLEAN? Because... that's important. Really important. Like, deal-breaker important.
Okay, cleaning. *Deep breath.* Let's just say my initial assessment of "spotless" wasn't quite accurate. Look, I'm not a germaphobe, but I'm also not thrilled about discovering questionable hair clumps in the shower drain. You know? It's one of those things. It's the *little* things that get to you. Like, I'm pretty sure I saw a dust bunny the size of a small mammal patrol under the couch. And the… the rug? Let’s just say it had a history. A history that was well-documented, if you know what I mean.
I did send an email, and they *did* send someone over to… "address" the situation. But it’s like, why wasn't it addressed *before*? Ugh. Okay, moving on before I start twitching.
Alright, alright, beyond the cleaning (or lack thereof), what's the *vibe*? Are we talking beachy paradise or awkwardly furnished grandma's house?
Oh, the vibe. Okay, so the *photos*? They were slick. Lots of nautical-themed throw pillows and strategically placed seashells. In reality? It was a bit...mixed. Let's say "eclectic charm." Which, I suppose, is code for "some things are lovely, some things need to be thrown away."
My place had a weird collection of, like, antique clocks that all ticked at different speeds. Seriously. It was a symphony of slightly off-kilter timekeeping. And the artwork… oh, the artwork. There was a painting of a cat playing poker. I kid you not. It was...a *statement*. A statement of, well, I don't know what. But it was definitely a *statement.*
Was the kitchen usable? I need my coffee!
Coffee is a necessity, not a luxury! Unfortunately, the kitchen was a bit of a gamble. The appliances were...old. Like, "I'm pretty sure I saw this in a museum of outdated technology" old. The refrigerator hummed in a way that suggested it was either harboring a family of raccoons or about to explode.
And the cookware? Rusty. Seriously rusty. I'm not sure I've ever been so hesitant to cook a single egg. You'd think that with all the "coastal bliss" marketing, they'd at least provide a decent coffee maker and non-rusty pans. But hey, at least I learned a valuable lesson: always check the kitchen *before* you unpack.
Okay, let's get to the good stuff. What about the location? Was it actually near the beach? And was the beach… you know… nice?
Ah, the beach. This is where things got… complicated. The listing said "short walk to the beach." “Short.” Okay. Look, my definition of "short" and their definition of "short" clearly differed. It was more like a power-walk through a mosquito-infested swamp followed by a slightly less enthusiastic trudge along a busy road to eventually reach… the beach.
And the beach itself? Okay, it was… a beach. It had sand. It had water. It also had a *lot* of seaweed. And seagulls. Aggressive, judgmental seagulls. And… and let’s be honest, on the day I went, the water looked a little murky. I mean, I've seen better beaches, but I've also seen worse. So...average? C minus?
Look, the *potential* was there. There's something about that salty air, that vast expanse of ocean… it just… didn't quite live up to the promise. Maybe I just had the wrong expectations. Maybe the seagulls were extra sassy that day. Maybe I was just tired.
What about the surrounding town of Old Saybrook? Anything fun to do? Any decent food?
Okay, Old Saybrook. This is where things started to look up. It’s got a certain charm, I'll give it that. Quaint little shops, a few decent restaurants. I had a fantastic lobster roll at a place called… ah, shoot, I can't remember the name. But it was on the water, and the lobster was *fresh*. Totally worth the trip. I think. See, I'm starting to mix up the memories.
There's an ice cream place that's pretty good, too, but the lines can get long. Oh! And there's a cute little bookstore. I spent way too much money there. But look, books are good. Always.
You know, Old Saybrook has potential. It’s got that New England-y vibe. But it's also a little… quiet. Especially after, you know, 9 PM.
Did anything... memorable… happen? Good or bad? Spill the tea!
Oh, you want the *juicy* stuff? Alright, buckle up. This is a doozy. I'm going to focus on *one* particular incident. It's the defining moment of my "Coastal Bliss *Experience*." It's the thing that sticks with me the most.
So, one night, I was trying to finally unwind. I lit the (questionable) fireplace, poured myself a glass of wine (the wine was good, thankfully), and settled onto the couch. Suddenly, the power went out. Boom. Total darkness. Not a flicker. Now, I live in the city, so power outages are *rare*. But here, in the romantic, idyllicFind Secret Hotel Deals
