Garner Auburn Hotel: Seattle's Hidden Gem Near IHG!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL lowdown on the Garner Auburn Hotel: Seattle's Hidden Gem Near IHG! Let's be honest, "hidden gem" is a phrase that gets thrown around like confetti at a wedding, but this place? This place might just actually be one. And I'm not just saying that because I'm hopped up on caffeine (although, I totally am).
First, the Basics (Gotta Get Those SEO Keywords In!)
Okay, okay, I know you're looking for the facts, the nitty-gritty, the SEO-friendly bits. So here we go: This place is near IHG (Important Hotel Group, for the uninitiated). Think of it as a cool, independent sibling. It's got all the stuff you expect – Internet (Wi-Fi, LAN, the works!), air conditioning (thank GOODNESS), and a general air of… well, not stuffiness. More on that later.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, As Life Often Is.
Alright, let's be real about accessibility. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests. That's good. The elevator is a MUST, obviously. But, and this is me being me, I couldn’t shake the feeling that there's always room for improvement, but it's hard to say without experiencing.
The Stuff That Matters: Food, Glorious Food! (And How I Almost Ate All the Desserts)
Okay, let's talk about the things that really matter: food. The Garner Auburn is not messing around here. They have a restaurant (multiple, apparently!), with a la carte options, a buffet, AND what they call an "Alternative Meal Arrangement." I assume that means if you're, like, allergic to everything on the planet, they can figure something out.
- The Breakfast Buffet: Look, buffets are dangerous. I get it. They're a carb-fueled black hole, but this one… this one was good. They had a decent Western breakfast setup, plus an Asian breakfast section, which was a nice touch. The coffee? Decent. Not the best I've ever had, but definitely good enough to kickstart a Seattle day of adventuring.
- The Desserts, My Kryptonite: Okay, confession time. I may or may not have sampled all the desserts. The dessert section was my weakness, my downfall. There was a chocolate mousse that… oh, man. I'm drooling just thinking about it. And a little cake that had this weird, unique shape that completely won me over with its looks. It was absolutely scrumptious, so I ate two of them. The restaurant seemed to have a happy hour at some point during the week.
- Room Service (24-Hour): Bless the gods of room service! After a long day of battling Seattle traffic (more on that later), the convenience of 24-hour room service is a gift from the heavens.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or, How I Almost Got Naked in a Sauna)
This place is serious about relaxation. They have a Spa/Sauna area. I'm talking:
- Pool with view: Apparently there is a pool with a view. I didn't actually make it to the pool, which is a total crime for me. I was lured in by the promise of steamed relaxation (I got a serious spa day after a week of hustling).
- The Sauna: Let me tell you, I almost made a fool of myself in the sauna. I'm not usually a sauna person, but the idea of getting all my aches and pains massaged and steamed away after a long day sounded like heaven. I did get to spend some time in the spa section.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure-ish
I'm gonna be honest, in these times, you can't not think about cleanliness. The Garner Auburn, thankfully, seems to be taking it seriously, with daily disinfection, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocols. They also seem to have those anti-viral cleaning products - which is good!
Rooms & Amenities: Where Magic Happens (Or At Least, Where You Sleep)
The rooms themselves are pretty darn nice. They are non-smoking, which is a plus (unless you're that person). The internet access is good! And all the basics are covered:
- Air conditioning, thank you lord!
- Blackout curtains: Essential for beating jet lag or just wanting to sleep in.
- Comfy beds: Yes. Just yes.
- Internet - fast enough to get you through a work day.
Services and Conveniences: The Stuff That Makes Life Easier
They have a bunch of stuff you'd expect:
- Cash withdrawal: Super handy.
- Concierge: Useful, especially if you're new to the area.
- Daily housekeeping: My messy self appreciates this more than I can express.
- Laundry service/dry cleaning: Thank goodness
- Luggage storage: Because who wants to lug their suitcase around?
Getting Around: The Seattle Struggle is Real
Okay, so a quick note about Seattle: driving around there can be… challenging. There's traffic. Lots of it. The Garner Auburn offers airport transfer and is near public transportation which is a plus.
The Anecdote That Makes It All Worth It (Because Everyone Loves a Good Story)
I was there for a work conference, and let me tell you, conferences are soul-crushing. But one evening, after a particularly brutal session, I stumbled back to my room, completely drained. That's when the room service came to the rescue. A hot meal, a comfy bed, and a few hours of peace? Bliss. It was the small things, the simple conveniences, that made the Garner Auburn feel like a haven.
The Quirks & Imperfections (Because Perfection is Boring)
Okay, let's be real. No place is perfect. Did I see any pets? No, but the website says unavailablePet. Did everything go perfectly? No, I had hiccups. Was the bathroom the most modern setup? No. But the little imperfections, the quirks… they're what made it feel genuine.
The Emotional Takeaway (Because You Deserve It)
Ultimately, I left the Garner Auburn feeling… good. I felt rested, well-fed, and surprisingly relaxed. It's the kind of place that feels less like a generic hotel and more like a… well, a hidden gem. It’s not just good, it’s inviting, and for a weary traveler it’s more than enough. It's a place where you can unwind, refuel, and actually enjoy being away from home.
The Persuasive Offer (Now, Let's Get You Booked!)
Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? Craving a Seattle experience that's both comfortable and unexpected? Garner Auburn Hotel, your "Seattle's Hidden Gem Near IHG!" awaits!
Book your stay today and get:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Because, let's be honest, we all need it).
- A free welcome dessert (Because you deserve it, and trust me, the desserts are worth it!).
- A guaranteed smile from the staff
- Special rates for stays 3+ nights
Don't just take my word for it. Experience the Garner Auburn Hotel difference. Book Now!
Expressotel Napier: NZ's BEST Hotel Deal? You WON'T Believe This!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. We're going on a chaotic little journey from the… well, let's be honest, rather ordinary place of Garner Auburn, Washington, to the… somewhat less ordinary (depending on the day) Seattle, Washington. This itinerary is less of a finely-tuned Swiss watch and more like… me, trying to assemble IKEA furniture hungover. Enjoy the ride.
The Great Auburn-to-Seattle Odyssey: A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Embarkation and Early Dissatisfaction (Plus, IHG Feels)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Alarm blares. Actually, it screams. Why do they make them like this? Scramble out of bed at the Garner Auburn - an IHG Hotel, Auburn (WA), US. (Good choice on the hotel, btw). The coffee maker gurgles. I usually go for the Dunkin, but the in-room stuff will have to do. It's like warm, slightly disappointed water. Ugh.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. Free continental – the joy! Sadly, the yogurt tastes suspiciously like it's been hanging out in the fridge since the Reagan administration. I grab a sad-looking banana and vow to find a proper breakfast later.
- Morning (9:00 AM): Pack the car. This is always a Tetris game of luggage. I'm pretty sure I packed three different sizes of sunglasses. Why? I don't know. Emotional security, maybe?
- Morning (9:30 AM): The dreaded car search. Did I forget something? I probably did. But let's go. We’ll find out if we forgot somethin' later or not.
- Morning (10:00 AM): We're on the road. Okay, actually it's more of a crawl. Traffic on I-5 is already a parking lot. I swear, it's always a parking lot. I have a hate-love relationship with I-5, it's the devil I know.
- Morning (10:30 AM): The first existential crisis of the trip hits. Why am I doing this? What is the meaning of life? Do I need a second coffee? The answer to all three is: yes. We are going for a vacation, remember?
- Lunch (11:30 AM): We're hungry. We need to pick up some meals and snacks ahead of all this madness. Gotta keep my energy up. It's been a long morning of doing nothing.
- Afternoon (12:00 AM): We are officially in Seattle! Finally. My bladder is about to explode. Quick bathroom stop is in order.
Day 2: Capitol Hill Capers and Culinary Chaos
- Morning (9:00 AM): "Do not wake the sleeping baby." It's so early, yet it feels like the end of the world. I think the hotel has a really bad mattress.
- Morning (9:30 AM): The world’s best coffee in a cafe. Time to put on a good-face and try to enjoy this.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Time to go to Pike Place Market. The world of Pike Place. You can find everything from fishmongers throwing salmon to buskers serenading passersby. I get completely lost in the sensory overload. The crowds are intense! You can watch a fish get thrown!
- Lunch (12:00 PM): I make the bold move of trying some… street food. Specifically, a mystery meat dumpling from some guy with a questionable mustache. I have to be honest, it was fantastic. I still don't know what was actually in it, but I regret nothing. My gut, however, might.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): The Seattle Great Wheel has a long line. I decide to go, anyway. I have to get a view of the city from above. As I get higher, I take in the views of the city, mountains, and water.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): The Space Needle is next! It is iconic, standing proud in the middle of the city. I decide to take a gamble and get in the line. It moves really fast, to my surprise. I see the world from a different point of view. I love the rotating glass floor!
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): The most difficult task is upon us. Finding parking. This is like a treasure hunt, sometimes even more difficult than finding buried treasure itself.
- Dinner (7:00 PM): Dinner needs and wants. Everyone wants pizza. I find a fantastic pizza place. The atmosphere is charming, and the wait is worth it.
- Evening (9:00 PM): After the pizza coma, I am ready to head back to my hotel for the night.
Day 3: Museum Musings and Mountain Musings. Oh, and More Coffee.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Okay, I admit it, I fell back in the terrible bed. Back to the beginning! Need coffee, immediately. The in-room stuff is tolerable today, I guess. We need to get out there and see.
- Morning (10:00 AM): Coffee is devoured. Head out to the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). I am a sucker for this stuff! I decide to see all of the exhibits, from science fiction to music. It's amazing.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): I’ll grab a quick bite at the cafe in the museum. It's decent enough and it's fast.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Time to go onto Discovery Park. I love nature. I think I love all the sights, smells, and sounds. I walk around there to go on a hike.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM): Head down to the beach. I'll watch the sunset, feeling like a proper tourist. I wish I could stay there forever.
- Dinner (7:00 PM): It's time to get dinner, before heading back to the hotel. It's still hard to decide what's for dinner. I finally pick a restaurant and start heading back to the hotel.
- Evening (9:00 PM): That's all, folks! Time to pack, and get ready for the drive back to Auburn tomorrow.
Day 4: Homecoming and Hotel Harmony
- Morning (8:00 AM): The morning coffee ritual. I will need the caffeine for the drive back!
- Morning (9:00 AM): Check out of the hotel. I could probably stay here permanently.
- Morning (9:30 AM): I'm on the road, again. I-5 is still a parking lot. I'm pretty sure the same cars are there from the past few days.
- Lunch (11:00 AM): I need food, and I need it now.
- Afternoon (12:30 PM): Back at Garner Auburn - an IHG Hotel, Auburn (WA), US. The end is in sight.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): I'm unpacking, and realizing that I forgot to buy a keychain. The horror!
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): The day is nearing an end. Time to relax, and reflect on the adventure.
- Dinner (6:00 PM): There is no dinner plan. Maybe something easy. Pizza?
- Evening (8:00 PM): I'm not sure if I want to go back outside. I might just stay put.
Important Notes & Ramblings:
- Traffic: Seriously. Budget extra time. Like, a lot of extra time. Traffic is a beast.
- Food: I'm pretty sure I ate my weight in carbs. No regrets. (Well, maybe a few.)
- Emotions: This trip was a roller coaster of highs and lows. But hey, that's life, isn't it? And that's what makes travel so damn interesting.
- The Hotel: The IHG Auburn hotel was adequate, but I didn't spend too much time there.
- Seattle: Seattle is a city of contrasts. It’s gorgeous, it’s gritty, it’s expensive, and it’s absolutely worth visiting.
And there you have it! A travel itinerary that's less "polished brochure" and more "honest reflection of a real person's vacation." Enjoy your trip! Or, you know, don’t. Either way, good luck. You'll need it.
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Garner Auburn Hotel: Seattle's Hidden Gem? (Uh...Maybe?) - The Dizzy FAQs!
So, what *is* this Garner Auburn Hotel, and is it really "near IHG"? (Because, you know, Google Maps lies sometimes...)
Okay, so here's the deal. The Garner Auburn Hotel... well, it *exists*. I’ve been, I’ve seen it (more on that later...). It's in Auburn, Washington, which *is* technically near Seattle, just not, you know, like, *in* Seattle. Think a good ol' fashioned 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic. And “near IHG”? I guess technically correct, because there's an IHG-branded hotel *somewhere* in the general vicinity. But don't go expecting a seamless shuttle service or anything like that. Think of it as… a strategic location for when you need to be *near* Seattle, but don't want to pay Seattle prices (or deal with Seattle parking. Shudder.).
Is it a good hotel? Like, genuinely? Or is it one of *those*?
Okay, this is where it gets tricky, because "good" is relative, right? Look, it's not the Ritz. It's not the Four Seasons. Don't go expecting marble floors and a personal butler. I'd describe it as... functional. My experience was… well, it was a mixed bag. One visit it might be okay, the next... let's just say I've seen a tiny leak in the ceiling that looked like a crying clown's tears and it was definitely not charming. It can be a bit of a gamble, honestly. But hey, if your expectations are adjusted accordingly, you might be pleasantly surprised. Or at least not *horrified*. It really depends on which room you get, and what kind of mood the hotel is in that day. Sometimes the coffee machine works. Sometimes the coffee tastes like old drain water. You takes your chances.
What are the rooms like? Are they clean? (Please tell me they're clean...)
Alright, room conditions can vary. I'd say *generally* clean. I've definitely stayed in worse. And I've also seen some questionable art choices on the walls that made me question everything I thought I knew about hotel decor. The beds? Mostly comfy enough. The air conditioning? Hmmm… sometimes it blasted like a hurricane; other times, it barely whimpered. I recall one time, I tried to work up the nerve to touch the remote thinking it was the thermostat... Nope, it was just the volume. Sigh. The important thing is, check the room on arrival. If something is off, call and politely ask for another room, you're paying for it, so don't be shy. I would always check the bed for any... uh, surprises. I am just saying.
Do they have a pool or a gym? (Because, you know, gotta work off all that travel stress...)
You know, I *think* they have a pool. Maybe. I honestly can't remember. It's possible it was out of order. Or maybe I was just too focused on the complimentary continental breakfast (which, let's be honest, wasn't exactly gourmet). The gym? Again, hazy memories. I want to say there was a treadmill and some free weights hiding in a corner somewhere. Don't expect a state-of-the-art fitness center. It's more like a "we-have-a-gym-but-we-don't-really-want-you-to-use-it" kind of situation. I'd probably factor in, if you are a fitness person, bringing a small set of exercise band instead. They might be useful and compact.
What about food? Breakfast, lunch, dinner? Anything within walking distance?
Ah, breakfast! The aforementioned "complimentary continental breakfast." Think... bagels, toast, maybe some cereal. Don't get your hopes up for anything fancy. It will *fill* you up. Lunch and dinner? There are a few fast food joints and chain restaurants nearby, within walking distance. I remember one time I walked to a sushi place... or maybe I just dreamt that? Either way, you're not exactly in the heart of a food scene. You'll be fine, but be prepared to drive a bit if you want something more exciting. I usually packed snacks. Better to be safe than hangry, you know?
Is parking free? And, uh, is it easy to get around without a car? (Because traffic is the DEVIL!)
Parking? I *think* it's free. Yeah, pretty sure. I don't recall paying anything extra. As for getting around without a car... good luck! Driving is definitely the easiest (and probably only) way to get anywhere from the Garner Auburn. Public transportation is available in the area, but it's not going to be a quick or simple process. You're pretty much reliant on your own wheels, or using ride-sharing services. Just brace yourself for traffic. I have spent literally hours in traffic while in the area. It can be murder. Plan accordingly.
Okay, spill it! What's the single most memorable thing that happened to you *at* the Garner Auburn? (Good or bad, I want the dirt!)
Alright, buckle up. This is the big one. One time, and I'm not sure if I'm proud or embarrassed to admit this… I got locked *out* of my room. At like, 3 AM. I’d gone to get ice (because, you know, room temperature water just does not cut it), and when I came back, the door was locked, and I hadn't, apparently, brought the card. And it was freezing. And I was wearing pajamas. And there was no one at the front desk. For, like, a good hour, I wandered the halls, my teeth chattering, half-asleep, looking like a lost ghost. Finally, *finally*, someone showed up (bless their heart!) and let me back in. It was a whole ordeal. I’m still traumatized by that ice machine’s siren call. So yeah. Memorable. Would I repeat it? Absolutely not. Would it make a good story? Yes, definitely.
What’s the price like? And how easy is it to book a room?
