Luxury SpringHill Suites Ardmore: Your Oklahoma Getaway Awaits!
Luxury SpringHill Suites Ardmore: My Oklahoma Getaway… Almost Paradise? (A Rambling Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this review isn't going to be one of those perfectly polished, robotic PR blatherings you usually get. No, this is real – warts and all, just like my travel wardrobe. We're talking about the SpringHill Suites in Ardmore, Oklahoma. They promised me a "luxury getaway." Did I get it? Well, let's unpack this, shall we?
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(Now, Let's Get Messy… and Honest)
First Impressions & Accessibility – The Good, the Mildly Annoying, and the Almost Great
Walking in… it looks promising. The lobby, whew, it feels like a… well, a slightly upscale hotel lobby. Not knocking my socks off luxury, mind you, but clean, modern, and bright. The check-in was painless, thankfully. Contactless Check-in/out? Check. That’s a win in my book. Gotta love avoiding that awkward "can I see your ID, and do you have any extra luggage for us?" routine.
Now, the accessibility. This is a big one for me, because you know… life throws you curveballs. Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely! Ramps, elevators, wide doorways… the works. They’ve got it. The facilities for disabled guests are definitely there. Bravo, SpringHill Suites! Makes this tired mama feel better.
But (and there’s always a “but,” isn't there) I did notice a few… quirks. The automatic doors to the pool area were a bit… sticky. And navigating the breakfast buffet (more on this later) proved a touch challenging with a walker. Nothing catastrophic, but still… Room for improvement, folks.
Rooms – Comfort, Coffee, and the Mysterious Lack of a Power Outlet
Okay, the room itself. My room was a non-smoking room (thank heavens!). The Air conditioning worked like a charm (thank the heavens again, because Oklahoma, am I right?!). Got the desk setup for work (ahem… or, you know, pretending to work). The Internet access – wireless/Wi-Fi [free] was solid, which is essential for surviving a work trip. The bathtub was big and deep, perfect for my long, well earned bath. I tried to get my son and his friend in there but only one fit! Silly kids.
The bed was comfortable. The extra long bed, was great, because I am 6 feet tall. Air conditioning worked flawlessly. The mini-fridge came in handy for keeping my snacks cold. I had a coffee/tea maker in the room – essential. I did discover a few inconveniences. There were barely any outlets near the bed (which is a cardinal sin in the modern world!). Also, the window that opens only slightly, probably for the best. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver.
And the wake-up service? Well, I slept through it, but that’s my fault, not theirs.
Dining – A Mixed Bag of Breakfast Buffets and Poolside Dreams
Okay, let’s talk food. The Breakfast [buffet]… ah, the buffet. You know when you're expecting culinary perfection, and you get… well, breakfast? The Breakfast service was pretty good, and I did appreciate the Individual-wrapped food options (COVID-era brilliance!). They had a variety of Asian breakfast options (a nice touch!) and a Western breakfast. But it was a bit of a scrum. I could hear other guests ranting that it was a little cramped and lines were long.
Restaurants? They have 'em, sort of. There are Restaurants and there is a Snack bar and a Poolside bar. I would have to ask the front desk for more details. Now, the poolside bar, that’s where the magic happened. Sipping a (slightly overpriced, but hey, vacation!) margarita while watching the sun go down? Sublime. A la carte in restaurant? Maybe. The other options? Meh. The Coffee shop wasn't anything to write home about, and I never saw a Vegetarian restaurant on the premises. Happy hour at the bar? Now we're talking.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa, Fitness, and the Elusive "Luxury"
This is where the "luxury" promise comes in. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check. Beautiful, even. The Pool with view was even better. Pristine! I spent a good portion of my afternoon swimming, and my kids loved it too. Sauna, Spa, and Steamroom? Hmmm… I didn’t see any of those. Fitness center? Yep. Standard hotel gym stuff – treadmills, weights, the usual suspects. Did I use it? Nope. Priorities, people.
The thought of a Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, or Foot bath sounds heavenly, but I never could squeeze in the time. They also have an option of Couple's room. That would be great for a romantic get away.
Cleanliness and Safety – A Comforting Emphasis (Almost)
This is important, especially in these weird times. Cleanliness and safety are priorities. They were Rooms sanitized between stays, as well as using Anti-viral cleaning products, the Staff trained in safety protocol, and Safe dining setup were all great. I appreciated the Daily disinfection in common areas, and also Cashless payment service . They even offered a Room sanitization opt-out available. The whole thing really helps you relax.
On the downside, I would have liked a bit more of the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
Services and Conventions – The Little Things (and the Big Ones)
Services and conveniences: They had the basics covered. Daily housekeeping was efficient. I've got to say, the Car park [free of charge] was a massive win. Concierge? Nice, not essential if you ask me. Laundry service, a lifesaver, especially with kids. Dry cleaning was available too. I took lots of advantage of the Car park [on-site].
I noticed they have Meeting/banquet facilities and also offer On-site event hosting. I didn't utilize those, but I saw some folks in suits, so I assume they're doing the business thing.
For the Kids – Mostly Good, with a Caveat
Family/child friendly? Yes! They had a Babysitting service, although I didn't use it. They also had Kids facilities but I'm not sure what they are. I also noticed there's the availability of Kids meal.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy (Mostly)
Getting around: Car park [free of charge] was excellent. Airport transfer wasn't available, but I didn't need it. They did have a Taxi service. I didn't see any Bicycle parking, so that's a missed opportunity if you like biking.
Overall Impression – Worth It? Maybe… With Reservations
So, Luxury SpringHill Suites Ardmore. Did it deliver on the "luxury"? Not entirely. But did I have a pleasant stay? Yes. Was it a good base for exploring Ardmore and the surrounding area? Absolutely.
The Good: Decent rooms, accessible facilities, good Wi-Fi, friendly staff, and that amazing poolside bar. The Could-Be-Better: The breakfast buffet needs some serious re-thinking, minor accessibility hiccups, and the lack of those luxurious spa indulgences.
My Final Verdict: If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and reasonably priced hotel in Ardmore, this is a solid choice. Just don’t expect over-the-top extravagance. Embrace the Okie charm, enjoy the pool, and maybe, just maybe, you'll find your own little slice of paradise – even if it's a slightly imperfect one.
- That's my honest, slightly rambling, and hopefully helpful review. Book with confidence… but pack your own spa kit. Okay?
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup. This SpringHill Suites Ardmore Ardmore (OK) itinerary is NOT going to be your sanitized, Instagram-perfect travel guide. This is the REAL DEAL. Prepare for some bumps, tangents, and maybe even a tear or two (of laughter, hopefully).
Pre-Ardmore, The Lead-Up (and the Pre-Trip Anxiety… Oh, the Anxiety!)
- Weeks Before: Okay, so the idea…Ardmore. Ardmore, Oklahoma. Frankly, I’d filed Oklahoma under “places I may, theoretically, drive through on the way to somewhere more interesting." My friends are there and the event happening in Ardmore. I’m also supposed to go, which I'm both excited and extremely nervous about. So, naturally, I booked the SpringHill Suites. It seemed… safe. Predictable. Maybe even depressing, which, you know, can sometimes be a comforting vibe when facing a trip.
- Days Before: Packing. The true test of my sanity. I'm the type that thinks I need options. "What if it rains? What if a sudden gala is announced? What if I spontaneously decide to climb a mountain?" (Ardmore has mountains?) Result: a suitcase that rivals a small country for size. Spent a solid two hours agonizing over the perfect travel outfit, ending up with something practical… and boring. Facepalm.
- Moments Before Departure: The last-minute check-in and the deep breath. "Are my socks matched? Did I turn off the stove? Will I survive the highway?" (Spoiler alert: probably.) Also, that weird, fluttering feeling of… anticipation? Dread? All the above!
Day 1: Touchdown in Ardmore (or, "Why Did I Come Here? (Said with Love)")
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at SpringHill Suites: Okay, the suite is… fine. Clean, expected. Beige, as one might suspect. The air conditioning is BLASTING. I'll take it. The front desk woman, bless her heart, is relentlessly cheerful. It's a bit jarring. I swear I'd been expecting a tumbleweed to blow through the lobby.
- 1:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance: Okay, let's explore. I head to the room. Ahh. The familiar scent of hotel air. The bed is covered by many pillows, a welcome comfort. The amenities are… well, what you'd expect. Standard. I unpack. The suitcase finally feels lighter. I decide to take a short nap to relax.
- 3:00 PM: "Local" Lunch: Okay, first, my growling stomach. After some googling, I opt for a BBQ joint. It's got that classic, Oklahoma charm. A bit of a wait, but the BBQ is killer. I’m talking melt-in-your-mouth brisket and sides that are both perfectly greasy and sublime. I sat next to a local, a grizzled old guy, who proceeded to tell me his entire life story while I ate. At first I was mildly put off, but then his kindness and the story was infectious. I'm pretty sure I cried a little.
- 5:00 PM: Exploration (Attempted): I drive around Ardmore. It's… quiet. Not a bad thing, per se. I find a park. Sit on a bench and watch some kids play. It's peaceful. Decided to take a walk and just relax and listen to music through my headphones.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner & The "Event": I’m meeting my friends and heading towards the location of the event. I walk into the dimly lit and suddenly very crowded room. I feel the anxiety building once again. I try to laugh and smile, but I mostly feel like an outsider. The mood is upbeat, the music is loud, the energy is high. I feel myself…relaxing. It's… nice.
Day 2: "Rediscovering the Charm of the Ordinary (and Ordering Room Service)"
- 8:00 AM: Hotel Breakfast: This where the "pretend I’m not judging other people” becomes a problem. The waffle maker is engaged in a silent battle with… everything. The eggs are those sad, rubbery things. But the coffee? Surprisingly decent. And the people-watching is gold. I mean, I saw a woman try to smuggle an entire bagel from the breakfast buffet. Legend.
- 9:00 AM: Solo Adventures. I decide to hit the road and explore. I get myself a water bottle and get out of the hotel. I stumble upon a small, local shop selling trinkets. I buy a t-shirt I don't need but love. I find an old diner downtown. I decide I will eat there later.
- 12:00 PM: The Diner Saga: The diner. Oh, the diner. The menu is the size of a phone book, and I have no idea what anything is. The waitress, bless her heart, is a whirlwind of energy. And the food? Hits the spot. I have burger and fries that make me feel like I've truly lived. I chat with a couple sitting next to me, a farmer, and his wife, and the story of his life sounds just like the song.
- 3:00 PM: The Afternoon Slump: I go back to the hotel. I feel exhausted. I feel like crying. I decide to turn off the lights and play something on my phone. Is this what life is about? I think to myself.
- 6:00 PM: Room Service Delight: I’m not leaving my room. Ever. I order pizza. And a soda. It is the highlight of my day. I turn on the TV and watch a movie. I’m completely content.
Day 3: Departure (and a Bittersweet Goodbye)
- 9:00 AM: Hotel Breakfast (Again): Waffles are still giving me the side-eye. But I've made peace with it. I actually enjoy the quiet.
- 10:00 AM: Last Minute Souvenir Run: I realize I need a small, tangible memory of this adventure. I decide on a magnet, choosing one that’s gaudy.
- 11:00 AM: Pack Up: I pack my bags. I clean my room. I leave a small tip for the cleaning lady. As I prepare to leave, I feel a twinge of… sadness? I'm surprised.
- 12:00 PM: The Drive Away: I check out. I get into the car to head home. The drive back is quiet. And reflective. I think about the people I met, the food I ate, the… weirdness of it all.
- Post-Ardmore: I can't help but think about the trip. Was it perfect? No. Was it what I expected? Definitely not. Was it worthwhile? Absolutely. Life's funny like that. Sometimes you have to visit a random hotel in a random Oklahoma town to truly appreciate the beauty of the ordinary. And the joy of a well-cooked pizza.
Luxury SpringHill Suites Ardmore: Your Oklahoma Getaway Awaits! (Probably... maybe?) FAQs - Read Before You Leap!
Okay, so is this place *really* "Luxury?" Because my definition of luxury involves not waking up to a screaming toddler in the next room.
Look, let's be honest, luxury in Ardmore, Oklahoma, is a relative term. It's a solid, comfortable SpringHill Suites. Think… clean sheets, a (mostly) functional breakfast, and a pool. Is it the Ritz? Absolutely not. Is it a step up from a roadside motel with questionable plumbing? Most likely, yes. The "Luxury" thing is probably marketing fluff. But hey, the free breakfast *did* have a waffle maker, and those waffles... those were a small victory against the existential dread of another Monday. So, manage your expectations, and you'll probably be pleasantly surprised. Just try not to get your hopes up for a personal butler. I didn't see one. And I looked. Really hard. I even checked behind the vending machine.
What's the deal with the breakfast? Is it edible? My standards are low.
Okay, breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. The waffles, as previously mentioned, are a highlight. *But*… the eggs? Exhibit A in the case of 'industrial food product'. They're the kind that look suspiciously like… let's just say, they have a very… uniform consistency. Think, pre-formed, reheated, and possibly sourced from a lab in a galaxy far, far away. The sausage links were… well, they were there. And the coffee? Let's just say, it's caffeinated, and that's really all you can ask. I once saw a woman bring her own coffee maker and beans. I don't blame her. Bring your own, or lower your expectations. You've been warned. But again, the waffles. The waffles were good. I ate four. Don't judge me. I was tired.
How are the rooms? Spacious? Clean? Do they smell like bleach or despair?
The rooms are generally… *spacious-ish*. It's a suite, so you get a little more room than a standard hotel room. Good for spreading out your stuff (and by "stuff" I mean the emotional baggage you inevitably carry on these trips). Cleanliness? Mostly, yes. I did find a rogue Skittle under the desk once (green, if you're curious). It's like the room had been through a… not-so-rigorous cleaning. But hey, it wasn’t *my* Skittle. The smell? Mildly antiseptic with a hint of… ambition. They try. They *really* try. Mostly, no despair-related odors. That's a win in my book. And the beds? Surprisingly comfy. Slept like a log. A slightly paranoid log, but still a log.
The pool. Heard there's a pool. Is it decent? Or a murky swamp of chlorine-tinged sadness?
Okay, the pool. This is where I had a *moment*. Picture this: I’m exhausted, weary of the road, and desperate for a quick, refreshing dip before dinner. I envision myself as a zen-like figure, gliding effortlessly through crystal-clear water. Reality? It was… a pool. A perfectly *functional* pool. Clean enough, I guess. The water was… wet. There might have been a few stray leaves bobbing around. The biggest problem wasn't the pool itself; it was… the children. Sweet, adorable, *LOUD* children. They were having the time of their lives, splashing, screaming, and generally creating a level of noise that would make a jet engine blush. My zen-like figure dissolved into a grumpy, chlorine-soaked, slightly-overwhelmed adult. I lasted about fifteen minutes. So, yeah, it's a pool. Go early, before the tiny humans descend. Or bring earplugs. And a lot of patience.
Is there anything to *do* in Ardmore? Besides, you know, exist?
Ardmore… It’s… a place. Let's just say, it's not exactly the setting for the next Hollywood blockbuster. There are some… things. The Greater Southwest Historical Museum is apparently decent if you like that sort of thing. The Goddard Center for the Arts *might* offer something interesting. And there's a casino. I didn’t go. My luck runs out at the waffle maker. But the real beauty of Ardmore is… the quiet. The lack of overwhelming stimulation. It’s a chance to *breathe*. To disconnect. To… contemplate the meaning of life while staring out the window. (Pro-tip: bring a good book. Or a very, very good podcast). Honestly, sometimes the nothingness is the best part of a trip. Just don't expect Vegas. Or, you know, a bustling metropolis.
What if something goes wrong? Are the staff helpful? Or more like… professional door-closers?
The staff. Ah, the staff. They're generally… pleasant. Not overly enthusiastic, but not actively hostile. They're trying. They definitely put on a good face. I requested extra towels once. No problem. The Wi-Fi crapped out – that was swiftly resolved. They seem… competent. They deal with the usual hotel hiccups with a certain… world-weariness. They’ve probably seen it all. They are the unsung heroes of the waffle wars. They will probably close the door to your room, but hopefully not on your fingers. Overall, thumbs up on the staff. Maybe tip them. They deserve it. Especially if they deal with the pool kids all day. Seriously, send help.
Okay, so the *final* verdict? Should I stay? Is it worth it?
Look, it's a SpringHill Suites in Ardmore, OK. It's not a game-changer. It's not going to transform your life. But it's comfortable enough. It's clean enough (mostly). The waffles are good (seriously, I still think about those waffles). The staff are… present. If you're looking for a solid, reasonably priced place to crash while you're in Ardmore, you could do a whole lot worse. Just temper your expectations, bring your own coffee (and possibly a good book and earplugs), and embrace the slightly-offbeat charm of the place. And for the love of all that is holy, don't go to the pool during peak kid hours. Alright, maybe it is worth it… maybe. Just bring a good pair of shoes. You might need to walk away.
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