Escape to Paradise: Hotel Duval's Unveiled Luxury in Tallahassee!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Duval? More Like Hotel HEAVEN (with a Few Hiccups) - A Tallahassee Rant & Rave
Okay, buckle up, because I just survived (and, let's be honest, thrived) a stay at Hotel Duval in Tallahassee, and I've got thoughts. Lots of them. It's not just a review; it's a journey. Prepare yourselves.
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First off: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me. My grandma, bless her heart, uses a wheelchair, and finding truly accessible places is a nightmare. Hotel Duval? Surprisingly good! They actually thought about it. Wide doorways, ramps everywhere (I swear, I saw a ramp to the flowerbeds), and they had accessible rooms. Now, I didn't stay in one, but just the fact that they're there speaks volumes. This place gets major points for that.
Accessibility: 👍👍👍👍 out of 5! (And a mental high-five to the architect.)
Now, let's dive into the good stuff: "Things to Do, Ways to Relax" because, let's face it, that's why we're here, right?
Spa… Oh, The Spa! Okay, so, I had a massage. A real massage. I'm talking the kind where you forget your name, your worries, and maybe even the fact that you have a body. The masseuse, bless her hands of pure magic, worked out knots I didn't even know I had. The "Body Scrub" and "Body Wrap"…tempting, very tempting. They had a Sauna, a Steamroom (which, frankly, I could live in), and this amazing Pool with a View. Seriously, the pool… it's like something out of a movie. You're floating in this perfectly clear water, gazing out at… well, I’m not sure what I was gazing at, probably the clouds, but it was glorious. Pure, unadulterated bliss. I may, or may not, have spent a whole afternoon just… existing there. They even have a Foot Bath. It sounds ridiculous, but it was surprisingly…relaxing.
Spa: 👍👍👍👍👍 out of 5! (Pure, unadulterated bliss!)
Fitness Center: Okay, confession time. I looked at the Gym/fitness, but actually using it? Meh. I was on vacation! But it looked well-equipped, not a dungeon-y basement situation that you find in some hotels. So, points for that, I guess. 😉
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: 👍👍👍 out of 5! (Could have used more comfy lounge chairs by the pool to nap)
"Dining, Drinking, and Snacking" – The Food Coma Cometh
Okay, this is where things get…interesting. The Restaurants are plentiful. They have a Bar (essential!), a Coffee Shop (morning fuel!), and of course, Room service [24-hour]. Now, the Asian cuisine in restaurant seemed…promising, but I only managed to sample some bites of a friend's plate – which were good, mind you – but not enough to go further. They have Western cuisine, too. So, options!
The Breakfast [buffet]. Here's where I had my one minor hiccup. I adore a good buffet. But… It was crowded. Like, "elbows-at-dawn" level crowded. The food itself was decent, with a Breakfast service, featuring fruit, pastries, and the usual suspects of Buffet in restaurant. I think the problem was that I arrived at the peak of the breakfast rush, and I'm not a morning person. So, the Coffee/tea in restaurant was a lifesaver. Note to self: go for breakfast early. On the bright side, it did have a lot of Desserts in restaurant. Always a win in my book.
And I absolutely loved the Poolside bar. I'm envisioning myself again, lounging with a cocktail, and then I remember that the drinks are not that cheap, and the bar seems to close a little earlier than expected. Still, a good experience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: 👍👍👍 out of 5! (Breakfast, I'm looking at you!)
"Cleanliness and Safety" – My Inner Germaphobe Appeased
Let's be real, in this day and age, cleanliness is paramount. Hotel Duval gets this. They proudly promote Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere (hallelujah!), and Rooms sanitized between stays. The most impressive element was the staff. They were clearly trained in Staff trained in safety protocol. I was surprised at how many of the hotel staff wore masks, which provided an element of relief.
Seriously, I felt safe. The Safe dining setup was also on point making use of Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Cleanliness and Safety: 👍👍👍👍👍 out of 5! (My inner germaphobe breathes a sigh of relief!)
"Services and Conveniences" – The Little Things That Matter
Okay, this is where Hotel Duval shines. They have everything! Daily housekeeping (thank goodness!), a Doorman to open doors (fancy!), Concierge to handle anything. The Concierge, by the way, was a lifesaver. I needed directions, restaurant recommendations, and general hand-holding. They were amazing. They even offer Food delivery!
They have a Convenience store (hello, late-night snacks!), Elevator, and a Gift/souvenir shop (because, you know, souvenirs). Car park [free of charge] is definitely helpful if you have a car.
The Meeting/banquet facilities are well set up, even in terms of Audio-visual equipment for special events.
Services and Conveniences: 👍👍👍👍 out of 5! (Could the gift shop have more local crafts?)
"For the Kids" – Not My Area, But Seemed Okay!
I don't have kids, so I can't speak to this with any authority. But, from what I could gather, they're Family/child friendly. They had Kids facilities and, if I understood correctly, some kind of Babysitting service which I'm sure is appreciated.
For the Kids: 👍👍 out of 5! (Based on observation. I'll leave the expert opinions to the parents.)
"Getting Around" – Navigating the Real World
This is pretty standard, offering a Airport transfer, Taxi service, and Valet parking (because, let's get real, sometimes you need someone to park your car for you).
Getting Around: 👍👍👍 out of 5! (Smooth sailing!)
"Available in all rooms" – And The Little Extras!
Okay, the rooms! The rooms are… well, imagine a boutique hotel meets modern luxury. They have all the staples: Air conditioning, Alarm clock (ugh), Bathrobes (yes, please!), Coffee/tea maker, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Towels (fresh ones!), Wi-Fi [free], and a Window that opens (thank goodness!). The Bed was extra-long, which I appreciated greatly. I would have appreciated a Blackout curtain though I need to be able to enjoy and soak up the sun.
The bathrooms were lovely, though the lighting could be improved for makeup application, and the Slippers were a nice touch. The Sofa was comfy for lounging and having a cup of Complimentary tea.
Available in all rooms: 👍👍👍👍 out of 5! (Comfy and convenient!)
"Safety/Security Feature"
I really like to see the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, this makes me feel safe. I also really like the Fire extinguisher and Smoke alarms installed to prevent any issues.
"Additional Features"
Some little quirks here and there. I like that they have a Check-in/out [express], Cashless payment service and Invoice provided. I also liked the Shrine on the property – something very unique and different.
Overall: Hotel Duval - The Verdict
Would I go back? Absolutely. Despite a few minor hiccups (that breakfast!), Hotel Duval delivers. It's stylish, comfortable, and, most importantly, it cares about its guests. It’s a place where you can truly escape, relax,
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your glossy travel brochure. This is the real deal, the unvarnished truth about my potential (and slightly unpredictable) stay at the Hotel Duval in Tallahassee.
Hotel Duval: My Tallahassee Takeover (Probably) - A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Bewilderment (Plus, That Damn Peanut Allergy)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Tallahassee International Airport. Assuming the flight gods haven’t decided to punish me for my pre-flight coffee habit and delayed me for an eternity. First Impression: The airport is… functional. Let's be real, it’s not exactly JFK. More like a charming, slightly dusty, small-town airport. Grab my luggage (hopefully it made the trip) and find a rideshare. The app is always a disaster.
- 1:45 PM: Check into Hotel Duval. Oh sweet heavens, I hope this is a good sign. Walking into a lobby that, from the online photos, seemed chic and a little bit too cool for school. I'm praying it's even halfway as nice in person. Potential Disaster Alert: I have a peanut allergy. And I'm a total idiot. I always forget to tell the hotel staff immediately. Gotta rectify that or this trip could take a turn for the dramatic (and involve an EpiPen).
- 2:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance. Okay, let's be honest, this is crucial. Cleanliness is next to godliness, people. And a comfortable bed is basically my religion. Emotional Reaction: Praying the view isn't of a brick wall and the pillows aren’t those weird rock-hard things hotels seem to love. Quirky Observation: Do they still have those tiny soaps? I have a collection I could open a museum to it is that many!
- 3:00 PM: Urgent allergen warning. I need to make my allergy known. Ancedote: I once ate a cookie that was supposed to be peanut free. It was not. I went to hospital and the memory still gives me chills. I take that stuff seriously.
- 3:30 PM: Explore Hotel Duval. First impressions are everything, right? I'll wander around, ooh and aah at the art (or, let's be real, pretend I really understand the art), and find the gym. I will look but I won't go.
- 4:30 PM: Late afternoon snack. This will be a mission, because I can't find a peanut-free thing to save my life!
- 6:00 PM: Pre-dinner drinks at the Hotel Duval's own bar. Hopefully, they have a cocktail with a kick, but I'm probably stuck with a boring lemonade or something. I have the personality of a rock.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the hotel's restaurant (or at least, I’m planning to.) Reservations, people! Potential Imperfection:* Hopefully, the staff is peanut-savvy. Fingers crossed they don't try to sneak peanuts into the bread basket - that would be a disaster.
- 9:00 PM: Wander around Tallahasse's night life.
Day 2: Embrace the Culture (Maybe, If I Can Get Out of Bed)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Or maybe not. I am not a morning person. This is where the itinerary may fall apart.
- 9:00 AM: Delayed breakfast. Is breakfast at the hotel any good? I feel like hotel breakfasts are either sublime or a total travesty.
- 10:00 AM: Decide if I'm going to visit the state capitol building, or just find a really comfy chair and the free wifi. Emotional Reaction: It's a building. How interesting can it really be?
- 12:00 PM: Lunch, location undecided. Maybe a local Tallahassee diner? I'm craving something greasy and comforting.
- 1:00 PM: Spend the afternoon at the Museum of Florida History. Opinionated Language: Okay, I'm gonna be honest. I'm not the biggest history buff. But maybe, just maybe, I'll learn something that's not incredibly boring.
- 4:00 PM: Coffee (or tea, if I'm feeling sophisticated) and a people-watching session somewhere in town.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant with a local buzz. I'll have done my research (read: Googled frantically) and come up with a plan. Potential Imperfection: I'll probably over-order and end up with way too much food.
- 8:00 PM: Attempt to catch some live music or find a quirky local bar. Or just collapse in my hotel room and watch bad TV. Depends on my mood.
Day 3: Departure & Existential Dread (Maybe Also, Breakfast)
- 7:00 AM: Ugh. Breakfast… again? Or maybe I'll just skip it and go straight for the airport.
- 8:30 AM: Check out of Hotel Duval. Emotional Reaction: Depending on the experience, I'll either be singing the praises of the Duval or vowing never to return.
- 9:00 AM: Final wander around Tallahassee. Do I have any regrets?
- 11:00 AM: Head back to the airport. Emotional Reaction: The inevitable feeling of impending doom as I face security lines and overpriced airport snacks.
- 1:00 PM: Board the plane. Farewell, Tallahassee! Until next time, probably never.
Overall Expectations: The hotel experience will be a rollercoaster. I'm hoping for a good time, interesting food, and no allergic reactions. I'm prepared for everything that could go wrong, which might just make everything go right. I'll probably spend way too much money. And I'll probably need a vacation from my vacation when I get home. But hey, that's what life's about, right?
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Escape to Paradise: Hotel Duval - Ask Me Anything (Probably)
(Because trust me, I've been there... and had *feelings* about it.)
Okay, spill the tea - is Hotel Duval REALLY all that? Like, is it *actually* 'paradise' or just a fancy box with a lobby that smells like money?
Alright, alright, before you get too hyped, let's just say "paradise"... is a *strong* word. It's definitely not a Motel 6 with a slightly spiffier paint job. Hotel Duval? It's got potential, alright. Think of it as... a well-dressed acquaintance who occasionally forgets their manners. The lobby IS impressive, I'll give you that. Marble, chandeliers, the whole shebang. First impression? "Wow, I should NOT spill coffee here." (And let me tell you, I *nearly* did. That one time... Ugh.)
But then you get to your room. Sometimes, it’s glorious. Huge bed, city views, the works. Other times... well, let's just say the "city view" is mostly a parking garage and the air conditioning sounds like a dying walrus. It's a crapshoot, honestly. So, paradise? Maybe after a LOT of wine and a REALLY good night's sleep. Don't hold your breath. But it's *definitely* a step up from most Tallahassee hotels.
What's the vibe like? Swanky? Trendy? Like, should I pack my best heels or just... you know, jeans?
Okay, vibe check. This is crucial. Hotel Duval *wants* to be swanky. It aims for trendy. And sometimes, it hits the mark! Think... a slightly older, more established crowd, interspersed with the occasional Instagram influencer attempting to look effortlessly chic. There's a definite "look at me, I'm successful and I enjoy overpriced cocktails" energy floating around.
Heels are fine, especially for dinner at one of the restaurants (more on that later... *shudders*). Jeans? Also fine! Just make sure they're not, like, ripped, stained, and smelling of a week-old campfire. Smart casual is the golden ticket. You want to look put-together, but not like you're trying *too* hard. Unless you *are* trying too hard. No judgment here. Whatever makes you happy, darling! Just embrace the Tallahassee vibe! (And maybe pack a backup pair of flats, just in case.)
Let's talk food. Is it worth the price tag? Are the restaurants as good as they look online? (Or are they just... fancy-ish?)
Ah, the food. This is where things get... complicated. Look, the hotel *tries*. They really, *really* try. And the presentation? Gorgeous. Seriously, the dishes look like miniature works of art. But the taste? That's where the gamble begins. I remember one time at... let's just call it "the rooftop place." I ordered a steak. A STEAK, people! It was supposed to be a culinary experience.
It arrived looking fabulous. Like, "museum-worthy" fabulous. I took a bite... and nearly choked. It was tougher than my ex's heart. Seriously! I could have used it to pave a driveway. I politely ate what I could which was… not much. The waiter asked if I enjoyed it. What I really wanted to say was, "Did you make it by hitting it with a hammer?" But politeness prevailed. I lied and said, "Delicious!" (I know, I'm a terrible person.) The point is, dining at Hotel Duval is a mixed bag. Some dishes are divine, others are... less so. Do your research, read reviews, and maybe pack some Pepto Bismol. Just in case. And definitely don't order the steak! Trust me!
The pool... is it as glamorous as the photos make it out to be? Or just a glorified kiddie pool?
The pool. Ahhh, the pool. This is where Hotel Duval *mostly* wins. It's usually pretty fabulous. The photos? They're not lying *too* much. It's got a certain... glitz. Loungers are plentiful. You can get a cocktail delivered to your side (the cocktails are good, by the way.) You can people-watch and pretend you're in a Hollywood movie.
Now, it's not a *massive* pool. So, on a busy weekend, it can get a little... cozy. And the "glamour" factor does take a hit when a gaggle of shrieking children arrive. (Kids! They're adorable, but can dismantle a carefully crafted aesthetic.) But overall? The pool is a definite plus. It's the best part, really. So, yes, go. Soak it up. Order a cocktail. Pretend you're a millionaire. You deserve it.
What's the parking situation? Because I know, Tallahassee parking is a whole other beast entirely. And it better be easy, because I've got my bags, my kids, and my sanity already teetering on the edge...
Parking, my friend, is a legitimate concern. Let's just be real: Tallahassee parking is the stuff of nightmares. Especially around Hotel Duval. They *do* have valet parking. Which is convenient. Sometimes. Other times, it's a logistical nightmare. You call for your car, and then you wait. And wait. And wait. I once waited for 45 minutes because the valet had, and I kid you not, "run out of keys." Seriously! (I mean, what even IS that?!)
There's also a parking garage nearby. Which *can* be cheaper than valet if you're thrifty. But it isn't *right next door* so your bags and your sanity are at risk. So... prepare yourself. Bring patience. Consider earplugs. And maybe a small, calming snack. You'll need it. Good luck to you brave soul. You'll need it.
Is it family-friendly? Or more of a couples/single-person escape?
Family-friendly? Ehhh... it's a *maybe*. They tolerate kids, sure, but the overall vibe leans more towards "romantic getaway" than "kid-friendly fun zone". I've seen families there. They survive. But it's not like they roll out the red carpet and hand you a free pack of gummy bears when you arrive. (Which, honestly, should be standard practice at all hotels, just saying.)
Personally? I'd say it's more suited for couples or solo travelers who appreciate a bit of sophistication. Unless your kids are exceptionally well-behaved and enjoy fine dining. (Mine are not. God, no!) If you *do* bring the little ones, prepare for some side-eye from the "I'm here to sip expensive cocktails silently" crowd. Just a heads up. Embrace the chaos. Or, you know... leave the kids atHotel Hop Now
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