Richmond Marriott: Your Dream VA Getaway Awaits!
Richmond Marriott: Okay, So This is Where My Dream VA Getaway Actually Begins… Maybe? (A Brutally Honest Review)
Okay, so I’m back from Richmond, Virginia, and my brain is still kinda fried from… well, everything. But hey, I promised a review of the Richmond Marriott, right? So, here goes, unfiltered and probably rambling. Prepare yourself.
Accessibility: (Ugh, Let’s Just Get This Over With. It’s Important, I Guess.)
Look, I’m not in a wheelchair, but I did keep a close eye on this because, frankly, it’s 2024, and hotels should nail this. The good news? Wheelchair accessible? Yep, seemed legit. Elevator? Absolutely, and blessedly spacious. Facilities for disabled guests? Seemed to be in place. Access? Generally good, but I’m not a disability expert, so take that with a grain of salt. I mean, it’s the Marriott, they should prioritize this stuff. I hope.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: I'd say it seemed good because the restaurant setup looked quite accessible.
The Internet: (Ah, the Modern-Day Necessity… and Potential Headache)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And, honestly, it worked. Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas All present and seemingly functional. No major buffering while I was trying to catch up on shows (mostly). Also, no one in my party seemed to have the "I can't find the internet" meltdown which is usually a sign of a good hotel wifi.
Cleanliness and Safety: (Because, You Know, Pandemic… And General Sanity)
Okay, so the Marriott took this seriously. Like, really seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment… the list goes on. Honestly, it was a bit much at times. I mean, I appreciate the effort, but I kind of felt like I was living in a biohazard suit simulator. The constant spraying and wiping felt… overdone. I even opted out of the room sanitization at one point, just because it got to me. But I cannot deny the safety it brought.
Rooms sanitized between stays… I believe they really did it.
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Security [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Exterior corridor: These were all reassuring things to be sure.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Where Things Got… Interesting)
Alright, this is where I start to waffle a bit. Because food is serious business.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Ugh. Buffet breakfasts. They can be a minefield. This one was… fine. Standard hotel fare. Asian breakfast? Western breakfast? Buffet in restaurant? Both were available, and the food did its job, although nothing blew me away.
- Restaurants, Coffee shop, Bar, Poolside bar: Yes, yes, and yes. The bar was decent, especially after a long day of sightseeing. The poolside bar was perfect for the warm evenings.
- Room service [24-hour]: Always a plus, especially if you're feeling lazy. Used it once. The food was… acceptable. Nothing to write home about, but it filled a hole.
- Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: There were restaurant options. I am not sure if I loved the cuisine.
- Snack bar, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: It was okay. Nothing too great for a food enthusiast.
- Bottle of water: Always appreciated. My hotel standard.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: I can appreciate this. I am not a Starbucks person, but a little coffee will always do.
- Happy hour: It exists.
Services and Conveniences: (The Stuff That Makes Life Easier)
Ah, the bells and whistles!
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store: These are lifesavers. Very convenient.
- Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes: All present and accounted for. Excellent.
- Business facilities, Xerox/fax in business center: Fine, but come on, who uses fax machines anymore outside of like, contract law?
- Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events: Obviously, they host a lot of events. Good for events, not so much for a restful vacation.
- Currency exchange: Useful, though I rarely use it.
- Food delivery: I didn't use it, but it's there.
- Invoice provided: Well, duh.
- Doorman: I may or may not have asked the doorman if they carried pizza, but I digress.
For the Kids: (I Didn't Have Any Kids, But…)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Seemed equipped for kids, but I didn't see any of them. Good for families. I'm not against kids in hotels, if they are well-behaved, but this is not a kid-focused hotel to me.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: (The Good Parts!)
Okay, THIS is what I came for. Richmond is beautiful, and I wanted to have some fun.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Standard gym, but hey, it's there if you're feeling guilty about all the eating. Treadmills and weight machines.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: The outdoor pool was a lifesaver during the Richmond heat.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: I actually splurged on a massage. Fantastic. Seriously, the best part of the whole trip. Just… amazing. The Spa was great.
Available in all rooms: (The Room Itself!)
Okay, my room. It was… nice. Clean, functional, and the bed was comfy. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: All the usual suspects. It was, as they say, a hotel room.
My Biggest Takeaways and Nitpicks:
- The Vibe: It's a Marriott. It's professional, it's reliable, but it's not dripping with personality. If you're looking for quirky or charming, this isn't it.
- The Food: The food was the only "no comment".
- The Staff: The staff was generally friendly and helpful.
- The Noise: The soundproofing was good, but I could still hear some hallway noise occasionally.
- The Security: CCTV was a little over the top for me. Very safe, but a little creepy.
Final Verdict: (The Moment of Truth!)
Would I stay here again? Probably. It's a solid, dependable option. It's clean, safe, and comfortable. Especially for the pool and the spa. If you’re looking for a reliably good hotel, the Richmond Marriott is a safe bet, but if you desire something with a bit more personality, you might have to dig a bit deeper.
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- Title: Richmond Marriott Review: My Dream VA Getaway? (The Brutally Honest Truth)
- Keywords: Richmond Marriott, Richmond VA, hotel review, Virginia getaway, spa, swimming pool, accessible hotel, clean hotel, hotel amenities, food, travel, vacation, reviews, luxury hotels, clean hotel, safety features, COVID-19 precautions
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Richmond Marriott adventure, prepped and ready to potentially fall spectacularly apart. Let's see if I can actually string together something resembling a plan, or if I just wing it and end up eating a whole pizza in the hotel room by 3 PM.
Richmond Marriott Shenanigans: A Chaotic Itinerary (Maybe?)
Day 1: Arrival and Apprehension (and a Hunt for Caffeine)
1:00 PM: Arrival at Richmond Marriott, Check-in (Hopefully Smooth, Because I Hate Waiting)
- Okay, first things first: Where's the coffee?. Seriously. My brain doesn't function before the sweet, sweet nectar of the bean. Fingers crossed the lobby has a decent coffee situation because if it's just lukewarm swill from the in-room machine… well, let's just say the front desk staff might be dealing with a highly caffeinated, slightly grumpy traveler.
- Check-in. Ugh. I always feel like I'm intruding on some secret hotel society. "Do you have a reservation?" Yes. "Name?" Yes. "ID?" Yes. "Credit Card?" Yes. I feel like I'm auditioning – will I be accepted into the world of crisp white sheets and tiny shampoos? Pray for me.
- Anxiety Level: Moderate. Will my room key actually work? Will I accidentally end up in someone else's room? These are the important questions.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: The Room Reveal and Initial Exploration (and Immediate Regret)
- Made it to the room! Success! But now the real test: the view. Please, God, don't let me overlook a parking lot. A glimpse of something green, even a sad little bush, would be appreciated.
- Let's unpack. Or, you know, throw my suitcase on the bed and leave it until the last possible second. I mean, who actually unpacks right away?
- Bathroom inspection. Critical. Water pressure? Good. Toilet paper quality? Adequate. No horrors lurking in the shower? Excellent.
- Okay, let's venture out and see what Richmond has to offer. My stomach growls, so I'm going to head down to the hotel restaurant and sample the local grub.
- My First Impression: Okay, the food was as good as I had hoped, the steak was well-cooked, and the service was flawless, no complaints so far.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: First Richmond Expedition - Monument Avenue (…or attempting to find Monument Avenue)
- Right, Monument Avenue. Everyone raves about it. I've got my maps. I've got my walking shoes. I hope I don't get hopelessly lost. I'm going to try to walk there, but I may have to use a taxi.
- Actual experience: Well, I made it to monument avenue, and it wasn't all that I was hoping for. It was quite quiet there, and most shops were closed. On a good note, I managed to take some good photos and will head back to the hotel and start my next day.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Hotel Recovery and Pre-Dinner Planning (and the Siren Song of the Bed)
- Back to the hotel. Time to collapse on the bed. Seriously, there's something magical about a hotel bed. It just knows how to be comfortable. Maybe I'll take a quick nap. Maybe.
- But dinner plans! Gotta make them. Yelp reviews are my friend (and sometimes, my enemy). Deciding where to eat is a Herculean task.
- Emotional State: The blissful haze of post-adventure relaxation. Oh, and a growing hunger.
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at - The Restaurant (Probably Something Not Too Fancy)
- Okay, I took a walk, and I really thought about what I wanted to eat, and the restaurant in the hotel seemed to be fine, I will just head down and enjoy myself.
- Dinner Reaction: The restaurant was not busy at all, but the food was good, and I had an unforgettable experience. I will certainly go back again.
- The service was good, and the bill wasn't too bad either. Perfect end to the day.
7:00 PM onwards: Evening of Casual Indulgence (and the Threat of Room Service)
- Back to the room. Maybe a glass of wine (or two) from the mini-bar. Maybe some terrible reality TV. Maybe, just maybe, I'll actually read that book I brought.
- The temptation of room service looms large. Will power, you are needed. Pizza is calling my name, though…
- Nighttime musings: Am I really going to enjoy this trip? Am I a good traveller? Will I wake up and wish I was still at home? These questions haunt me.
Day 2: History, Hangovers, and Hopes (or What I Can Get Done Before Exhaustion Sets In)
8:00 AM: The Coffee Crisis (Again).
- Did I mention the coffee situation is critical? Seriously, if the hotel coffee is undrinkable, Richmond, you're on your own.
- Must, must, must find a decent caffeine source. Quick.
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: A Walk Through History… Or At Least, A Museum Visit
- Okay, the plan is to visit a museum. Richmond is full of history, so let's soak it up.
- Observation: I'm not the most patient museum-goer, so I will try to focus. And not just wander around aimlessly looking for the exit.
11:00 AM -12:00 PM: Lunch and Recharge (Fueling the Adventure)
- Time to refuel. Gotta find a good lunch spot.
- Emotional State: Hunger-fueled anticipation.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: More Richmond Exploration (Trying to Feel Productive)
- Let's see… maybe the city has a vibrant arts district? Or a cute little bookstore? Or a charming park where I can sit and contemplate the meaning of life (or, you know, just check my phone)?
- Observation: I might get lost. It's kind of my thing.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Hotel Nap and Emotional Assessment (and the Battle with the Bed)
- Back to the hotel. Time for a nap. This is non-negotiable.
- Emotional State: Tired. But optimistic.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Free Time (and the Potential for Spontaneity)
- Okay, free time. What do I do?
- Internal struggle: Do I just order a pizza and watch bad movies? Or, do I actually go out and do something?
- Observation: If I actually do go out, could be fun. But the bed…
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner and Evening Plans
- Dinner time. Another restaurant decision looms.
- Emotional State: Growing appreciation for the freedom of travel and the sweet, sweet taste of not having to cook.
6:00 PM - onwards: The End of the Adventure (or the Beginning of the Real World)
- Back to the hotel. Pack. Prepare for the inevitable return to reality.
- Emotional State: A mix of sadness, exhaustion, and a tiny spark of excitement for the next adventure.
- Maybe, just maybe, I'll have learned something. Maybe I won't have lost my mind. Maybe I'll actually remember some of the trip. Probably not, though.
- One Last Thought: Did I leave the iron on?
Departure: Leave the Richmond Marriott with a few hotel toiletries and a whole lot of memories. Or at this point, who even knows?
There you have it. A completely unreliable, probably slightly insane, and hopefully entertaining itinerary. Wish me luck. I'll need it. And if you see someone wandering around Richmond looking bewildered, it's probably me. Come say hi! And maybe offer caffeine.
Escape to Paradise: Wyndham Garden Irapuato Awaits!
Richmond Marriott: Your Dream VA Getaway... or Is It? Let's Dive In!
Okay, spill it. Is the Richmond Marriott *really* as amazing as it looks online?
What about the rooms? Comfortable? Spacious? Like, can I actually *move* in them?
Tell me about the food! Is it worth eating at the hotel restaurants?
Is there a gym? (Because, ya know, gotta work off those conference goodies...)
Okay, location, location, location! Is the Richmond Marriott actually in a good spot for exploring the city?
Parking? Is it a nightmare?
Are there any hidden gems or things the hotel doesn't advertise?
What’s the vibe? Is it more business, couples, familiesScenic Stays
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