Asheville Getaway: Comfort Inn Near Blue Ridge Parkway!
Asheville Getaway: Comfort Inn Near Blue Ridge Parkway - A Rambling, Honest Review (Plus, All the Deets!)
Okay, so listen. I just got back from Asheville, and let me tell you, it was…an experience. And the base camp, the Comfort Inn near the Blue Ridge Parkway? Well, buckle up, buttercups, because it's a bit of a rollercoaster, just like my vacation itself.
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Title: Asheville Getaway Comfort Inn Review: Blue Ridge Parkway Accessibility, Amenities & Honest Opinions!
Keywords: Asheville Getaway, Comfort Inn, Blue Ridge Parkway, Review, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Fitness Center, Breakfast, Dining, Rooms, Cleanliness, Safety, Asheville Hotels, North Carolina, Travel Review, Budget Hotel
Meta Description: Honest and detailed review of the Comfort Inn near the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. Includes accessibility details, amenities (pool, Wi-Fi, breakfast, etc.), cleanliness, safety, and personal anecdotes. Find out if it's the right choice for your Asheville adventure!
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Let's start with the good stuff, shall we? Because, let's be honest, sometimes you need a budget-friendly option, and this Comfort Inn definitely fits that bill. The accessibility was actually pretty good. They advertised facilities for disabled guests, and I saw ramps and elevators, which is ALWAYS a win in my book. I didn't personally need any of those aids but saw other guest using the elevators and ramps so I can state it was good. And hey, the elevator was a lifesaver after hiking all day! Good job, Comfort Inn.
Accessibility: Mostly Good (Ramps & Elevators Appreciated!).
Then there's the location. Hello, Blue Ridge Parkway! Proximity to the iconic scenic drive? Yes, please! That's majorly convenient. But the flip side? It’s also a bit…out there. Not exactly a stroll-to-downtown kind of place. You’re gonna need your car. Speaking of which, car park [free of charge]! Boom. Budget win. Plus, they had a car power charging station! Extra points for keeping the electric options happy!
Now, about the Internet access… Ugh. Let's call it "variable." They say Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and you're like, "score!" But prepare for some buffering. It was usable most of the time, but streaming a movie at night was a gamble. One night, I swear I watched the same five minutes of a documentary on repeat while cursing my slow internet connection. I will say however, the Internet [LAN] and Internet access – wireless were available for anyone who wanted to fiddle with cables.
Internet: Hit or Miss. Prepare for the "buffering blues"
The rooms themselves? Standard Comfort Inn fare. Clean enough, functional enough. Air conditioning that worked, Desk to work at, a desk lamp. The extra-long bed was comfy for sure. I was kind of bummed there are no Room decorations, it looked like I was in a hospital after a surgery. They had all the basics: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker, Hairdryer (thank goodness!), Refrigerator, Ironing facilities (which I didn't use, let's be honest), a Seating area (which I did use to collapse in after long hikes), and a TV with satellite/cable channels. I appreciated the smoke detector and especially the safety/security feature. I didn't need to get rid of any smoke.
But, honestly? It felt a little…sterile. Bare bones. I like a little character in my hotel rooms, you know? They provided Complimentary tea (I'm obsessed with tea, so, great.), Free bottled water (also fantastic!), Toiletries (soap, shampoo, the works). Overall, the room was fine, but not exactly memorable.
Rooms: Functional, but a little bland.
Okay, let's talk about something that's important to me: the breakfast. They had the usual Breakfast [buffet]. And hey, it was free! Which is always a bonus, especially when you're trying to save money for those artisanal chocolates you know you're going to buy in town. The buffet in restaurant was ok, the Asian breakfast wasn't great, but the usual Western breakfast was tasty. They had the typical scrambled eggs, sausage, toast, and a waffle maker. I'm a waffle addict, so that saved the morning. I also saw Breakfast takeaway service available, which was clutch for early morning hiking trips up the Blue Ridge. And the Coffee/tea in restaurant helped the mornings flow.
Breakfast: Free, and Waffle-tastic!
Now, the things to do, ways to relax…The best thing about this place is they had an Swimming pool [outdoor]. I spent a good chunk of time chilling poolside with a book, pretending I was relaxing and not just recovering from a particularly intense hike. The Pool with a view wasn't exactly breathtaking, but hey, water's water! The Fitness center was there, and I did glance inside, but, let’s just say my idea of “fitness” in Asheville often involves beer and chocolate. There wasn't a Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, or Sauna. But the pool was good enough for me!
Now, about cleanliness and safety. They had Daily disinfection in common areas, and I felt good knowing that. There were also Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. The staff seemed to really be taking the cleanliness and safety seriously. In fact, I saw the staff cleaning the pool almost every morning! Also, Cashless payment service and Hygiene certification were present.
Cleanliness and Safety: Solid!
The rest? Well…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: They had a Snack bar, and the Poolside bar and the Coffee shop, (which I didn’t check out). There was also Room service [24-hour]. I didn't try any of these.
Services and Conveniences: They had a Gift/souvenir shop and Daily housekeeping. The Daily housekeeping was top notch. I didn't experience a lot of the other services.
For the kids: There were, Baby sitting services, but I didn't see any kids around.
Getting around: They offer Airport transfer and Taxi service, but I didn't use them.
(More Rambling!)
So, would I recommend the Comfort Inn near the Blue Ridge Parkway? It really depends. If you're on a tight budget and need a convenient base camp for exploring Asheville and the Parkway, then sure! It's perfectly adequate. Just don't expect luxury. Expect functional, with a side of "meh." But hey, sometimes "meh" is just what you need after a long day of hiking and brewery hopping.
(Final Verdict!)
Overall: 3 out of 5 stars. Good for the price, convenient location, and surprisingly decent accessibility. Just adjust your expectations accordingly. And bring a good book! (And maybe your own Wi-Fi hotspot.)
Unbelievable Wilkes-Barre Getaway: Fairfield Inn & Suites Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is my Asheville adventure, and, well, it's gonna be a chaotic, beautiful mess. We're starting at the Comfort Inn Asheville East (Blue Ridge Parkway Access, because hey, let's embrace the convenience), and who knows where we'll end up? Probably with me eating too much cheese and crying at a particularly stunning view.
Day 1: Arrival, Existential Dread & Pretending I'm a Hippie
- 1:00 PM: Land in Asheville. (Screams internally.) Flights are the worst, right? You sit there, crammed into a metal tube, breathing recycled air, and questioning every life choice that led you to this point. Still, Asheville! Excitement bubbles up, albeit with a layer of "uh oh, am I wearing the right shoes?"
- 2:00 PM: Check into Comfort Inn. Okay, it's a Comfort Inn. It's clean. It has a pool (maybe I'll actually wear my swimsuit this time). The room… well, it's perfectly fine. I'm not expecting the Ritz, but it's a solid base camp for my adventures. My first impression? It feels… adequate.
- 3:00 PM: First impressions of Asheville. We drove by the Biltmore, just a glance: majestic… and also, wow, that's rich people. I kind of want to go, I kind of don't.
- 3:30 PM: Lunch break at a random local place. Went to The Corner Kitchen. It felt so Asheville, I had to get my picture taken. The food was absolutely divine. I got a salad and a huge sandwich. I was so full, I felt like I was going to explode. It was great.
- 6:00 PM: Drive out to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Oh my GOD. The views! Seriously, the views. I think I may have shed a tear. The mountains are just… overwhelming in their beauty. The clouds are playing hide and seek…and the air, it smells like pine needles and possibility.
- 7:00 PM: Drive-in Dinner. Just something fast. Maybe I should have cooked in the hotel but uh I already ate a huge lunch.
- 8:00 PM: The Hotel Room. I turned on netflix and fell asleep.
Day 2: The Biltmore & the Price of Dreams (and Fancy Cheese)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the Comfort Inn. Free waffles! Okay, I confess, I'm a sucker for a free waffle. We did the usual. A quick grab and go and a quick dip in the pool.
- 10:00 AM: The Biltmore Estate!! Oh Sweet Lord, did I mention it was huge? The grounds are like going to a palace. It was amazing. I could tell the stories for days, but it would be too long.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the Biltmore. We ate at a fancy place. Expensive, but worth it. Then, the cheese shop. Oh. My. God. I tasted some ridiculously expensive cheese. I may have bought a small fortune in cheese. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss. My bank account is weeping, but my taste buds are singing.
- 3:00 PM: Shopping in Asheville? We went to a few shops. Asheville has a charm a bit like Portland. Fun, but expensive.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a random place. I had pasta. I will not say more.
- 8:00 PM: Evening reflection/hotel room. I wrote in my journal and watched a movie.
Day 3: The Artsy Side & the Unexpected Trail
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast, waffles. The hotel is starting to feel like home.
- 10:00 AM: The River Arts District. This place is pure, unadulterated creativity. Artists working, studios open, colors exploding everywhere. I'm pretty sure I spent an hour just staring at a guy sculpting with a chainsaw. It was both terrifying and mesmerizing.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a food truck in the River Arts District.
- 3:00 PM: A hiking trail. I didn't pack the right shoes.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I was done. I just wanted to sleep.
- 8:00 PM: Netflix and hotel room.
Day 4: Departure (and a lingering cheese coma)
- 9:00 AM: Waffles!! Is there anything better in life?
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Sigh.
- 11:00 AM: Last minute souvenir shopping. I’m buying postcards, because I’m the kind of person who says they love postcards, but never actually mails them.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch somewhere random.
- 2:00 PM: Head to the airport… with a hefty amount of cheese in my luggage.
- 4:00 PM: Takeoff. Looking out the window, taking a final look at the mountains.
- 5:00 PM: Arrival back home. Home sweet home. I'm tired, my wallet is lighter, and I'm pretty sure I still smell faintly of expensive cheese. But it was worth it. Asheville, you were weird, wonderful, and utterly unforgettable. I can't wait to come back and do it all again… maybe with better shoes next time. And possibly a cheese-smuggling operation.
Asheville Getaway: Comfort Inn Near Blue Ridge Parkway - FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, You Have Questions!)
Is this Comfort Inn *really* near the Blue Ridge Parkway? Like, close enough to actually, you know, *see* it?
Okay, so "near" is a relative term, right? It's not like you stumble out of your room and accidentally trip over a breathtaking vista. (Though, wouldn't *that* be something?) No, it's a short drive. Like, fifteen minutes maybe? But PLEASE, take the drive! The Parkway is *gorgeous*. I once spent a whole afternoon just… driving. No destination, just windows down, wind in my hair (well, *trying* to get the wind in my hair, my hair's gotten… thinner over the years). And I almost missed my dinner reservation in Asheville because I was so blissed out. Seriously, it's worth it. Don't be a lazy bum like me and just sit by the pool! (Which, by the way, is… fine. It's a pool. It has chlorine.)
What's the breakfast situation like? Is it the usual lukewarm scrambled eggs and questionable sausage?
Alright, let's be honest. Hotel breakfasts are a gamble. It’s like a culinary roulette wheel. You *hope* for a win, but you're probably gonna end up with something… underwhelming. The Comfort Inn's? It’s… consistent. The scrambled eggs? Yeah, they're there. The sausage? Beats me, I always go for the waffles. They have a waffle iron, and you can make your *own* waffles. Which, to me, is a win! You slather it in butter and syrup and pretend you're not judging the other guests' breakfast eating habit. And coffee! They have coffee! Strong enough to wake you up, which is the whole point, right?
Are the rooms clean? I'm a bit of a germaphobe.
Okay, so… *clean*. Define "clean". Look, I'm not gonna sit here and lie to you. It's a Comfort Inn. The linens are white. The surfaces *appear* to be wiped down. Could you find some dust bunnies if you looked under the bed? Maybe. I’m not going to *promise* you a sterile environment. I'm not a scientist, I'm a traveler! But during my stay, I felt… relatively comfortable. I am not a germaphobe, but I do have some OCD and I did not feel the place was too dirty, it wasn't as sterile as a hospital. This is not a five-star resort. Bring some antibacterial wipes if you feel the need. Personally, I'd rather focus on the *adventure*. Or the free toiletries.
Is there a fitness center? Because, you know, I swear I’ll use it this time.
Yes! Technically, there *is* a fitness center. I… I think I peeked in once. It had some treadmills, maybe an exercise bike, some weights. Don’t hold me to that, I’m not a gym rat. Look, I go on vacation to *relax*. To read a book. To possibly, maybe, if the mood strikes me, go for a *walk*. So the existence of the fitness center is good for you, you can go there and feel good, but I'm going to the breweries, ok? That's way more my style. I’m more about the local craft beer and walking to the breweries, you know? Okay, I’m not actually walking *to* them, Asheville’s breweries are driving away and I’m driving there. But I do walk *around* once I am there.
What kind of parking is available at the hotel?
Parking… ah, parking. The bane of every traveler’s existence. Okay, I didn't have any problems. (But then again, I'm not arriving at 3:00 PM on a Friday, either. You *might* have some issues then.) There's a decent amount of parking and there's an overflow lot. The parking is free which, now I think about it, is *amazing*. It's a real bonus. You're not paying extra to just… park your car. Which I appreciated immensely. So yes, parking is available. Probably. Try not to leave it to the last minute, eh? Get there early, settle in. And be prepared to circle the lot a couple of times. It’s just the way of the world.
Anything else I should know? Secret tips? Hidden gems?
Okay, so… "secret tips." Let me think… Well, there's a pretty great Italian restaurant a short drive away, *but* get reservations because you're not the only one with the idea. And remember, Asheville is a *vibrant* city, a lot of people like it. Another tip? Pack comfortable shoes. You're going to be doing *a lot* of walking. And I mean, like, a *lot*. My feet still ache from my last trip. Seriously, I should have bought those insoles… So yeah, comfortable shoes. And remember to embrace the chaos. Asheville has a weird energy. In a good way. Just roll with it! And most importantly, have fun! That's the true secret, right? If you don’t, then you're doing it wrong. Go to the breweries! Drink the beer! See the sights! Don't just sit in your room! Unless you want to... it *is* your vacation after all. Maybe you just need to binge-watch Netflix. And that's okay, too. But be prepared for a whole lot of hiking and outdoorsy stuff.
Are there any drawbacks? Let's be fully transparent.
Okay, real talk. Look, it's a Comfort Inn. It's not the Ritz. The rooms are basic. You're not going to find marble countertops. You're not going to have a butler. But the BIGGEST drawback? The noise. Or, for me at least, the fear of noise. I am, admittedly, a light sleeper. And every. Single. Time. I stay in a hotel, I get the same fear. The fear of noisy guests. The fear that I'll be in a room right next to the ice machine. The fear of kids running up and down the halls at 6 AM. I always pack earplugs. Always. Thankfully, it wasn't too bad. But the potential noise is a legitimate concern. Because when you're trying to relax and you need to sleep, those noisy neighbors are the worst.
How's the Wi-Fi? Because, you know, I *need* to post pictures of my brunch.
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