Concord's Hidden Gem: The Centennial Hotel Awaits!
Concord's Centennial Hotel: A Review That's Seen a Few Things… and Has Opinions!
(Let's be real, hotel reviews can be BORING. I'm here to fix that.)
Alright, folks, buckle up. We're diving headfirst into the Centennial Hotel in Concord, and let me tell you, it’s got stuff. Lots of stuff. This ain't your sterile, perfectly curated Insta-hotel. This place… has character. And sometimes, that character feels like it's been through a few rounds with Mike Tyson. Prepare for a review riddled with honesty, imperfections, and a healthy dose of my own, slightly chaotic, personality.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Gotta get those clicks, right?!)
- Keywords: Centennial Hotel Concord, Concord hotels, accessible hotels California, spa hotel Concord, hotel with pool, business hotel Concord, family hotel Concord, pet-friendly hotel, hotel with free wifi, hotel near [local attraction… add those!], conference hotel Concord.
- Metadata Description: Unfiltered review of Concord's Centennial Hotel! Accessibility, amenities, food, service, and everything in between. Is it worth it? Find out in this brutally honest, hilariously messy review.
Let's Talk Accessibility & Safety First (Because, you know, it matters.)
Okay, first impressions. The Centennial promises a lot on the accessibility front. And… they mostly deliver.
- Accessibility: It's got the basics covered. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Elevators are present, which is a HUGE win. Public areas seem generally navigable. BUT! And it's a big BUT… in my experience, just because it's accessible doesn't mean it's perfectly user-friendly. Sometimes, I felt like I was navigating a maze built by someone who'd read about accessibility but never actually, you know, experienced it. The ramps weren't always in the most intuitive places, and signage could be better.
- Safety: Top marks here. The staff clearly takes hygiene seriously. The anti-viral cleaning products smell like… well, cleanliness! And the hand sanitizer is everywhere, which is a definite plus. They’ve got all the essential Covid-19 protocols in place – staff trained in safety protocols, a whole heap of daily disinfection, and the option to skip daily room cleaning. Honestly, peace of mind is worth gold right now, and the Centennial nails that. The 24-hour security and CCTV are reassuring too, making me feel less like a target and more like a guest.
The Room: My Sanctuary… or Maybe Not?
- The Good Stuff: Let's start with the positives – they do have many things. Air conditioning? Present and accounted for. Free Wi-Fi, included! (And it actually works! Praise the Wi-Fi gods!). Plus, a mini-fridge for stashing snacks is a blessing. The rooms have plenty of features: a desk with ample space to set up, and oh, the blackout curtains. You can actually sleep in! Bless. The bed was okay. Nothing life-changing, but functional. And hey, they provide slippers! It sounds trivial, but it's the little things, right?
- The Not-So-Good Stuff (Oh, so much more…): Ahem. Okay, here’s where things get real. My first room? Let's just say it had seen better days. The carpeting was… well, I'm pretty sure it had witnessed a few historical events. Worn and stained! It also felt a little like stepping into a dusty time capsule. The décor was… dated. Think shades of brown that were popular when my grandma was young. I mean, a bit of a cosmetic upgrade really would not go amiss.
- Side note: I did notice they have "interconnecting rooms" available. I'm guessing this is great for families, but it could also mean more noise, as the walls don't always completely cut off the chatter.
- The "free bottled water"? It's a nice touch, but the size felt… small. Like, "one sip and it's gone" small.
Food & Drink: Fueling the Soul (or Just Filling the Belly)
- Restaurants The restaurant situation is… complicated. They’ve got a bunch of them. They have restaurants, they have bars, a coffee shop, and even a poolside bar. So, options, options, options! You will find a buffet, salads, even Western and international cuisine… but from my experience, the quality is a real mixed bag. I ate at their a la carte place one night, expecting elevated dining. Instead? The food: forgettable. Bland. The service? Well, let's just say efficiency wasn't the order of the day.
- The Buffet: I am a buffet lover, I admit it. So naturally I went for the breakfast buffet the first morning. It was… okay. A bit chaotic. There were a few things that looked fresh and appealing, but the fruit looked a bit sad. The scramble eggs were not quite what I had hoped. On the plus side, the coffee was hot. And I loved the little essential condiments.
The Spa/Relaxation Zone: Promises, Promises…
- The good: The pool with view? Spectacular. I spent a whole afternoon lounging there, and it was pure bliss. The sauna and steam room are a decent option, especially if you are into that.
- The bad: I went to the spa with high hopes. They had a menu filled with promises: body scrubs, wraps, massages… I booked a massage, and… let's just say it wasn't the life-altering experience I was hoping for. The therapist felt a little like she was just going through the motions: The focus wasn't where it needed to be, and I didn't feel particularly relaxed.
Things To Do: Beyond the Bedroom
- Fitness Center: The gym. It was surprisingly well-equipped. Considering the rest of the hotel's vibe, I had expected something out of a 1980s aerobics class. Nope – a decent range of equipment, and it looked well-maintained. Bonus points!
- For the Kids: They have kids' facilities, which is a plus.
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities: The hotel seems heavily geared towards business. They have a ton of facilities for meetings, seminars, even events. While this is a perk for some, it did give the hotel a slightly corporate feel, which isn't necessarily my jam.
Service & Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Slightly Odd
- The Good: The 24-hour front desk is a lifesaver. The laundry service saved me. Doormen were courteous, and the daily housekeeping kept the room reasonably tidy, despite the carpeting's best efforts to be otherwise. They also have a convenience store for snacks, which is always a plus.
- The Bad: Now, let's talk about the less great stuff. I had a slight hiccup during check-in. The process was not smooth (long wait times and a slight attitude from the reception staff). It added to the feeling that it hadn’t entirely modernized.
- The Odd: They advertise a "shrine." Honestly, I have no idea what this is. I didn't find it. Maybe it's a hidden gem (pun intended).
Getting Around:
- Car Park: Free parking! Hooray! (And a car power charging station, for the electric car people).
- Airport Transfer: Available.
My Final Verdict (Because, You Know, Opinions!)
Okay, so… the Centennial Hotel. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. Is it flawless? Far from it. Is it a bad hotel? Not necessarily. It's… a mixed bag.
It has moments where its character shines, and other moments where I felt like I was back in the 90s. The safety and hygiene protocols are top-notch, the pool is amazing, and the gym is surprisingly good. But the décor is dated, the food is inconsistent, and the service can be slow.
Would I stay there again? Maybe. If the price was right, and I needed a convenient base with a good pool and a decent gym, sure. But I'd lower my expectations a tad.
My recommendation? Go in with a sense of humor, embrace the quirks, and pack your own snacks. You might just have a surprisingly good time.
Unbelievable Utica Getaway: Delta Hotels by Marriott Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is… me, wrestling with a weekend at The Centennial Hotel in Concord, New Hampshire. Prepare for a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and probably a frantic search for a decent cup of coffee.
The Centennial Hotel Concord: A Weekend of (Un)Expected Adventures
Friday: Arrival and the Myth of Calm
3:00 PM - Arrival at The Centennial: Okay, first snag. GPS took me on a scenic route that included a goat farm (charming, sure, but I was hangry). Finally, pulled up, and the hotel… feels… stately. Like, you know, the kind of place where you instantly worry you're wearing the wrong shoes. Immediately, I’m thinking, "Did I pack enough 'sophisticated'?" And, let’s be real: did I pack enough snacks?
3:30 PM - Check-In: The Front Desk Fiasco: The incredibly charming woman at the desk seems, as I'm about to say, overwhelmed. She’s trying her absolute best and I gotta give her some credit. I’m pretty sure she's a bit frazzled – I asked her the closest place to buy a 'decent' cup of coffee and it’s like I asked her to solve a Rubik’s Cube. She just pointed vaguely towards the city center and stammered something about maybe a Dunkin' (ugh). Check in was… fine. Room key acquired.
4:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance: Oh, the room! It's… elegant. Very elegant, with crown molding that's probably older than I am. Spot the imperfection: a slight musty smell, nothing that can't be fixed by opening the window and letting the cold NH air just blow through (thank goodness for the fall season!). Also, a single, slightly forlorn-looking, mini-bottle of shampoo the size of my thumb. I have a lot of hair. This is a problem. Note to self: Invest in a large bottle of shampoo immediately.
4:30 PM - The Quest for Caffeine (and a Snack): That "downtown" tip wasn’t exactly a game-changer. Ended up at a slightly depressing convenience store. Coffee: lukewarm disappointment. Snack: stale granola bar. My mood is… dipping. I need something to brighten the mood, quickly!
5:30 PM - Freshen Up and Relax: So, I've got a plan. I've grabbed that shampoo, now on to freshening up and relaxing - a nice, hot bath to clear away the stresses of the week!
7:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: It's called "The Centennial Grille," and it feels like a safe bet, right? Wrong! The ambiance is nice, the food, however, is not up to my already high standards. I ordered the salmon, and it arrived with a side of what looked like a soggy, sad, pile of overcooked veggies. The salmon tasted like it was cooked roughly a week ago. I’m trying to be polite, but honestly, I'm considering a late-night run to the aforementioned convenience store for more granola-bar-fueled sustenance. I will have to find another place tomorrow!
9:00 PM - Evening Ritual and Bedtime: Attempting to wind down. Reading a book (which I’m actually loving). Thinking of my shampoo situation. Contemplating ordering room service (but feeling slightly defeated by the earlier culinary experience). Giving in to the urge to fall asleep to the sound of the TV.
10:00 PM: Lights out, hopefully.
Saturday: Concord, Chaos, and Culinary Redemption (Maybe)
- 7:00 AM - Rise and…Groan: Okay, coffee mission is now critical. Must. Find. GOOD. Coffee. Before. I. Function. The hotel coffee is… well, you can imagine.
- 8:00 AM - The Great Coffee Hunt: Consulting Yelp. Reading reviews. Plotting a coffee pilgrimage. Decide to check out a local joint that’s apparently renowned.
- 8:30 AM – Coffee Nirvana (Finally!): Found it! The Red River Cafe is a godsend! Glorious, rich, perfect coffee. And a breakfast sandwich so good, I almost cried. This, THIS is what I needed! The tiny little imperfections is what I love and why I enjoy it so much!
- 9:30 AM - Exploring Concord: Driving around. Admiring the architecture. Feeling like a tourist, which is fun.
- 11:00 AM - The New Hampshire State House: A little bit of history! It’s impressive. Seeing the dome and realizing… maybe New Hampshire is actually pretty cool?!
- 12:00 PM - Lunch: Second Coffee Run: I’m officially addicted. Need another dose of Red River Cafe goodness.
- 1:00 PM - More Concord Exploration (maybe the White Mountains?!): Thinking about a day trip to the White Mountains. Is it too ambitious? Should I just chill and wander around more of Concord? The pressure is real.
- 2:00 PM - Back to the Hotel (and the Great Shampoo Rescue!): Okay, back to the hotel. I'm in a state of slight panic about my hair. I will not allow bad hair to ruin this trip.
- 3:00 PM - Trying to relax: Trying to go hangin' by the pool. It's all right.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner Dilemma: Tonight's culinary fate rests on my shoulders. I’m researching local restaurants. I've got my Yelp and Google Maps open. I’m determined to eat good.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: Redemption Achieved! (Hopefully): Found a little Italian place that sounds amazing. Crossing fingers and toes.
- 9:00 PM - Evening: Relaxing and watching TV. Hoping for a good night's sleep.
Sunday: Departure and Reflections (and a Final Coffee Run)
- 8:00 AM - Another Coffee Run: Before I leave Concord, I have to get myself another Red River Cafe coffee.
- 9:00 AM - Last-Minute Hotel Ramblings: A final walk around the hotel. Maybe I'll go over the last few days, the good, the bad, and everything in between.
- 9:30 AM - Check out:
- 10:00 AM - The Great Escape: Hit the road. Concord, you were… interesting.
- 12:00 PM - Home: Finally.
Final Thoughts:
This weekend wasn't perfect. There were coffee crises, bad food, and a distinct lack of the “calm” I’d envisioned. But you know what? It was real. It was messy, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Maybe I'll make it out to the White Mountains next time, but maybe I won't. Either way, I'm looking forward to the next trip. And the next great cup of coffee.
Escape the Airport Chaos: Your Perfect Courtyard Buffalo Airport Getaway!
Alright, alright, settle in folks! You've stumbled upon something... well, let's just say "interesting". We're talking about the Centennial Hotel in Concord. And trust me, this ain't your cookie-cutter Holiday Inn. Get ready for a rollercoaster, because my relationship with this place is... complicated. So, let's dive in, shall we?
So... what *is* the Centennial Hotel, exactly? Like, is it a haunted house? Because I’m already picturing chandeliers and cobwebs…
Okay, okay, hold your horses! While I wouldn't exactly rule out a rogue ghost or two (I swear I heard a giggle once near the elevator... but that could have been me after one too many free continental breakfast pastries), the Centennial's more of a historical hotel, right in the heart of Concord. Think charming, think... *slightly* worn around the edges. And when I say "slightly," I'm not kidding. It's like if your grandma's attic decided to become a hotel. It's got character, let's just say that. And yes, I *did* see a chandelier once!
It's got that old-school vibe, which sometimes means a creaky floorboard here, a temperamental faucet there… but that's part of the charm. Or at least, that's what I keep telling myself.
What's the *best* thing about the Centennial, if there *is* one? Don't tell me the pool.
Ugh, the pool. Let's just say it's seen better decades. And let's leave it at that. Okay, the *best* thing? Honestly, it's the feeling of being transported back in time. I mean, it's not perfect, the wallpaper might be peeling in places (I speak from experience there), and they might still use those tiny, paper-thin soaps. But! The staff? They're amazing. Truly. They are the rockstars of the hotel, they really are. They’re friendly to a fault, they remember your name... and they're clearly used to dealing with *everything* the old building throws at them. Seriously, I once saw a pipe burst in the lobby, and the front desk lady just sighed, said "Right, here we go again," and proceeded to calmly direct traffic without batting an eyelid. That’s commitment, folks. That’s what makes this place special.
The rooms. Spill the tea. Are they clean? Are the beds comfortable? Are there weird noises at night? Spill, dammit!
Alright, alright, let's get real. Clean... mostly. Look, it's not a sterile hospital environment, okay? It's got that lived-in feel. Which occasionally, *okay*, means you might find a rogue dust bunny or two. The beds? Comfortable-ish. They're not the plush, cloud-like ones you find in a fancy hotel, but they're… functional. And the noises? Oh, the noises! The building *talks*. You'll hear groans, creaks, the occasional mysterious thump. Is it ghosts? Probably not. Is it the old plumbing? Absolutely! Embrace the chaos! I once stayed in a room where I swear I heard someone typing on a typewriter at 3 AM. I’m pretty sure I didn’t sleep a wink that night. But hey, it's an *experience*.
What about the food? Is there even food? Is it edible?
The food... bless its heart. They have a continental breakfast, which is included. And by "continental," I mean… bagels, toast, some sad-looking fruit, and coffee that could probably wake the dead (which, considering the potential ghost situation, might be a bonus). If I'm being honest, I usually end up grabbing a croissant from the bakery around the corner. There is a restaurant somewhere in the establishment, I *think*, though the opening hours are a mystery to me. I swear, one time I walked in, and it seemed to be closed, but then I swear I saw a chef *looking* at me, so I left.
Okay, so the good, the bad… anything *weird* happen? Any epic stories? This is what I'm here for.
Oh honey, *where* to begin?! Okay, alright, brace yourselves. This is a story that will define my time in the hotel. One time, I was there, right? Just trying to get some work done in my room. And suddenly, the fire alarm goes off. BOOM. I jump. A *complete* heart attack. I run outside, disoriented, in my PJs and glasses. Everyone else is there too, all with bewildered looks. Turns out, the alarm was set off... by someone *burning toast*. Yes, *burning toast*! The fire department showed up (yes, the whole shebang!), and the culprit? An elderly gentleman who, bless his heart, simply forgot to check his toaster. The lady at the front desk just sighed, and said, "Happens all the time." That's another anecdote to add to my memory. That was the day I bonded with the staff over the absurdity of it all. Did I get my work done? Absolutely not. But I got a story. And that, darling, is what the Centennial is all about.
The location - is it close to anything fun?
Yep, the location is actually pretty decent. It's right there downtown which is a major plus. Lots of restaurants, cafes, and shops are walkable, so it's convenient for exploring Concord. The downside? Sometimes traffic can be a nightmare. But hey, you can always walk and enjoy the views and feel of the area.
Alright, final verdict. Should I stay at the Centennial? Is it worth it?
Ugh, it's complicated! See, the Centennial is like that quirky aunt you visit once a year. She's got flaws, she's a bit unpredictable, but she's got a certain charm and a whole lot of character that you can't help but love. If you're looking for perfection and a totally seamless stay, run for the hills. If you go in with the right expectations - embrace the imperfections, appreciate the history, and be prepared for a few laughs and maybe a little bit of chaos? *Then* yeah, absolutely, I say give it a shot. Just… pack earplugs. And maybe a sense of humor. You'll need it. I am already itching to go back. Even though I know better.
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