Laredo's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Hotel's Unforgettable Stay (TX)
Laredo's Little Slice of Paradise? My Verdict on the Courtyard Hotel's "Unforgettable Stay" (and the Drama That Ensued)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the Courtyard Hotel in Laredo, Texas. This isn't your typical, meticulously crafted review. This is real. I'm talking about the good, the bad, and the slightly bizarre… because let's be honest, no travel experience is ever perfectly Instagram-worthy, right?
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(Deep breath)… Let's dive in.
Accessibility: The Good… and the Not-So-Good
First things first, the accessibility. I'm not personally in a wheelchair, but I always appreciate a hotel that genuinely thinks about it. The Courtyard? Mostly thumbs up. They advertise Wheelchair accessible facilities, and I definitely saw evidence of ramps and a generally user-friendly layout. The Elevator was a godsend, especially after lugging my suitcase (filled with way too many shoes, naturally). The Facilities for disabled guests were clearly a priority, which is fantastic.
Now, here's the slight hiccup. Navigating the sprawling grounds felt a little… well, sprawling. Think Texas-sized. While ramps were present, some distances between the lobby, the pool, and the restaurant felt a little daunting. Still, minor quibble. Overall, a decent showing on the accessibility front.
Internet: Freedom (Mostly) for the Digital Nomad
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! And it actually worked. I have a serious phobia of hotel Wi-Fi that's slower than a snail on Valium. But the Internet access – wireless was solid. Seriously, I was able to stream Netflix in my room (more on that glorious little sanctuary later) without any buffering. And you know what that means? No missed episodes of my guilty pleasure, "The Real Housewives of…Wherever"! Also nice was the Internet access – LAN option, for those who truly need a hardline connection (my husband). The Internet itself was fast and reliable. The thought of working remotely, the Laptop workspace, was actually a nice touch.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sanctuary… Mostly
Okay, this is important. In today's world, cleanliness is paramount. The Courtyard gets serious points for its sanitation efforts. Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly in use, and the staff seemed genuinely committed to keeping things spotless. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere? Absolutely. I even appreciated the Individually-wrapped food options at the breakfast buffet.
Here’s where my inner germaphobe (and let's be real, everyone's got one these days!) starts to relax. Daily disinfection in common areas was a great touch, and I really liked the Room sanitization opt-out available. I took a good, long look at my room, and I was impressed. The extra mile was taken.
But… (there's always a but, isn't there?)… one morning, I walked into the breakfast area and someone had clearly opted out of a utensil wipe down. I saw it, folks. A smudge… on a spoon. I know, I'm probably being dramatic. But in the age of Covid, it sent a tiny shiver down my spine. This is why I didn't rate this as 5 stars.
Rooms: My Little Slice of Heaven (and the Occasional Minor Hiccup)
My room? Oh, it was a haven. A true oasis after a long day of… well, filling out expense reports (bleak confession, I know). I’m talking Air conditioning, (a must in Texas!) Blackout curtains (thank the heavens!), a super-comfy bed, and a Seating area perfect for collapsing into after a long day. The Free bottled water (bless!) was a lifesaver.
They’d thought of everything! Bathtub, Separate shower, plush Robes. The coffee/tea maker was a godsend for my early-morning caffeine addiction. And the desk! It was a perfect Laptop workspace. My inner homebody was thrilled.
A few minor gripes:
- The Alarm clock was the old button-pushing kind. I love my digital displays that I can dim to a nice setting for the night.
- The extra-long bed was a blessing for my 6'3" husband, but I felt a little lost in there.
- The TV… well, it didn't have the most up-to-date streaming apps. But hey, I survived.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Mixed Bag of Delights
The Courtyard offered a variety of dining options. This category went from great to questionable.
Breakfast [buffet]: Pretty standard, honestly. Buffet in restaurant. Western breakfast. Asian breakfast (a surprisingly pleasant surprise). Coffee/tea in restaurant. The Breakfast takeaway service proved very useful when I had to rush off to said expense report session.
Restaurants: There was an A la carte in restaurant option, with everything from Salad in restaurant to Soup in restaurant. They had a Vegetarian restaurant option.
The Upside: Having the Bar and a Poolside bar was a definite plus. Especially during Happy hour.
The Downside: the Desserts in restaurant were… well, let's just say they weren't exactly Michelin-star quality. I tried the… cake. Let’s leave it there.
Services and Conveniences: The Things You Didn't Know You Needed… Until You Did
The Courtyard hotel really tries to cater to its guests. Air conditioning in public area. Daily housekeeping. Cash withdrawal. Concierge. They even had a Convenience store for those late-night snack attacks. The Elevator was a must.
The Unexpected Gem: The Dry cleaning and Laundry service were a lifesaver after a particularly messy dinner (don't ask). And the Doorman was always friendly, opening doors and offering a smile.
The Meeting/banquet facilities seemed impressive. They had Audio-visual equipment for special events, and even Projector/LED display. I didn’t use them, but if you have business to be done… you're set.
This brings me to the Gift/souvenir shop: I wandered in, mostly to kill time. It had some interesting stuff! It actually had some decent curios. I found a Laredo-themed trinket that I knew my niece back home would love. It’s these little touches, they’re what I remember most.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: A Spa Day (Almost!)
This is where it gets a little… well, confusing. The Courtyard advertises a Spa. And a Gym/fitness center. But here’s the deal: the Spa was closed. The Sauna, Steamroom, Spa/sauna, Foot bath… all unavailable. My dreams of a luxurious Body scrub and Body wrap went up in smoke.
The Fitness center, however, was open. It was… adequate. Gym/fitness. The Pool with view was spectacular, and the Swimming pool was great for a quick dip. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was a lifesaver in the Texan heat. I spent a lot of time there, actually.
Getting Around: Ease of Access
The hotel had Car park [free of charge] which was definitely a bonus. Plus Car park [on-site]. Taxi service was easily available, but I mostly stuck to my own car.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly…ish
The Courtyard is definitely Family/child friendly. They offered a Babysitting service. There were Kids facilities. The Pool area had plenty of room for splashing.
But… I’m not entirely sure what the Kids meal options were. Perhaps I missed something there.
In conclusion…
The Courtyard Hotel in Laredo is a solid choice. It's clean, generally accessible, and offers a good range of amenities. The Free Wi-Fi is a HUGE win. The rooms are comfortable and well-equipped. The staff are friendly and helpful.
However, be sure to confirm the spa’s status. I would also personally verify the food before I ate it, just to be safe.
Would I stay again? Probably. Especially if I were there for business. And for that amazing pool. Just… maybe skip the cake. And bring your own spoon, just in case.
Bolivar Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re about to dive headfirst into a Courtyard Laredo adventure. Forget perfectly packaged itineraries, this is going to be less "smooth sailing" and more "slightly tipsy kayak ride." Let's see if I can actually make it through the day without losing my keys, myself, or my sanity (the jury's still out on that last one).
Courtyard Laredo: A Day in the Life (or Maybe Just an Hour)
Morning (or Let's Be Real, Mid-Morning):
8:00 AM (ish) - Attempted Wake-Up Call. I swear, I set an alarm. Multiple alarms, actually. But the universe (or maybe just my comfy bed) had other plans. Finally, finally hauled myself out of bed, feeling like a particularly rumpled piece of laundry. The room at the Courtyard is… well, it's a Courtyard room. Clean, functional, the kind of place that screams "business trip" but also sort of whispers "convenient escape."
8:30 AM - Breakfast Debacle. Okay, so the "complimentary breakfast" is a mixed bag. The eggs? Questionable. The coffee? Strong enough to jumpstart a spaceship. But the bagels? Glorious. Absolutely, melt-in-your-mouth, perfect bagels. I may have eaten three. Don't judge me.
9:00 AM - The Laredo Scavenger Hunt (Self-Imposed). I decided, on a whim, that I needed to actually SEE Laredo. Not just the inside of the hotel room. So, armed with nothing but Google Maps and a vague sense of adventure, I ventured forth. First stop: the riverfront. Okay, so the river isn't exactly the Seine. But it's there, and the breeze is nice. I saw a couple of ducks who looked far more put-together than I felt.
10:00 AM (ish) - Stumbling Upon a Hidden Gem (or at Least, a Place with Good Coffee). Found a cute little coffee shop a few blocks from the hotel. It’s called "The Corner Coffee". The barista, bless her heart, was patient with my sleep-deprived order. The coffee was divine. Like, seriously, the best coffee I've had in months. It's the kind of place that makes you want to write a novel (or, you know, at least a grocery list).
Afternoon: (or "The Great Hotel Room Hangout")
11:00 AM - Back to the Room & the Poolside Fantasy. Okay, let's be honest, I’m not exactly a poolside kind of person. I'm more the "soggy book and lukewarm drink" type, and for some reason it's more relaxing in the hotel room. So that's what it is.
11:30 AM - Lost in the Internet Abyss. Okay, I'm a travel blogger right? So, I'm obligated to check my email, social media, etc. Oh, and that one article I've been putting off writing… and before I know it, hours are gone.
1:00 PM - "Lunch" (More Like, Snacking). Room service? Nah, not today. I found some chips and salsa in the lobby. Problem solved. The chips were… well, they were chips. The salsa, though? Surprisingly legit.
2:00 PM - Rambling and Re-evaluation (Maybe). I've been feeling, well, a little weird. Not sure how to describe it other than feeling like I've forgotten something important. I had a flashback… and the next thing I did, I ordered an Uber. Was it a good idea? Who knows. But it's making me feel excited.
Evening (or "The Twilight of a Slightly Chaotic Day"):
6:00 PM - Restaurant Recon I called a few local places… this is starting to feel like the beginning of another trip. I was thinking of something different, but then it turned into, another Mexican restaurant.
7:30 PM - The Tortilla Tour The place was packed, which I took as a good sign. And it was. The tortillas were freshly made, and the tacos? Oh, the tacos! So simple, but so flavorful, and I was starting to miss the taste. The whole meal was a symphony of textures and tastes, and it was exactly what my soul needed.
8:30 PM - Back to the Courtyard and the Room.* A little light and a cozy bed. Perfection.
9:00 PM - Reflection and Planning. I should probably get my act together and plan what happens tomorrow… but I'm sure I'll just go with the flow. This is going to be fun.
Final Thoughts:
So, yeah. The Courtyard Laredo. It's not the Ritz, but it's a solid place to hang your hat. And Laredo, after a day of meandering, feels… surprisingly charming. Sure, I'm a little sleep-deprived, slightly over-caffeinated, and have probably eaten enough carbs to feed a small village. But I'm also feeling… something. Maybe it's the quiet. Maybe it's the tacos. Whatever it is, it's good. And tomorrow? Well, who knows. That's half the fun, isn't it? Let's just hope I remember where I left my keys.
Houghton Lake Getaway: Unbeatable Super 8 Deals! (MI)
Laredo's Courtyard Hotel: A Hidden Gem? Let's Unpack This... Or Should We?
So, is this Courtyard Hotel in Laredo *really* a hidden gem, or is someone on serious commission?
Okay, real talk. "Hidden gem" is a dangerous phrase. It sets the bar HIGH. And honestly? The Courtyard in Laredo... it's more like a well-hidden *okay* gem. Depending on what you're after. Let's just say, it's not the Ritz. But! But! Hear me out. My expectations were seriously low. Border town, Courtyard... my brain immediately conjured images of flickering fluorescent lights and questionable continental breakfast pastries. I was wrong. Partly. (More on the breakfast later.) I went in expecting a basic, necessary stay. I left... surprisingly, a little… charmed?
Side note: I’m *not* on commission. Although, if the Courtyard wants to send me a fruit basket for this unsolicited praise, I wouldn't refuse. Just sayin'.
The Rooms... are they prison cells with slightly nicer curtains? Be honest.
Alright, the rooms. They're… Courtyard-y. You know, the familiar layout. Nothing mind-blowing. Standard hotel room stuff. BUT! Mine, at least, was clean. And I mean, *really* clean. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this is HUGE. No questionable stains on the carpet (a win!). The bed was comfy enough, which, after a long day of... well, *being in Laredo* (which, let's be honest, can be exhausting), is all you really crave.
Here's a confession: I *always* check the bed. I lift the sheets, inspect for… things. This time? A-okay! I slept like a baby. Or, you know, a slightly anxious adult who worries about bedbugs but was thankfully proven wrong.
Oh, and the bathroom? Functional. Good water pressure. Not much to say beyond that. Except… the shower curtain! It was a little… clingy. Like, it got *really* close, which is not my favorite thing. Minor gripe. I survived.
Let's talk about the breakfast, shall we? Is this where my hopes and dreams go to die?
Ugh, breakfast. The breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. Okay, so the "complimentary breakfast" is, shall we say, *robustly* Courtyard-esque. Think: scrambled eggs that are suspiciously yellow (and probably powdered), sad little sausages, and the previously mentioned pastries. But wait! THERE'S MORE! (or, well, less…) They had… fruit! A single apple. And maybe a banana. Don’t expect a smorgasbord.
Here's the thing: I'm not a breakfast person. I usually just grab coffee. And the coffee? Surprisingly decent. Not gourmet, mind you. But drinkable. And free! Which, let's be honest, is the key ingredient in any good hotel breakfast: free. Okay, I lied. I may have had some of that suspiciously yellow scrambled eggs. And you know what? I lived. And I wasn't even terribly disappointed. So, not the death of dreams, but... maybe a minor setback.
Pro-tip: There's a pretty good *taqueria* a short drive away. Consider that option. Seriously.
The Pool. Is the pool... actually swimmable? And are there terrifying children involved?
The pool. Yes, the pool. This is where the "hidden gem" part *could* materialize. The pool was actually pretty decent. Clean, (seemingly) well-maintained, and a decent size. I didn't see any… floating things. You know, the things you *don't* want to see in a pool.
And the terrifying children factor? Okay, there were *some* children. It's a hotel pool, what do you expect? They weren't particularly terrifying, though. Just… kids, doing kid things, namely splashing and screaming. I found a nice shady spot and enjoyed the sunshine, pretending I was on a tropical island instead of, you know, Laredo. Dream big, people!
One minor, and utterly ridiculous, observation: There was a *single* lounge chair that was permanently angled towards the sun. I swear it was mocking me. I still got a tan!
Location, Location, Location! How far is it from, ya know, *everything*? (And by everything, I mean the good stuff.)
The location? Okay, this is where the "hidden" part of the gem really comes into play. It's… not exactly in the heart of the action. It's a bit further out. You’ll probably need a car. (And I say that as someone who usually *hates* driving.)
But! And this is a big "but": It's also, in my opinion, *quieter*. Away from the constant hustle and bustle of downtown. And honestly, after a long day… that was nice. It’s close enough to get to the good food (like that *taqueria*), the Border, and… well, everything you *need* to get to in Laredo. The location is a trade-off: Less conveniently located to the *touristy* stuff, but potentially a more pleasant stay for those who appreciate a little peace and quiet.
I’d give the location a solid 6/10. It's not perfect, but it's definitely not a dealbreaker.
Okay, spill the tea. What was the BEST part about your stay? And what was the WORST?
Okay, here comes the messy truth. The BEST part? Honestly, the staff. They were genuinely friendly and helpful. I had a small issue with my key card (because I’m apparently incapable of using technology), and the person at the front desk, bless their heart, fixed it with a smile. That kind of genuine kindness makes a huge difference. I felt… welcomed. And after a long day, that matters.
The WORST part? Hands down, the clingy shower curtain. Just… the constant feeling of it wanting to wrap around me… Ugh. I’m exaggerating, yes. But it bothered me more than it should have. It's a small thing, I know. But it's the only truly negative thing I can remember. Okay, fine. Maybe the lack of decent coffee shop but I survived.
So, overall? Would I stay there again? Yeah, probably. If I needed a place in Laredo that was clean, comfortable, and staffed by genuinely nice people, the Courtyard would definitely be on my list. It’s not perfect. It’s not glamorous. But it’s… a solid, dependable (and mostly cling-free, thankfully) choice.
Final Verdict: Hidden Gem… or Hard Pass?
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