Fresno's BEST Extended Stay? North Fresno Suites Await!
Fresno's BEST Extended Stay? Buckle Up, Buttercups! (North Fresno Suites, Reviewed)
Alright, folks, let's get real. I've spent more nights in questionable hotel rooms than I care to admit. So when I'm tasked with reviewing a place like North Fresno Suites Await! – a place that promises extended stay bliss – my inner cynic revs its engine. But hey, I'm a sucker for a good stay, especially if it involves air conditioning and (fingers crossed) a decent coffee machine.
First Impressions & Accessibility – Can a Wheelchair Actually Get In?
So, pulling up, the exterior wasn't exactly screaming "luxury." Kind of a… well, it looked like where you’d expect to find an extended stay, with a healthy dose of California sun baking the paint. Immediately, my "accessibility" radar went up. Thankfully, the entrance had a ramp, so check for wheelchair accessibility. Good start! The front desk… that’s where the fun began. It was a little cluttered and the staff… well, they were working. Not super-enthusiastic, maybe a little tired but I get that - I mean, who isn't tired? This immediately felt more "functional" than "fabulous," which, honestly, is what I often crave after a long drive.
- Accessibility Score: Solid C+. They try. The ramp and elevator were a win, but navigating the lobby with its… stuff… might be tricky.
The Room: My Temporary Fortress of Solitude (and Wi-Fi Woes)
Stepping into the room was a mixed bag. Remember the "promises" of free Wi-Fi? Yeah, the signal in my room was as reliable as a politician's word. Wi-Fi [free]? More like Wi-Fi [frustratingly intermittent], at least in my room. I ended up tethering to my phone, which is a huge pain when you're trying to work. Internet Access – wireless? Technically yes, but practically, I was begging for a Internet [LAN] port.
But the room itself… it wasn’t horrific! It had a desk, a refrigerator (crucial for my late-night snack habits), and a coffee/tea maker. I mean, it’s a desk! To work! I spent a lot of nights right there, tapping away. The lighting was a little dim for my liking, and the air conditioning was loud. Thankfully, there were blackout curtains, which are a lifesaver, especially if you're trying to battle jet lag. There was a separate shower/bathtub, which is always appreciated – I like to have choices! I appreciate the extra space to move around, just in case!
- Room Score: C+. Decent. Functional. Wi-Fi issues really docked the score. I mean, come on! It's 2024! Give me reliable internet, and I'll be eternally grateful! The room's amenities were plentiful and the daily housekeeping kept things relatively clean.
Cleanliness and Safety – Did They Really Disinfect?!
Okay, this is where things get… complicated. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere… all the right words! However, a slightly suspicious smell in the hallway had me wondering if maybe they were a little too liberal with the air freshener to mask something, but nothing that I could visibly see. This is the kind of thing that makes you slightly paranoid, so it's either incredibly clean, or it's trying really hard to appear clean. The rooms were supposedly Rooms sanitized between stays and they really went for it, as far as I could tell.
- Cleanliness & Safety Score: B-. I appreciated the effort, but I always have a certain skepticism. They really tried. It’s good and important!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Where’s the Grub?!
Forget Michelin stars, I barely found a decent breakfast without leaving the premises. There was a Breakfast [buffet] offered, but by the time I got there, it was looking… tired. The Coffee shop was decent, but the coffee wasn't the best. I mean. I can't complain about most of the convenience stores nearby, so I did get a few snacks to eat! The Room service [24-hour] was a glimmer of hope, but the menu wasn't inspiring. It's the kind of menu you'd expect from a 24 hr restaurant - not too many choices.
- Dining Score: C-. Edible, but not memorable. Bring your own snacks or get ready to venture out.
Things to Do – Can You Actually Relax Here?
Listen, I'm an extended-stay type of traveler. I'm NOT here for the spa. However, if I wanted a Spa, or a Steamroom, well, there were none. No Sauna, either. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was… well, it looked clean. I didn't use it. I was more interested in the Fitness center. Okay, I maybe glanced at the Gym/fitness, but I was too busy trying to get the Wi-Fi to connect.
- Things to Do Score: D. If you're looking for a resort experience, keep on driving. This is a place to stay.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things (and the BIG Things)
This is where North Fresno Suites actually showed some potential. They had a Concierge (though I never saw them), a Convenience store, which was handy for grabbing forgotten essentials. The Elevator was essential! They had Daily housekeeping which I greatly appreciated! Facilities for disabled guests seemed available.
- Services and Conveniences Score: B. Mostly functional, some nice extras.
The Verdict – Is North Fresno Suites Worth It?
Look, North Fresno Suites isn't the Four Seasons. It's a place to lay your head while you get stuff done. It's got its flaws. Wi-Fi, for example. And the room felt like a corporate business hotel, a bit. But for a basic extended stay? It gets the job done.
Final Score: C+
SEO & Meta Data (Messy and Mostly Unhelpful, Just Like Me!)…
- Title: North Fresno Suites Review: Honest Truths and Wi-Fi Woes!
- Keywords: Fresno hotels, extended stay Fresno, North Fresno Suites review, accessible hotels Fresno, free Wi-Fi Fresno, North Fresno Suites, long-term stay Fresno, hotel review
- Metadata Description: My no-holds-barred take on North Fresno Suites! Accessibility, Wi-Fi disasters, questionable breakfast… and the real score. Is it worth it for an extended stay? Find out!
- Accessibility: Accessible, Wheelchair accessible, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests
- Amenities: Some free Wi-Fi (but…). Air conditioning, coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, Fitness center (I think?), Swimming pool, Car park [free of charge].
- Safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection, Hand sanitizer.
- Dining: Breakfast (Maybe), Coffee shop
- Negative: Wi-Fi reliability, lack of exciting amenities, tired breakfast..
And that, friends, is my honest, chaotic, and hopefully helpful review of North Fresno Suites. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some actual good coffee. Good luck with your travels!
Bozeman Getaway: Unbelievable Deals at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're going Fresno-bound, Extended Stay America style, and it's gonna be… well, it's gonna be something. Let's dive in!
Extended Stay America Suites - Fresno - North Fresno (CA) - The Unvarnished Truth: A Travel Log
Day 1: Arrival and the Mystery of the Missing Microwave
- 1:00 PM (ish): Landed in Fresno. The airport? Let's just say it's got "charm" – by which I mean, it's small and you can practically smell the desperation for tourists. Found the rental car - a beige sedan, appropriately anonymous.
- 2:00 PM: Arrived at the Extended Stay. First impression? Okay, it's clean. Which, honestly, is a win. My entire being breathed a sigh of relief. I once stayed in a motel room that had more personality than a beige wall, but somehow, this one seemed cleaner. Which is saying something.
- 2:30 PM: Unpacked (ha! More like, threw everything onto a chair). Found the mini-fridge: check. Cooktop: check. Microwave? Where the hell is the microwave?! This is a suite, damn it! Mild panic set in. My carefully crafted instant ramen plan was crumbling before my very eyes.
- 3:00 PM: Called front desk. "We're out of microwaves right now, sir. But we can get you one tomorrow." Tomorrow?! My ramen destiny was being cruelly postponed. Muttered something about being a frequent traveler, maybe hinting at a free upgrade (did I say that out loud?), but no dice.
- 3:30 PM: Decided to explore the immediate vicinity. Discovered a chain restaurant with a rather dubious name and a slightly desperate ambiance. Abandoned the idea of eating there. Opted for the classic - a good old grocery store.
- 4:00 PM: Grocery store run. Stocked up on essentials: instant ramen (cold, obviously), some questionable frozen burritos, and a ridiculously oversized bag of chips I didn't need but somehow felt compelled to buy. The chips were a bad call. I'll regret them later.
- 5:00 PM: Settled into the room. Stared longingly at the cooktop, imagining the culinary masterpieces I was going to create (once that microwave arrived, that is). Made a mental note: Buy a fork. A real fork.
- 7:00 PM: Ate the cold ramen. It was… adequate. Watched some mind-numbing television and contemplated the meaning of life, or at least the meaning of a microwave-less hotel room.
- 9:00 PM: Collapsed in bed. Tomorrow: microwave acquisition and, hopefully, some actual food.
Day 2: The Microwave Saga and the Forestiere Underground Gardens
- 8:00 AM: Woke up. Still no microwave. Called front desk. "It's coming, sir. On the next delivery." Sigh.
- 9:00 AM: Gave up on breakfast. Ate some of those awful chips. Regret continued.
- 10:00 AM: Armed with newfound determination and a growling stomach, I jumped in the car. Headed to the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Heard it was quirky. Heard it was cool. Let's see.
- 11:00 AM: The Forestiere Underground Gardens! This place… wow. Okay, so this guy, Baldassare Forestiere, basically dug an entire underground city – rooms, courtyards, orchards. In Fresno! I mean, I'm not generally one for hot and humid weather, but if there's a place that deserves a bit of shade, it’s got to be in Fresno! And my lord, this place had charm. I could've sworn I heard him chatting with everyone, not just me.
- 12:00 PM: This place was a testament to human ingenuity and pure, unadulterated weirdness (in the best way possible!). It was cool, literally – a blessed relief from the California sun. And the tour guide? A quirky lady with a genuine passion for the place. She told stories, answered questions. I asked a bunch. I even asked her about the microwave. No luck, of course.
- 1:00 PM: Back to the Extended Stay. Still. No. Microwave. I was beginning to view it as a personal affront.
- 2:00 PM: Started hunting for a decent lunch I hadn't found yet. Tried to cook on that cooktop, and honestly, only managed a partially burnt hot dog. Found a local Mexican restaurant and, it was a revelation. Authentic, flavorful, and exactly what I needed.
- 3:00 PM: Nap time. Exhaustion, the chips, and the partial hot dog made me drowsy.
- 5:00 PM: Finally! Microwave arrived. The room was now complete.
- 6:00 PM: Ate properly cooked ramen. It was glorious. Watched TV and wondered how a man could dig a city underground.
Day 3: The Clovis Rodeo and the Search for a Decent Coffee
- 9:00 AM: Woke up. Still no decent coffee in the area. Seriously, Fresno is apparently a black hole for caffeine.
- 10:00 AM: Decided to embrace the local culture. Headed to the Clovis Rodeo. Now, I'm not a rodeo kind of person. Never have been. But the locals raved.
- 11:00 AM: The Rodeo. Okay, so I wasn't sure, and the rodeo was… loud. Dust, yelling, and the raw energy of it all were a little much. And, oh my god, those cowboys! They looked like they could break you in half! But, despite myself, I found myself getting into it. The bull riding was terrifying and exhilarating all at once. I probably wouldn't go again, but I can say that I did it.
- 1:00 PM: Rodeo lunch: greasy burgers, fries, and a Coke. The food was okay. The people-watching was fantastic. The bull riding was… intense. Still can't quite wrap my head around the event.
- 2:00 PM: Back at the Extended Stay. Cleaned my room. (Which, let’s be honest, was probably more for my own peace of mind than any particular cleanliness requirement.)
- 3:00 PM: Continued my quest for coffee. Found a Starbucks. It was okay. The coffee was coffee.
- 4:00 PM: Packing up. A moment for the room. I think I'll always remember Room 117 at the Extended Stay America in Fresno. The cold Ramen and the microwave saga were worth the trip. And oh yeah, the Forestiere Underground Gardens. Never would've found that if I had a proper microwave.
- 5:00 PM: Checking out. Said goodbye to my temporary home. Felt a strange kinship with the place. And now? Next city, here I come, ready for another adventure.
Final Thoughts:
Fresno? It's… an experience. The Extended Stay? Perfectly functional, if a little lacking in essential kitchen appliances. The people, though? Friendly and welcoming. The underground city? Unmissable. The rodeo? Let's just say it was a cultural encounter.
Would I go back? Maybe. Would I recommend it? Depends. Do you enjoy a little grit with your glamor? If so, pack your bags, your sense of humor, and embrace the weirdness. And for the love of all that is holy, bring your own coffee.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Thanburi Hotel, Udon Thani!
Is North Fresno Suites actually...good? Like, REALLY good?
Alright, let's be honest, "good" is subjective. Are we talking five-star luxury? Nope. Are we talking "clean enough to lick the floor" good? Probably not (though, *some* floors definitely looked cleaner than others...). What you're getting with North Fresno Suites is *decent*. It's a place to land, you know? A softish place to crash after a long haul on the road, or when the apartment hunt is playing hard to get. Some rooms are nicer than others – I once had a room where the air conditioner sounded like a jet engine about to take off. Others… well, let's just say I could tell the last tenant smoked. A LOT. But hey, the price point is RIGHT, and that’s what matters, right?
What kind of amenities can I expect? Like, does it have a pool? (Please say yes!)
Okay, pool-dreamers, brace yourselves. They *used* to have a pool. Keyword: *used*. I’m pretty sure I saw it being filled with cement a few years back. So, scratch that. No swimming. You'll get Wi-Fi, which is a life-saver (most of the time – occasionally it's slower than dial-up, which brings me back to the 90s and I *hate* that). There's a laundry room, which is essential. Beware, though: it's first-come, first-served, and the machines aren't always the most reliable. I once lost a load of whites to a rogue sock that decided to clog the drain. And let's not forget the gym... I think it's more for looks than actual use – a treadmill, a bike, and a bunch of rusty weights. But hey, it's *there*. Honestly, the biggest amenity is the kitchenette. That mini-fridge and microwave are your best friends when you're living on a budget and/or just don't want to eat out *every* night. My freezer, on the other hand, often looks like an episode of Hoarders, frozen-food edition.
Extended stay, how 'extended' are we talking here? And what's the pricing like? Because let's be real, that's what really matters.
The whole point of North Fresno Suites is, well, extended stays! You can book for a week, a month, or however long you need. And the pricing? That's the kicker! It’s definitely cheaper than a regular hotel or apartment. This is where you're saving money. It's a blessing and a curse. You’re saving, which leaves you with more money for... other things! Like, say, a decent cup of coffee. Okay, so the actual prices fluctuate, so check their website for the up-to-the-minute deals, but trust me, it's way more affordable than the fancy places. Just beware... sometimes it is tempting to stay longer than you thought...and that can get messy!
What's the neighborhood like around there? Is it safe?
The location is pretty good. It's right in North Fresno, which is generally considered a decent area. You're close to all the usual suspects – restaurants, shops, grocery stores. Safeway is right there, which is a lifesaver when you need a midnight ice cream fix. Is it *perfectly* safe? Well, keep your wits about you, especially at night. I've walked my dog late at night before and I've never had any problems (or maybe it’s because my pooch is a Great Dane and kinda intimidates people), but it's always smart to be aware of your surroundings. Parking is plentiful, which is a huge plus. However, my friend, who had a rental car, got a ticket for supposedly parking in the wrong spot. So, be warned!
Let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or do they just want to get rid of you?
Okay, the staff... this can be a mixed bag. Some are genuinely lovely, the kind of people who make you feel like they actually care. They’ll help with a broken microwave, make sure you get fresh towels, and call you back after you've reported a problem. Other times, well...let's just say you might get the impression that they've heard every complaint a thousand times before, and they are just...done. Dealing with maintenance can sometimes be a slow process, so be prepared to be patient. I once had a leak in my shower that took three days to get fixed. I swear, I became an expert at the "bucket routine." But overall, they are trying their best, so be nice! A little kindness goes a long way, people. Especially when you're living in close quarters!
Are there any hidden fees? Because those always bite you in the butt.
Ugh, hidden fees. The bane of every budget traveler's existence. They *usually* tell you the breakdown upfront, but always, ALWAYS double-check your invoice. Sometimes there's a pet fee (if you've got a furry friend, that is). And occasionally, there will be a charge for "extra cleaning" if you leave the place looking like a tornado hit it. (Which, admittedly, I might have once, let's just say, had to pay up for, because I hate cleaning). So, read the fine print, make sure everything is clear, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Being proactive is the best defence in this regard.
Okay, but what's the biggest downside? What SHOULD I worry about?
The biggest downside? This is *not* a luxury experience. It’s a utilitarian place to live. Your expectations need to be managed. There will be times when the Wi-Fi is wonky. The appliances might not work perfectly (or at all). You'll hear your neighbors (I once knew the guy upstairs was watching TV because I could hear it through the ceiling, even if I had the TV blasting!) The cleaning crew isn't perfect, and you will likely find *some* hair (or what-have-you) in the corners. You might also realize you *hate* living in a small space after a week. So, be prepared for that. But honestly, if you're on a budget and need a place to stay, it’s a solid option. It's not glamorous, but it's functional. Just remember to pack some extra patience and maybe a good set of earplugs!
Living Extended Stay... Is it lonely? Do people connect?
It *can*Snooze And Stay
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