Flint's BEST Kept Secret: Fairfield Inn & Suites Fenton!
Flint's Hidden Gem? My Surprisingly Good Stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites Fenton (Brace Yourselves!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to gush (and maybe grumble a little) about the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Fenton, Michigan. It’s billed as Flint’s “best kept secret,” and honestly? I'm starting to see why. But before we dive in, let me preface this with a little disclaimer: I’m not a hospitality robot. This is going to be messy, honest, and probably more entertaining than a perfectly polished hotel review. Expect tangents. Expect opinions. And expect a few, shall we say, vivid descriptions.
First Impressions and the All-Important Accessibility (Because, Real Life!)
Right, so the place is… accessible. Which, in my book, is a huge freaking win. I have mobility issues (let's be vague, shall we?), and navigating hotels can sometimes feel like an Olympic sport. Getting to my room was a breeze. The elevators? Smooth sailing. The hallways? Wide enough (thank the heavens). And the important stuff--the bathrooms! The shower was BIG and accessible. The toilet… well, it was a toilet. But a usable one. Major kudos to Fairfield Fenton for actually caring about this. They get an A+ for accessibility, hands down.
Internet Access, Because We Live in the Future, Apparently…
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise the tech gods! My internet access wasn't the blazing fast it should be, but it was reliable. Thank sweet baby Jesus for that. Couldn't do that kind of hotel review without all devices online.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 Edition (and My Inner Germaphobe)
Okay, let’s be real. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, even before the pandemic. So, the whole "Cleanliness and safety" part was super important to me. They claim to use "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Rooms sanitized between stays." Did I see them scrubbing down every surface myself? No. But the place felt clean. And that's half the battle, right? They also had hand sanitizer everywhere. I was practically swimming in it. And honestly, I never saw a place that felt like it wasn't cared for.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Story (and Some Regrets)
Alright, here's where things get interesting. Fairfield Inn & Suites Fenton has a complimentary breakfast setup. Disclaimer: It's a gamble. I rolled out of bed, starving, and headed down. The buffet was… well, it was a buffet. But unlike many of the chains, this one was good. I'm a simple woman, but I need my Western breakfast. I was delighted to find that they had the standard stuff, but also that the staff was friendly. They're really trying.
There's also a "Snack bar" which I never used. They do offer "Room service [24-hour]," which is a HUGE win (because sometimes you just need a burger at 3 AM). I didn’t end up using it. I just didn't the chance, which might be great, or mean I missed out on something fantastic. Darn it!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras (and My Tiny Grievances)
So, the usual suspects. There's a "Concierge," "Daily housekeeping," "Laundry service," and all that jazz. They had an elevator and a "Convenience store" in the lobby (a lifesaver for late-night snack cravings, obviously). And the "Air conditioning in public area" was working beautifully. I mean, it's Michigan, it was hot.
For the Kids: Family Fun? (Or a Quiet Moment)
Look, no kids here. But the place seemed geared toward families. They had a pool, and I saw some of the kids were in the "Swimming pool [outdoor]." So, all that to say, they had kids' facilities and were "Family/child friendly." They have a "Babysitting service" (though I didn't use it).
Getting Around: The Road Ahead (and Parking Perks)
"Car park [free of charge]!" Yes, yes, yes! I hate paying for parking. It’s a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. They also had "Airport transfer" and "Taxi service," which is helpful if you're not driving.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams Shattered (Sort Of)
This is the part that got me a little… well, disappointed. It's listed "Spa," but there’s no on-site spa, per se. It does have a swimming pool and fitness center. I would've loved it if this place had a massage, but I get it: budget.
Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty (and My Personal Must-Haves)
Okay, let's get down to the crucial stuff. Air conditioning? CHECK. Alarm clock? CHECK. Free bottled water? CHECK (essential for a chronic water drinker like myself). Hair dryer? CHECK. Free WI-FI? CHECK. I need those things. They have a coffee maker (thank you, hotel gods!).
The Good, The Bad, and The Unexpected:
- The Good: the staff was beyond nice and helpful. They actually seemed to care. The rooms were spacious, and the bed was comfortable. The hotel's location in Fenton is also pretty great.
- The Bad: The pool was crowded. But hey, what did I expect?
- The Unexpected: One morning, I saw someone wearing a bathrobe and slippers walking by. This might sound minor, but it was my favorite part of the stay.
Final Verdict: Will I Return?
Yes, absolutely. Fairfield Inn & Suites Fenton isn’t perfect. Maybe the breakfast could be a little more special. The pool? Well, if you don't like kids, you are in trouble. But overall, it's a solid choice, especially if you value accessibility and friendly service. It’s clean, comfortable, and a good base for exploring the area. And hey, it's "Flint's best kept secret" for a reason. Now, if only they'd actually add a spa…
Arlington's BEST Hotel? Howard Johnson Review (Near Six Flags!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're not just planning a trip to Fairfield Inn & Suites in Fenton, Michigan, we're living it. Get ready for some realness, folks. This is gonna be less itinerary and more…well, a confession, a diary entry, a cry for help… you get the idea.
Trip Title: Fenton Fiasco: A Fairfield Inn & Suites Survival Guide (And Maybe Some Fun)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Room Debacle (Emphasis on Debacle)
- 2:00 PM - Arrival at Fairfield Inn & Suites, Fenton, MI. Alright, alright, let's be honest. The real arrival is when you wrestle the rental car keys out of the screaming toddler in the back (not my kid, thankfully, just a pre-trip observation). The lobby? Standard. Smells faintly of chlorine and hope. Check-in? Smooth-ish. Except… are those complimentary cookies stale? (Internal screaming.)
- 2:30 PM - The Room. Okay, so the online photos were…optimistic. The room is clean, which is the most important thing, I guess? But the beige! THE BEIGE! It's like a beige explosion. I'm pretty sure the walls are whispering, "We are neutral." I briefly consider bringing in some brightly colored artwork I printed at home (yes, I'm that person) but decide the potential for extra luggage fees isn't worth it.
- 3:00 PM - Recce Mission: The Pool and Gym. Pool first! Because, let's face it, the promise of a lukewarm body of water is a major selling point. The pool? Small. Over-chlorinated enough to make my eyes water. A gaggle of kids is already engaged in a splashing war. I make a quick tactical retreat. The gym? Well, it exists. Two treadmills, a bike that looks like its seen better decades, and a general air of…despair. I might skip the gym. I might.
- 4:00 PM - Fenton Exploration (or, The Quest for Decent Coffee). Fenton is, surprisingly, charming. Small-town vibes. I hit up a local coffee shop. The coffee is, surprisingly, good. Relief washes over me. Coffee crisis averted. I wandered streets, enjoying the sun after being so concerned about a beige room.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner at Cracker Barrel. Oh boy. This is no place to cut corners, it can be good OR HORRIBLE. I was hoping for a good experience. (Opinion Alert) I'm ambivalent on Cracker Barrel. The food is hit and miss, but the gift shop is a goldmine of useless but strangely compelling items. I find a "World's Okayest Dad" mug. Almost buy it. The server is super sweet, and I think the experience will be okay!
- 7:00 PM – Room Time (or, The Netflix and Despair Hour). Back to the beige box. Netflix and…well, you know. The bed is comfy, though. Always a win.
Day 2: The Silver Lake Showdown (Or, My Attempt at "Nature")
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet: The Breakfast Battle Royale. Free breakfast! Another selling point! The waffles come out of the machine looking like slightly burnt hockey pucks. Eggs? Questionable. But there's coffee, and I have learned my lesson. Grab a piece of fruit and a waffle and hide them.
- 9:00 AM - Silver Lake Park: Hiking and Humiliation. Okay, I'm not a "nature person." But I'm trying! Silver Lake is pretty, though. The trails are… well-maintained. I start hiking. It's going well, actually! Until I take what I thought was a shortcut and nearly tumble down a hill, grabbing frantically at a bush that promptly attacks me with thorns. I emerge, scratched and defeated, vowing to stick to paved paths.
- 11:00 AM - Fenton Village Shopping: Retail Therapy (and Maybe a Bargain). Fenton has some cute boutiques! I browse, window shop, and maybe buy a scarf I don't really need. Retail therapy is real, people. It's a legit coping mechanism.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch at a Local Joint: "The Burger That Saved My Sanity": Lunch at a local burger place. Actually really good burger. Just, wow.
- 2:30 PM - Back to the Beige Box: The Post-Hiking Nap." I'm exhausted. Nature is exhausting! The comfy bed calls my name. I'm seriously considering never moving again.
- 4:00 PM - Indoor Pool (Round 2) I decide to brave the pool again. Same kids, same chlorine. Now even worse, the water is freezing compared to the air. I lasted 20 minutes before retreating.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner: One Last Meal. I opt for a chain restaurant. Nothing special, but the food is good.
Day 3: Farewell and a Fond (Maybe) Farewell.
- 8:00 AM - Waffle Redemption. Last chance for waffles. This time, I'm prepared. Strategically place peanut butter and… well, at least they're edible.
- 9:00 AM - Hotel checkout and departure. Good riddance to the beige, to the chlorine, to the okay waffles.
- 9:30 AM - Depart for the airport. The trip is over. Driving back, I'm thinking about where the next adventure waits. I’m already planning the next trip.
Post-Trip Thoughts and Ramblings:
- The Fairfield Inn & Suites in Fenton? It's…fine. Clean, generally quiet (except for the occasional door slam and the faint sound of a toddler crying), and the staff is friendly. It's a place to rest your head. The real star was the good coffee.
- Michigan? Surprisingly lovely. I might actually start to appreciate the outdoors!
- Me? I survived. And that’s all that matters.
- Next time? More coffee, fewer thorny bushes, and maybe a better-stocked suitcase of brightly colored prints. Also, definitely a better attitude about the beige.
This is the truth, folks: Travel is messy, imperfect, and often hilarious. And you know what? That's the best part. Now, where to next…?
Madison's BEST Extended Stay? (Old Sauk Rd. Secret Revealed!)
Flint's BEST Kept Secret: Fairfield Inn & Suites Fenton - Uh, Why Did I Even Stay There? (And Would I Do It Again?) FAQ
Okay, *best kept secret*? Really? What makes this place so special when there's, like, a million hotels in the Flint/Fenton area?
Alright, alright, maybe "best kept secret" is a *tad* dramatic. But hear me out. Fenton, specifically, is a weird vortex of...stuff to do. You've got the waterpark (when it's open), the lake, some decent restaurants...and then you have this Fairfield. It's not about *glitz* or *glamour*. It's about… dependable comfort. You know? The AC *actually* works (crucial in Michigan summers). The breakfast isn't the worst thing you've ever eaten (although, I swear, sometimes those scrambled eggs...they look at you funny). And, honestly, the staff? They're genuinely nice. Now, is it the Four Seasons? Absolutely not. Did I accidentally spill coffee on my laptop there at breakfast one time? You bet your bottom dollar I did. But did one of the staff members help me clean it up and then offer to let me use the business center? Yes! And that's the kind of thing that makes you remember a place.
Speaking of breakfast... what's the deal? Is it worth getting out of bed for? 'Cause, let's be real, some hotel breakfasts are just…sad.
Okay, the breakfast saga. Like I said, it ain’t Michelin-star material. But it’s… adequate. They have the usual suspects. The aforementioned sometimes-questionable scrambled eggs. Waffles, which you make yourself, which always results in a either a perfectly bronzed creation or a sad, pale pancake-monster. Cereal. Yogurt. Fruit (usually, the bananas look like they’ve seen better days, but the apples are sometimes decent). Coffee. And let’s be honest, sometimes, when you're on the road, a passable waffle and a cup of joe is all you *need*. The one time I made the mistake of getting there right at the end of breakfast, I got a sad little cold waffle and some hard, rubbery eggs. Lesson learned - get there early, people! Or just go to Tim Hortons down the road. Your call.
What are the rooms like? Clean? Spacious? What kind of horrors lurk in the bathrooms? (I'm a germaphobe).
Alright, the rooms. They're... fine. They're clean. I'm a bit of a germaphobe myself, so I know the struggle. I always carry wipes and give everything a once-over. But honestly, I've never found anything truly horrifying. The bathrooms are your standard hotel bathroom – a bit sterile, but functional. The water pressure is actually surprisingly good. No mold that I recall (thank goodness!). Now, spacious? Well, let's just say you won't be ballroom dancing in there. They're comfortable. Enough room to spread out a bit. Good enough for a night or two. The air conditioning, as I mentioned, is a lifesaver. Remember, it's Fenton, not a luxury resort--expect hotel quality, but clean hotel quality. And bonus points for the (usually) working TV and strong Wi-Fi!
Is there a pool? Because, let's face it, sometimes you just need to splash around and pretend you're on vacation, even if you're not.
Yes! They do have a pool. And a hot tub! I used it once. Actually, I tried to use it once. It was late, and there was this *family*. I’m not judging, but…the kids were… enthusiastically splashing. Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly the tranquil, relaxing soak I had envisioned. I retreated to my room, grabbed some chips from the vending machine (a whole other experience, we'll get there), and watched bad reality TV. So, yeah, the pool exists. Your experience may vary. Maybe go during off-peak hours. Or bring earplugs. The hot tub, though... that's a gamble.
Okay, let's talk VENDING MACHINES! How are they? Are they those soul-crushing, overpriced, "out of order" machines, or actual lifesavers?
Ah, the vending machines. The silent companions of the weary traveler. They are, mostly, functional. The prices are inflated, naturally. You’re paying for convenience, people! The selection is… standard. Chips, candy bars, maybe some sodas. I remember one time, I was *starving*. Absolutely ravenous. It was late, everything was closed. I had a meeting the next day, and my brain was mush. I stumbled down to the vending machine, desperate for sustenance. I dug around, found a bag of… wait for it… pretzels. Plain pretzels. Pretzels, people! I was so hangry, I ate the whole bag. Pretzels. It was pathetic, yet… oddly satisfying. So, yeah, the vending machines are a mixed bag. They can be lifesavers in a pinch, but don't expect gourmet snacks. Bring your own from now on.
Is it pet-friendly? 'Cause my chihuahua, Mr. Snuggles, is practically family, and I can't leave him behind.
I believe the Fairfield Inn & Suites Fenton is, indeed, pet-friendly! However, always double-check when booking. Phone them, confirm and ask about any fees or restrictions. I *think* they have a limit on size. So do your homework before you show up with a Bernese Mountain Dog expecting to check in. Mr. Snuggles should be fine, though! And hey, if you see him there, let me know. I’d love to meet him. (Just please, no barking during breakfast. Some of us are still trying to get to the hard-boiled eggs.)
The Location...is it, like, in the middle of nowhere? Or is it actually close to things to do? 'Cause "close" can mean *anything* these days.
The location? Honestly, it's pretty darn good. It's close to the main drag in Fenton. You're a short drive from restaurants, shops, and the lake. You’re also fairly close to the highway, which is great for getting to and from. Fenton is a bit of a drive from Flint proper (hello, traffic!), but it's got its own charm. You're not going to be stranded in the sticks. I mean, there's a Starbucks practically across the street. What more could you ask for? You just have to decide if you want to actually *go* anywhere in Fenton. (That's a whole other question, isn't it?).
Would you stay there again? Be honest.
Okay, the big question. Would I stay there again? Yes. Probably.Stay Finder Blogs
Post a Comment for "Flint's BEST Kept Secret: Fairfield Inn & Suites Fenton!"