Clarion Pointe New Bern: Your Dream NC Getaway Awaits!
Clarion Pointe New Bern: My NC Getaway… And The Rollercoaster Ride That Came With It! 🎢
Okay, so let me preface this by saying I needed this getaway. Life had served up a heaping helping of… well, you know. So, New Bern, North Carolina, and the promises of Clarion Pointe? Sounded like a dream. Here's the slightly-disordered, wonderfully-imperfect, totally-honest breakdown:
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Yay & the Uh-Oh
- Accessibility: Right, so I booked this partly because it said it was accessible. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but my knees aren't best friends with stairs. The elevator? Thank god for the elevator. Finding an accessible room when I checked in was seamless. Score! The lobby itself was spacious, bright, and easy to navigate. That gets a big thumbs up.
- Internet Access/Wi-Fi in All Rooms!: Praise the Wi-Fi gods! Free and fast Wi-Fi is an absolute must these days. And it was good. I spent a good chunk of my time glued to my laptop, catching up on emails and streaming shows. A total lifesaver, especially since I was hoping to do some work from the room.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling… Mostly Safe, Kinda?
- Cleanliness and safety: Okay, this is where things got… interesting. The "Daily disinfection in common areas" was visible. The staff were wearing masks, and there were hand sanitizer stations everywhere. I appreciate that. But I also saw a rogue piece of… something… on the carpet near the elevator. Ugh. It's not a dealbreaker, but it did give me pause.
- Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available: Nice touch! I'm all for being able to control how much housekeeping I get. It felt more like I was in a luxury hotel.
- "Professional-grade sanitizing services" This one made me laugh. I'd like to know specifically what makes a service professional-grade sanitizing.
Rooms: Cozy, With a Few Quirks
- Available in all rooms: This is a long list, so I'll group them. The black-out curtains were a godsend. I'm sensitive to light, and they created a cave of darkness that was perfect for sleeping in after a long drive. The air conditioning blasted, which was great in the summer, after a long day of walking around New Bern.
- The "quirks": the refrigerator was teeny-tiny. The desk felt a bit cramped. Oh, and the coffee maker? Let’s just say the coffee tasted suspiciously like… sadness. Maybe that’s on me.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Fantastic. Still, I did wish I could have a stronger connection as I worked in the rooms.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From "Meh" to "Bless Their Hearts"
- Breakfast [buffet]: Alright, the breakfast buffet was… adequate. Nothing to write home about, but it kept me alive. Standard continental fare: cereal, pastries, some sad-looking fruit. The coffee situation was the same as in the room. See above.
- The Bar: There was a bar! And it had a happy hour! That's the highlight. I went for a drink, and they made some really good cocktails. I had a fantastic time.
- Poolside Bar: Now this, my friends, was great. I hung out at the Poolside Bar all afternoon.
- Desserts in Restaurant: If you have a sweet tooth, the desserts were top-notch.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: More Than Met the Eye (Eventually)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool itself was gorgeous. It had a spectacular view.
- Fitness center: I actually used the gym! Shocking, I know. It was small but had enough equipment to get a decent workout in.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
- Daily housekeeping: My room was cleaned and straightened up every day – a treat, honestly.
- Cash withdrawal: It was good to have access to cash at the hotel.
- The Gift Shop: It's small, but it was a lifesaver when I forgot to pack sunscreen!
- The Dry Cleaning: One small issue. There were no instructions. I just sort of had to wing it. Which is not what I wanted.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly…ish?
Family/child-friendly: From what I could see, the hotel seemed to be geared towards families, but I didn’t see any specific kids facilities, Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Car park [free of charge] Parking was a breeze.
Taxi service: I took a taxi a few times, which was easy to arrange.
Airport transfer: I didn't need it, but good to know it's an option!
The Emotional Rollercoaster (AKA: My Real Feelings)
Honestly? Staying at the Clarion Pointe New Bern was a bit of a mixed bag. But let me tell you, this is what staying at a hotel is like. I really liked the hotel. The staff was uniformly friendly and helpful. The convenience factor was huge. The pool? Absolutely divine.
Final Verdict:
Would I stay here again? Probably. The price was right, the location was convenient, and the good aspects definitely outweighed the minor hiccups. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a solid choice for my getaway. And hey, even the imperfect moments create the best stories, right?
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Alright, buckle up buttercup, because you're about to get a travel itinerary for Clarion Pointe New Bern, NC, that's less "perfectly curated Instagram feed" and more "slightly-stained map with a coffee ring and a whole lotta heart." This is gonna be a MESS. But a good mess, I promise.
Clarion Pointe New Bern: My Unvarnished, Unpolished Adventure
Prologue: The Arrival That Almost Didn't Happen (or, My Existential Crisis at the Check-In Desk)
First things first: New Bern. Sounds quaint, doesn’t it? Picture postcard vibes, maybe a cute little bridge, some… well, I didn't know what to expect beyond "somewhere in North Carolina, probably humid." Driving in, I had a moment of pure, unadulterated dread. Was I too much city? Would the locals sniff me out? Would I accidentally order something with shrimp? (Serious allergy, folks.)
Day 1: Trying to Look Like I Belong… and Failing Gloriously
1:00 PM: Check-In at the Clarion Pointe (and a Moment of Truth)
Okay, let's be real. Hotels are a gamble, right? You're always praying for a clean room, a decent bed, and NO evidence of the previous occupants' life choices. Clarion Pointe…well, it was clean enough. The decor was… functional. Let's call it "comfortably corporate." The check-in process, however, was a masterclass in the art of awkwardly trying to look like you know what you're doing. Did I remember my ID? (Almost didn't.) Did I look like a reasonable human being? (Debatable.) The lady behind the counter was too nice, which immediately made me suspect I was dressed wrong.
1:30 PM: Unpacking and Assessing the Damage (My Luggage, My Life)
Okay, I’m in the room now. The bed looked comfy. The window kind of opened. And my luggage - dear god in heaven - the usual disaster zone. Seriously, I think a squirrel could build a nest in the chaos that constitutes my suitcase. I swear half my clothes aren't even mine anymore, I just end up with random things. I'm thinking "I packed too much."
2:30 PM: Exploring Downtown New Bern (Getting Lost, Finding My Way)
Armed with a crumpled map (because, you know, technology), I hit the streets. Downtown New Bern? Charming. Absolutely charming. The historic buildings, the little shops, the… wait, is that a pirate flag? Okay, this is cool. So, I started walking. And, oh, yeah, a wrong turn or two. I ended up by the water, confused and slightly overwhelmed. Like, where was I?? But the air was amazing, really clean, and a gentle breeze. I had a moment of peace, actually.
4:00 PM: Bear Town Bears (I'm not a fan of all the bears.)
New Bern is the birthplace of Pepsi, and everywhere you turn there's a bear statue. Painted bears. Big bears. Small bears. Bear everything. Okay, fine, it's cute. But by bear number… like ten, I was over it. They're everywhere. Okay, I'm a bear fan now.
7:00 PM: Dinner at [Restaurant Name Here] (Food, Frustration, and Finding Peace)
This is where things got… interesting. The restaurant was packed. Waiting. I waited. I was starving, crabby, and starting to question all my life choices. Eventually, I got a table. The food? Actually, surprisingly good. Fried green tomatoes (amazing, I’m a convert), decent shrimp and grits (I didn't die, bonus!), and something called "sweet tea" that made me understand why Southerners are so… enthusiastic about their beverages. My waiter was a total sweetheart and somehow knew exactly when I needed a refill. I left feeling slightly less grumpy.
9:00 PM: Back to the Clarion Pointe (Netflix and Self-Doubt)
Back at the hotel, I collapsed onto the bed, fully clothed. I tried to watch Netflix (because, duh), but mostly ended up staring at the ceiling, wondering if I'd accidentally offended someone on the street. My brain was a complete jumble. It's the curse of solo travel, and the magic of it too. Sleep. Maybe.
Day 2: The Double Down on the Experience (The Try-Hard Day)
9:00 AM: Breakfast at Clarion Pointe (The Glorious Truth or Just Convenience?)
Hotel breakfast. Let’s be real, it's usually a disappointment. The Clarion Pointe? Surprisingly pleasant. The coffee was drinkable, the waffles were… well, they were waffles. The kind that you make yourself! I’m not sure if this has any hidden meaning in my life. I got a full plate.
10:00 AM: [Name of the Museum] (More History, More Meandering)
The museum was interesting, I’m not sure how much information I absorbed. I got lost wandering. But the staff were nice.
1:00 PM: Lunch at [Lunch Spot] (More Food, More Awkwardness)
I tried a new place, hoping to find something different. It didn't work out. The salad was so-so, and I accidentally spilled my drink all over myself. I'm not sure I even ate. Maybe I just stared at my phone the entire time. I'm pretty sure I had a minor crisis.
3:00 PM: Free Time. (Or, The Afternoon of Panic)
My brain decided to completely melt down. What was I doing here? Why had I thought this was a good idea? I ended up pacing my hotel room like a caged tiger. I was convinced I was missing something, that everyone else was having a better time. I stared at the sky. I wanted to go home. Ultimately, I ended up just going back and watching something mindless on TV.
6:00 PM: Another Dinner (The Redeeming Experience)
I tried a new restaurant, a recommendation from the front desk. This was it. The food was amazing. The service was stellar, the lights were low, and I swear, I could feel a shift in my mood. Maybe it was the food. Maybe it was the company (which, of course, was just me). But for the first time since I'd arrived, I felt deeply at peace. The food hit the spot. I felt rejuvenated.
8:30 PM: Back to the Hotel (Reflection and, Dare I Say, Happiness?)
Walking back to the hotel under the stars, I had a deep thought. No, I didn't think there was a hidden meaning to the hotel. I’m here. It’s not perfect. I’m not perfect. And that’s absolutely fine. I watched more Netflix before falling asleep.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Feeling of… Contentment?
9:00 AM: Breakfast and Depart
Breakfast, and then, I packed. I looked at the hotel. It wasn't so bad. It was just a building that housed me during a time when I wanted to discover a new place.
Epilogue: The Real Reason I Travel (and the Unexpected Gift of Clarion Pointe)
So, was Clarion Pointe the height of luxury? Absolutely not. Was New Bern the most glamorous city I’ve ever visited? Nope. But amidst the awkward moments, the wrong turns, and the near-meltdown, something shifted. I found a slice of real life, a place where I could be imperfect, and still, somehow, find something to appreciate.
The truth? The real reason I travel is to escape the mundane. To feel as though I'm not stuck somewhere. Every trip, no matter how imperfect, gives me a little bit of happiness.
And the Clarion Pointe? It wasn’t pretty. But somewhere in the heart of North Carolina, it provided a place to lay my head, and gave me time to be by myself. Maybe, that's all I really need.
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Okay, Okay, Clarion Pointe. What's the Deal? Is it Actually Nice?
Alright, let's cut the fluff. "Nice" is a loaded word, right? Think: clean, relatively modern (it's no Ritz, but hey, we're in New Bern, not Monaco), and… functional. I stayed there last fall, and honestly? It did the trick. My biggest problem was finding a decent coffee shop *before* I checked in, but that's a me problem, not a Clarion Pointe problem.
**Real Talk:** Don't expect white-glove service. Do expect a decent continental breakfast (waffles, people! Waffles!), a decent pool (I didn't use it, I'm a beach person), and a generally friendly vibe from the staff. Think of it as a solid, reliable basecamp for exploring New Bern. It's not going to win any awards, but it won't ruin your trip either. Mostly.
How Close is Clarion Pointe to the Action? AKA, How Much Walking Will I Do? (Because I HATE walking)
Okay, friend, I get it. My feet ache just *thinking* about walking. The Clarion Pointe is... well, it's not *right* in the heart of downtown. You *will* need to drive or Uber. Bummer, I know. I'd say a comfortable 5-10 minute drive to the historic district. Which means more time exploring, less time walking, right? I’m trying to look at the bright side.
**My Slightly Pathetic Anecdote:** I once tried to walk to the Tryon Palace from the hotel. Bad idea. Like, really bad. Let's just say I overestimated my stamina, and ended up flagging down a ride like a grumpy old lady. Learn from my mistakes! Drive, Uber, or embrace public transportation (if New Bern *has* any, I wouldn't know).
Tell me about the breakfast. Seriously, breakfast is the most important meal. Don't mess this up.
Alright, breakfast! My *personal* make-or-break, because I'm basically a hobbit when it comes to mornings. Clarion Pointe's breakfast is… standard. Don't go expecting artisanal everything. There are waffles (YES!), cereal, bagels, fruit (sometimes), and the usual suspects. It’s the kind of breakfast you can shovel down before you start exploring.
**The Waffle Saga:** I'm obsessed, okay? Seriously, those little waffle makers? Fantastic! I may or may not have eaten, like, four waffles one morning. Look, I was on vacation. Don't judge. The coffee is... well, it's hotel coffee. (Bring your own Keurig pods just in case). But the waffles... the waffles are a win.
Are the rooms clean? Because nothing ruins a vacation faster than questionable cleanliness.
Okay, this is crucial. And thank goodness, the answer is, generally, yes! The rooms were, as far as I could tell, properly cleaned. I did the sniff test (you know you do it!), and the air was fresh, so, success! No visible mold, no mysterious smells... I'd say they're doing a decent job on that front.
**My OCD Tendencies:** I have a tiny, embarrassing fear of hotel bedspreads. I usually throw them on the floor the second I walk. So judge me if you must. The rest of the room was up to snuff. I'd rate it as "comfortably clean" - good enough to flop onto the bed, and I did.
Pool? Pool Time? Is it any Good?
Confession time: I completely forgot the pool existed. I’m a beach person, as I’ve mentioned, so I was all about the salty air and sandy toes. However, I poked my head out there (because, research!), and it looked… fine. Regular size, seemed clean enough, some chaise lounges, a few umbrellas. Standard hotel pool situation.
**Emotional Reaction:** If you love pools, this one will probably be acceptable. If you prefer the ocean like me, you might be a little… *meh*. It's a good backup if it rains, I guess, which it does in New Bern occasionally.
What about parking? Is it a nightmare?
Nope! Parking was easy! Praise the hotel gods! I never had a problem finding a spot, and it’s free. Score!
What's the best thing about staying at Clarion Pointe New Bern?
Honestly? Its convenience. It's a perfectly fine place to crash after a day of sightseeing. Plus, its pretty affordable. It’s not fancy, but it’s a decent home base. It's a solid, reliable choice. I enjoyed New Bern!
Worst thing about staying at Clarion Pointe New Bern? Spill the tea!
Okay, full transparency here: the Wi-Fi was a little… spotty. Annoying, especially when you're trying to upload those Instagram pics of your amazing river cruise. Other than that, I found the experience positive.
Would you stay there again?
Maybe. It depends. If I wanted a budget-friendly, clean, and easy option, yeah, I’d probably book it again. If I’m feeling fancy, or if I needed something closer to the action, then no. But for the price and what you get, it’s a solid choice.
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