Bellevue's BEST Extended Stay? Larkspur Landing's Secret Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the (potentially messy) world of Bellevue's BEST Extended Stay: Larkspur Landing. Now, I've stayed in a LOT of hotels in my life – enough to populate a small village, probably. And let me tell you, finding a decent extended-stay place that doesn't feel like you're living in a glorified shoebox can be a struggle. So, did Larkspur Landing live up to the hype? Did it feel like home? Or did it just leave me craving a stiff drink and a therapy session? Let's get real.
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- Keywords: Bellevue extended stay, Larkspur Landing, long-term hotel, accessible hotel Bellevue, free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly hotel, fitness center, breakfast, clean hotel Bellevue, near Microsoft, Redmon, Washington, extended stay deals, spa, pool, business travel, family friendly.
- Meta Description: Unveiling the secrets of Larkspur Landing in Bellevue! Honest review of accessibility, amenities, cleanliness, and the overall experience. Is it the best extended stay? Read my messy, honest review and find out!
Accessibility: The First Hurdle
Alright, let’s be honest, I'm not here to judge the world on its inclusion. So, off to the section about accessibility and its impact on the place..
- Accessibility: Larkspur Landing mostly nails this. The good news is that i saw Wheelchair accessible areas, so that's good! Elevators are a blessing, especially when armed with a mountain of luggage, (which, let's be honest, is a given for extended stays).
- My Anecdote: I had to navigate my own mobility issues (I'm just saying, it was a "bad knee" kind of week!), and the ramps and accessible routes were a LIFESAVER. I’m not sure about the restrooms.
Cleanliness & Safety: Can I Breathe Here?
This is huge. You want to feel… safe, right? Especially now.
- The Good: I noticed Anti-viral cleaning products were, which gave me a reassuring glow. Daily disinfection in common areas is a gold star move!
- The Meh: The rooms themselves felt pretty clean– no obvious dust bunnies or questionable stains– Rooms sanitized between stays is a MUST these days. I was actually hoping the sanitization would mean a stronger, less 'hospital' scent.
- My Emotional Reaction: Look, I’m a worrier. So, the hand sanitizer stations everywhere and the staff wearing masks? Made me breathe a little easier.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Beast (and My Inner Food Critic)
Extended stays NEED food options. Period. Room service doesn't cut it after the second week of bad hotel food - this is one of my absolute essentials.
- The Vibe: Larkspur has a pretty decent set up, but don't expect five-star dining here.
- The Goods: Breakfast [buffet] is included, AND it does have things like Coffee/tea in restaurant, which is critical for a coffee-lover like me. Alternative meal arrangement is available, meaning they cater to different diets/preferences.
- My Quirky Observation: The breakfast buffet was…well, buffet-esque. I wouldn't write home about it, but it had enough variety to keep me from a full-blown carb meltdown.
- The Bad: Food delivery is a god send due to the lack of varied restaurants and the fact that you're likely to be there for a week.
Rooms: My Home (Away From… Home?)
The core of it all. Can you RELAX here?
- The Good: Air conditioning felt glorious. Free Wi-Fi (and it actually worked!) was essential with Internet access – wireless. Extra long bed was a bonus. Coffee/tea maker and Refrigerator are necessities. Daily housekeeping kept things bearable.
- The Meh: The decor is standard hotel fare - functional but forgettable. The Blackout curtains are good in this case but if you're used to waking up in the sun its a pain to change.
- My Emotional Reaction: The sofa was comfy. The desk was big enough to work. That's all I need.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
These are the extras that can make or break an extended stay.
- The Goods: Daily housekeeping is essential. Elevator is a MUST. Laundry service is a lifesaver.
- The Meh: Convenience store isn't available.
- My Rambles: The lack of a true "convenience store" was annoying. I hate having to run out for milk and snacks. On the other hand, the laundry service was efficient.
For the Kids: Family Friendly?
- The observation: I didn't travel with kids, but this is something that is important for some guests.
- The goods: Family/child friendly.
- The bad: It doesn't offer babysitting service, so you're on your own.
Getting Around: Mobility Matters (Especially Without a Car!)
- The Goods: Car park [free of charge] is a game changer. Taxi service, car power charging station, valet parking, car park [on-site] are also available.
- Meh: Airport transfer can be arranged.
- My Honest confession: I drove, so the free parking was HUGE, but the lack of Bicycle parking bummed me out a bit because I'm a cyclist.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Because You're Not Working All the Time (Hopefully)
- The Goods: I saw a Fitness center which is appreciated.
- Meh: I'm not seeing any spa, pool with a view, sauna, steamroom. But there's the gym, so…
- My Opinionated Language: Honestly, a pool would have been nice. Bellevue's not exactly known for its sunshine, but a little indoor oasis wouldn't go astray.
The Verdict: Larkspur Landing – The Best Extended Stay in Bellevue?
Okay, so… is Larkspur Landing the absolute best extended stay in Bellevue? No. But. It's definitely near the top.
The Pros: Clean, safe, relatively well-equipped rooms, good location, friendly staff, free parking.
The Cons: Food options were okay, the lack of certain amenities.
My Final, Messy, Honest Assessment: For a long-term stay, I'd recommend it with some reservations. Plan to find your own food/entertainment. The cleanliness and the core amenities were great. If you can get a good rate, it's a very solid choice. But more importantly you'll feel safe, and thats what matters.
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your average, meticulously planned brochure. This is… life. Or at least, a slightly chaotic travelogue from my recent stint at the Larkspur Landing in Bellevue. Prepare for some serious emotional whiplash.
Bellevue, WA: A Tale of Two Halves (and a Really Good Breakfast)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Coffee Catastrophe
- Afternoon (ish): Touchdown. Seattle-Tacoma Airport (SEA). I’m already regretting the early flight. Sleep deprivation and the lingering scent of airplane disinfectant aren't a good combo. Ugh, the car rental. Always a battle. Finally, I'm in my little economy car, navigating the highway with the grace of a newborn giraffe. The Pacific Northwest… it's pretty, even when you're delirious.
- Late Afternoon: Arrive at Larkspur Landing. Okay, not bad! The lobby is "comfortably bland" as I scribbled in my notes at the time. The front desk lady, bless her heart, seemed genuinely happy to see me, which is a rarity these days. Check-in was smooth. Room… fine. Sigh. Gotta unpack. This always feels like a mini-commitment ceremony.
- Evening: The Coffee Debacle. So, you'd think, in a extended stay, they'd have decent coffee, right? Wrong. The in-room coffee maker was… well, let’s just say it produced a dark, acidic sludge that tasted vaguely of burnt rubber. My first emotional reaction? Existential dread. My second? A frantic search for caffeine. Found a (very expensive) Starbucks nearby. Crisis averted! Kinda. I'm going to make bringing MY own coffee my personal mission.
- Reflection: Seriously, the coffee thing. It set the tone. This isn't some luxury resort. This is… a practical, clean, and a little bit soul-crushing extended stay. I wonder if the laundry soap they use is the same stuff used in my childhood.
Day 2: The Microsoft Mausoleum and a Moment of Zen (and Regret)
- Morning: The free breakfast! Let's talk about it. The fruit was… questionable. The oatmeal was gloopy. But the waffles? Surprisingly good! Maybe it's the low expectations. Fuel for the day, at least.
- Morning: Microsoft Campus. Wow. Giant, glass, and chrome… It feels like a slightly sterile, futuristic playground. You get a sense of scale, and it is IMPRESSIVE, but damn, I felt like a cog! The visitor center was interesting, particularly the history of the company. But, honestly, I think the sheer SCALE of it all gave me a mild anxiety attack.
- Afternoon: The Japanese Garden. I had seen pictures. I knew it was supposed to be tranquil. I needed tranquil. After the Microsoft experience, I especially needed tranquil. And, you know what? It worked. Absolutely beautiful. Walking through the gardens, listening to the water, just… breathed. For about an hour.
- Afternoon (Later): Regret. I ate way too much sushi after my moment of Zen. The quality was questionable, and I now I regret the decision. The combination of overeating and a slight tummy ache has set in. This is the real travel experience, folks.
- Evening: Back at the room. Netflix and regrets. And maybe, just maybe, I make the coffee from home.
Day 3: Pike Place Market and the Great Foodie Delimma.
- Morning: Let's be honest, I started the day with the coffee from home. A life-saver.
- Mid-Morning Headed over to Seattle. Pike Place Market! The chaos is beautiful. The flowers are a riot of color. The fishmongers yell. The smell of spices and food fills the air. It’s sensory overload in the best possible way. The gum wall? Gross, but I totally took a picture. I'm almost ashamed to admit it.
- Lunch: Okay, the food. The hardest part. So many options, so much pressure. I wandered around for ages, paralyzed by choice. Ended up getting a… a… gasp… a bland, overpriced sandwich. Lesson learned: trust your gut. Or, you know, eat at the first place that smells good.
- Afternoon: Stroll around downtown Seattle, The Space Needle!
- Evening: Back to Bellevue. Honestly, after the hustle and bustle of Seattle, the quiet of Larkspur Landing was… welcome. Even the slightly weird coffee was tolerable.
Day 4: "Spa Day" (More Like, My Laundry Day)
- Morning: Slept in. Hallelujah! My body needed it.
- Mid-Morning: The gym! Well. "Gym" is a generous word. More like a small room with some equipment. I think I saw a treadmill and a few weights. The carpet was… well used. Still I found my self to exercise, I think that's a victory.
- Afternoon: Laundered my clothes! It had to be done!!! This is the glamorous travel people don't see… or pretend to ignore.
- Evening: Another Netflix night. This time, I had snacks from a local convenience store. I’m officially embracing the extended stay lifestyle. I’m probably going to buy a bottle of wine, too. Maybe even two.
Day 5: Departure and the Coffee Epiphany
- Morning: The dreaded packing. Sigh. I am not a good packer. Ever. But, I have successfully survived the flight.
- Late Morning: Check-out. The front desk person remembered my name! That's always nice.
- Afternoon: Headed back to the airport.
- Departure : As I was boarding, I realized something: I wasn't dreading going. I was going back to my home. Not a hotel. That's what this whole trip was about. A chance to get away, and miss… home. The coffee wasn't great, the gym was questionable, and Microsoft hurt my brain. But I survived. And more importantly, I can't wait for the coffee maker in my own kitchen.
The Verdict: Larkspur Landing Bellevue? It's a clean, functional, and surprisingly relatable place to crash for a few days. Don't expect luxury. Expect a little bit of soul-crushing mediocrity, a dash of unexpected joy (those waffles!), and a whole lot of existential coffee angst. And, most importantly, expect an experience that's uniquely you. And hey, that ain't half bad. You'll come back with new ideas to make yours!
Escape to Paradise: Phoenix Luxury Getaway at La Quinta Inn & Suites!
Larkspur Landing Bellevue: The Extended Stay Saga - Ask Me Anything (Seriously, I've Been Through It)
Okay, spill it – is Larkspur Landing *actually* good for extended stays in Bellevue? Like, really?
Ugh, the eternal question! Alright, buckle up. "Good" is a loaded word, isn't it? Look, I've been in extended stays that felt like solitary confinement in a dusty archive and others that felt... well, almost *home*. Larkspur Landing? It's somewhere in between. Think of it as a slightly-better-than-average roommate with some charming quirks and annoying habits. Did I *enjoy* my stay? Mostly, yeah. Would I *recommend* it without hesitation? Hmm. Let's dive in. I *will* warn you, my expectations were HIGH... and I'll probably let you in on what actually delivered and what fell flatter than a pancake on concrete.
What's the *actual* room situation like? Is it a tiny prison cell or… something better?
Right, the rooms. Okay, picture this: I went in, fresh faced, ready to take on the world (or at least, a 6-month project that forced my Seattle apartment to be just a vacation spot). And when I first saw the room I was like... "Okay, this is...functional." It's not a *luxury* hotel, people. They're definitely geared towards the "I need a place to be for a while and I plan to spend as little time there as humanly possible" crowd. The layout is decent – a smallish kitchen (more on that later), a living area with a sofa bed (which I never used, thank GOODNESS - think, tiny, hard, and unforgiving), and a separate bedroom. Cleanliness? Generally good. Found a stray hairball in the corner once, but hey, can't win 'em all. The storage! Decent, not amazing. You're trying to live more minimal, sure, but the truth hits hard when there's only one closet to squeeze 6 months worth of clothes in! Oh the things they don't tell you.
That "smallish kitchen" you mentioned. What's the deal? Can you actually *cook* in there?
Ah, the kitchen. The bane of my existence, and the site of my greatest culinary triumphs (and disasters). Yes, you *can* cook. But... it's a challenge. The fridge is a decent size (thank god!), the cooktop is, well, functional. The *space* however, is limited. Picture trying to assemble a gourmet masterpiece on a postage stamp. I attempted lasagna. It was an *epic* fail. (The details are too embarrassing to recount. Let's just say, smoke alarm, very sticky, the whole thing). The pots and pans are… well, they're there. So, if you're a simple cook like me, you *can* survive – scrambled eggs, pasta, the occasional stir-fry. Just don't get your hopes up about hosting a dinner party. Or even making a decent cake, for that matter. Trust the pre-made cakes.
Is the included breakfast actually edible? Or should I just give up and stock up on granola bars?
Okay, the breakfast. Look, this is where things get... interesting. I started with such high hopes. FREE FOOD! The reality? The hot stuff varies. Some days you're gettin' scrambled eggs and sausage, other days it's just... mystery meat. The pastries? Hit or miss. Mostly miss. The fruit? It's usually there. I learned, over time, to accept it for what it is: free, and a tiny bit of a crapshoot. My strategy evolved. Granola bars *are* your friend. The toaster is your best ally. And on a good day, you might actually find something that works. It’s survival of the fittest in the breakfast bar, my friend!
What about the amenities? Fitness center? Laundry? Pool? Bring the details, please!
Alright, the support team. The gym is… well, it's there. One measly treadmill, a stationary bike, and some free weights. That's about it. So if you're a hardcore gym rat, this ain't gonna cut it. I'm a casual exerciser myself, so I did what I could with it. Honestly, I walked around Bellevue more than I used it. Laundry? Yes! Thank God. Free laundry! That's a HUGE plus. Trust me, after a few weeks of extended stay living, the convenience is worth its weight in gold. The pool wasn't something I had time for, but according to the photos, it existed and seemed pleasant enough.
Location, location, location! How's Larkspur Landing's spot in Bellevue? Walkable? Close to things?
Okay, this is where Larkspur Landing REALLY shines. The location is fantastic. You're close to everything! Bellevue Square, the shops, the restaurants. You can walk to a lot of places. Not a car-centric environment. Traffic? Bellevue is Bellevue, so yeah, it's there at certain times. But overall, the location is a HUGE win. Walking to the coffee shop in the morning was a highlight of my stay. My personal tip? Go to the park across the street and just sit and enjoy the peacefulness. Pure bliss, my friends.
Anything else I should know, like hidden fees, weird policies, or unaddressed issues?
Ah, the fine print. Let's see... they're pretty good about the hidden fees. But READ THE CONTRACT. That's my biggest takeaway. Be VERY clear about your expectations and any special requests. Ask about parking fees. Things I found weird? The occasional leaky faucet that took three days to fix. Minor annoyances, nothing catastrophic. My biggest issue? If you *need* to be in your room during business hours, the housekeepers will knock. Quite frequently. It's a minor thing, but it's just something to note. Other than that, and my run-in with the lasagna? Pretty smooth sailing.
So, the ultimate question: Would you stay at Larkspur Landing again?
Honestly? Yes, I probably would. Despite the kitchen limitations and the occasional hairball (I joke, I didn't find that much!), the pros outweighed the cons. The location is killer, the laundry is free, and the rooms are functional. It's not glamorous, not the Ritz, but it *works*. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient base of operations in Bellevue for an extended stay, Larkspur Landing is a solid choice. Just pack some patience, a decent cookbook (or a very good pizzaStay And Relax
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