Boston Norwood Getaway: Marriott's Hidden Gem? (Canton Near!)
Boston Norwood Getaway: Marriott's "Hidden Gem"? More Like a Rollercoaster of Expectations (and Really Good Coffee) - My Honest Review from Canton (Near!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly polished travel blog review. I'm about to spill the tea on the Boston Norwood Getaway – Marriott's attempt at a staycation near Canton, Massachusetts. And trust me, it's a wild ride. Think of it as less "hidden gem" and more… a complex tapestry of conflicting emotions.
First Impressions - The Good (and the Occasionally Grumpy):
Pulling up, it's… well, it's a Marriott. You know the drill. Solid, expected, a bit… corporate. But hey, the car park is free (hallelujah!), and that immediately boosts the mood. The lobby is the usual polished affair. But then… BAM! A 24-hour front desk! A welcome sight after a brutal drive. This already earns some points.
Accessibility - Did They Actually Think About This? (Mostly Yes!)
Listen, accessibility is crucial, and I was genuinely impressed. They've got facilities for disabled guests (thank the heavens!), and the elevators are plentiful. I saw CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property, which, honestly, makes me feel safer. The check-in/out felt contactless – which is a huge win in this post-pandemic world and a relief for this germaphobe (more on that later).
Rooms - The Wi-Fi Saga (and the Surprisingly Comfy Bed):
Alright, let's talk rooms. They claim free Wi-Fi in all rooms (and that's true!), but finding a solid connection felt like winning the lottery. Sometimes it was lightning fast, other times it was dial-up slow. Ugh. However, the air conditioning blasted cold air like a champ, a godsend during the humid summer I visited. Also, I was thrilled with the extra long bed, and slept soundly.
The room itself was clean. Really clean. And bonus points for the daily housekeeping, even with the room sanitization opt-out available. Though, I'm not entirely sure how much sanitizing was actually happening. I mean, sure, they claim rooms sanitized between stays, but I couldn't exactly CSI the place. Anyway, they had good soundproofing and no noise from outside and had blackout curtains, a must-have for decent sleep!
The Amenities - Pool with a View (and Questionable Spa Journeys):
The swimming pool [outdoor] was… nice. Standard hotel pool nice. I didn't get a chance to get a pool with a view, but I heard it would be great. I attempted to experience the spa , a bit. I was hoping for a full-on spa day but the facilities were closed, and I was told this was due to not having enough guests. But hey, the fitness center was better than expected. I also spotted a sauna, steamroom and a poolside bar, though I did not experience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Oh, the Food! (Especially the Coffee)
Okay, let's dive into the food scene. This is where things get… interesting. The breakfast [buffet] was a mixed bag. Some days it was hot and fresh, with really good coffee/tea (I'm obsessed), other days it was the lukewarm remnants of yesterday. I will say – I have to give it up for the coffee shop downstairs. Espresso drinks were fantastic. The buffet in restaurant was good and they had alternative meal arrangement options – which really caters to vegetarians like me. There's also a bar, a snack bar, and, of course, room service [24-hour] .
One night, I decided to order room service at 2 am. I was exhausted after the late-night show and a long day. The order arrived in 30 minutes! I will say the food was great and it was a lifesaver.
Cleanliness and Safety - The Germophobic's Delight (and Slight Anxiety):
Listen, in the era of COVID, cleanliness is king. And this hotel tried to deliver. They had hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff wore masks. The staff is trained in safety protocol. They were doing daily disinfection in common areas, and used anti-viral cleaning products. See, all the proper precautions are taken! Though, I did have to ask for individually-wrapped food options just for my peace of mind.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter (and Some That Don't):
They have a concierge, who was friendly. Dry cleaning and laundry service are available (though, I didn't use them). They have a convenience store for forgotten essentials, or impulse buys. I really appreciated the daily housekeeping. I did not have a chance to use a business facility or meeting/banquet facilities but I heard those were pretty good.
For the Kids - Because Families Matter (Even When I Was Hoping for Quiet):
While I personally am not interested in children, they do have babysitting service and are family/child friendly. I noticed kids' facilities and kids meal, and they made so much noise.
Getting Around - It's Canton, Not Manhattan:
Parking is a breeze (remember, car park [on-site], car park [free of charge] - bless!). I didn't use the airport transfer since I was staying in Canton. There is taxi service and valet parking.
The Verdict - Worth the Stay? It Depends (and I'm Still Unsure):
So, is the Boston Norwood Getaway a "hidden gem?" Maybe. It has its flaws (the Wi-Fi, the inconsistent breakfast). But honestly, it's a decent hotel, clean, with friendly staff, and good coffee. It's especially good for families. It's conveniently located to Canton, convenient, and it checks most of the boxes.
Would I go back? Probably. Just maybe with a bigger data package for my phone, and a few extra shots of espresso to get me through the day.
Meta Data (Because SEO is a thing):
- Keywords: Boston Norwood Getaway, Canton MA, Marriott, hotel review, accessibility, spa, pool, free wifi, family-friendly, near Boston, hotel Canton, hotel review Boston, weekend getaway, Massachusetts hotel.
- Title: Boston Norwood Getaway: Marriott's Hidden Gem? Honest Review from Canton (Near!)
- Description: A brutally honest review of the Boston Norwood Getaway near Canton, MA. Accessibility, amenities, food, and (in)consistent Wi-Fi – the good, the bad, and the caffeinated.
- Target audience: Travelers, families, business travelers, people looking for a staycation near Boston, disabled Travellers.
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is a fever dream of a trip to the Residence Inn Boston/Norwood/Canton, fueled by questionable coffee and a desperate plea for a decent hotel breakfast. Let's get this disasterpiece started, shall we?
The "Trying To Be Organized But Failing Spectacularly" Itinerary: Residence Inn, Norwood/Canton (MA) - A Journey of Questionable Choices
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Laundry Debacle (aka, I'm Already Screwed)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive, bleary-eyed, at Logan Airport. Pray to the travel gods the rental car isn't a rust bucket (Spoiler Alert: it is. It's a beige, slightly dented Corolla. BEIGE!). The drive to Norwood… well, it was supposed to be a scenic route. I got lost. Twice. Ended up on a highway with trucks that reeked of something vaguely industrial and regret.
- 2:30 PM: Finally arrive at the Residence Inn. Check-in is…efficient. Like a machine dispensing keys and a vague promise of clean linens. The lobby smells suspiciously of chlorine and anxiety. My room? Standard. That means beige. Lots and lots of beige.
- 3:00 PM: Unpack. The "good" suitcase (aka the one with the actual clothes) is missing! After much panic and a few choice swear words, I find out it's still waiting at the rental car office, because I left it there, I'm sure.
- 3:30 PM: Attempt laundry. Because I'm clearly a glutton for punishment! Throw in my clothes (which are already feeling the strain of the trip) and try to figure out the archaic washing machine. It’s like operating a relic from the Stone Age. The cycle starts. It's making a noise like a dying whale, I'm pretty sure. This is not going well, folks.
- 4:30 PM: The laundry is done. I mean, the machine says it's done. My clothes are now… slightly damp and smelling faintly of industrial cleaner. Success! (I guess.)
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I was going to go out. I was going to find a cute little bistro. I was going to eat something vaguely healthy. Instead, I'm in the hotel lobby, eyeing the complimentary (read: questionable) snacks. Settling for a sad little bag of pretzels and a lukewarm banana.
- 7:00 PM: I'm in my room. Exhausted. Scrolling through Netflix, then falling in a deep sleep before I can even pick a show.
- 8:00 PM: Waking up. Hungry. So I find the little vending machine. Its offers are like nothing else. But hey, It's edible, right? Maybe? We'll see.
- 9:00 PM: Back in bed, ready for another night.
Day 2: The Quest for Coffee and the Unexpected Power of a Breakfast Sandwich (and a Whole Lot of Rambling)
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. The first, and most vital, mission: COFFEE. The in-room coffee maker… exists. The coffee itself, however… coughs… let's just say it's a testament to the power of caffeine. I have my doubts, but it might work.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. And oh my gods, here we are. The hotel's "complimentary hot breakfast"… I approach with caution. The buffet line… It is the place of dreams and chaos. Waffles are a thing, so are eggs and some very unappealing-looking sausages. This morning, however, a breakfast sandwich saves me. The English muffin is fluffy, the egg is (sort of) fluffy, and the sausage isn't too suspicious. I eat two. I'm not proud. I'm just… comforted.
- 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Drive around. My car is still being a car. It's still beige, and it still smells like a combination of old receipts and the despair of a long-lost rental agreement. I drive to various shops, sights, and I can't believe how beautiful Massachusetts is!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a very local restaurant. It's a greasy spoon, and perfect. I chat a bit with the waitress. She’s seen things, I can tell. She gives me a knowing look when I order extra ketchup with my (excellent, surprisingly) burger.
- 1:00 PM: More travel! This time I get lost again. It's fine, I guess, I got to look around and see some very interesting buildings.
- 3:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Feeling slightly less depressed because of the food. Trying to relax. Reading emails. Ignoring work emails.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. The restaurant next to the hotel is calling my name. I go, I eat way too much, and it's all fine. I am exhausted, and food makes me feel better.
- 7:00 PM: In my room. I'm watching TV, and I'm laughing. This trip is stupid, but it's actually good.
- 8:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 3: The End (Maybe For the Best)
- 7:00 AM: The usual. Coffee. Breakfast sandwich. But the sausages were looking better today. I can't believe I'm saying that.
- 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Drive back to the airport.
- 11:00 AM: Flight. Goodbye, Massachusetts. You were weird, you were fun, and your rental cars are… beige.
- 1:00 PM: I'm home! And my laundry is finally done.
Final Thoughts:
This trip wasn't perfect. Far from it. But it was… real. There were moments of frustration, moments of unexpected joy (that breakfast sandwich!), and a whole lot of just plain being there. Would I recommend the Residence Inn Boston/Norwood/Canton? Honestly? Yeah, I think so. If you're okay with a bit of beige, a dash of questionable coffee, and the occasional laundry disaster, it's a decent place to rest your weary head. And, hey, the breakfast sandwiches saved me. Twice!
Escape to Dallas: Luxury & Comfort Await at La Quinta Mesquite!
Boston Norwood Getaway: Marriott's Hidden Gem? (Canton... Close Enough!) - Let's Get Real
Okay, so, "Hidden Gem"? Is this Marriott actually a "gem" or are we just peddling marketing fluff?
Alright, let's be honest. "Hidden Gem" throws me off immediately. Does this place have the Taj Mahal hidden somewhere? Probably not. Here's the deal: It *can* be a gem. Think of a slightly tarnished, still-gorgeous antique brooch you found at a flea market. It's pretty, it sparkles in the right light, but it's not going to win any awards. For the price, the convenience (especially if you're, you know, *going* somewhere), and the generally clean and comfortable rooms, it's a solid choice. But a "gem?" Let's not get carried away. I've had stays that were genuinely delightful and some that were… well, let's just say the coffee machine had seen better days.
Is this place *actually* in Norwood? Because the website keeps mentioning *Canton*... and that's a whole separate city!
Oh, the age-old geographic conundrum of the Boston suburbs! It's like the cocktail party talk, everyone knows where it *roughly* is but the specifics... Yeah, it's *close* to Canton. REALLY close, like, a stone's throw (if you're a pitcher with a REALLY strong arm) from the Canton border. Legally, it's in Norwood. However, if you're planning on exploring Canton, be prepared for a short drive. It's a good launching pad for things *nearby*, but don't go expecting to walk to a Patriots game stadium or somethin' because you're gonna have a bad time. Seriously, GPS is your friend. Trust me on this one. I spent a good ten minutes once trying to find a Dunkin' Donuts that *said* it was nearby... and it most certainly was not. I was very caffinated that day. It turned out the whole thing was in Canton.
What's the deal with the breakfast? Free? Good? Non-existent? (Help me, I'm hangry!)
Breakfast... Ah, the breakfast. Well, it honestly REALLY depends. Sometimes (if you've booked a certain package or are a loyal Marriott member) you might get a free continental breakfast. Continental is the key word here. Think: bagels, muffins, some sad fruit, and that slightly lukewarm coffee that always tastes vaguely like sadness. Now, if you are the type that MUST have a hot breakfast, the restaurant is usually open, and the omelets are pretty decent. However, the price can add up quickly, so *please*, check your options beforehand! I once spent a truly horrifying $25 on a plate of scrambled eggs, some sausage, and a small glass of OJ because I was too lazy to find something elsewhere. Lesson learned. Don't be me. Plan accordingly. And may the breakfast gods be ever in your favor.
Are the rooms actually clean? That's kind of a biggie.
Okay, deep breath... Generally, YES. The rooms are usually clean. I've stayed there several times, and I've rarely had a major cleanliness problem. (Knock on wood!) That being said, I’m not going to give you any guarantees. I once found a rogue Cheerio under the bed. ONE! The horror! No, seriously, it didn’t bother me that much, but it does make you wonder what else lurks in the hidden corners of hotel rooms, doesn't it? And the coffee machine? Sometimes… the coffee machine. See my earlier comment. So, yeah. Cleanish. I always give the bathroom a quick once-over. My personal paranoia at play. But for the most part, you should be fine.
What's the surrounding area like? Is there *anything* to do nearby besides, you know, existing?
Ah, the suburbs! The surrounding area can be described as… suburban. There are restaurants of various qualities and a shopping mall, but, you know, it *is* the Boston suburbs. Not exactly a vibrant hub of nightlife. It’s more about convenience. If you're in town for business or visiting family, it's great. If you're looking for excitement, you'll want to explore Boston proper (which is a decent drive, depending on traffic, which is always terrible). The hotel's close to the highway, so if you're driving, that's a major plus. But you're not exactly going to stumble upon a speakeasy or an amazing dive bar walking distance from the hotel.
The pool! Is it worth it? Because I love a good pool.
The pool... Well, it's there. It's not a resort-style pool. It's an indoor pool, which means it’s usable year-round, which is nice. It's generally clean, but it's also usually a bit… crowded, especially with kids. It also tends to feel a little humid in there. If you are someone who actually wants to swim laps, you might be disappointed. This is for splashing, relaxing, and possibly overhearing a fascinating conversation about whose kid is eating the most chicken nuggets. Don't expect a private oasis.
Parking: Good, bad, or a fight for your life?
Parking is usually pretty easy. There's a good-sized parking lot and I've never had issues finding a spot, even during busy times. You’re more likely to have trouble finding a good parking spot at your destination than at the hotel itself. I'd say parking is a definite plus for the Marriott.
What about the gym? Is it worth a look?
The gym… it *exists*. It's not huge, don't get your hopes up for anything fancy. It usually has a few treadmills, some weights, and maybe an elliptical. It's enough to get a decent workout in, especially if you’re used to travel gyms. But don’t compare it to, you know, a proper, dedicated gym. It’s more about the basics. Honestly, sometimes, after a long day, all I want is a treadmill and to zone out watching some terrible daytime TV. So, if you’re that kind of person, it's fine. If you’re a serious gym rat? Maybe skip it and find a local gym.
So, is it actually a good choice? Give me the verdict!
Alright, here'Personalized Stays
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