Edmonton's BEST Kept Secret? This Fairfield Inn Will SHOCK You!
Edmonton's "Secret" Fairfield Inn: Does it REALLY Shock? (My Honest Review)
Alright, folks, let's talk about Edmonton's "BEST Kept Secret," the Fairfield Inn. The headline promised a shocker, and, well, I’m here to untangle the mystery and see if it lives up to the hype. Buckle up, because this isn't your typical, sterile, bullet-pointed review. This is my unfiltered take, warts and all.
First Impressions - The Accessibility Giggles:
Okay, so the website touted Accessibility. I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, yeah, ramps and whatnot." But hold on! The automatic doors actually worked! Gasp! Seriously, after some of the hotel experiences I've had where the "accessible" features are more like elaborate decorations, this was a pleasant surprise. Wheelchair access appeared to be genuinely considered, and that’s a huge win in my book. The elevator worked too - no harrowing stair climbs after a long day of… well, whatever I was doing in Edmonton. Even the exterior corridor was wide enough that I didn’t feel like I was hugging the wall. So, accessibility checked.
Rooms - Wi-Fi Wonders (and a Refrigerator's Lament):
The rooms. Ah, the rooms. The promise of Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – absolutely delivered. And, let’s be honest, in this day and age, it's practically a basic human right. Internet [LAN]? Didn't touch it, because, duh, Wi-Fi. But I'm happy it was there for those of you with ancient tech needs.
My room was decent, clean, and… well, pretty standard. The desk was functional (hello, procrastination!). The laptop workspace was actually usable. The air conditioning blasted a welcome chill in the always-unpredictable Edmonton weather. The blackout curtains did a great job of keeping the sun at bay, which is essential for my sleep schedule. The extra long bed was a godsend because… you know… legs that never seem to stop. A refrigerator was present – but let me tell you, it was the saddest little fridge I’ve ever seen. Like, it was barely humming. Definitely not the place to store your gourmet ice cream. (Maybe I should've complained. Nah.) Oh, and the shower was fine. Nothing to write home about… just a shower.
Cleanliness and Safety – A Sanitized Sigh of Relief:
Let's be real. The pandemic has made everyone neurotic. So, how did the Fairfield Inn fare? They absolutely went overboard with the Cleanliness and safety, which, frankly, I appreciate.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere? You betcha.
- Anti-viral cleaning products? I wouldn't know, but I'm assuming so, given the general vibe of cleanliness.
The Staff trained in safety protocol definitely shows. It's the little things, like the extra wipes and the hand sanitizer at the buffet… Okay, now where was I…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Breakfast, Buffet, and… Sadness?
Okay, here’s where things get a little… complicated. The much-touted Breakfast [buffet]. Hmm. Here's the story.
The promise of culinary delights (and the lack thereof) really is a let down. The offerings were what you'd expect for a free breakfast. The eggs? Were there. The sausages? Present. The pastries? Well, some of them looked like they’d been sitting there since the Cretaceous period. The coffee? Decent enough to wake you up without inducing immediate regret. In that moment I was forced to have Breakfast takeaway service because I wanted to leave after seeing buffet.
The Poolside Bar was sadly closed, which was a bummer as the pool area looked okay. (Again, Edmonton weather is a cruel mistress.) The Coffee/tea in restaurant was as expected. No other options and no recommendations.
Ultimately, the dining experience was nothing to write home about, but hey, it was free and filled the hole in my stomach.
Amenities – From Gym Dreams to Spa Schemes:
Now for the fun stuff, and where I feel like the Fairfield Inn both excels and disappoints. Let’s start with the good:
- Fitness center: Functional, but small. I’m no gym rat, but it seemed to have the basics.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Looked inviting, even if I didn't take the plunge.
- Sauna, Steamroom and Spa: Don't even get me started. There was nothing open.
The Pool with a View? Nope. Just more Edmonton sky.
Services and Conveniences – The "We Tried" Section:
The Fairfield Inn offers a wide array of Services and conveniences. Let's be honest, they're largely standard fare, but still essential.
- 24-hour front desk: Always a relief if you have a late arrival or an early departure.
- Daily housekeeping: My room always seemed to be sparkling, which is key for me.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning: Never used them, but good to know they are available.
- Concierge: Didn't deal with them, but good to have.
The Hotel chain affiliation means you know what you're getting: reliability and predictability. The Cash withdrawal was also helpful.
Getting Around – Driving, Parking, and the Perils of Edmonton Traffic:
- Car park [free of charge] - YES, thank you, sanity saver.
- Airport transfer - Unavailable.
- Taxi service - Available.
- Valet parking - Not Available.
Overall, the location of the Fairfield Inn was manageable, given Edmonton’s sprawl. Just be prepared for some potentially soul-crushing traffic during rush hour.
For the Kids – I Didn't Have Any, But…
I didn't travel with kids, so I'm speculating here.
- Family/child-friendly: The hotel seemed fine for a family.
- Babysitting service: Unavailable.
- Kids meal: Unavailable.
- Kids facilities: Non-existent.
The Verdict: Shocked… But Not THAT Shocked
So, does Edmonton's Fairfield Inn shock you? Honestly, no. But that’s not a bad thing. It's a solid, reliable, clean hotel with good accessibility and a decent free breakfast.
What I Loved:
- The excellent accessibility. Seriously, kudos to them.
- The free Wi-Fi, of course.
- The overall cleanliness and the feeling of safety.
What Could Be Better:
- A less… depressing breakfast buffet.
- Better food options.
- A more vibrant pool or bar.
- The sadness of the fridges in the room.
Final Thoughts:
If you're looking for a clean, accessible, and reliable hotel in Edmonton, the Fairfield Inn is a good choice. It's not going to blow your mind, but it will deliver on the basics, and in today's world, that's a win.
Vernon's BEST Kept Secret: Luxury Getaway at Quality Inn & Suites!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… my itinerary, and it’s gonna be a wild ride, mostly at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Edmonton North. Let's get real.
The Unofficial, Slightly Delusional, Fairfield Inn & Suites Edmonton North Adventure: (Or, How I Survived a Business Trip and Didn't Completely Lose My Mind)
Day 1: Arrival, Assessment & the Great Canadian Breakfast Debacle
1:00 PM: Arrival & Initial Assessment - The Labyrinth Begins
Okay, so Edmonton. I landed. Cold, but not as cold as I was expecting, which is a win in my book. The shuttle from the airport was… well, it got me here. The Fairfield North is… fine. Clean enough. It smells faintly of chlorine and ambition. Honestly, it’s miles better than that one hotel I stayed at in… oh, never mind, a story for another day. Checked in, grabbed my key, and now I'm in my room. The bed looks inviting. I’ll resist, for now. Gotta unpack…which means I’m probably gonna leave half my clothes in the suitcase. Happens every time.
2:00 PM: The Caffeine Crisis & the Work Email Avalanche Alright, priority one: Caffeine injection. Found the coffee maker, it's brewing, but… it's weak. Like friendship with a Canadian during their hockey team losing every game in the playoffs weak. Ugh. Emails. The bane of my existence. Responded to a mountain of urgent, and the less urgent, emails.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: The Dreaded Business Dinner Ugh, the business dinner. Forced smiles, awkward small talk. Ate way too much bread. Pretended to be fascinated by spreadsheets. I think I actually blanked during one of the more detailed explanations about something finance-y. My "mm-hmm" game was on point though, I think.
7:00 PM: Recover and Netflix Back in the hotel. Time to recover from the business dinner. Gotta decompress. Decided on Netflix. The comforting embrace of my bed, popcorn, and Netflix. Bliss.
8:00 PM: The Sleep Deprivation Strikes Okay, so I thought I should go to bed. But my stupid brain has other plans, and it’s decided to throw insomnia at me. I'm lying here wide awake, replaying the day and suddenly realizing I forgot to… Ugh. Gotta write that email now. No, maybe tomorrow. I really dislike deadlines, but unfortunately, they are a part of my job.
Day 2: The All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Battle & the Quest for Decent WiFi
7:00 AM: The Great Canadian Breakfast Confrontation
Okay, here we go. The free breakfast. This is always a gamble. Walked into the breakfast area. The usual suspects: lukewarm scrambled eggs that look like they've been sitting forever. The "sausage" that probably isn't. The toast (possibly the only redeemable item). The coffee is predictably dreadful, made a cup, it’s pretty hot! Swallowed the bad coffee with the great breakfast- toast. Anecdote: Saw a kid trying to construct a five-story waffle tower. Admirable ambition, terrible execution. It collapsed. The look of devastation on his face… pure, unadulterated breakfast tragedy.
8:00 AM: The WiFi Witchcraft
WiFi. My constant companion. And my nemesis. It either refuses to connect, or crawls along at the speed of a sloth in molasses. Prayed to the internet gods. Swore at the router. Eventually, it became semi-functional. Managed to get a video call in, luckily no technical difficulties, which is a win. Quirky Observation: The woman at the next table is wearing a bathrobe and noise-canceling headphones. I can't tell if I'm impressed or horrified. Maybe both. Definitely envious of the robe, though.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Edmonton Work Grind Meetings, reports, the usual stuff. I have no idea how long I’ve been sitting at the same table. Emotional Reaction: Okay, starting to crash. This is… intense. I need more coffee. Probably should have gone for a walk, but my brain is refusing to leave the hotel.
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Back at the hotel I’m exhausted. Back at the hotel to freshen up, eat some food, and change into some comfortable clothes. The whole business trip has been a blur. Anecdote: I swear the shower wasn't warm before. I'm so glad now!
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Free time I decide to go for a walk. I’m so tired of my own company, and maybe I can get some fresh air in me. Quirky Observation: The air smelled a little bit like fries, I think I saw a McDonald's, or maybe it was something else…
7:00 PM: The Dinner Dilemma The hotel has a restaurant but I’m not in the mood to eat there. I order takeout, and I'm so tired that it doesn’t even matter. Emotional Reaction: The restaurant wasn’t bad, but the food here is so much better!
8:00 PM: The Nightcap and the Existential Dread
Back in the room. The coffee is still working, I did my work, and the day is done. But if I eat too much now, I won’t be able to sleep. Anecdote: I watched a cheesy movie on TV, I don’t even know what it was about. It was the escape I needed. But now I can’t go to sleep.
Day 3: Departure & The Lingering Smell of Chlorine (and Potential Freedom)
7:00 AM: The Final Breakfast Stand Eggs again. Toast again. The never-ending cycle. Gave my most recent evaluation, it was nice enough. Emotional Reaction: I can't wait to go home. And it’s the end of the trip! What a relief.
8:00 AM: Checkout Chaos & the Airport Sprint Checked out. Anecdote: The guy behind me in line told a rambling story about some travel experience he had. Emotional Reaction: Okay, I'm officially over hotel life. All of it.
10:00 AM: Flight All done, I am ready for the flight. The feeling of relief came over me. Quirky Observation: The best part may be the flight. The best I've felt on the whole trip.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was… an experience. The Fairfield Inn & Suites Edmonton North was a reliable haven. The free breakfast will forever haunt my dreams. The WiFi was a torturer. At least I am home!
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Edmonton's Best Kept Secret? Fairfield Inn... Seriously? (Let's Talk)
Okay, Okay... But is this Fairfield Inn REALLY "shocking," like clickbait levels of shocking?
Alright, alright, hold your horses, armchair travel critics. "Shocking"? Maybe a *tad* hyperbolic. Look, I'm not saying it's going to rewrite the laws of physics or anything. But for a Fairfield Inn, yeah, kinda. That's the thing, right? Expectations. You go in thinking "beige and boring," and BAM! You're pleasantly surprised. I went in thinking, 'Ugh, another cookie-cutter hotel,' because let's be real, I was DEAD TIRED.
My first trip actually involved a flight from Calgary that got delayed by, like, a blizzard trying to happen at the same time as my flight, so I was already in a mood. But the staff...wow. They actually *cared*. Like, genuine smiles, not just "have a wonderful day" robots. That already boosted things a notch. Plus, the lobby smelled… fresh. I know, weird, but it set the tone somehow.
What's the deal with this "surprise" everyone's raving about? Is it just the free breakfast? (Don't get my hopes up...)
Breakfast, yeah, it's decent. Standard stuff. Waffles, a little fruit, the usual suspects. It's *good*, but it's not the Second Coming of Breakfast. The real surprise? The vibe, man. The *vibe*. It's…calm. Peaceful. Which, in Edmonton, during a particularly stressful work week, is nothing short of a miracle. Now, let me give you my honest opinion, I'm a sucker for natural light, and there was *plenty* of it.
I remember one morning, I was scarfing down some scrambled eggs (nothing fancy, I tell you), and there was this old couple, clearly celebrating something, laughing and holding hands. It wasn't staged, you know? Just...real life. It's the little things. And yes, the waffles were pretty darn good. Don't discount those waffles!
The rooms...are they actually...clean? (Because, let's face it, that's a low bar...)
Clean? YES. I'm a germaphobe, okay? I've walked into hotel rooms that look like they were last cleaned during the Jurassic period. Not here. Seriously, I almost inspected the grout in the bathroom with a magnifying glass, I wasn't in the mood. Everything was pristine. The sheets? Crisp. The bathroom? Gleaming. It's like they have a cleaning ninja squad.
One time, I walked in, and it was like the room had been *blessed*. Okay, maybe I'm getting carried away. But honestly? No hairs in the shower, no questionable stains on the furniture. That alone is worth its weight in gold after a long drive from, ugh, wherever I was going that week. Okay, maybe I was getting too relaxed.
Okay, so the hotel is clean and has a decent vibe, but what about the location? Is it in the boonies?
No, it's not in the boonies... thankfully! (I have actually *been* in hotels out there, believe me, and let me tell you... not fun.) This is actually very central, close to, well... *stuff*. Restaurants, shops, things to do. It made getting to those early morning meetings *so* much easier. No hour-long commutes through icy backroads! (Okay, maybe it's not *that* close to everything, but it's a lot better than some other places I've been.)
And honestly, getting to the airport wasn't a nightmare either. Which, if you're anything like me and always running late, is a godsend. I'm that person who's always sprinting through the terminal with a coffee in one hand and a barely-packed suitcase in the other!
So, is there a catch? What's the *real* downside? We're getting to the good part...
Okay, here's the brutally honest part. This isn't a five-star luxury hotel. It's a Fairfield Inn. Don't expect a Michelin-star restaurant downstairs or butler service. The pool is… decent. The fitness center is… functional. Don't go expecting a spa day because you will be disappointed.
Parking CAN be a little tight, especially during events. I may or may not have had to circle the lot like a vulture once, but hey, its a minor inconvenience. And truthfully, sometimes, it *is* a little noisy. (Like the sound of the hallway doors at 3 AM. You know how it goes, right?)
Would you *actually* recommend it? Because the reviews are all over the place, I swear!
Absolutely, YES! Especially if you're after a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located hotel that won't break the bank. I mean, it's not perfect, but what is? If you're looking for a no-frills, reliable stay in Edmonton, you could do a lot, *lot* worse. Plus, that staff...they’re the unsung heroes of the hospitality world. Seriously.
I've stayed there multiple times now, and I'm still a fan. Okay, maybe the "shocking" part is a bit much, but "pleasantly surprising"? Definitely. And hey, those waffles are calling my name. I'm sold. Now stop reading and go book your room! (But maybe not *too* many, I need a place to stay next time!)
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