Hartford's Hidden Gem: Candlewood Suites Downtown Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Hartford's Hidden Gem: Candlewood Suites Downtown Review (You Won't Believe This!) – A Messy, Honest Take
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill ALL the tea on the Candlewood Suites Downtown Hartford. Forget your picture-perfect travel blogger reviews; this is the real deal, warts and all. Because, let's be honest, every hotel has its quirks, right? And this place? Well, let's just say it's got personality. Buckle up!
First Impressions & Location (the Good… and the Slightly Less Good)
Finding the place wasn't a nightmare, thankfully, unlike that one time I tried to navigate a Parisian roundabout… shudders. It's smack-dab in downtown Hartford. That means it's close to… well, stuff. Restaurants, the XL Center (if you're into… things that happen at the XL Center, like hockey or concerts – I went to see a show and totally forgot my tickets, ugh!), and, you know, Hartford. The location is a plus, especially if you're a tourist or in town for business.
The building itself is… functional. Let's go with that. It's not winning any architectural awards. But, and this is a big BUT, it's clean. And surprisingly welcoming. I was ready for a sterile corporate environment, but it had a warmth to it. Maybe it was the friendly face at the front desk. Maybe it was the smell of… something vaguely comforting.
Accessibility: Making it Accessible, Not Just Saying It
Accessibility is HUGE for me. I need it. And here’s where Candlewood actually SHINES.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! Praise be! Wide doorways, ramps, and everything I needed without fuss. Seriously, some places say they're accessible, and then you're navigating a maze built by a sadist. Not here. Bravo.
- Elevator: Absolutely. No stairs for this gal!
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: They've got it. I saw it. I liked it. Everything worked, which is, again, a win.
Internet & Tech Blues (and the occasional triumph)
- Internet Access & Free Wi-Fi in all Rooms! Okay, this is important. Free Wi-Fi is a must in this day and age. And it was decent Wi-Fi. I streamed, I worked, I did my thing. No major meltdowns, which is always a plus.
- Internet [LAN]: Also available. For my old-school tech friends.
- Internet Services: Seemed basic. Think boarding pass printing and such. Not a super tech-heavy experience.
Cleanliness & Safety: Breathing Easy (mostly)
- Cleanliness: Spotless! I'm a bit obsessive about this, and I was impressed. The rooms were sparkling, the common areas were tidy, and I didn't see any rogue dust bunnies plotting world domination.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Advertised or genuinely implemented? No idea. But it felt clean, and that’s half the mental battle, right?
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes! Reassuring, given the current climate.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: I saw them wearing masks, being helpful, and generally making an effort.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Okay, here's a little… "less than ideal" detail. Candlewood Suites is NOT a foodie paradise. This is not the place you come to for Michelin-star dining. It IS, however, practical.
- On-site Dining: There is NO on-site dining. Gasp. You’re on your own, baby! Don’t come expecting a fancy restaurant or even a basic breakfast buffet. Which is fine, really. Because…
- Breakfast in Room: They offer a simple grab-and-go breakfast. Cereal, yogurt, granola bars. It gets the job done, and you can eat it in your room.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Nope.
- Restaurants: Nearby, though. In downtown, you can find everything from casual diners to slightly more upscale options. Explore!
- Snack Bar: Minimalist, but functional. Think vending machines and a small convenience store with snacks and drinks.
- Coffee Shop: Nada.
- Room service [24-hour]: Now here we reach a new level of disappointment. NONE.
Ways to Relax: Fitness First, the Pampering Bit…
- Fitness Center: Yes! A decent little gym, complete with treadmills, weights, and the necessary equipment to work off that extra slice of pizza. I didn't personally use it, but it looked perfectly functional.
- Pool with view: Nope. Just a normal pool.
- Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: Forget about it. This is not a luxury resort.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, and they did a great job. My room was always shipshape.
- Laundry service: Available. Essential for longer stays.
- Concierge: No dedicated concierge. The front desk helps out, but don't expect a wealth of insider tips.
- Cash withdrawal: No ATM on site, though the front desk might be able to provide assistance.
- Food delivery: Absolutely. Hartford has a ton of delivery options. I ordered pizza. No regrets.
- Convenience store: A small one near the front desk, selling drinks, snacks, and other essentials. Perfect for those late-night munchies.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You)
- Family/child friendly: Yes! The suites are spacious and comfortable for families.
- Babysitting service: Not provided, but I suspect the front desk can offer some recommendations, just ask!
Rooms: The Heart of the Matter - Where the Magic (and the Minor Annoyances) Happens
Okay, the rooms. This is where Candlewood Suites shines. They're all suites, which means… SPACE!
- Spacious and comfortable: They weren't kidding. I had a separate living area with a sofa.
- Fully Equipped Kitchenette: This is the HUGE selling point! A refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, and all the basic cookware you need. This is amazing for longer stays. I was able to make my own breakfast and some light meals to save money.
- Comfortable Bed: The bed was comfy. Crucial.
- Air conditioning: Essential.
- Free bottled water: Thanks!
- Wi-Fi [free]: See above – a must-have!
- Soundproof rooms: Pretty good. I didn't hear much noise from outside.
- Non-smoking rooms: HUGE.
- Desk and Laptop workspace: I got work done, which, again, is the point of everything.
Getting Around: Driving, Parking, and the Urban Grind
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes! Free Parking! Glorious!
- Taxi service: Available in Hartford.
- Airport transfer: They don't provide it.
- Car power charging station: Nope.
My One Major Imperfection – My Little Incident
Now, here's a slightly less glowing moment. During my stay, the water pressure in my shower was… variable. One minute it was a gentle trickle, the next it felt like a fire hose. I called the front desk, and they were apologetic and said they would get it fixed. It never really got fixed, and I would have loved to have a nice shower, and a more relaxing experience. But, in the grand scheme of things, it was a minor inconvenience.
Overall Vibe: The Verdict?
Look, Candlewood Suites Downtown Hartford isn't a luxury hotel. It's not trying to be. It's practical, comfortable, and, most importantly, it's accessible. I loved the suite layout – it was like having a mini-apartment. The kitchen was a lifesaver. The free parking was a massive bonus. And the staff? Friendly and helpful.
- Score: 4 out of 5 Stars. It’s a solid option for the discerning traveller looking for a stress-free stay!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travelogue. This is my attempt at wrangling the chaos that was my recent trip to the Candlewood Suites Hartford Downtown, by IHG. Be warned: expect tangents, questionable life choices, and a whole lotta caffeine-fueled ramblings.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for the Elusive Grocery Store (aka "Hangry in Hartford")
1:00 PM: Touchdown (literally, my suitcase almost took out a small child). Okay, so, Hartford. Let's just say my expectations were…low. I'd seen some pictures, read some reviews. The Candlewood Suites looked serviceable enough. But the real test? Surviving the drive from the airport. Luckily, I had Google Maps and a near-death experience avoiding a rogue shopping cart.
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Check-in. (Which, thankfully, was less traumatic than the shopping cart.) The front desk guy seemed friendly enough, although I swear he called me "sport." Am I that old? Anyway, room key acquired. The elevator was…well, it was an elevator. Functional. Nothing to write home about.
2:15 PM - 3:30 PM: Grocery Store Panic. Here's where the wheels started to come off. Knowing my crippling dependence on snacks (and a distinct aversion to spending a fortune on overpriced hotel vending machine fare), I resolved to find a grocery store. Google Maps said one was "nearby." "Nearby" apparently means "a brisk 20-minute walk in the direction of a rather bleak-looking industrial park." I swear, I saw tumbleweeds. I considered eating a discarded hot dog I found on the sidewalk, but even I have standards. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I stumbled upon a depressing looking convenience store. They sell canned goods and processed food, enough to satisfy my hunger but I had to ask myself, "Is this the life I want?"
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance and Mild Existential Dread. The Candlewood Suites room was…fine. Clean, spacious, kitchenette (score!), but the overall aesthetic screamed "corporate purgatory." Still, the view from the window was of…a brick wall? I guess it was technically a view. Plus, I had a mini-fridge. That's where all my snacks were going to go.
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Netflix and Chill (with a Side of Self-Loathing). Settled in with my snacks, and the hotel felt a bit cozy and welcoming! The TV was playing some generic sitcom. I started to think about my life choices. Why am I here? What am I doing with myself? Then I ate another cookie. Distraction is a wonderful thing.
Day 2: Culture, Coffee, and a Questionable Pizza.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The Promised Continental Breakfast (Sigh). Free breakfast, baby! Except, the "continental breakfast" consisted of prepackaged pastries, instant oatmeal, and a coffee machine that was aggressively mediocre. At least there was orange juice, a welcome taste of some fruits and vitamins, even if it felt like a betrayal of the human spirit.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (Where I Pretended to Know About Art). Okay, this was actually pretty cool. The museum was surprisingly good, with a great collection. I stared at some paintings, nodded sagely, and tried to look like I knew what I was doing. My inner monologue was mostly, "Is that a real Monet? I should probably Google that later."
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM: The Coffee Crisis. Needed caffeine. Desperately. Found a cute little cafe, The Teapot, coffee was decent and the atmosphere was even better. I loved the comfy chairs and the beautiful decor, and I was thankful for it.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Pizza Predicament. Found a "highly-rated" pizza place. Okay, this is where things went south. The pizza was… disappointing. Greasy, bland, and the crust tasted like cardboard. I might as well have eaten the brick wall from my hotel room. Lesson learned: Don't trust online reviews when you are hangry.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Exploring Downtown (Avoiding Eye Contact). Walked around downtown Hartford. Admired the architecture, avoided eye contact with anyone who looked like they might try to sell me something, and vowed to find a decent pizza before I left.
Evening: More Netflix, More Snacks, More Disappointment in the Quest For Pizza. (Did I already say that? Oh well, it bears repeating.)
Day 3: Departure and Lingering Questions
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Final Breakfast…and the Curse of the Oatmeal. One last attempt at the continental breakfast. I ate another prepackaged pastry (because, hey, free sugar rush!). The oatmeal remained a sad, gluey mess.
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Packing and Regret. Packed my suitcase. Felt the familiar pangs of "Did I forget anything?" and "Why did I bring so many shoes?"
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Checkout. (The most painless part of the whole trip.) Brief farewell to the friendly front desk guy (still "sport," I guess).
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: The Drive Home (and the lingering quest for Pizza). The drive back to the airport was uneventful, thankfully. I may have stopped at a highway rest stop and eaten a questionable hot dog. (Don't judge me.)
12:00 PM: Final Thoughts aka the "What Did I Learn?"
So, Hartford. It wasn't love at first sight. Or second. Or third. But was it a bad trip? Not exactly. The hotel served its purpose, the museum was great, and I survived (mostly). I learned that grocery stores are important. That pizza is a serious business. And that traveling is messy, imperfect, and often hilarious. Would I go back? Maybe. But first, I need to find that perfect pizza. And maybe invest in some better snacks. Wish me luck.
Angeliki Pension: Your Dream Amorgos Getaway Awaits!
Alright, so, why the ukulele? Seriously, why not the guitar? Or the triangle?
Okay, first of all, the triangle? Let's be real, I'd be a *disaster*. Secondly, guitars are, like, *intimidating*. Gigantic. And my fingers are like, tiny sausages. The ukulele? It's cute. Portable. Looks like it's begging to be loved. And, let's be honest, I saw a YouTube video of someone butchering "Creep" by Radiohead on a uke, and I thought, "Hey, I could probably butcher that *even better*!" (Spoiler alert: I was right.)
What kind of ukulele *should* I have gotten? 'Cause I just… I *bought* one.
Oh, dear lord. Okay, okay, breathe. Don't hyperventilate just yet. So, there are sizes, right? Soprano (tiny!), concert (a bit more room!), tenor (getting serious!), and baritone (basically a miniature guitar, which defeats the purpose, IMO). I went with a concert. Seemed… reasonable. I *think*. I mean, it's still a ukulele, but… I probably should have googled it first. It's a *thing*.
Learning chords. Is it as soul-crushingly painful as it looks?
Yes. Absolutely. Like, you spend hours contorting your fingers into these weird shapes, and then you strum, and it sounds like… *nothing*. Or like a dying cat. Or both. I'm convinced there's some sort of conspiracy. Like, the ukulele elves are secretly laughing at us, the mortals, as we try to force our stubby sausages to bend. The F chord? The *bane* of my existence. I swear, it's like trying to build a tiny, fleshy fortress. I just… UGH. (And the worst part is, the internet is full of people who make it look *effortless*.)
What about the strumming? Because I sound even worse than the chords.
Strumming. Ah, yes. The rhythmic assault on your eardrums. So, I watched a YouTube tutorial. *Multiple* tutorials. They all made it look so easy, this delicate up-down-up-down dance. Me? I sound like I'm trying to saw through a log with a rusty spoon. My strumming pattern is more of a "chaotic flurry of fingernails against nylon strings." It's, frankly, appalling. I've considered wearing gloves to avoid damaging the uke, but then I'd have *no* feel for it (probably a good thing, tbh).
Have you considered giving up yet? Be honest.
Considered? Sweet heavens, yes! Multiple times a day! Like, this morning, I tried to play "Riptide" (because, you know, EVERYONE plays "Riptide"). And it was a complete disaster. I got the chords wrong, the strumming was a mess, and my dog started howling in sympathy. I wanted to throw the uke out the window. But then I thought... nah, I might as well keep going. Maybe one day, I'll be able to play a whole song without my ears bleeding. Maybe. Probably not. But hey, the tiny, wooden, vaguely ship-shaped thing provides a nice paperweight.
Anything positive to say? Anything at all?
Okay, okay, deep breaths. Yes. There *are* moments. Like, sometimes, *briefly*, when I manage to get a chord to ring out cleanly. It's like a tiny, flickering spark of musical success. And when that happens? It's pure, unadulterated joy. Also… it's a good distraction from the existential dread of, you know, life. And, okay, fine, it's kinda fun to play the same three chords over and over again, even if they sound vaguely… wrong. Plus, it's a conversation starter! People always say, "Oh, you play the ukulele? How *quaint*!" Which is a bit condescending, but hey, at least they're talking to me, right?
Tips for beginners? Besides, "give up now."
Alright, fine. I can offer actual advice (it's harder than it sounds, by the way) * **Practice. Ugh, seriously. But it does, sort of, work.** Even five minutes a day is better than nothing. No, seriously, *do* it! * **Start with easy songs.** Like, really, really easy. "Mary Had a Little Lamb" easy. Don't try "Bohemian Rhapsody" on day one, unless your goal is to become thoroughly demoralized. * **Don't beat yourself up.** You *will* sound terrible at first. Everyone does. It's the law. Embrace the suck. Relish it. Laugh at it. Cry, even! * **Find a teacher (if you can, and if you can afford it).** Even a few lessons can help with technique and, more importantly, prevent you from developing bad habits (like the weird contortions my fingers are currently doing). * **Make it fun!** Seriously. If you're not enjoying it, you're not going to stick with it. Play the songs you like, even if they're super simple, and if you mess up all the time, so what? You’re more likely to actually enjoy it that way. I swear, I'm just trying to get through to learn a few simple songs, who cares if I can actually make something sound nice, I just want to be able to play some damn music! (Still, I keep telling myself this is all *therapeutic*... or maybe just a cry for help.)
So... are you good at it yet?
Good? Ha! Honey, *good* is a generous word. I consider it a win when my dog doesn't run out the door. Right now, I'm mostly in the "sounds like a poorly tuned kazoo being attacked by a squirrel" phase. But hey, at least I'm *trying*. And hey, at least I haven't broken it yet. (Knock on wood, and then go learn a chord, quick!)
