Escape to Paradise: Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Beach Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the turquoise waters of the "Escape to Paradise: Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Beach Getaway!" Now, I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm a mess when it comes to travel. I'm the guy who forgets his toothbrush, packs six pairs of the exact same socks, and somehow always manages to lose his room key. So, if I can handle a review, you know this is real.
First Impressions (and the Search for the Toiletries Bag – The Eternal Struggle)
Let's start with the basics. Accessibility: (Important, I know people care!) The Hampton Inn checks a lot of boxes. I saw Elevators, obviously, and the lobby seemed pretty darned navigable for anyone with mobility issues. The website also mentions Facilities for disabled guests, so that's a solid start. I'm bad at specifics, I'll confess. Finding the damn bathroom phone to ask about this stuff is next level.
Cleanliness and Safety: Breathe Easy (Mostly)
Okay, look, COVID has got us all on edge. The Hampton Inn gets it. Anti-viral cleaning products? Yep. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. They've got the whole shebang, from Professional-grade sanitizing services to staff trained in safety protocols. They even say you can Room sanitization opt-out available, which is chef's kiss for anyone who’s a bit, you know, extra about cleanliness. They've got hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE. It almost felt excessive. But who am I to complain?
Here's a Weird Observation: I noticed they still had the little soaps. The individually wrapped ones… It's one of those little details you can't help but notice. Is that good? Bad? I have no clue. I love the "Individually-wrapped food options". But they should ditch those little bars.
Rooms: Your Little Beach Bubble (Mostly)
Alright, the room. Let’s be honest, it wasn't the Four Seasons (obvs). But! It was clean (praise the lord). Very much a "get the job done" kind of room, you understand? The Air conditioning worked like a charm (essential in Florida, people). The Free Wi-Fi was a godsend, and super fast. Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, and Wi-Fi [free]? They really nailed it! The best part for me? The Blackout curtains. Seriously, I need those things. Bathroom phone? It was there! The hair dryer was the standard hotel-issue one, which, let's be honest, is about as powerful as a gnat's fart. I brought my own, obv.
Now, about the extra long bed. Hmmm not sure about that.
The Pacing:
Alright, I am not gonna lie, the pacing is gonna go all over the place.
Dining, Drinking, and Attempting to Be Civilized (Mostly)
Okay, let's talk food. Because, honestly, that's where I shine. The Hampton Inn offered a Breakfast [buffet], "Breakfast service", Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast. (Okay, maybe not shine, but I do love to eat…) The Coffee/tea in restaurant was strong. I'm a coffee snob, and it wasn't awful. The Buffet in restaurant was pretty standard. But the best part? The Poolside bar.
My Poolside Bar Revelation
Okay, so the highlight of my entire trip. I was sitting by the pool, which has a pretty decent Pool with view (nothing mindblowing, but hey). Then, I ordered a margarita. It was like the sun was directly in front of me. Like I was a lizard, soaking in the sun. Then the bartender told me it was extra strong. I had two. Then three… Anyway. I was feeling great. The Poolside bar was the MVP. I definitely indulged in some Happy hour time. They've got a whole Snack bar and Restaurants, but I was way too busy at the bar. 10/10 would recommend.
Things to Do (or, Mostly, Not Do)
Okay, so you want things to do? They've got a Fitness center. I didn't go. I have a mental block with exercise. I also have the Spa/sauna, and a Steamroom. I did NOT use any of those. I was too busy at the bar soaking in the sun. There were other options though, the Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], and the Sauna. They also have a Terrace you can sit on. What it lacked was a Body scrub and Body wrap.
Getting Around (and Trying Not to Look Like a Tourist)
Airport transfer? Check. Taxi service? Check. Valet parking? Yes. Car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge]? Even better! If you are like me, I would say that they really have you covered.
Services and Conveniences (The Stuff That Makes Life Easier)
Concierge? Aye. Daily housekeeping? Praise the heavens. Laundry service? Thank god! Luggage storage? Always a win. Cash withdrawal? Sweet!
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and the Unvarnished Truth
Okay, here's the deal. The Hampton Inn isn't perfect. It's a Hampton Inn! It's not trying to be something it's not. There are some tiny things that could be better, no doubt. The rooms, while clean, are a bit basic.
My Emotional Reaction: Mostly positive! I was relaxed, carefree, and drunk on margaritas.
For the Kids
Not really my area of expertise, but they had Babysitting service. They are very Family/child friendly. And that’s your lot.
The Big Sell: An Escape to Paradise, Just for You! (My Honest Pitch)
Look, are you looking for a glamorous, over-the-top vacation? Maybe this isn't it (although the pool bar does elevate things). But, if you want a clean, well-located, and relatively affordable escape to the beach with all the basics covered, the Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Beach Getaway is a solid choice.
My Personalized Pitch:
Tired of the daily grind? Craving sunshine and good times? Book your stay at the Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Beach Getaway! Picture this: You, basking in the Florida sun, margarita in hand (trust me, the bar is your friend), with the ocean breeze whispering sweet nothings in your ear.
Here's what's in it for you:
- Stress-Free Stay: Clean rooms, safe protocols, and all the amenities you need.
- Beach Bliss: Prime location, steps from the sand and surf.
- Relaxation Reinvented: Poolside bliss, because you deserve it.
- Easy Access: Whether you're flying in or driving, getting here is a breeze.
Book now and get free access to Wi-Fi, a complimentary bottle of water, and a guarantee of a good time! (Okay, I can't guarantee the good time, but with that pool bar, you're halfway there!).
Click here to book your escape to paradise! Don't wait – your beach vacation awaits!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Rochester's Strathallan Hotel Spa Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's organized itinerary. We're talking about a Fort Lauderdale trip that's gonna be, shall we say, interesting. Hampton Inn on Commercial Blvd? Sounds… fine. Let's dive in, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival & Beach Bumming (Mostly)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Arrival Debacle and Hampton Inn Bliss
Okay, lemme tell you, getting to Fort Lauderdale from… well, wherever I was coming from (definitely not organized), was a whole thing. Flight delays, a rental car that smelled faintly of stale fries and broken dreams… but we survived! Finally, after a Herculean effort of map-reading and resisting the urge to chuck my phone out the window, we land at the Hampton Inn. Honestly? It's… clean. The AC hums (a good hum, not a demonic one). The check-in lady also smiled. Score. They even have those little complimentary coffee and tea things. Yes. I'm instantly feeling a little more human.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Unpacking and Questionable Decisions
This is where things start to unravel, in the best possible way. Unpack? More like… shove everything into a general direction and hope something resembling a swimsuit materializes. I'll probably forget something crucial, like, oh, a toothbrush? Sunscreen? Who knows. But hey, that's part of the fun (read: impending disaster). Also, I might sneak a quick nap. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Beach Time (With a Side of Existential Dread)
Alright, beach. The whole reason we're here. I'm picturing myself: bronzed goddess, effortlessly gliding into the turquoise waves. Reality? Probably more like a lobster-red, clumsy tourist battling for a good spot on the sand. But, hey, the ocean! The sun! The overpriced but delicious (I'm assuming) beachside cocktails! I'm banking on those redeeming qualities. I have this feeling I might get sand everywhere. I'm also fairly certain I'll spend at least an hour just staring at the ocean, pondering the meaning of life and whether I remembered to turn the coffee maker off at home.
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Beach Shower & Refreshing
A hot shower after the beach must be heaven. The salty air and sand must be washed and the body must be refreshed.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at a Place "With Good Reviews" (Fingers Crossed)
I've been obsessively scrolling through reviews of local restaurants, trying to pick a place that isn't a total tourist trap. Emphasis on trying. The place I picked is called "The Fish Shack", which I will be honest, made me extremely happy and very hopeful. Hopefully the food is edible (and, fingers crossed, doesn't involve a live fish experience). I'm also prepared for a long wait, overpriced drinks, and the distinct possibility of being seated right next to the loud, boisterous family with five screaming children. But hey, it's all part of the adventure, right? Right?!
9:00 PM - Bedtime (or, More Likely, Netflix Addiction)
Assuming I haven't collapsed into a food coma, I'll probably crash in the hotel. Or, and I'm leaning towards this option, I'll switch on Netflix and get completely lost in a terrible reality show. Don't judge me. Travel fatigue is real.
Day 2: Culture (Sort Of) and Boat Life (Maybe)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Hotel Breakfast (Free, Hopefully Edible)
The absolute best part of a Hampton Inn: free breakfast! This is where the real test begins. Can I successfully navigate the waffle maker without creating a sugary, volcanic eruption? Will the scrambled eggs be… well, not rubbery? Only time will tell. I'm aiming for at least one full plate of carbs.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. (AKA Trying to Be Cultured)
Alright, listen, I’m not exactly cultured, but I try. The Bonnet House seems like a good bet. Lush gardens, historic house… hopefully there’s air conditioning. I’m envisioning myself wandering around, contemplating art, pretending to understand the significance of a particular painting. Realistically? I'll probably be more interested in the gift shop. Can't help it, I love a key chain that says "I survived Fort Lauderdale"
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch (Wherever Smells Intriguing)
Post-culture, my brain will be fried. I'll need sustenance. I'm going to abandon all pretense of planning and just wander until I smell something delicious. Maybe a greasy burger? Maybe something with actual vegetables? The suspense is killing me.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Boat Tour (Potentially Embarrassing)
Okay, here's where the real fun begins. I booked a boat tour of the canals. Think celebrity mansions, beautiful yachts, and me, probably looking utterly uncoordinated. I have a feeling I'll be that person who takes a million photos, asks dumb questions, and maybe, just maybe, accidentally bumps into something valuable. I'm slightly terrified, and also incredibly excited. I'm hoping I don't get seasick. I always get seasick.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Pool Time (If I Survive the Boat)
If I'm not currently clinging to the side of the boat, regretting all my life choices, I'm heading back to the Hampton Inn for some pool time. The pool is an oasis of quiet for me after all the activities. I’ll soak my weary muscles and contemplate the meaning of life. And maybe order a cocktail.5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Rest and Refresh
After a long day outside, a quick refresh is a must. I'll want to be ready for a nice dinner.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner and Live Music (If I'm Feeling Brave)
I'm debating a slightly fancier dinner tonight. Maybe a place with live music. But, let's be realistic. Live music always comes with the risk of bad singing, questionable dancing, and suddenly realizing you're the oldest person in the place. I'm preparing for the worst. But hey, a little chaos never hurt anyone, right?
Day 3: Departure (and the Aftermath)
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM: Breakfast… Again!
One last shot at the waffle maker. One last chance to fuel up on processed carbs before the dreaded journey home.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Last-Minute Souvenir Panic
I have a strict rule about never being unprepared for some gift for someone… I am always late and that's a guarantee.
12:00 PM: Check Out and Farewell (For Now, Fort Lauderdale)
Goodbye, sunny skies! Goodbye, vaguely clean hotel room! Goodbye, questionable life choices that made me come here. I'm already planning my return, this time, hopefully, with a bit more organization. Or, you know, maybe not. After all, chaos is part of the adventure, right?
12:00 PM - Next Year (and beyond): The Aftermath
The flight home, all the unpacking and washing… I'll be tired and sunburnt. The memory of what I've done, where I've been, the things I've experienced, that's what will give me the boost. It will be the fuel for my day-to-day life and the motivation for the next adventure!
Escape to Paradise: Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Beach Getaway! - Yeah, About That...
So, is this actually paradise? Or are we talking "Paradise" like my grandma's slightly-too-bright-for-the-living-room wallpaper?
Okay, real talk. Paradise? Let's dial it back a notch. Maybe more like "Pleasantville with a slight scent of chlorine and sunscreen." Look, it's the Hampton Inn. It's reliable. It's CLEAN. And the beach is right there. The *actual* beach? That's pretty darn close to paradise. The hotel itself? Solid B+. My travel partner, bless her heart, always expects every hotel to be a luxurious oasis. When she saw the lobby, she mumbled something about, "Well, it IS a Hampton Inn..." That, my friends, is the subtle art of managing expectations. I, on the other hand, was just thrilled to be away from my inbox. Win!
Is the beach REALLY right there? Like, could I roll out of bed, grab a towel, and trip directly into the ocean?
Yes! Well, okay, not *trip* directly into the ocean. Unless you're exceptionally clumsy, which, hey, no judgment. The hotel practically *spits* you onto the sand. Seriously, it's glorious. You walk maybe, oh, a minute? Two? Across a tiny road (watch out for those rogue golf carts!) and BAM! Beach. I spent about 75% of my waking hours there. Sand in my toes, salty air in my hair...pure bliss. One morning, I swear, I saw a pelican do a perfect swan dive right in front of me. I think I even shed a single tear of joy. Or maybe it was the salt water. Whatever, point is, the beach access is *excellent*.
What about the complimentary breakfast? Is it the sad, lukewarm eggs-and-rubber-sausage situation, or is it actually worth waking up for?
Alright, the breakfast... this is where things get a little... Hampton Inn-y. Let's be honest, no life-altering culinary experiences are happening at the buffet. But! It's *free*. And, listen, after a night of "researching" the local cocktail scene (more on that later…) a free carb-fest is basically a lifeline. They had the standard fare: scrambled eggs (slightly suspect, but edible), rubbery sausage (as predicted), waffles (yay waffles!), bagels, cereal, and fruit. The coffee? Well, it'll wake you up, alright. It’s the fuel of champions, alright. My strategy? Pile on the waffles, load up on fruit (because, vacation!), and hydrate with copious amounts of OJ. Don't expect Michelin-star quality, but it'll get you through to lunch.
The rooms... are they, you know, *clean*? And are the beds at least...sleepable?
Oh, yeah, the rooms. They’re clean! And, thank goodness, the beds are indeed sleepable. I'm a bit of a princess when it comes to hotel beds. I need my sleep, people! The Hampton Inn delivered. The pillows were fluffy enough (though I did bring my own, because, you know, princess.), the sheets were crisp, and the AC worked like a champ (Florida heat is NO JOKE). The bathroom was, well, a bathroom. Perfectly functional, but not exactly spa-like. The shower pressure was decent. Important. Overall, a solid, comfortable room. No complaints. Though, I did have to awkwardly navigate around my suitcase on my way to the bathroom. Tiny critique. But honestly? Totally forgivable. I mean, I wasn't *living* in the room; I was using as a base of operations for beach shenanigans and margarita consumption.
Tell me about the pool! Is it crowded? Clean? A place for quiet contemplation, or a place for kids screaming like banshees?
Alright, the pool. The pool was... a mixed bag. It was clean, thankfully. And on certain days, it was blissfully empty. I spent a good hour one afternoon just floating on my back, staring up at the clouds. Pure Zen. Then... the kids. Oh, the kids. Look, I love kids. But sometimes… all I wanted was to be left in peace. There were days when the happy screams of children were simply music to my ears. And there were days when I fantasized about a very, very, *very* long nap. So, your pool experience may vary. Bring earplugs. Or, better yet, embrace it! Maybe you'll secretly find it endearing, or maybe you'll just take to the beach. I found both. Just be prepared. Pack a book, a drink, and a healthy dose of patience, and you'll be fine. It's not *quite* a tranquil spa experience, but hey, that's life.
Okay, let's talk about the "getting around" situation. Do I need a car? Are Ubers readily available? Can I bike? Tell me the truth!
Okay, getting around. This is crucial. I'm gonna be blunt: you don't *absolutely* need a car. Uber and Lyft are plentiful. The hotel is close to everything. Okay, yes, I'm biased, let me tell you the truth about my UBER experience -- It’s not always easy, but you get used to it. The wait times could vary. Walking! Oh yes, the joy of walking. You walk the beach every day, and it's such a good experience. Walk to restaurants, walk the beach, just walk! Walking is the best way to enjoy anything. There are bikes available for rent nearby. You have several choices! So, here's the breakdown: Uber/Lyft is your best bet for getting around generally. You can definitely exist without a car. Walking is fantastic (and free!). And biking is a solid, eco-friendly option. The choice, as they say, is yours.
Did you have any *memorable* experiences? Like, anything that makes this trip stand out from just... a hotel stay? Spill the tea!
Ohhhhh, the memorable experiences. Buckle up, buttercup. This is where it gets good. One night, after a particularly delightful session of "researching" local margaritas (it's important, people!), I was wandering back to the hotel. Now, I had a very specific goal in mind: to find the ice cream shop I’d seen earlier. It was a *mandatory* stop. The salty beach air, the slight buzz from the margaritas... I was feeling good. Or, perhaps, *too* good. Anyway, I wandered off the beaten path (translation: I got lost). And stumbled upon... wait for it... a late-night street karaoke party. Seriously. Complete with wildly enthusiastic singers, terrible (but endearing) renditions of 80s power ballads, and a crowd of people who were clearly having the time of their lives.Hotel Explorers
