Norfolk's Hidden Gem: Downtown Courtyard Oasis Awaits!
Norfolk's Hidden Gem: Downtown Courtyard Oasis Awaits! - A Review That's Actually Real (And Maybe a Little Over the Top)
Alright, folks, let's be honest. Hotel reviews? They're usually about as exciting as watching paint dry. BUT, I'm here to shake things up. I just spent a few days at Norfolk's Hidden Gem: Downtown Courtyard Oasis Awaits! And, well, let's just say it wasn't exactly what I expected. In a good way, mostly.
First Impressions & Accessibility (The Nitty Gritty – But Important!)
The "Hidden Gem" part isn't kidding. Finding the place was a bit like a treasure hunt, but the payoff? Worth it. Nestled downtown, it's a surprisingly tranquil escape from the hustle. Now, about accessibility. Listen, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I did see a few folks navigating with ease. Elevators? Check. Wheelchair accessible rooms? They've got 'em. Seriously, thumbs up on that front. It appears they are definitely trying.
Internet? Oh, the Internet.
Okay, this is where it gets a little… chaotic. They claim Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, right? And they have Internet access – wireless. And also Internet access – LAN. WHAT?! Okay, ok, the WiFi in the room was kinda spotty at times, but who cares, it's a hotel! I just needed it for quick web search or looking up a map. Who's going to be doing a deep dive into streaming from some hotel room? The Internet service was available but I never used it. The Wi-Fi in public areas was pretty solid, especially in the courtyard. Bottom line: It's there, but don't expect lightning-fast fiber optic. Fine for checking your email and updating your Insta.
Safety First (And Second, And Third!)
COVID-times, right? They REALLY leaned into the safety stuff. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha. Felt like they were hosing everything down with Purell. Hand sanitizer was EVERYWHERE. Staff trained in safety protocol? Definitely. I saw a staff member actually get, like, REALLY serious about cleaning the door handle on the elevator. It was impressive, if a little intense. They had all the usual suspects: Daily disinfection in common areas, Sterilizing equipment, Cashless payment service, and the like. Made ya feel safe, which is worth a lot these days.
The Room: My Little Fortress (But With a Few Quirks)
Okay, my room! Let's dive in, the Non-smoking room was great I could open the window to get fresh air. It had Air conditioning, which I appreciated. Daily housekeeping, Towels, and Linens were replaced. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed. The Hair dryer, Ironing facilities, Mirror, Refrigerator. Seating area, and a Shower were great too. I forgot to mention the Blackout curtains were awesome.
Things weren't perfect. The socket near the bed was a bit of a reach. But hey, you can't win 'em all.
The Food Maze: Where to Eat, Drink, and Maybe Get Lost
The food situation was a wild ride. Restaurants all over, the only place to eat at the hotel was in the Coffee shop. The A la carte in restaurant or Buffet in restaurant was a little more than I wanted. I'm not a big fan of the Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant. I tried the Western breakfast and Western cuisine in restaurant. Poolside bar: pretty good drinks. Snack bar: good for picking up a quick bite. Desserts in restaurant: The chocolate cake was fantastic. I didn't try the Soup in restaurant or the Salad in restaurant. Overall, the food options were kinda a mixed bag and I mostly ate elsewhere.
Things to Do (or Don't Do, Up to You)
I'm not a big spa person, usually I'm just tired out from the day. So all the Body scrub, Body wrap, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, all that was lost on me. I wanted to relax, and did! The Swimming pool was gorgeous, and relaxing in the courtyard with a view was a great way to spend the time. The Fitness center, Gym/fitness, were not for me.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras You Didn't Know You Needed (Maybe)
They had a lot going on. Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator were all great. I took advantage of the Dry cleaning, and Laundry service. They had an Indoor venue for special events, and Outdoor venue for special events. Cool!
For the Kids?
They had Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I didn't check all those out.
Getting Around (Because Sometimes You Gotta Leave the Oasis)
Airport transfer was available, which was handy. Car park [free of charge] was a BIG plus. I saw a Car power charging station out there, which is super cool. Taxi service was always available.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Okay, let's be clear: This place isn't perfect. It's got quirks. But that's what makes it charming, right? It's not a sterile chain hotel experience. It's got personality.
Plus: The Courtyard. Seriously beautiful. The staff, while maybe a little overzealous on the sanitizing, were incredibly friendly and helpful. The location? Prime. Walking distance to a bunch of cool stuff. Did I mention the courtyard? Seriously, it's worth it just for that.
Minus: The internet. Food options. Some rooms are a little… dated.
Overall? Yeah, I'd go back. It's a solid choice. It's a hidden gem. And it’s a place that feels genuine and… well, human.
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Maso Fiorini Isera: Italy's Best-Kept Secret (Unbelievable Views!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a Norfolk, VA, adventure, and frankly, it's probably gonna be a hot mess. My mess, but hey, you’re here for the ride. And the Courtyard Norfolk Downtown? Let’s just say I hope they have good coffee, because I'm gonna need it.
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh God, Where's My Luggage?" Ritual
Morning (ish): Arrive at Norfolk International Airport (ORF). Okay, so, first impressions? Honestly, the airport isn't awful. It’s… functional. Which, in the grand scheme of travel, is already a win. Especially after that flight delay. Ugh. Did I pack appropriately? Probably not. Already regretting that last-minute decision to bring the bright yellow cardigan.
The Luggage Labyrinth: This is where things get interesting. I mean, it always does on the very first day of a trip. Where’s my bag? The sacred luggage. I hate waiting. I pace. I glare at the baggage handlers. I start picturing all the beautiful outfits I lovingly stashed in that suitcase that I might only see on the second day. Come on, bag! Please be with me. And miraculously, it appears. Victory. Small, but mighty.
Afternoon: Check into the Courtyard Norfolk Downtown. Gotta admit, the lobby is kinda… generic. Beige-y. But hey, the check-in lady was super friendly, which immediately ups the experience points. Room? Standard, but clean. And, thank heavens, the air conditioning works. Seriously, that's half the battle won in summer in the south. Now, off to get some proper food.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Food and a Fail (Maybe) at the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (VMOCA): Okay, so Google said "best seafood" and "freakin' delicious" and I'm a sucker for a good recommendation, so I walked a few blocks to 456 Fish. The place smelled heavenly. I had the crab cakes. The crab cakes were… adequate. Not the life-altering experience I was hoping for. Maybe I hyped it up too much in my head. Sigh. After all that walking, I needed to go to VMOCA. I really wanted to go! But let me tell you, I am so tired. The art is calling, but my bed is calling louder… And the fact that it is 7 pm already and you could find me in my hotel room, is one of the biggest of signs of being a fail. Maybe later.
Evening: Room service. Pizza. Regret. Bed. Maybe watch some trashy TV. That's the plan, anyway. More tomorrow. Maybe.
Day 2: Naval History, the Tide and a Pizza Pilgrimage
- Morning: Okay, so, good news: coffee from the hotel is actually decent. Bad news: I woke up with a slight sense of dread. You know, the kind that settles in when you realize you have to "do things" today. But onwards we go!
- The Naval Station Norfolk: Ah yes, the naval station. Home of the world's largest naval base. I am a fan of military stuff, but let's face it… I'm not that kind of fan. So, I decided to check out the Nauticus National Maritime Center AND the USS Wisconsin Battleship. Both are impressive. I got to walk around on a real battleship. I'm a tiny human. In this context, it was incredibly impressive. The fact that they built these things… it is such a mammoth.
- Lunch: So, now I'm craving a real meal. A proper meal. One that will make me feel alive. And that leads me to…
- Afternoon: The Pizza Pilgrimage (And the ensuing emotional rollercoaster): My research suggested a place called "Brickhouse Pizza." I'mma be candid. This was my main reason for coming to Norfolk. I had to. I needed to. So, like any sane person, I walked about an hour, got a pizza the size of my head, and then just sat and ate it with a big smile on my face. Yeah, it was worth it. My expectations were ridiculously high. My life is better because of this pizza. My mood has improved vastly. This pizza. The sauce. The crust. The… I am not a poet! Get me another pizza, quick!
- Late Afternoon: My stomach is full. But my heart yearns for something else. The beach! The Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 30 mins away from Norfolk city. The beach is there, and I'm here, so why not.
- Evening: The best thing about this entire afternoon is that I am now sitting in my hotel room, watching TV and preparing myself for what tomorrow brings: more sightseeing, more food and lots more.
Day 3: Arts, Old Town and, Perhaps, Regret
Morning: Up early! After all, I still have an entire day to make sure I do what I'm here to do. I love the sun in the morning, it makes me want to be a morning person. Alas, I am not. Let's try!
Morning: The Chrysler Museum of Art: Okay, so, I love old art. I love any art. I spent wayyyy too long looking at all the old, beautiful things. Then I found the glass art. Those glass creations are unreal. So, so, so, so so cool.
Afternoon: Old Town: I wandered around the historic streets of Old Town Alexandria. I am not sure what to do first. I decided to… sit. I sat at a coffee shop. I had a coffee. I breathed. The place was charming. The buildings told stories. Everything was perfect. Then I went to a shop and bought something I probably shouldn't have bought.
Late Afternoon: I am ready to head back to the hotel and do something I wouldn't feel ashamed of doing.
Evening: The final evening. I will sit. I will close myself in my room. I will eat whatever I have left of the food. And I'll think of what I've seen. I've had moments. They've changed me. Now I'm ready for home.
So there you have it – my potential Norfolk adventure. It's not pretty. It's probably not efficient. But hey, it's mine. And if you're reading this and thinking, "Wow, this is totally my vibe," then maybe, just maybe, you'll have a blast too. Embrace the mess. Embrace the unexpected. And never, ever, underestimate the power of a really great pizza. Godspeed, fellow travelers. And may your luggage arrive on time. Amen.
Escape to Paradise: Clearwater Beach Getaway at Courtyard St. Petersburg
1. So, like, what *is* this FAQ even *about*? (Because, seriously, I'm already confused.)
2. Why are you writing this and not, like, actually doing something productive? (Judging you, a little.)
3. Okay, okay, so you're saying you're not an expert? So, why should I even *listen* to you?
4. What's the best way to approach life? Like, the *real* answer. The one they don't teach you in boring self-help books.
5. What do you think about... relationships? Blech.
6. How do you deal with failure? (Because, let's be honest, it happens.)
7. What are your biggest pet peeves? (Prepare for the rant.)
8. What's something you're secretly proud of? (Brace yourself...)
