Rochester's Hidden Gem: Broadway Plaza Hotel Review - You Won't Believe This!
Okay, buckle up Buttercups, because we are diving HEADFIRST into the BROADWAY PLAZA HOTEL in Rochester, New York! I've just emerged, blinking, from its… well, "embrace" (that's my diplomatic way of saying it). This isn't just a review; consider this your survival guide. You've been warned.
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First Impressions: The Entrance and the Elevator… Oh, That Elevator.
Alright, so the Broadway Plaza. "Hidden Gem," huh? Ambitious. The exterior? Let’s just say it's got character. It's not exactly the Taj Mahal, folks. But the lobby… Well, it's… there. It has a certain… vibe. There are touches of what they might be aiming for in terms of elegance, with a few modern art pieces peppering the walls.
It's when you try to get to your room, though, that things get interesting. The Elevator. Dear God, the elevator. I'm pretty sure it's older than sliced bread, I swear, its journey to your floor takes forever. I have nightmares I will be stuck in it. The one day I was in it, I noticed the floor was…wobbly. And it's slow, so slow. I spent a solid hour contemplating how I could make this review into an elevator ride-themed performance art piece. That's your welcome to the Broadway Plaza. (Thankfully, this is where the "messy" part of this review comes into full effect. If you are in a wheelchair, the elevator is, thankfully, completely wheelchair accessible. As the elevator takes forever, the hotel is also wheelchair accessible and has several rooms with various accessibility features.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, but Overall, Pretty Good
Thankfully, the hotel’s pretty accessible overall, which is a massive plus.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, thankfully, including the elevator (whew!), some rooms, and the common areas.
- Other Accessibility Features: Bathrooms with grab bars, and some rooms are specifically designed for wheelchair users.
- More specifically: The hotel takes "Facilities for disabled guests" seriously.
- Stuff that could be improved: Signage could be better for accessibility features throughout the hotel.
Wi-Fi and the Internet: Connected, ish.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yessss. (I almost missed this, distracted by that elevator, but thank goodness it worked). And it worked! The promised free Wi-Fi was pretty zippy. I could stream a movie, update my social media, and research my own blog, so, for a hotel, not bad at all.
- Internet Access [LAN]: Yes. (Though, seriously, why still a LAN?)
- Internet Services: Basic, functional.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Also, present and functioning.
Cleanliness and Safety: The "Reassuring" Aspects
This section is important. After all, you're trying to spend the night, right? The Broadway Plaza is trying.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Apparently, yes. (Trust, but verify, people!) They're trying, and they're taking it seriously.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Hand sanitizer: Abundant and readily available.
- Hygiene certification: I didn't see any. (But I also didn't ask… I was too busy surviving the elevator.)
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays: Supposedly, yes.
- Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: Seemed so.
- Rooms: Seemed adequately clean, but the 'professional-grade sanitizing' feels more like a promise than a guarantee, if you know what I mean.
- Things that are good: Smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and security features were visible.
- Things that could be better: I did notice some dirt on the windowsill in my room. And the air conditioning unit, seemed like it hadn’t been cleaned in…well, let’s just say, since the year it was installed.
Speaking of rooms…
My Room: A Saga Of The Bed
Okay, my room. It was… functional. I've stayed in worse. But I've stayed in much better. The “decor” felt a little…frozen in time. I swear, the curtains are from a different era. The bed, though? Oh, the bed. The linens were clean, but the bed itself was…interesting. It was…a bed. And it was… hard. And I'm not talking about any of those fancy "firm" mattresses. This was a bed that had clearly seen some action.
- What I liked: Air conditioning. I had the option of opening a window, which I did. The blackout curtains were actually pretty good. Complimentary tea and coffee, which I needed after surviving the elevator.
- What I didn’t like: Noisy air conditioning. The lack of USB charging ports at the bed. The overall lack of charm.
- More details: The rooms had a TV, a small desk (for a laptop workspace), a mini bar (which was empty), a closet, and a private bathroom complete with toiletries. It had a safe box.
The Spa, Fitness, and "Relaxation": Where Dreams Go to… Be Massaged
Let's be honest: this is why you're here, right?
- Fitness Center: Present.
- Gym/fitness: Yup, it's there. (I used the gym, and the equipment…well, it exists.)
- Sauna & Steamroom: Yes, but I couldn't bring myself to try it.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Check.
- Spa: Indeed. (Massage, Body wrap, Body scrub) And for a limited time, they let me in. Honestly? This is where the Broadway Plaza shines. The spa is a proper oasis. And the massage? Worth every penny.
- Pool with a View: The pool itself is a little small but clean, and yes, there is a nice view.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
- Asian Kitchen: Yes! (There is, believe it or not, Asian cuisine in restaurant: a pleasant surprise with some great options (and a full bar)).
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yes, but it's limited. (Think continental, with some hot options).
- Bar: Yes (Happy hour, too.)
- Restaurants: Yes! (Including one in the pool house.)
- Snack bar: Present.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Definitely, and very convenient.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
They’re trying!
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Cash withdrawal: Available.
- Concierge: Present.
- Daily housekeeping: Check.
- Elevator: The elevator. (We've been over this)
- Laundry service: Yes.
- Luggage storage: Available.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes.
- Parking: Free car park [on-site]. And valet parking available.
- Pets: Supposedly not allowed, but I think I saw a tiny fluffy thing (yes, I am referring to a dog.)
- Non-Smoking Rooms: Available!
For the Kids:
- Family/child-friendly Yes!
- Babysitting service: I'm not sure they would actually babysit your kids; probably a more reliable option for kids and families in general.
- Kids meal:
- Activities
Things to Do & Getting Around: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Rochester has a ton to offer! I didn't want to leave, but I had to.
- Car park [free of charge]: Huge plus!
- Airport transfer: Available.
- Taxi service: Readily available
The Verdict: Should You Stay at the Broadway Plaza?
Here's the truth: the Broadway Plaza Hotel is flawed. It's a little rough around the edges and the elevator will test your patience. However, here's the kicker: it has character. The spa is lovely, the staff is friendly, and the location is convenient. Its price is reasonable.
The Big Question: Am I saying the Broadway Plaza is perfect? NO! Is it worth a punt? Absolutely.
**Here's My Offer (To You!
Unbelievable 5-Star Luxury Awaits You in Suzhou: Atour Hotel Kunshan Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-polished itinerary. This is my attempt at a weekend at the Broadway Plaza, Trademark Collection by Wyndham in glorious Rochester, Minnesota. Prepare for a bumpy ride… both literally and figuratively.
Pre-Trip Anxiety (It's a Real Thing, People!)
- Monday (aka "The Dreaded Monday"): Okay, so I booked this trip. Exciting, right? Wrong. Suddenly, the world feels like a giant to-do list. Did I pack the right shoes? (Always a struggle.) Did I remember deodorant? (Vital. Especially when stuck in a confined space with other humans.) And the biggest fear? What if the hotel room is haunted? (I'm a scaredy-cat, okay?) Started searching "Broadway Plaza hotel reviews Minnesota" for hours. Got lost in reading the bad ones. "Bed bugs"… "thin walls"… "sketchy parking". Nope, I am not doing this until it is the day.
Day 1: The Arrival & The "Oh, God, Did I Forget My Toothbrush?!" Moment
- Friday, around 1:00 PM: The Trek Begins: Goodbye, laundry pile; hello, sweet freedom! Well, almost. The drive from… (Let’s just say it’s a reasonable driving distance. Don’t want to give away too much information, that's for security reasons. Gotta keep the trolls at bay, you know?)…was a beautiful, slow, one. Made a playlist of all the cheesy 80s power ballads I could find. (Don't judge. They get me pumped.)
- Friday, around 4:00 PM: Arrival at the Broadway Plaza (Moment of Truth): Pulling up to the hotel… it looked… fine? (Relief washing over me like a lukewarm wave). The lobby wasn’t exactly chic, but hey, clean enough. The check-in process was a blur of names and credit cards; I swear, the front desk person was speaking a language I didn't know. Found a room (thank god for elevators). It's not the Ritz, sure, but it's a room. And crucially, no bedbugs! I think.
- Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Unpacking Catastrophe: The usual: I’m convinced I forgot something vital. This time it was a toothbrush. Panic sets in. Deep breaths. Nope, I had everything. Found my favorite travel mug and a snack! Now that I could settle down. Had a moment of wondering who was here before me.
- Friday, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Pre-Dinner Reconnaissance: Time to explore. Wandered around the hotel, checked out the gym (ha!), and peeked at the pool (no swimming trunks, sigh). It was so weird, not crowded, and kinda empty, which I kind of liked. Decided to find somewhere to eat.
- Friday, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner Debacle: I asked the front desk for recommendations, and they suggested (very enthusiastically) a place called "Cheesy Pete's." Thought "that sounds amazing." Well, the food was… okay. The service, much less so. Our waiter seemed to have misplaced his enthusiasm somewhere between the kitchen and our table. The bread was overcooked, and they forgot my water, (again!). The pasta was also undercooked. Feeling less than stellar; all in all a very depressing experience.
- Friday, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM : Stargazing (Or, The Parking Lot Adventure): I couldn’t even bring myself to go to the restaurant, so I was stuck! After the food fiasco, I needed to breathe. Walked to the parking lot and turned off my headlights to look at the stars. (Yes, I know. I'm a romantic at heart. Don't mock me). Found a few stars, sat on the hood of my car with my favorite coffee, and did some thinking.
Day 2: The Mayo Clinic, Unexpected Nostalgia, and the Quest for the Perfect Slice
- Saturday, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast, the Underwhelming Edition: The hotel "continental breakfast" was…let's just say it wasn’t winning any awards. The coffee tasted like dishwater, and the bagels were rock-hard. But hey, free food is free food (even if it’s soul-crushingly bland).
- Saturday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The Mayo Clinic Pilgrimage: Okay, I'm not actually sick. It's just, I knew I needed to visit the Clinic. The architecture is kinda beautiful, and the atmosphere is remarkably calm, which is a bonus. The crowds gave me the creeps. I wandered around the building for a while. Then I started people watching. I saw some people looking very scared, so I decided to just head out.
- Saturday, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Attempt 2. I was not going to make the same mistake twice. I went to a place called "The Pizza Palace" on the way back to the hotel. This time was a very good time. (Thank god).
- Saturday, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: "Retail Therapy" (Also Known as "Wandering Aimlessly"): Time to shop! I love vintage stores. Saw some things that were not my taste. Wandered around the square, which had a nice feel, and just did some window shopping. Didn't buy anything.
- Saturday, 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: "Me Time" (aka Napping): Back at the hotel. Took a long nap.
- Saturday, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner, the Redemption: Back to hoping for a good time. Saw there was a place called "The Old Spaghetti Factory". I was cautiously optimistic. Turns out, it was actually really good! The spaghetti was so good. I actually met a nice woman who was in town for a conference at a table next to me, and we shared some stories. It made me feel more connected to the city, and I think, to the world.
- Saturday, 7:00 PM - ? : The Unorganized Evening: After dinner, there was nothing much left to do but to hang out in the lobby. I thought to myself, "why not". Did some reading. Watched TV. Ordered dessert from door dash. Went to bed early.
Day 3: The Departure & The "Will I Ever See You Again?" Moment
- Sunday, 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: The Breakfast Blues, Part Deux: Back to the sad, sad breakfast. Seriously, how hard is it to make decent coffee and a non-brick-like bagel?
- Sunday, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Last-Minute Panic & Packing: The dreaded moment. Gotta get packed, check out, and hit the road. Rummaged through the suitcase again.
- Sunday, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Check-Out and General Farewell: This part was thankfully easy. The front desk person was pleasant, and no one tried to charge me for anything extra. Whew.
- Sunday, 10:30 AM: The Grand Finale (aka: The Drive Home): Back on the road! Goodbye, Rochester. Goodbye, Broadway Plaza. Goodbye, potentially haunted room. (Please, dear God, let me have escaped unscathed). The drive was long, the radio was playing terribly, and the traffic was horrendous!.
Post-Trip Feelings (aka: The Aftermath)
- Monday (The Official Post-Trip Day): It wasn’t perfect. It was messy. It had its ups and downs. But it was… something. I am not sure what I would rate the trip. Ultimately, I survived, which is more than I can say for some of my travel plans.
And that, my friends, is my truth. Don't expect flawless travel, expect real life. And maybe, just maybe, you'll have a little fun along the way. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some laundry to do… and a toothbrush to replace.
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Broadway Plaza Hotel: You Won't Believe This (And Neither Did I...At First!) - FAQs
Okay, spill. What EXACTLY is this "Hidden Gem" hype about? Is it *really* that good?
Location, location, location! Is it actually Convenient? Or Am I Going to Need to Walk 10 Miles to Get a Coffee?
Let's Talk Rooms. Are we talking dingy motel vibes or something... less… grim?
What about the Staff? Are they grumpy robots or actual human beings?
Breakfast! The most important meal of the day. Any good?
Anything NOT to like? Gimme the dirt!
Would you stay there again? Be Honest! (And why!)
