Lafayette's BEST Kept Secret: Residence Inn Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Lafayette's BEST Kept Secret: Residence Inn Review (You Won't Believe This!) - REALLY, YOU WON'T! (SEO-BOMBING EDITION)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your average, sterile hotel review. We're talking about the Residence Inn in Lafayette, Louisiana, that whispered-about gem, the one they don't advertise enough because, honestly, they might be too good. I'm here to tell you, as someone who's seen a lot of hotel rooms, that this place… well, it's got a certain… je ne sais quoi. And by "je ne sais quoi," I mean a damn good reason to ditch your usual stays and book yourself a suite ASAP.
Let's get messy. Let's be real. Let's dive in (and pray I don't get lost in the laundry pile).
First Impressions: Accessibility & Safety – Breathe Easy (Literally and Figuratively)
Okay, so I'm a sucker for a good entrance. And the Residence Inn in Lafayette? It delivers. Accessibility is a BIG deal for me, and they've clearly put some thought into it. Wheelchair accessible parking, ramps, and elevators? Check, check, DOUBLE CHECK. The staff is genuinely helpful (more on that later). They make a point of anticipating needs, not just reacting to them. (Huge brownie points!)
And the big one: CLEANLINESS and SAFETY. Post-pandemic, this is everything. They're not just saying they’re cleaning; they’re showing it. I'm talking Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services. They even have Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a nice touch for those who want that air to breathe. Hand sanitizer is EVERYWHERE. (My germaphobe heart sang a little song of joy.) They also have First aid kit and a Doctor/nurse on call, a welcome addition for a hotel. Now, I didn't see any Sterilizing equipment in the lobby (thank goodness!), but the vibe is definitely… pristine. And good news for folks with mobility issues, the CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property provide an additional level of peace of mind.
The Rooms: Your Little Luxury Apartment (Because Who Needs a "Hotel Room" Anyway?)
Forget those cramped, sterile hotel boxes. The Residence Inn in Lafayette? Think… mini-apartment. I'm talking Air conditioning that actually WORKS, Separate shower/bathtub, Extra long bed (hallelujah!), and a Seating area that doesn't require you to precariously balance on the edge of the bed. The Blackout curtains are a godsend for us late sleepers, and the Soundproof rooms are a MUST to shut off the busy world.
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning - Check. And it works!
- Alarm clock - Because who actually WAKES up without one anymore?
- Bathrobes - Yes, please!
- Bathroom phone - For those really important calls from the tub. (Just kidding…mostly.)
- Bathtub - Needed for a good soak.
- Blackout curtains - Sleep like a baby. Or a vampire. Whatever floats your boat!
- Carpeting - A bit dated but clean
- Closet - Plenty of space, finally!
- Coffee/tea maker - Essential for the early mornings.
- Complimentary tea - Nice touch.
- Daily housekeeping - Because, hello, I'm on vacation!
- Desk - For pretending you're working.
- Extra long bed - Praise be!
- Free bottled water - Hydration nation!
- Hair dryer - For those post-pool hair mishaps.
- High floor - The view is nice, but don't worry about the stairs.
- In-room safe box - For your treasures.
- Interconnecting room(s) available - Good for families or friend groups.
- Internet access – LAN - Ah, the relic of the past, but still available…
- Internet access – wireless – Free Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms!
- Ironing facilities - To look spiffy for your date!
- Laptop workspace - Gotta "work" when on vacation I guess…
- Linens - Clean and comfortable.
- Mini bar - Stocked with… stuff.
- Mirror - Because you gotta look good.
- Non-smoking - Because it's 2024!
- On-demand movies - Always a plus.
- Private bathroom - Duh.
- Reading light - For those late-night novel binges.
- Refrigerator - For your cold drinks and leftovers.
- Safety/security feature - Always good to have.
- Satellite/cable channels - Something for all the family.
- Scale - Prepare for post-crawfish boil remorse.
- Seating area - More space. Awesome.
- Separate shower/bathtub - Luxury!
- Shower - Clean and powerful.
- Slippers - For ultimate comfort.
- Smoke detector - Safety first.
- Socket near the bed - Because your phone is probably dead by now.
- Sofa - Another place to sprawl out.
- Soundproofing - Prevents unwanted noise,
- Telephone - For calling room service. Or the front desk.
- Toiletries - Stocked up.
- Towels - Plenty of them.
- Umbrella - Louisiana weather… need I say more?
- Visual alarm - Another safety feature!
- Wake-up service - Because the alarm clock isn't enough.
- Window that opens - To let the fresh air in.
The downside? The internet access – LAN, but hey, internet access – wireless is free, so I guess they didn't want to lose a customer.
The Hotel Chain - I don't care, I like it!
Amenities and Perks: Because You Deserve It!
Okay, here's where the Residence Inn Lafayette really shines. This isn't just about a place to crash; it's about the experience.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: Let's face it, you're in Louisiana! This place understands the importance of food. Breakfast [buffet] is included and is an actual breakfast, not just sad pastries and watery coffee. There's a decent variety, from the standard Western breakfast fare to some more interesting options. I noticed a tasty Asian breakfast there too! The Coffee/tea in restaurant is nice, and they've got a little Snack bar for grabbing a quick bite. Room service [24-hour]? Yes, please!
- Ways to relax: The Swimming pool [outdoor] is gorgeous, and the Pool with view? Even better. The Gym/fitness center is surprisingly well-equipped.
- Services and Conveniences: They've got your basics covered, like Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and Dry cleaning. But they also offer some really thoughtful touches, like a Convenience store for those last-minute essentials. The Concierge is genuinely helpful, offering good tips and service.
The "Meh" Bits (Because No Place Is Perfect, Right?)
- The elevator: It can get a little slow at peak times. But hey, it's an elevator! Be patient.
- Parking: It's Car park [free of charge].
The Staff: The Real Secret Sauce
Seriously, this is where the Residence Inn in Lafayette blows the competition away. The staff aren't just employees; they're genuinely friendly, helpful, and seem to actually care. I had a small issue with my booking (completely my fault, I'm a travel dummy). The front desk staff took care of it in minutes. They’re knowledgeable about the area, offering great recommendations for restaurants and things to do. They make you feel like you're a welcomed guest, not just a number.
For the Kids & Couples:
- Family/child friendly: Yay!
- Couple's room: Ideal for a nice get-away.
- Babysitting service: If you need a break.
- Proposal spot: Oh my…
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Nice!
- Taxi service: Also good!
- Car park [free of charge]: You can drive there!
Things To Do:
- I'll be honest… I spent most of my time in the pool
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your slick, perfectly-manicured itinerary. This is the real deal, the messy, glorious, slightly-caffeinated chaos that is a visit to Lafayette, Indiana, with a home base at the Residence Inn. Let's see if we can get through this without a total meltdown… or, you know, with one, because honestly? That's sometimes half the fun.
Day 1: Arrival, Expectations (and a Mild Panic Attack About the Midwest)
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Residence Inn Lafayette. Okay, first impressions: it looks like a Residence Inn. Cleanish. Smells vaguely of chlorine and maybe… hope? (Or is that just the air freshener? Jury's out.) Checked in with this incredibly nice woman at the front desk, who immediately started talking about the Boilermakers. Bless her heart. I'm a city mouse, folks. I know nothing about football. Or farming. Or… well, a lot of things, judging by the looks of the parking lot.
- 2:00 PM: Unpacking and Orientation (and the Dread of the In-Room Kitchen). Ugh, the kitchen. It's… present. Which means I have a responsibility to maybe, possibly, consider cooking something. My usual travel approach is "survive on gas station snacks and the general despair of airports." But, hey, maybe I should try the grocery store? Just the thought makes me break out in a cold sweat. Time to unpack, which, let's be honest, will probably just consist of me tossing clothes on the bed and hoping for the best.
- 3:00 PM: A Wander into the Unknown (Target Run?) I need snacks. Desperately. Decisions, decisions. Do I brave the local grocery store (Meijer, apparently)? Or play it safe and hit up Target? Target is my comfort food in human form. It's familiar, and if I'm being honest, the thought of wandering the aisles, maybe picking up some holiday-themed… anything… soothes my frazzled nerves. Plus, they likely have a decent selection of microwave popcorn. SOLD.
- 4:00 PM: "Recon" and the Coffee Crisis Alright, I've conquered Target. And I have ALL the snacks. But I'm seriously hitting the afternoon slump. Coffee. Must… find… coffee. Yelp says there's a small coffee shop near the hotel, "Greyhouse Coffee & Supply." Let's hope it's not one of those snooty, pretentious places where they judge your coffee order. I just need caffeine, dammit.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Greyhouse Coffee & Supply, Lafayette, IN. Okay, so Greyhouse wasn't snooty. Thank God. Warm, welcoming, with a fantastic cup of coffee. I'm talking, I ordered a cappuccino, and it was good. Very good. Maybe Lafayette isn't so bad after all. I even managed to read a little, people watching, and start feeling somewhat human again.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner Blues (or, "Where's the Pizza?") Dinner… the eternal traveller's dilemma. Delivery? Restaurant? I'm feeling a little lazy to eat. But I really don't want to cook (yet). I see there are enough pizza places to choose from. I see a place called "Lafayette Pizza King". Maybe?
- 8:00 PM: Pizza and Netflix (or, Embracing the Inner Couch Potato). Alright, Lafayette Pizza King it is. Ordered a medium pepperoni pizza. God, this is going to be great. I have Netflix, I have a pizza, I'm in a hotel room, and the world is mine. (Well, it's my room, but still.)
Day 2: Art, History, and a Potential Existential Crisis in a Park
- 8:00 AM: The Dreaded Breakfast Ritual Residence Inn breakfasts. They're… a thing. Let's be honest, it's the same everywhere. Scrambled eggs that are probably suspiciously yellow, questionable sausage, and the slightly stale taste of mass-produced pastries. I'll probably end up grabbing a granola bar and running. Fast.
- 9:00 AM: Getting Cultured! (Sort Of). Okay, let's pretend I'm an intelligent traveller. Time for some culture. The suggestions online have me going to the Haan Museum of Indiana Art. Honestly, I'm a sucker for a quirky art museum. Wish me luck with the avant-garde stuff.
- 11:00 AM: The Haan Museum of Indiana Art: A revelation! Okay, I'm gonna be honest. I went in with a "meh" attitude. I mean, Indiana art? But it was actually really good! Quirky, interesting exhibits! There were some landscapes that made me want to sell everything and move to a farm. I loved it.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch and Downtown Exploration. I'm starving after all that art-gazing! Time to find a local diner. Downtown Lafayette is the goal!
- 12:30 PM: Lunch time. Time to try Mary Lou's. Found Mary Lou's Diner! Feels like a classic greasy spoon. Now, I was expecting to get a real food experience here. I got a Patty Melt and it was pretty good.
- 2:00 PM: A Stroll Through Tapawingo Park (and the Questioning of Life Choices). After all that historical stuff, I'll need time to digest. Seriously though, I need a walk. Tapawingo Park is nearby. Nature! Peace! (Hopefully, no squirrels that try to steal my snacks.) Okay, the park was nice. I sat on a bench and watched the clouds. And suddenly, I was thinking about everything. About my job. About my life. About why I'm in Lafayette, Indiana. Travel can do that to you. It’s great, in a terrifying way.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Room and contemplation. I have to get on the road tomorrow. Maybe I should just lay in bed.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner: More Pizza? Honestly, I'm tired. And still in a contemplative mood. And you know what's easy? Pizza. I'm thinking I get something delivered and watch a trashy movie.
Day 3: Departure (and a Surprising Touch of Heart)
8:00 AM: Breakfast, Take Two The usual breakfast routine. Pretend to be happy. Grab a banana. Run.
9:00 AM: Last-Minute Coffee and Souvenirs (or, the Search for the Perfect Keychain). Okay, I'm not leaving without some ridiculous souvenir. Is there a "Lafayette" keychain? A refrigerator magnet with a map of the city? This is serious business. (And I'm sure there's a gas station somewhere nearby with all the necessary tourist-trap items.)
10:00 AM: Final Goodbye (And Maybe a Tear). Packing up is always bittersweet. I'm ready to go home, but there's also a part of me that's going to miss this place. Lafayette, Indiana, I have to say, you surprised me. You were a little weird, a little quirky, and… actually, pretty great. Not bad at all.
11:00 AM: Checkout and Farewell. Gotta hit the road. The woman at the front desk is, again, incredibly friendly, she wishes me well, and reminds me to come back again. I guess I will.
12:00 PM: Adios Lafayette! That's all folks!
Lafayette's BEST Kept Secret: Residence Inn Review (You Won't Believe This!) - Honestly? Let's Dive In.
Okay, Okay, Spill! What's the Big Secret About the Lafayette Residence Inn That Everyone's Whispering About?
Alright, fine! You twisted my arm. The "secret," and I use that term loosely, is this: it's actually... pretty darn good. Like, surprisingly good. For a Residence Inn. I went in with ZERO expectations, you know? Holiday Inn Express level, maybe slightly better. But nope. Clean. Spacious. The breakfast... (more on that train wreck later). But overall? A decent, comfortable, and dare I say, enjoyable stay. But don't go expecting the Ritz, capiche?
Seriously? Is it REALLY a "best kept secret?" Or is that just clickbait?
Look, 'best kept secret' is a STRONG statement. Maybe *slightly* hyperbolic. BUT, here's the thing: I travel A LOT. Between work and, well, questionable life choices, I've seen my fair share of hotel rooms. And this Res Inn... It's consistently better than it has any right to be. It's kind of like finding a hidden gem at a flea market! You expect junk, then BAM! Gorgeous antique candlestick! This is the candlestick of Lafayette lodging. (Okay, maybe a slightly tarnished candlestick... but still.) The location is also surprisingly convenient. You're close to restaurants, shops, and, crucially, a good coffee shop. And I LIVE for good coffee.
What's the "vibe" like? Is it a party place? Family-friendly? Ghost-ridden?
Definitely NOT a party place. Thank GOD! I am far too old for that nonsense these days. More like, "Families with surprisingly well-behaved children and weary business travelers trying to catch up on sleep" vibe. Which, honestly, is perfect for me. I need quiet! I crave zen! Speaking of zen... I didn't sense any paranormal activity. (Though I'm not exactly the Ghost Hunter type.) So, the vibe is generally chill. Peaceful. Boring, even. But in the best possible way when you're exhausted and just want a clean bed and some quiet. Unless... (deeper breath) if *I* were a ghost... I would haunt the laundry room. Just saying.
Tell me about the rooms! Are they actually spacious as the website claims? And is the bed comfy?
Okay, so the rooms? Yes. They are indeed spacious. They're more like mini-apartments than hotel rooms. Which, for someone who travels as much as I do, is a GODSEND. I hate feeling cramped. You could practically do cartwheels in some of these suites (though I wouldn't recommend that after a full day of business meetings). The beds? The beds are... decent. Not the *best* bed I've ever slept in (that honor goes to a boutique hotel in Italy... but that's a story for another day, and probably a price tag I can't afford these days). But they're comfortable enough. And the pillows! Usually hotel pillows are either flat pancakes of disappointment or giant, rock-hard bricks that make you feel like your neck is going to snap. These pillows are... just right. Fluffy but supportive. A true middle-ground miracle.
Are there any quirks or negatives about the rooms? Don't sugarcoat it! We want the REAL tea.
Alright, real talk. The internet sometimes has a *weak* signal. Like, embarrassingly weak. I swear, sometimes the wifi is spotty enough that I'm left staring at my laptop like a caveman staring at fire. (Why isn't my video buffering?! Grrr!). And look, the decor isn't exactly cutting-edge design. Think "beige is the new black," with a touch of "business casual." It's functional, not fashionable. The lighting could be a little brighter in the evenings. And the bathrooms… well, they're clean, but the grout could use a serious power-washing. But hey, for the price, I can overlook some minor imperfections. And honestly, I’m more concerned with space and comfortable beds over design. I am, after all, a creature of comfort.
The Breakfast! That's usually the make-or-break for these places. What's the deal?
Ah, yes. The breakfast. This is where things get… *interesting*. The breakfast bar is a… an experience. You *will* find the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (questionably yellow), sausage (sometimes edible), waffles (if you're lucky, the machine works), and the ever-present, slightly-too-sweet breakfast pastries. It's... a lot. It's a *lot* of beige food. But let me tell you a story about this one time… (leans forward conspiratorially)… I arrived at the breakfast bar late; I was *famished*. No eggs. No sausage. Just… a mountain of lukewarm, congealed oatmeal. Now, I LOVE oatmeal. Good oatmeal. But this... looked like something scraped off the bottom of a swamp. And, the staff... they just looked at me and shrugged. I think one of the cooks might have even snickered. (I could swear it!). Anyway, I survived. And the next day? They had decent fruit! I'd say *manage your expectations.* And if you arrive and it looks terrifying? Just grab a bagel and get out. Seriously: bagel. You’ll thank me later. And find the local coffee shop! It is a MUST.
Bottom line: Is the breakfast worth the effort?
Look, it's *free*. So... yes. It's worth *some* effort. But maybe don't plan your entire day around it. Consider it an… an adventure in beige-ness. Embrace the chaos. Or, you know, just grab a bagel and coffee. That's what I do now. It's the smart play. Honestly, go for the protein bars and the fruit. They typically don’t mess those up too badly…
What about the other amenities? Pool? Gym? Is the gym a joke, as usual?
Okay, the pool? I have not used it. I prefer my water to be… not shared by a myriad of other people. But, I have *seen* it. It looks… clean. (Important detail!). The gym… that's where things get a little dicey. Let's just say it's not exactly a state-of-the-art fitness center. The equipment is… functional. There's aWhere To Stay Now
