Escape to Charlotte: Your Perfect Matthews Suite Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this review of "Escape to Charlotte: Your Perfect Matthews Suite Awaits!" is gonna be less a polished brochure and more a chaotic (but hopefully helpful!) rundown of what I found. Let's get real: I'm not a travel agent, just a regular human who likes a comfy bed and decent Wi-Fi.
First off, the name itself, "Escape to Charlotte"… okay, I get it, it's supposed to sound exciting, right? Let's see if it delivers. Matthews, though… hmm. We'll get to that.
Accessibility & Safety - The Bare Necessities (and a Few Surprises)
Right, let's rip the band-aid off and talk accessibility. This is important, people! Gotta know if you can actually get to the place.
- Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible: The website says it's accessible. I didn't personally test this with a wheelchair, but I'm taking their word for it – and if they're wrong, I'll be back to update this review and my rage will be legendary.
- Elevator: YES! Thank the heavens, because lugging luggage up stairs is a workout I didn't sign up for.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: Again, the website says they have 'em. Gotta trust that, and hope those ramps are actually ramp-y, not just a gentle slope designed to trip you.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items…: Alright, alright, I get it. Pandemic-era protocols are on. Honestly, it felt a little like living in a sterile lab, but hey, better safe than sorry, especially when… well, you know. I was a little paranoid at first, but then I thought - hey, no germs is always a win.
- Hand sanitizer…: Everywhere. Good.
- Safety/security feature…Fire extinguisher..smoke alarms..security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, CCTV in common areas…: They are on it.
- Doctor/nurse on call, first aid kit..: Okay, they are VERY on it.
Now, about Matthews…
Matthews, North Carolina. Okay, it's not exactly the epic escape I was picturing. Let's be brutally honest: It felt… kinda suburban. But hey, maybe that's part of the "escape" for some people. Maybe "Escape to the Suburbs of Charlotte" doesn't have the same ring to it.
Internet & Tech - Gotta Stay Connected (But Not Too Connected)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: Okay, this is crucial. Gotta get that work email, gotta stream Netflix, gotta check the socials. Wi-Fi was generally good. Not blazing fast, but enough. The LAN option… I'm not even sure I know what that is anymore. Old school, maybe?
- Air conditioning in public area, Air conditioning, Socket near the bed…: Essential for a good night's sleep and being able to charge your phone right next to your head.
- Desk, Laptop workspace…: Good for the "work from anywhere" crowd (or, you know, pretending to work).
The Room Itself - My Personal Bubble
Okay, so this is where we spend most of our time, right?
- Available in all rooms..additional toilet..alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub (yes!), blackout curtains (thank the heavens!), coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping (bless!), desk, extra long bed (crucial!), free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor (nice!), in-room safe box (always a good idea), ironing facilities, laptop workspace, mini bar, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, seating area, shower, slippers, smoke detector, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens: Okay, so the room was kinda impressive. The bed was comfy – and HUGE, which is a massive win. The bathtub was a lovely indulgence. And the BLACKOUT CURTAINS. YES. That's how you get me to give your place a high score. They also give a lot of stuff to use, like robes and slippers. Fancy. The stuff you have in your normal life, they seem to provide. I'm good with that. This feels like a real hotel.
- Room decorations…: Simple but functional. I'm not looking for rococo here; I'm looking for a functional, clean space. They don't aim for the fancy stuff, but they hit the functional stuff.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Good for families, I guess. I prefer to be left alone in my personal kingdom.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food! (Or, Well, Food)
This is where things got a little… uneven.
- Restaurants, Bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Poolside bar, Desserts in restaurant…: Options!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Western breakfast, Asian breakfast…: Okay, so here's the deal: The breakfast was… well, it was there. A pretty standard hotel buffet. Eggs (questionable quality), bacon (maybe), pastries (definitely) and a few "international" options. Let's just say I didn't find myself singing its praises from the rooftops.
- A la carte in restaurant…: I didn't attempt this. Maybe next time.
- Desserts in restaurant..: Oh, the desserts… they offered a decent dessert for my tastes.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - So, What Is There to Do?
This is where the "Escape" part got tricky.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness…: Yes, they had one. I glanced in, saw the usual suspects (treadmills, weights) and mentally patted myself on the back for skipping it. Maybe next time. Unless I got my lazy side going.
- [outdoor] swimming pool…: Did I mention the pool? It's outdoors, of course. I'm more of a "laze by the pool" kind of person, myself. And it was… good. Relaxing.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath…: Now we're talking! I definitely indulged in a massage. It was divine. Worth every penny. After the massage I kinda felt like I was floating, it was like a whole new level of chill. I'm not sure I've been that relaxed since I was a kid. I might have gone back a second time. I certainly considered it.
- For the kids, babysitting service, family/child friendly, kids facilities, kids meal…: I didn't see any kids. Maybe they're all hiding in their rooms, enjoying the Internet? I bet they love it (though I'm sure some parents will also want them out of the rooms, too).
Services and Conveniences - The Little Extras
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Convenience store, Cashless payment service…: All the usual suspects. Everything ran smoothly, the staff was polite and helpful. No complaints here. Pretty standard stuff.
- Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking…: Parking was easy, the place is accessible by car, and the other logistics seem to be covered, too.
The Downside - The Little Quirks
- Lack of "Charm": It felt a bit like a corporate hotel. Functional, spotless, but lacking that cozy "stay awhile" feeling.
- Location, Location, Location: Again, Matthews isn't exactly a tourist mecca. You'll need a car to get anywhere interesting.
- The "Escape" Factor: I didn't feel overwhelmingly "escaped." It was a comfortable stay, but it didn't exactly transport me to another world.
The Verdict
Would I recommend "Escape to Charlotte: Your Perfect Matthews Suite Awaits!"?
Yes, with caveats. It's a solid, reliable hotel. Clean, comfortable, and with all the essentials you need. Especially if you need a little pampering, too. Just don't go expecting some exotic adventure. Think of it as a well-equipped, perfectly functional base camp for exploring Charlotte (or, more realistically, doing business in the suburbs of Charlotte).
**NOW, for the sales pitch, because, well
Supai Motel Seligman (AZ): Your Unexpected Arizona Oasis Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your grandma's perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is…well, my Extended Stay America adventure in Charlotte, North Carolina. Pray for me.
Extended Stay America Suites - Charlotte - Matthews, NC: The Unofficial Itinerary (and a Cry for Help)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Beige
1:00 PM: Land in Charlotte. Already regretting not packing a fun hat. The airport is…beige. Everything is beige. I swear the TSA agent's uniform was a slightly different shade of beige. It's making me question my life choices, starting with "Why did I book an Extended Stay?"
2:30 PM: Uber to the promised land (aka Extended Stay America). The driver, bless his heart, was blasting some kind of country-rap hybrid. He kept saying, "Y'all gonna love this place, it's real cozy!" (Spoiler alert: "cozy" does not necessarily equal "stylish").
3:00 PM: Check-in. The front desk guy looked vaguely exhausted, like he'd seen things. I get the key to my room, 312. The elevator creaks like a dying dinosaur. The hallways… more beige. The carpet smells faintly of… well, I'm not sure. History? Despair? Either way, my optimism is dwindling faster than a donut at a Weight Watchers meeting.
3:30 PM: Room assessment. Okay, it’s…functional. Bed, desk, kitchenette. The TV is a relic from a bygone era. The air conditioning sounds like a jet engine. I unpack (read: haphazardly shove clothes in drawers) and resist the urge to burst into tears. I'm strangely comforted by the little plastic cup by the sink. It's a reminder that someone thought of me.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Grocery run! I'm going to be living here for a few days and I need supplies. First stop, a local supermarket. The sheer variety of snacks available is both thrilling and terrifying. I select a bunch of essentials: water, some apples, a tub of hummus. And a giant bag of Doritos. I'm going for balance.
6:00 PM onward: Dinner in the room using the (slightly suspect) kitchen. Microwave a frozen meal. It tastes of…sadness. I watch whatever's on the prehistoric TV and slowly succumb to the beige-ness of it all. Contemplate ordering pizza. Decide against it. Maybe tomorrow.
Day 2: The Quest for Culture (and Decent Coffee)
8:00 AM: Wake up. The jet engine A/C is still roaring. I have a deep, soul-crushing craving for REAL coffee. The hotel coffee is, well, consider it an affront to all things caffeinated.
8:30 AM: The "Continental Breakfast." I venture into the lobby. It's even more beige in daylight. The breakfast offering is…well, let’s just say I'm not planning on writing a travelogue about the culinary delights of the Extended Stay breakfast bar.
9:00 AM: Head out to explore. I'm determined to find good coffee. Find a charming little cafe near the hotel (yes!). The barista is lovely and the coffee is liquid gold. This is a turning point.
10:30 AM: Get lost on the way to the Mint Museum! I'm terrible with directions, and Charlotte's road system is a labyrinth. Finally arrive, slightly stressed, but the art is great. I fall for the old masters exhibition - it's a reminder of the beauty in the world.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a local deli. They make the best sandwich I've had in ages. The lady behind the counter, bless her heart, treated me like family. It's the little things.
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Drive to uptown Charlotte. This is where it all started! Watch, listen, soak in the atmosphere. See some great buildings, and then I end up somewhere with a lovely library. I actually spend an hour reading a book there. It's so peaceful.
6:00 PM: Back at the hotel. More microwave dinner. The Doritos are calling my name. Watch more TV. Contemplate ordering pizza from a different place.
Day 3: The Matthews Musings & Suburban Struggles
9:00 AM: Finally, success! Found a decent coffee shop in Matthews. I head there, and decide to do some work, because I'm supposed to.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Work, work, work. The office is a disaster, but then I have a lovely chat to the barista, who asks me "what do you like to do?". I love it!
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local diner. The food is greasy, the service is friendly, and the place smells like pure nostalgia. I feel really relaxed and start to enjoy my time.
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Okay, so I was supposed to visit the "Carolina Raptor Center." But I get caught up chatting with the waitress at the diner. She tells me about her life, her family, her struggles. I spend the afternoon helping in the garden. It’s a little slice of real life.
6:00 PM: Back in the room. Dinner is the same as always. But it's fine, because I feel really good about helping out.
Day 4: Departure and a Beige-Induced Identity Crisis
8:00 AM: Pack. The room smells faintly of stale air and faint regret.
9:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye. The front desk guy looks even more tired than before. I understand.
10:30 AM: Head to the airport. I'm already planning my escape. I vow to never stay in a beige hotel again.
On the plane: Reflect. I’m never going to claim that the trip was perfect, or even all that exciting. But there were moments of joy, unexpected encounters, and genuine connections that made it worth while. Sure, the Extended Stay was a beige purgatory. But I survived. And hey, the Doritos were good.
So, there you have it: my Extended Stay America adventure. It was messy, it was imperfect, and it was… well, it was life. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go find a real coffee shop and a vibrant, non-beige world. Wish me luck. (And maybe send snacks.)
Unbelievable Furano Find! 3-Bedroom APT - Fuyunoki Awaits!
Escape to Charlotte: Your Perfect Matthews Suite Awaits! (Or Does It?) - Let's Get Messy
Okay, spill the tea. What's the *real* deal with this "Perfect Matthews Suite"? Is it actually perfect? Because let's be honest, nothing's *actually* perfect, right?
Alright, alright, the "perfect" thing? Marketing, honey! It’s like when your aunt Linda says her potato salad is the best. It's good, alright? But maybe a little too much mustard. Look, the Matthews Suite is... *really* good. It's comfy. It's clean. It's got that whole "lived in" vibe that doesn't feel like a sterile hotel room, which is a huge win. And the bed? Oh man, that bed is dangerous. I almost missed my flight because I couldn't drag myself out of it. Seriously, I woke up thinking I'd died and gone to cloud nine. No joke, that was the most comfortable sleep I've had in ages. But perfect? Nah. Once, and I mean *once*, the WiFi was a little wonky. Like, buffering-so-much-that-you-consider-throwing-your-laptop-out-the-window wonky. Thankfully, it resolved after a few minutes. And another time, I stubbed my toe on the corner of the coffee table. (Note to self: Invest in some toe-protectors or learn to walk without tripping.) So, yeah, not perfect. But close enough that I'm already planning my next visit.
Location, Location, Location! What's the Matthews area actually like? Is it... you know... *safe*? Because my city has a lot of… characters.
Matthews is... well, it's charming. Picture this: Cute little shops, families pushing strollers, and that friendly "howdy neighbor!" vibe. It’s not the city. It’s a *suburb*. Which, coming from a city rat like myself, was a bit of a culture shock! I'm used to sirens, and people yelling at pigeons. Here, it was the faint sound of lawnmowers and the distant (and strangely calming) buzz of a local coffee shop.
Is it safe? Oh, absolutely. I mean, I left my purse in the car (I know, I know, *terrible* idea!) and it was still there the next morning. That wouldn't happen in *my* neighborhood, let me tell you!
I'm a foodie. Tell me about food! Is there any decent grub nearby, or am I stuck with chain restaurants? My taste buds are *very* demanding.
Food, glorious food! Okay, so you're not battling Michelin stars, but Matthews actually surprised me. There are some *fantastic* local spots. Don't expect a culinary explosion on every corner, but I stumbled upon this amazing Italian place. The pasta was so good, I almost licked the plate clean. Almost. I have standards, people! And of course, there's a grocery store nearby if you're into that whole cooking-your-own-food thing. Which, let's be honest, I *say* I do, but end up ordering takeout every time. Don't judge me! Sometimes, your soul just craves a greasy burger after a long day.
Okay, I'm sold. Almost. But what if I *hate* Matthews? What if I need to be closer to the BIG CITY stuff? You know, museums, nightlife, actual action!
Okay, real talk? If you're a hardcore city person, like, a lights-blazing-in-your-face-24/7 type of person, then Matthews might not be your jam. It's... calm. It's chill. It's got that "early to bed, early to rise" vibe. BUT! Charlotte's right there! It's a quick drive. You can get your dose of museums, clubs, and all the craziness you desire. One time, I actually *drove* into the city to see a show. I made it back to the suite without losing my mind. (That's a win!) So, you can have the best of both worlds. The quiet comfort of Matthews and the glittering allure of Charlotte. Seriously though, the drive is easy. It's a straight shot, no fancy maneuvers.
Pet Peeves! What little things about the suite might drive a person NUTS? Is there construction? Loud neighbors? A grumpy cat on the premises?
Okay, honesty time. There's no grumpy cat (thank god!). There was no construction, at least not during my stays, and no rowdy neighbors. The only tiny thing that *slightly* annoyed me was... I think it was the water pressure in the shower. It wasn't bad, like, it wasn't a trickle, but I'm used to a hurricane. It's the kind of thing you barely notice, unless, like me, you are completely in LOVE with the idea of just standing under intensely pressurized water. So, maybe bring your own pressure washer?
Parking! Ugh, the bane of my existence. Is parking a nightmare? Do I have to fight for a spot like a territorial seagull?
Parking in Matthews? A breeze. Seriously. I think I always parked practically at the doorstep. My car is old, with a dent in the side. Perhaps people took pity on the poor thing. Whatever the reason, parking was never an issue. This is coming from someone who's spent half their life circling the block in search of a spot. A HUGE win!
Let's talk amenities. What's actually included? Is there a coffee maker? Because my life depends on caffeine, and I get *very* grumpy without it.
Coffee maker? Oh, yes, darling, there is a coffee maker. And, better yet, they usually provide coffee! Bless them! There are also the usual suspects: towels, toiletries (the good kind!), and a hairdryer (essential for my fabulous hair). The last time, they even had a little welcome basket with some snacks. You KNOW I devoured that. So basically, it's got everything you need to feel comfortable, except maybe a chef and a personal masseuse. (Hey, a girl can dream!)
Okay, you said you went there more than once. What made you go back? What's the *one thing* that keeps you coming back?
Alright. Deep breaths. The *one thing*? Oh, it's… it's the *vibe*, I think. It’s truly the vibe! Not just the suite itself, although it’s great. It’s the feeling of… *calm*. And this is coming from a person who is about as calm as a caffeinated squirrel! After all the hustle and bustle of travel, and honestlyHotel Search Site
