Alexandria's BEST Hotel Deal? You WON'T Believe This Price!
Alexandria's BEST Hotel Deal? You WON'T Believe This Price! (But Seriously, Check It Out!) - A Review With Feelings
Alright, listen up, travel warriors! Forget those generic hotel reviews that bore you to sleep. I just got back from Alexandria, and I'm here to spill the Egyptian tea on what could be the BEST. HOTEL. DEAL. EVER. (Seriously, I'm still pinching myself.) I'm talking about a place that almost made me want to become a sand-covered pharaoh, living the good life… well, a modern good life, with Wi-Fi and air conditioning, obviously.
The Price? You’ll have to see it to believe it. I'll be hinting at it, but I'm not giving it away yet! (That's how they get ya, right?!) But let's jump into this chaotic, honest, and hopefully extremely helpful review, because Lord knows you have better things to do than read something boring.
(Deep breath… here we go!)
Accessibility & Getting Around:
Okay, first things first. Accessibility. I'm not personally in need of wheelchair access, but I'm always looking out for it. The good news: the hotel seems pretty committed to inclusivity. There's an elevator, which is HUGE (pun intended) and they list "Facilities for disabled guests" – I didn’t personally scope out every single detail, but it’s a good starting point.
Airport transfer is available, which is a lifesaver after a long flight (especially if you're trying to negotiate a cab in a new country, UGH). Plus, car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] are big wins. No parking nightmares! They even have a car power charging station if you're rocking an electric vehicle. Thoughtful!
The Rooms - My God, The Rooms! (And The Coffee)
Right, let's talk rooms. I booked a non-smoking room (shoutout to the no-smokers squad!) and it was… well, it was exquisite. Seriously. Like, almost-too-nice-to-mess-up-the-sheets-kind-of-exquisite. They list all the usual suspects: Air conditioning (thank the gods!), Wi-Fi [free], hair dryer, in-room safe box, refrigerator… the works. But what really got me? The details.
First, the window that opens! (Not a given, people!) You could actually feel the Alexandria air (which, let me tell you, is different from the stuffy hotel air). Then, the coffee/tea maker and complimentary tea were a lifesaver. I'm a monster before my morning caffeine, and having that available immediately saved everyone in a 10-mile radius. Speaking of caffeine…
The Coffee Crisis (And How It Was Solved):
Now, here's a little truth bomb. My first morning? The coffee was weak. Pathetically weak. I'm talking, "this is barely brown water"-level weak. I was starting to have a day, and the Egyptian sun wasn't helping.
But then, I had a moment of brilliance. I called room service (yes, there’s room service [24-hour]) and politely requested a stronger brew. The staff, bless their hearts, were amazing. They brought me a fresh pot, and BAM! Problem solved. It was like they were trained. That’s a serious plus!
Cleanliness & Safety - Did They Really Think of Everything?
Okay, I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don’t judge), so this is crucial. I was genuinely impressed. They're clearly taking the whole COVID thing seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas. Room sanitization between stays. Hand sanitizer everywhere. They even had individually-wrapped food options at the breakfast buffet (which, by the way, was pretty glorious).
The staff wear masks and are trained in safety protocols. They even have anti-viral cleaning products! It felt… safe. Which, let's be honest, is a huge comfort in these times. They also have smoke alarms and fire extinguishers… all the basics.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Oh, The Food! (Mostly Good Food…)
Alright, buckle up, foodies! The dining situation is a mixed bag, but mostly good.
Breakfast [buffet]: As I mentioned, pretty glorious. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, all the staples, a lot of fresh fruit… it’s a great way to start the day. Plus, like I said, they’ve got the hygiene down pat.
Restaurants: There were several! A la carte in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant.
Coffee shop: Perfect for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a quick snack.
Bar: A cozy spot for a nightcap.
The imperfections? The salad in the restaurant on one occasion was a little… wilted. Not a dealbreaker, but it's why I take off a half-star.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Poolside Paradise (Sort Of…):
Listen, you're in Alexandria. There's a lot to see! But sometimes, you just want to relax. The hotel definitely gives you options.
Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool with a view is… well, it’s okay. It's clean, it's refreshing, but it's not the most scenic pool. It’s functional, which is what matters sometimes.
Spa/Sauna: Yes, there's a spa! I, unfortunately, didn't get to use any of the spa services because I was exploring, which is definitely something I regret now. There are options like Body scrub, Body wrap, and Massage. Sigh.
Fitness center: A decent gym. I did see a gym/fitness section, so if you're one of those people that works out on vacation (mad respect!), you're covered.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter:
Alright, let's run through some of the other stuff.
Air conditioning in public areas: Crucial!
Concierge: Super helpful for getting around.
Currency exchange: A lifesaver.
Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every single day.
Laundry service/Dry cleaning: Saved me a lot of packing space.
Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
Wi-Fi for special events.
For the Kids… I Didn’t Have Any (But They Seem Okay Here):
I didn’t travel with any kids, but the hotel definitely seems Family/child friendly. They list Babysitting service and Kids meal.
Internet – Okay, Let’s Get Connected:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!) And decent internet speed, which is essential, especially if you're trying to work (ahem) or stream your favorite shows.
The Verdict - Book Now (Seriously!)
Okay, so is this the BEST hotel deal EVER? YES. YES IT IS. It's not perfect. The pool isn't the most Instagrammable, and the salads can be a little… blah. But the value for money, the cleanliness, the friendly staff, and the overall comfort, made this a truly memorable stay.
My Honest Recommendation: Run, don't walk, to their website and book this right now. You won't regret it. I'm already planning my return trip! Seriously, the price is so ridiculously good, that I'm tempted to book a whole week again because I'm still not over it. This isn’t just a hotel; it’s an experience.
Luxury Getaway: Unwind at Comfort Suites Texarkana!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into… Alexandria, Louisiana! Specifically, the glorious (said with very heavy sarcasm) Americas Best Value Inn. This isn't going to be your glossy, Instagram-perfect itinerary, folks. This is the real deal, the messy, slightly-stinky-carpet-smelling version of a trip.
Day 1: Arrival &… Attempted Relaxation (Emphasis on Attempted)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived in Alexandria! (After a minor existential crisis in Baton Rouge about the meaning of life and whether I should've taken that pottery class instead.) The drive was… well, it was a drive. Flat, mostly brown, and populated by billboards selling things I probably don’t need. I was already regretting the lack of a proper road trip soundtrack. Where is my Fleetwood Mac CD?!
- 1:45 PM: Checked into the ABVI. Okay, let's be honest, the exterior promised "budget" but the inside… well, it delivered on the "value" part, alright. The floral-print duvet covered the bed like a tired, overstretched tablecloth. There was a distinct, almost tangible air of "previously occupied" about the room. I debated whether to use the provided plastic cup. Decided against.
- 2:00 PM: Attempted relaxation. This involved unsuccessfully trying to connect to the Wi-Fi (password, blessedly, not “password123”). Then, a valiant effort to read a book, which quickly devolved into staring at the peeling wallpaper and wondering if the stains on the ceiling were… what, exactly? I may have panicked and sprayed some air freshener just to feel a little less like I was living inside a particularly dusty antique shop.
- 3:00 PM: Decided I needed sustenance. And a stiff drink. Located a surprisingly decent (and thankfully air-conditioned) diner called “The Corner Grill.” The waitresses greeted me with a warmth I did not deserve and the fried chicken was the best damn thing I've eaten in a while. I may have shed a single tear of joy. Also, the sweet tea was perfect. They absolutely nailed that Southern staple.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the ABVI. Sigh. The Wi-Fi still wasn’t working. Started to consider going full-on "Unabomber" and smashing the non-functional router with the complimentary Gideon's Bible. Resisted the urge. Barely.
- 5:00 PM: Decided to channel my inner Sherlock Holmes and investigate the mysterious "vibrating noise" coming from the air conditioner. Turns out, it's the entire building vibrating. Welp.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Back to The Corner Grill. My emotional regulation was already beginning to crumble. Ordered more fried chicken.
- 7:00 PM: Watched a terrible local news broadcast. The weather report featured a man with a very enthusiastic mustache. Bless him.
- 8:00 PM: Attempted sleep. The vibrating air conditioner, combined with the faint sound of someone arguing in the hallway, made this a Sisyphean task. I think I only achieved half sleep.
- 10:00 PM: Gave up on sleep. Started writing this itinerary. It's therapy, right?
Day 2: Seeking Adventure… Maybe. (But Probably Not.)
- 8:00 AM: Woke up. Or, more accurately, emerged from the half-conscious state. Found a cockroach in the bathroom. This is the moment where my brain started to consider new life choices.
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast. The ABVI breakfast, according to the description, was "continental." Sadly, the reality was: stale pastries and a single, lonely banana. The coffee tasted vaguely of old tires.
- 9:00 AM: Decided to be a "cultured tourist." Headed to the Alexandria Museum of Art. The museum was a welcome breath of fresh air (literally, after the hotel). The art was surprisingly good, considering my low expectations. I particularly enjoyed a series of abstract paintings that I totally didn't understand. But that didn't stop me from pretending to be an art critic!
- 11:00 AM: Decided to face the outdoors. Drove around a bit. Ran into a flea market. Okay, this is it, I had to do it. I was looking for a new souvenir.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Found a local diner and ordered a burger. It was probably the third burger of the trip, and I had no regrets.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Central Louisiana Veterans Cemetery was actually pretty beautiful and moving.
- 3:00 PM: Spent some time reading a book near the Red River. The vibe was very "lost in translation." I have a new appreciation for the sounds of nature.
Day 3: Escape! (Hopefully Successful)
- 7:00 AM: Woke with a jolt because the air conditioning, finally, decided to completely conk out.
- 7:30 AM: Packed my bags with a newfound urgency. The cockroach was the final straw.
- 8:00 AM: Checked out. Liberty, freedom, the open road! Goodbye, ABVI! You were… an experience.
- 8:30 AM: Got back on the road. This time, I was in a hurry. The memories, the smells, they were all still there. The experience wasn't great, it was a little gross and it wasn't fun, but it was unforgettable.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
Would I recommend Alexandria? Look, it's… Alexandria. It's a place. The ABVI? Maybe avoid. But the people? They're real. They're kind. And that fried chicken? Heaven. So, take what you will from this trip. Remember, every place has its charm – you just might have to dig through a layer of dust and questionable plumbing to find it. And bring your own Wi-Fi. Seriously.
Owensboro's BEST Comfort Suites: Luxurious Stay, Unbeatable Price!
Okay, Spill: What *IS* This "Best Hotel Deal" Hype in Alexandria About? You've Got My Interest!
Is This Actually Legit? Because I've Been Burned by "Too Good to be True" Offers More Times Than I Care to Admit...
So, What's the Catch? (Because There *Has* to Be a Catch...)
Tell Me *Everything* About *Your* Experience! What Were the Highlights?! (And Don't Hold Back!)
And the service? Top-notch. I'm talking "knowing your name after the first handshake" kind of level. One time, I accidentally spilled coffee all over myself in the lobby (mortifying, by the way). Before I could even panic, someone was there with a wet towel and a calming smile. That kind of service REALLY impressed me.
The absolute HIGHLIGHT though? The pool. Oh my goodness, the pool. It was heated, perfectly clear, and had these amazing underwater speakers playing chill-out music. I. Just. Melted. Like a popsicle in July. Seriously, I spent a whole afternoon doing *nothing* but floating and enjoying the sun. Pure bliss.
And the restaurant! Ugh, the food. I'm normally a picky eater, but I bravely tried everything. Everything. And it was divine! I ordered room service one night (can't help but say it, it's one of my favorite moments) and they set it up just perfectly. Best burger I've ever had. I can still taste it.
But the imperfections? Yeah, there was one. One tiny tiny detail. The Wi-Fi was a little glitchy in the morning. (I needed to work. Boo). But honestly... who cares? I was on vacation. It made me put my phone down for a little while. Good riddance to the interruptions!
Can You Give Me Any Hints About *How* to Find This Deal? Without, you know, giving it all away?
Is This Deal Good for Solo Travelers, Couples, Families... Everyone?
Alright, I'm Kinda Sold. What if I'm a Complete Hotel Snob? Will I Be Disappointed?
Final Thoughts? Any Parting Wisdom?
