Escape to Paradise: Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling vortex that is the Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley. Forget the glossy brochure – I'm here to tell you the REAL story, the messy, the good, the questionable. My review? Well, it's less a review and more a… well, let’s call it an experience.
First, the basics. Accessibility: This is a big win, y'all. The website says accessible rooms are available, and I'm inclined to believe it. Elevators, ramps… the works. Crucial for, you know, everyone.
Now, the good stuff. Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Oh boy, where do we begin? The pool. Yes, the outdoor pool. It's supposed to have a "view." Let's just say the view is more "parking lot with a sliver of desert." Not exactly a postcard moment. BUT, and this is important, the pool is there. And it's swimming pool. And after a long day of… well, of life, sometimes just floating in chlorinated water is enough. The sauna and spa/sauna are on the premises but I didn't have a chance to use it though the concept sounds lovely. The fitness center? I walked by once. Looked… gym-like. You know? Treadmills, weights. The usual suspects. Did I use it? Absolutely not. I was on vacation.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Okay, this is where things get… interesting. The Breakfast [buffet] is legendary, for good reason. It's a Drury Inn staple. Think scrambled eggs of questionable origin, sausage patties that seem vaguely rubbery (love them), and the ubiquitous waffle maker that produces pure, golden joy. I had a pile of waffles. I ate every single one, with a heavy pour of the manufactured syrup. Happy Hour here is a thing. Free drinks and snacks every evening. The perfect way to unwind after a long day of… well, existing. There's a snack bar as well, perfect for impulsive purchases. And the restaurants are available, though I am not sure if the food it's good.
Cleanliness and Safety: In the era of… well, everything, this is HUGE. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, staff wearing masks, and the constant hum of anti-viral cleaning products. I appreciated the effort. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. It feels safe, which is a huge plus.
Services and Conveniences: Let's see… they have air conditioning in public areas (phew!). A convenience store for last-minute essentials. Daily housekeeping (a life-saver after my waffle-fueled breakfast). A meeting/banquet facilities – I didn’t use it (thankfully!). Car park [free of charge] – a huge, beautiful, beautiful thing. And of course, free Wi-Fi in all rooms (more on that later).
For the Kids: Family/child friendly? Absolutely. Did I see a lot of kids? Yes. Were they happy? Mostly. There’s babysitting service available, so if you’re truly escaping paradise, you can leave the little monsters behind.
Getting Around: Now, the hotel has car park [on-site]. And a taxi service. I used Uber, which was, as always, a mixed bag.
Available in All Rooms: So much! The air conditioning (essential!), the coffee/tea maker (also essential!), free Wi-Fi (the biggest winner of them all!). Alarm clock! The desk for those of us who have to pretend to do work. Mini bar. A refrigerator. And most importantly, a window that opens. Fresh air is underrated, folks.
Now, the Wi-Fi story.
Okay, listen. I needed to work a little. This is a travel writers life. I connected to the Wi-Fi. It was… finicky. One minute it was humming along, the next, dead as a doornail. In the end, I opted for a mix of the Wi-Fi, and the free wifi offered by the hotel.
And here is a final impression
The Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley is not perfect. It’s not the Ritz. It's not even the Four Seasons. But it’s reliable. It’s comfortable. And it’s… a Drury Inn.
The Real Offer: Escape the Ordinary
Tired of the same old routine? Yearning for a getaway that’s easy, accessible, and actually relaxing? Here's the deal:
Book your escape to the Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley. Get a free drink from the happy hour, and I'll even provide a secret waffle recipe!
Why?
- Unbeatable Breakfast: That waffle maker. Need I say more?
- Perfectly Imperfect Relaxation: From the pool (with its view) to the complimentary drinks, you can unwind without breaking the bank.
- Safety First: They got you covered, so you can actually, truly, relax.
- Family Friendly: Bring the kids, no problem!
- It is reliable, and offers the best value of your buck.
Click here to book now! Your Phoenix adventure awaits! (Don't worry, the website will actually let you book, unlike the Wi-Fi.)
Escape to Paradise: Comfort Suites Lake City Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your perfectly-packaged travel plan. This is… well, this is my attempt to wrangle a trip to the Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley in Phoenix, Arizona, and survive with my sanity (and maybe a few extra pounds from those glorious evening snacks). Let's do this:
Project: Surviving Phoenix with My Soul Intact (and Possibly Some Pool Time)
Day 1: Arrival (and the Great Lobby Carpet Incident)
- Morning (Mostly): Flight. Ugh. I hate flying. The recycled air, the tiny seats, the existential dread. On the plus side? The possibility of a good airport breakfast burrito. Score! Got the burrito, but it was mostly sadness and regret. Landed in Phoenix. Heat hit me like a physical manifestation of "U MAD, BRO?".
- Afternoon: Car rental. Smooth sailing… until the guy offered me the "premium" insurance. I stared at the price tag and channeled my inner cheapskate. "No thanks, pal. I drive like a grandma on Valium." (Actual grandma, by the way. And possibly on Valium.) Drove to the Drury.
- Check-in: Drury Inn. Love the free stuff, like the evening reception… and the breakfast. But the lobby carpet? Woah. It was… a pattern. A busy, swirling, optical-illusion pattern. I swear I saw a tiny vortex threatening to suck me into the concierge desk. I kinda loved it, and I totally hated it. I may have stood there for a solid five minutes just… staring. This could be the sign of things to come.
- Room Reveal: Found my room. It was… clean. Functional. Not a vortex in sight (thank God). Unpacked. Immediately crashed on the bed. Needed to recoup from the vortex.
- Evening: Evening Kickback. This is, like, the reason I book Drury Inns. FREE FOOD. Seriously. Free. Food. Chicken wings? YES. Salad bar? YES. Beer? YES. I ate like a king who hadn't eaten in days. And then, I went to the pool. Ah, the pool. So nice. I probably spent 2 hours swimming.
Day 2: Desert Dreams and Breakfast Battles
- Morning: Breakfast. The battleground of the carb-averse and the waffle-obsessed. The lines. Oh, the lines. But they had the little breakfast sandwiches. I got two. Victory. Fueled up and ready to face the desert.
- Mid-morning: Desert Botanical Garden. Okay, this place was… magnificent. Towering cacti that look like they’re straight out of Looney Tunes. The colors! The textures! The… heat. Seriously, it was brutal. I felt like a lizard basking on a rock, except with more sweat and less grace. I probably should have brought a hat. Or, like, a portable air conditioner.
- Lunch: Found a little taco place recommended by a cranky old local I met at the hotel. The place looked sketchy. The food? Divine. Best tacos I've ever had. Totally worth the potential food poisoning (kidding… mostly).
- Afternoon: Headed back to the Drury, for a little rest and recharge. Took a nap and woke up feeling surprisingly rejuvenated.
- Evening: Another trip to the evening reception. More food. More beer. I had a chat with a guy from Iowa who was convinced he was being followed by government drones. Felt like an episode of X-Files. He was actually really nice and the beer helped me understand his point of view.
Day 3: Old Town Charm and a Shopping Spree (and Possibly a Meltdown)
- Morning: Breakfast again. I may have gotten a tad… overzealous with the pancake dispenser. I swear, they got easier to dispense each day!
- Mid-morning: Old Town Scottsdale. Super cute! Quaint. Lots of art galleries. Did some shopping. Managed to NOT buy a turquoise bolo tie, which was a personal victory.
- Lunch: Random "hole in the wall" restaurant. Got some really tasty enchiladas, then ran back to the hotel room with a craving for some chocolate.
- Afternoon: Another pool session. Bliss. Followed by a little episode of existential dread, brought on by the seemingly endless flatness of the Arizona landscape. I mean, it's beautiful, but… where are the mountains? Where's the… verticality?
- Evening: Evening Kickback, again. Met some really nice people this time. Got some real talk from a couple of other guests. Went to bed filled to the brim with food and good conversation.
Day 4: Departure (and lingering Vortex Memories)
- Morning: One last breakfast. Sadness loomed. I ate so much, I can't even… The staff seemed to recognize me. I think I was the "Pancake Monster" of the Drury Inn.
- Mid-morning: Checked out. Said goodbye to the lobby carpet. I swear, it seemed to shift patterns as I looked at it. Farewell, swirling vortex!
- Noon: Airport. TSA. The usual circus.
- Afternoon: Flight. Back to reality. Back to the real world. The airport had a different carpet, but it wasn't as compelling as the one at the Drury Inn.
- Evening: Landed back home. Exhausted, but happy. And dreaming of chicken wings and free beer.
Notes, Random Thoughts, and Imperfections:
- The Poolside People: I love the pool. Best part of the trip. I chatted with so many people. One woman told me about her parrot named "Captain Jack Sparrow" and, you know, it was awesome.
- The Heat: It was HOT. Like, "fry an egg on the sidewalk" hot. Hydration is key, people! I drank like a camel on a bender.
- The Drury Inn: This place wasn't the Ritz, but it was clean, comfortable, and had free food. What more could you want?
- The Vortex: Still thinking about that carpet. It was… something.
So yeah. That's my trip. Not perfect, not glamorous, but real. And hopefully, you got a laugh or two out of it. Now I need a nap. Peace out!
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Escape to Paradise: Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Happy Valley – Let's Be Real, Folks!
So, is this "Paradise" thing just marketing fluff? Seriously, what's the real deal with Drury Inn & Suites Happy Valley?
Okay, okay, let's be honest. "Paradise" might be a *smidge* dramatic. Look, it's a Drury Inn. You're not getting a private island with diamond-encrusted flamingos. BUT... hear me out. It’s surprisingly decent. For the price point, it's a solid contender. You get free hot breakfast (praise the breakfast gods!), free evening snacks (hello, mini-nachos!), and a pool that, while not Olympic-sized, gets the job done. Think of it as a reliable, trustworthy friend who always brings the snacks. Not the flashiest, but always there for you.
Honestly, I went in expecting meh. I had a *really* bad experience at another chain hotel the week before (don't even get me started on the questionable stains on the… well, you get the idea). So, Drury Inn Happy Valley was a breath of fresh, chlorine-scented air. And the staff? Surprisingly cheerful, even when dealing with my hangry self before breakfast. That's a win in my book.
Let's talk breakfast. Is it actually worth getting out of bed for? Because, I'm a total breakfast procrastinator.
Okay, this is where Drury Inn *really* shines. The breakfast? It's GOOD. Really good. I'm talking waffles you make yourself (a classic, but always satisfying), scrambled eggs (again, reliable), sausage links (a necessity, let's be real), and occasionally, bless their hearts, breakfast potatoes. And coffee! Endless amounts of coffee. Look, I'm not saying it’s Michelin-star quality, but it’s free, it’s hot, and it’s *filling*.
Here's a confession: I once went *back* for seconds on the waffles. Don't judge me! I was on vacation! And they had whipped cream! That's a game changer. The only downside? The sheer number of people who are also there grabbing their waffles. Can be a bit of a scrum, especially around the waffle iron. But hey, a little chaos before you start your day? Adds character, right?
Evening snacks! What's the rundown? And is it BYOB? (Asking for a friend… mostly myself.)
The evening snacks, also known as "The 5:30 Kickback," are a lifesaver after a long day of… well, whatever you're doing. They typically have a rotation of stuff, like nachos (YES!), hot dogs (okay, sometimes), and sometimes even… wait for it… soup! Don’t expect gourmet. Think elevated comfort food. It’s perfectly acceptable and, again, FREE.
And BYOB? Technically, no. But… no one's *really* stopping you from having a little something in your room. Just be discreet, alright? The little mini-bar fridge is perfect for… storing… beverages. Let's just leave it at that. Just please, for the love of all that is holy, clean up after yourselves! I saw a sad little empty hot dog tray left abandoned once, and it haunted me for days.
The pool...is it swimmable? Is it crowded? What's the vibe?
Okay, the pool. It's… fine. It's not some sprawling resort-style oasis, but it's a perfectly serviceable rectangle of water. It's usually clean-ish. One time, I swear I saw a rogue plastic bag drifting by, but the staff quickly fished it out. Points for effort, Drury.
Crowds? Can be hit or miss. Sometimes, it's practically empty, a tranquil haven for a post-hike dip. Other times, particularly in the afternoons, it's a swirling vortex of kids and inflatable pool toys. So, your mileage may vary. One tip: Go early in the morning or late in the evening for the best chance of peace and quiet. And bring earplugs, just in case. You know, for the enthusiastic cannonballers.
Rooms! Are they clean? Comfy? Or are we talking Motel 6 quality? Be honest!
Okay, here's the truth: The rooms are… good. Not amazing, not luxurious, but good. Cleanliness is generally on point, which, after my previous hotel nightmare, was a HUGE relief. The beds were comfortable enough to fall asleep quickly, which is what you want, right? Pillows were… well, pillows. Nothing to write home about, but not the rock-hard, lumpy variety you find in some places.
The decor is… well, it's what you'd expect. Neutral colors, nothing too offensive. Functional. I will say this, the air conditioning worked great. It's Phoenix, people! You NEED good AC. I once stayed in a place where the AC sounded like a dying walrus. This was a vast improvement. And the best part? The free Wi-Fi! That always gets a thumbs up from this reviewer!
Location, location, location! Is it actually in a good spot for… you know… things?
Happy Valley is a decent location. It's not smack-dab downtown, so you'll need a car or rideshare to get to the main attractions. But it's close to shopping, restaurants, and the freeway. Very convenient. The desert landscape is nice, if you're into that kind of thing– which I am! I love the wide-open space and the saguaro cactus. It gives you some peace and quiet, that's for sure.
One thing to note: traffic can be a beast in Phoenix. Plan accordingly. Allow extra time to get where you're going, especially during rush hour. But hey, who's in a rush on vacation? (I am, sometimes, if I'm being honest.)
Any hidden fees I should watch out for? Because nobody likes surprise charges!
This is a big win for Drury! As far as I could tell, there weren't any sneaky hidden fees, which is awesome. The price you see is pretty much the price you pay. No resort fees, no parking fees (at least, not that I saw… double-check, just to be sure!), and the Wi-Fi is free (as mentioned before, but worth repeating!).
Always double-check your final bill, of course. It's just good practice. But from my experience, Drury Inn Happy Valley is refreshingly upfront about its costs. That transparency earns them major points in my book, because seriously, who likes being nickel-and-dimed?
