Escape to St. Louis: Your Perfect Florissant Getaway Awaits!
Escape to St. Louis: Your Perfect Florissant Getaway Awaits! - A VERY Honest Review (Brace Yourself!)
Okay, so, "Escape to St. Louis: Your Perfect Florissant Getaway Awaits!" – the name alone promises a lot, right? I just got back from a stay, and let me tell you, the reality… well, it's a mixed bag. But hey, that's life! Let's break it down, warts and all, 'cause that's how I roll.
Accessibility: The Good… and the "Almost Great"
First things first, I need to give props where they're due: Facilities for disabled guests. They do have them. I'm not personally disabled so I can't give a firsthand account, but I did poke around (judiciously, of course, because I'm nosey) and saw evidence of wheelchair accessibility. Elevator? Check. That's a huge win, especially if you end up on a higher floor. However, the "perfect" part? Hmmm. More on that later.
Now, about the Internet. They shout it from the rooftops: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi in public areas! – and the blurb is right, you have those options. It worked. It wasn't lightning fast, but it didn't make me want to hurl my laptop out the window. So, a solid B grade there. I did see Internet [LAN] listed too, which is wild. Who still uses LAN?!
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID-19 Era, and My Germaphobe Tendencies
Listen, the world is a germ factory right now, and I'm more paranoid than a squirrel with a nut stash. So, I was HYPED to see Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Rooms sanitized between stays. The hotel felt clean, like, honestly, cleaner than my own house (don't judge!). I even saw Sterilizing equipment being used! That's good stuff. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items and Safe dining setup were also reassuring. BUT… there were a couple of moments where I side-eyed a lingering crumb. Perfection is impossible, but they were trying hard.
They even offered a Room sanitization opt-out available – which, for any of you that feel the same way as I do, is a really good feature.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Glutton's Guide to Florissant
Okay, buckle up, foodies. This is where things get… interesting.
The Buffet: An Adventure in International Cuisine. They have a
Breakfast [buffet]which I'm always down for. And that's where I got side-tracked by a Real-life anecdote: I witnessed a kid, maybe 6 years old, take one look at theAsian breakfast(which, I admit, looked a tad adventurous at 7 am) and loudly declare, "Ewwww, what is that?!" His parents looked mortified. I, on the other hand, found it hilarious.The buffet had a bit of everything –
Western breakfast,Asian cuisine in restaurant, and even aVegetarian restaurant, they were offering something for everyone. The coffee, though? Let's just say it could have used a little more… soul.The A La Carte Experience: The
Restaurantsthemselves, well, they hadA la carte in restaurant. ASnack barfor a quick pick-me-up, and aPoolside barsounded like a great idea, except … it was not open when I was there.Room Service: 24-Hour Convenience (ish). I used the
Room service [24-hour]and it was a lifesaver. Late night cravings? Sorted. Though, the food felt like a higher-level version of what I could get from a vending machine.The Little Things: They had a
Coffee/tea in restaurant, but I missed theBottle of waterI was promised. Little details, right? But I needed it, man.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Scrubbing to Steam
Okay, the real selling point, right? Escape and relax!
- The Spa: A Mixed Message. They have a
Spa, aSauna, and aSteamroom?! Amazing! They offered aBody scrubandBody wrapand this seemed promising. I booked a massage (essential, after the buffet) and it was… okay. Not life-altering, but okay. The best part was thePool with view. But, I have to be honest, my expectations were a bit higher. - Fitness Center: Working Out. There’s a
Fitness centerandPool with view. The gym was smaller than I expected, but hey, it had equipment. So, if you are intoGym/fitness, it might do the trick. - The Pool: Cooling Down (When It's Open). The
Swimming pool [outdoor]sounded blissful. Unfortunately, there was a "technical issue" and it was closed during my entire stay. Massive bummer.
Services and Conveniences: The Hotel That Thinks Of Everything (Almost)
Concierge? Yep. Dry cleaning? Sure. Laundry service? You got it. The Facilities for disabled guests, the Elevator, Car park [free of charge]. The basics felt provided. I saw they even had facilities for Cash withdrawal. And they even offer Invoice provided.
- If you have a
Car power charging station, that's very modern, even if I didn't need it. Convenience store. Score! They had a pretty good selection of everything, including essential condiments.Luggage storage. Always a plus.
For the Kids: Not My Wheelhouse, But…
I don't have kids, but I noticed they offered Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and a Kids meal option. Family-friendly!
Rooms: The Little Details That Matter
Okay, my room. Non-smoking (thank goodness). Air conditioning. Check. They had Air conditioning in public area which was a plus. Wake-up service – perfect for those early buffet runs. My room was clean and well-kept. Bathrobes, Complimentary tea, Free bottled water (I didn't see any, but hey, maybe they're proactive). Daily housekeeping. A Desk, so as a remote worker I could get some work done. Standard.
- The Bed:
Extra long bed? Nice. - The View: My
Window that opensopened to… a wall. Not ideal. - The Mirror and Decor: I did see a
Mirrorand someRoom decorations. - The Bathroom: A
Separate shower/bathtub– always a win. TheToiletrieswere decent. - The Technology:
Internet access – wirelessandSatellite/cable channels. - The Safety: A
Fire extinguisher,Smoke detectorin my room.
Getting Around: The Florissant Formula
Car park [free of charge] – excellent! Airport transfer offered. Taxi service available. Easy to get around, as long as you have a car.
Security and Safety: Peace of Mind
I noticed CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, and Front desk [24-hour] – reassuring. Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher… safety seems to be a priority.
The Verdict: Should You Escape to Florissant?
Okay, so, is this "Escape to St. Louis" a perfect getaway? No. Is it a good getaway? Absolutely, with some caveats. It's a solid choice, especially if you want a clean, conveniently located hotel with decent amenities. The staff was genuinely friendly and helpful. The location is good for exploring Florissant.
But Here's the REAL Deal:
They aren't over-promising. They're trying, and that counts for something. If you are here for a weekend, then this is a nice option.
My Personal Recommendation:
FOR THE BRAVE: Book the suite with the jacuzzi – and demand a view!
For the Discerning Traveler: This is absolutely worth it, and a bargain.
For the Time-Conscious: Book in advance!
Don't overthink it. Just go.
SEO-RICH CALL TO ACTION (aka, the "Book Now" Bit):
Ready to "Escape to St. Louis" and Experience Florissant?
Tired of the same old routine? Craving a weekend of relaxation, good food, and maybe a little adventure? Then book your Florissant Getaway at "Escape to St. Louis" TODAY!
- Enjoy: Well-appointed rooms with FREE Wi-Fi, a delicious breakfast buffet (with some international surprises!), and the chance to unwind at the spa (fingers crossed the pool is open!).
- Experience: Easy access to everything Florissant has to offer!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get a travel itinerary that's less "polished brochure" and more "drunkenly scribbled napkin." We're talking a trip to the Quality Inn in Florissant, Missouri. Sounds glamorous, I know. Let's see if we can somehow… survive.
A Florissant Fiasco: My Quality Inn Odyssey (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Continental Breakfast)
Day 1: Arrival and the Initial Letdown (Followed by a Surprise!)
4:00 PM: Arrival. The first impression is… well, it's a Quality Inn. Let's be honest, I'm not expecting the Ritz. But a slightly-less-musty scent would be nice. The lobby carpet looks like it's seen some things, some of which I'd rather not know about. The woman at the desk? Sweet as pie, bless her heart. Checked in, got the key, and made my way to the room with the faint hope that it wouldn't evoke too many childhood memories of visiting my grandma's house… which, admittedly, also smelled faintly of mothballs and regret.
4:30 PM: Room Inspection. The door creaked ominously. Dramatic music please! Okay, it's clean enough. The bedspread, though… is that a floral print from the Reagan era? I think I just time-traveled. The TV? A relic from a bygone era. But hey, the Wi-Fi works! Small victories. I immediately flop onto the bed. And it's.. comfortable. Honestly. For a Quality Inn stay, I was ready for the worst and I'm not complaining!
5:00 PM: The Great Soda Machine Debacle. The vending machine. My nemesis. I was DESPERATE for a Diet Coke, which is basically a life-essence for me. Coins in. Buttons pressed. Nothing. Frustration. I spent a solid five minutes bashing the machine, convinced I could coax a can of sugary goodness out of it. Nope. Defeated, I went to the front desk. Bless that woman, she just sighed and said something about the machine being "temperamental." She offered me a Coke from behind the counter. That, my friends, is service. Absolute service.
6:00 PM: Dinner at… somewhere. Okay, so the options around the hotel are… limited. Decided on a local spot that looked promising called "Uncle Bill's." It was packed, which is always a good sign. Ordered the fried chicken. It was… solid. Not life-altering, but good, honest fried chicken. Ate it alone, people-watching. Always a favorite pastime. The family at the next table was having a loud, boisterous time, kids running around, and I was suddenly overcome with the urge to call my own siblings… which resulted in a 30-minute phone call.
**7:30 PM: The Unexpected Book. **Back at the hotel I've been doing a lot of reading. The weather is pretty crummy and rainy, so I've just been lounging and reading a book. I picked up a book titled "The Silent Patient" and I've been obsessed with it. I don't want to give away any details but it is a MUST read.
8:30 PM: Early night. I was exhausted after my long day. I did a little more reading before I fell asleep.
Day 2: Continental Breakfast, Museum Mayhem, and Unfulfilled Dreams
7:00 AM: The Continental Combat Zone. Let the games begin! The infamous continental breakfast. It's a chaotic ballet of lukewarm coffee, sad-looking pastries, and a desperate scramble for a waffle. I, predictably, failed to master the waffle-maker. I managed to make a slightly burnt hockey puck. But the coffee was surprisingly okay! And for a while, I bonded with a nice elderly couple over shared disappointment in the hard-boiled eggs.
8:00 AM: St. Louis Science Center - A Bold Attempt. I thought, "Hey, I've always wanted to go to the Science Center. And it's not too far." I had grand visions of inspiring myself with knowledge. Instead, I felt like I was surrounded by ten-year-olds. It was… a LOT. I did, however, spend a solid 20 minutes watching a very patient volunteer explain the physics of a pendulum to a group of very unimpressed fifth graders. Pretty cool.
10:00 AM: The Gateway Arch and the St. Louis Blues. I had been planning on seeing the Gateway Arch. The weather was terrible and it was a mess. I was defeated. I really needed a break from this crazy trip, so I retreated back to my hotel. When I got back, I turned on the TV and watched the St. Louis Blues hockey game for a while. They were playing and I never got to see a game so that was nice.
1:00 PM: Lunch at a Diner. Found a classic diner called "Mel's Diner" and sat at the counter. Ordered a burger and fries and watched the world go by. It was perfect. Sometimes the simple things are the best. Talked to the waitress, who seemed to know everyone. She told me about her grandkids and her love for baking. It felt strangely comforting, like a story out of a movie.
**2:30 PM Back to the room. **I'm a little tired and needed a recharge. I really wanted to read my book The Silent Patient but I just couldn't find the right headspace. I went back to the hotel and watched some TV.
5:00 PM More Eating. I couldn't get enough of this trip! I was in a mood to treat myself to some more delightful food and I had to find SOMETHING that would lift my spirits tonight. I wanted to order Italian food, but I wanted a big serving size. I got the idea to order from a local restaurant called "Pastaria." I ordered a giant bowl of pasta and it was fantastic. I stuffed my face and had a good time.
7:00 PM: The Book. I finally got back to my book. I decided to read a couple of chapters and relax before I fell asleep.
Day 3: The Departure and The lingering questions…
7:00 AM: Another Continental Breakfast. Because why not? The waffle machine continues to elude me. I am convinced it's rigged. Managed to salvage a bowl of cereal though and a cup of coffee.
8:00 AM: The Checkout: Smooth and efficient. The front desk woman smiles and asks if I enjoyed my stay. I smile back and say 'yes' because what else am I going to say?
**8:30 AM The Long Drive. **I began my long drive home and that's the end of the trip!
Final Thoughts:
So, there you have it. My Quality Inn adventure. It wasn't glamorous. It wasn't life-changing. But it was real. It was… messy. It was filled with minor disappointments, unexpected moments of joy, and a whole lot of coffee. I wouldn't trade it for anything. (Well, maybe a weekend at a fancy spa. But still…) Now I'm kind of wondering what the book is about and I can't wait to finish it.
And that, my friends, is the truth. (Or, at least, my truth.) Now get out there and make your own Quality Inn memories. Just… maybe bring your own vending machine snacks.
Escape to Atlanta: Your Kennesaw Hampton Inn Awaits!
Escape to St. Louis: Your (Probably Messy, Maybe Wonderful) Florissant Getaway - FAQs!
Okay, so... FLORISSANT? Why Florissant? Isn't that... far?
Alright, alright, hold your horses. Florissant might not be on EVERYONE'S radar. Look, I'm from here (well, *near* here, close enough). And honestly? Sometimes I think people *underestimate* it. It's not exactly "St. Tropez," I'll concede that – no yachts, no supermodels (that *I've* seen, anyway). But it’s got a certain…charm? Let's call it "blue-collar, slightly-worn charm." Think friendly faces, mom-and-pop shops (some of which are gloriously, wonderfully weird), and a pace of life that's *almost* slow enough for me to catch my breath. Plus, it's close enough to St. Louis for all the big-city stuff, but far enough to feel like you’re not constantly dodging crazy drivers.
And hey, *someone's* got to appreciate the good stuff without all the hype, right? That could be you. Or not. No pressure!
What's the *vibe* in Florissant? Is it... boring?
Boring? That depends. If your definition of boring is "not packed with influencer-approved brunch spots and rooftop bars blasting EDM," then, yeah, maybe. But *I* find it comforting. Cozy, even? Think... classic Midwestern. Think friendly neighbors, people who actually smile back (mostly), and a healthy dose of "live and let live." I've seen a dude walking his cat on a leash. That pretty much sums up the vibe. (And, in all honesty, I was a little jealous.)
Okay, okay. Let's be real. There's not a ton of nightlife *strictly speaking*. But there are *plenty* of good, solid, no-frills bars where you can actually hear yourself think (a rare treat in this day and age!). And the diners? Don't even get me started. Heart attack breakfasts galore! And I wouldn't trade them for anything.
On the flip side, if you're looking for a high-octane, non-stop party, maybe Florissant *isn't* your jam. But if you want a relaxing escape with genuine people? You might just fall in love.
Okay, I'm intrigued. What is there *to do* in Florissant and the surrounding areas? Give me some actual suggestions, please!
Alright, fine! I'll stop being coy. Here are some ideas, and I'll be brutally honest about how *I* feel about them:
- The St. Louis Zoo & Science Center: A total MUST if you have kids (or if you're a big kid at heart, like me!). The Zoo is FREE! FREE! Just a short drive from "The 'Sant". I *love* the penguins. The penguins make everything worth it. The Science Center is also good, but be prepared for crowds. And teenagers. Shudder.
- Historic Old Town Florissant: Cute, quaint... and sometimes kinda quiet. But! There are some cool little shops and restaurants. Definitely stop by the ice cream parlor. It is the best ice cream in the world. I'd fight someone for it, so consider yourself warned. (Just kidding... mostly.)
- Parks Galore! There are tons of parks! Plenty of space to kick a soccer ball or watch the kids. Just... watch out for those geese. Those things are MEAN. Don't feed them. Trust me on this.
- Catch a Cardinals Game: A bit further afield, but a Cardinal's game is a quintessential STL experience. The energy is awesome, the food is terrible but delicious, and you'll be surrounded by passionate fans. Even if you don't know the rules (I don't!), it's fun. Plus, the city comes alive on game days!
- The Katy Trail: I never actually use this, because I'm allergic to exercise. But people SWEAR by it. Miles of paved trails perfect for biking or walking. People are always happy whenever I drive by.
Look, I'm not going to pretend it's *all* gold. Some things are a miss. But there's enough to keep you entertained, especially if you're looking for a chill getaway. Just don't expect a Las Vegas-level party. (Thank GOD.)
Tell me about the food... what kind of food is in Florissant? And is it *good*?
Oh, the food. This is where Florissant *really* shines. We’re talking hearty Midwestern fare. You want amazing pizza? We got it. Italian ice? Absolutely. Dive bars with amazing burgers? Oh, yes, honey. yes. Let's run through some of my favorites…
- Mom-and-Pop Pizza Places: Forget those chain pizza joints. The local pizzerias are where it's at. You just have to know which ones. I've got my favorites that I'm not sharing.
- Diners & Breakfast Spots: Prepare for massive portions and grease. In a good way. Go for the biscuits and gravy. Or the omelets. Or both. Don't judge me.
- International Delights: Okay, so it's not *known* for this, but there's a surprisingly decent selection of ethnic restaurants, with pockets of great options to choose from.
- The "Sweet" Things: Ice cream, bakeries, cookies... I may or may not have a problem. Don't ask.
Honestly, the food scene around here is one of the best things about it. You'll find food for every mood and craving. You might expand your waistline a bit, but who cares? It's worth it.
What about accommodation? Where should I stay?
Okay, real talk. Florissant's accommodation game isn't exactly five-star. You're not going to find the Ritz-Carlton here. However, there are plenty of perfectly decent hotels and motels. They're clean, they're comfortable, and they're generally a lot more affordable than staying closer to downtown.
My advice? Check online reviews. Read them *carefully*. Look for hotels that are a little bit further from the main roads (noise!). And if you're not a fan of chain hotels, consider looking for a charming, quirky (and maybe a little worn-down) Airbnb. This city will surprise you.
Also, location matters. If you're planning on spending most of your time in St. Louis proper, maybe stay a little closer. But if you want to experience the magic of Florissant itself, then find a place right in the heart of it.
Personally, I'd probably stay in one of the more budget-friendly options. Saves more money for the food… and the ice cream. Priorities, people!
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