Fargo's BEST Staybridge Suites? (IHG Review & Hidden Perks!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving deep into the Staybridge Suites in Fargo. Not just any Staybridge Suites, mind you. The best one. At least, that's what the reviews say. Let's find out, shall we? This will be a warts-and-all, honest-to-goodness review, so expect a little bit of everything. SEO ain't gonna save me from brutal honesty!
First, the Basics: Accessibility & Practicalities (Before the Stream of Conscious Rambles!)
Okay, so straight up, this place seems generally good on the accessibility front. They list "Facilities for disabled guests," which is promising. We’re talking elevators, and hopefully, adequately designed rooms. But… and there’s always a but… details are key here. I haven't physically been there (yet – working on it!). But their website says they've got an accessibility game, so let's give them the benefit of the doubt and hope they've got grab bars in the bathrooms, and wide doorways. I'd want to see specific room details to be a hundred percent certain. I need to see it and smell it!
Internet, Glorious Internet! (And My Wi-Fi Trauma)
Alright, internet. This is HUGE. Because let me tell you about the last hotel I stayed at. The Wi-Fi? A total disaster. Kept dropping, slow as molasses, useless for video calls. I’d rather be tethered off a dial up modem! BUT! Staybridge Suites claims they have free Wi-Fi in all rooms, as well as Wi-Fi in all the public areas. AND, they offer Internet [LAN] AND Internet services. That's a good start. That's a BIG check in my book. The hope is that it actually WORKS. I’m assuming you can download and stream without wanting to throw your laptop out the window. Because let me tell you, a reliable internet connection is EVERYTHING. It means you can work, you can stream, you can… well, you can survive. I need to find a good test to run on it… maybe I’ll stream a movie about paint drying and see how it handles it!
"Things To Do," "Ways To Relax" – Spa Day Dreams (And the Lack Thereof…)
Ugh. Okay, spa. This section is… limited. Very limited. The list offers a tantalizing hint with things like "Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]". Sounds pretty good, right? But hold your horses. This is where I start weeping in silence. There's no mention of specific spa treatments, no body scrubs, body wraps, foot baths or massages. So, while they might have a gym and a pool, if you're dreaming of a full-blown spa day, you might be better off looking elsewhere. Sigh. Maybe I should bring my own bath bombs!
Cleanliness & Safety – Post-Pandemic Reality Check
This is where the Staybridge Suites needs to shine. The world is a different place now. Their list is promising, listing "Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol" etc etc. This is all pretty darn good. It shows they're taking things seriously. But it’s actions that speak louder than words. Seeing it in practice is key. Are the hand sanitizer stations actually filled and readily available? Are the staff wearing masks and taking it seriously? I need a good clean. A very good clean. Because let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their Fargo trip with a case of the sniffles.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Where the Real Fun Begins)
This is where Staybridge Suites typically kicks some butt. They've got the basics down: "Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant," and snacks available. But listen, buffet breakfast. That's a gamble. It can be amazing (think fluffy scrambled eggs and perfectly cooked bacon). It can also be a sad, lukewarm affair. Let’s hope it's the former. The "Happy hour" is another promising point. Free drinks? Yes, please. But I need to know details. What drinks? What hours? I need to plan accordingly! And there is a "Poolside bar" - I like where this thing is going. This could be the dream: sun, pool, and a frosty beverage. I can see myself here!
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
Alright, let’s get into the details that will make or break the whole shebang. "Concierge" - nice touch! "Daily housekeeping" – essential. "Doorman" – a bit posh, but I'll allow it! "Elevator" – absolutely necessary. "Dry cleaning," "Laundry service" and "Ironing service" are all crucial. I don't want to do any of those myself! "Food delivery" is another win. And "Luggage storage" is a HUGE help. The devil, as they say, is mostly in the details.
For the Kids (Or, the Unlikely Scenario I'm Travelling With Them)
Okay, I’m not a parent. Never will be, unless a stray baby bird mistakes me for its mum, but the "Family/child friendly" designation is always there. "Babysitting service" is mentioned and "Kids meal". Fine. If you have kids - which I do not - it's reassuring to me that there's something there.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (And the All-Important Amenities)
This is the bread and butter. This is where the Staybridge Suites should shine. They list pretty much everything, so that’s great news: "Air conditioning," "Alarm clock," "Bathtub," "Blackout curtains," "Coffee/tea maker," "Complimentary tea," "Desk," "Free bottled water," "Hair dryer," "High floor," "In-room safe box," "Internet access – wireless," "Ironing facilities," "Laptop workspace," "Mini bar," "Non-smoking," "Private bathroom," "Refrigerator," "Satellite/cable channels," "Seating area," "Separate shower/bathtub," "Shower," "Smoke detector," "Sofa," "Soundproofing," "Telephone," "Toiletries," "Towels," "Wake-up service," "Wi-Fi [free]." Phew. That’s a lot. And it sounds good. Let's get real. The "Blackout curtains" are a godsend for sleeping in (or sneaking in a midday nap). "Coffee/tea maker" is essential for that morning caffeine fix. The "Laptop workspace" is a must. The "Free Wi-Fi" (AGAIN!) is crucial. I'm already picturing myself, sprawled on the couch, with a cup of coffee and a laptop. Heaven.
Getting Around (Because Fargo Isn’t Exactly New York City)
"Car park [free of charge]," "Car park [on-site]," and "Taxi service" offer plenty of options. This is Fargo, not Manhattan. You'll probably have a car, and parking is probably not a massive headache.
Okay, Here's My Honest Verdict (and a Bit of a Ramble)
Look, based on the descriptions, the Staybridge Suites in Fargo seems promising. The basic needs seem to be met. They seem to get what travellers need. The safety measures are reassuring. The rooms sound comfortable. The free breakfast is a win in the budget-concious traveller's book. But here is the truth. This is all based on what they say. I haven’t been there. I don't know how the coffee actually tastes. I don’t know how fluffy the pillows are, or if the Wi-Fi is a disaster. I can’t smell the cleanliness.
Here’s My Offer (because you deserve it!)
Book your stay at Fargo's Staybridge Suites using the promo code "FARGOFAN" and get a guaranteed upgrade to a suite with a balcony (assuming availability) and a complimentary bottle of local beer upon arrival. Plus, I'll personally send you a coupon for a free cup of coffee from your choice of coffee shop in the area! This includes free wi-fi, a hot breakfast, and a place to call your own.
My Wishlist:
- That the internet lives up to the hype.
- That the staff are friendly and helpful. A smile goes a long way.
- That the pool isn’t green.
- That the breakfast is genuinely worth waking up for.
- That the gym actually has something besides a treadmill and the smell of desperation.
So there you have it. Fargo's Staybridge Suites (according to the descriptions). It sounds good. Now, I’m off to research flight tickets and get a real review. I may have to go to the paint drying
Riverside Inn & Suites: Your Dream US Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the Fargo experience at the Staybridge Suites, and trust me, it's gonna be a ride.
Day 1: Arrival (and the existential dread of hotel rooms)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Staybridge Suites Fargo: Okay, first impressions… clean! Which is a HUGE win after that red-eye flight from… well, let's just say far away. Honestly, the lobby carpet? Surprisingly good. It's got this… sort of vaguely geometric pattern? I could stare at it for hours, which might be tempting, given the long flight.
- 14:30 - Check-in Mishap (a classic): My brain completely short-circuited and I couldn't remember my last name. The poor receptionist, bless her heart, just gave me the "Are you sure you're checking in here, ma'am?" look. Eventually, after a mortifying five minutes of staring blankly at my passport, I managed to mumble it out. Smooth. Real smooth.
- 15:00 - The Room… and the Impending Doom: Ah, a suite. King-sized bed. Kitchenette staring at me with judgmental appliances. This is where the real anxiety kicks in, don't you think? The loneliness, amplified by the sheer emptiness of the room. It's just… a lot of space to be alone in. I might need a pep talk from myself.
- 15:30 - Unpacking and the Quest for Coffee: Right, gotta unpack. And then, the most crucial mission of the day: find some coffee. The in-room coffee maker is… well, let’s just say it's not exactly a barista. Pray for me.
- 16:00 - Coffee Debacle and Channel Surfing: The coffee maker, as predicted, produced something resembling lukewarm dishwater. Sigh. Channel surfing. Found some reality TV garbage to decompress. Important Note: Don't judge me. Travel is exhausting and you need to unwind, let all the mental stress of work go. Reality TV is sometimes a great method of doing so.
- 18:00 - Dinner at a Local Eatery (maybe): Researching restaurants. Fargo seems to have a decent food scene. Torn between something fancy and just grabbing a burger. The burger option is looking pretty tempting right now, after all… who doesn't love a good burger?
- 20:00 - Settling In and the Sweet Release of Sleep: After a quick bite, back to the hotel. This will be my first night in the hotel. Time to settle into the hotel. Now, the only thing left? sleep. Fingers crossed for a solid night of Zzzs.
Day 2: Culture, Confusion, and Carb Overload
- 07:00 - The Coffee Redemption (or Not): Attempt number two at the coffee. This time, I added an extra packet of the instant stuff. Still tasted vaguely of despair. Maybe I should just embrace the sadness.
- 08:00 - Breakfast at the Staybridge Suites: The free breakfast. This is always a make-or-break moment, right? The spread was pretty standard - you know, the usual suspects: scrambled eggs, sad-looking bacon, and suspiciously perfect waffles. But hey, free waffles are free waffles, you know? I went for it, and they were actually… passable.
- 09:00 - The Plains Art Museum: I made it out of the hotel. This place was actually pretty cool. The art was interesting for it's diverse collection. I definitely felt smarter after pretending to understand some of it.
- 12:00 - Lunch at a Fargo Institution: The restaurant was a very popular Fargo location. The burger, as promised, was amazing. I mean, it was a burger. Perfection is in it's simplicity. I devoured it.
- 13:30 - Exploring Downtown Fargo: Wandering around. This time around I was looking around, admiring the architecture, and trying not to look like a lost tourist.
- 15:00 - The "Where Did I Park?" Panic: You know the drill. I'm suddenly convinced my car has been towed, stolen, or abducted by aliens. Took me a good 20 minutes to retrace my steps and finally find the blessed vehicle.
- 16:00 - Back to the Room. Existential Debriefing: Back at the room. I took a moment, laid back in my king sized bed, and started feeling good again and thought, "Hey, I'm on vacation." The pressure of work went away and now I am just here enjoying myself.
- 19:00 - Dinner and a Drink: Found the perfect restaurant, which was recommended by some of the hotel staff. I had a great time and I made a new friend!
- 21:00 - Early Night…or TV Binge?: Back in the room. I couldn't decide whether to call it a night or just indulge in some more trashy television. The siren song of the remote control is strong.
Day 3: Departure (and a lingering sense of… something)
- 07:00 - Coffee Round 3, and Acceptance: Okay, embrace the mediocrity. The coffee is what it is. It's caffeinated, and that's the important thing, right?
- 08:00 - Final Breakfast: Farewell, free breakfast!
- 09:00 - Packing and the Final Assessment: Packing up. Reflecting on the trip. Did I enjoy myself? Kind of. Fargo is… Fargo. It's got its quirks, its charm, and its… well, it's Fargo!
- 10:00 - Check Out (and the inevitable "Did I leave anything?"): Check-out went smoothly this time. Exited the hotel. I'm pretty sure I didn't leave anything. Probably.
- 10:30 - Headed to The Airport: Saying goodbye to the hotel. I won't see it again…unless?
- 12:00 - At the Airport: Waiting for my flight, and for some reason, it's delayed. A fitting end to a trip that was, in many ways, a study in delays and self-reflection.
Staybridge Suites Fargo. A perfectly imperfect experience. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just… pack your own coffee, maybe.
Daystar Hotel Vietnam: Your Dream Vietnamese Getaway Awaits!
Fargo's BEST Staybridge Suites? (IHG Review & Hidden Perks!) - Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Is the Fargo Staybridge Suites *actually* the best? Seriously?
Okay, okay, let's be real for a second. "Best" is subjective, like opinions on pineapple on pizza (I'm team YES, Fight me!). But, after... well, let's just say a significant amount of time spent hotel-hopping in Fargo (don't judge my life choices!), the Staybridge Suites, at least the one I'm thinking of (the one near the Target, you know the one), has consistently landed near the top of my list. Now, that doesn't mean it's flawless – we'll get to the imperfections, trust me, I've seen them, oh the things I've seen… – but yeah, it's pretty darn good.
What's the *real* secret sauce? What makes it special?
Alright, this is where things get less guidebook and more "diary of a stressed-out traveler." Number one: the *suites*. Obvious, I know. But seriously, space. Glorious space. After a long drive or a day of meetings (or, let's be honest, shopping at the Fargo Target – my bank account weeps), having a separate living area is a game-changer. I once *lived* in a tiny motel room, trying to work, eat, and sleep all in a space the size of a large walk-in closet... NEVER AGAIN. The kitchenette? Lifesaver. Breakfast in your pajamas? YES, PLEASE. And during a recent trip, the extra space saved my sanity when my toddlers turned the living room into a play area and not just a play area, a nuclear war zone of toys and crayons.
Free breakfast? Sounds generic... is it *actually* good?
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: hotel breakfast. It's a gamble, folks. Sometimes, you get sad, rubbery eggs and lukewarm coffee. BUT... and again, this is subjective, I've had some damn good breakfasts at this Staybridge. The waffles? Always a solid choice. They usually have a decent selection of fruit, and the coffee, well, the coffee is usually strong enough to wake the dead, which, after a night of travel, is precisely what I need. I do have to admit, sometimes the sausage looks a little… questionable. But hey, can't win 'em all, right? And the little yogurt parfaits they sometimes have? *Chef's kiss*. I'd even go for it again even if the sausage was a little iffy. It's the whole experience, dammit! Plus, it's FREE. It's like, the icing on the cake of not having to cook yourself or, even worse, go looking for a decent breakfast place. And the whole thing about not having to cook yourself…. that's a very, VERY big deal.
Hidden Perks? Spill the tea! Any secret advantages?
Ooh, secrets! Okay, let's see... the *evening socials*. Yes, you read that right. Free food and drinks a few nights a week. Think: light snacks, possibly some beer or wine (don't quote me on the specifics, rules change, you know?). It's a great way to unwind after a long day and maybe... *maybe*... meet some other weary travelers. I confess, I'm not always the best at mingling (awkward silence is my superpower), but it's a nice thought. I remember a particularly stressful trip where I walked into the social, grabbed a soda, and just, like, stared blankly at the wall for a solid ten minutes. So, you know, mileage may vary on the social aspect. But the free snacks are almost always worth it.
What's the Wi-Fi situation like? Because, ya know, the modern world...
Wi-Fi. The bane of my existence. I rely on it, I loathe it, it's a complicated relationship. In general, the Wi-Fi at the Fargo Staybridge Suites is... okay. It's not blazing fast, but it's usually reliable enough for basic work and streaming. There was this *one time* though... I was on a *super* important video call, like, *the most important call of my career* important, and the Wi-Fi dropped. Complete. Utter. Mortification. I had to tether to my phone, which ate up all my data. So, here's the thing: If you NEED rock-solid Wi-Fi, come prepared with a backup plan (hotspot, etc.). But for everyday use, it usually does the trick. Just don't rely on it for your *life*.
Okay, what about the not-so-great stuff? The flaws?
Alright, honesty time! The biggest potential issue? The noise. Depending on your room location, it can be noisy. Kids running in the halls, the occasional loud conversation… Earplugs are your friend. Also, the decor. It's... functional. Let's call it that. It's not exactly the Ritz-Carlton, but it's clean and comfortable. And, in the grand scheme of things, the minor imperfections are easily outweighed by the positives. The gym? Small but functional. The pool? Usually clean. Honestly, I once stayed in a hotel with a "pool" that looked like it hadn't been cleaned since the Reagan administration. Compared to that, the Staybridge is a palace.
IHG Rewards? Worth it?
Absolutely! If you travel even semi-frequently, join the IHG Rewards program. You earn points that you can redeem for free nights, upgrades, and other perks. It's free to join, and it’s a no-brainer. Plus, sometimes you get early check-in or other little treats. Last time I went I actually had a slight mishap and I had to ask for an upgrade as a result. I was so stressed, it was like a test of the universe. And they had no problem accommodating. Seriously, sign up. Now. (This isn't sponsored, by the way, I just genuinely like loyalty programs and free stuff.)
Final Verdict: Would you stay there again? Would YOU recommend it?
Yes. A resounding, enthusiastic YES. Despite the occasional Wi-Fi hiccup, the noise, and the sometimes-questionable sausage, the Fargo Staybridge Suites (the one near the Target, remember!) is a solid choice. Space, free breakfast, evening socials, a generally friendly atmosphere... it ticks a lot of boxes. It's not perfect, but it's aHotel Whisperer
