Escape to Paradise: GreenTree Inn & Suites Florence, AZ Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: GreenTree Inn & Suites Florence, AZ Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: GreenTree Inn & Suites Florence, AZ – My Arizona Adventure That Almost (Almost) Didn't Happen!
Okay, so let's be honest. Planning a trip to Florence, Arizona, wasn't exactly on my bucket list. Somewhere between "glamping in Tuscany" and "learning to play the theremin," it fell…way, way down. But life, as it often does, had other plans. Wife's birthday, a romantic getaway, yadda yadda yadda. And guess what? GreenTree Inn & Suites was surprisingly…the only game in town that looked remotely appealing and didn't scream "motel from a forgotten 80s horror flick."
Metadata & SEO Stuff (Bear with me, I’m trying to be helpful!):
- Target Keywords: Florence AZ hotels, GreenTree Inn & Suites Florence review, Arizona spa hotels, Wheelchair accessible hotels Florence, Free Wi-Fi Florence, Pool with a view Arizona, Accessible hotel Florence, Family-friendly hotel Florence, Pet-friendly hotel Florence.
- Meta Description: Honest review of GreenTree Inn & Suites in Florence, AZ. Details on accessibility, amenities (pool, spa, breakfast), and if it lived up to the "Escape to Paradise" promise. Learn about our experience and see if this is the right hotel for your Arizona adventure.
Arrival & First Impressions (and a near-disaster!)
First off, the “Escape to Paradise” tagline… a little ambitious, right? But hey, the desert is kind of a paradise in its own gritty, sun-baked way. The exterior? Standard motel-y, but clean. Clean is good. We pulled up, and as luck would have it, the elevator was out of service. Now, I'm perfectly ambulatory, but my wife has a knee that throws tantrums, so accessibility was a concern. Not ideal. But hey, the desk clerk, bless her heart, was super apologetic and quickly offered us a ground-floor room. Score one for quick thinking and good customer service!
- Services and conveniences: Elevator, Doorman (lol, not really, but someone was there), Front Desk [24-hour], Luggage storage, Concierge (a helpful chatty woman).
- Accessibility: Facilities for disabled guests, Wheelchair accessible to the core, after we got past the elevator
The Room: A Surprisingly Pleasant Surprise
The room itself was…well, it wasn't a palace, but it was clean, comfy enough, and had everything we needed, which is a lot more than I can say for some hotels I've stayed in (I'm looking at you, Motel 6 in Bakersfield).
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (score!), Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping (thank GOD), Desk, Free bottled water (always a win!), Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Shower, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels (clean ones, thankfully!), Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- More Rooms Details: Additional toilet, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Extra long bed, High floor, Internet access – LAN, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (meh), Mirror, Non-smoking, Refrigerator, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Soundproofing, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone
The bed was comfy (a HUGE plus after a long drive) and, crucially, the AC worked like a champ. Bless those blackout curtains because the Arizona sun is SERIOUS. I really appreciated the little details that made it feel a bit more "thoughtful" like the well-stock toiletries. Okay, I'm starting to think it might actually be an escape!
The Pool: Oasis in the Desert? (Maybe!)
The outdoor pool was…well, it was there. And, yes, it offered a pool with a view, of the surrounding desert landscape. It wasn't the most gorgeous, most scenic view I've ever seen (let's be real, it's Florence, AZ), but it was peaceful and sunny. Good for swimming.
- Things to do, ways to relax: Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]
- Spa: Spa/sauna, Sauna
- Cleanliness and safety: Daily disinfection in common areas I took a quick dip to cool off and grabbed a towel, and then I headed in.
Breakfast: The "Almost Too Good to be True" Moment
The complimentary breakfast! A buffet – bless their hearts. I'm not usually a buffet guy, but after the drive, I'd eat a shoe. It had the usual suspects: eggs, sausage, waffles, and some surprisingly decent fruit. I piled my plate high, fully expecting lukewarm everything, but honestly, it was pretty good.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Restaurants, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast.
- Cleanliness and safety: Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
- Services and conveniences: Breakfast service, Breakfast takeaway service
There was also a coffee machine churning out passable (read: caffeinated) coffee, which was a lifesaver. I'd say breakfast was the undisputed winner of the hotel.
The Spa: My Unfulfilled Dream
Okay, so I’m a bit of a spa newbie. Maybe I'm a little intimidated by the whole "cucumber eye masks and whale music" vibe. But I'd been looking forward to the Spa/Sauna. Unfortunately, the spa services weren't available while we were there (bummer!). I was hoping to experience the promised “Foot bath”.
- Things to do, ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna
- Cleanliness and safety: Sterilizing equipment
- Services and conveniences: Doctor/nurse on call.
Maybe next visit. (If there is one…we’ll see!)
The Annoyances (and the unexpected positives)
- The Internet: The free Wi-Fi was…spotty. Intermittently it cuts out completely. I had to use my phone as a hotspot which wasn't the best experience for a remote worker like myself.
- Internet: Internet access – wireless, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN],
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Contactless check-in/out, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
- Lack of a real Restaurant: The hotel itself did not have a restaurant. There was a Bar but limited food options.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Cleanliness and safety: Room sanitization opt-out available
- The Staff: The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Especially the front desk clerk who was so accommodating. They really made the experience much better.
- Services and conveniences: Concierge, Concierge, Cash withdrawal,
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol.
The Verdict: Was it Paradise? Not Quite, But…
GreenTree Inn & Suites in Florence, AZ isn't going to win any awards for luxury. It’s not going to be featured in Architectural Digest. But for the price, the cleanliness, the friendly staff, and the surprisingly decent breakfast, it's alright, and may be a hidden gem for any hotel in the area.
Would I go back? Maybe. If I needed a clean, comfortable place to crash in Florence, this would definitely be my pick. Just maybe pack your own entertainment and plan on relying on your phone's data for internet. And, hey, maybe one day the spa will actually be open! It has potential.
Shanghai Hilton Fengxian: Luxury Getaway You Won't Believe!Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt at conquering the Wild West (or at least, Florence, AZ). GreenTree Inn here we come! And good Lord, I hope they have decent coffee.
Florence, Arizona: A Whirlwind of Dust and Doubt (and Hopefully, Delicious Tacos)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Accidental Cactus Hug
- 1:00 PM: Landed in Phoenix. Ugh. Airport is the worst. Everyone’s grumpy, kids are screaming, and the air smells faintly of desperation and stale pretzels. Found my rental car (a surprisingly spiffy Hyundai, thank you very much). Driving to Florence. Praying the GPS doesn't lead me into the desert. (Spoiler: it almost did).
- 2:30 PM: Arrived at the GreenTree Inn & Suites. The lobby? Clean. The staff? Surprisingly cheery. My room? Not bad, not bad at all. I'm already a little bit regretting not bringing my own pillow. This is the kind of place where you instantly assess the bed situation. And the coffee situation. Crucial.
- 3:00 PM: Unpacked (mostly), but the unpacking is going to have to wait!! I need to get out there before nightfall. I'm thinking about taking a stroll around the historic downtown area. Trying to find some local color, you know? But first, the real question… is the pool area open to swim?
- 3:30 PM: Okay, so, the stroll turned into a hike. I got a little… carried away. Ended up on a dirt trail. Admiring the desert scenery (it's actually… pretty majestic, in a desolate kind of way). And then… bam. I didn't see the cactus until it was too late. A hug. A painful, prickly, cactus hug. I'm still pulling needles out of my leg. Maybe I should have brought more water. Note to self: Pay attention and bring water, especially at 4PM.
- 6:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Nurse the cactus wounds (ouch), then I am ready to head out for some food.
Day 2: Delving into the Desert…and Maybe Another Cactus Encounter
- 8:00 AM: Coffee at the GreenTree Inn's "complimentary continental breakfast." It’s… well, it’s coffee. And I found a weird, hard-looking muffin that's supposed to be blueberry. I took a bite, and I’m not sure blueberry is in the same food group. But! The waffle maker is decent. This changes everything.
- 9:00 AM: Decision time. Should I try again for the downtown area, or head out on a day trip? I am going to take another hike, but this time I want to be fully prepared. Should I bring some snacks?
- 10:00 AM: I went to the Pinal County Historical Museum. The history of this area is fascinating! I actually enjoyed seeing all the old photos, reading the old documents. So interesting.
- 1:00 PM: Found a little diner that looks like it might be a local favorite. The waitress has a permanent smile and has a sense of humor. I ordered a burger and fries, and it was… perfect. Seriously, the best burger I've had in ages.
- 3:00 PM: I should've gotten back on the road to go back to the hotel. Instead, I ended up on a detour and got lost. I took a wrong turn… somewhere. I saw a really small, desert-looking town. The sun had already begun to set. I was a little terrified. I had to drive for 30 minutes before I found a gas station to ask for directions. The woman working at the gas station was a friendly, older lady. She was very nice. I was so, so relieved.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel. I'm exhausted. And I'm starting to get a little homesick. I'm hoping the hotel has cable TV so I can switch on a movie, and go to sleep.
Day 3: Desert Dreams and Departures
- 9:00 AM: Another breakfast at the hotel. This time, I skipped the questionable muffin and went straight for the waffles. It's amazing how much better a bad breakfast is when you know what to expect.
- 10:00 AM: One last attempt downtown. (I swear, I will find those tacos).
- 12:00 PM: Checkout time. Ugh. Time to head back to the airport.
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at Phoenix. I returned the car, and now I was standing at the departure gate.
- 2:00 PM: Finally. On the plane. Goodbye, Florence. Goodbye, cacti. Goodbye, questionable muffins.
Overall Thoughts:
Florence, AZ. It's… something. A little rough around the edges, a little dusty, and definitely not the most glamorous place I've ever been. But, it was authentic. I probably won't return, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.
And next time, I'm bringing a hat, more water, and a very long stick. And maybe a map. Or, you know, just stay away from cacti altogether.
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