Times Square Luxury: Unbelievable Embassy Suites Deal in Manhattan!
Times Square Luxury: Unbelievable Embassy Suites Deal in Manhattan!
Okay, buckle up, because this review is going to be less polished brochure and more, well, me. We're talking raw, unfiltered, and probably a little bit rambling, just like my brain after a long day of traveling. Let’s dive into this… hotel, shall we? (I’m intentionally vague because…well, it’s more fun that way.)
SEO & Metadata Nightmare (Just Kidding… Mostly)
- Keywords: Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurants, Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Cleanliness, Safety, Dining, Services, Rooms, Hotel Amenities (Okay, I tried. Let’s move on!)
The Arrival – First Impressions and… Panic?
Okay, so, I’m terrible at directions. Absolutely abysmal. Arriving at this place (let’s call it The Azure Oasis… because why not? Better than "Generic Hotel #4") was… an experience. First, the GPS tried to send me down a one-way street with a particularly ornery-looking chihuahua. Got me flustered right off the bat. THEN, I finally circled back to find the entrance, which, thankfully, was Wheelchair accessible (and a huge relief, because I'd twisted my ankle the week before!) and the Doorman was super helpful. Kudos to this person, for this is the kind of details one cares the most, especially when one is completely disoriented.
The Check-in/out [express] was a godsend. I hate standing around, especially after dealing with GPS and the chihuahua. BUT, the Front desk [24-hour] always makes you feel like you can reach for help. The Concierge… well, I just never really used them, so can't give an opinion there.
Getting Around – Easier Than Expected… Mostly
The hotel had an Elevator, which was critical. Finding it, well, that's a different story. I managed. The Car park [on-site] was free, which is always a win, and the Car park [free of charge]… also a win. They also boasted Car power charging station, which I didn't need, but hey, good for the planet, right? Taxi service and Airport transfer were available, but I just used my own (after some, let's say, unconventional turns from that GPS again).
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag… But Trying
Okay, so the fact that it's wheelchair-friendly is a huge plus. That gets a big gold star. I didn't need the facilities for disabled guests, but the fact they're there is reassuring. This is thoughtful of them.
Rooms - My Own Personal Sanctuary? (Maybe)
Okay, now for the important stuff. The Air conditioning was blasting when I arrived. That's always needed. And the Blackout curtains? Another win. I hate light in the morning and I hate the noise. No complaints there. This particular room was, they assure me, Non-smoking (thank goodness) and, blessedly, Soundproof. I slept like a rock.
Available in all rooms:
- * Additional toilet: Unnecessary, but nice to have as an option.
- * Air conditioning: Crucial (already mentioned, but worth repeating).
- * Alarm clock: Yup. Did wake me up.
- * Bathrobes: Yes, perfect for lounging.
- * Bathroom phone: Why?! Who calls from the bathroom? Weird.
- * Bathtub: Never used it. Shower person.
- * Blackout curtains: YES! (See above)
- * Carpeting: Fine. Not my preferred flooring, but… it's there.
- * Closet: Adequate.
- * Coffee/tea maker: Essential. I am a caffeine fiend.
- * Complimentary tea: Nice touch.
- * Daily housekeeping: Yes, and they were efficient and good.
- * Desk: Standard.
- * Extra long bed: Needed, good.
- * Free bottled water: Always appreciated.
- * Hair dryer: Check.
- * High floor: Not particularly, but fine.
- * In-room safe box: Didn't use. Probably should have?
- * Interconnecting room(s) available: Meh. Not for me.
- * Internet access – LAN: Nope. Not me.
- * Internet access – wireless: Yes, and it worked (more on that later).
- * Ironing facilities: Sure.
- * Laptop workspace: Standard.
- * Linens: Clean.
- * Mini bar: Yes, and priced to… encourage you not to touch it.
- * Mirror: Yes. Needed for selfies… obviously.
- * Non-smoking: YES!
- * On-demand movies: Nope. I brought my own entertainment.
- * Private bathroom: Of course.
- * Reading light: Good.
- * Refrigerator: Useful, but not amazing.
- * Safety/security feature: Present.
- * Satellite/cable channels: Fine.
- * Scale: Didn't use it. Don't want to know.
- * Seating area: Nice for lounging.
- * Separate shower/bathtub: Again… shower person.
- * Shower: Good water pressure.
- * Slippers: Yay!
- * Smoke detector: Present. Always great.
- * Socket near the bed: Crucial for charging the phone. Check.
- * Sofa: Nice.
- * Soundproofing: Excellent!
- * Telephone: Did not use.
- * Toiletries: Basic, but adequate.
- * Towels: Fluffy enough.
- * Umbrella: Didn't need it.
- * Visual alarm: Luckily, I didn't need this, but good to know it's there.
- * Wake-up service: Did not use.
- * Wi-Fi [free]: YES! Crucial.
- * Window that opens: Meh. I prefer the AC.
The Wi-Fi Saga – My Personal Hell (and Triumph?)
Alright, brace yourselves. This is where things got… interesting. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! claimed to be a major selling point. And, at first, it was great! Speed was solid, the connection was consistent. I was happily streaming my shows, doing my work, and generally being a tech-addicted zombie. Then… the drop. The dreaded buffering circle of doom. For about a full day, I had absolutely NO internet connection. Just a constant connection lost message. I was beside myself! I was supposed to write a blog post and do some work! Finally, after repeated calls to the front desk (who, to their credit, were very apologetic), it started working again. I think the Wi-Fi gods finally took pity on me. But yeah, it was a bit of a black mark for the entire experience.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food, Glorious Food… (Maybe)
The Restaurants offered a variety of options, and I tried… well, I tried most of them. The Breakfast [buffet] was standard, and it was included. The Breakfast service was prompt. The A la carte in restaurant was good, too. But let’s talk about the Asian breakfast. It has to be tried.
Didn't spend much time at the Bar or the Poolside bar, but they both looked inviting.
Cleanliness and Safety – Sanitized and (Mostly) Safe
The Daily disinfection in common areas was evident. The staff was definitely trained in safety protocol; It’s appreciated. There was even Hand sanitizer. It's a nice touch.
Things to Do – Relax, Explore, or… Just Survive?
The Fitness center was present. I did not go. The Spa was tempting, but I did not go. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was nice (and had a great view), but I didn't have time. The Sauna and Steamroom were too, but I chickened out.
In Conclusion…
The Azure Oasis (still unsure about the real name) was… alright. Seriously, it's a hotel. Some things were great. Some things were a little rough around the edges. The Wi-Fi issues knocked it down a peg. Overall, worth considering… if you pack an extra dose of patience, a good show to watch, and a hefty dose of caffeine. And maybe a new GPS.
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. (Would be higher if not for the Wi-Fi chaos!)
BON Hotel Busan: Your Luxury Korean Escape Awaits!Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is a living, breathing, slightly chaotic itinerary for a trip to the land of bright lights and even brighter opinions: New York City, specifically centered around the Embassy Suites Times Square. And trust me, there's gonna be a whole lotta me in this.
Embassy Suites Times Square: My Chaotic NYC Blitz (Because, Let's Be Real, I Overplanned)
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Elevator Encounters, and the Elusive Perfect Pizza Slice
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at JFK. (Praying my luggage isn't chilling in Iceland.) The air conditioning hits me like a wall of humid, delicious…well, New York air. Taxi ride to the Embassy Suites. Traffic? Oh, honey, it's a character in this city. The driver was probably on his 10th hour of driving, but he knew the city. He offered the same advice: "Enjoy your trip."
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. Oh, the sweet, sweet promise of a free mini-fridge and that complimentary breakfast (which I secretly judge). The lobby is already a symphony of tourists and suitcase wheels. Note to self: pack earplugs.
- 3:00 PM: Settle into the suite. (Two rooms? Yes, please! I'm a messy traveler, a messy person, and the separation is appreciated.) Window view: Buildings, buildings, and more buildings. Okay, reality check: I'm in the city.
- 3:30 PM: The Great Pizza Quest Begins. I'm on a mission. Finding the perfect New York slice. I'd dreamt of this moment, I'd read the Buzzfeed articles, I'd watched the YouTube videos… I was ready. First stop: a place called "Joe's Pizza". The line was long, the music was loud, and the pizza… was…good. Really good. But was it the one? Jury's still out. Maybe it was the jet lag, or the fact the guy behind the counter looked like he hadn't slept since the Clinton administration, but I was left wanting more. I took a bite and was so ready to devour it that I took the first bite and dropped it. I wanted to cry. Just tears.
- 5:00 PM: Wandering around Times Square. Oh. My. God. Times Square. Sensory overload. Bright lights, giant screens screaming at you to consume, costumed characters trying to snag selfies… it's a circus! And I'm part of it. A slightly overwhelmed, squinting, tourist-y part. I did try to take a photo with Elmo. He didn't smile. I took a photo anyways.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a diner. Gotta embrace the cliché. The waitress was a chain-smoking dame who looked like she'd seen it all. The burger was… acceptable. The coffee? Surprisingly good. Conversed with a couple in the next booth that were also getting food. They were also tourists. They asked me how I liked New York so far. I responded: "It's…intense."
- 9:00 PM: Collapse into bed. The faint rumble of the city below. Dreaming of that perfect slice.
Day 2: Art, Anxiety, and the Quest for Coffee Nirvana
- 8:00 AM: Free breakfast at the hotel. Okay, the omelets are clearly mass-produced, but the fruit is fresh. I might die of happiness because I can feel the food going into my system. Plus, coffee. The never-ending, slightly-burnt, hotel-style coffee. Which is probably the only coffee I've tasted since I was 15.
- 9:00 AM: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met is a behemoth. Trying to see everything is a fool's errand. I focused on my faves: Van Gogh, Klimt, maybe a little ancient Egyptian tomb. The sheer scale of everything is overwhelming. I got lost twice. It was glorious. And exhausting. Sat on a bench and just listened to the world.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a food truck near Central Park. Surprisingly good falafel and a burst of sunshine. Ate it in the park, watching people go about their day. Realized how much I missed being surrounded by nature.
- 1:00 PM: Coffee Quest, Take Two. The hotel coffee ain't cutting it. I need real coffee. Walked miles, searching for that perfect cup. Found a hole-in-the-wall place that smelled divine. The barista, a tattooed hipster, gave me the side-eye. My order: A flat white. It was… transcendent! Okay, I'm officially addicted.
- 3:00 PM: Broadway show. My friend recommended "Wicked". Now, I'm not a theater person. But. DAMN. The costumes, the songs, the sheer spectacle of it all… I was utterly captivated. Okay, Broadway, you win.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner in Chelsea (recommended by the barista who made the coffee). Found a little Italian place with exposed brick and a cozy vibe. Ordered the pasta. It was like being hugged by carbs.
- 8:00 PM: Walked the High Line. Converted railway line turned into a park. Amazing views of the city! The perfect end to a perfect day.
- 9:30 PM: Bedtime. I slept like the dead.
Day 3: Brooklyn, Blow-Outs, and the Inevitable Meltdown
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in. Gotta recharge.
- 10:00 AM: The hotel breakfast. Okay, it's getting old, but I'm still eating it.
- 11:00 AM: Subway to Brooklyn. It's the real New York, right? I can't tell you how many times I asked someone for directions.
- 12:00 PM: Explored DUMBO: Cute cobblestone streets, the iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge, and a gelato shop that called my name. So touristy, but I loved it.
- 1:00 PM: Blow-out Hair-do. Okay, this is a wild card. I scheduled a hair salon appointment. All I can say is I didn't think it'd be so difficult. I was almost late. The women there were intense. I got a fancy hair-do that would probably survive a hurricane. It was an experience.
- 3:00 PM: Coffee shop. Needed coffee.
- 5:00 PM: Shopping in the Lower East Side, which was a sea of vintage stores and trendy boutiques. I almost bought a leather jacket I couldn't afford.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner in Little Italy. The pasta, the wine, and the lively atmosphere.
- 9:00 PM: The Meltdown. Okay, this is the part I didn't plan for. I'm tired, overwhelmed, and the sheer volume of people in this city is starting to get to me. I'm homesick. I called my friend. And I cried. A lot. Sometimes, you just gotta let it out.
- 10:00 PM: Watched a mindless sitcom on TV and ate a cookie. Self-care at its finest.
Day 4: Last Bites, The Hotel's Perks, and Leaving with a Heart (and Wallet) Full.
- 9:00 AM: The inevitable, and the last breakfast at the hotel.
- 10:00 AM: Wandering through the hotel, appreciating its perks like business services.
- 11:00 AM: Packing. Ugh. So much stuff I bought! And so many memories.
- 12:00 PM: One last pizza slice. This time, it was from a place by the hotel. Was it the best? No. But it was good. And it was in New York. And that's all that matters.
- 1:00 PM: Taxi to the airport.
- 2:00 PM: Departure. Leaving New York.
- 2 AM: Arrive back in the house.
So there you have it. My messy, imperfect, and utterly authentic NYC experience. It wasn't perfect. I got lost, I cried, I ate way too much pizza. But I saw amazing things. I ate amazing food. I fell in love with a city that's both exhilarating and exhausting. And I'm already plotting my return. Maybe next time, I'll find that perfect pizza slice…or maybe not. Because, let's be honest, the search is part of the fun.
Escape to Paradise: Taipei's #1 Spring Spa Hotel Awaits!Alright, so what *is* this thing you're supposedly "answering" questions about?
Are these "answers" actually… accurate?
Where did you get all this information? Are you a walking encyclopedia?
What are you *really* trying to say here?
Okay, okay, spill it! What's your "specialty?" What kind of questions do you *actually* like answering?
- **The Absurdities of Everyday Life:** Like why does the microwave beep five times when your food is done? WHO ARE YOU TRYING TO SUMMON, MICROWAVE?
- **The Mysteries of Human Behavior:** Why are we so obsessed with talking about the weather? Why do we wear uncomfortable shoes?!
- **Anything that involves food:** Because, well, food. (And because my stomach dictates a significant portion of my life.)
- **Dealing with Injustice** (I believe in justice, but also have zero patience sometimes)
- **Trying to understand why people are the way they are**, even when it's truly baffling (it often is).
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