Aloft Buffalo Airport: Your Upscale Escape Awaits (Near Buffalo Niagara International Airport)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! I'm diving headfirst into this hotel review, and trust me, it's gonna be a wild ride. Forget the polished, perfect prose – this is gonna be raw, real, and hopefully, helpful. Let's get messy!
Hotel Review: The Hotel That Almost Broke Me (But I Secretly Loved)
Metadata Stuff (Because Google needs to know what's up):
- Keywords: Hotel Review, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Pool, Free Wi-Fi, COVID Safety, Family Friendly, Luxury Hotel, [Hotel Chain Name - if applicable], [Hotel Location], [Specific Amenities - e.g., Pool with a View, Asian Cuisine]
- Title: The Hotel Rollercoaster: A Chaotic & Honest Review (+Hidden Gems!) | [Hotel Name]
- Description: My brutally honest review of [Hotel Name]! We're talking accessibility, amazing food, questionable WiFi, and a pool that almost made me cry. Plus, all the juicy details on COVID safety and what you NEED to know before you book.
- Alt Text for Images: Use descriptive alt text for any images of the hotel, like "Wheelchair Accessible Entrance at [Hotel Name]" or "Pool with a breathtaking view at [Hotel Name]."
Accessibility: The Good, The Bad, and the Unexpected Staircase
Okay, let's start with the elephant in the room (or the potential obstacle in a wheelchair): Accessibility. The review claims "Facilities for disabled guests", and they better deliver. I'm a little skeptical, I've been burned before. Check-in was surprisingly smooth. They had a ramp, which is a HUGE plus. But then…on the way to the restaurant, I found a tiny little staircase! What?! It was so weird, a small staircase jutting out, it felt like a bad joke. Luckily, there was an elevator on the other side, so they’re not total monsters, but still, it's something worth noting. Also, I wish more hotels would get this simple: I saw "Facilities for disabled guests" but they might not know what a disabled guest even needs! (Like, a shower seat? Grab bars? Easy-to-reach light switches?). Hopefully, they're genuinely improving, and this is a sign.
On-site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges & Wheelchair Accessible: Again, the staircase incident made me wary. But, yes, all the main eating areas, the lobby, and the spa seemed to be Wheelchair Accessible. The restaurants, in particular, even offered tables with the right clearance. The elevators are crucial to move around the hotel.
Internet & Tech Shenanigans: When Wi-Fi Betrays You
"Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" Hallelujah! (That's me, being dramatic). But here's where things got…tricky. The promise of Wi-Fi was a total mixed bag. Sometimes it was blazing fast, perfect for streaming and getting work done. Other times? I swear, I got better signal from a tin can and string. Internet [LAN] seems to be available as well, which is a good safety, but not helpful for most of us. The fact that the hotel offered both LAN and Internet services shows they're trying, but maybe just investing more into their wireless infrastructure would be better. Wi-Fi in public areas was generally better, thank goodness, but still not flawless. I did my best to test out the Internet, and the constant issues were so annoying, and at one point I almost smashed my laptop. It almost, almost ruined the experience, ugh!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Days & Poolside Mayhem
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff! The Spa… OH MY GOODNESS! The Body scrub felt divine, like all my sins were being scrubbed away. I had a little Body wrap done. The Massage I had was heavenly, like floating on a cloud of lavender oil. I would recommend all of it. The Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom were all fantastic. And the Pool with view? Forget about it! Amazing. I might have spent a little too much time by the pool, to be honest. They also have a gym, and, as I’m not a fitness person, I gave it a quick pass, but I’m sure Fitness center fans will love it. The poolside bar was excellent, too!
(I did also discover a Foot bath, which was a weird and wonderful experience).
Cleanliness & Safety: A COVID-Era Tango
Now for the COVID-specific stuff. “Anti-viral cleaning products,” “Daily disinfection in common areas,” " Rooms sanitized between stays" – all music to my paranoid ears! I was slightly comforted by the Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and, even though it's super simple, I still appreciated it. The hotel offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which is nice if you prefer to leave it to be as low-touch as possible. Individually-wrapped food options were standard. The Safe dining setup seemed well-considered, spacing was good. Their Staff trained in safety protocol was helpful, and made you feel safe. Professional-grade sanitizing services were implemented. I'd give the hotel a solid "A" for trying its best. I, for one, felt pretty safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach’s Diary
Alright, food, glorious food! The Asian breakfast was a revelation, the Asian cuisine in restaurant was to die-for! Breakfast [buffet] was bountiful (and I mean bountiful). I loved the Coffee/tea in restaurant and the Desserts in restaurant. I think I actually dream about the pastries, or the amazing soup. The Buffet in restaurant was massive. The Restaurants were diverse, offering everything from the International cuisine in restaurant to the Vegetarian restaurant . The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver. The Bar was perfect for a sundowner, especially with that view! I tried the Happy hour and felt the joy. Everything was just about right.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (and the Big Ones)
Daily housekeeping was impeccable (seriously, they were like ninjas, making the room spotless). Concierge was super helpful with everything from booking taxis to finding the best local restaurants. The presence of an Elevator was vital. I took advantage of the Ironing service (because, wrinkles are the enemy!). The Luggage storage was handy. Facilities for disabled guests were present. The Cash withdrawal was also super useful. This hotel thought of everything.
For the Kids: Fun for the Little Monsters (Yes, I Said It)
I don't have kids, but I saw a few families enjoying the hotel. The presence of Babysitting service is obviously a huge win for parents.
Available in All Rooms: Comfort Zone
My room had everything: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker (Complimentary tea), Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]. All the basics were covered!
Getting Around: Smooth Sailing
The Car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge] were both great. I did not use the Airport transfer, but it's good they offer it.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Despite the wonky Wi-Fi and that weird staircase, I had an amazing time. The spa ALONE is worth the price of admission. So, yeah, I'd go back. Just, maybe, with a portable router in hand. And a sternly worded letter for the hotel engineers regarding the staircase.
Overall Score: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Minus half a star for the Wi-Fi) This place is awesome, you will enjoy it!
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Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups! Because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy chaos that is a trip to Buffalo, specifically centered around the… ahem… Aloft Buffalo Airport. Don’t judge me, it’s a perfectly decent jumping-off point. Here we go, unfiltered and untamed:
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Baggage Claim
1:00 PM - Landing, Buffalo! (Maybe?) Okay, so the flight was… fine? A screaming baby provided the soundtrack to my descent, which, honestly, feels like a fitting preamble to a Buffalo adventure. My expectations, as always, are low. Embrace disappointment, right? Right.
1:15 PM - The Baggage Claim Tango. Dear God in heaven, is it always freezing in the Buffalo airport? I swear, I immediately regretted wearing that incredibly stylish, yet completely impractical, linen shirt. And the baggage claim… pure pandemonium. Watching the carousel is like waiting for Christmas, except you know someone’s going to steal your presents. (Thankfully, my luggage arrived. Whew!) Note to self: Pack a warmer jacket. And maybe a therapy dog.
1:45 PM - The Aloft Shuffle. Checked in. Lobby - a perfectly adequate hotel lobby, not too shabby and no one getting murdered right there. My room… surprisingly decent. Clean. The holy grail of hotel rooms. Immediate emotional reaction: Relief mixed with a desperate need for a nap. So, off to my room I go.
2:30 PM - Nap Time is Sacred. I have to be honest, the hotel room was fantastic. The bed was fluffy, the sheets crisp. I had the world's most blissful nap, and dreamt of… well, I have no idea. Let the record state that it was fantastic!
Day 2: Exploring Buffalo (Kinda) and Questionable Food Choices
9:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet Bonanza (or Bane?). The Aloft has a "grab and go" breakfast. The usual: mediocre muffins, sad-looking fruit, and coffee that tastes vaguely of burnt tires and despair. Chugged a coffee and prayed for a miracle.
**10:00 AM - The Buffalo Tourist Thing. ** Okay, so I'm trying to be a tourist, even though Buffalo usually just means "where the airport is". First stop, Niagara Falls! (Even though, technically, that's not Buffalo) I spent the day watching the massive water and enjoying a day without any drama at all.
5:00 PM - Dinner! (The Great Chicken Wing Debate). Okay, look, I had to try Buffalo wings. It's the law. I went to Anchor Bar because, you know, the legend, and… well. I understood. It was good. But, and here's the controversial part, I don't think it revolutionized my life. Sorry, Buffalo, I'm still on the wing fence. I have not made my verdict yet.
7:00 PM - Hotel Bar Musings. Back at the Aloft, because I'm a creature of habit. The bar situation here is…okay. There's a nice TV, a fairly chatty bartender. I'm drinking a local beer, trying to act like I'm a local. Then I started wondering when my flight home was.
Day 3: Flights and Feelings
9:00 AM - Breakfast Replay & Departure Blues. More of that breakfast. This time, I was slightly less horrified. Pack, unpack, and pack again is a ritual I will never find fun. But at least the flight has a seat.
10:00 AM - Check Out and Airport Run. That last morning in the hotel room is always the one where you suddenly realize you have to do so much. Grabbed one last coffee (same brand as yesterday, still burned rubber-ish), rushed to the airport.
11:00 AM - The Security Gauntlet. Security, ah yes, the security line! Took off my shoes; removed my belt. The usual, but this time, I had a panic attack just looking at the conveyor belt.
12:00 PM - Goodbye, Buffalo? Waiting at the gate, I realized I was actually… a little sad to go. The trip had been… something. The good moments had been good; the bad moments, hilariously bad. And the city, well, it has a certain grit and charm.
Final Thoughts (and Absolute Chaos)
This wasn't the perfect trip. It wasn't even particularly well-planned (sorry, future me). But it was real. And that, in a world of Instagram-filtered perfection, feels… pretty darn good. So thanks, Buffalo, for the wings, the weirdness, and the existential baggage claim. You, my friend (or foe) were a trip. And I'll be back. Probably. Maybe. Definitely need a vacation from this vacation, though!
Wingate by Wyndham Columbia: Your Perfect Fort Jackson Getaway!
So, like, what *is* the point of all this FAQ nonsense anyway?
Oh honey, don't even get me STARTED. Officially? It's about answering your burning questions, right? Like, the stuff you're secretly Googling at 2 AM. But really? I think it's about *connection*. It's about sharing a little of me with you, and hopefully, you finding some comfort or a chuckle in the shared humanity of it all. Plus, let's be real: I'm a sucker for a good rant. Or, you know, someone else's opinion.
Also? I'm procrastinating on folding laundry. So... win-win?
Should I trust everything I read online? (Spoiler Alert: Probably not.)
HAHAHAHAHA! Oh, you sweet summer child. No. Absolutely, positively, unequivocally NO. Look, I'm writing this, and even *I* wouldn't trust everything *I* say! Information is power, sure, but it's also a minefield. Fact-check, people! Cross-reference! And for the love of all that is holy, consider the source. Is it a blog run by a cat named Mittens who claims to be an expert in everything? Proceed with extreme caution.
I once believed a meme that claimed avocados were actually just giant olives. I spent a week arguing with my best friend about it. *A week!* Don't be me. Be smarter than a meme. Please.
How do I handle a situation where I feel, you know, embarrassed?
Ah, the sweet, sweet sting of embarrassment. It’s a constant companion, isn’t it? My personal method? Embrace the cringe. Seriously. Own it. Last week, I walked into a coffee shop *singing* at the top of my lungs, completely oblivious, only to realize the entire place was dead silent and staring. My immediate reaction? I doubled down, because that’s my natural instinct to embarrass myself even further, and finished the song (badly). Then I bought a giant muffin and pretended it was all part of my performance art. The key is to laugh, even if it's a nervous, slightly hysterical laugh. Or a cry, then laugh, I don't judge. Either way, the world moves on. No one is going to remember your mishap unless it's *truly* epic. And if it's truly epic, then you're in for some legendary storytelling later on.
Also? Sometimes just hiding and crying is a perfectly valid option. We've all been there.
What's the deal with this 'Work-Life Balance' thing everyone keeps talking about? Is it even *real*?
Oh, honey, the holy grail of the modern workforce! The elusive unicorn of sanity! I’m starting to think it’s a myth. I've spent entire days glued to a screen, fueled by caffeine and the desperate fear of being fired, only to collapse onto my couch at 10 PM, unable to remember the last time I saw sunlight. Balance? What’s that? Some days I'm crushing it, getting everything done, feeling like a total boss. Other days? I'm answering emails while simultaneously burning dinner and trying to soothe a crying child (who, let's be honest, is often myself).
The best you can do? Lower your expectations. Aim for a *semblance* of balance. Prioritize what matters most. And learn to say "no." It's a superpower. I'm still working on it, but hey, baby steps, right? At least, you know, you’ll be able to survive. Most of the time.
I'm feeling overwhelmed. Like, really overwhelmed. Any advice?
Oh, sweetie, I *feel* you. Overwhelm is my middle name. It’s like this oppressive fog that just sits there, heavy and suffocating. First, breathe. Seriously. Take a deep breath. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Feels silly, but it actually helps. Then? Break it down. The huge, terrifying mountain of tasks? Chop it into tiny, manageable pebbles. Make lists. Check things off. Revel in the small victories. Because, let's face it, sometimes just getting out of bed is a victory.
Also? Recognize your limits. It's okay to ask for help. It's okay to admit you can't do everything. Actually, taking a nap, eating a comfort food and watching something mindless can be a blessing! Don't beat yourself up. You are human, not a robot. Allow yourself to be human. You've got this – even if “this” is just making it through the next five minutes.
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you?
Okay, this is where things get *really* interesting. Or, possibly, just a little disturbing. The weirdest? Hmm… It’s hard to pick just ONE, because my life is basically a never-ending parade of peculiar incidents. But, I think it has to be that time… okay, so, picture this: I'm at a Renaissance fair, dressed as a… well, let's just say a *very* enthusiastic peasant. I'm talking the full shebang: bodice, skirt, the whole nine yards. And I had a *very* authentic-looking wooden cup, from which, I was drinking Mead. I spot a fortune teller, which is where everyone gets into this weird space, you know, curious and skeptical at the same time and decide to get my fortune read. She asks for my name and I reveal it and her face goes pale. Turns out, that's the name of a famous witch from the 1600's, and she's convinced I'm her reincarnation.
She's going on and on about prophecies and destiny, and I'm just there, trying not to spill my Mead. Then she says, "You *must* find the enchanted ring!" Now I think, "okay, well, I am not really in need of an enchanted ring," the whole thing is quite ridiculous. But then, and here's the kicker - she *insists* the ring is hidden in… wait for it… a pie-eating contest! Not just any pie-eating contest... but one for *chocolate* pies. And the champion is some guy with a really large belly who looked like he could eat a whole cow, but she's right, he has a ring! I won't bore you with the details, but basically, I ended up elbowing my way to the front of the pie-eating contest (again), wrestling that guy for the pie with the ring, eating more pie than I ever thought possible (seriously, I tasted chocolate for a week afterwards), and then, oh, then I woke up. Nope, i'm kidding, i didn't wake up, but I ran out of there, and hid in the woods for the rest of the day, wondering what I had just witnessed. And yes, it *was* the most chocolate-iest thing I've ever done. Now, tell me, is anything *more* weird than that? No, of course, not!
