Fairbanks Adventure Starts Here: Hampton Inn & Suites Your Alaskan Oasis
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the Alaskan dream (or, you know, a Hampton Inn in Fairbanks – same difference, right?). This isn't your perfectly manicured, sterile hotel review. This is real. This is me, wrestling with the reality of expectations versus, well, reality. We're talking Fairbanks Adventure Starts Here: Hampton Inn & Suites Your Alaskan Oasis, and the Adventure… well, let's see if it actually starts there.
First Impressions & Accessibility: Where Do We Begin, Honestly?
Okay, Fairbanks. Been a dream. The idea of Fairbanks, anyway. The reality? Well, let's just say arriving after a red-eye flight from… somewhere… with luggage that felt like it was filled with lead, I wasn't exactly feeling oasis. That said, the Hampton Inn did look… clean. And that's a HUGE win right off the bat. Accessibility? Crucial.
- Wheelchair Accessible: YES. Phew. That's a box checked. (Important note – I didn't roll around in a chair through the whole shebang, but it seemed legit. Ramps, elevators – the whole nine yards.)
- Elevator: Yep. Thank God. My luggage, bless its heavy heart, wouldn't have made it up the stairs.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: I spotted them. Again, didn't utilize them personally, but seeing the options offered a sense of inclusivity.
Internet - Your Lifeline in the Wilderness (or a Hotel Room):
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be. This is non-negotiable. I need to check my work emails. I need to post Instagram stories of what I'm eating (which, let's be real, is half the reason I'm here).
- Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas: Okay, all bases covered. My inner hermit celebrated.
- Room Sanitization Opt-out Available: Let's get real, sometimes you just want the room to be pristine. The option to opt-in/out of room sanitization is a nice touch.
Cleanliness & Safety - Because Being in the Middle of Nowhere Shouldn't Mean You Lose Your Mind:
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Okay, deep breaths. My germaphobe tendencies were at least… soothed. The details are fantastic to know. I want to see proof of some of this.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Good. Really good. Especially with the… unique… clientele that sometimes frequents Fairbanks.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Individually-wrapped food options Nice additions.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Safe dining setup: Felt comfortable with the amount of space provided.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Fueling the Adventure (or the Couch Potato):
- Breakfast, and the infamous Breakfast [buffet]: Alright, this is where things get… interesting. The buffet was good. Standard Hampton Inn good. (And by good, I mean: waffles! Cereal! Fruit! More waffles!) The Asian breakfast option was new.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Snack bar, Bottle of water: Caffeine is survival. Water is also survival. I appreciate the necessities.
- 24-hour Room service: Okay, what's up with the lack of variety?
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Because, Alaska, Duh):
- Fitness center: I, uh, looked at it. (Judge me.) It exists. It probably has treadmills.
- Swimming pool [outdoor], Sauna, Spa/sauna: Okay, now you're talking. After a day trudging around, the idea of a spa sounds like heaven, but it was too small.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Make a Big Difference:
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Useful for a tourist.
- Concierge: Didn't need one (I'm a control freak when I travel), but good to know they're there.
- Daily housekeeping: Bless. I'm a slob.
- Doorman, Laundry service, Luggage storage: All the basics, appreciated.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Parking in Alaska is…well, apparently, it's not a problem here.
- Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop Yes, all the little things like a convenience store!
*Available in all rooms - the little things that are big:
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. The basics are well covered.
- Soundproofing, Telephone: The basics are well covered.
For the Kids - Family Friendly?
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Facilities: Fine. It's a Hampton Inn. Expect nothing from these categories.
The Quirky Details & My Personal Saga:
Okay, enough bullet points. Let's get REAL. This Hampton Inn felt… reliable. Safe. Which, in Fairbanks, after a long flight, is what I needed. The staff were friendly, if a little… understated. I mean, they work in Alaska. They've probably seen things. They know things. Still, they got me my extra pillows and a fresh towel with remarkable speed. My room was clean. Really clean. Like, the kind of clean that made me double-check my own cleanliness habits.
The pool? Small, but fine for a quick dip. The highlight, and I'm serious, was the waffle maker at breakfast. I may have eaten three waffles. Don't judge. I needed fuel for my… adventure. Which, at that point, was figuring out how to get from the hotel to the Aurora Ice Museum, which, by the way, is AMAZING. (More on that later in another review, maybe?)
The Anecdotal Imperfection:
Okay, let's get one thing straight: I am not a morning person. On the first day, I slept through breakfast. I woke up, disoriented, craving a waffle, and realizing I missed the golden hour. My fault. Totally. But the hotel, bless it, had a little snack bar with instant coffee. Problem solved.
The Emotional Reaction (Good & Bad):
Overall, I wasn't blown away. But I was… content. This isn't a luxury resort. It's a Hampton Inn. It's clean, it's convenient, it does what it says on the tin. And sometimes, that's all you need after a long flight and the promise of an arctic adventure.
Final Verdict & Booking Offer:
So, should you stay at Fairbanks Adventure Starts Here: Hampton Inn & Suites Your Alaskan Oasis? YES, IF you need a reliable, clean, and convenient base camp for your Alaskan adventure. YES, IF you appreciate a decent waffle. It's a solid choice for the weary traveler, families, or anyone who just wants a comfortable place to recharge before hitting the Alaskan wilderness (or, you know, the local Denny's – no judgement).
Here's the Deal:
Tired of the same old hotel experiences? Craving an Alaskan escape, but don't want the stress? Then you need to book your stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Fairbanks NOW!
We're offering a special on our most popular packages! Book now to receive Free Breakfast and 20% OFF!
Click here to book your stay NOW and start your Alaskan experience with us!
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Escape to Philly's Hidden Gem: Hampton Inn Montgomeryville!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's perfectly-ironed itinerary. This is Fairbanks, Alaska, Hampton Inn and Suites Edition, and trust me, things are gonna get… interesting.
Day 1: Arrival & The Curse of the Sleepy Eye
- 12:00 PM: Landed in Fairbanks. Jet lag already kicking my butt. The air is crisp, clean and, well, cold. The airport? Surprisingly…functional. Grabbed my rental car, a sturdy-looking SUV that I'm pretty sure is gonna be my best friend for the next week (or at least until I drive it into a ditch trying to spot a moose).
- 1:30 PM: Check-in at the Hampton Inn & Suites. My first impression? Clean, predictably beige, and blessedly free of screaming children (so far). The front desk lady, bless her heart, gave me a slightly bewildered smile, which I'm guessing is the Fairbanks equivalent of "Welcome to hell". I checked in and quickly went for a nap. I was tired.
- 4:00 PM: Woke up. This is where things get messy…and where the jet lag fully takes hold. Stared at the ceiling for a solid 20 minutes contemplating the meaning of life and wondering if I'd packed enough underwear. The thought of getting dressed was excruciating.
- 5:00 PM: Managed to drag myself to a local grocery store. Realized I'd only packed granola bars and instant coffee. Alaska, you're testing me already! Picked up some questionable-looking frozen salmon (risky, I know), a bag of chips the size of my torso, and a six-pack of something called "Moose Drool."
- 6:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Attempted to cook the salmon. Burned it. Ate the chips. Drank the Moose Drool. Started feeling vaguely philosophical.
- 8:00 PM: Watched a truly terrible documentary on the aurora borealis. Seriously, it was like watching paint dry, but with more green lights. Couldn't keep my eyes open. Passed out, fully clothed, clutching a chip bag.
Day 2: Gold Rush Fever and the Ice Palace Disaster
- 8:00 AM (ish): Woke up, feeling like I'd been run over by a snowmobile. Coffee was a MUST.
- 9:30 AM: Drove to the Pioneer Park. Honestly, it's a bizarre collection of old buildings, quirky shops, and enthusiastic volunteers. The highlight? The sternwheeler. I mean, it's a boat! On dry land! Fascinating, and also, a little sad. Felt like a ghost from the past.
- 11:00 AM: Signed up for the Riverboat Discovery tour. This involved a bus ride, a boat ride, and a whole lotta information about gold panning. I was half-expecting to actually find some gold, but alas, all I unearthed was a healthy dose of existential dread about the price of gas.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at some place that smelled like fish and regret. Ate a burger.
- 3:00 PM: Now, here's where things take a truly epic turn. I decided to brave the Ice Museum! The weather was cold. I was told the Ice Museum was an experience to have, but I was told the experience would be bad. I wasn't wrong. It's…an ice museum. With ice sculptures. And ice bars. And ice slides. I walked in, I thought, "Wow, this is a lot of ice" and I walked out. It was freezing. I was in and out in 10 minutes. I found myself wishing I was still watching paint dry.
- 5:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Ordered pizza. Ate the entire thing. Maybe I'm starting to get used to the idea of Alaska.
- 7:00 PM: Attempted to see the Northern Lights. Failed. Again. The sky was cloudy. The only lights I saw were the flickering hotel sign and the distant glow of the Pizza Hut.
Day 3: Dog Sled Dreams & Frostbite Fears
- 9:00 AM: Finally managed to find a decent cup of coffee. Victory!
- 10:00 AM: Dog sledding! YES! This was the one thing I was really looking forward to. Drove an hour out of town to a place called "Borealis Kennels." The dogs were adorable chaos. The musher was a grizzled old man with a heart of gold. The ride was…exhilarating! (And freezing, of course). The wind whipped down my face, the dogs were barking and running, and I was completely lost, but happy. Totally worth the chapped lips and numb fingers. I even got to pet some puppies! It was like a dream.
- 1:00 PM: Post-dog sledding existential crisis. Did I have enough pictures? Was I smiling enough? Why do I only feel at home in chaos?
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. A hearty stew. Warm. Comforting. I think I was starting to understand what it meant to love Alaska!
- 3:30 PM: Visited a little shop on the road. Bought a ridiculously expensive parka and some mittens. Started feeling like a true Alaskan. The cashier gave me a knowing look, the same look the front desk lady did when I checked in.
- 6:00 PM: Another attempt to see the Northern Lights. This time, I drove way out of town, to a place with zero light pollution. And…success! The Aurora danced across the sky like a neon rave. A truly spectacular image, one worth the journey. I was so cold I could barely breathe.
Day 4: Hot Springs and Hope
- 10:00 AM: Drove toward Chena Hot Springs Resort! I was extremely excited to check it out.
- 11:30 AM: It's absolutely beautiful. The scenery is fantastic.
- 12:30 AM: I got to relax and enjoy the hot springs! Wow! That was an escape from the cold.
- 1:00 PM: The Ice Museum was much better the second time. The ice sculptures were more striking now that I was warm. I think the hot springs gave me the courage to appreciate more!
- 4:00 PM: Watched a movie. Rested in the room.
- 6:00 PM: Ate dinner.
- 7:00 PM: Another attempt to see the Northern Lights. This time, I drove way out of town, to a place with zero light pollution. And…success! The Aurora danced across the sky like a neon rave. A truly spectacular image, one worth the journey. I was so cold I could barely breathe.
Day 5: Farewell and the Aftermath
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at Hampton Inn - a sad, sad breakfast buffet. Contemplated stealing a couple of muffins.
- 9:00 AM: Packed up the bags. Said a silent "goodbye" to the slightly dingy but ultimately comfy room.
- 10:00 AM: Drove back to the airport, slightly sunburned, slightly exhausted, and definitely changed.
- 1:00 PM: Flight home. On the plane, I felt a strange sense of nostalgia. The Alaska trip was not always easy. The weather was cold. I burned my salmon. But I had to admit the beauty of the region was worth it. It was an experience I'll always remember, even if it meant having to thaw my toes for a week.
This, my friends, is the truth of travel. The messy bits, the moments of joy, the sheer absurdity of it all. And that, in my opinion, is what makes it worthwhile. Fairbanks, you crazy place, you gave me something to remember.
Denver Tech Center Escape: Hampton Inn's Unbeatable South Denver Deal!
1. Fairbanks Adventure Starts... Where *Exactly*? Is This Place Even Real?
Alright, let's be real. Fairbanks *is* real, although after a week of chasing the Northern Lights and battling mosquito the size of small birds, you might start questioning reality. And yes, the Hampton Inn & Suites is *definitely* a real place. It's basically your launchpad into this Alaskan wonderland. Finding it is pretty easy – it's one of those places that's always there, you know? Like, the sun... or the existential dread of realizing you left your gloves in the car. (Been there. Done *that*.)
2. The Rooms: More Like Cozy Cabins or Cramped Coffins? ('Cause After Dog Sledding, I Need COMFORT!)
Okay, the rooms are… good. They’re Hampton Inn rooms. You know the drill. Clean. Relatively spacious. Comfortable beds. I'm going to be honest, after a day of wrestling huskies (those fluffballs are STRONG!) and shivering under the aurora borealis, "good" feels like a damn miracle. The beds are a godsend. Seriously. I swear, I sunk into that mattress like it was made of clouds and pure bliss. My only minor quibble? The shower pressure could be a *little* stronger. But hey, it's Alaska. Priorities, people! Cozy cabin? Not quite. Cramped coffin? Absolutely not. Goldilocks would have said it was *just* right. (And she's picky, remember.)
3. Breakfast: Free Food! But… Is It *Edible* Free Food? Asking for a Hangry Friend.
Okay, the free breakfast. This is a BIG one. Look, I'm not going to pretend it's a Michelin-starred experience. We're talking the usual suspects: waffles (make your own!), scrambled eggs of questionable origin, sausage that *might* be meat, cereal, fruit (sometimes still frozen), and the coffee... oh, the coffee! It's coffee. It's hot. And after a night spent staring at the sky, shivering and hoping to catch a glimpse of the aurora, you’ll chug that coffee like it’s liquid gold. Honestly, the waffles are where it’s at. Load 'em with syrup, berries (if you're lucky!), and pretend you're a pampered pancake king or queen. Don't expect gourmet. Expect sustenance. And that, my friends, is often enough.
4. Location, Location, Location! Is This Place Actually *Near* the Fun Stuff? Or Am I Trapped in a Suburban Wasteland?
The location is... practical. It's not smack-dab in the middle of the action, but it’s a reasonable drive to most things you'll want to see. The key? Rent a car. Seriously. Don't try to do this Alaskan adventure on foot (unless you *really* enjoy walking in -20 degree weather while battling sneaky wolves). The hotel itself is surrounded by... well, you know, suburban-y things. Restaurants, gas stations, the usual suspects. But it's a good base camp. You’re not going to be hiking to the North Pole from here, but you can get to the Chena River, the museums, and, critically, the places that rent snowmobiles with relative ease. Trust me: a snowmobile is crucial. (More on THAT later.)
5. The Staff: Are They Actually *Friendly*, Or Just Faking it for Tips? (I Judge Hotels by Their Staff, Don't Judge Me!)
The staff? Okay, this is my favorite part. They are genuinely lovely. Like, *genuinely* lovely. They're helpful, they’re friendly, and they actually *seem* to enjoy their job. I think they might have been *too* friendly at times... Like, I walked into the lobby one day looking like a drowned rat after a day of dog sledding and they didn’t just stare, they immediately offered me towels, a hot drink, and a sympathetic ear. One woman - I wish I remembered her name - she even gave me tips on how to properly layer my clothing so I wouldn't freeze my butt off next time. (I failed miserably the next day, but I appreciated the effort!) They’re the kind of people who make you feel like you're not just a guest; you're maybe... a friend? I'm not saying they'll join you for karaoke, but they’ll definitely make you feel welcome. Big points for genuinely nice people. Seriously, that makes *all* the difference after a long day chasing the Northern Lights.
6. The Snowmobile: My Personal Adventure Story (Because THAT deserves its own section, dammit!)
Okay, let's talk snowmobiles. Specifically, *my* snowmobile adventure. Because it was… an *experience*. I am, shall we say, not a natural when it comes to motorized vehicles. But, the moment you hit the trail on a snowmobile, into the white vastness, feeling the spray of the snow and the cold wind blasting on your face, it's pure, unadulterated freedom. (Until you realize you have absolutely NO IDEA how to steer the damn thing.) I may or may not have ended up buried in a snowdrift. Twice. Okay, fine, *three* times. (Don't tell anyone!) But even with the face-first snow dives (seriously, the cold hits you in a place you didn't know could be cold), it was *amazing*. The feeling of speed, the stark beauty of the Alaskan landscape, the absolute silence when you stop and turn off the engine... it's worth the bruises, the frozen fingers, and the inevitable humiliation. The hotel staff, bless their hearts, probably laughed. They just smiled and offered me extra hot chocolate when I got back. The moral of the story? Get the insurance. And maybe take a driving lesson before you go...
7. The Aurora Borealis: Can I Actually *See* the Lights From the Hotel? (Or Do I Need a Telescope and a PhD?)
Nope. You're (probably) not seeing the Northern Lights from the hotel. Fairbanks has quite a bit of light pollution, so the hotel isn't the prime viewing spot. You'll need to do some driving, or join a tour. (I highly recommend the tour. Especially if, like me, you are directionally challenged.) But the good news is, the hotel staff can point you in the right direction, and there are plenty of tour options that will pick you up right at the front door. The lights are worth the effort. Seriously. I saw them. And I cried. (Okay, maybe I started crying before I even *saw* them, because of the insane cold. But still, it was a profoundly moving experience.) Bring a good camera, a tripod, and maybe a flask of something strong. You'll need it. And if you're lucky, you'll witness a show that'll make you forget about the cold, the snow, and the minor inconvenience of being slightly lost in the wilderness.
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