Richmond's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will SHOCK You!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving HEADFIRST into what’s supposedly Richmond’s "BEST Kept Secret?" This place… promises to shock you. And, frankly, after my stay, well, it sort of did. In a good way, mostly. Let's get messy with it. Let's get REAL.
(DISCLAIMER: I'm not a robot. I'm just a tired traveler with a laptop and a serious caffeine addiction. My opinions are my own, and yours might be wildly different.)
Richmond's BEST Kept Secret? A Review That's Been Through a Meat Grinder… (in a good way, maybe?)
Okay, so the hype. It's intense. "SHOCK YOU!" they scream. "Unforgettable!" they bellow. I, cynical travel writer that I am, rolled my eyes. I've seen hotel marketing before. This wasn't just a hotel, it was a promise.
Let’s Break it Down - The Good, The Bad, and the Surprisingly Sockless (More on that later…)
First things first, Accessibility. Look, I'm not mobility-impaired, but I always appreciate a place that seems to consider everyone. This place? Pretty good. Elevator access is a given (thank goodness!), and I think I saw some facilities for disabled guests mentioned, but I didn't go hunting for them. I'd say it’s worth exploring. If you need it, call ahead and DOUBLE CHECK. Don't trust my caffeine-addled memory.
Internet and Tech Stuff – Ah, the Modern Age…
Okay, listen up, because this is crucial. Wi-Fi, free… everywhere? YES! In your room (Wi-Fi [free]), in the public areas (Wi-Fi in public areas), and probably even in the slightly creepy lobby plant. They really want you connected. They even have Internet [LAN], which felt a bit ancient to me, but hey, if you're into that, go for it. My laptop loved the desk and laptop workspace in the room. My soul needed the free complimentary tea.
Now, about those Internet services… yeah, they exist. You can probably order a pizza online or whatever. Not really worth writing home about. (Unless you're really into pizza. Then, by all means, write home!)
Cleanliness and Safety – Because We're Living in These Times…
Alright, important stuff. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Affirmative. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yep. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seems so. I’m guessing they have Hygiene certification (didn't pry into that too much), but I did see hand sanitizer strategically placed everywhere, like tiny, hygienic sentinels. They’re trying, and that’s reassuring. Also, I loved the fact that you can opt-out of room sanitization – a nice nod to personal preference and not feeling like a biohazard. Room sanitization opt-out available
Dining - Feed Me, Seymour! (And Maybe Give Me Some Coffee)
The food… This is where things get interesting. They have restaurants (plural!), including one with Asian cuisine in restaurant and another with International cuisine in restaurant, but let's be honest, I came for the coffee shop. I did not however have time to visit the other restaurant. I mostly stuck with a breakfast [buffet] (essential for a tired traveler), and it was…fine. Not life-altering, but it filled the hole. They do make use of individually-wrapped food options, which, post-pandemic, feels like a smart move. You'll find coffee/tea in restaurant, and let's be honest how can you not? Bottle of water in room is standard. There's a poolside bar too, which I unfortunately, never made it to. They also have room service [24-hour], or so they say. I couldn't quite bring myself to venture for the breakfast in room (too lazy, maybe).
Things to Do, Ways to Relax… or Not. My Body Doesn't Know Anymore
Okay, here’s where the “shock” maybe came in. The swimming pool is pretty, with a pool with view. There’s a fitness center (which I, sadly, did not visit because my idea of fitness is walking to the coffee shop), and a spa of some kind. The thing is, they offer so many things. Massage, sauna, steamroom, spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, foot bath… it’s a veritable smorgasbord of relaxation. My overwhelmed brain could only handle the coffee.
Services and Conveniences – Because We’re All a Little High-Maintenance
They have all the standards: concierge, daily housekeeping, doorman, laundry service, dry cleaning, luggage storage, safety deposit boxes, currency exchange, cash withdrawal. Oh, and a convenience store (because midnight chocolate cravings are real). Elevator? Indeed. Ironing service? Probably. Wake-up service? You betcha!
For the Kids – Did I See Any? No!
I saw no actual children. Maybe they're hidden away, frolicking in the kids facilities I didn't see. There is mention of babysitting service, kids meal, family/child friendly, so it's supposedly there, should you need it.
Getting Around – The City (and the Hotel) Itself
They offer airport transfer, taxi service, car park [free of charge], and valet parking. Convenient. I took a car, which was fun, and the car park [on-site] was indeed, present.
Available in all rooms – The Little Things That Matter
Okay, this is important. Air conditioning? Yep. Alarm clock? You bet. (Alarm clock that actually works? I’m still traumatized by the last hotel’s… ). Blackout curtains? Hallelujah! Coffee/tea maker? PRAISE BE! Free bottled water? A godsend! Refrigerator? Also, yes. Hair dryer? Sigh of relief. Non-smoking? Yes. Private bathroom? Separate shower/bathtub? Yup and yup. This is all important stuff.
The "Shock" - Really, What Was It?
Okay, so the shock. It wasn't a ghost in the closet, or a hidden portal to Narnia. It was… the room decorations. They are, shall we say, unique. I won't spoil the surprise, but let's just say there's a lot of art. And it's… bold. Very bold. Room decorations are a major talking point
Now to the Honest-to-Goodness Flaws…
- The Coffee: The coffee was fine, as in, barely adequate. I NEED GOOD COFFEE. This was not good coffee. (Yes, I have a problem).
- The Socks: Okay, weird observation. I was walking around, and I felt something weird on the floor. Then I realized, there was a sock on the floor, just left there like an errant, lonely foot-prisoner. Disconcerting. Carpeting.
- The Noise: Could hear some noise from other rooms and halls, but, it's a hotel; it's to be expected.
Quirks and Oddities (Because No Hotel Is Perfect)
- I am still trying to figure out how they got the art on some of the walls. Seriously, it's an experience.
The Verdict - Is it Richmond's BEST Kept Secret?
Look, it's not perfect. But for a hotel with such varied strengths and potential, it is a memorable experience. It's clean, it's convenient, it has a great location, and yeah, it has that something that makes it stand out.
My Final Recommendation: A Messy, Human Conclusion
Would I recommend it? Yes, with a few caveats. If you're looking for something… different, something with a bit of character, something that might make you raise an eyebrow (or two), and you're not overly fussy about the coffee, then go for it. This isn't your cookie-cutter hotel experience. It's a slightly quirky, occasionally imperfect, but ultimately charming place.
And now, the pitch, because I like to make money:
Tired of the Same Old Hotel Routine? Richmond’s BEST Kept Secret is Waiting…
(Headline: Get Ready to Be Shocked! Experience Richmond's Most Unique Hotel – and SAVE!)
Are you craving an escape? A getaway that's more than just a place to sleep? Then prepare to be pleasantly surprised. We're not your average hotel. We're Richmond's BEST Kept Secret, a
Raleigh's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn South Garner!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into… well, into Richmond, Virginia. Specifically, the Super 8 on Broad Street. I'm not saying it's the Ritz, but hey, it's home sweet… questionable-smelling-carpet-filled-for-two-nights-filled-with-hopefully-minimal-bedbugs-home. Here we go:
Day 1: The Arrival & The "Oh God, Where Am I?"
1:00 PM - Arrival at the Super 8: Okay, first impression? Slightly disconcerting. The website photos definitely used a lot of filters. The lobby smells of stale coffee and… something vaguely floral? I'm going to chalk it up to "charm." Check-in was a breeze, though. The guy behind the counter, bless his heart, looked like he’d seen a ghost. Offered me a complimentary donut, which I politely declined. My gut instinct screamed, "Don't eat the donut!"
1:30 PM - Room Inspection (and the emotional rollercoaster): The key card swipes… okay, that's a win. The room… well, it’s a room. Bedspread patterned like some sort of psychedelic nightmare. The bathroom… Okay, the tiles are clean-ish. The showerhead looks like it's seen better decades. BUT, and this is a big but, the air conditioning is working! Praise the Lord, and pass the bug spray. Major sigh of relief. I'm going to survive. Also, I'm pretty sure that stain on the carpet is older than I am. I'm going to walk around barefoot? Absolutely not!
2:00 PM - Lunch - Attempt #1: Okay, so, I was starving and after a moment of contemplation, I decided to walk down the street to this place called "The Diner." Seemed promising. Turns out, it was closed for "renovations." Ugh. Okay, plan B!
2:30 PM - Lunch - Attempt #2: Found this tiny, hole-in-the-wall place, "Mama's Kitchen." From the outside, it looked sketchy. But the sign said "Best Collard Greens this side of the Mississippi." Sold! The collard greens? Mind. Blown. Seriously, they were unbelievably good. Comfort food bliss. The waitress looked like she'd seen a few things, but she was sweet. I love her for the greens.
4:00 PM - Exploring the Neighborhood - The Initial Wander: Wandered around, getting my bearings. Okay, Broad Street is… lively. Lots of activity, interesting architecture (some crumbling beautifully), and the distinct aroma of… well, a city. Some of it is beautiful, some of it is sketchy. It’s raw, and real. Felt like a character in a particularly gritty movie. I'm already formulating a plot around the Super 8.
7:00 PM - Dinner & Existential Crisis: Found a place called "The Flying Pig" for dinner. Ordered a burger. It was… okay. Nothing to write home about. Sat there, people-watching, and pondering the meaning of life over lukewarm fries. The waitress was definitely hitting on the cook. It was entertaining. Found myself missing my (slightly) less questionable mattress back home.
8:30 PM - Entertainment - Finding some Music: Headed back to the Super 8. Found a small, intimate bar down the street. The vibe felt right, like a place where the local musicians hang out. Drinks were strong and the music was amazing. Felt more welcome than I thought possible.
10:00 PM - Bedtime/Pre-Bedtime Ritual (and acceptance): Back in the Super 8 room. Gave an extra, hard look at the bed. Sprayed the entire room with something I'm pretty sure isn't air freshener, but hey, it smells like pine? Okay. Ordered a pizza. Let's see where tomorrow takes us. Am slightly optimistic.
Day 2: History, Heartbreak, and (Possibly) More Collard Greens
8:00 AM - Wake-Up Call & Breakfast (or Lack Thereof): The room is surprisingly quiet. Maybe I'm getting used to the ambiance? Okay, fine, I'm probably just so exhausted after the first day that I can sleep through anything. The "free breakfast" at Super 8? Not holding my breath. I'll grab coffee somewhere.
9:00 AM - Coffee Run & Street Art Exploration: Found a little coffee shop a few blocks away. Amazing coffee! Then, wandered back towards Broad Street, looking at gorgeous murals. Richmond seems to be drowning in the stuff, and it's fantastic. Really, art is everywhere. The colors, the stories… it's inspiring.
10:00 AM - History Time: The Shockoe Bottom: Decided to delve into some history. Shockoe Bottom. I went to the area where enslaved people were sold. It was… heavy. Just gut-wrenching. I struggled to wrap my head around the horrors that occurred there. I walked around, just trying to pay respect. It changed how I saw the city.
12:00 PM - Midday Breakdown and Lunch: Completely overwhelmed by the history, I retreated to a slightly nicer, but still unassuming, local restaurant. Ordered a sandwich… and cried quietly into my bread. Needed to process. This is not how I expected to feel.
2:00 PM - The VMFA: Okay, after drying my eyes, I decided to visit the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Best decision! It's free, first of all, and secondly, the collection is amazing. Art, beauty, culture - it was the perfect balance to the heaviness I felt from before. Found myself wanting to explore art and beauty as a means of understanding the world.
4:00 PM - The Stroll & The Unexpected Revelation: Decided to get a walk. Just a walk, you know? Find a nice spot in a park. Then I stumbled upon a vintage bookstore. The smell of old books is just like… heaven. And I found a book about Richmond history, and this woman’s story of how she had to fight to survive, and… I understood, maybe, a little bit more of this city. I think I’m starting to love this weird place, despite myself.
6:00 PM - Dinner: YES, I want Collard Greens! Back to Mama's Kitchen. Don't judge me. I needed the comfort. The waitress remembered me! And my greens? Better than yesterday!
7:30 PM - The Last Drink: Headed back, and found another intimate bar. Local music was great. I sat and watched the locals, how they talked and laughed with each other. They were welcoming.
9:00 PM - Packing Up (and Acceptance, Part Deux): I'm leaving tomorrow. Yeah, I still have the jitters about the hotel room, and every hair on my body is twitchy to itch. But… I've seen and felt things I wouldn't trade for anything. Richmond, you wild, complicated, amazing place.
10:00 PM - One Last Look (And Sleep?: Gave myself a final look around the hotel room. The carpet still has a stain, the bed feels… okay. The air conditioning is still on. I might just survive this. Time to sleep. Or try to.
Day 3: Departure & The Aftermath
8:00 AM - Checkout: Got free donuts! And… nope, I didn't eat them. I survived!
9:00 AM - The Exit (With a Hint of Nostalgia): Headed for the highway. I felt drained but richer. I'll get a better hotel next time. And yet… I'll always remember this one. It's the mess that makes it real.
So, what *is* this whole thing even about?
Honestly? That's a GREAT question. I'm not entirely sure. It's kinda like... well, remember that time I tried to make a souffle? (Spoiler alert: it was a disaster.) I started with a recipe, felt confident, even bought the ridiculously expensive ramekins. But then, BAM! The oven temperature was off, the egg whites wouldn't cooperate, and I ended up with something that resembled a deflated cloud of disappointment. This FAQ is kinda like the aftermath of that souffle. It started with a *vague* idea, has some fluffy ambition, and is probably already collapsing under its own weight. Think of it as my attempt to make internet content, but as a beginner.
Okay, but *specifically* what topics will be covered? Like, what can I actually *expect* to learn?
Expect? Ha! Expect the unexpected, my friend. Look, I *might* dabble in some basic life advice (you know, the stuff you get from your grandma, except filtered through my perpetually caffeinated brain). I *might* rant about customer service. I *might* wax philosophical about the existential dread of the Monday morning commute. Or... I might just decide to talk about how much I love cheese. It's a gamble. Embrace the entropy. Think of it like choosing the "mystery meat" at a school cafeteria. You *hope* for something edible, but you're bracing for something ... else.
Will there be any actionable advice in this? Like, things I can actually *use*?
Maybe! Okay, probably not. Let's be real with each other. I'm more likely to tell you about the time I accidentally set my kitchen on fire while trying to toast bread (true story, don't ask). But, on the *off chance* you glean some golden nuggets of wisdom from my rambling? Well, consider that a bonus! If you take away a single, usable piece of advice, it might be: Always keep a fire extinguisher handy. Seriously. And learn how to make a really good grilled cheese, 'cause you never know when you'll need some comfort food after a kitchen-related incident.
What if I don't *like* it? What if I think it's a complete waste of my time?
Oh Honey. That's PERFECTLY okay. Honestly, I'm not expecting everyone to love this. In fact, I'm *kinda* preparing for the haters. Constructive criticism? Bring it on! Rant about how awful I am? Fine, but *make it creative*. My feelings? They'll probably be hurt for a minute (I'm human!), but I'll bounce back. I've had worse days on the internet. Just... maybe don't be *too* mean. I have a very fragile ego. And a very good lawyer. (Just kidding... mostly.)
Is this going to be, like, a regular thing? Will there be new updates? Or will this fizzle out like a bad New Year's Resolution?
Good question! Honestly? I have no idea. I'm a classic "starting something and not finishing it" kind of person, so don't bet the farm on weekly updates. I *hope* I'll keep it up, 'cause I actually *enjoy* this. But reality? Life happens. Laundry piles up. Netflix calls. So, check back occasionally. Or don't. I'm just... putting this out there. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a sourdough starter to name.
Wait, you mentioned the sourdough starter... are you one of *those* people? Are you going to talk about your home-baking adventures? Because I *hate* hearing about other people's sourdough.
Ugh. Okay, fine. Yes. I am. I am *now* one of those people. I *wasn't* though! I *hated* it. I rolled my eyes so hard when my neighbor started posting pictures of her perfect loaves. But then... lockdown. I took a class, the science of it all... It's actually pretty cool. And... I'm addicted. So, yes, there *will* be sourdough talk. I can't promise it won't be excessive. Sorry, not sorry.
What's your biggest pet peeve? Like, what instantly grinds your gears?
Oh, man. Where do I even *start*? Bad grammar. Inconsiderate drivers. Slow walkers. People who chew with their mouths open. But, if I had to pick one, it's definitely *pretentiousness*. Like, just be honest. Be yourself. Don't try to be something you're not. It's exhausting. And honestly? It's usually pretty obvious. It's the feeling that makes my blood boil. It's why I can't stand going to art museums sometimes - the 'vibe' is so thick you could cut it with a butter knife. Oh, and people who take photos *of* the art instead of just looking at it. Ugh. End rant. (For now.)
Okay, let's get personal. What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you?
(Deep breath). Okay, here we go... It involves a karaoke night gone horribly wrong. I thought I knew the lyrics to "Bohemian Rhapsody" perfectly. I *loved* singing along in the car. Turns out singing in the car is *very* different from being on a stage, drunk, with a microphone. I butchered it. Absolutely and utterly butchered it. Forgot half the lyrics. Screeched. Hit notes only dogs could hear. People were *actively* cringing. There were visible groans. The worst part? I thought I was *killing* it. I strutted off the stage, basking in my (imagined) glory, only to be met with silence. And then laughter. Oh, the shame. The *eternal* shame. But hey, at least I provided some entertainment, right?
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. No question. Think about it! No more traffic. No more airportRoam And Rests
