Escape to Seattle: Comfort Inn Auburn Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the… checks notes …Escape to Seattle: Comfort Inn Auburn Awaits! And let me tell you, after a week in the Emerald City, this review is a necessity. Think of it as a post-rain, pre-coffee jolt of reality.
First, the basics. Accessibility? A big thumbs up. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, they've got you covered. This is HUGE, folks. Finding truly accessible places can be a nightmare, and knowing this Comfort Inn is set up for everyone is a massive relief.
Now, let’s get to the grit - and trust me, there’s some.
The Room (and all that glorious STUFF that comes with it):
Okay, so, the "Escape to Seattle" thing? It’s a Comfort Inn, not a luxury spa retreat, and I’m setting the expectations early. But listen, the Air Conditioning worked like a charm, thank god. My partner and I are notoriously hot sleepers, and a solid night's sleep is the difference between a grumpy tourist and a… well, a slightly less grumpy tourist. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Hallelujah! And it actually worked. I mean, I've stayed in hotels where the Wi-Fi is slower than dial-up. This one? Solid. Did some work, caught up on Netflix. Win. Free bottled water -- again, the little things. And yes, they had a coffee/tea maker in the room. Honestly, I drank so much coffee, I think my blood type is now café.
I gotta tell ya somethin': the room felt clean. And seriously, that's what matters. We got a good night's sleep in the Extra long bed.
COVID-19 and the "Safe-tification" (or lack thereof):
Alright, let’s get real. We're in the middle of a pandemic. So, how does the Comfort Inn handle it? They've got a Hand sanitizer station in the lobby, there's Staff trained in safety protocol. They got Individually-wrapped food options, and rooms sanitized between stays.
But here's where it gets a little messy. They say they use Anti-viral cleaning products, but you know, some of these things are harder to judge than others. I didn't witness any actual cleaning happening, which… maybe it was just a case of me missing it. There was Daily disinfection in common areas.
Dining, Drinking, and the Quest for a Decent Meal:
This is where things get interesting. Because… the Comfort Inn is not a culinary destination. There IS a Breakfast [buffet]. I say "is," but I'm using the term loosely. It's the classic, predictable hotel buffet: Breakfast takeaway service is available. I opted for the Vegetarian restaurant just next to the hotel, which saved my morning.
There’s a Snack bar, but honestly, I didn't venture in. I was too busy trying to find a decent latte.
Another point: the Poolside bar is closed. But considering the weather in the area, you may not even want to use the Swimming pool [outdoor].
Services and Conveniences (and the Oddities):
Okay, so they have the basics. Daily housekeeping? Check. Luggage storage? Check. Laundry service? Check. Elevator? Also, check. And some things I found genuinely helpful: Concierge to get help.
Here’s a funny story. One day, I needed to print something. I headed to the business facilities, and… well, let's just say the Xerox/fax in business center was older than I am. I kid you not, it looked like it was salvaged from the '80s. But, hey, it worked. I used it.
For the Kids and Babysitting Service.
This hotel is family-friendly. They have Family/child friendly. Unfortunately, I didn't have kids, so I could not take advantage of the Kids facilities.
Location, Location, Location (and Getting Around):
Let's be clear: you're not in downtown Seattle. You're in Auburn. It's a bit of a drive to the city center, you know. So, if you’re planning on doing a lot of city exploring, remember that you'll need a car. Car park [free of charge]. The Airport transfer is available at extra cost.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (or Not):
Okay, here's the truth: This isn't a spa resort. Fitness center. Gym/fitness is available. Swimming pool. Pool with view.
Cleanliness and safety. They got Front desk [24-hour]. They have a front desk that is available 24 hours a day to assist you. This is for your safety. They have a CCTV in common areas.
But here’s the thing…
Escape to Seattle is NOT exactly a spa. And that’s okay! It’s a comfortable, clean place to rest your head after a long day exploring.
The Verdict:
Look, if you're looking for a luxurious spa getaway, this ain't it. But if you're looking for a clean, accessible, and relatively affordable base of operations for exploring Seattle (and maybe needing a quick run to the nearby shopping mall), the Comfort Inn Auburn Awaits! is a solid choice.
My (Somewhat Unhinged) Offer:
Okay, here’s the deal. Book your stay at the Comfort Inn Auburn Awaits! now and I'll throw in a free virtual high-five! And if you run into that ancient Xerox machine, tell it I said hello. Seriously, it’s practically a historical artifact. Use the money you save on the hotel and treat yourself! You deserve it!
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Plaza Cosiguina, Nicaragua Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's beige travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the murky depths of a Comfort Inn Auburn - Seattle adventure. Prepare for the beautiful mess!
The Unofficial, Probably-Going-To-Change-At-Any-Moment Auburn-Seattle Itinerary (aka, Pray for Me)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (aka, "Where's the Coffee?")
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at SeaTac. Okay, so the flight was delayed a bit. Classic. Found a decent enough coffee in the airport, but still recovering from the existential dread induced by the in-flight movie (something about sentient garden gnomes? Seriously).
- Anecdote: Managed to spill said coffee all over my carry-on. Lesson learned: never underestimate the power of gravity and pre-boarding jitters.
- 2:30 PM: Uber to the Comfort Inn in Auburn. The Uber driver was a goldmine of grumpy opinions about the traffic. I agreed with everything, naturally. Made the check-in!
- Quirky Observation: The front desk person looked like they’d seen some things. Like, a lot of things. Probably dealt with more than my fair share of hangry travelers.
- 3:30 PM: Settle in. The room? Well, it’s a Comfort Inn. Let's just say the aesthetic is "functional." The bed seems okay - not as firm as I would like.
- Emotional Reaction: Trying to quell the sudden wave of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) that always hits the moment I land somewhere new. Must. Not. Panic.
- 4:00 PM: Explore Auburn.
- Rambling: Okay, I know I should have a plan. Maybe a museum, a park, something cultured. But right now, all I want is to wander around. That's what I'm telling myself, anyway…
- Imperfection: Got slightly lost trying to find the supposed "charming downtown." Found a Dollar General instead. My expectations have officially been lowered to the floor.
Day 2: Seattle Scramble & Pike Place Pilgrimage (aka, "Fish and Fury!")
- 9:00 AM: Wake up. The complimentary breakfast at the Comfort Inn. I'd prepare myself. The waffle maker is… a project. Attempted to tackle it with a spoon.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure joy when the waffle actually came out. Triumph! Then, it was time to get it covered in syrup and eat something that made me happier.
- 10:00 AM: Train to Seattle. Thank goodness for public transport! The traffic in Seattle is… a beast. The views from the train were so pretty and seeing the water was gorgeous.
- 11:00 AM: Pike Place Market: The holy grail. The sensory overload is REAL. Seriously, the fishmongers are yelling about the fish! It's both terrifying and exhilarating.
- Anecdote: Almost got hit in the face by a flying salmon. It was a close call. Maybe a metaphor for life? Too early to tell.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at Pike Place Chowder. The line? Infuriatingly long. The chowder? Worth every single agonizing minute. I had the New England clam chowder. Bliss.
- Opinionated Language: Seriously, the chowder here is life-changing. Don't even think about ordering anything else. End of discussion.
- 2:00 PM: Coffee at the Original Starbucks. Iconic. The line? Equally iconic (and long). The coffee? Surprisingly decent. The overpriced souvenir mug? Bought it anyway.
- Messy Structure: Okay, let's be honest, after all the crowds… I was ready for a quiet moment. Wandered. Got lost. Found a cute little bookstore. Perfect.
- 4:00 PM: The Gum Wall. Yes, I touched it. Don't judge me.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: It was… weirdly beautiful. The colors. The history. The… gum. Just… wow.
- 5:00 PM: Train back to Auburn. Exhausted but happy. Seattle… is something else.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Probably something from the vending machine. Don't judge.
Day 3: Nature's Embrace & Farewell Feels (aka, "Am I Supposed to Feel This?")
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the comfort inn. Same as yesterday.
- 10:00 AM: Snoqualmie Falls. Okay, so the pictures don't do it justice. It's breathtaking. The sheer power of the waterfall. Seriously, makes you feel insignificant in a good way.
- Doubling Down on Experience: Spent ages just staring. Listening. Breathing. It's the kind of place that makes you forget about all the day-to-day junk. A cleansing experience.
- Quirky Observation: I really needed that cleansing experience.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. A picnic lunch with a beautiful view.
- Rambling: Okay, so I'm starting to feel that weird travel melancholy. The "am I supposed to be sad that it's ending?" feeling. It's inevitable, right?
- 2:00 PM: Explore. Just wandering again.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Comfort Inn. Packing. Trying to figure out where all the dirty clothes came from.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: This whole trip was…a lot, honestly. I felt things. Saw things. Ate a lot of chowder. And I'm okay with that.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Possibly pizza from a place nearby. Or maybe just the leftover snacks.
- 7:00 PM: Prepping for departure.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep.
Day 4: Departure (aka, "See ya, Seattle!")
- 7:00 AM: Wake up.
- 8:00 AM: Travel to airport.
- 9:00 AM: Fly back home.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- The Comfort Inn? Exactly what you’d expect. Functional, clean-ish, and the free coffee in the lobby is a lifesaver.
- Seattle? A glorious mess. I'll be back. Eventually.
- Am I glad I went? YES. Absolutely. Even with the existential dread and the slightly-too-firm bed.
- Am I exhausted? Also, yes. Pass the coffee… and maybe some clam chowder.
Okay, so "Escape to Seattle: Comfort Inn Auburn Awaits!"... is that some kind of *promise* or a thinly veiled *threat*?
Look, let's be honest. "Escape" might be a *strong* word, used for comedic relief. It's more like "a temporary relocation slightly closer to Seattle." Seriously, traffic on I-5 can be a nightmare. Auburn is, geographically speaking, *almost* Seattle. In theory. Think of it as a budget-friendly launching pad. You're getting a bed, hopefully clean, and you’re saving some clams compared to staying right downtown. Think of it as a compromise. A necessary evil. My own escape to the Emerald City was...well, it was supposed to be romantic, visiting the Space Needle, Pike Place, the whole shebang. First night in at the Comfort Inn Auburn? I swear, the elevator *whined* the entire time. More like a rusty metal symphony than a mode of transport. So, yeah, take "escape" with a grain of salt.
The Breakfast...what's the *deal* with the breakfast? They always talk about breakfast. Is it actually worth getting out of bed for?
Alright, the breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. It’s the Comfort Inn breakfast. You know the drill. The sad little waffle maker that, bless its heart, probably hasn't been cleaned since Bush Sr. was in office. The questionable eggs that might be made of actual eggs (or a close approximation). The sugary cereal that promises a sugar rush and delivers a sugar crash before you even hit the freeway to Seattle. BUT...and this is a big BUT...sometimes, just sometimes, it’s *perfectly acceptable*. I had a particularly good waffle once, it was perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. I felt a moment of pure, unadulterated joy. Then, the coffee kicked in, and I was ready to conquer the day. Other days? Well, other days, I just grabbed a banana and tried not to make eye contact with the suspicious-looking sausage.
Are the rooms...clean? I have a thing about cleanliness. Like, a *really* big thing.
Okay, cleaning is a *spectrum*, right? The Comfort Inn Auburn...exists somewhere on that spectrum. I will say this: I have seen worse. I have also seen *much* better. My last stay? I did a quick inspection, the sheets *looked* clean. The bathroom? Well, I’m a minimalist. It was mostly clean. Did I find a stray hair that wasn’t mine? Possibly. Did I lose sleep over it? Maybe a little, but the comfy bed won over those fears, luckily. So, bring your wipes. Just in case. It’s better to be safe than sorry. And if you're *really* concerned, call ahead and ask for a room that's recently been…thoroughly...deep cleaned, or something.
What about the surrounding neighbourhood? Anything to do except stare at the hotel room walls?
Auburn's got...things. There are some restaurants nearby – a greasy spoon diner that *may* or may not give you food poisoning (but hey, it's cheap!), some chain eateries, and a few local places. It’s not exactly hopping nightlife central, mind you. On the other hand there is a mall, and a costco. It’s a little…quiet. This is what's known as suburban tranquility. If you're looking for excitement, you'll need to drive into Seattle. That's the whole point, remember? That said, I do remember walking around for a bit, there was a weird old used car lot with some hilarious cars. I had a good giggle. So maybe...explore? Try not to get lost.
Let's talk about the "vibe." Am I going to be sharing the elevators with a hoard of screaming kids?
The "vibe" can be...erratic. You know, it's a mix of weary travellers, families on road trips, and maybe the occasional business person looking glumly into the elevator. One time, I witnessed a full-blown family reunion happening in the lobby. *Drums beating, children running, the whole shebang.* So yes, screaming kids are a definite possibility. On the other hand, you might get lucky and experience an eerie silence...perfect for that book you’ve been meaning to read. It's a gamble, folks. A gamble. Just pack your noise-canceling headphones.
Parking? Is parking a nightmare? Because I *hate* parking nightmares.
Parking... is *usually* okay. There's a decent-sized lot. BUT. There's a *but*. On weekend nights, or during special events at the nearby racetrack, things can get a bit...crowded. I remember one time I had to circle the lot for what felt like an eternity, finally squeezed into a spot that was, shall we say, *generous*. So, arrive early. Or embrace the walk from the overflow parking, which is usually a parking lot away. Honestly, it's good for the soul. Or at least, it's good to burn off all those waffles, right?
Would you *actually* recommend staying here? Or am I better off sleeping in my car? (Just kidding... mostly.)
Look, it depends. Are you on a budget? Do you need a place to crash for a night or two while you explore Seattle? Do you not mind the occasional elevator drama and slightly questionable breakfast? Then, yeah, the Comfort Inn Auburn is perfectly serviceable! It's not the Ritz, but it gets the job done. However, if you’re looking for luxury, a spa, and gourmet meals, then, honey, *you’re in the wrong place*. You get what you pay for. I’ve had some bad experiences but more good. The staff are generally friendly, the bed is almost always comfy, and it's close enough to Seattle to make it a viable option without emptying your bank account. My advice? Manage your expectations. Pack extra granola bars. And try to have a sense of humor. You'll survive. You might even have a slightly quirky story to tell. I'm telling one right now. And that’s sometimes the BEST thing about travel, isn’t it?
Can I get a late checkout? Because sleeping in is a religious experience for me.
Late checkout...ah, that's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Depends on availability. Sometimes, if they're not slammed, you *might* be able to. Sometimes, they will *absolutely* deny it. And on one occasion, I remember they were so busy that I was woken up 3 hours before I was supposed to checkout. Make a request in advanceHotel Search Today
