Escape to Boston: Andover's Chic Residence Inn Awaits!
Escape to Andover: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Residence Inn (And Maybe You Will Too!)
Okay, let's be real. "Escape to Boston" conjures images of cobblestone streets, historical landmarks, and maybe a little bit of, you know, fighting redcoats. But what if "escape" actually means escaping the chaos, while being close enough to Boston to actually enjoy it? Enter the Residence Inn in Andover, Massachusetts. And let me tell you, after a recent (and slightly chaotic) trip there, I’m actually considering recommending it. Yes, you heard that right. Me, the perpetually cynical hotel reviewer.
First, the Essentials (AKA The Stuff You Actually Care About):
Accessibility: This is HUGE for me. I'm not naming names, but I've spent too many hours wrestling with hotel doors and tight spaces. The Andover Residence Inn seems to get it. Wheelchair accessible? Yep. Elevators? Check. They even list "Facilities for disabled guests" as a perk. Boom. Huge win. And while I didn't personally need it this time, knowing it's genuinely accessible is a major comfort level right out the gate.
Internet, Sweet Internet: Thank. Freaking. God for Free Wi-Fi in ALL Rooms! And in the public areas too! I'm a digital nomad at heart (read: glued to my laptop). Internet access – wireless is a necessity. They even offer Internet access – LAN if you're feeling old school. Plus, the Internet services are decent - didn't drop my Zoom call once (which is a miracle).
Cleanliness and Safety: The Covid-Blues Edition: Okay, now this is where the Residence Inn really shone. This isn't just about basic cleanliness. They're playing it safe. Anti-viral cleaning products? Yup. Daily disinfection in common areas? You betcha. Rooms sanitized between stays? Absolutely. And this is a biggie: Staff trained in safety protocol. The whole vibe felt… well, safe. Not sterile or overly-clinical, just… competent. They have a Hand sanitizer dispenser everywhere. I even spotted Individually-wrapped food options at breakfast. They're really are taking precautions, not just checking a box. They also have Cashless payment service, so bonus points there.
Now Let’s Talk About the Extras (That Actually Matter):
Relaxation Station: Okay, so the Fitness center is decent. Not a luxury spa, by any means, but it gets the job done for a quick workout. They have a Swimming pool and a Sauna, although I didn't have time to spend much time at them.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Or, My Stomach’s Report Card): The Breakfast [buffet] was…well, it was decent, with the Breakfast [buffet]. Not gourmet by any means, but perfectly acceptable for fueling up before a day of touring. The Coffee shop was my best friend for the stay. And there's a Snack bar for those late-night cravings. Didn't have a chance to explore the Asian cuisine, but I'm intrigued.
The Room Itself (My Personal Haven): Okay, here's where I started to feel… actually relaxed. The rooms are spacious. Air conditioning? Duh. Blackout curtains? YES! Crucial for me, the light-sensitive wanderer! Free bottled water? Always appreciated. A Refrigerator to store my snacks. And the best part? A Desk and Laptop workspace. And they got it all right! The Wi-Fi [free] worked. The Bed was extra comfy. I’d say this room was a WIN.
The Quirky Stuff, the Imperfect Bits, and Why I'm Even Considering Recommending This Place (Seriously!):
Look, no hotel is perfect. There was a slight mishap with the Daily housekeeping one day (they missed a spot on a carpet I'm sure I could have gotten a better view of). But hey, things happen. And the staff was quick to apologize and fix it.
Now for that "Escape" Part:
Here’s the thing: The Residence Inn in Andover is not in Boston. It’s in Andover. About a half-hour to 45 minutes away. BUT, that's the point! It's a sanctuary. You can easily drive into the city, explore, and then escape back to your haven in the suburbs. It’s a perfect blend for someone like me who wants Boston, but doesn't really want all of Boston, 24/7. I felt less stressed. I slept better. I actually enjoyed my trip more than I expected.
And Here’s Where The "Escape" Really Kicked In:
Okay, so here's a perfect example of why I'm actually recommending this place. I'm not a spa person. Not really. However, after a particularly exhausting day of history-hopping and museum-ing, I was done. I needed something. The Residence Inn, as it turned out, wasn't a palace of luxurious spa treatments. No Body scrub. No Body wrap. No Foot bath. However, I did relax at the pool and enjoy the sauna.
The Verdict:
Would I stay here again? Absolutely. For the comfort, the convenience, and the chance to actually relax, the Residence Inn in Andover is a winner. It's not fancy. It’s not pretentious. But it’s clean, safe, accessible, and offers a solid base for exploring Boston (or, for that matter, just getting away from it all).
SEO-Friendly Offer (Because We Can't Forget That, Right?):
Escape to Boston (Without the Boston Stress!) – Book Your Stay at the Chic and Accessible Residence Inn in Andover!
Tired of overpriced, cramped hotels in Boston? Want easy access to the city's attractions without the relentless hustle and bustle? The Residence Inn in Andover, MA, offers the perfect escape!
- Unbeatable Accessibility: Featuring wheelchair accessible rooms and facilities, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive stay for all guests.
- Stay Connected with Free Wi-Fi: Work or relax with free Wi-Fi available throughout the hotel, including all guest rooms and public areas.
- Peace of Mind with Enhanced Safety: Enjoy a worry-free stay with a commitment to cleanliness and safety measures, including antiviral cleaning products, daily disinfection, and staff trained in safety protocols.
- Spacious and Comfortable Rooms: Relax in our well-appointed suites, offering extra space, comfortable beds, and convenient amenities.
- Explore Boston with Ease: Located just a short drive from Boston, allowing you to experience the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and world-class dining, without the high price tag and traffic nightmares.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, ‘cause this isn’t your grandma’s perfectly-formatted itinerary. This is… me planning a trip to Andover, Massachusetts, from the comfort (and chaos) of my own brain. Which, honestly, is probably more exciting than Andover itself. But who knows? Maybe this trip will surprise me. (Spoiler alert: it probably won't.)
Residence Inn Boston Andover Arrival & Recon (Day 1: The Hopeful Beginning…ish)
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Great Migration (from Couch to Car) Arrive at the Residence Inn Boston Andover. Sigh. The drive. The dreaded, soul-crushing drive. I swear, every time I pack the car, I convince myself I'm going on a multi-week trek through the Amazon. In reality, it’s a 45-minute jaunt up the highway. But the drama, the angst of it all! Let's just say by the time I reach Andover, I'll be primed to rage-eat a whole bag of chips.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Check-In Catastrophe (or, Pray for a Room On the First Floor) Pray. Seriously. Pray the check-in process is painless. Pray my room isn't next to the ice machine (the bane of my existence). Pray the internet actually works. Deep breath. Okay, gotta stay positive! Settle into room, unpack, and get the lay of the land. Note: Locate nearest coffee source immediately. This is not optional, it's survival.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Intel Gathering & Perimeter Check. Reconnaissance mission: The Residence Inn. Locate: Gym (maybe. Probably not), laundry (definitely if the trip goes longer than planned). Scope out the breakfast situation. Is there an omelet station? Because if there's no omelet station, it's a sad, sad world. Also, find the closest grocery store. I have a feeling I’ll be needing some snacks to combat the “hangry beast.”
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: That "First Dinner" Experiment. This is always a crapshoot, isn't it? Do I: a) Brave a local restaurant (risky, because I have no idea what kind of culinary delights Andover has to offer…or horrors. Seriously, the food can make or break a trip for me); b) Order takeout (tempting, because sweatpants are a travel staple); or c) Eat the free hotel snacks I managed to snag during the "perimeter check" (desperate times call for desperate measures)? Considering it's early in the trip, I'm torn here, let us say local restaurant for the experience, and let's hope it goes well.
Day 2: The Andover Shuffle (or, Discovering the Thrill of… Parks?)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast Blitz (and the Great Coffee Crisis of 2024) Okay, the omelet station! Yes! Alright, maybe this trip won't be a complete dumpster fire after all. Fuel up, and assess the day. The coffee better be strong, because I didn't get enough sleep last night.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Phillips Academy (AKA "The School That Made Me Feel Inferior Before I Even Lived in Andover") So, Phillips Academy. From what I gather, it's a prestigious boarding school. I'm not a boarding school kinda gal, but what's a trip to 'Dover without peeking into the life of the privileged kids? (Just kidding, I'll probably just walk around and judge the architecture. It's a talent.) I honestly have no clue about this, what could go wrong besides me feeling out of place. I'll be happy if I find the parking lot… and some trees to look at to ease the feeling.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Interlude: Time for the local restaurant for the second round!
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Harold Parker State Forest: (Or, Attempting to Embrace Nature, Possibly Failing Miserably). Okay fine, it’s… parks. My fear of ticks overrides my desire for a leisurely stroll. I'll probably spend the entire time paranoid, slapping at imaginary insects, and muttering, "I should have stayed in the hotel." But, you know, fresh air. Maybe. Pray for a decent hike.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Quest for Tranquility… or Ice Cream: Time for the sweetness! I'm looking for a place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or sweet treats, maybe a bookstore or a nice scenery.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back to the Hotel, Relax, and Prepare the Evening: After today's physical challenge, It's time to head back to the hotel. I will shower, change, plan for the night, and assess my options.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Local restaurant for the third time!
- 6:00 PM: Back to the Hotel. I'll try to sleep a little.
Day 3: The Last Hurrah (or, The Bitter Sweet Symphony of Departure)
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast, the Final Countdown. One last shot at the omelet station! Relish it, because it’s almost over.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Last-Minute Shopping Spree (Because Why Not?) Check out the souvenir shops, the local stores.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check Out and Farewell… Andover? Check out of the hotel and head home. Or the airport. Depending on which one I'm closer to.
Post-Trip Debrief:
- The Good: The omelet station. The lack of major disasters (unless you count the tick paranoia).
- The Bad: Everything else. (Kidding… mostly.)
- The Ugly: My inevitable post-trip exhaustion.
- Overall Verdict: I may or may not return to Andover. But at least I survived. And hey, maybe that's the real triumph. Now, where's that bag of chips?
Okay, so... Andover's Chic Residence Inn? Is it *actually* chic? I mean, I've seen “chic” and been… disappointed.
Alright, deep breath. "Chic" is a loaded word, right? Like, does it involve tiny towels and a lobby you feel awkward lingering in? Look, the Residence Inn Andover isn’t *Paris Hilton* chic. Let's be real. But it *is* surprisingly…good. Cleaner lines than I expected. The lobby actually has decent lighting, and, crucially, comfortable seating. I'm a sucker for good lobby chairs, and I'm happy to report, they have some. Like, actual sit-down-and-read-a-book chairs, not just cold metal benches. So, yeah, "chic" in a practical, I-might-actually-enjoy-my-stay kind of way. It's not trying too hard, which, honestly, is a relief after some of the hotels I’ve stumbled into post-red-eye. Less "pretentious art" more "decent coffee bar," does that make sense?
The free breakfast – the biggest make-or-break deal for me. Tell me *everything*. Don't hold back. Tell me the TRUTH.
Okay, the breakfast...This is where things get *real*. So, I've seen some breakfasts. I’ve faced down the terror of the lukewarm scrambled eggs and the questionable sausage patties of a thousand budget motels. I’m scarred. The Residence Inn's? Surprisingly, *okay*. It's not a culinary masterpiece, let's be clear. Don’t expect a Michelin star. But they do a solid job. The scrambled eggs are *generally* edible (a HUGE win, frankly). The sausage is… serviceable. They usually have some kind of fruit. And, for the love of all that is holy, they had a waffle maker. Listen, I’m not proud, but I made *several* waffles. With syrup. And maybe – don't judge me – a sprinkle of the powdered sugar. It’s the small things, people. The waffle maker is their shining beacon of breakfast hope. Coffee is… well, it's hotel coffee, but it's plentiful. I’d pack a small coffee press if I went again, but it was absolutely enough to get me going. The actual, honest to god truth? It's WAY better than you expect from a "free" breakfast. Way better. Especially when you're staring blankly at a hotel room window at 6 AM.
I'm traveling with kids. Disaster or doable? And, specifically, what about the pool? Please, tell me about the pool.
Kids, huh? Okay, here’s the lowdown. The Residence Inn, for kid-friendliness, is… surprisingly okay. Suites are nice, with decent space to stretch out and hide from your offspring for a few minutes. Microwave and fridge in the room are GOLD. Seriously, GOLD. Leftovers, snacks… game changer on a family trip. The hotel does have a pool, and here's where my opinion GETS REAL. It’s indoors, which is great for weather-related unpredictabilities. It's… fine. It's not a water park, folks. It's a standard rectangular pool. It's clean enough (important). It wasn't *overcrowded* when I was there, which is a massive plus in my book (I did see plenty of families, though, and I saw one mother wrangling a toddler who decided the entire pool was his personal toilet... but that's life, right?). The kids will be happy enough to splash around for an hour. Maybe even a little long than you think... but you'll likely want to bring your own pool toys, as they weren't really provided. Overall, not a *draw* for the hotel but I can assure it is a win to keep the kids busy. And, let's be honest, any pool is a win when you're traveling with kids. Anything to get them out of the room, right? One little tip? Go early. Avoid the afternoon zoo and claim your space before it feels like a chaotic marine park. Also, a pro traveler tip I learned the hard way? PACK TOWELS. Hotel towels always disappear when you need them most.
Location, location, location! Is this place actually *near* anything worthwhile? I don't want to spend my whole trip in an Uber.
Ah, the million-dollar question! Location. Okay, again, realistic expectations here. Andover isn't right next to *downtown* Boston. No, you're not walking to Fenway Park. (Although, I *may* have tried to walk once…it’s a long walk. Don't do it). The Residence Inn is a bit... suburban. You'll likely want a car. But here's the good news: It's close to the highway, which makes getting to Boston relatively painless (traffic permitting, which is a whole other beast entirely). There are restaurants and shops nearby; not exactly exciting, you know, the usual chain restaurants. But for essential pick-me-up, it's there. But, the best part is: it is much more affordable than the accommodations downtown. So it's a tradeoff. You can drive, or you can take an Uber. The hotel staff are friendly and helpful, so I imagine they might recommend something, but don't expect the world to be in your backyard. Overall, the trade-off is worth it, because you can get to Boston for a reasonable price, it is not too far away, and you can stay in a suite. Which is a big Win for me. You should consider a car rental though.
Is the staff actually *nice*? I’ve had some… experiences. (Let's just say I've known my fair share of surly receptionists.)
Staff… ah, the unsung heroes of travel! And, thankfully, the Residence Inn's staff were genuinely *nice*. (And I'm a tough critic, believe me). I even got in on a conversation with the front-desk receptionist for a few minutes - one who gave me some interesting suggestions. I asked for extra towels (again, the towel situation... it's a thing), and they were delivered promptly with what seemed like genuine cheer. No eye-rolling! And, this is important, the staff seemed to *care*. I've been at places where you're sure they loathed their jobs and were actively plotting against you. Nope, not here. It seemed like they were invested in making sure you were comfortable. They remembered my name, (I’m a sucker for that), and they gave helpful, non-sarcastic answers to my stupid questions. They even let me check out a *little* later than planned because I was being a disorganized mess. Small kindnesses make a HUGE difference when you're in the middle of a travel frenzy. So, yeah, the staff? Definitely a plus. It's amazing how much a friendly face can elevate the whole experience. Like, it's almost worth the lack of direct Boston access, the average coffee, and the questionable breakfast sausages to get the experience that the staff is nice too.
Okay, the *worst* thing about the Residence Inn. What's its fatal flaw? Come on, spill the tea.
Alright, alright, I'll get cynical. And here it is: **the parking**. It's... well, it's not *bad*. It’s perfectly functionalDelightful Hotels
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