Escape to Montgomery: Luxury & Comfort Await at Fairfield Inn & Suites EastChase
Okay, buckle up, Buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the sparkling, potentially slightly chlorinated, sometimes-a-little-dusty world of the Fairfield Inn & Suites EastChase in Montgomery, Alabama. "Luxury & Comfort Await" they say, and well, let's see if that's a promise kept or a brochure's flight of fancy. This ain't gonna be your boring travel blog review; this is gonna be the raw truth, served with a side of slightly burnt waffle (more on that later, trust me).
First Impressions (And The Front Desk Shuffle):
Okay, so pulling up, it's a classic Fairfield. Clean lines, familiar logo. Nothing screaming luxury yet, but hey, let's be optimistic! Accessibility is a huge plus right off the bat. Seeing the curb cuts and ramps put a smile on my face (and I'm not even in a wheelchair!). Good job, Fairfield! The 24-hour front desk is a godsend, especially after a long drive – hello, caffeine deprivation! And the check-in/out [express]? Genius. I'm all about efficiency. Though, and here's a little hiccup, sometimes that express check-in can feel… well, express. A little too express? I had to practically wrestle with the poor front desk person for a key card that worked the first time. Oops. (Minor inconvenience, chalk it up to gestures vaguely – life! - shrugs).
The Room: My Temporary Kingdom (And The Quest for the Perfect Pillow):
Let's be real, the room is where the magic (or the mild disappointment) happens. The "available in all rooms" spiel? Pretty solid, I'm sure. Especially for everything that's in the section including the air conditioning, alarm clock, air-conditioning, desk (essential for my laptop-based shenanigans), hair dryer, in-room safe box, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels and free Wi-Fi. The air conditioning works a TREAT, and I really dig the blackout curtains. Seriously, a dark room is KEY to a good night's sleep, you know? These are all essentials. And the In-room safe box? Always a good thing. The Complimentary tea and coffee is an excellent wake up feature.
Now, about those pillows… This is where it gets personal, people. Finding the perfect pillow is an Olympic sport as far as I'm concerned. Some are too fluffy, some are flat as a pancake. I'm still in search for Goldilocks' pillow. And the provided ones at the Fairfield? Well, let's just say they were adequate. They were there. They did the job. They didn't send me into a blissful slumber, BUT, and this is key, the extra long bed was great! Room for the starfish. And that "separate shower/bathtub"? Nice touch. I opted for a shower.
The Poolside: A Tale of Chlorine and Relaxation (Almost):
Okay, let's talk about the swimming pool [outdoor] and poolside bar (because, hello, vacation!). The pool itself was… well, it was a pool. Cleanish, coolish, and with a view. Not a breathtaking, "ooh, ahh" kind of view, mind you, but a perfectly serviceable "hey, look, some trees" kind of view. But the poolside bar? Now, that's where things get interesting. I love a good poolside bar. You're in a bathing suit, the sun's on your face, and someone's making you fruity drinks? Sign me up! The problem? The bar was… closed. During prime pool time. Sigh. (Maybe it was my fault, maybe they had other commitments, it's whatever.)
The Food Factor: Breakfast, the Buffet, and the (Questionable) Waffle Maker:
Breakfast is where hotels either win or lose me completely. The breakfast [buffet] at the Fairfield promised much. They even had a breakfast takeaway service. The smell of wafting food did make me happy. The Buffet in restaurant does have some good food. I opted inside. The Asian breakfast was an interesting approach. Now, the waffle maker situation… well, let's just say it was a high-stakes, low-reward experience. It was a battle of wills, me versus the machine. (Spoiler alert: the machine won. Repeatedly.) I managed to eke out a very, very crispy waffle. Let's call it a learning experience. And the coffee? Decent, but not life-changing. A good coffee shop would've saved the day.
Amenities & Extras: From Gym Struggles to Spa Dreams (Deferred):
The fitness center was there. Like, physically there. I peeked my head in, and it looked… well-equipped. My inner couch potato immediately shuddered and I decided to pass. I did glance at the brochures for a spa. Well, I have the full spa menu! Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom are on this menu, but I did not experience any of these. Oh well, maybe next time. Things to do in Montgomery? I might've needed a little more concierge advice. Perhaps I was just being lazy?
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID-Conscious Traveler's Perspective:
Okay, let’s get real. Cleanliness and safety are HUGE these days. The Fairfield, I will say, seemed to be trying. I noticed the Daily disinfection in common areas pretty much everywhere. The Hand sanitizer was readily available, and seeing the Professional-grade sanitizing services gave me a little more peace of mind. They also have room sanitization opt-out available. The staff trained in safety protocol definitely helped. The Daily housekeeping was immaculate. My room was very clean and safe.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Search for Sustenance:
Okay, the official dining options included a bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour]. So, no room service [24-hour]. The Breakfast [buffet] was it. And the pool bar was. Not open during the prime tanning hours, not the best idea.
For the Kids: Is This Place Family-Friendly?
I did see some kids scampering around, so yes, they are! The "Kids meal" (if it exists) and availability of a "babysitting service," if needed, seem to indicate that families are welcome. Family/child friendly seems to be the rule here!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Count:
The Fairfield offers a ton of the standard services. 24-hour front desk. Business facilities. Cash withdrawal. Concierge. Daily housekeeping. Elevator. Ironing service. Laundry service. Luggage storage. The Free bottled water was a godsend. I really appreciate the Contactless check-in/out option. Less human interaction is always good, you know?
Getting Around: Wheels and Transfers:
They have a "car park [free of charge]." They also have airport transfer and a taxi service available.
Okay, So… Is It Worth It? The Verdict (And My Honest Opinion):
The Fairfield Inn & Suites EastChase in Montgomery is a solid, reliable choice. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's clean, comfortable, and offers a decent range of amenities. It gets the job done. It’s a place to rest your head and regroup. 7.5/10.
The Bottom Line: Is this really a place for you?
If you're looking for a luxurious, over-the-top experience, you probably want to look elsewhere. If you need an accessible, clean, and comfortable place to crash while you explore Montgomery, the Fairfield Inn & Suites EastChase is a perfectly acceptable option. "Escape to Montgomery: Luxury & Comfort Await at Fairfield Inn & Suites EastChase"… well, it's more like "Escape to Montgomery: A Relaxing and Convenient Stay Awaits." Book it. Just maybe bring your own waffle maker.
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Final Note: Don’t forget to
Escape to Schenectady: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8 by Wyndham!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your slick, perfectly-polished travel blog. This is my trip to Fairfield Inn & Suites Montgomery-EastChase Parkway, and trust me, it's gonna be a glorious, slightly chaotic mess.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Check-In Debacle of '23
- 1:00 PM - Arrival, the "Champagne Dreams" Phase: Okay, so the drive down was smooth. Podcasts, good coffee, open road, classic Americana. I envisioned myself arriving at the Fairfield, radiating zen-like calm… yeah, right.
- 1:15 PM - The Check-In Circus: You know how you picture check-in? Smiling front desk person, smooth process, key card in hand, ready for bliss? Not today, Satan. The line rivaled Disney World. Turns out, there was some sort of, I kid you not, "Regional Accountants Convention" happening. Accountants! The hotel was a sea of khakis and bewildered faces. I swear, I saw one accountant accidentally kick over a plant. Brutal.
- 1:45 PM - Finally, the Room! (Cue Angels Singing… Briefly): Okay, the room. Pretty standard Fairfield – clean, surprisingly spacious. But the vibe? Let's just say it needed some… pep. The air conditioning was blasting arctic winds, and the decorative pillows looked like they'd been there since the hotel opened. "Alright," I thought, "Let's make this home."
- 2:00 PM - Pool Panic! (aka "My Swimsuit Was a Lie"): They had a pool. Yes! Sunshine! Relaxation! I trotted down, swimsuit proudly in hand, only to discover… it was freezing. Like bone-chillingly freezing. I dipped a toe in and instantly retreated. Okay, plan B: Maybe a quick meditation on the pool deck? Ha! The chlorine fumes were enough to make a sailor weep.
- 2:30 PM - The Bed and Breakfast (aka, Re-Assessing My Life Choices): Defeated, I retreated to the room. The bed? Glorious. I crashed. Hard. This is the luxury I signed up for.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at that place I saw on Google Maps, "The BBQ Joint of Perpetual Delight": I decided to hit up the BBQ joint, because, well, it's Alabama. The place's name was a lie, but it had the best ribs I'd ever tasted. Smoky, tender, falling-off-the-bone… I basically inhaled a rack. Food coma achieved.
- 8:30 PM - Back in the room, watching terrible TV: The TV situation was a disaster. Limited channels, fuzzy reception. I ended up watching some trashy reality show about gold miners. I knew I wanted to unwind, but there was no escape.
Day 2: Local Adventures and Existential Dread
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast…or the "Great Pancake Purgatory": I headed down for the complimentary breakfast, cautiously optimistic. I was met with a buffet of questionable choices. Cold scrambled eggs. Soggy sausage. And the pancakes… dear Lord, the pancakes. They were dense and flavorless. I ate two, mostly out of a sense of obligation.
- 8:00 AM - The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts (aka, Finding My Inner Art Snob) Okay, this was brilliant. I was hesitant at first, but the collection was phenomenal and it was a welcome change from the pool.
- 10:30 AM - The Rosa Parks Museum: Sobering, impactful. The power of that woman… it really hits you in the gut. I left feeling profoundly humbled and a little angry that history still repeats itself.
- 12:30 PM - Lunch at a Diner, Where the Waitress Knew Everyone's Name (Except Mine): Southern charm, am I right? Everyone seemed to know each other. The food was comfort food at its finest, and the sweet tea was nectar of the gods. Highly recommend.
- 2:00 PM - The Afternoon Nap: After lunch, I had to take a nap. Because, vacation.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a place I saw driving around: Okay, this was where things started getting weird. The waiter had a mustache thicker than a garden hose. The food was… interesting. Let's leave it at that.
- 8:00 PM - Existential Crisis and Room Service (Pizza, Because Why Not?): The day had been full of highs and lows. I found myself staring out of the window, wondering what the meaning of life was. Then I ordered pizza. Pizza always helps.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Scent of… Well, Hotel-ness
- 7:00 AM - The Buffet Strikes Again: I had a bagel. Things are hard.
- 8:00 AM - Check-Out, the "Thank God It's Over" Phase: Smooth sailing! No long lines this time.
- 8:30 AM - The Drive Home: Reflections, Nostalgia, and the Question of My Own Sanity Okay, here's the truth. Did everything go perfectly? Absolutely not. Did I encounter some weirdness? Yes. Did I experience a moment of profound existential dread fueled by bad pancakes? Of course! But would I trade the experience. Never.
- 12:00 PM - Conclusion: Anyway, the Fairfield wasn't perfect. But isn't that how life is? A bit messy, a bit unpredictable, full of questionable pancakes and unexpected joys.
- Post-Trip Thought: I left Montgomery with a full belly, a slightly lighter wallet, and the lingering scent of… well, hotel-ness. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way.
So, is this place actually "luxury?" Because, let's be real, Fairfield Inn... usually ain't.
"Luxury" is a strong word, alright? Let's just say they *attempt* luxury. Look, it's a Fairfield Inn. You're not getting marble floors and a personal butler. But, and this is a big "but"... they *did* put in a solid effort. The lobby is actually kind of nice, with those weird, trendy chairs that look like they're from an art installation – you know the ones? Like, "sit in this, peasant, and ponder your existence." I tried one. It was surprisingly comfy. The real test, though, is the room. And it's... okay. Clean. Not *sparkling* but clean. The bed? Surprisingly good. I actually *slept* for seven glorious hours. That, my friends, is worth its weight in gold after a twelve-hour drive with a screaming toddler (shoutout to my own tiny terror, bless her heart). So, no, not *luxury* luxury. But definitely a step up from the roadside dive I was secretly hoping for. Thank the sweet baby Jesus.
What's the deal with the "EastChase" part of the name? Is it actually close to anything interesting? Or just a fancy way of saying "out in the boonies?"
Okay, so the "EastChase" bit. Honestly? It's kinda spot-on. It's right next to a massive shopping center called EastChase. Which, let's be honest, is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing: food options GALORE. I'm talking every chain restaurant known to humankind. Curse: you'll probably spend more money than you planned on. Because, yeah, it's tempting. That Cabela's? Oh, the siren song of outdoor gear! I almost dropped a small fortune on a new fishing rod... then remembered I live in the desert. Oops. Anyway, it's not *in* the boonies, which is appreciated. But you're not exactly stumbling into the historic district either. It's suburban, but convenient. Gotta weigh your priorities, people.
The free breakfast... is it the usual Fairfield Inn slop-fest? Cereal, lukewarm eggs, and questionable sausage?
Alright, let's talk breakfast. This is *crucial*. Because a bad breakfast can ruin your whole day. And I'm happy to report... it wasn't *terrible*. Look, it's not the Four Seasons. But it's better than the pre-packaged muffins of my nightmares. They had (gasp!) *actual* scrambled eggs! And, this is a big win for me, decent coffee. Not gourmet, mind you, but drinkable. The sausage was... well, it was sausage. You know the drill. Cereal? The usual suspects. Fruit? Limited, but not rotten. I've seen worse. Much, much worse. The little kid, however, was unimpressed and demanded waffles. Toddlers, am I right? That said, it filled a void, and it probably kept me and my family alive so I can't really complain.
What's the swimming pool situation? Because that's key for keeping the kids (and, let's be honest, *me*) entertained.
The pool. Ah, the pool. This is where things get... interesting. Okay, it's an outdoor pool. Not gigantic, but not a kiddie pool either. Standard issue rectangular shape. Now, here's the thing. When I went, it was mostly empty. Which was fantastic. Except for... the one guy. The guy who was *dog-paddling* with the grace of a dying walrus while wearing a pair of Speedos that looked like they were older than my car. And I'm not exaggerating. It was a sight to behold, folks. A sight I'll never unsee. But the pool itself? Fine. Clean enough. My kid loved it, so that's a win. Just... be prepared for potential wildlife encounters. Or at least a highly memorable Speedo sighting. Because... Alabama, am I right?
How's the service? Because a grumpy hotel staff can ruin the whole darn trip.
The service… surprisingly, was *good*. Like, genuinely friendly and helpful. The folks at the front desk were… well, they smiled! They answered my inane questions with patience. And they even offered extra towels when I, ahem, *accidentally* flooded the bathroom (again). That's a real test of customer service right there. They didn't roll their eyes, they didn't sigh, they just… helped. Bless their hearts. The cleaning staff was great too; the room was always tidy and well-stocked. I'm not exaggerating when I say that made a big difference, and considering that I felt like I was living in a state of disarray for the entire trip, it provided much-needed solace and relief.
Okay, bottom line: would you stay there again? And would you recommend it?
Would I stay again? Honestly? Yeah, probably. It's dependable. It's clean-ish. The breakfast is passable. The people are nice. And the location is convenient without being *too* crazy. Would I *recommend* it? Depends. If you're expecting Ritz-Carlton, run as fast as you can in the other direction. But if you're looking for a solid, comfortable stay in the Montgomery area, with a comfy bed and coffee, and you're not afraid of potential Speedo sightings, it's a good choice. Just don’t expect to be blown away. It's a Fairfield Inn. It's reliable. It's functional. And sometimes, that's all you need. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And maybe some therapy, after that Speedo sighting.
Anything else I should know, like hidden fees or pet peeves?
Okay, the fine print! ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT. Hidden fees? Not that I saw, but double-check your bill. Parking? Free! Score! Pet peeves? Hmmm... the elevator, while fine, was a tad slow. And the AC was a work in progress – slightly too cold or not cold enough, there wasn't a lot of middle ground! Also, a personal note: don't leave your dirty coffee cup in the sink. The shame is real, people. The shame is *very* real. And for the absolute love of all that is holy, bring your own pillow, if you're particular. Mine was okay (thankfully), but I'm picky. Consider yourself warned.
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