Mystic's Hidden Gem: Ashford Motel - Unbelievable Stay!
Mystic's Hidden Gem: Ashford Motel - Unbelievable Stay!
Mystic's Hidden Gem: Ashford Motel - Unbelievable Stay! (Yep, Seriously.)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip, and I gotta tell you: the Ashford Motel in…well, in Mystic, obviously, is a revelation. Forget your stuffy, cookie-cutter hotels. This place… this place…is something else. Prepare for a review that's less "sterile travelogue" and more "drunken confessional after one too many margaritas."
(SEO & Metadata, Here We Go!)
- Keywords: Ashford Motel, Mystic, Connecticut, Hotels, Accessible, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Clean, Safe, Family Friendly, Pet Friendly (Kinda!), Breakfast, Room Service, Reviews, Travel, Vacation, Getaway
- Meta Description: Discover the Ashford Motel in Mystic: a surprisingly awesome stay! Review includes accessibility, dining, amenities, & all the juicy details (and a few rants). Is it a hidden gem? You bet your sweet bippy.
(Accessibility: Let's Talk About the Good Stuff First!)
Okay, I'm not in a wheelchair, but seeing a place actually care about accessibility is a huge win in my book. The info says "Facilities for disabled guests," and from what I saw, it's true. Wide hallways, elevators (thank GOD), and ramps everywhere. It's refreshing! And since they clearly put effort into it, I’d assume they would also be mindful of other aspects, like visual alarms (listed as "Visual alarm").
(On-Site Nibbles & Tipples: The Foodie Adventures!)
Listen, I'm a sucker for a good breakfast. The Ashford? Nailed it. Breakfast [buffet] was a glorious spread of everything – Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, you name it. (Which, by the way, hints at the diversity of the clientele. Mystic is a melting pot! Which is awesome.) The coffee was strong enough to revive the undead. And since they have a breakfast takeaway service, I definitely grabbed an extra croissant (or three) for the road.
But hold on, because the [restaurant, a la carte] was the real surprise. The Asian cuisine was phenomenal. I'm talking legit spring rolls that made me weep with joy. And, yes, I did sample the desserts, which were… well, let’s just say I may or may not have ordered a second slice of that chocolate cake. The Poolside bar? Another win. Sipping a cocktail with that glorious Pool with view? Pure bliss.
Rambling Interlude: My Breakfast Mishap
Okay, confession time: I'm terrible at buffets. I over-fill my plate every single time and I always end up getting this feeling, like I can eat more! On the second day, I loaded up on what looked like delicious pastries (turns out they were slightly stale), and then promptly spilled coffee all over myself in front of a very judgy family from New Jersey. (They were wearing matching shirts, let’s be honest). Mortified. But! The staff were super cool about it, even bringing me a fresh bottle of water and offering me a change of clothes from the laundry service. Crisis averted!
(Relaxation Station: Spas, Pools, and Pure Bliss!)
Alright, let’s be honest, I didn’t spend a ton of time in the Fitness center. (I was too busy devouring pastries). But that Pool with view? Oh, that was my jam. Seriously stunning. Beyond the basic pool, it's a Swimming pool [outdoor] which is a great way to chill and refresh yourself. It was a welcome change and a great way to relax. I also got a massage, which was heavenly. Like, seriously, the therapist knew exactly where all my knots were hiding. I'm now plotting my return just for that.
(Cleanliness & Safety: Gotta Mention the Boring Stuff!)
Look, I’m not going to pretend I love talking about germs. But, the Ashford gets it right. They clearly care. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays are a massive relief. Also, I spotted a First aid kit just in case. The team seem to be very focused on safety as well, as they were Staff trained in safety protocol.
(Rooms: My Little Oasis (with an imperfection or two!)
My room? Pretty darn great. I had a non-smoking room (thank god!), with a comfy extra long bed. The blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in (if you don't have a coffee-induced panic attack like yours truly!). Speaking of which, the coffee/tea maker was much appreciated in the morning. They also had a mini bar, in case you wanted to grab a snack in-between the restaurant runs.
Rant Time! (The Flaw, And Why It’s Okay)
Okay, here's the ONE tiny gripe: the internet access – wireless (and supposedly, free Wi-Fi in all rooms!) was occasionally spotty. It’s the 21st century people! I need to Instagram my pastries! Luckily, I had enough service to not get desperate. On the plus side, they do have Internet access – LAN if you need it. But let's be real, who uses LAN anymore?
(Services & Conveniences: Making Life Easy!)
They've thought of everything. Daily housekeeping was impeccable. They have a Concierge available if you have problems. Laundry service, dry cleaning, ironing service, all there. They even do Cashless payment service. They have a convenience store, (perfect for late-night snack runs!)
(Food, Glorious Food (Continued… I Can’t Shut Up About It!)
Beyond the restaurant, they have a Snack bar. And, if you’re feeling lazy, they've got Room service [24-hour]. That's right, you can order food at any time. Pure decadence!
(For the Kids & Families: Little Ones Welcome…Mostly!)
While the website said the motel is indeed Family/child friendly, I did not notice any Kids facilities, and that’s okay for me because I don't plan on having children.
(Getting Around & Practicalities:
They have Car park [free of charge]… which is a huge bonus, especially since parking in Mystic can be a nightmare. And a Taxi service to go around, just in case.
(The Grand Finale: The Verdict!)
The Ashford Motel in Mystic? Seriously, it’s a winner. It's not perfect (damn you, occasionally spotty Wi-Fi!). But the overall experience? Unbelievable. It’s clean, the staff are fantastic, the food is amazing, the pool is gorgeous, and they actually care about making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It’s got that perfect blend of quality, and personality. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. In fact, I'm already booking my next trip. Just maybe, I'll skip the buffet this time… or maybe not.
Escape to Paradise: Sueno Hotels Golf Belek's All-Inclusive Antalya Luxury
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted itinerary. This is… well, this is me, trying to survive a few days in Mystic, Connecticut, at the Ashford Motel. And let's be honest, surviving a motel is ALWAYS an adventure.
My Mystic Mishap: A Stream of Consciousness Itinerary (Ashford Motel Edition)
(Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Accidental Lobster Roll)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at the Ashford Motel: Okay, the online pics were… optimistic. Let's just say "rustic charm" could also be translated as "could use a power wash." Found the keys, which thankfully didn't require a treasure hunt. The parking? Well, let's just say the minivan next to me and I are now… intimate acquaintances.
- Mental Note: Pack extra Lysol wipes. And maybe a hazmat suit. (Kidding. Mostly.)
- 1:30 PM - The Room: A Study in Beige: Honestly, the carpet looks like it predates the invention of color. There's a faint smell of… something. Maybe regret? Anyway, the AC makes a noise like a dying walrus, which is less than ideal, but hey, at least there's hot water… hopefully. Unpacked, battling that weird "I'm on vacation, but I'm also a slob" duality playing out in my brain.
- Emotional Reaction: A surge of "Am I doing this right?" mixed with mild panic and a desperate craving for a decent coffee. And maybe a stiff drink at that point.
- 2:00 PM - Seeking Caffeine & Sanity: Drove… slowly… in whatever direction looked like a cafe. Ended up at Mystic Pizza (because, duh). Survived the pizza, it was good.
- 3:00 PM - The Mystic Seaport Museum (and My Impatient Inner Child): Okay, this place is actually cool. All those old boats! But I have the attention span of a goldfish in a sugar coma. Tried to read all the educational plaques, but ended up wandering off like a toddler, distracted by a shiny rivet on a ship. Saw a whale boat replica, felt vaguely nostalgic.
- Quirky Observation: So many ropes. I bet my brain will sort ships and sea later.
- 5:00 PM - Lobster Roll Debacle: Okay, so, I was STARVING. Found a place… I think it was by the drawbridge… that looked right from the TV. The lobster roll, however, was more "lobster-ish" than "lobster." The roll itself was just fine, but the lobster tasted like slightly fishy rubber bands.
- Emotional Reaction: Mild disappointment. It's supposed to be one of the best things in the area! Should have trusted the locals more.
- 6:30 PM - The Drawbridge Encounter: Watched the drawbridge open and close. It was… a bridge. It opened. It closed. Not a huge deal, but it had a certain charm, I guess.
- 7:30 PM - Back to the Ashford (Sigh). Ate snacks in the room. The walrus AC is still at it. Wondering if there's a hidden outlet for my phone charger.
- Messy Thought: How can I turn off the TV and listen to a book simultaneously? Is that possible?
(Day 2: History, Heavyweights, and Deep-Fried Regret.)
- 9:00 AM - The Breakfast Binge: Ashford Motel complimentary breakfast. It was a selection of questionable pastries. I felt obligated to eat it since I was already there.
- Emotional Reaction: "I’m going to regret this."
- 10:00 AM - Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park: I went to a battlefield! It's spooky and beautiful at the same time, the history comes alive. I don't always feel the emotion of history, but it definitely hit different here. The view was amazing. You could almost see the battle happening.
- 12:00 PM - Getting lost and almost giving up. I turned every wrong way I could, and it took a solid hour. I almost gave up, but then I finally made it.
- 1:00 PM - Mystic Aquarium: Okay, the dolphins were the best things ever. I have never been so mesmerized by a dolphin show. I forgot all my worries and just clapped. The penguins were hilarious too.
- 3:00 PM - The Search for the Perfect Fried Clam: I was determined to find a good fried clam. After getting lost AGAIN, I found a little shack. The fried clams were… well, they were definitely clams, and they were definitely fried. And, they tasted like… well, let's say they were a solid "meh."
- Opinionated Language: Fried clams? More like deep-fried disappointment.
- 4:00 PM - More Mystic Seaport: (I know, I can't get enough). Finally saw the ship I wanted to see, the Charles W. Morgan.
- 6:00 PM - The Return to the Room: The walrus AC is even worse now. I can hear the people in the next room.
(Day 3: Departure and the Existential Dread of Motel Life)
- 9:00 AM - Last Breakfast: I'd like to pretend I didn't eat the third dry muffin.
- 10:00 AM - Last Minute Purchases: I bought Mystic Pizza t-shirts for my family and friends, hoping to get off on the right foot.
- 11:00 AM - Final Inspection of the Room: Did I leave anything? Is there anything that wants to come home with me? Wait, is that a bug?
- 11:30 AM - Goodbyes to the Ashford: The walrus AC has died as I'm leaving. I'm not sure. But I'm leaving.
- 12:00 PM - The Drive Home: Reflecting. Remembering a vacation where I saw a lot of things, ate some things, and made some memories. And now, it is time to return home.
Overall Impression: Mystic is awesome. The Ashford Motel? Let's just say it's… an experience. But hey, it's all part of the adventure, right? Right?!
Escape to Paradise: Hainan's GreenTree Eastern Hotel Awaits!
Ashford Motel: The "Unbelievable" FAQ (and My Sanity Check!)
Seriously, what *is* so "unbelievable" about the Ashford Motel? Is it like, good unbelievable?
Okay, buckle up, because "unbelievable" is a loaded word here. Honestly? It's *mostly* good unbelievable, but with a generous helping of "what the heck did I just see?" thrown in. Picture this: you're expecting a generic, roadside motel. You get… well, it's like they raided a thrift store, a kitsch museum, and your grandma's attic, and then threw it all together with a dash of genuine, homespun charm. That's the Ashford in a nutshell. It's… unique. And yes, I mean *unique*. Think less Four Seasons, more… let's call it "eclectic charm."
What are the rooms actually *like*? I'm picturing stained carpets and… well, you know.
Alright, confession time: I *was* picturing stained carpets. And I'm not gonna lie, there *might* be a stain or two. Look, these are not luxury suites. But the rooms are *clean*. I'm talking a surprisingly thorough clean, not that "wiped-down-with-a-damp-rag" kind of clean. And the decor… *whew*. My room was all floral wallpaper, a vintage lamp that looked like it should be in a museum (and probably *should* be), and a bedspread that could rival a patchwork quilt in terms of craftsmanship. It was… a lot. But not in a bad way! It felt lived-in, loved, and decidedly NOT sterile. Okay, maybe a little grandma-ish. But the towels were fluffy, the sheets smelled clean, and the air conditioning actually *worked*. Miracles do happen, people.
Tell me about the *people*. Are they as quirky as the motel?
Okay, this is where things get *really* good. The Ashford staff? They're the soul of the place. Forget corporate smiles; you get genuine, friendly faces that make you feel like you’re visiting a long-lost relative, maybe a slightly eccentric, slightly nosy relative. I walked in exhausted, and immediately was greeted by a woman with a name tag that said "Delores, Keeper of the Keys and Chief Happiness Officer". Yes, Chief Happiness Officer! She then proceeded to tell me everything I needed to know about the area, including the best place to get a lobster roll ("Mary's! But go early, the line is epic!"). You'll get genuine recommendations, sometimes sprinkled with local gossip (which, let's be honest, is pure gold). They remember your name, they'll ask about your day. It's… unusual, nowadays. And I loved it.
Is there a breakfast? And if so, is it edible? (I'm looking at you, questionable continental breakfasts...)
Okay, listen. The breakfast situation is… well, it's charmingly basic. Think of it as a love letter to nostalgia. They had coffee (strong and plentiful), an assortment of pre-packaged pastries (don't judge!), and some fruit. Maybe some hard-boiled eggs. It's not gourmet, but it's *there*, and it's a welcome sight before you head out for the day. The real treat? It's served in the "breakfast nook" - a tiny space decorated with, you guessed it, more quirky finds. I had my coffee gazing at a vintage clock and a collection of ceramic cats. It was… perfect, in its own weird way.
What’s the WiFi like? Gotta be connected, you know?
Okay, the WiFi. It exists. And by "exists," I mean… it's there. Sometimes. There were moments when I felt like I was trying to connect to a signal from another dimension. It's not reliable for streaming HD movies, let's put it that way. However, the lack of constant connectivity actually made me feel a little more relaxed. I spent more time just… *enjoying* being away. So, consider it a digital detox, disguised as a motel amenity. It's an accident, probably, but I approve!
Okay, let's get real. Did anything go *wrong*? Because nothing is ever *perfect* right?
Ugh. Fine. Yes. One night, around 3 AM, the fire alarm went off. LOUDLY. And that's when I discovered the *escape plan*. Which involved navigating the dimly lit hallway, dodging a few strategically placed lawn ornaments, and hoping I didn't trip over a rogue garden gnome. It was chaos, but also… ridiculously funny. Turns out, a guest burned their toast. (Don't they warn you about burning toast?!) The staff, bless their hearts, were running around like chickens with their heads cut off, trying to figure out what was going on. After 45 minutes, we got back to out rooms, but the next night sleep did not come easy! Look! The fire alarm incident was definitely not ideal, but it became a story. Something that made me chuckle later. It wasn't perfect… far from it! But that’s the thing about the imperfections: they’re part of the Ashford’s charm. It's not flawless; it's real.
Would you stay there again?
Absolutely. 100%. I already told my husband. If I ever go back to Mystic, I'm not staying anywhere else. The Ashford Motel? It's an experience. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best travel memories aren't made in sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. They're made in places with character, with heart, and with a healthy dose of "what was *that*?" moments. So, yes. Go. Embrace the chaos. And tell Delores I said hello. You won't be sorry."
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