Not actually making it home during the recent documented "you can go home again" trip prompted a second and shorter trip to the seacoast portion of the north shore of Massachusetts. The warmth of the front desk clerk on calling the hotel and learning of a recent renovation made choosing the Fairfield Inn in Amesbury, Massachusetts for this one-night getaway a no-brainer. A spoiler is that the hotel exceeded many expectations.
Initial reservations regarding the hotel related to always thinking of it as the place behind the Friendly's family restaurant. Actually going there provided the nice surprises that it is set back further than believed, is off a pleasant road, and is landscaped in a manner that makes you forget that it is near a burger and milk shakes joint.
Further, the once dull beige facade is now an appealing blue-and-white front.
The impression on entering the stylish and somewhat minimalist lobby is that this property is to the upscale W hotel chain (if that chain had budget-conscious properties) what the Chaps line is to the Polo line for Ralph Lauren.
The hotel keeps tasty freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies and (presumably tasty) fruit in the lobby throughout the day for guests. They also have free coffee available to go with these snacks. Folks who want a cold drink, candy, a more substantial snack, or a frozen entree can buy something from the well-stocked alcove market next to the front desk.
The gratuitous grub extends to a complimentary self-serve full breakfast buffet that includes scrambled eggs and a choice of sausage or ham. Tastes running to the vanilla on the morning of that stay prompted choosing that flavor over the more exotic pumpkin spice option regarding the batter for the make-your-own waffle station.
Other general amenities include health-club quality Stairmasters in a clean health club in which you can work off those eggs and waffles. This facility is near an equally clean guest laundry room. The hotel also offers laundry service for folks who would rather spend their time exploring the terrific things that are available a short drive from this property a few blocks from Routes 95 and 495.
Despite the renovations, the same anxiety related to the erroneous impressions based on the perceptions related to the location of the hotel existed regarding the room. Having expectations regarding the room being surpassed was beyond awesome.
The upscale on a budget vibe began with seeing a sink area with a black-marble counter in an short hallway leading to a fairly spacious bathroom that features a nice large two-person shower. (The hotel does not provide solo travelers that second person.)
One also immediately notices the generosity regarding the amenities. There are ample towels, plastic cups, Paul Mitchell personal care items, etc. Having a refrigerator and a microwave is also handy; as is the new climate control system for your home away from home.
The easily accessible and reliable free WiFi and plenty of convenient plugs for charging your devices are other nice features; it is also nice to have a comfortable and adequately large workspace and an armchair. Having an itemized bill with a statement that your credit card has been charged on the day of your departure avoids all the hassles associated with checking out.
The best way to wrap up all this is to say that if you have not stayed at this Fairfield Inn lately, you have not stayed at this Fairfield Inn.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding either the Fairfield Inn or the seacoast area of the North Shore of Massachusetts is encouraged to email me; you can also connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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