Idaho Falls Kitchenette Hotel: FairBridge's Unbeatable Comfort!
Idaho Falls Kitchenette Hotel: FairBridge's Unbeatable Comfort! - A Rambling Review
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the Idaho Falls Kitchenette Hotel by FairBridge. Forget those sterile, corporate reviews – this is real life, folks. And trust me, I’ve got stories… (mostly good, with a few… interesting bits thrown in.)
First Impressions & Accessibility (Or, My Grueling Hunt for a Ramp!)
Arriving in Idaho Falls? Well, first of all, GOOD FOR YOU. It's… Idaho. And this hotel? FairBridge Kitchenette. The name's not exactly thrilling, but the promise of "Unbeatable Comfort"… that's what hooked me. Right off the bat: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me. My grandma, bless her heart, uses a wheelchair, and finding genuinely accessible places is a nightmare. The website said it was wheelchair-accessible, and thankfully, the lobby was. BUT… getting to the rooms? Let's just say the hunt for a ramp felt like a comedic obstacle course. I'm talking slightly uneven sidewalks, a tiny lip at the entrance, and a general vibe of "we tried" rather than "we prioritized." (My rating: 3/5, Grandma-Approved-ish).
The Room – My Little Kitchenette Kingdom!
The room…oh, the room! They called it a "Kitchenette," which, let's be honest, conjured images of a cramped, institutional space. WRONG! (Mostly.) The air conditioning was a godsend, especially after the Idaho sun decided to melt the pavement. The bed… was an extra-long bed! I could practically do cartwheels (if I could still do cartwheels). Blackout curtains? Yes, please, to sleep in a cave. The Wi-Fi [free] was strong, so I could binge-watch The Great British Baking Show (crucial for any hotel stay, people!). The desk area was functional, the coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver for those early mornings, and the little refrigerator meant I could stock up on local huckleberry jam (a must-try). The downside? The carpet… slightly stained, like a battleground for some forgotten snack skirmish. But hey, it's a budget-friendly joint, right?
Cleanliness and Safety – Are We Surviving the Pandemic?
Alright, let's get serious for a second. Cleanliness in the age of the 'rona is paramount. The hotel offered daily disinfection which was comforting. Seeing a hand sanitizer station EVERYWHERE kept my anxiety at bay. I noticed the staff, all of whom were trained (kudos, FairBridge!) seemed genuinely committed to the safety protocols. Daily disinfection in common areas was something I saw with my own eyes. Plus, our room had been sanitized before check-in, which made us feel safe. They even had individually-wrapped food options for breakfast which was helpful!
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Occasional Mishap)
Okay, so, the breakfast [buffet]. This is where things diverged a bit. I was expecting the usual continental fare… you know, the sad pastries and questionable orange juice. Instead, there was a surprisingly decent spread. I had a Western breakfast which was awesome and filling. Oh, and the coffee shop? Solid. The Happy hour at the Bar was a total winner. The Poolside bar, especially, beckoned, however I didn't have time for a drink there which was devastating.
And the Restaurants they had there… there was a Vegetarian restaurant, which my partner appreciated (more on them later). The bad? The a la carte in restaurant was only available at certain hours, which messed with my plan, and the salad in restaurant sucked. The Soup in restaurant was a life saver!
Things to Do/Ways to Relax – The Pool, the Gym, and My Existential Crisis
The Swimming pool? Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yes, and yes! Beautiful. There was even a Pool with a view! (It was a beautiful Idaho sky). The Fitness center? Functional, with the usual treadmills and weights. I even attempted the sauna, felt quite relaxed, but the Spa, well… It made me laugh a bit, since it was an okay spa. The Gym/fitness, was well… the treadmill tempted me, but I'd rather sit in the pool…
Services, Conveniences, and the Quirks of Idaho
The concierge was friendly, but, at least when I was there, was seemingly a little bit swamped. I did avail of the car park [free of charge], which was obviously amazing. They also had a convenience store, but I ran out of time. The Daily housekeeping was great. The Laundry service was a lifesaver since I spilled a coffee. The elevator worked perfectly.
For the Kids – A Family-Friendly Vibe
They advertise as Family/child friendly, they have Kids facilities, and even a Babysitting service. I didn't have kids with me, but I saw other families enjoying the pool.
The Little Things That Made Me Smile (Or Grumble)
The Staff: Truly the BEST part. Always helpful, always smiling, even when dealing with… let's say demanding guests. Seriously, kudos to you all.
Annoyances The bathtub was slightly slow to drain. The Internet access – LAN felt outdated. BUT the Coffee/tea maker was amazing.
Final Verdict – Worth the Trip?
Absolutely. The Idaho Falls Kitchenette Hotel by FairBridge isn't perfect. It has its quirks. It has its imperfections. But it's comfortable, the people are lovely, it's clean, and it provides a great springboard for exploring Idaho. It’s accessible (with a few bumps), and I'll be back!
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars (would be 5 if it wasn't so hard to navigate in a wheelchair)
Would I Recommend? Yes! (Especially if you’re on a budget and value genuine hospitality.)
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Awaits at Sonnleiten! (Dolomites, Italy)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because here's my "itinerary" for a stay at the FairBridge Extended Stay in Idaho Falls. Emphasis on the Extended part, because lord knows, planning is overrated, and spontaneity is my middle name (it's actually Beth, but you get the point). This isn't a polished travel brochure; it’s more like listening to your overly chatty, slightly neurotic friend recount their trip.
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Fridge Reconnaissance
- Afternoon (ish): Land in Idaho Falls. The airport? Let's just say it's charmingly… intimate. No fancy moving walkways here, folks. Just a gentle stroll to baggage claim, where my suitcase, looking slightly bewildered, finally emerges. Grab a rental car – a sensible sedan, because, you know, budget.
- Late Afternoon, Early Dusk: Check into FairBridge. The exterior? Think… reliable motel vibes. Nothing flashy. Inside? Ah, the kitchenette. This is where the real adventure begins. First order of business: Fridge Reconnaissance. Is it actually cold? Does it smell cold? Because I’m not above a deep fridge clean with some bleach and a prayer before I even think about putting my precious yogurt in there. Found a couple of weird, unidentified condiments left behind. Guess I'll skip those.
- Evening: Attempt to assemble the provided "breakfast bar." Let's just say the coffee maker might be older than I am. Settled for instant coffee, which tasted faintly of sadness, and a bagel that was suspiciously dry. I vow to find a decent breakfast the next day. Wander around the hotel, feeling a bit lost. The fluorescent lighting does me no favors, makes everything feel vaguely sterile. Ended up watching a truly awful movie on the TV, mostly because the remote had a mind of its own. Ate a bag of chips for dinner. Regret every choice.
Day 2: Snake River Shenanigans & the Quest for Breakfast Salvation
- Morning (After a solid 8 hours of sleep, gotta give the bed points for that): Breakfast hunt! Armed with a Google Maps search for "best breakfast Idaho Falls," I set out. Found a bustling diner called "Snake River Grill" which I would actually recommend. Ordered a huge omelet, which made me feel like I'd finally found a friend.
- Mid-Morning: Drive along the Snake River. Man, that water moves! The falls at the park are pretty impressive, especially when you’re so close that you can feel the spray on your face. Took a million blurry pictures on my phone. Realized my camera skills are still tragically lacking.
- Afternoon: Failed attempt at hiking. Turns out, "easy" trails in Idaho are still uphill. Gave up after about 20 minutes and sat on a rock, just watching the river flow. Contemplated the meaning of life, the existential dread of being an adult, and why chipotle mayo is so addictive. The river, at least, seemed unconcerned.
- Evening: Decided to cook! My first attempt at cooking. The kitchenette, with its slightly wonky stove, becomes my culinary battleground. Made spaghetti. It was edible. Ate it straight out of the pot. Regretted not bringing a proper knife.
Day 3: The "Museum of Clean" & the Hotel Laundry Room Debacle
- Morning: Museum of Clean. Yeah, I know. Sounds weird. It is weird. But also… oddly fascinating? Learned way more about the history of cleaning than I ever thought possible. Seriously, who knew there were so many types of vacuum cleaners?! Left feeling strangely inspired to… clean.
- Afternoon: The Laundry Room. This is where things get real. Found the hotel's laundry room, which looked like it may have seen better days. My mission: wash clothes. My nemesis: a washing machine that might have been older than me. After a series of clicks, whirs, and hopeful prayers, I managed to get a load going. Then, the dryer. It ate my socks. (How?!). Ended up with mostly damp clothes and a healthy dose of frustration.
- Evening: Pizza. Because, laundry-induced stress. Ordered delivery from a place called "Papa Murphy's." The pizza was okay. It was a pizza. Ate it on the bed, watching another awful movie and feeling utterly content.
- Late Night: Realized I'd forgotten to set an alarm for the next day and spent an hour debating how badly I needed to sleep.
Day 4: The End is Nigh (and Another Breakfast Attempt)
- Morning: Another shot at breakfast. This time, I went all out and got a cinnamon roll from a local bakery. It was worth every calorie. Seriously.
- Midday: Packed up, grudgingly, and checked out the FairBridge. It was… an experience. Not luxurious, not necessarily glamorous, but it had its quirks.
- Afternoon: Drive back to the airport. Said goodbye to the trusty sedan.
- Evening: Fly home. Start planning my next trip - which will hopefully involve a better-equipped kitchen and a dryer that doesn't eat socks.
Final Thoughts:
Idaho Falls is… interesting. It's not going to win any awards for glitz and glamour, but it has a certain understated charm. The FairBridge? A perfectly serviceable base of operations. The kitchenette? A wild card. Would I stay there again? Maybe. But I'd definitely bring my own coffee maker and a good knife. And maybe some extra socks. Just in case.
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Idaho Falls Kitchenette Hotel: FairBridge's Unbeatable Comfort! (Or, at Least, My Unbeatable Experience) - FAQs, with a Side of Chaos
Alright, alright, spill. What's this "Unbeatable Comfort" they're yammering about? Is it *actually* comfy?
Okay, okay, deep breaths. "Unbeatable" might be a *slight* exaggeration. Look, I've slept on futons that felt more luxurious than a prison mattress. But... FairBridge in Idaho Falls? It's… good. Really good, actually. The beds are… look, I'm a princess when it comes to comfort. I need a fluffy cloud of a mattress. And honestly? It wasn't quite a *cloud*, but it was definitely a substantial, supportive mattress. No springs poking me! No groaning when I shifted. That, my friends, is a win. I had a REALLY rough week before going. Major stress, you know the deal. And just sinking into that bed after a 10-hour drive? Pure bliss. I think I actually *moaned* when my head hit the pillow. Don’t judge. We all have our moments.
Kitchenette, you say? What's that even *mean* in the real world of questionable hotel food?
Oh, the kitchenette. This is where it gets interesting. So, it’s not a Michelin-star kitchen. No, no. Think more... sensible. Mine had a mini-fridge (vital! For leftovers and, you know, wine. Always wine), a microwave (lifesaver), a sink (for the inevitable coffee spills), and... I think a two-burner stovetop? Honestly, I didn't touch the stovetop. I'm a microwave kind of gal. And a "grab a pre-made salad from the grocery store and call it dinner" kind of gal. But for basic stuff? It’s a game changer. Being able to heat up leftovers – my favorite Idaho potato soup! – instead of relying on the questionable hotel restaurant, is PRICELESS. Plus, instant coffee and oatmeal in the morning? Saved me a FORTUNE on overpriced hotel breakfasts. I'm all about saving money so I can spend more on… well, whatever I want! So, kitchenette? Yes, please.
Is the location…convenient? I hate circling the block twenty times trying to find the hotel.
Okay, so location. I'm terrible with directions, like embarrassingly bad. I get lost in my own house sometimes. But FairBridge in Idaho Falls... even *I* found it without a major meltdown. (There was a minor one involving a roundabout, but that's a personal issue). It's not hidden away in the boonies, and it's not right *smack* in the middle of chaos. It's… accessible. Close enough to things (like, you know, actual restaurants and the Snake River!), but far enough away that you don't feel like you're living in a parking lot. Honestly, I was so busy trying to get my bearings in Idaho, I barely paid attention. Which is a good thing, right? Means it wasn't TERRIBLE to find. And parking was easy! That, believe me, is a minor miracle sometimes.
What about the *stuff*? You know, Wi-Fi, the TV, the... general vibe of the place?
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. WiFi: surprisingly decent. I actually managed to work from my room (with a few dramatic internet outages, but that happens everywhere, right?). The TV? Uh, well, it worked. I didn’t watch much, honestly. Idaho Falls wasn’t about TV, it was about… well, being in Idaho. And feeling the FREEDOM. The vibe…wasn't overly pretentious. It felt… like a place *people lived* not just an anonymous corporate box. The overall vibe was… chill. Clean. Simple. Not much more you can ask for, considering how much I paid.
Let's talk about the *worst* thing. Gotta be something you hated, right?
Okay, deep breath. Here comes the honesty. The *worst* thing… hmm. Okay, this is nitpicky but… the bathroom lights were a little… harsh. Like, industrial-strength harsh. They weren’t exactly conducive to a relaxing bubble bath. (Which I didn't take in the first place, so maybe it doesn't matter!). And maybe, *maybe*, the complimentary coffee in the lobby wasn’t the best I've ever had. It was… coffee. (I'm a coffee snob, I admit it. I brought my own French press because I'm extra.) But honestly? That's it. Seriously. No screaming children, no rogue cockroaches, no… well, you get the idea. Things were… fine. More than fine.
Do they have... a pool? Because, let's be honest, swimming in a hotel pool is a core travel requirement.
Okay, the pool. This is where I get to be a bit of a hypocrite. Do they HAVE a pool? Yes. Did I use it? Nope. I'm more of a "sit on the porch and contemplate the meaning of life and the vastness of the universe" kind of person. But I *saw* it. It looked…clean. And there were some kids in there having a whale of a time. So, if you are a pool person? Go for it. I'm sure it's lovely. I just… I prefer the quiet solitude of my kitchenette. And my giant bag of potato chips.
Would you go back? Bottom line.
Okay, the big question: Would I go back? Yes. Absolutely, one hundred percent, yes. Here's the thing… I didn't expect to, you know? I booked it last minute, I wasn't expecting a miracle. But I am a changed woman, and I'm going back. No question. When I return, I'll unpack, and start working on writing. And I'll find myself on my little patio, sipping coffee and watching the sunset. It’s a steal for what you get, and I found absolute peace in a very simple apartment. I found that peace in the most random of places! Highly recommend!"
Anything Else? Any Deeply Hidden Regrets?
Okay... this is where I get REALLY honest. I *might* have lost one of my favorite earrings. Somewhere. In the room. I looked for hours. It was a tiny, gold-plated thing, and I can't find it anywhere. So, uh... if you find a tiny, gold earring in the IdahoSleep Stop Guide
