Unbelievable Merritt Escape: Best Western Plus Merritt Hotel Awaits!
Unbelievable Merritt Escape: Best Western Plus Merritt Hotel Awaits! (Or Does It?) - A Rambling Review
Alright, buckle up, because I just got back from the Best Western Plus Merritt Hotel, and lemme tell you, it's a whole experience. "Unbelievable Merritt Escape" they call it, huh? Well, let's unpack this escape, shall we? I’m gonna be honest, I'm still processing… it's like a weird, slightly off-kilter dream, but with free Wi-Fi.
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The Grand Entrance (and My First Moment of Confusion):
Okay, first things first. Accessibility: They say it’s accessible. And… yeah, there's an elevator. Good start! I think the website said "wheelchair accessible" rooms. And the front desk (friendly enough, I'll give them that) seemed to know their stuff. It’s always tricky, though, isn’t it? Because "accessible" can mean so many things. I mean, getting from the elevator to the pool… well, let's just say my friend with the walker had a moment navigating the hallway. Nothing major, but definitely not a perfectly smooth ride.
Quick Rating: Accessibility – 3.5 out of 5… mostly because they try.
Internet & the Curse of Hotel Wi-Fi:
Internet access: Yes, finally! Definitely important! They are proud of their free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (And they should be, honestly.) Internet (LAN) – I didn’t try it. Who has a LAN cable these days? Internet services – basic, I think. I mean I got connected. Wi-Fi in public areas – good coverage in the lobby. So, the Wi-Fi? Worked… most of the time. There were a few moments of… "buffering" during a crucial Zoom call. Let's just say my boss got to see the ceiling of my hotel room. It’s a story for another day.
Quick Rating: Wi-Fi – 3.5 out of 5. Reliable for basic stuff, but don't bank on it for major online events.
Things to Do (and Things I Didn’t Do, But Probably Should Have):
Okay, here's where it gets interesting. So, they have a Fitness center. I, uh, saw it. It looked… functional. I opted for the "walk around the block" approach instead. Then, the Spa and Spa/sauna! I was actually looking forward to this. They offered Body wraps. Body scrubs. A Foot bath. But the timing just didn't work out on my end. (And the thought of getting wrapped in seaweed after a day on the highway made me a little queasy, honestly.) They have a Swimming pool and a Swimming pool (though, I think they might be the same one). It even has a Pool with a view! Sadly, I didn’t manage to get myself together and did not enjoy it. They also have a Sauna and a Steamroom.
Quick Rating for Things I DIDN'T Do (Which is all of them): I guess I'll just give this a 2/5, because, like, the potential was there. And I heard someone raving about the pool, especially during the sunset…
Cleanliness and Safety - Hygiene certification, check. Anti-viral cleaning products, check. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Look, they are trying. They are doing the thing. I mean, the world is a germ-fest right now, and I saw staff cleaning, sanitizing, and generally trying to keep things spick and span. There's Hand sanitizer everywhere, and they had even had Individually-wrapped food options! Room sanitization opt-out available – (nice to have the choice). Staff trained in safety protocol – they seemed competent enough. Rooms sanitized between stays – good. Safe dining setup – (more on that in a sec).
Quick Rating for Cleanliness & Safety: 4/5. They are taking it seriously, and I appreciate that.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Where Things Got Slightly Muddled):
Okay. Here’s where the Unbelievable part starts to feel… well, believable.
They have Restaurants (plural!). A Coffee shop. A Bar. Pretty standard, right? Asian breakfast. Asian cuisine in restaurant. Western breakfast Western cuisine in restaurant. The Breakfast [buffet] promised a feast, but was unfortunately slightly depleted looking each morning. They have Coffee/tea in restaurant and even Desserts in restaurant. I'm going to single out my experience in the restaurant. The website says "Enjoy our award-winning cuisine in a casual atmosphere." And it also says "Coffee/tea in restaurant." Well, the service was…let’s just say it was a journey. The staff seemed happy enough, but I think they were also a bit overwhelmed. My coffee came… eventually. The pancake was… ok. (Buffet in restaurant). They were also A la carte in restaurant. Salad in restaurant. Soup in restaurant. Happy hour. The Poolside bar looked tempting but I never seemed to get there. Room service [24-hour]: a lifesaver given the restaurant situation.
The food itself wasn’t terrible. It wasn't amazing either. Think… decent hotel food. Edible? Yes. Memorable? Probably not. And the whole experience felt a little…uncoordinated. I saw the Bottle of water, thankfully. And the Snack bar was also good.
Quick Rating for Dining: 2.5/5. Needs some work. But the staff were doing their best, bless their hearts.
Services and Conveniences (The Good, the Odd, and the Missing):
The usual suspects: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, a Convenience store (handy for snacks). They had an Elevator which was again helpful. Car park [free of charge]. They offered Airport transfer, which I didn't use, but it’s good to know. There were Facilities for disabled guests, although, as I said, not always perfect. I forgot to ask about the Concierge, haha.
Then things get… interesting. They have a Shrine – which I’ve never, ever seen in a Best Western before. (Cue intense curiosity.) Cash withdrawal – good to know. A Gift/souvenir shop. They have Meetings and Meeting/banquet facilities. Even Indoor venue for special events. Outdoor venue for special events. Audio-visual equipment for special events and Wi-Fi for special events, which made me wonder, “What kind of events are they hosting in Merritt, BC?!" I also saw a Terrace.
Quick Rating for Services: 3/5. (The Shrine bumps it up a point purely out of intrigue.)
For the Kids:
Family/child friendly - check. They had Kids facilities and offered Babysitting service. I didn't utilize any of this though.
Quick Rating: 3/5 (for effort, I assume… I don’t have kids, so my knowledge is limited).
Available in All Rooms (The Standard Stuff, But Important):
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary tea
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – wireless (Again, praise!)
- Ironing facilities
- Mini bar (didn’t try it)
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- Private bathroom
- Refrigerator
- Satellite/cable channels
- Seating area
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Socket near the bed
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens
Quick Rating: 4/5 –
Nana's Cebu Paradise: Entire House, Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to take a deep dive – a glorious, messy, beautiful dive – into my potential Merritt, BC, adventure, specifically at the Best Western Plus. This isn't your polished travel brochure, honey. This is real. So, here we go:
Merritt Mishap: A Best Western Rhapsody
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (and a Whole Lot of "Oh Dear")
- 1:00 PM: Arrival at Best Western Plus Merritt. Okay, so the drive was… well, it was a drive. Let's just say the "scenic route" (read: Google Maps's desperate attempt to avoid a truck on the Coquihalla) added about an hour. I arrived, sweaty and slightly hangry (a dangerous combo, trust me). The front desk lady was super sweet, bless her heart. But the key card? Took me like, five tries. I swear I could feel my inner travel snob starting to twitch.
- 1:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance. The room… well, it's a room. Clean, mostly. The pillows, however, appear to have witnessed the Cretaceous period. Seriously, they're flatter than a pancake that's been sat on by a velociraptor. I'm already regretting not packing my memory foam travel pillow. And the carpet? Let's just say I'm picturing all the spilled coffees and rogue cookie crumbs of years gone by.
- 2:00 PM: Poolside Meltdown (of Bliss). Okay, the pool. THIS is where the trip started to get interesting. Firstly, it's indoor, which is a godsend. The water is wonderfully warm, like a giant, chlorine-scented hug. I spent a solid hour floating, pretending I was a majestic manatee. There was a toddler cannonballing into the shallow end every thirty seconds, and a couple aggressively flirting in the hot tub (loudly, by the way), but I didn't care. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Found myself grinning like an idiot. This whole "vacation" thing might actually work out!
- 3:00 PM: Snack Attack. Remember the hangry? Yeah, that's back. Raided the vending machine. Two bags of chips. A chocolate bar. And, judging by the expiry date, something that might be a granola bar. (I'm living on the edge, people!) Ate them all in about five minutes.
- 4:00 PM: Merritt Meanderings (and Map Mishaps). Time to explore! Or so I thought. Armed with Google Maps and a burning desire for an ice cream, I set off. Found myself wandering aimlessly for a good half hour. Apparently, "take a left at the big tree" is not a universal navigational tool. Finally, found a little ice cream shop. Delicious. Celebrated the fact that I didn't get lost!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner Debacle (and Chicken-Fried Salvation). Okay, this needs its own paragraph. Dinner. Went to a "local favorite" (according to Yelp, which is always a gamble). Ordered the chicken-fried steak because, why not? Expectations: modest. Reality: massive. This thing was a monster. It was bigger than my head, and as I surveyed the enormous platter and mounds of mashed potato, I considered just running away. It was greasy, salty, and utterly, delightfully wrong. I ate the whole thing. Every last bite. I’m not proud. But it was delicious. Maybe I need a nap now.
- 8:00 PM: Hotel Room Hibernate. Back in the room. Staring at the prehistoric pillows. Watching some truly terrible TV. Feeling… relaxed? Exhausted? Probably both. This whole "living the dream" thing is tiring!
Day 2: The Quest for the Perfect Coffee and the Triumph of the Ordinary
- 7:00 AM: Coffee Catastrophe (and Redemption). The hotel's "complimentary breakfast." I braced myself. The coffee… well, it tasted of disappointment and regret. It was an absolute crime against caffeine. Thankfully, there was a tiny coffee shop down the road, and it had the elixir of life. Ordered a ridiculously large latte and spent a glorious half-hour sipping it and watching the world (and my own inner grumbles) slowly wake up.
- 8:00 AM: Nicola Valley Exploration. Decided I would embrace the local. Went to the Nicola Valley Museum & Archives. Truthfully, I figured I'd barely glance through the place, but I actually enjoyed it. I found myself fascinated by the local Indigenous art. The exhibit about the local history was incredibly insightful. It was a nice reminder that there is always more to explore.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch and the (Ongoing) Search for Local Flavor. Okay, I am obsessed with finding the truly local food. I'm always hesitant, but it's necessary. I ended up at a place that, let’s just say, had seen better days. The food was, well, it wasn't awful. But it wasn't exactly memorable, either. (I'm starting to think Merritt is just a place of understated culinary delights). The real highlight was the waitress whose hair was slightly more chaotic than my own and who was clearly having the time of her life. It was the best part of my day.
- 2:00 PM: Gold Panning – The Absolute Best Thing Ever (and a Bit of a Disaster). Alright, buckle up. I was adamant about trying my hand at gold panning. I picture myself, a rugged adventurer, pulling glistening nuggets from the river. Reality? I spent about an hour bent over in a creek, covered in mud, with absolutely nothing to show for it except a sore back and a profound respect for gold prospectors. But, and this is important, I had the time of my life! Found myself laughing at the utter absurdity of it all. Completely lost track of time and almost didn't make it back for dinner.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner, Rebound, and Self-Reflection. Back at the Best Western. The dinner was "okay" - nothing to write home about, but it fills the void. Thinking back on the day. It was a total mess. But also, it was perfect. The gold panning was a disaster, but it was also the highlight of the whole trip. I'm learning that being imperfect, that being a little ridiculous, is actually the best part of traveling. The most memorable experiences are usually the ones that don't go as planned.
- 8:00 PM: Quiet Room, Loud Thoughts. Back in the room. The pillows are still terrible. But I. don't. care. This time, I feel a sense of peace. The trip is a disaster, but I am actually smiling.
Day 3: Departure and the lingering scent of adventure (and probably chlorine)
- 8:00 AM: Farewell Breakfast (and the End of an Era). The complimentary breakfast again. The coffee still disappoints. But I load up my plate with their breakfast options, knowing I'll miss it.
- 9:00 AM: Last Minute Merritt Moments. Doing all the last-minute things: buying souvenirs, taking in the views, smiling, and soaking up the last moments of the trip.
- 10:00 AM: Check Out and Reflect. The checkout was swift, which was a nice change of pace. I feel like I left a little piece of myself in that room.
- 11:00 AM: The Long Road Home. Heading back. I'll miss the pool, the chaos, the imperfect dinners, and the overwhelming feeling of "home" that I got from a perfectly imperfect trip. I’ll miss the beauty of the outdoors. And who knows, maybe I’ll even miss those terrible pillows.
See? Messy. Honest. Hilarious (at least I hope so). Absolutely human. And that's the beauty of travel, isn't it? It's not about the perfect itinerary or the flawless execution. It's about the spills, the wrong turns, the questionable food, and the unexpected moments of joy. It's about the messy, beautiful, utterly imperfect human experience. And, you know what? I can't wait to do it all again.
Indonesian Paradise: Soetomo Hospital's BEST Syariah Homestay!
Unbelievable Merritt Escape FAQ: Best Western Plus Merritt Hotel Awaits! (Or Does It?)
So, "Unbelievable Merritt Escape"... what *actually* makes it "unbelievable?" I mean, it's Merritt.
Okay, fair point. Merritt isn't exactly the Bahamas. But listen, you're driving for hours, and suddenly, BAM! Mountains. Fresh air. The promise of... well, *something*. "Unbelievable" might be stretching it a tad, like maybe a rubber band before it snaps. But what's unbelievable is how good that Best Western bed *felt* after road-tripping. Let's face it, after eight hours of staring at the road, even a cardboard box would feel luxurious. This "Unbelievable" part is more aspirational than factual, like those Instagram influencers promising you riches after you buy their latest e-book. But hey, the potential! The *hope*! (And the coffee maker...)
Is the Best Western Plus really the... plus? Like, is it worth the extra few bucks over a Motel 6?
Alright, this is where things get real. The "Plus" part is a gamble, folks. Sometimes, it's a definite upgrade. Free breakfast with *actual* decent coffee? Score! A pool that doesn't look like it's been maintained by a sentient algae bloom? Bonus! But then... other times? Well, let's just say my last encounter with a "Plus" involved a flickering TV, a mysteriously stained carpet, and the ghost of a bacon smell that lingered for *days*. Merritt's Best Western? Honestly? Worth it. The breakfast buffet was, dare I say, *gleeful*. The pool was... cleanish. No ghosts of bacon, that I could detect. So, yeah. Go for the "Plus." Just... keep your expectations *slightly* tempered, you know?
What's the deal with the surrounding area? Anything to actually *do* in Merritt? (Besides sleep... obviously.)
Okay, this is where I have to be honest, with all my messy, imperfect humanity. Look, if you're expecting the Louvre, you've got the wrong place. Merritt isn't exactly overflowing with cultural experiences that'll blow your mind. BUT! There's potential! The Nicola Valley is stunning, if you actually get *out* of the hotel room. Hiking? Yes! Fishing? Absolutely! I tried fishing once... caught a stick. Embarrassing. Also, the local bar, I think it was called the "Vegas Club"... had karaoke. And the karaoke was... an experience. I wouldn't call it "unbelievable" in the same way as the hotel is, but the people watching was top-notch. Okay? Go with that... and be prepared for *anything*.
Breakfast… is there a continental option? And is it… sad?
Breakfast... it's the moment of truth, isn't it? The Continental is always... well, a *gamble*. You've got the stale muffins, the questionable pastries, and the instant coffee that tastes suspiciously like brown water. My advice? Scope it out before you commit. Peek behind the curtain. See if they've got those little yogurt parfaits with granola... or maybe, just *maybe*, a waffle maker. Because a waffle maker can change everything. It's the beacon of hope in a sea of mediocrity! My experience at the Merritt Best Western? Actually, surprisingly good. The waffles? Crisp. The coffee? Drinkable. The fruit? Well… it *was* there. So, yeah, not sad. Not sad at all. Considerably better than the sad, limp breakfast I usually slap together at home. That alone makes the "Unbelievable Merritt Escape" worth it.
Let's talk about the pool. Is it a mosquito breeding ground? Or a potential source of joy?
Okay, the pool. Pools can make or break a hotel experience. Let’s be honest, the pool is high up on the list. Last time I went to a Best Western, I looked at the pool and immediately noped. It felt like a graveyard for chlorine, with about seven dead bugs floating in the water. Ick. It was so bad that I actually felt bad for the bugs. But Merritt's? Let's just say, it was... fine. Yes, I saw a few leaves. Yes, I smelled chlorine. But it was mostly clean and the water didn't look like the toxic sludge I usually expect. I even caught a few rays, after carefully checking the water for anything that looked like it was moving. So, joy? Maybe not *pure* joy. But definitely better than despair. Score.
The room itself… What’s the vibe? Clean? Dated? Haunted by the ghosts of previous guests?
Okay, let's delve into the heart of the matter: the room. The key, the door swings open... and you're greeted by... what? The smell is critical; an over-the-top air freshener instantly makes it feel less clean. The Merritt Best Western was... not bad. Seriously. Usually, I'm anticipating a time warp to 1987, complete with floral wallpaper and a brown, scratchy bedspread. But the room was, thankfully, fairly modern. Okay, "modern" in the context of a road-trip motel, but still. Neutral colors. Not a single floral pattern in sight! The bed was comfy, and that's the MOST important thing. The only ghost I encountered was the fleeting memory of a previous guest's questionable taste in TV shows, flickering from the screen. So, mostly clean, decent vibes, and a bed you'll happily collapse into after a long day. That's a win in my book. Pure, unadulterated win.
I have to ask. The wifi? Decent? Or dial-up era slow?
Ah, wifi. The bane of the modern traveler. We're talking about a Best Western in Merritt, not a Silicon Valley tech hub. Expecting blazing-fast internet? Approach with caution. However, and I swear this is true, the wifi in Merritt's Best Western was surprisingly... functional. I managed to stream a movie, which, considering my past experiences, is practically a miracle. Was it perfect? No. Did it buffer a couple of times? Yes. Did I want to throw my laptop out the window at one point? Possibly. But hey, I got to actually *watch* the movie. That, in itself, is a victory. Just temper your expectations, and maybe download some stuff beforehand, just to be safe. Seriously. You might need some offline entertainment to save your sanity.
Overall... Would you recommend it? Be brutally honest.
Okay, the brutally honest truth? Yes. For a road trip stopover, a quick getaway, or maybe even just a break from reality... the Best Western Plus in Merritt, is a solid choice. Is it the pinnacle of luxury? Absolutely not. But it'5 Star Stay Find
