Route 66 Getaway: Clarion Inn Kingman's King-Sized Comfort!
Route 66 Getaway: Clarion Inn Kingman - King-Sized Comfort…Or Maybe It's Just Me? (A Rambling Review)
Okay, buckle up. Because I’m about to spill the beans – and maybe some complimentary coffee – about the Clarion Inn in Kingman, Arizona. They call it a "Route 66 Getaway," and yeah, it does feel like you're stepping back in time… in the best and… well, sometimes not the best way. Let's dive in, shall we? (And yes, I’m already caffeinated after hitting that free coffee station, which is a win in my book.)
Accessibility: Navigating the Desert Maze… or the Hotel Lobby?
Right, first things first: accessibility. Important stuff. The website claims to be wheelchair accessible, and from what I saw, they've made a decent effort. Elevators are a must, and the lobby appeared wide and open enough. I didn't need a wheelchair myself, but I was keeping an eye out for how things felt. They also had a bunch of facilities for disabled guests. Though, I wonder if there should be more clear signage about pathways. My experience wasn’t directly affected, but I always appreciate thoughtful design.
Cleanliness and Safety: Obsessed, Honestly?
Look, post-pandemic, we're ALL a little germ-averse, right? I’m not ashamed to admit I’m borderline obsessed with cleanliness. This is where the Clarion mostly delivered. They were screaming hygiene from every corner. Signage everywhere about hand sanitizer (which, thank god, they actually had available), and the staff definitely acted like they were trained in safety protocol.
I'm not sure if they actually used “anti-viral cleaning products,” but the rooms felt clean. They also had rooms sanitized between stays. I can't vouch for the "professional-grade sanitizing services," but I saw them cleaning, and that's half the battle. The Individually-wrapped food options were a nice touch at breakfast. And, you could opt-out of room sanitization if you were feeling brave. Good to have the choice.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast Buffets and… Well, Mostly That.
Ah, yes… the food. The breakfast was the main show here. It was… a buffet. A standard buffet, complete with your scrambled eggs, rubbery bacon (okay, I might be exaggerating… a little), and the ever-present fruit cocktail. There was a “Western breakfast,” which, in this context, seemed to mean more sausage. An "Asian breakfast," too. Intriguing! I didn't find an "International cuisine" and wasn't exactly expecting Le Bernardin.
They also had a coffee shop. God, I needed that coffee shop, since the complimentary stuff kept me awake. Speaking of coffee, that's where the "Bottle of water" came in handy. I drank a lot of water. And more coffee. It was a cycle.
There's a bar, too, but I didn't dabble. I did see a tiny "Snack bar," that I didn't investigate. However, the absence of a "Vegetarian restaurant" or even a dedicated vegetarian section at the breakfast (besides the fruit and a sad-looking bagel) was a bit disappointing for me.
Things to Do: Poolside Bliss…and Then What?
They had a pool! (Outdoor, of course!) And it looked…nice. I didn't get in, and that's my fault, to be honest. But the "Poolside bar" looked tempting, like a mirage on a hot day. Because Kingman is HOT.
As for the "Spa/sauna," the website claimed there was one, but sadly, I never found it. Maybe I missed a secret door? I also didn't see any "Spa," "Steamroom," "Fitness center", "massage," or "gym/fitness" to even confirm their existence.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects… and a Shrine?!
The usual suspects were there. Air conditioning (thank GOD!), daily housekeeping (bless their souls), and a front desk staffed 24-hours a day (important for the inevitable late-night coffee cravings). They also had a business center with "Xerox/fax" capabilities… and a lot of empty space, actually.
The "Dry cleaning" and "Laundry service" options were welcome. Car park [free of charge] was good, too.
BUT. The most bizarre thing? A tiny "Shrine." Why? Where? My curiosity was piqued. I didn't find it, but it added a lovely touch of mystery, that made me want to stay longer, just to find it.
For the Kids: Babysitting? Probably Not. But Kids’ Meals?
Okay, I don’t have kids, so I’m not the best judge here. But the presence of "Family/child friendly" and "Kids facilities" (I’m imagining a high chair now) suggests they cater to families. And they had "Kids meal." They didn’t have any "Babysitting service" though, which is important to know.
Available in All Rooms: The Essentials… and a Few Surprises.
The rooms… they were spacious. The "King-Sized Comfort" part is accurate. The bed was huge. They had "Air conditioning" and "Alarm clock." The "Free bottled water" was a lifesaver. They also offered "In-room safe box," if you are worried about your stuff.
The "Coffee/tea maker," was a plus. "Internet access – wireless" had to be used to write this review. "Ironing facilities," too.
But here’s where it gets a little weird… I found "Extra long bed" (excellent), "Sofa," and "Seating area." But! What's a "Bathroom phone" doing there? And the "Mirror"? The "Scale"?… So… I don't even know what to use.
Getting Around: Road Trip Ready
Plenty of "Car park [free of charge]." Airport transfer? Nah. Taxi service? Sure. Bicycles? Probably not.
Stuff I Forgot, But It's All Here, Honestly
(Deep breath)
- Internet: "Internet access – wireless" [Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!] – essential. They also had "Internet [LAN]" (for all those old-school laptops?), and "Internet services" (whatever that means).
- Services and conveniences: "Concierge" service, "Currency exchange," "Doorman," and a "Convenience store" (did I say I needed coffee?)
- Room Details: "Bathtub," "Blackout curtains," "Closet," "Complimentary tea," "Daily housekeeping," "Desk," "Hair dryer," "High floor," "Interconnecting room(s) available," "Ironing facilities," "Laptop workspace," "Linens," "Mini bar," "Mirror," "Non-smoking," "On-demand movies," "Private bathroom," "Reading light," "Refrigerator," "Safety/security feature," "Satellite/cable channels," "Seating area," "Separate shower/bathtub," "Shower," "Slippers," "Smoke detector," "Socket near the bed," "Sofa," "Soundproofing," "Telephone," "Toiletries," "Towels," "Umbrella," "Visual alarm," "Wake-up service," "Wi-Fi [free]," "Window that opens."
- Safety: "CCTV in common areas," "CCTV outside property," "Exterior corridor," "Fire extinguisher," "Smoker alarms," "Soundproof rooms," and "Security [24-hour]."
- Business: "Audio-visual equipment for special events," "Business facilities," "Invoice provided," "Ironing service," "Luggage storage," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Meetings," "Meeting stationery," "On-site event hosting," "Outdoor venue for special events," "Projector/LED display," "Safety deposit boxes," "Seminars," "Smoking area," "Terrace," "Wi-Fi for special events," "Xerox/fax in business center."
- Check-in/out: "Check-in/out [express]," "Check-in/out [private],"
The Verdict: Would I Return?
Look, this isn’t the Ritz, but the Clarion in Kingman is comfortable. It’s clean. The staff are friendly. And you are right on Route 66! It's definitely got that retro charm. And, they offered a “proposal spot” too! (I didn't use it though).
If you're looking for luxury, go somewhere else. If you want a good night's sleep, a decent breakfast, and a place to crash while exploring the Arizona desert, this is a perfectly solid choice. You might just find yourself feeling like you've stepped back in time…and that, my friends, is part of the Route 66 magic. Just don't expect a spa experience. Or that hidden shrine. Maybe I'll come back one day and find it. 3.5 stars. Maybe even 4, if they have a decent espresso machine
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This ain't your grandma's sanitized travel itinerary. This is me, attempting to wrangle a trip to the Clarion Inn Kingman, Kingman AZ, into something resembling a workable plan. And frankly, I’m already exhausted just thinking about it.
The Kingman Catastrophe (I mean, Adventure) Itinerary: A Clarion Inn Odyssey
Day 1: The Pre-Road Trip Panic & The Kingman Arrival
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The Pre-Trip Meltdown: This is normally when I’m supposed to pack. Instead, I'll probably be staring at the ceiling, questioning all my life choices that led me to this moment: the need for a vacation, the impulsive booking of a hotel in Kingman, the looming presence of I-40. Did I remember the phone charger? More importantly, did I remember to charge the phone charger? (Spoiler alert: Probably not.)
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Actually Pack (ish): Okay, fine. Into the bag goes… stuff. T-shirts, jeans I haven't worn since the Clinton administration (maybe), a book I intend to read, and a collection of snacks that will likely be devoured within the first hour of driving. My packing method is best described as organized chaos – or “organized” if you squint.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: The Great Car Loading Debacle: Luggage, snacks, the existential dread of travel…into the car it goes. This is where my car – a vehicle that I affectionately call “The Vomit Comet” due to its ability to accumulate random detritus – becomes a temporary storage unit/mobile garbage can. I swear, I'll find a long-lost sock and a half-eaten granola bar in there.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Drive (The Boredom Begins): The open road! Freedom!…and three hours of listening to podcasts and fighting traffic. My patience for other drivers wears thin very, very quickly. I’m pretty sure I saw someone texting while driving a semi-truck. The audacity!
- 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Kingman, We Have Landed (Finally): Arrive at the Clarion Inn. Okay, let's be honest, I'm hoping it's not a total dump. I'm picturing a slightly faded, but clean hotel. I'm preparing for the inevitable "Is that our room?" moment, followed by a quick assessment of the bathroom's cleanliness.
- 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Room Inspection and Hotel Shenanigans: Okay, the room. Deep breaths. Is it clean? The bedspread…is it suspiciously patterned to hide something? I’ll probably accidentally spill something on it within the first five minutes. Always happens. Then, the frantic search for the ice machine. I'll need the ice. Because…
- 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM: Pool Party (or Lack Thereof): Let's be real. The pool is probably either freezing cold or filled with kids who are cannonballing every three seconds. More likely, I will just stare at it and sigh. (Maybe order a pizza and eat it in the room while judging life choices.)
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner Disaster (Maybe): Time for some food. I've got a weakness for greasy Route 66 diners, hopefully, I can find a good one. Will the service be friendly? Will the food give me indigestion? Will I regret eating that extra piece of pie? Tune in to find out!
- 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Relaxation, or the Attempt Thereof: Attempt to relax. Maybe read that book. Probably scroll endlessly through social media. Definitely feel slightly guilty for not doing anything interesting.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep (Maybe): Pray the neighbors don't throw a wild party. Pray I can't hear the air conditioning. Pray I actually get some rest.
Day 2: Route 66 Reverie (and Minor Existential Crises)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Breakfast & Breakfast Rage: Free continental breakfast. The bane of my existence. I’m picturing lukewarm coffee, stale pastries, and a throng of overly enthusiastic tourists. I'll probably end up with a single, sad waffle and a lukewarm cup of coffee, and then complain about it the entire day.
- 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Route 66 Pilgrimage (and the Search for Authentic Americana): Okay, this is the reason I’m here! Route 66! The Mother Road! I need that authentic experience! I want to feel the ghosts of the past! And I will take a picture in front of that damn "Historic Route 66" sign. However, I am aware I will also encounter kitsch, tacky souvenirs, and the general disappointment that comes with chasing a romanticized version of reality.
- 10:00 AM -12:00 PM: The Route 66 Museum Overload: This is where my plans might fall apart. I'll probably end up completely overwhelmed by the amount of information. Will my brain handle it? This is where the trip has to be worth it.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch Frenzy: Time for more food! Preferably something greasy and delicious. Maybe a burger at a roadside diner? Or, if I'm feeling adventurous, I might try to make my own sandwiches with the bread and cheese I overpacked.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Driving and Reflecting: More driving on Route 66. Maybe stop at some odd roadside attractions. Maybe have a profound conversation with myself (or the radio.) I'll analyze my life. What am I doing? What is my purpose? Seriously. Deep thoughts, or just me being hangry.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Souvenir Shopping & Regret: This is where I buy the Route 66 t-shirt I'll never wear. Maybe a postcard, a magnet…the guilt will be real. Do I really need another tacky souvenir? The answer is always YES.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Back to the Hotel: Sigh. Back to the Clarion. Maybe the pool is less crowded. Probably not.
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Wind Down & The Internet: I spend this time connecting to the world.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner: Another attempt at a decent meal.
- 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM: Evening Entertainment: This is where I'll probably sit in the hotel room and browse Netflix. If I’m feeling ambitious, I might venture out for a night cap at a local bar. It's a low chance, though.
- 9:00 PM: Sleeping: My body will need rest.
Day 3: The Departure & the Post-Vacation Blues (Incoming!)
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Breakfast Shuffle (Again): Repeat Day 2's breakfast routine. Except this time, the coffee will definitely be colder.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Packing & Checking Out: Packing: take 2. More efficiently this time? Doubtful. Check out: "Is everything okay with your stay?" Me: forced smile, a nod, and a hasty escape.
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: The Long Road Home (or The Great Escape): Driving. Podcast intake. Contemplating the meaning of life. Wishing I had more vacation days. The usual.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch Stop: A final taste of the road. Burger, maybe? Or just a bag of chips from the gas station.
- 2:00 PM on: Home!
- The Post-Vacation Blues will kick in, and I can't stop thinking about where to go next!
- The End… (Until the next planned catastrophe, I mean, adventure).
So, there you have it. A slightly chaotic, probably unrealistic, and definitely honest look at my Kingman, Arizona “adventure.” Wish me luck. I have a feeling I’ll need it. And hey, if you see a slightly frazzled person squinting at a map and muttering to themselves on Route 66, it's probably me. Come say hi. I'll probably need a friend. And maybe some ice for my head.
Okay, so how do I actually get to this Clarion Inn in Kingman? Is it even obvious? Because sometimes I get lost in my own driveway...
Alright, first off, breathe. You're on a Route 66 adventure, not a rocket launch. Getting to the Clarion Inn Kingman is pretty darn straightforward. It's *on* Route 66, remember? That helps. But here's the lowdown: You'll likely be coming from the east or west (obviously). Just follow the iconic asphalt artery, and you'll find it. It's right there on the main drag, kinda hard to miss unless you're busy gawking at giant fiberglass Muffler Men (which, let's be honest, is totally forgivable). If GPS is your trusty sidekick, punch in the address (I'm not your GPS, look it up!), and you'll be golden. Just... watch out for the occasional tumbleweed, okay? They're less friendly than they look.
Ugh, check-in times. Are we talking 'arrive at 3 PM sharp or get banished to the dust bowl' strict? I'm terrible at planning.
Check-in, yeah, that dance. Okay, from what I recall (it was a while back, my memory's starting to resemble a Swiss cheese), it's usually around 3 PM. But life, as they say, happens. If you're early, plead your case nicely! The folks at the front desk are usually pretty cool, especially if you're sporting a Route 66 grin and a story about almost missing the Grand Canyon the day before (hypothetically, of course... maybe). Late? No sweat, call ahead! They're not going to leave you stranded on the side of the road. Unless, you know, you were being *really* difficult during the reservation process. Let's not be *that* person.
What about parking? Do I have to wrestle with a herd of Harleys for a spot?
Parking? Generally, it's plentiful. I didn't recall a massive parking-lot brawl breaking out during my stay. Lots of spaces, enough for your car, your motorcycle, your vintage convertible – whatever road-trip chariot you roll in. It's not like some big-city hotel where you spend half an hour circling the block. However, on big event weekends – like any Route 66-themed festival, or motorcycle rallies, things can get crowded. Best bet? Arrive early, especially if you're driving a monster truck. Or maybe just, you know, ask about parking before you book during events?
King-sized comfort, huh? Is this a *real* king bed, or a glorified double with a slightly wider sheet? Because I need my space. I snore. Loudly.
Alright, deep breaths, snorer! From what I remember, yes, the "king-sized" claim held some water. It was a bonafide, big, comfy king bed. *Important Note:* I stayed in a room with a king. Results may vary. I mean, always check when booking! But yeah, generally, the rooms are spacious enough to not feel like you're sleeping in a shoebox. And hopefully, your bedmate won’t be dodging your sonic snores. Consider earplugs. For *them*, of course.
What's the deal with the pool? Is it a sad little rectangle, or actually worth a dip after a day of driving?
The pool… Ah, the pool. Okay, so it's not the Bellagio fountain. But! It's a perfectly respectable pool. Clean, refreshing, and just what you need after baking under the desert sun. It’s rectangular, yes, but it’s not *sad*. There are usually loungers scattered about, perfect for soaking up the last rays of the day. Is it gigantic? No. Is it glorious? Probably not. But it *is* there, and if you like a little poolside bliss, it'll do the trick. And honestly, sometimes that's all you need. Just don't expect a swim-up bar. This isn't Cancun, folks.
Free breakfast? Is it the usual sad hotel fare, or does it, you know, *actually* fuel you up for a day on the road? Because coffee is non-negotiable.
Breakfast… The eternal hotel breakfast dilemma. Okay, let’s be real. Don't go expecting gourmet. But, yes, I remember a free breakfast and it was… adequate. Continental style, mostly. Think waffles you get to make (that's fun!), fruit, cereal, the usual suspects. Coffee? Plentiful. And that's the most important part, right? Fuel for the adventure. It's not a Michelin-star brunch, but it'll get you going. Just don't expect artisanal sourdough. You're on Route 66, not in San Francisco.
Okay, location. Is it close to, you know, *things*? Like, can I walk to a decent diner? Because I live for diner food.
Location, location, location! The Clarion Inn is pretty well-situated for a Route 66 stop. It's right on the road, remember? Now, walkable? Hmm... to a *decent* diner? That depends on your definition of "walkable." There are places nearby, but I wouldn't call it a stroll. Best bet? Drive a couple of minutes. Kingman is Route 66 central, so you'll be surrounded by diners. Do your research, see what strikes your fancy, and hop in the car. This is road trip life! And trust me, diner food is the cornerstone of any good Route 66 adventure!
Is there anything to *do* in Kingman besides drive Route 66? I mean, are there any quirky attractions or roadside oddities worth a stop?
Ah, the million-dollar question! Besides the obvious Route 66 pilgrimage, Kingman has some gems. There's the Mohave Museum of History and Arts, which is worth a peek if you're into local history. I recall being surprisingly engrossed in some exhibit about the early pioneers. There's a great historic district, and lots of the classic roadside stuff. You're in the heart of the Americana experience, embrace it! Drive towards the mountains! Explore. Get lost. Kingman is your starting point... or the end of it, depending.
Any must-know tips or things to avoid? Road trip wisdom appreciated!
Okay,
