Wenatchee's BEST Hotel? This Downtown Gem Will SHOCK You!
Wenatchee's BEST Hotel? This Downtown Gem Will SHOCK You! (And Maybe Make You Pee a Little)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to drop some truth bombs about the supposed "best" hotel in Wenatchee. This isn't your typical, sterile, PR-approved review. This is a full-on, warts-and-all, sometimes-slightly-manic account of my stay. And let me tell you, "shock" is a good word for it.
Accessibility - Because Everyone Deserves Comfort (and No Stairs, Please!)
Okay, first things first. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I am a fan of hotels that aren't like climbing Mount Everest to reach your room. Thankfully, this place is a solid "yes" on the accessibility front. Wheelchair accessible? Check! Elevator? Double check! They seem to have thought about the important stuff. I did notice the exterior corridor was blessedly wide, making navigating with luggage a breeze (and, you know, avoiding a potential tumble). So, Gold star here, because a smooth entry sets the tone for a chill stay.
Cleanliness and Safety - Because Germs Are the Devil
Look, let's be real. We're still battling that pesky COVID thing. I'm a germaphobe in disguise, so this section is crucial. They’re clearly putting in effort, which is a huge relief. Anti-viral cleaning products? Yep. Rooms sanitized between stays? Apparently so. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. Everyone was masked up and seemed reasonably aware of…you know…personal space. I saw hand sanitizer stations everywhere, which always wins me over. I’d rate this as “solidly decent” – not perfect, but better than many. The daily disinfection in common areas felt reassuring too. My OCD brain breathed a sigh of relief.
Available in all rooms!: This includes, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, 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. These are all essential, especially the blackout curtains!
Getting Around - Parking, Please! (And Maybe Someone to Fetch My Car?)
Okay, parking is often the bane of my existence. Let's be honest. But guess what? Car park [free of charge]! Boom. Score one for the hotel. There's also car park [on-site], so you, can't go wrong.. There’s even valet parking, if you're feeling fancy. Airport transfer wasn't necessary for me this time, but it's good to know it's an option.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Because Food is Life (And Sometimes You Just Need a Drink)
This is where things get…interesting. They boast a lot of options. Multiple restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop, and even a snack bar. The restaurants appeared to have a good mix: International cuisine sounds, Buffet in restaurant and I liked a Western cuisine - this one was a win. The Poolside bar was closed during my visit, which was a total bummer.
Here comes the anecdote: I decided to brave the Asian cuisine in restaurant. Now, I'm not saying it was bad, but the General Tso's chicken tasted suspiciously like something I'd find frozen in a supermarket. The ambiance was…well, let's just say "underwhelming." I had to ask for a bottle of water three times before it appeared. The Happy hour was a decent deal, though, and the bartender was actually pretty awesome. He mixed a killer margarita. It was my saving grace. I really appreciated the basic things, like the Coffee/tea in restaurant, and Desserts in restaurant, which I would recommend.
**Important side note:. I really appreciated that they had alternative meal arrangement that was very kind of them.
Pool with view, I never used, but I heard amazing things.
A la carte in restaurant was awesome.
Room service [24-hour] was a true lifesaver after a long day.
Things to Do - Relaxation Station! (Or Trying to Find Some Sanity)
Okay, so this hotel REALLY tries to sell the relaxation vibe. They have a spa, and a sauna, a steamroom, massage, and a fitness center. The Pool with view looked amazing (though, as I said, I didn't personally partake).
- Body scrub, Body wrap and Foot bath I will review next time.
The Gym/fitness was on the smaller side, but seemed to have the basics. I skipped it this time, because…well, margaritas.
Services and Conveniences - Because Life's Too Short to Iron Your Own Shirt
This section is about those little things that elevate a hotel from "meh" to "kinda fancy." They have concierge, which is always helpful. Daily housekeeping was excellent. They even offer dry cleaning and laundry service, a major plus if you're traveling for a while. Cash withdrawal is available. I found the convenience store especially welcome because I discovered I had forgotten my toothbrush, a major inconvenience.
Internet Access - Because We’re All Glued to Our Screens, Admit It.
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! The Wi-Fi in the public areas also worked, which is a good thing for checking emails or doing a little work on your laptop. The speed was decent, no complaints.
Rooms - My Personal Oasis (Or, Where I Hide From the World)
My room was…nice. The air conditioning worked like a charm. Blackout curtains were an absolute lifesaver (sleep is precious, people!). The bed was comfy: I slept like a log. It had all the usual suspects: television, hair dryer and coffee maker. I will say it was a spacious enough for a relaxing evening.
The "SHOCK" Factor
Here's the thing. This hotel isn't perfect. The decor is a bit…safe. Some of the food could use a serious upgrade. But, and it's a big but, the staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. That matters. And honestly, for Wenatchee, this place delivers a pretty solid experience. It might not blow your mind, but it will make you feel comfortable, safe, and relatively pampered.
So, would I recommend it? Yes. With asterisks. Lower your expectations on the food, and prepare for a slightly underwhelming aesthetic. But embrace the comfy bed, the friendly staff, and the clean environment, and you'll have yourself a genuinely pleasant stay. I’d certainly stay again. In fact, I might even call them tomorrow. I need a margarita. And a good night’s sleep.
Escape to Olive Branch: Your Perfect Stay Awaits at Quality Inn!Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to get the REAL Wenatchee experience, Best Western Plus style. Forget those pristine, cookie-cutter itineraries – this is the messy, glorious reality of travel, seasoned with a healthy dose of my own questionable decisions and emotional rollercoaster.
My Wenatchee Wrangle: A Best Western Blowout (with a side of chaos)
Day 1: Arrival & Apple Mania (with a dash of existential dread)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Best Western Plus Wenatchee Downtown. Okay, first impressions. The lobby… it's… clean. And, air-conditioned. Praise be. You know, after a four-hour drive, the simple fact of a functioning air conditioner feels like a personal victory. Check-in was smooth, which is always a relief. Nothing worse than a pre-vacation battle with the front desk.
- 1:30 PM: Room scramble! My room has a slightly too beige aesthetic. Does anyone actually like beige? I’m already plotting how to introduce some color via strategically placed souvenir purchases. Also, balcony – score!
- 2:00 PM: Time for apple exploration! Because, Wenatchee. I heard rumor there's an orchard downtown so I went to find it. Now, if I were a smart person, I would have Googled. Instead, I wandered aimlessly for a good 20 minutes under the merciless sun, feeling the first twinges of sunburn. Finally, I saw a sign for "Pybus Public Market". Okay, that's not an orchard. It's a market. With… everything. I swear, my jaw dropped when I walked inside. So many apples! And apple cider donuts. And apple pie! And apple everything. It's a religious experience, people. I swear, I'm not usually this easily swayed by fruit.
- 3:30 PM: I spent way too long at the market than I should have. I also dropped my donut, which then got a little squashed under my sandal. It was a profound moment of sadness. I ate it anyway. Priorities.
- 4:00 PM: Okay, the orchard mission is still a go. I need those perfect Instagram shots, dammit! Ask the front desk for directions, after all… that's what they're there for, right?
- 4:30 PM: The orchard. Finally. Mission Accomplished! I’m now buried knee-deep in fallen apples, taking photos. Feeling like a total Instagram influencer, while secretly hoping a goat won’t eat my camera.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Shower. The water pressure is decent! Thank goodness.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant (TBD - I’m going to wing it!). Feeling optimistic. Or, maybe it's just the sugar from the apple cider donuts talking…
Day 2: River Rambles & Mountain Mayhem (or, "I Almost Drowned and it was Awesome")
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the Best Western. This is where things get real. Standard continental fare. Waffles. Cereal. The usual suspects. Pro tip: Don't go overboard on the toast. It will haunt you later.
- 9:00 AM: Okay, a plan. I'm gonna go explore the Columbia River. I've heard it's beautiful… which it is. I found a spot near the park and just walked along the water's edge, feeling the sun on my face. Absolute bliss. Now, for the kayaking.
- 10:00 AM: Kayak rental time! I've kayaked before, but apparently, not well enough. This is how things devolve. I’m out on the Columbia, feeling like a graceful swan. Then, the wind happens. I’m suddenly fighting for my life against the current, paddling in circles, and getting drenched by rogue waves. Seriously, I was about 10 seconds from calling for help. It wasn't pretty.
- 11:30 AM: I survived! I swear, I went from a graceful swan to a flailing, waterlogged mess in about 2 minutes. My arms are screaming, my clothes are clinging, but I'm alive! And, honestly? Freaking exhilarating. I earned my lunch today.
- 12:30 PM: Quick lunch. I grabbed a sandwich and literally inhaled it. Then I sat in my car with the AC blasting, trying to dry off.
- 2:00 PM: This is where the "mountain mayhem" comes in. The plan was a hike. I did zero research. I just picked what looked like the “easiest” trail. Big mistake. It was steep, it was hot, and I almost passed out. I’m pretty sure I saw a coyote eyeing me. I'm not sure who was more freaked out - the coyote or me.
- 5:00 PM: Returned to the Best Western. Collapse. I'm convinced I burned more calories hiking than I consumed all weekend.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Pizza. Because, carbs. And because I deserve it. And probably because I'm still slightly traumatized by the mountain.
Day 3: Farewell & Reflections (and a desperate plea to the dry cleaners)
- 8:00 AM: Strolling through the hotel lobby, I noticed a weird smell. I have no idea what it was, but it made me question everything.
- 9:00 AM: One last breakfast. This time I'm strategic about the toast.
- 10:00 AM: Souvenir shopping. I buy a sticker that says "I Survived Wenatchee." It’s perfect.
- 11:00 AM: Checkout. The front desk staff is incredibly nice. They probably had to deal with a lot of waterlogged hikers and sunburned fruit fanatics this weekend. Props to them.
- 12:00 PM: Departure. As I drive away, I look in the rearview mirror. The Best Western. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't fancy. But, you know what? It was home. And it was an adventure. I’m exhausted, sunburnt, and probably need a dry cleaner. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Wenatchee, you were a beautiful, messy, and totally worth it!
Okay, spill it. Is this place REALLY the "BEST" in Wenatchee? Don't hold back!
Alright, alright, settle down. "BEST" is a big claim, right? Look, I’ve stayed in some dumps in my life. Seriously, places where the "luxury" consisted of a slightly less-stained comforter. This place? Let's just say my expectations were low after reading that "SHOCK" headline. Because I’ve been shocked before. In a bad way. In reality, it's... pretty darn good. Like, I actually *liked* it. The location, smack-dab in downtown, is killer. You can practically stumble out the door and be at a brewery within five minutes. And the rooftop bar? That's where things got interesting...
The rooftop bar... spill the tea! What's the vibe?
Oh man, the rooftop bar. Okay, here’s what happened… I got there a little early, and already, there were like, *actual* people – not just the usual after-work-zombie-shuffle crowd. And the view, people. Holy moly. The Columbia River just spreads out before you like a big ol' shiny ribbon. Sunset? Forget about it. Instagram-worthy for sure, if you're into that whole thing. The drinks were decent, too, surprisingly. Not some watered-down, hotel-bar slop. It was almost *too* nice. You know? Like, I felt underdressed in my jeans and t-shirt! And then, there was this *awkward* silence with my travel partner which I'm still trying to figure out.
What about the rooms? Were they actually clean? That's always my biggest fear.
Okay, let's get to the nitty-gritty. Cleanliness is KEY. I'm a germaphobe, okay? I actually packed my own Clorox wipes just in case. But, I didn't need 'em! The room was spotless. Like, gleaming. And the bed...oh, the bed. Cloud-like comfort. Honestly, I sunk in and instantly forgot all my worries. I'm telling you, I almost cried happy tears. Just, you know, *almost*. (Don't tell anyone!) The pillows? Perfect. Fluffy but supportive. I want those pillows. And I want that bed. And I want a life where I can just nap all day in that bed. Okay, I'm getting carried away.
Did you eat at the hotel restaurant? Was the food any good? Because hotel food can be a disaster.
Okay, here's the truth bomb: I did. Because, you know, convenience. And because I was feeling too lazy to venture out. And SURPRISE! The food was actually really good. Like, shockingly good. I got this burger with truffle fries and all the fixings and.... I devoured it. Like, *embarrassingly* devoured it. Okay, the truffle fries were maybe a little too much truffle, but I'm not complaining. Listen, I'm not a food critic. I just know what tastes good. And this? This was good. Don't go expecting Michelin Star dining, but for hotel food? It blew my socks off. (Which is what I'm doing right now because I’m still in bed).
And let's be honest, after a couple of those rooftop bar cocktails… anything would've tasted amazing, wouldn't it? Haha.
Any downsides? Anything that made you want to scream and throw your hotel key out the window?
Okay, here's the reality check. Nothing is perfect. Not even this "SHOCKING" hotel. First, the gym was... well, it was there. But it was small. Like, two treadmills and a few weights small. I didn't use it, but I poked my head in and saw a couple of people sweating intensely. I'm personally not a fan of intense sweating. Second, the parking was a bit of a pain. It's downtown, so you gotta expect it. Valet parking is an option, but it's, uh, *valet* parking. So you know what that means. And finally, the elevator... let's just say sometimes I felt like I was waiting an eternity. Minor quibbles, really.
So, overall verdict? Would you recommend it?
Look, I'm not easily impressed. I travel a lot, and I see a LOT of hotels. This one? It's a winner. Is it perfect? No. But it's damn good. The location is fantastic, the rooms are great, the rooftop bar… swoon. And the food was surprisingly tasty - though, again, maybe a little *too* much truffle. I’d absolutely recommend it. Especially if you want to be close to the Downtown fun. Go. Check it out. Just... maybe avoid the gym.
Okay, fine, one last thing - the *SHOCK*? What exactly was supposed to shock me?
Honestly? I think the "SHOCK" was probably just a little bit of marketing puffery, to get your attention. And it worked. It definitely worked on me. But honestly? The real shock was how genuinely *pleasant* this place was. Not just another cookie-cutter hotel experience. It's got a cool vibe, a great location, and comfy beds. And hey, that rooftop bar view? Still shocking, in a good way. So, maybe it *did* shock me. In a good way. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a bed as comfortable as the one from that hotel. And to nap. Because, why not?
