Escape to Gila National Forest: Your Cozy Comfort Inn Awaits!
Escape to Gila National Forest: Your Cozy Comfort Inn Awaits! (Or Does It? A Rambling Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I’m about to spill the tea (or maybe the lukewarm coffee – more on that later) on "Escape to Gila National Forest: Your Cozy Comfort Inn Awaits!" It’s a mouthful, I know, but this place… well, it claims to be an escape. And hey, maybe it is. Depends what you're escaping from.
Let's start with the accessibility because, let’s be honest, it often gets lost in the shuffle. Good news: they’ve got some serious effort invested here. Wheelchair accessible is a big win, at least from the brochures! I didn't personally need it, thank goodness for my perfectly functioning legs, but I did see ramps and elevators, which is always a HUGE plus – for all of us, really. Facilities for disabled guests are listed as available. So, kudos on that front, Comfort Inn! (Or is it REALLY a Comfort Inn? We’ll get to the branding… later.)
On-site accessible restaurants/lounges… hmm. "Accessible" to what degree? I didn’t actually eat in any dedicated restaurant. They did have some outdoor seating areas. The terrace seemed pretty lovely. The poolside bar… oh, speaking of pools…
The Vibe Check (And the Pool of Disappointment)
Okay, the "cozy" part of the name… that's where things get a little… iffy. The photos online were glowing. Think roaring fire, plush blankets, rustic chic. Reality? Let’s just say my room felt more “functional” than “fabulously inviting.” The room decorations were… present. The carpet was… well-trodden. And that elevator? It’s definitely there, which is great for those needing accessible ways to get around, and it made a lot of noises. I’m not sure, but I think it might have been a very old elevator.
The swimming pool [outdoor] was… there. Honestly? The pool with a view they advertised felt more like a pool with a chain link fence view of a dusty car park. I was picturing myself sipping a cocktail, gazing at the majestic Gila. Instead, I got a mildly chlorinated view of someone’s slightly neglected SUV. Okay, maybe I was the problem. Maybe my expectations were too high.
Things to Do… or Not to Do?
The Fitness center? I peeked. Looked… functional. I'm not sure what it was, but I got the feeling it had been a former closet. It lacked that je ne sais quoi of motivational gym music and glistening bodies, the kind of thing you’d expect at a Spa. The Spa/sauna was listed as available, but not exactly front and center. The massage? I didn't indulge. I’m more of a "Netflix and… well, more Netflix" kind of traveler.
And speaking of relaxation… they mention a foot bath. A foot bath? Now that sounds interesting. I’m not sure if they have it, but the thought alone intrigues me!
Eating and Drinking (The Adventure Continues)
The restaurants? Uh, plural? I mostly saw… one. Maybe I missed something. They did offer breakfast [buffet], which was… a buffet. The breakfast takeaway service was pretty handy though, especially for a quick getaway. The coffee/tea in restaurant was average. The bottle of water in the room? Much appreciated. Happy hour? Maybe. I was too busy trying to figure out the TV remote to notice. Speaking of the TV, it's like a time machine, with channels you knew existed, but had forgotten!
They also have a lot of options, including a la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, and even Vegetarian restaurant. But I'm not sure if they have it, or if it is just a menu item.
Cleanliness and Safety (The Serious Stuff)
This is where they shined. The Anti-viral cleaning products were in full swing. The staff were diligent about Daily disinfection in common areas. I felt safe. Seriously, hand sanitizers were EVERYWHERE! The use of cashless payment service was good. They even had Rooms sanitized between stays! It’s reassuring, especially these days.
The Room: My Cozy (ish) Sanctuary
Okay, let’s get to the guts of it: my actual room. It had free Wi-Fi, which, THANK GOD, was my lifeline. I needed that Internet access. The air conditioning worked! And let’s be honest, that's paramount. The bed was… a bed. Not the most luxurious, but hey, I slept. The blackout curtains were glorious. Necessary. Thank you, blackout curtain gods.
They also offer a lot of options, like additional toilet, air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, 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.
A Note on the "Comfort Inn" Thing
Here's where my internal monologue goes into overdrive. Is it REALLY a Comfort Inn? Or just operating as one? It had all the trappings of a generic hotel, but with a slightly… off vibe. It was clean, yeah, but not that kind of "designer clean".
The Verdict: Should You "Escape" Here?
Look, if you're looking for a perfectly polished, luxurious getaway, probably not. But if you're looking for a clean, safe, and (mostly) accessible base camp for exploring the Gila National Forest… and you’re not expecting miracles… AND you’re okay with a slightly… quirky… experience… then maybe. Maybe it's the perfect place to start your Gila adventure.
My Takeaway: I got a good night's sleep (thanks, blackout curtains!), and more importantly, I did my research!
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Escape to Greendale: Your Dream Stay Awaits at Comfort Inn & Suites!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to descend into the glorious, slightly-chaotic, and definitely-not-perfect world of my Silver City adventure, fueled by a Comfort Inn near the Gila National Forest. This is less a polished travelogue, and more a rambling, coffee-stained diary of what really went down.
Day 1: Arrival and the (Slightly Disappointing) Promise of Silence
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Comfort Inn. Ugh, those fake hotel paintings… I swear, they look like they were commissioned from a robot who'd only seen a postcard of a landscape. Anyway, check-in. The clerk, bless her heart, had the vibe of someone who'd seen more than her fair share of lost travelers and crying babies. Got my key. Room: Surprisingly clean! Which, after some of the motels I've known, is a small miracle. And… silence. Sweet, sweet silence. Or so I thought.
- 1:30 PM - Unpack and Settle (Attempt). Okay, let's be real. "Settle" mostly involved me sprawled on the bed, debating if I had actually need for that extra bag of trail mix. (Verdict: yes. Always yes.) Then, a sudden, piercing BAM! from next door. Mystery solved: Not silence. Neighbors.
- 2:00 PM - Reconnaissance Mission: Silver City Scavenger Hunt. Time to check out the town. Got my map (yes, a paper map, I'm a rebel). First impression: dusty, charming, and definitely not as bustling as I'd imagined. Found a quirky little bookstore (yay!), which immediately sucked me in. Okay, a few hours later, I emerged, slightly poorer but gloriously laden with books. Note to self: Resist the urge to buy every single book. (I failed.)
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at [Name of Local Restaurant]. I had heard about this place. Decent food. Nothing to write home about. I wish I took some pictures of the food. But that was an experience I was able to share with friends. Still a solid choice.
- 8:00 PM - Evening "Stroll" (More like a Waddle). Tried to get a bit of exercise. The air was crisp and clean, the stars were twinkling. Felt peaceful. Then a dog barked LOUDLY at me. I had no choice but to give up.
- 9:00 PM - Back to the Room. Read. Sleep. (Hopefully). Praying the neighbors don't decide to start a polka band at 3 AM.
Day 2: The Gila! And My Ongoing Relationship with Trail Mix
- 7:00 AM - Wake Up (After Actually Sleeping!). Success! No polka. (A big win.) Coffee. Seriously, the hotel coffee was grim.
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast (The Free Kind). Okay, let's be real: the free breakfast was more "complimentary snacks" than anything resembling a proper meal. (Dry cereal, watery juice, and suspicious-looking muffins.) But FREE!
- 9:00 AM - Gila National Forest Bound! (The Highlight). Drove out. The road! Wow! The sheer vastness of the forest! Breathtaking. I’m really big on nature.
- 9:30 AM - Hiking! (Or, More Accurately, Attempting to Hike). Chose a trail. It was beautiful. The sun, the scent of pine, the quiet. I'm actually feeling something, a sense of peace. Then I tripped over a root. My dignity, possibly a little of my joy, was lost.
- 12:00 PM - Picnic Lunch (Trail Mix FTW!). Sat by a stream. Ate my sandwich, which somehow tasted of dust and sadness (hotel sandwiches, am I right?) and my beloved trail mix. Seriously, that stuff is a lifesaver.
- 1:00 PM - Deep in the Forest, continued the hike. The silence. The views. Felt absolutely, completely, utterly… alive. I found a little waterfall, and sat there for ages just… being. This is it. This is what I came for. I even managed to not trip again.
- 4:00 PM - Back to the Comfort Inn – Exhausted but Content. The drive back was a blur of tired joy. Showered. Passed out. This is what I'm loving.
Day 3: Art, Regrets, and Departing
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast (Same Sad Breakfast). Maybe I should have just skipped it.
- 10:00 AM - Art Gallery Hopping. Silver City has a surprisingly vibrant art scene. Wandered through the galleries. Saw some incredible pieces. Felt a pang of envy at these incredibly talented artists. Also, a pang of hunger.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at [Name of a Cafe, Possibly a Dud]. Overpriced. Under-seasoned. Another regretful food choice. Note to self: Research food MUCH better next time.
- 1:00 PM - Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping. Picked up a few little things. Nothing impressive. Should have bought more art.
- 2:00 PM - Check-Out and Depart. Said goodbye to the Comfort Inn. Not the fanciest place, but it did the job. Said goodbye to Silver City. The drive home commenced.
Overall Impression:
Silver City, you weird, dusty, lovely place. I feel like this trip was just what I needed. The Gila was absolutely worth every second. Those trails! Wow! Even the lackluster food adds to the memory. All in all, this was an amazing trip. I'd go back to the Gila in a heartbeat. The Comfort Inn – well, it served its purpose. It was a launching pad. I'll take a few steps towards making an amazing trip next time.
London's Athenaeum: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits (You Won't Believe Room #7!)
Escape to Gila National Forest: Your Cozy Comfort Inn Awaits! (Maybe...Let's be Real)
Okay, "Cozy Comfort Inn"? Is that a *lie*? What's the *real* deal?
Look, I’ve stayed in some dives. This isn’t a *dive*. It’s… functional. Think of it as a base camp. A launching pad to the REAL stars of the show – the Gila itself.
**Pro-Tip:** Pack earplugs. The air conditioning likes to sound like a jet engine preparing for takeoff.
Speaking of the Gila – what’s actually *in* it? Is it just… trees and rocks?
I swear, everywhere you look is a postcard. Seriously, I *tried* capturing the vastness on my phone, but the photos just… didn't do it justice. They just scream "mediocrity". You HAVE to see it with your own eyes.
**Anecdote Alert!** Once, I was hiking and almost walked right past a herd of elk. HUGE, majestic elk. They just looked at me like, "Lady, are you *lost*?" And I was. Terribly. But it was glorious.
Okay, I'm sold. What should I PACK? (Be Specific. I'm a Nervous Nelly.)
Then, the "nicer-to-have-but-still-necessary" items: layers! The weather can change on a dime. A decent backpack. A camera. (See above re: photos not doing it justice… still, you’ll want some proof.) And a headlamp.
And the "OMG, I’m so glad I packed this" items: a comfy camp chair for the evening. A book (maybe a nature guide, *shudders*). Snacks. Lots of snacks. Because hiking burns calories like it's going out of style. And a little bottle of something strong to celebrate conquering a trail or, more realistically, surviving the day.
**Secret Weapon:** A portable charger! Because nothing’s worse than a dead phone when you're desperately trying to Google "what animal just hissed at me?".
What about FOOD? Are we talking gourmet meals or… freeze-dried space food?
For food, prepare ahead! There are restaurants in town, some of which are... *okay*. Don't set your expectations too high. Think: hearty diner fare. Burgers. Maybe some Southwestern options, if you’re lucky.
But the real food magic happens when you plan ahead. Pack picnic supplies! Trail mix. Sandwiches. Fruit. Whatever fuels your adventure. And for dinner? Well, it depends on what you're up for. Camping? Grill, steaks, the whole shebang. Comfort Inn-ing? Microwave meals and the vending machine are your friends.
**Confession Time:** I’ve definitely eaten a questionable convenience store burrito after a long hike. And you know what? It tasted AMAZING. Starvation sharpens the senses.
Are there any actual dangers in the Gila? Like, besides me falling over my own feet?
**Reality Check:** I once saw a snake. A tiny, harmless garter snake. I jumped about a mile. My hiking buddy, bless her heart, just laughed.
The most important thing is to be aware, to respect the environment, and to do your research. Learn about the local wildlife. Know the weather forecast. Don't hike alone unless you're experienced. Tell someone where you're going. And carry bear spray. Even if you never *need* it, it's a good comfort blanket.
Also? Watch out for the prickly pear. Those things are DEVIOUS.
Okay, you mentioned hot springs... Where are they? Are they public? Do I need to bring a swimsuit? (because I always forget).
**Important caveat:** Some hot springs are clothing-optional. So, be prepared for whatever your comfort level allows. Really, just be aware and respectful. And don't stare!
As for swimsuits... YES. BRING ONE. Even if you're shy, bring one. Because the feeling of sinking into warm, mineral-rich water after a day of hiking is simply the best. I actually forgot mine *once*. Let's just say a makeshift sarong out of a t-shirt (and a whole lotta mortification) had to do. Don't be me. Pack a swimsuit! You’ll thank me later. Because believe me, there is something magical that happens when the cold seeps from your bones, and the earth embraces you.
What's the best part about Gila National Forest, and is it worth the journey?
