Aloft BWI: Your Airport Escape Awaits! (Baltimore, MD)
Review: A Rollercoaster Stay (Because Life's a Mess, and So Am I Right Now)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this review's gonna be less polished travel blog and more… well, me, spilling my guts about my recent (and frankly, slightly chaotic) stay. Let's just say I came, I saw, I probably left a trail of crumbs and existential dread in my wake.
SEO & Metadata Time (ugh, fine): [Hotel Name], Hotel Review, Accessibility, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Spa, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurants, [Hotel's City], Luxury Hotel, Family Friendly, Business Travel, Couple's Getaway, Hotel Services, Cleanliness, Safety Protocols, COVID-19, [Hotel Chain - if applicable], [Specific Room Type - if known]
(Deep breath). Here we go…
Accessibility: The Good, the Okay, and the "Did They Think About This?"
Right off the bat, big points for the hotel having "Facilities for disabled guests." That's fantastic. Seeing "Elevator" made me breathe a sigh of relief. You know, because stairs are the enemy when you're already lugging around baggage (and, let's be honest, a hefty dose of emotional baggage). I didn't personally need full wheelchair accessibility, but a quick scout around revealed the Wheelchair accessible aspects were… decent. Ramps were present, but a few tight corners suggested things could get sticky for anyone navigating with a powered chair. I felt a little bad for not being a wheelchair user to truly check it out, but I did spot a few questionable thresholds. My experience was, overall, "usable, but not seamless."
On-Site Oases & Lounges: Mostly Pretty, Sometimes Practical
Okay, let's talk about the fun stuff. The Pool with a view? Gorgeous. Seriously, Instagram material. I spent a good hour just staring at the water, contemplating the meaning of life (and whether I should order another cocktail). The Poolside bar, of course, was a tempting siren song. I may or may not have had a few… “work-related” drinks there while “working.”
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: From Bliss to Bland
The Spa! I'm a sucker for a good spa. And the Spa/sauna combo was calling my name like a lover's whisper. The Body scrub was divine. They really got in there and worked the tension out of my shoulders (and maybe even my soul). The only slight bummer? The steamroom felt a little… underpowered. It wasn't properly steamy, which is a cardinal sin in my book. A steam room is a promise! A promise of wet, hot, cloud-like bliss! I'm still slightly bitter about that.
**The *Fitness Center* was well-equipped, but come on, I did not go to the gym. I’m on vacation! Then again, with being on vacation I probably should have gone to the gym, it was a constant internal struggle of a good idea to follow.**
Internet – Ah, the Modern Curse!
Okay, let's be brutally honest: Internet access is crucial for me because I’m a work-from-anywhere kind of person, the type that answers emails in a bathrobe. The hotel boasted Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and, praise the digital gods, it generally worked. There was a period on the second day when the signal decided to take a siesta, which sent me into a twitchy, email-deprived frenzy. Luckily, it recovered. (I’m pretty sure I saw another guest silently freaking out in the lobby at the same time. We shared a knowing glance.) The Internet [LAN] was also available which I did not use. I’m a WiFi simp.
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID Factor
Let’s be real, COVID's been lurking around like a bad ex. I was hyper-sensitive to cleanliness. I saw "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Rooms sanitized between stays," which were huge plusses. I appreciated that they had "Hand sanitizer" everywhere and the staff seemed on top of things, and there was "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter" so I did not feel like I had to be constantly on guard.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly)
The Breakfast [buffet] was a highlight. I mean, who doesn't love a buffet? Especially when there’s a decent "Asian breakfast" option. And the Coffee/tea in restaurant was a lifesaver – the coffee was actually decent.
The "Western cuisine in restaurant" was generally good with a few bumps in the road. Had a fantastic soup one day, horrible soup the next day. Maybe it depends on the chef’s mood? I also appreciated that there was a room service [24-hour] because sometimes you just want to slump in your room with a burger at 2 AM. The Poolside bar was a siren, as I mentioned.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Count (and Fail)
Daily housekeeping was a godsend. Bless those people. I probably left a mess. The Luggage storage was a lifesaver when I arrived early and the Concierge were helpful.
I'm also super jazzed that there was a Gift/souvenir shop (I bought a surprisingly tasteful key chain, which I'm now giving to my mother).
For the Kids: I Am the Adult Child
I was traveling solo, so I didn’t need the Babysitting service or Kids facilities, but I did feel a tiny pang of envy for the families having fun. I was just a big child anyway, eating nuggets.
Available in All Rooms (The Real Deal):
Air conditioning? Absolutely essential. Free Wi-Fi? See above. Coffee/tea maker? Essential for me, and I am not ashamed. Bathtub and Separate shower/bathtub? Luxury! The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for my sleep schedule, or lack thereof. I might have slept through the day.
The Quirks and Imperfections (Because, You Know, Life)
Here's where things get real. There was a minor incident on the second night where the soundproofing seemed to fail, leading to a lot of ambient hotel noises (and the distinct impression that the people next door were having a very lively evening).
Getting Around:
The hotel offers Airport transfer. The Car park [free of charge] was a win. I wish I had taken more advantage.
Overall: A Mixed Bag, But Mostly Good
Look, this wasn't a perfect stay, but it was a good stay. There were hiccups, moments of frustration, and a lot of self-induced chaos. But the good stuff – the spa, the pool, the (mostly) reliable Wi-Fi, the friendly staff – outweighed the bad.
Would I go back? Yeah, probably. I'd just pack extra earplugs and maybe a bottle of something strong. And next time, I’ll definitely give that steam room a second chance.
Niagara Falls Romance: Unforgettable Stay at A Moment in Time B&B
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a glorious, messy, and utterly chaotic adventure in and around the Aloft BWI! This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travel log. This is the REAL DEAL. Get ready for some serious airport feels.
Aloft BWI & Baltimore - A Chronicle of Cranky, Caffeine-Fueled Chaos
Day 1: Arrival, Airport Angst, and the Elusive "Zen Zone" (Spoiler: It Doesn't Exist)
4:00 AM: The Alarm - The Harbinger of Doom: Seriously, who thought a flight this early was a good idea? Ugh. My brain's still processing the concept of "awake," much less "travel." Coffee, you are my only friend.
5:00 AM: The Drive of Despair: Traffic, as always, is a cruel mistress. The GPS lady (who I suspect is actively trying to sabotage me) keeps rerouting us. "Recalculating… recalculating…" Lady, I swear, if you make me miss this flight…
6:00 AM: Arrival at BWI - The Hunger Games Begins: Parking, check. The ridiculously long security line, check. The sheer number of people who seem to think it's acceptable to walk at a snail's pace… double-check. I’m already sweating, and I’m not even on the plane yet.
6:30 AM: The Aloft - A Flicker of Hope (Maybe): Okay, the lobby is… sleek. Modern. Apparently, I like "sleek and modern" even if it does make me feel like I should have worn a suit. Check-in…smooth! Bless the front desk person for not making me want to scream. My room is up, and it's got a ridiculously comfy bed. I love it.
7:00 AM – 10:00 AM: The "Work From Hotel" Plan and the Inevitable Breakdown: I was going to power through some emails. Be productive. No. Nope. The hotel wifi is patchy! My productivity spiral is now complete. I spend the next hour alternately cursing the internet and mainlining stale coffee from my in-room machine. I’m on social media, it's a problem.
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM: Snack Attack and the Quest for Non-Airport Food: Okay, time to escape. Even the hotel food options in the Aloft seem uninspired. I make my way to the hotel's free shuttle and head toward, I don't know, anything. I'm starving, and the pre-flight chips and pretzels are a distant, sad memory. A local diner is my saving grace. The greasy spoon experience is a balm to my frazzle nerves.
12:00 PM: Back at the Aloft Hotel - Nap Time Required: The food coma hits like a freight train. I crash on the comfy bed, ignoring my already piled-up inbox, and sleep like a baby.
3:00 PM: Final Preparations and Panic: Time to head back to the airport for my flight. This is where the anxiety really kicks in. Did I pack everything? Did I leave the iron on? Did I remember to turn off the gas? (Okay, maybe I need a vacation from the vacation.)
4:00 PM - onward: The Airport Gauntlet:
- The Security Line: A Microcosm of Humanity: I observe the security line. People are stressed, tired, and slightly (or sometimes very!) grumpy. One guy is arguing with the TSA about his oversized water bottle. A small child is throwing a tantrum. A teenage couple is very into each other. It's a beautiful, chaotic symphony of travel misery.
- The Gate Drama: Flight delays abound. I'm convinced airlines delight in this sort of thing, just to keep us on our toes. (Cue the eye roll.) The gate agents are, bless their souls, trying their best, but the passengers, understandably, are starting to lose it. People are hungry, tired, and just generally over it.
- The Boarding Process: A Masterclass in Patience (or Lack Thereof): Ah, the boarding process. It's a miracle we don't have more injuries. People rushing, people stopping, people trying to jam oversized carry-ons into tiny overhead bins. Pure madness.
- Finally, the Flight: I find my seat. Get comfy. Begin the saga of the flight (which would be a whole other journal entry if wanted).
Day 2 and Beyond: (Potential options, depending on the flight and my sanity)
- Baltimore Exploration: If I have time, I would venture out and explore Baltimore.
- BWI Airport Reconnaissance: If I'm stuck at the airport, I will explore everything it has to offer: food, shopping, the hidden recharge spots (that I will probably find).
Notes from the Edge:
- Caffeine Dependency: I'm a walking caffeine machine. The airport coffee is… well, airport coffee. But it’s fuel.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: This whole travel thing is an emotional rollercoaster. One minute, I’m excited. The next, I’m convinced the world is ending. Gotta embrace the chaos.
- The "Traveler's Hangover": The feeling you get AFTER a trip is more wearying than sleep. Like I need a vacation from my vacation.
- The "Lost Luggage" Fear: I’ve never had lost luggage (knock wood!), but the thought haunts me. I have a mental checklist of "must-haves" in my carry-on (phone charger, snacks, a good book), just in case.
- Humor as Survival: This whole thing is absolutely ridiculous. That's why you gotta laugh. Otherwise, you'll cry. And nobody wants to see a grown adult crying at the baggage claim. (Except maybe me.)
This is just a glimpse, folks. My trip is a fluid, unpredictable beast. But hey, that's the fun of it, right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to locate more coffee and attempt to wrangle a charging port. Wish me luck!
Escape to Paradise: Oceanfront Luxury Awaits at Holiday Inn Resort Surfside Beach!
So, I'm Thinking About [Playing the Ukulele]. Is It REALLY As Easy As Everyone Says?
Plus, there's the ego hit. You *think* you sound amazing in your head, right? Then you record yourself and... woof. My early ukulele recordings could curdle milk. But hey, everyone starts somewhere! So, is it easy? Initially, yes, but be prepared for a journey. A journey filled with slightly-off-key strums and the occasional existential crisis.
Okay, Fine. But What About the ACTUAL Learning Process? Where Do I Even START Playing the Ukulele?
Here's the secret sauce: **Start with the basics.** Learn those four chords: C, G7, Am, and F. Yeah, they're your bread and butter. I'd spend hours just switching between them, my fingers aching, but slowly but surely, my hand muscles adjust to it. I was really scared, and I didn't have any friends that could play the ukulele, so I took a class for beginners at my local community center, I was like, "Wow, I'm with a bunch of other beginners, what a cool feeling."
And don't ignore the strumming patterns! It sounds boring, but it’s crucial. Then, find some songs you LIKE that use those chords. I tried to start with all the cool songs, but they're hard... real hard. Don't be me. Find some simple ones.
I also started writing myself, "This is your daily practice routine," and I couldn't skip it!
One time while I was playing the ukulele, our neighbors came over complaining. I felt so embarrassed! But on the other hand, it's a good reminder to practice consistently.
My Fingers Hurt! Is This Normal? I'm Really Feeling the Pain...
Here's the deal: It'll get better. Eventually. (I know, vague, right?) You'll develop calluses. They're like badges of honor. I remember the first time I actually *enjoyed* the feeling of pressing down on the strings – a true milestone.
What I did was this: I would stop for a while, and practice the same chords over and over again. I started using different kinds of exercises, eventually I started using a finger trainer, but it made my fingers more tired, so I switched back to usual. If it's unbearable, take breaks, and don't push yourself. Your fingers will thank you.
Okay, So I'm Making Progress. But I Sound Awful. Now What?
First, focus on the fundamentals. Are your chords clean? Are you strumming correctly? Practice with a metronome (I *hate* using one, but it helps.) slow down your tempo and focus on accuracy. Then, find a good teacher or check a website to see if it's good for you.
Most importantly: be patient and KIND to yourself. It takes time! Everyone sounds bad in the beginning. The only way is to embrace the journey and keep practicing. Eventually, the awfulness will fade, and you'll start to hear something...something that resembles music. Good luck!
What Kind of Ukulele Should I Get? There Are SO Many!
Here's my take, and it's based on personal experience (and a lot of YouTube reviews):
**Soprano:** Your classic ukulele! Small, cute, and REALLY affordable. But the frets are close together, so if you have big hands, it might be a challenge. I'd recommend it.
**Concert:** A little bigger, a little louder, and generally considered easier to play. This is what I started with, and I felt in love!
**Tenor:** If you're serious about this whole "ukulele as a lifestyle" thing, you might consider it. It's got a fuller sound, more volume, and more space on the frets. Some people say it's "easier".
**Baritone:** Honestly? I haven't touched it. It's tuned differently and sounds quite a bit different. Maybe later...
**My recommendation?** Start with a concert. You won't regret it! Go to a local music store, see what feels good in your hands, and try out the sound.
I'm Getting Bored! How Do I Stay Motivated?
* **Set small, achievable goals.** Don't try to learn a whole song in one sitting. Start with a few chords, then a few lines. Celebrate the small wins!
* **Find songs you LOVE.** Forget the "practice songs" for a bit and play the music that makes your heart sing.
* Hotel Near Me Search
