Escape to Comfort: LaVale's Best-Kept Secret Hotel!
Escape to Comfort: LaVale's Best-Kept Secret Hotel! - A Review That’s Actually Honest (And Maybe a Little Crazy)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea on Escape to Comfort, a hotel that’s supposedly LaVale’s "best-kept secret." And let me tell you, secrets are best kept… unless they’re good secrets, like decent pizza and a comfortable bed. So hopefully, we got a good one. Let's break this down, starting with… well, everything. Because honestly, that's how I travel.
Accessibility: The Good, the Bad, and the "Almost There"
Okay, let’s be real: accessibility is HUGE for a lot of us. So, here's the lowdown. They do have Facilities for disabled guests, which, thank heavens. And the site says Elevator, which is crucial! I didn't see any specifics about the type of accessibility available but hey, it's a start. So far, so good. BUT, and this is a big but, the site does not specifically call out Wheelchair accessible rooms. That's a serious oversight, and it makes me kinda nervous. I'd be absolutely calling the hotel and specifically asking about this before booking!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From "Meh" to "Unexpectedly Delightful" (and a Side of Coffee Obsession)
Let’s talk food, the lifeblood of any good escape. They’ve got a whole shebang, right? Restaurants, a Bar, a Coffee Shop, a Poolside Bar, a Snack Bar, even a Vegetarian restaurant (bless!). They offer Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast [service], Western Breakfast, Asian Breakfast. I mean, this is a lot.
I have a confession. I'm a coffee fiend. Like, a serious coffee fiend. So, the Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop listings immediately sent me into a caffeinated frenzy. The coffee at the hotel? Oh god, it had so much flavor, the way the bean aroma filled the air, and the taste was exquisite. It was a pure, unadulterated coffee experience, where the simple pleasure was enough to bring you back to life, I love it I wish i could live there.
The A la carte in restaurant options were solid, if a tad predictable. But listen, sometimes predictable is good! Comfort food is called comfort food for a reason. I will say, their desserts were surprisingly good. The chef clearly has skills, because those little slivers of heaven were perfectly balanced and made you wanna scream with happiness.
The thing that really surprised me? The Happy hour. I wasn't expecting it, but the cocktails were creative, the prices were right, and the atmosphere? Relaxed, unpretentious, and perfect for winding down after a day of… well, whatever you’re doing in LaVale. And shoutout to the Bottle of water they left in the room. Hydration nation, yo!
Services and Conveniences: The Perks That Actually Matter (and a Little Chaos)
Alright, let's breeze through the practical stuff: Air conditioning in public area, check. Concierge, check. Daily housekeeping, essential check. Then there’s the Cash withdrawal that is a bit of a lifesaver. Laundry service and Dry cleaning are always welcome, especially if you, like me, tend to spill things down yourself. Luggage Storage is great, because I always pack way too much.
The Contactless check-in/out thing is a nice touch in this post-pandemic world. Food delivery? Yes, please! And a convenience store? Oh, man, I'm sold. Because let's be honest, everyone forgets something, right?
The down side of all hotels is the Internet so let's get into that!
Internet Access: Wi-Fi… Everywhere? (Or at least, Almost Everywhere)
Yes, yes, yes! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! This is a massive selling point for me. I can’t work (or, you know, binge-watch Netflix) without it. The fact that it's Internet access - wireless is also great. I need to be connected, always. And I did see Internet access - LAN as well, which is a bit old school but solid, but I never needed it. Wi-Fi in public areas? Absolutely essential for getting the latest goss.
Cleanliness and Safety: Living in a Bubble (in a good way)
Okay, pandemic times have made me a bit of a germaphobe. I'm pleased to report that Escape to Comfort seems to be taking things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere (thank you, god!), and Staff trained in safety protocol. They’ve got Rooms sanitized between stays and Room sanitization opt-out available. All the things, basically!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Here I Come (and Maybe a Sauna Crisis)
This is where things get really interesting. They have a Spa, a Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap and more! They even offered a Pool with view and a Swimming pool!
I am all in on relaxation. So, yes, I indulged. The massage was divine. The therapists were skilled, the room was dimly lit, and I think I actually drooled. No shame!
But the sauna? Oh, the sauna. I’m not going to lie. I may have gotten a little overzealous in the sauna. I was in there for like, an estimated 50 minutes. When I came out, the rest of my day felt like a slow-motion movie.
For the Kids: Babysitting, Kids Meals, and Family Fun
The site also mentioned Babysitting service, and Family/child friendly options. While I was traveling solo, this makes me happy.
Available in All Rooms: The Bare Necessities (and Some Surprises)
Okay, what about the room itself? They’ve got it all: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains (essential for my sleep schedule), Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Hair dryer (thank the heavens!), Ironing facilities (because wrinkled clothes are the devil), Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Toiletries, and so much more.
And honestly, all of this is to say that I had a blast, I made some memories, and I would definitely return.
The Verdict: Should You Escape to Comfort?
Absolutely! If you are looking for a place that provides a good experience and you don't need an extreme amount of luxury, then this is it. But double-check those accessibility details if that’s a priority. And for the love of all that is holy, pace yourself in the sauna!
And Now, the Offer You've Been Waiting For (Because Honesty Deserves Rewards!):
Here's the deal: Book your stay at Escape to Comfort within the next 30 days using the code "COMFORTZONE" and get 15% off your entire stay, PLUS a complimentary spa treatment of your choice! (Valid on stays of two nights or more. This offer is only valid for first-time stays.)
And, just because I'm feeling generous, mention this review when you check in, and I'll give you a shoutout in the comments.
Happy escaping!
Escape to Paradise: HCM's Coziest Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your grandma's travel itinerary, this is a living, breathing account of my potential (and, let's face it, probably flawed) adventure at the Comfort Inn & Suites LaVale - Cumberland LaVale, Maryland. Consider this a therapeutic exercise in chaotic planning… and probably a future source of stories to tell at awkward family gatherings.
Destination: Comfort Inn & Suites, LaVale, MD (aka, The Gateway to… well, something in Western Maryland)
My Overall Vibe: Expectations? Low. Hope? Moderate. Caffeine dependence? High. My ability to navigate a parking lot without a near-death experience? Questionable. My resolve to enjoy myself? Unyielding (even if it's through gritted teeth at times).
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Room Pursuit (aka, "Where's the Remote?!")
- 2:00 PM - Arrival & Check-in Disaster (or, The Front Desk Tango): The GPS had me convinced I was a mile away from the real, actual Comfort Inn. I swear I saw more cows than cars on that back road. Finally, after my phone gave me repeated commands to give up driving and walk from the middle of nowhere, I found it.
- First Impressions: The exterior? Standard motel fare. The lobby? Smelled vaguely of chlorine and… optimism? The check-in process? Well, let's just say it involved me attempting to recall my name (the sleep the night before hadn't fully kicked in) and the slightly confused look on the front desk clerk's face when I asked if they had a "really awesome room near the elevators" (I hate stairs).
- 2:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance & Remote Hunt: Okay, room acquired. Clean enough. The air conditioning blasts like a jet engine on low. But the TV? Dead. Stone cold. I spent a good 10 minutes frantically patting the bed and the space between the sofa and the wall. I felt like Indiana Jones chasing the Ark, but instead of the Ark I found hotel towels, a bible, and…nothing. Eventually, I found the remote. Mission accomplished. (Important Note: This victory was followed by a celebratory fist pump and a triumphant sigh. The little wins, people, the little wins.) * Quirky Observation: The art on the wall is either incredibly abstract or meant to subtly suggest the hotel's preferred clientele is the type that buys art at the store, because it’s completely illegible to me.
- 3:30 PM - Poolside Ambush (or, The Quiet Hour's Uninvited Guest): They have an indoor pool, and it was tempting to go. I’d planned on a relaxing swim. But the pool at the hotel was a no-go situation. It looked fine enough, but it was too quiet, and I am the type of person that would break down into a sweaty panic at the thought of swimming right now. Another day.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner Interlude: Cracker Barrel or Bust (or, The Quest for Comfort Food): I decided to go to the Cracker Barrel nearby. I could have gone to the hotel restaurant, but it looked about as cozy as a dentist's waiting room.
- Emotional Reaction: The biscuits were perfection. The gravy? Divine. The gift shop? Overwhelming. (Why do I need a ceramic rooster that holds toothpicks?!)
- 7:00 PM - Evening Entertainment: Channel Surfing & Existential Dread (or, The Agony of Choice): Okay, back to the room. The TV is back, and I am now in the agonizing position of deciding what to watch. News? Too real. Reality TV? Makes me feel bad. The discovery channel at least has something interesting to entertain your brain for a bit.
Day 2: Exploring Cumberland (maybe, but not guaranteed)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet Brawl (or, The Scramble for Scrambled Eggs): They have a free breakfast. The buffet looked… well, buffet-y. I was really hoping for a waffle maker that makes that waffle shape, I wanted a waffle so bad.
- Rambling Thoughts: Breakfast buffets are simultaneously the greatest and worst thing ever created. You can have whatever you want but it always tastes a little bit sad.
- 9:00 AM - The Great Outdoors (or, The Struggle is Real if I decide to do a hike): I told myself I'd do something outdoorsy. Maybe a short hike on the Western Maryland Rail Trail. Maybe. Okay, probably not. Still considering it. * My Plan: I'm really going to commit to a fun and amazing day, at least I think I will.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch… Somewhere (or, The Question of Calories): I’m thinking about going to Queen City Creamery, to enjoy dessert and ice cream. * Emotional Reaction: The food was incredible! I spent the second half of the day feeling both full and pleased, since I got my food and did a bit of sightseeing.
- 2:00 PM - Sightseeing (or, The Fine Art of Pretending I Know Local History): I drove around a bit, looking for local spots. It seemed Cumberland had a few places to go to, and I ended up learning a bit about the history of the area.
- Messier Structure: I drove around, and I started to feel the urge to go back to the hotel room. I was going for about an hour, when I gave into it.
- 4:00 PM - The Afternoon Slump & a Nap-Related Incident (or, The Art of Recovery): Back to the hotel. Took a nap. Woke up at 5. I’m pretty messed up.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner - Another Cracker Barrel Visit (or, Doubling Down): I really liked the Cracker Barrel.
- Anecdote: My waitress remembered me. We had a chat, she was nice. I felt better.
- 9:00 PM - Evening Wind-Down (or, The Perpetual State of Being Slightly Underwhelmed): Back to the room, The TV is a reliable friend. I'll probably watch something incredibly stupid (and then feel guilty about it).
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (or, The bittersweet goodbye to a slightly underwhelming experience)
- 8:00 AM - Farewell to Breakfast (or, The Sad Goodbye to Slightly Soggy Cereal): The breakfast is a must.
- 9:00 AM - Pack & Process (or, The Emotional Baggage of Modern Travel): Pack. Reflect. Wonder if I'll be back. (Probably not. But you never know.)
- 10:00 AM - Check-out & the Great Escape (or, The Freedom of the Open Road): Done and dusted. I've managed to survive another hotel stay.
- Opinionated Language: The Comfort Inn & Suites LaVale? Perfectly adequate. Not amazing. Not terrible. Just… there. Would I recommend it? Sure, if you're looking for a place to crash.
Imperfections & Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change. My mood is subject to change. The weather is subject to change. Don't hold me to anything. But, hey, that's the beauty of travel, right? (Or, you know, the curse.)
Kingscliff DREAM: 2-Bed, Dual-Key Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Comfort: LaVale's Best-Kept Secret (Or Maybe Not So Secret Anymore?) - FAQs That Actually Make Sense (Maybe)
Okay, *is* Escape to Comfort actually a secret? Because I saw a TikTok...
What's the vibe? Is it...fancy? Like, do I need to bring my finest silverware? Because I don't own any.
The reviews rave about the breakfast. Is it *really* as good as they say? And what if I’m vegan? (cue panicked face)
Tell me about the rooms. Are they all the same? Is it scary?
Is there anything *bad* about Escape to Comfort? Come on, be honest.
What's there to *do* in LaVale? Besides, you know, staying at Escape to Comfort?
Okay, you've convinced me. How do I book a room? And should I be worried about Aunt Mildred?
