Dover's Hidden Gem: Garrison Hotel & Suites - Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Garrison Hotel & Suites in Dover – and trust me, it's not your average cookie-cutter hotel experience. This place…this place is a vibe. Forget the overly polished TripAdvisor reviews, I'm bringing you the REAL scoop, the gritty truth, the… well, you get the idea. So, grab a brewski (or chamomile tea, no judgment), and let's get started, because this is gonna be a wild ride!
First Impressions & The All-Important "Accessibility" Check
Okay, so I'm not gonna lie, I rolled up with a friend who uses a wheelchair and accessibility is HUGE for us. The Garrison Hotel & Suites mostly aces this. I'm talking accessible rooms, which, let’s be honest, are a MUST. The elevator is a lifesaver (seriously, can't live without 'em). The ramps, the wide doors… it's all there! And honestly, that takes a massive weight off your shoulders when you're traveling with mobility concerns. Now, the devil's in the details, right? I'd recommend calling ahead and getting specifics on the accessible bathrooms in the rooms. Better safe than sorry, ya know? Overall, though, thumbs up on the accessibility front. They've clearly put some thought into this.
Cleanliness & Safety: Because, Well, COVID Happened
Let's be real, we're all a little germ-phobic these days. And the Garrison seems to GET IT. They're sporting the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Room sanitization game is on point. They do offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which is cool, a nice touch! They also have Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE, which, again, massive props. I saw staff wearing masks, and the whole vibe felt… safe. Safe, but not suffocating. I didn’t feel like I was entering a hazmat suit convention.
Rooms: More Than Just Four Walls (and a Bed)
Okay, the rooms… here’s where it gets interesting. My specific room was… well, let's say it was a non-smoking room. And THANK GOODNESS. The Air conditioning worked like a charm, which is essential when you’re trying to avoid melting into a puddle. The Blackout curtains were a godsend! Absolutely crucial for a proper lie-in. And the bed? Oh, the bed. Honestly, I could have easily spent the entire trip just… existing on that bed. It was that good. The Bathrobes were luxurious (I may or may not have worn it to breakfast… shhh). Now, I did see some rooms that had separate shower/bathtub situations, which is always a bonus for those who like a good soak.
Now, a slight confession. Our room didn't have the perfect view. I mean, it wasn't directly facing the ocean (darn!), but hey, I was there for the EXPERIENCE. And that's what matters. You've got things like Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, a Refrigerator, and Wi-Fi [free], so basically all the essentials you need for a comfortable stay plus a few little treats.
Food & Drink: Feed Me, Seymour!
Okay, I’m a sucker for good food, and the Garrison delivered. Here's where things got… deliciously complicated.
- Restaurants: A bunch to choose from! Restaurants and Coffee shop.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet] means a ton of options. Seriously, get the scrambled eggs. DO IT. You'll thank me. They also do Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and Breakfast takeaway service.
- Dining Options: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant are present.
- Snacks and Drinks: Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, and Soup in restaurant are present.
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] – need I say more?
Let me tell you about the incident with the dessert. I went for a slice of their chocolate cake. It was a masterpiece. I'm talking perfect sponge, rich frosting, the whole shebang. I may have gone back for seconds…and thirds. Let's just say I definitely tested the limits of the Safe dining setup. (They delivered!)
Ways to Relax: Spa Day!
Okay, so I didn't have the time, but I did poke my head into the Spa. Spa/sauna. They have a Pool with view, a Sauna, a Steamroom, and the promise of pure bliss. Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, and the works. Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] And let me tell you, after seeing the look of pure, unadulterated relaxation on other guests' faces, I’m already planning my return trip just for the spa. That's the level of enticement we're talking about!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
The Garrison Hotel & Suites is the kind of place that understands the small things make a big difference. They have:
- Concierge: Always helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Yay, clean sheets!
- Convenience store: Snacking central.
- Currency exchange
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning/Laundry service
- Luggage storage: Because sometimes you just need to ditch the bags.
The Less Glittery Bits:
Okay, nothing's perfect, right? I noticed some areas where they could potentially improve:
- Internet speed. Not the fastest internet on the planet.
- Pet Policy: I believe they don't allow pets, but I'm really not sure.
For the Kids and Getting Around
- For the kids: The hotel offers Babysitting service and Family/child friendly
- Getting Around: They provide Airport transfer, Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], and Valet parking.
So, Should You Book?
YES! Absolutely. The Garrison Hotel & Suites is a fantastic option in Dover. It's got a great location, a solid commitment to accessibility and safety, delicious food options, and a spa that’s practically begging you to treat yourself. It might not have the flawless sheen of a mega-resort, but it has character. The staff are friendly, the rooms are comfy, and the whole experience feels…real.
Now, for the HOTTEST OFFER EVER!
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Book your stay at the Garrison Hotel & Suites AND:
- Get 20% off your entire stay! (Use code: DOVERESCAPE when booking online).
- Enjoy a complimentary in-room breakfast for two (because you deserve it!).
- Receive a free upgrade to a room with a view! (based on availability – but hey, you've got a good shot!).
- Get a free pass to the Spa (because relaxation is key, darlings!).
But wait, there’s MORE! Book by [Date] and you'll also receive a bottle of local wine (because, why not?).
This offer is EXCLUSIVELY for you – don't miss out! Book now and experience the Garrison Hotel & Suites – an unforgettable stay awaits!
Here's the link to book your escape: [Insert Booking Link Here]
Go on, treat yourself. You deserve it!
Unbelievable Mont Blanc Views from Chamonix: You HAVE to See This!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is a DOVER, NH, adventure, crafted by yours truly, a slightly scatterbrained but eternally optimistic human. We're talking Garrison Hotel & Suites, Ascend Hotel Collection, and… well, whatever else Dover throws at us. Prepare for laughs, tears (mostly from the cold), and a healthy dose of "wait, what did I just eat?"
Day 1: Dover, I'm Here… Now What??
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Garrison Hotel & Suites. Okay, first impressions: Clean. Appears to have a bed. Good start. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and regret, a classic hotel scent. The check-in guy, bless his heart, seems to have forgotten how to human. "Uh, yeah… room 307… right… here's your key… have a good day… or whatever…" He said it like he’d just returned from a life altering voyage and seen something terrible. I, on the other hand, AM having a good day, I think?
- 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Unpack. The age-old struggle of folding clothes versus living out of a suitcase. Today, chaos reigns. My underwear is currently residing in the top drawer, while my socks are making a break for it in the bathroom.
- 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Dover exploration attempt #1. Walk. Immediately, I realize I forgot gloves. And a hat. And basically all the winter gear that would have made my walk more pleasant. The wind is not my friend. I discover a delightful little coffee shop called The Daily Dose Cafe, where the barista, thankfully, is a much more enthusiastic individual than the front desk guy. Their latte? Divine. My freezing fingers? Less so. I also spot a particularly grumpy-looking squirrel. I suspect he’s a local.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Hotel time. Read, make notes, plan the rest of the trip… or just sit on the bed while staring at the ceiling and wondering if I can order delivery. The silence is deafening. I realize it has been an hour with no real goals or plans. What am I doing?
- 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Dinner. I, a picky eater, was initially considering the hotel restaurant thinking it will do the trick. It didn't. I tried the Chicken Caesar Salad… which was okay, I guess. Not amazing. Not terrible. Truly the most average meal I have had in weeks. I have to admit, I was disappointed.
- 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Entertainment. Oh, joy. I decided to watch a movie. You know the drill.
Day 2: Portsmouth Possibilities… and Parking Perils
- 8:00 AM: Wake up in Garrison Hotel. The bed is reasonably comfy, for a hotel bed. I'm starting to get the hang of this. The view, still not the best, but hey, at least there isn't a screaming infant outside my window.
- 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Breakfast. The hotel's complimentary breakfast is a buffet of questionable delights. The scrambled eggs look suspiciously yellow, the coffee tastes vaguely of cardboard, and everything has that generic "hotel breakfast" aftertaste. I’m already plotting a second coffee run.
- 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM: The Parking Predicament. Driving to Portsmouth! I have no clue how parking works in New England. Prepare for a parking meter drama.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Portsmouth Exploration! This town is adorable! The architecture is charming, and the air smells faintly of the sea (bliss). I wander blindly, soaking it all in. Find Market Square, which is bustling and lively. Spot a cute bookstore called "RiverRun Bookstore" and am immediately tempted to spend all my money. I restrain myself, mostly.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch. Okay, this is where things go sideways. I'm at a place with a long line. I decide to roll with it. I discover a place called Jumpin' Jay's Fish Cafe. The best Fish and Chips I have ever had! I go deep, order dessert, and, wow. I suddenly love Portsmouth. Definitely a highlight.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: More Portsmouth wanderings. I pop into a handful of boutiques, and admire the water. I also spend way too long looking at various nautical-themed knickknacks.
- 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Portsmouth, the sequel. I end up at the Strawbery Banke Museum, a living history museum. It's fascinating, but cold. The tour guide tells stories of the past. I get a small history lesson.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More walking. This time, near the water. I wish I had a dog that I could walk.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Drive back to Dover. Getting lost. I feel like I should be going in the wrong direction.
- 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Relax back at the hotel.
- 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Find somewhere to eat. Dinner at a local restaurant. Maybe pizza? Or something a little more exciting? I am torn.
Day 3: Dover Do-Over / Departure
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: A final, slightly more determined breakfast attack. This time, I'm armed with a travel mug full of the decent coffee and a steely resolve.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Dover Do-Over. Re-visit a spot, maybe explore a park, find a hidden gem. I think I missed some shops yesterday.
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: This is the moment of truth. I pack. The suitcase is a disaster. I vow to be more organized next time. (Spoiler alert: I won't.)
- 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Check out. Last-minute coffee refill. Say goodbye to the slightly chlorine-scented hotel, and the slightly bewildered front desk guy.
- 12:00 PM: Depart. Head home, slightly more tired, vastly more caffeinated, and with pockets full of brochures and a new appreciation for Fish and Chips. I am happy. I am sad. I am ready for my next adventure.
Garrison Hotel & Suites: The Good, the Bad, & The Absolutely Bonkers! (A Dover Dive)
Is the Garrison Hotel really a "hidden gem"? Or is that just marketing spin? And, like, is it *Actually* in Dover?
Okay, so “hidden gem” is a bit of a stretch, let's be honest. “Reasonably priced, conveniently located for a quick getaway, and with a certain… *charm*” is probably more accurate. It’s definitely in Dover – thank goodness! – right near the things you *actually* want to see, mostly the historic bits and the shops. I mean, if you’re expecting the Ritz, you're in the wrong place. If you're expecting, you know, clean sheets and a comfy bed, you're probably good. I say probably because... well, see below.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they, you know, habitable?
Alright, here's the raw truth: the rooms are… variable. Some are fab! Apparently, the renovated ones are a proper delight. The ones that aren't? Let’s just say, I once stayed in a room that looked like it was last updated sometime during the Clinton administration. Think slightly faded floral wallpaper, a mysteriously stained carpet, and a bathroom that could generously be described as "retro." My friend (bless her soul) found a rogue hair tie in the shower. I will not comment on my own findings. However, the beds are comfy enough and the AC *usually* works. Ask for a renovated room if you can. Trust me.
Does the Garrison have a restaurant? What's the food like? Don't lie to me.
YES, there’s a restaurant. It's called "The Garrison Grille," I *think*. Let me tell you a story. The first time I went, it was great! I had a burger, and it was glorious. Simple, classic, and delicious. The next time though, the burger was, how do I put this diplomatically… a bit *less* glorious. The bun seemed stale. The fries were positively anemic. I'm pretty sure they used the same spatula to flip my burger as they did to scrape the burnt bits off the grill. The service? Well, let's just say they weren't exactly rushing to greet you. BUT! The breakfast buffet! Okay, the breakfast buffet is a thing of beauty. Scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon… all the fuel you need for a day of Dover adventures. Consider it a gamble. Go in there with low expectations and you might get pleasantly surprised. Or, go in expecting mediocrity and you'll still eat well.
Is there a pool? Because a hotel pool is a MUST.
Yes! There is a pool. An indoor pool! And it’s… well, it's there. It's not exactly Olympic size, and the chlorine aroma is STRONG, but hey, a pool is a pool! It can get pretty crowded with kids. But, you know, a pool. The important thing is that you can splash around and pretend you’re on a luxury vacation. It really is pretty special to have a pool, I love them. Embrace it! Bring a book, a towel, and an open mind, and you might just have yourself a good time.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or do they want to be anywhere else?
This is another mixed bag, folks. Some staff members are absolute gems! Seriously, smiling faces and willing to help. Others…well, let's say they have mastered the art of the blank stare. I once asked for extra towels and ended up waiting an hour. I did eventually get them, but it felt a bit like I was interrupting a private ceremony. But, don't let that put you off. Kindness goes a long way. Plus, remember, these people are *working*. Be patient, be polite, and chances are you'll be fine. They are mostly helpful, though, and they do have to deal with the rest of our problems. Just smile and be nice and you will probably be fine.
Is it noisy? I need my beauty sleep!
Okay, this is super important. Depending on your room location, it *can* be noisy. The walls aren’t exactly soundproof. If you're a light sleeper, request a room away from the elevator, the pool, and any potential wedding parties (I'm not even kidding about the wedding parties). Bring earplugs. Seriously. Trust me on this one.
Is there parking? And is it included, or do I have to pay extra like some greedy monster?
Yes, there is parking! And… *drumroll*… it's FREE! Hallelujah! A small miracle in a world of parking fees. Be warned, though, it can get a little packed especially during peak season. But hey, free parking! That's a win in my book.
What's the best thing about the Garrison Hotel? Sell it to me!
Okay, the *best* thing? The location, hands down. Seriously. You can walk to the historic district, the shops, and a bunch of great restaurants. It's so convenient! Plus, there are always things to do in Dover. I once spent an entire weekend exploring all the little antique stores and vintage shops around the hotel. I ended up finding a ridiculous porcelain cat that's now my pride and joy. The Garrison is your launchpad for Dover adventures. It's imperfect, sure, but in a weird way, that’s part of its charm. It's like staying at your quirky aunt’s house - a bit rough around the edges, but ultimately, warm and welcoming... and hopefully, with a cat.
Worst thing? Come on, be honest. Spill the tea.
Okay, this is where I get a little… passionate. The ABSOLUTE WORST thing? That one time… that one SINGLE TIME… when the elevator was out of order. For like… three days. I was on the fourth floor. I'm not a particularly fit person, and carrying luggage up those stairs felt like climbing Mount Everest. It was a hot day. My suitcase was heavy. And my room, as mentioned before, was pretty sad. I nearly weeped. The hotel staff did apologize, they even offered to help carry my luggage (eventually), but the damage was done. My thighs ached for a week. So, yeah, elevator issues. PrepareThe Stay Journey
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