Decatur's BEST Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites Review!
Decatur's BEST Hotel? Fairfield Inn & Suites Review! (Brace Yourself, It's Long!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. We’re diving headfirst into the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Decatur, and I'm gonna tell you everything. The good, the… well, you know. This isn't some corporate drone's review, alright? This is real, honest, and probably a little chaotic. But hey, life is chaotic, right?
First Impressions & Overall Vibe:
Pulling up to the Fairfield, I’ll admit, I was skeptical. Chain hotels tend to be… well, chain-y. But from the get-go, this one surprised me. The exterior is clean, modern, and the lobby? Actually kinda inviting. Not the usual sterile, clinical feel. They had some comfy looking chairs, a little fireplace going (or at least, pretending to be), and… wait for it… a coffee machine that didn't require a degree in engineering to operate! Big win.
Accessibility: Let's Talk Real Talk
Accessibility is HUGE for me (and should be for everyone, tbh). And I gotta say, Fairfield Decatur does a pretty darn good job. They had – and I'm talking actually – accessible rooms. Not just slapping a grab bar in a standard room. Things like wider doorways, roll-in showers, and lowered counters. I didn't need one, but I peeked in a few and was impressed. Elevators are, of course, present and working. They get serious bonus points for that.
A Room of My Own (and Free Wi-Fi!)
Okay, the rooms. Clean. Seriously clean. And that’s the first thing that hits you. A good smell, which is always a plus. Now, let’s talk about the actual room.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential!), Alarm clock, Bathrobes (yes!), Bathroom phone (seriously?), Bathtub (optional; some rooms have showers), Blackout curtains (thank GOD), Carpeting (typical but clean), Closet (plenty of space for my mountains of stuff), Coffee/tea maker (a lifesaver!), Complimentary tea (nice touch), Daily housekeeping (spot on!), Desk (perfect for my laptop), Extra long bed (HUGE!), Free bottled water (appreciated!), Hair dryer (yep!), High floor (good views!), In-room safe box (always a plus), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless (of course!), Ironing facilities (wrinkle free!), Laptop workspace (essential), Linens (clean!), Mini bar (empty – but hey, at least the space is there!), Mirror (big enough for selfies…), Non-smoking (thank the heavens!), On-demand movies (meh), Private bathroom (yes!), Reading light (essential for my late-night bookworm tendencies), Refrigerator (handy for snacks!), Safety/security feature (always important), Satellite/cable channels (tons of options), Scale (don't want to know!), Seating area (comfy couch), Separate shower/bathtub (luxury!), Shower (adequate), Slippers (no, I just want my socks!), Smoke detector (vital!), Socket near the bed (double plus!), Sofa (again, comfy!), Soundproofing (needed!), Telephone (yep!), Toiletries (adequate), Towels (fluffy!), Umbrella (where was I?), Visual alarm (good for emergencies), Wake-up service (yep!), Wi-Fi [free] (the best part of all), Window that opens (needed!).
Okay, that's a lot of options, but let's talk about what I was really happy about: FREE, FAST Wi-Fi in ALL ROOMS! Seriously, I'm a workaholic, and having reliable internet is CRUCIAL. This was a major win. You could actually do work, stream movies, whatever without the constant buffering that plagues some hotels. And yes, they actually have Internet access – LAN too.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Breakfast Debacle (But Mostly Delightful)
Okay, here’s the (almost) only real downside: the breakfast. I mean, it's free, and you can't really complain, right? (lies!). It's the typical continental breakfast thing. Cereal, some sad-looking fruit, the usual pastries. Honestly, I'm craving a proper breakfast with some bacon. But hey, it's free, so no complaints… much. They do have a decent coffee machine, and the staff kept everything clean and stocked. Breakfast [buffet] is the name of the game, but honestly, Breakfast takeaway service is kind of handy if you're feeling lazy like me. Oh, and Coffee/tea in restaurant and a Coffee shop, so the coffee is nice.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
Ways to Relax (or Not!) - Pool, Fitness, and the Sauna (Oh My!)
The swimming pool [outdoor] is a nice size, clean, and well-maintained. I spent a solid afternoon lounging there, soaking up the sun. I didn't try the Gym/fitness center (because, priorities…), but it looked pretty well-equipped. Now, about the Sauna… oh, the sauna! It was a welcome escape. Definitely worth the trip.
- Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
This is where Fairfield really shines, especially in today’s climate. I felt safe. They had all the right protocols in place. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE? Absolutely. The rooms were spotless. I actually used the room sanitization opt-out available because I was worried about the environment. They could've had Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, or Bottle of water
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
Services and Conveniences: More Than You'd Expect
The staff were friendly and helpful, from check-in to check-out. Daily housekeeping was on point. They even had a concierge (though I didn’t need them!). And let's not forget the free car park [free of charge] – huge bonus in the city, as I had a car full of junk. The convenience store came in VERY handy for late-night snacks. They have Facilities for disabled guests.
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
Car park [free of charge] – can’t beat it! They also offer Airport transfer and Car power charging station.
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking
For the Kids (or Those Who Are Kid-Adjacent)
While I didn't have any kids with me, I noticed they have Family/child friendly options, including Babysitting service and Kids meal – a good thing.
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
The Verdict: Is Fairfield Inn & Suites Decatur the BEST?
Okay, so, is the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Decatur the absolute best? Maybe not the absolute best, but it's damn close. For the price, the cleanliness, the accessibility, the comfy rooms and free Wi-Fi, it's a solid winner. The breakfast is a minor gripe, but the rest more than makes up for it.
**The Quir
Laiya's Hidden Gem: Camperisti Club's Unforgettable Batangas Escape
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this Fairfield Inn & Suites Decatur, Texas, itinerary is about to get realer than a ten-gallon hat at a vegan BBQ. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster, the off-the-cuff observations, and the occasional existential crisis sparked by a surprisingly good continental breakfast.
The (Highly Subjective) Decatur, TX Adventure: A Hot Mess Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Unforeseen Embrace of "Texas Charm"
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Okay, first hurdle: the airport. DFW is basically a small city. Navigating baggage claim feels like a quest in a forgettable RPG. Found my bag, miracle of miracles! Now, the drive to Decatur. The GPS lady says it's about an hour. Bless her digital heart.
- Quirky Observation: The sheer number of trucks on the highway. Seriously, Texas is a truck commercial come to life.
- 2:30 PM: Check into the Fairfield Inn & Suites Decatur at Decatur Conference Center. The lobby…well, it's a lobby. Beige, predictable, but clean, thank the sweet baby Jesus. Front desk lady? Smiles like she genuinely enjoys her job. Already a win.
- Emotional Reaction: A brief, fleeting moment of pure, unadulterated joy. You’d think I’d won the lottery, but no, just a friendly check-in.
- 3:00 PM: Room inspection. Standard hotel room. Clean enough. Bed looks comfy. Time to lay down and relax from the drive.
- Minor Category: Room Review: The air conditioner is humming like a caffeinated hummingbird. And they said there were no bugs…. I hope.
- 4:00 PM: The mandatory hotel-room-window-stare. Looking out at…Decatur. It's… charming? In a "I'm not sure what I expected but this isn't it" kind of way. Lots of… open space. And… trees. (Maybe?)
- Opinionated Language: My first impression? Decatur is the kind of place where everyone’s named either “Bob” or “Sue,” and they all know each other. Possibly related.
- 5:00 PM: Finding dinner in Decatur seemed simple enough on the hotel's guide, but I was greeted with three options. First stop, a local Tex-Mex spot.
- Anecdote: I walked in, and the other patrons were friendly, however, I was the only customer in there at 5 p.m. I got the enchiladas, and it was a big portion of food. After I ate, I understood why there was no customers. (If you know, you know). They were flavorless.
- 7:00 PM: The big decision. The hotel has a pool. I'm going for it. Swimming pool time! It’s clean, not too cold. Victory!
- Stream-of-Consciousness: Swimming in a hotel pool. Thinking about the history of hotel pools. Are they haunted? Did a ghost touch my foot just now? Probably. Okay, I should probably get out. This is where it gets weird.
Day 2: Decatur Delights (and Maybe a Mild Existential Crisis)
- 7:00 AM: Continental breakfast. The Holy Grail of hotel stays. This one? A surprisingly decent selection. Waffles! YES!
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated breakfast satisfaction! All the sugar, all the carbs. My heart might be screaming, but my stomach is singing.
- 8:00 AM: Coffee in the room. I should probably work out. I won't.
- Quirky Observation: Does anyone really use the hotel gym? Or is it just a place for lonely equipment to collect dust and judge us?
- 9:00 AM: Explore Decatur square.
- Anecdote: I got lost, twice. The GPS, like a fickle lover, was giving me mixed signals. Finally, I found the courthouse. Yep. Classic. It's majestic, the kind of courthouse you'd expect in a Western, which, you know, Texas.
- 11:00 AM: The Decatur Public Library.
- Opinionated Language: Librarians are my people. Quiet, calm, and full of knowledge. I found a book on Texas history. Learning about the history of the town is very important.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. I found a local cafe. And the food there was good. I ordered the burger.
- 2:30 PM: Back to the hotel. The afternoon slump is real.
- 4:00 PM: Pool time again, but this time I noticed something. The pool tile was falling apart. I'm starting to think this hotel is one misstep away from a full renovation.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I drove back to the Tex-Mex place to try something new. I went to the bar and ordered a beer.
- Stream-of-Consciousness: The bartender, bless his heart, seemed a little bewildered by me. I don't know how to describe it, but I could tell he was shocked that I came back. I ordered from the menu hoping for better results this time.
Day 3: Departure and the Enduring Mystery of Decatur
7:00 AM: Okay, the routine. Breakfast. Waffles. Repeat.
8:00 AM: Packing. I'm not a good packer. I leave things behind. I've lost a charger, a pair of socks is missing. The usual.
- Anecdote: Right before checkout, I was rummaging around one last time. The socks are now found, but my chargers are still missing!
9:00 AM: Check out. One last smile from the front desk lady. The hotel may be a little run-down, but the staff is wonderful.
- Emotional Reaction: Leaving Decatur. Did I love it? Hate it? Truth? I'm not sure. It was an experience. A messy, imperfect, slightly perplexing experience.
9:30 AM: The drive back to the airport. The GPS lady promises an easy journey. I hope she's right.
11:00 AM: Airport. The end.
Final Thoughts: Decatur, Texas. I'll never forget you. And that Tex-Mex place? Well… let's just say it left an impression. A flavorless, slightly empty belly impression. Would I recommend this itinerary? That depends on how much you enjoy a slice of life, a dash of unexpected awkwardness, and a healthy dose of "I'm not sure what just happened." If that sounds good, welcome to the chaos.
Is this really Decatur's "BEST" Hotel, and what's your take?
"Best" is a strong word, right? Look, I've stayed in some *real* dumps, okay? Like, places where you expect to find a skeleton in the closet (true story, almost happened!). The Fairfield Inn & Suites? It's… pretty darn good. Clean-ish. Comfy-ish. The breakfast is… well, we'll get to that train wreck later. Honestly, I’d say it's in the top tier for Decatur, but y'know, Decatur. The competition isn't exactly the Ritz. But it does the job, and for the price, it's hard to beat.
Let's talk about the rooms. Cleanliness? Space? What's the deal?
Alright, the rooms are a mixed bag. On the one hand, yeah, they *look* clean. Like, they've clearly hired someone to do the bare minimum. But I am a sucker for a clean room. And here, the room is mostly clean -- but, hold your breath. I once found a stray (and very lonely) Skittle under the desk. That's when I knew. It's a *good* clean, but not a "scrub-every-corner-with-a-toothbrush-level" clean. Space? Decent. Not like a ballroom, but enough to spread out a bit, which is crucial for someone like *me* who comes with a suitcase that's 10% clothes, 90% "what-ifs." The beds? Ah, the beds. They're kinda… lumpy-comfy. Like, I wouldn't mind sleeping on them. I've slept worse -- much, *much* worse.
The dreaded breakfast. Tell me everything. Please.
Ugh. Breakfast. Prepare yourself. It's… a buffet. *The* buffet. The one where you're pretty sure the scrambled eggs have seen better days. The one where the sausage is… a mystery. A tasty mystery, but a mystery none the less. The waffle maker, though… that’s the wild card! Sometimes it's a glorious, crispy, golden disc of happiness. Other times? It's a burnt offering that tastes like charcoal. The coffee is… well, it's free. And it's coffee. So, you just, y'know, lower your standards accordingly. The fruit is usually okay, and occasionally they have decent pastries. So, overall? Expect the bare minimum and you might actually enjoy it. It's a gamble. It's life. It's breakfast.
Location, location, location! What's nearby? How's the parking?
The location's pretty good. It's near the main highway, so easy to get in and out. There's a few restaurants within walking distance (nothing amazing, but hey, desperate times call for desperate measures). Parking? Plenty. Which is a godsend. I hate circling around, hunting for a parking spot. Seriously, that's the fastest way to send me from "mildly inconvenienced" to "full-blown hangry." So, props to the Fairfield for ample parking. Score one for the good guys!
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or just… there?
The staff? Generally lovely! They're… *nice*. Not overly enthusiastic, mind you. But nice. They'll greet you, answer your questions, get you extra towels… They're the kind of people who make you believe in humanity, just a little bit. I had a *major* issue with the key card one time (long story, involved a faulty lock, a desperate late-night call to the front desk, and me in my pajamas). The guy at the desk? He was *amazing*. Calm, efficient, and didn't judge my sleepwear. The staff at the Fairfield Inn & Suites is a shining star for sure.
Okay, so the pool/gym. Spill the tea.
The pool. That’s a thing. It's… small. And usually filled with kids. You know the type – shrieking, splashing, generally having a blast. So if you're looking for a relaxing dip, maybe not. The gym? Oh, the gym. It has equipment! Some of it even works! It's small, but it'll do in a pinch. Just don't expect a state-of-the-art fitness center with all the bells and whistles. Think of it as a bonus, not a selling point.
Anything else that bugged you (or delighted you)? Any major quirks?
Okay, this is where it gets… *personal*. The elevators? They're SLOW. Like, "thinking about starting a new hobby while waiting" slow. It's a prime opportunity for people-watching, though. I've seen some things in those elevators – a couple deeply in love, a guy who looked like he needed a nap, and a rather spirited toddler. It's an experience, alright. The Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty, which is a pain. I *need* my internet fix! Also – and this is a minor thing, but it always gives me a chuckle – sometimes the fire alarm goes off in the middle of the night. I think it's a test. Anyway, it happened to me once. I was terrified. But, really, you get what you pay for.
Would you stay there again? Give me the final verdict.
Look, if I'm in Decatur and need a place to crash? Absolutely. For the price, the location, and the general… *okay-ness* of the whole experience, it's a solid choice. Don't go in expecting the Four Seasons, but do expect a reasonably clean, functional place to sleep. Just bring your own coffee, a book for the elevator, and maybe a pair of earplugs, just in case the fire alarm decides to stage a comeback. Overall? Thumbs up. From me, at least!
