Beaufort's BEST Kept Secret: Country Inn & Suites Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Beaufort's BEST Kept Secret: Country Inn & Suites Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - A Chaotic, Honest Take!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Beaufort's "BEST Kept Secret": the Country Inn & Suites. And honestly? I’m still processing it. This isn't your sanitized, PR-approved hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth, warts and all, because let's be real, who actually wants a perfectly sterile, predictable experience? I’m here to give you the lowdown, the good, the bad, and the completely unexpected, all while desperately trying to sound like I know what I'm talking about. (Spoiler alert: I probably don’t.)
First Impressions: The Arrival & Accessibility (and the Quest for the Elevator!)
Okay, so pulling up to the Country Inn & Suites, I was greeted with… well, it was a Country Inn & Suites. No fireworks, but a solid, familiar face. They do have a decent amount of parking (score!), and the entrance looked pretty inviting. Now, I'm not using a wheelchair, but accessibility is important to me, and I noticed things right away. The ramps looked good, not too steep, and seemed easy to navigate. The doors…well, some had automatic openers. And for those who prefer (or need) the elevator, it's definitely there. (Finding it was a mini-adventure in itself, involving a slightly frantic wander through the lobby. Pro tip: ask at the front desk. Seriously.) They offer facilities for disabled guests, which is a huge plus.
(Accessibility: ✅ Wheelchair accessible. ✅ Elevator. ✅ Ramps.)
The Room: A Sanctuary (Mostly) and the Great Wi-Fi Debacle!
The room! This is where things get… interesting. Opening the door… a decent-sized space, nothing overwhelmingly fancy. Good, solid carpet! (Okay, I know, I'm being a bit obsessed on details.) Air conditioning worked like a dream (thank GOD. Beaufort can get HOT). Blackout curtains? Bless their hearts! I'm one of those people who NEEDS a dark cave to sleep in. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms… Hallelujah! (More on that in a sec. Internet access – ✅ Wireless, Internet access – LAN (I looked for it just in case. Because sometimes you just NEED a good, old-fashioned LAN connection). Wi-Fi [free] – YES. They even offer Wi-Fi for special events, apparently. I didn't test that. I just wanted to be able to stream Netflix in peace.)
And the bed? Surprisingly comfy. You get your extra long bed, linen, the bedding itself felt clean, and I sunk right in. I also noticed the satellite/cable channels, on-demand movies, and even a reading light. They even thought of the socket near the bed. Smart! It's the little details, people!
BUT… let's talk about that Wi-Fi. It had its moments of glory (streaming), and then… it'd mysteriously vanish. Like a digital ninja. I’d wander over to the lobby (where the Wi-Fi, ironically, was rock solid) and whisper to the reception staff, and they'd, you know, reboot the thing. So, yeah. Perfect Wi-Fi? Nope. But hey, where's the fun in perfect, right?
(Available in all rooms: ✅ Air conditioning. ✅ Blackout curtains. ✅ Free Wi-Fi. ✅ Extra Long Bed. ✅ Linens. ✅ Satellite/Cable Channels. More than other hotels).
The Bathrooms: Cleanliness is Next to Godliness… Mostly.
The bathroom passes the test. Additional toilet - check. Bathtub - check. Shower - check. Separate shower/bathtub - check. Towels were fluffy enough. Toiletries were… well, they were there. Cleanliness? Generally spotless. The daily housekeeping was a godsend because, let's be honest, I make a mess. Hot water linen and laundry washing - I didn't go digging for laundry, because, who has time?
(Cleanliness & Safety: ✅ Clean bathrooms. ✅ Daily Housekeeping.✅ Towels. ✅ Toiletries).
Dining & Drinking: Breakfast Buffet Battles & the Poolside Bar Mirage!
Alright, breakfast. Ah, breakfast. The Breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. Buffet in restaurant - Yes. Breakfast service - Yes. You get your usual suspects: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Coffee/tea in restaurant. Fruit. Cereal. Eggs. (I’m usually a cereal person, with a weakness for the little pastries they always have). In short, it's a decent way to fuel up. Breakfast takeaway service - Yes.
But: I'm sorry to report, I did NOT find the elusive poolside bar of my dreams. I really wanted a Poolside bar. Turns out, that was more of a… mirage. There is a pool ([outdoor]). So you can get that tan! Coffee shop - Yep. And Restaurants are definitely nearby. But if you are looking for poolside cocktails, you need to look elsewhere.
(Dining, drinking, and snacking: ✅ Breakfast Buffet. ✅ Coffee/tea in restaurant. ✅ Coffee shop. ❌ Poolside bar).
Things To Do & Ways To Relax: Gym Rats & Pool People
Okay, so, things to do at the Country Inn & Suites and things to do in Beaufort in general. There is a Swimming pool [outdoor] and a Pool with view. They were both clean, looked inviting! Fitness center? Yup. Gym/fitness is there, too. Let’s just say, I'm not the biggest gym goer, but I did peek in. Spa? Maybe. Spa/sauna? No. Steamroom? No. Massage? Nope. No body scrubs, no body wraps, no foot baths. So, basically? Relaxing is up to YOU.
(Things to do, ways to relax: ✅ Swimming pool [outdoor]. ✅ Fitness center. ✅ Gym/fitness. ❌ Spa)
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Surroundings (Mostly)
In these weird times, I'm always hyper-aware of cleanliness. The Country Inn & Suites seems to take this seriously. They had Anti-viral cleaning products in evidence. Daily disinfection in common areas seemed to be the standard. Hand sanitizer dispensers were everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol, which is always good to see, even if you never see that protocol in action in person. They offer Rooms sanitized between stays, and you can even opt out of [room sanitization opt-out available*], though, really.. who would do that? They also offer *Cashless payment service*. This is good. The *Fire extinguisher* was where it should be. There are smoke alarms, and security [24-hour].
(Cleanliness and safety: ✅ Anti-viral cleaning products. ✅ Daily disinfection in common areas. ✅ Hand sanitizer. ✅ Rooms sanitized between stays. ✅ Cashless payment service. ✅ Fire extinguisher. ✅ Smoke alarms. ✅ Security [24-hour]).
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and the Missing Ones)
The Country Inn & Suites offers a bunch of helpful services. Concierge service. Daily housekeeping - HUGE plus. Dry cleaning. Elevator (THANK GOD). Facilities for disabled guests, which I mentioned earlier. Luggage storage. Free Car park [free of charge] - always a win. Safety deposit boxes in the room. There is a convenience store to get any last minute supplies. Not sure if food delivery is on offer.
But, for example, they have Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Invoice provided. No babysitting service, though. No food delivery. No Gift/souvenir shop.
(Services and conveniences: ✅ Concierge service. ✅ Daily housekeeping. ✅ Dry cleaning. ✅ Elevator. ✅ Facilities for disabled guests. ✅ Luggage storage. ✅ Free Car park [free of charge]. ✅ Safety deposit boxes. ✅ Convenience store. Missing some services).
For the Kids: Family Friendly (Mostly)
The Country Inn & Suites is family/child friendly, and they have Kids facilities. While there isn’t specific babysitting service, for the kids, the pool is definitely a plus. They have the basics. So there is Family/child friendly. They do not offer kids meal.
(For the kids: ✅ Family/child friendly. ✅ Kids facilities. ❌ Babysitting service. ❌ Kids meal).
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
The Country Inn and Suites scores high. They have Car park [free of charge]. Car park [on-site]. You’re good for parking! There’s a Taxi service. Airport transfer is available.
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Escape to Comfort: Wilson's I-95 Oasis Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. We’re diving headfirst into the glorious, chaotic, and sometimes slightly horrifying reality of a trip to Beaufort West, South Carolina, specifically at that charming Country Inn & Suites by Radisson. (Emphasis on the sometimes charming, let's be honest.)
Day 1: Arrival & Attempting to Maintain Some semblance of Sanity (Beaufort, SC – The Grand Experiment Begins)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival & Check-In – The Battle for the Elevator
- Okay, first impressions? The facade? Not exactly the Tuscan villa I'd envisioned. More…beige rectangle. But listen, I'm here for the experience, not the architecture. My biggest hurdle? The elevator. It's a tiny two-person box of doom. I swear, I saw a family of five and a Labrador try to squeeze in. Chaos. Finally wrestled my way up, and the front desk person was blessedly chill. Thank goodness!
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance & Disappointment… Followed by Mild Acceptance
- Alright, room check. Ah, the familiar scent of… well, hotel. It's a mix of cleaning solution and something vaguely floral. The bed? Surprisingly comfy. The view? The parking lot. Let's just say, I'm not going to be writing any poetry from this vantage point. Okay, fine. It's clean, it's (relatively) quiet, and the AC works. That's a win in my book.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Poolside Perils & the Tragedy of the Micro-Fiber Towel
- Decided to brave the pool. Let's be clear, the pool area? Not luxurious. Think… functional. But hey, it's hot, and I need a dip. The water, surprisingly, was perfect. The only problem, a micro-fiber towel is a nightmare. It felt like drying myself with a particularly aggressive dust cloth. I spent most of the time trying to figure out how to not feel like a freshly waxed car.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Beaufort Downtown Exploration – The Pursuit of Southern Charm (and a Snack)
Okay, let's hit the historic district! Beaufort is supposed to be gorgeous. Walked around with my camera, feeling like a tourist, which, I was, but whatever. The houses are stunning, draped in Spanish moss. I even spotted a porch swing! Got completely side-tracked by a little bakery. The smell of fresh bread and sugar practically dragged me in.
The Cookie Conundrum: I bought a cookie. It was huge. And… overly sweet. I probably ate half of it before I realized I was going to need a dentist appointment. But hey, I'm on vacation! The sugar rush was worth it.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a Restaurant – A Culinary Adventure… Maybe Not.
- Found a restaurant, reviews seemed hopeful. I ordered the shrimp and grits - which should be a staple, right? Well, the shrimp was a little…chewy. The grits? A bit bland. The saving grace? The sweet tea. That was a true taste of the South.
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Back to the Hotel and the Great TV Struggle
- Back at the hotel, the great TV struggle begins. The remote? Not intuitive. Forty minutes, and I finally figured out how to get to HBO. Success! Now, time for a movie.
Day 2: Adventures in Beaufort & a Deep Dive into One Thing – The Intracoastal Waterway
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Complimentary Breakfast – The Scramble for Scrambled Eggs
- Free breakfast, let's be real, it's never great. But hey, waffles! And the scrambled eggs? Questionable, as per usual. It's a symphony of beige and lukewarmness, with a side of instant coffee. I saw a guy try to make a waffle tower. Magnificent.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Exploring the Intracoastal Waterway – Obsession Takes Hold
Okay, so this is where I went full-on obsessed. Forget the historic houses for a second. I went down to the waterfront to get a good view of the Intracoastal Waterway. Boats, big and small, were sliding by. The light on the water… mesmerizing.
The Boat Watcher: I found a bench and just… sat there. For hours. Watching the boats, the birds, the sunlight on the water. There's a rhythm to it all. A calming, almost spiritual quality. The water reflects back the sky, creating this feeling of endless possibilities. You start to think… what if I owned a boat? Could I live this life?
Then, this old man with a fishing hat sat down next to me. He started talking about the best fishing spots, his grandchildren, the history of the area. Suddenly it was like being in a movie about life. He was a treasure!
I spent the entire morning, completely absorbed, lost in the beauty and simplicity of the Intracoastal Waterway. I forgot about my cookie-related sugar crash. I almost forgot about the hotel's underwhelming breakfast. It was just me, the water, and a feeling of pure, unadulterated peace. This is exactly what I needed.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch – Fueling the Obsession
- Grabbed a quick sandwich at a local place. (Again, the shrimp and grits were better.) But hey, needed to stay energized for the afternoon Intracoastal viewing!
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Deep Dive, Part 2: More Intracoastal, More Bliss
Back to the waterfront. This time, I walked along the path, looking at the boats up close, watching the seagulls, and just soaking in the atmosphere.
I finally got the guts and, rented a kayak! I am a truly terrible kayaker. I went in circles for a bit. But after a few minutes, or what felt like hours, I got the hang of it. Being on the water, up close and personal, changed everything. I saw dolphins! (Or maybe it was a weird fish… but let's pretend.)
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Quest for the Perfect Sunset Photo
- Parked myself back at the waterfront for sunset. Armed with my camera and a hopeful heart. The light was stunning! (Took about 200 pictures, but there might be one… maybe.)
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Casual dinner & Reflection on the Water
- Found a low-key place for dinner, staring at the water. I ordered a burger, nothing fancy. But the whole day… it was perfect.
8:00 PM - Onward: The Glorious Sleep of the Water-Lover.
- Back at the hotel, I crashed. In the comfy bed. Sweet dreams of boats, and sunlight on the water.
Day 3: Departure & the Aftermath
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: The Dreaded Complimentary Breakfast, Take Two
- See Day 2. Plus: more weird, mushy eggs.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Packing & the Search for Lost Belongings
- Packing is so much easier when you only have one thing you care about, which is the water!
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Final Farewell to the Intracoastal
- One last walk by the water. One last breath of salty air.
11:00 AM - Departure – The Road Beckons (and Reality Returns)
- Back in the tiny elevator. The whole time, I am wondering how I can return again. Soon! So soon!
Final Thoughts:
Okay, so the Country Inn & Suites wasn't exactly luxurious. Beaufort? Flawed, but beautiful. And the Intracoastal Waterway? Utterly transformative. I went looking for a vacation, and I found a whole world. And yes, there were imperfections. The slightly chewy shrimp. The weird eggs. But the beauty of the sun, the water, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of peace… that's what I'll remember. Now, where's that sugar crash?
Escape to Paradise: Comfort Suites Fort Pierce I-95 - Your Florida Oasis!
Beaufort's BEST Kept Secret: Country Inn & Suites Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - FAQs (OMG, Seriously?)
Okay, spill the tea! Is this Country Inn & Suites REALLY "Beaufort's Best Kept Secret"? Come ON!
Alright, alright, I'll spill. Look, "best kept secret" is a *bit* dramatic, right? But here's the deal: I was skeptical. I figured, Country Inn & Suites? Been there, done that, generic beige-box experience. But after my stay? I'm...well, *intrigued*. It's not like winning the lottery, but it's like finding a twenty-dollar bill in a coat you haven't worn in a year. Pleasant surprise. And Beaufort DOESN'T exactly have a ton of "secret" options. So, maybe? Maybe. Let's dig in.
The Pool...is it a *vibe*? Or a lukewarm puddle of disappointment?
Okay, the pool. This is where things get a little…complicated. First of all, it's indoors, which is a HUGE win. Especially when the South Carolina humidity is trying to smother you. The water… well, it wasn't freezing, which is a plus! I HATE freezing pools. But it wasn't exactly a sparkling oasis either. It was… pool-like. There were kids, naturally. And chlorine, the ever-present guest. My inner pool snob was whispering, "Needs a good cleaning!" But my inner child? She was splashing and having a blast. In short: Meh. It's functional. Don't expect a resort-level experience. Just a place to cool off. And maybe dodge a rogue pool noodle or two.
Breakfast. The make-or-break moment of any Country Inn experience. What's the dish? (Pun intended, I guess.)
Breakfast… ah, the battlefield. I went in expecting the usual: pre-made waffles, sad-looking scrambled eggs, and a fruit salad that's seen better days. And you know what? It actually…wasn't awful! The waffles were remarkably…edible! (A small victory, people!) The eggs, though, were suspiciously fluffy. Like, almost *too* fluffy. Was it magic? A secret ingredient? I suspect they’re using a whole lotta egg whites. And don't get me started on the coffee. Standard hotel coffee. You know the drill. But, hey, they had decent bagels and cream cheese! A win! I went back for seconds, and that's saying something. I'm a breakfast snob. Generally, breakfast is the make-or-break. But here? It's a solid 7/10. They even had those little yogurt parfaits! Fancy!
Let's talk location, location, location! Is it close to the… you know… the *stuff*?
Okay, LOCATION. This is actually where the Country Inn & Suites shines. It's REALLY close to downtown Beaufort. Like, a quick, easy drive. You can get to the historic district, the shops, the restaurants, the waterfront…all within minutes. This is HUGE. Beaufort is a charming town, but parking can be a nightmare during peak season. Being close by means you could pop back to the room for a midday nap…or to change outfits because you accidentally spilled barbeque sauce all over yourself (true story, by the way.) Plus, you're not stuck right in the middle of the tourist crush. It's the sweet spot, really. The perfect combination of convenience and a little bit of breathing room. And, BONUS, there's a cute little Publix nearby for snacks and forgotten toiletries.
The Room! Spill the tea. Comfort? Cleanliness? Or a potential horror film set?
Alright, the room. I need to be honest. I’m a little…particular about hotel rooms. I walked in bracing myself for the worst. You know, the questionable stains, the dusty corners, the flickering lightbulbs that look like they’re ready to explode. But… it was actually pretty decent. Clean. (Hallelujah!) The bed was comfortable – a HUGE win. The pillows were fluffy. I slept like a log, which is saying something because I haven't had a good night's sleep in like…ever. The bathroom was clean and well-lit. (Important for us ladies!). And the air conditioning – blessedly cold. The decor? Well, it’s… standard Country Inn. Beige walls, generic art. Not exactly "Instagrammable," but perfectly fine. It was functional, comfortable, and, most importantly, clean. And honestly, after a day of exploring Beaufort, all I wanted was a clean, comfortable bed. And I got it.
Any pet peeves? Anything that made you want to scream into a pillow?
Okay, here comes the rant. My biggest pet peeve? The… the… the noise! It wasn’t constant, but there were moments. People in the hallways late at night. Doors slamming. The incessant hum of the air conditioner. It’s the classic hotel problem, right? You’re crammed in a room with a bunch of other people, and inevitably, someone is going to be loud at the exact moment you're trying to unwind after a stressful day. It’s not the hotel’s fault, really. It’s just… ugh. And the other thing? The Wi-Fi. It worked, but it wasn’t blazing fast. My videos buffered. First world problems, I know. But when you’re trying to upload your Instagram story about the amazing shrimp and grits you had, buffering is a *travesty*!
Would you go back? Seriously. Would you?
Okay, the million-dollar question. Would I go back? Hmmmm… Yes. Probably. Look, this isn’t the Ritz-Carlton. It's not going to blow your mind with luxury. But for the price, the location, and the (mostly) comfortable experience, it's a solid choice. It's a reliable, convenient base for exploring Beaufort. It wasn’t perfect. It had its quirks. (The noise! The Wi-Fi!) But I’d take it over some of the more high-end hotels in town, some of which feel a lot more…pretentious. I left feeling… well, satisfied. And isn’t that what you want in a hotel? A place to crash, recharge, and gear up for another day of exploring? Plus, those waffles… They were tempting me back. So yeah. I’d go back. Secret's out, I guess.
Any specific recommendations? Restaurant suggestions? Don't leave me hanging!
