Bakersfield's BEST Hwy 58 Hotel? Hampton Inn Review!
Bakersfield's BEST Hwy 58 Hotel? Hampton Inn Review! (Prepare for Honesty!)
Alright folks, buckle up, because this ain't your grandma's cookie-cutter hotel review. This is a no-holds-barred, Bakersfield-bound, Hampton Inn deep dive. And trust me, after spending a few nights there, I’ve got opinions. Let's get messy with it, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility – The Good (Mostly!)
Pulling up to the Hampton Inn off Highway 58, you’re greeted with that familiar Hampton Inn look. It's clean, it's functional, but let's be honest, it's not exactly screaming "wow." But hey, it’s Bakersfield, right? We're here for function, not fancy.
- Accessibility? Solid! They definitely get a thumbs up for accessibility. Everything seemed pretty wheelchair accessible – the lobby, the elevators, the pool area. The website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," and from what I saw, they mean it. Bravo!
- Parking? Free and Easy. Always a win. Don't get me started on hotels that nickel-and-dime you for parking.
Rooms & Comfort – The Tried and True
Okay, so the rooms…they're, well, Hampton Inn rooms. You know the drill. Clean, comfortable beds (that's a huge win), and all the basics.
- The bed. Oh, the bed. I was exhausted from a long drive, and that thing swallowed me whole in the best way possible. Seriously, it deserves its own review star.
- The Internet Fiasco (Mostly My Fault, Actually). They advertise "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Internet access – wireless." I was pumped to catch up on some work. But, naturally, I’m a tech-challenged glorious human. I had a mini-meltdown at first because I couldn’t figure out the login. I needed "Internet [LAN]" too at the first go. The staff, bless their hearts, were patient and helped me get online. They even had "Internet services" like you could print. I felt like a complete boob later, but hey, at least I’m honest!
- Amenities Galore: “Coffee/tea maker,” check. “Refrigerator,” check. "Hair dryer," check. "Ironing facilities," check (because I clearly need to be ready for anything!). They even had "extra long beds" for the tall folks out there. It's all the little things, right?
The Breakfast Buffet – A Bakersfield Ritual!
Alright, let’s talk about the breakfast. This is where things get interesting. The "Breakfast [buffet]" is a Hampton Inn staple, and this one… well, it was a buffet.
- The "Buffet in restaurant" Experience: It was classic Hampton Inn breakfast: waffles, eggs (sometimes questionable), cereal, and your standard breakfast sausage. It’s not haute cuisine, folks. It's designed to fuel the early birds.
- The Waffle Incident: (This deserves its own paragraph, I'm telling you). I’m a waffle enthusiast, and the waffle maker was…let’s say temperamental. I struggled to get a decent waffle. I ended up with a waffle that looked like a crumpled piece of paper. The struggle was real. But hey, at least it was something…right? I’m a "Breakfast takeaway service" guy when I am tired. I grabbed one to go, but I had a hard time.
- The Coffee: The coffee was, well, it was coffee. You could get a "Bottle of water" for the road. Didn't have many "Alternative meal arrangement" or "Asian cuisine in restaurant" available.
Pool & Relaxation – A Slice of Oasis…Maybe?
“Swimming pool [outdoor], "Sauna” and an ambitious idea of a "Pool with view." It's Bakersfield, so the view is mostly the parking lot. But hey, a pool is a pool.
- The Poolside Vibe: It wasn't exactly a tropical paradise, but it’s a welcome escape from the desert sun. I didn't use the "Steamroom". The "Fitness center" was pretty standard, with your treadmills and weights. I skipped it because, you know, waffles.
- A Lack of Spa Bliss: Sadly, no "Spa," "Body scrub," or "Massage" services were available. This is Bakersfield, not Bali.
Safety & Cleanliness – Modern Times!
Hampton Inn seems to understand the modern world.
- Safety First! They seemed to take cleanliness seriously. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Rooms sanitized between stays." All the good stuff. I saw "Hand sanitizer" readily available.
- The Little Touches: Things like "Individually-wrapped food options" at breakfast and "Staff trained in safety protocol" gave me a sense of security.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Limited, but Functional
The "Snack bar" was nice for grabbing a late-night treat. "Restaurants" near the hotel are a must!
- No gourmet experience. Period. The hotel "Bar" was a definite non-event.
Staff & Service – Mostly Pleasant
- The Friendly Faces: The staff members I interacted with were generally friendly and helpful. Check-in was quick, I did not use "Contactless check-in/out" but I am sure it would be available.
- Little Imperfections: There might have been a slight wait for the elevator at peak times. But that's the only real flaw.
The Bottom Line: Is the Hampton Inn Bakersfield Highway 58 Worth It?
Look, it's a Hampton Inn. It's not going to blow your mind. But for a clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced stay in Bakersfield, it’s a solid choice.
Here's my quirky take:
- Pros: Clean rooms, comfortable beds, accessible, free parking, generally friendly staff, solid breakfast (despite the waffle drama).
- Cons: Not much in the way of exciting amenities, the breakfast buffet can be a little hit-or-miss.
Final verdict: I'd stay there again. It's reliable and does what it says on the tin—a functional and comfortable basecamp for exploring what Bakersfield has to offer.
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Burlington's BEST Kept Secret: Comfort Suites Review (IA)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just planning a trip, we're living it! This is my itinerary for a Bakersfield adventure, base camp: the Hampton Inn & Suites on Highway 58. Prepare for glorious chaos, because I'm not promising anything resembling a perfectly polished travelogue. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival, Expectations, and the Quest for a Decent Taco (and a Beer, Let's Be Honest)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Bakersfield Airport (BFL). Sigh. Airports. They all smell the same, a bizarre cocktail of stale coffee and the crushing weight of humanity's collective luggage. Pick up the rental car – praying it doesn't have an "uh-oh" light illuminated on the dashboard. (Fingers crossed! I have a bad history with rental cars.)
- 1:30 PM: Check into the Hampton Inn. Okay, let's be honest, the "suites" part? It's stretching the truth a bit. More like a slightly bigger rectangle than your average hotel room. But hey, clean seems to be the operative word and the complimentary (read: free) coffee is a lifesaver after that flight. I hate mornings.
- 2:30 PM: The Great Taco Hunt Begins! I'm starving. Pre-trip research (read: frantic googling) suggested some promising taco joints. Let's see, which one… Oh, there's this place that supposedly makes amazing carne asada. Okay, let's go! I will not let mediocrity touch my taste buds! The emotional high for the taco, the anticipation! Please God, let it be good.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: The Quest for the Taco: I got some, and oh boy. It ended up being a bit of a drive, not a hop and a skip from the hotel. Bakersfield… it's spread out, isn't it? Also, the interior was a little more… "rustic" than the pictures suggested. But the tacos? Dear sweet baby Jesus in a tortilla. Absolutely divine. The carne asada was tender, the spices were perfectly balanced, a little bit of heaven on a disposable plate! I may have ordered a second round… okay, maybe a third. My stomach knows its limits, but my heart… my heart desires more! Also, let's be real, I'm drinking my beer too.
- 6:30 PM: Back to the hotel. A quick refresh (shower, because, tacos), then… maybe I'll hit the fitness center. (Narrator: He did not hit the fitness center.) Okay, so instead, I'm sprawled on the bed, flipping through channels. "Bakersfield, where the sun don't shine." That's what they say, right?
- 7:30 PM: Decide the first day calls for a night-cap at the local bar. Okay, okay, it was okay the first night! It's a bit rough around the edges, but the bartender knows her stuff, and the local crowd is friendlier than expected. I even start a conversation with a guy wearing a cowboy hat. He tells me about the history of Bakersfield's music scene. Turns out, it's a lot more happening than I gave it credit for.
Day 2: Culture, Coffee, and the Unbearable Heat (and More Tacos, Obviously)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up to the hotel's complimentary breakfast. The usual suspects: lukewarm scrambled eggs, questionable sausage, and the promise of a waffle maker. Okay, let's face it, hotel breakfast is never a highlight. But! Coffee. More coffee! And I load up my plate… the sausage is indeed questionable. But a little bit of everything never killed anyone, right?
- 9:00 AM: Visit the Buck Owens Crystal Palace! Alright, I am excited! I'm not a country music fanatic, but Buck Owens is Bakersfield royalty. Walking around in the footsteps of such a legend is always an interesting feeling. This place is beautiful! It feels kinda majestic, and maybe it's the excitement, but it's just so interesting! There's something special about seeing a place that holds such a deep meaning to people.
- 11:00 AM: Coffee break. I need coffee. Bakersfield heat is… serious. Find a local coffee shop – avoiding Starbucks at any cost. I can't go down without trying. It wasn't as great as the tacos, but it will do!
- 12:00 PM: Lunch! Okay, I'm not going to lie. The taco hunger has returned. Seriously? I haven't even been away for a whole day! But it's just calling to be explored again. Let's try out a new place! This time, a recommendation of a local friend: tacos al pastor! I'm already drooling just thinking about it.
- 1:30 PM: Nap. The heat, the tacos, the general effort of being a functioning human… all of it is taking its toll. A glorious, guilt-free nap.
- 3:00 PM: Consider another "cultural" experience (maybe a local art gallery? Or, no, maybe a movie!). Ultimately, end up back at the hotel, staring at the TV. Okay, I admit it. I'm a bit lazy. I feel so bad.
- 6:00 PM: Think about dinner. Decide I'm having a burger tonight, to change things up. Find a good burger spot. It's never a bad choice. Burgers are always amazing! And then it's home, more or less!
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (and a Final Taco?)
- 8:00 AM: The eternal hotel breakfast routine. I manage to eat a waffle, but am defeated by the coffee. The eggs are no better than yesterday.
- 9:00 AM: Head back to the airport. Okay, but before I get this over with… one last taco pitstop? Just… one more? Maybe… oh, yes, absolutely. It would be a crime not to. It's just a taco.
- 10:00 AM: Airport. The whole place is just like yesterday!
- 11:00 AM: Finally board my flight. Tired, slightly sunburned, and already missing those tacos.
- Post-Flight: Reflecting on the trip… Bakersfield, you were a surprise. A bit rough around the edges, yes, but full of unexpected charm and, most importantly, a treasure trove of delicious tacos. Who knew?! I'll be back. Maybe next time I'll even try the fitness center. Maybe. Okay, probably not.
Okay, spill it. Is the Hampton Inn on Hwy 58 really the "BEST" hotel in Bakersfield? That's a bold claim!
Alright, alright, settle down. "BEST" is subjective, right? But honestly? For a stopover kinda place off Hwy 58, yeah, I'd say it's a strong contender. Look, I've seen some *things*. I've stayed in places that made me question my life choices. But this Hampton Inn… it's generally solid. The breakfast is a win, which is crucial when you're facing a long drive. And the beds… oh, those beds! Cloud nine, people. Cloud nine. But don't think I'm completely sold, it has its quirks, let's delve deeper.
What's the breakfast situation like? Tell me about the food! Because let's be honest, hotel breakfasts can be a gamble.
Okay, so the breakfast... it's a Hampton Inn breakfast, ya know? So, don't expect Michelin-star dining. But, and this is a BIG BUT, it's surprisingly decent. They usually have the usual suspects: waffles (YES!), eggs, sausage (sometimes), cereal, yogurt, and that glorious, life-giving coffee. Now, let me tell you a story. One time, I was absolutely *hangry* after a brutal drive. I stumbled down to the breakfast area, and they were OUT of waffles. My heart dropped. I almost lost it. Then, a lovely woman from the kitchen, bless her soul, whipped up a fresh batch just for me. It was the single most delicious waffle I’ve ever tasted. So, breakfast: generally good. Potential for waffle-related miracles.
Let's talk rooms. Are they clean? Comfortable? What's the lowdown?
Rooms? Mostly clean. I've had a few *minor* issues, like a slightly questionable stain on the carpet (don't ask, I don't want to know either), and once the remote control seemed particularly sticky (ewww). BUT, generally, the rooms are well-maintained. The beds are the real star. Seriously, the beds! Soft, fluffy, perfect for sinking into after a long day. The air conditioning works (a MUST in Bakersfield!), and the TVs are decent. The bathrooms are standard hotel bathrooms, functional, but nothing to write home about. Okay, I'll write a little bit. The shower pressure is usually pretty good. That's important.
What about the pool and gym? Do they even *have* them? Are they worth it?
Yes, they have a pool and a gym. The pool? It's outdoors, and honestly, I've never actually used it. Bakersfield heat is a serious thing, and the idea of getting in a pool after driving all day... I'd rather just collapse on the bed. BUT, I've seen it. It looks clean enough. The gym? Basic. Treadmill, elliptical, a few weights. I *try* to work out when I travel... but usually end up just watching TV and eating chocolate. So, jury's out on the gym. It's there, if you're feeling ambitious.
Alright, let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or just... there?
Here's the thing about hotel staff: They can make or break your stay. And the staff at this Hampton Inn? They're generally pretty good. I've had some genuinely pleasant interactions. They're usually friendly, helpful with directions (because, let's be real, Bakersfield is a maze), and they seem to *care*. Now, I did have one slightly awkward encounter with a front desk clerk who seemed to be having a *very* bad day. But hey, we all have those, right? Overall, the staff is a definite plus. They're not perfect, but they try, and that counts for a lot.
What's the location like? Is it noisy? Close to anything interesting?
Location: Convenient, but not exactly scenic. It's right off Hwy 58, which is good for easy access and getting back on the road. But, it can also mean you might hear some road noise, especially if you're a light sleeper (bring earplugs!). As for "interesting" things nearby... Well, it's Bakersfield. Let's just say you're not exactly spoiled for choice. There are some fast-food places, gas stations, and a few other hotels. If you're looking for a vibrant city experience, you're probably in the wrong place. This is a stopover hotel, remember? Keep your expectations in check. It's a means to an end.
Okay, so the *worst* thing about this Hampton Inn? Spit it out!
Hmm, worst thing... That's tough. It's a pretty reliable place. Ah! Sometimes the elevators are a bit slow, especially during peak breakfast hours. You end up shuffling your feet, impatiently willing the doors to open. And on one occasion, the ice machine was broken... a true tragedy, especially in the Bakersfield heat. Also, the lack of room service gets to me. That's a huge downside! But honestly, those are very minor complaints. If I *had* to pick the worst thing, it's probably the lack of soul. It's a generic hotel, you know? It's functional, comfortable, and predictable. But it doesn't have any character. It's vanilla. But hey, sometimes vanilla is exactly what you need after a long drive.
So, final verdict: Would you recommend it?
Yes. Absolutely, yes. For a Hwy 58 hotel in Bakersfield, the Hampton Inn is a solid choice. It's not perfect. It has its quirks. But the beds are heavenly, the breakfast is generally good, the staff is friendly, and it's conveniently located. It's a reliable, comfortable place to rest your weary head. Would I choose it over a luxury resort? Absolutely not. But for a stopover? A quick overnight stay? Absolutely. I'd stay there again, and that's probably the highest praise I can give. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm craving a waffle.
Let's get really, really granular. Is there a *best* room? Like, a room to *request*?
Okay, here's where I get a little *obsessive*. After a few stays, I began to develop a strategy... I started asking for rooms on the higher floors, away from the elevator (less noise!). Also, try to snag a room that faces away from the highway if possible. Seriously, the road noise can be a killer. My *favorite* room?Unique Hotel Finds
Hampton Inn & Suites Bakersfield/Hwy 58, CA Bakersfield (CA) United States
Hampton Inn & Suites Bakersfield/Hwy 58, CA Bakersfield (CA) United States
