Fairmont's BEST Hampton Inn? (MN Reviews & Hidden Perks!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving DEEP into the Fairmont, Minnesota, Hampton Inn experience. Forget those sterile, corporate reviews – I'm here to give you the REAL DEAL. (And yes, I’m totally aiming for those SEO keywords, but mostly, I'm just here for the good times and brutally honest opinions!)
The Hampton Inn in Fairmont: Is it the "BEST"? Let's Find Out!
First, let's address the elephant in the room: Accessibility. Look, I’m not a wheelchair user, but I did check things out. The good news? They've got the basics down. Wheelchair accessible rooms? Check. Elevators? Yep. Seems like they're trying to be inclusive, a HUGE plus in my book. I didn't see a specific report about ramps or doors but they generally have it.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, You Know, Germs!
Okay, this is where things get REALLY important, especially after the whole Covid thing. Let's talk Cleanliness and Safety. Did it look like a crime scene had recently been cleaned? Nope. (Thank GOODNESS). They've got all those buzzwords: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options…you get the picture. They're trying. I noticed hand sanitizer stations EVERYWHERE. The staff seemed trained in safety protocol, which is always a relief. And they offer the opt-out on room cleaning, which is a HUGE plus. I’m a germaphobe so this is BIG for me.
The Room: My Sanctuary (or So I Hope!)
Now, the rooms. Let's be honest, a Hampton Inn isn't exactly a luxury resort. But, for the price point, they're generally pretty decent. I got a Non-smoking room (THANK YOU!), and it had the basics. Air conditioning (essential in Minnesota summers!), a desk (for pretending to work), and a coffee/tea maker (mandatory for my sanity). I actually appreciated the blackout curtains - sometimes you just need to hide from the world. Did I find an Extra Long Bed that was actually extra long? That’s a maybe – I’m tall so I'm always looking for them. Good thing they have linens because its important.
Internet Access (Wi-Fi & Beyond):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – HALLELUJAH! Seriously, this is non-negotiable these days. It worked well too, which is more than I can say for some hotels. I needed to get work done and it was important. Internet access – LAN? Don't remember. I'm a Wi-Fi gal. But I did see a Laptop workspace.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or Just Avoiding Hangry Outbursts!)
Okay, let's talk about food, my second favorite thing after sleep. Breakfast [buffet] is breakfast [buffet]. Standard Hampton Inn fare: waffles (YES!), eggs, cereal, the usual suspects. It's included, which is a win. BUT, and this is a big BUT… It can be chaotic. Imagine a stampede of hungry people at 7 AM. It can be… stressful. I noticed they did have individually-wrapped food options which might be a boon if you're REALLY skittish.
There's a Coffee shop on site. I don't remember seeing options other than coffee, and that was good enough for me.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax: Beyond the Room
Here’s where the Fairmont Hampton Inn… well, it’s not exactly a spa paradise. However, there is a swimming pool [indoor] which is great. I didn't see a Pool with a view or a steam room. They did advertise a fitness center - so, if you're feeling energetic, go for it!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Daily housekeeping: Yes, thank goodness! I need my room tidied. Laundry service: Very handy. Concierge: Meh, didn't use it. Facilities for disabled guests: See above, they are available. Elevator: You betcha. Car park [free of charge]: Yes! A blessing.
The Emotional Rollercoaster: My REAL Experience
Okay, here’s where I ditch the objective review and just get real. I was in Fairmont for a… well, let’s just say it involved family, and let's leave it at that. Hampton Inns are where you go when you just need to be close to what is needed.
I had a rough day. I was tired, frustrated, and just wanted to collapse. The room wasn't perfect - there was a slightly questionable stain on the carpet (look, it’s a Hampton Inn, not the Ritz!), and the air conditioning sounded like a small jet engine. But…the bed was comfy. REALLY comfy. I sank into it, pulled the blackout curtains shut, and… I slept.
And that, my friends, is the magic of a Hampton Inn when you really need it.
So, is the Fairmont Hampton Inn the "BEST"?
Look, it’s not the Four Seasons. But it is a solid, reliable option. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and it has the essentials. If you're looking for a comfortable, budget-friendly stay in Fairmont, it’s a great choice. The value is excellent.
Here's My Recommendation and a Compelling Offer!
Book the Hampton Inn in Fairmont if:
- You need a safe, clean, and comfortable place to stay.
- Free Wi-Fi is a must-have.
- You appreciate a decent free breakfast (even if it's a little chaotic).
- You want to avoid the higher price tags of some other options.
For a limited time, book your stay and get:
- Complimentary upgrade (based on availability).
- Early check-in so you can start relaxing sooner
- A coupon for a FREE coffee in the coffee shop to start your day off right.
Click the link below to book your stay today and prepare to be pleasantly surprised! (And yes, I'm totally biased, but you'll have a good time).
Phu Quoc Paradise: Kosmos Apart Hotel - Beachfront Bliss & Night Market Fun!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, messy, and frankly, slightly perplexing world of a trip to the Hampton Inn Fairmont, Fairmont, Minnesota. Let's be honest, it's not Paris, but hey, you never know what hidden gems await, right? Here's my attempt at crafting (and then promptly dismantling) a travel itinerary, Hampton Inn style:
Day 1: Arrival and "Is This All There Is?" Syndrome
1:00 PM - Arrival & Check-In: The Lobby of Expectations. Okay, here it is. The moment of truth. Pulling up to the Hampton Inn. The outside looks… well, it looks like a Hampton Inn. Beige bricks, predictable landscaping. Okay, breathe. The check-in process is surprisingly smooth. The receptionist is a sweetheart, bless her heart for enduring tourists like me. My room key card has a smudge on it, which worries me. Is this a sign of things to come? Minor panic attack. Suppress.
1:30 PM - Room Inspection: My Temporary Home, Or Prison Cell? The room. Ah, the room. It’s clean, which is, you know, crucial. The bedspread might be the exact same one my grandma had on her guest bed in 1987. The TV's got enough channels to keep me occupied… or overwhelm me. I’m easily overwhelmed. Emotional reaction: A weird wave of nostalgia mixed with mild existential dread.
2:00 PM - Exploratory Wanderings: The Quest for… Anything. Okay, time to leave the room. I need a walk. I need to see this Fairmont. First impression? It's… quiet. Seriously, it's so quiet you can hear your own anxieties churning. I stroll past the Walmart. Quirky observation: The sheer volume of oversized, excessively branded merchandise is simultaneously hilarious and terrifying.
3:00 PM - Lunch: Where Am I, Really? Lunch! I'm starving. I spot a local diner called "The Blue Plate Special." I walked in, expecting greasy spoons and the scent of nostalgia, but what I found was a whole lot of not-so-fresh food like a microwaved Salisbury steak and a side of canned corn. I left a generous tip, even though I barely ate the food.
4:00 PM - The Fairmont Aquatic Park: It's a Waterpark! (Sort Of). Okay, technically, the weather's not ideal for swimming. But there’s a waterpark nearby. I’m not sure I even like waterparks… but there's a perverse curiosity. Anecdote: I saw a group of teenagers trying to impress each other by doing backflips off a very low diving board, and a middle-aged man with a massive sunburn.
6:00 PM - Dinner: Chain Restaurant Survival Mode. I try to find a local restaurant. I failed. Ended up at a chain restaurant. It was fine. The waiter was nice. The food was… food. I’m starting to feel a strange sense of isolation.
8:00 PM - Back at the Hampton Inn: The TV's My Only Friend. It's time to curl up with some TV. I binge-watched a show about… what was it again? I actually fell asleep, and ended up waking up at 1 am to find myself staring at a commercial for a truck that makes loud noises.
Day 2: Embracing the Banal
7:00 AM - Breakfast in the Hampton Inn: Waffles or Bust! It's the moment we've both been waiting for! The Hampton Inn Breakfast. The holy grail. The promise of free carbs. The waffle machine is alive and well, thank God. Opinionated Language: The key to a perfect Hampton breakfast is a slightly burnt waffle with way too much syrup. It’s a scientific fact.
8:00 AM - A Drive to the Lake: Can I Swim Here? I drive to a lake. Lake "whatever its called" is freezing, and I don’t think I can even paddle board.
9:30 AM - The Mall-ess: Seeking Purpose I am at a Loss. I found a mall. It was eerily empty. I walk around, buying nothing. Starting to feel more depressed than I thought I would.
11:00 AM - Lunch: Back at the Mall I am at the food court. A greasy burger is my only option. At least I didn’t get the hot dog.
1:00 PM - Exploring Fairmont's "Unique" Attractions: The Quest Continues. They have a local museum. It has a display on the history of… farming? Oh god, I'm losing it. I'm wandering around, feeling like a ghost. Emotional Reaction: A tidal wave of boredom threatens to engulf me. I end up buying a postcard featuring a picture of a giant, and very uninspired (but, alas, still a giant) statue of a local hero.
3:00 PM - The Search for Coffee: A Lifeline. I needed caffeine. I went to the local coffee shop, and the barista, bless her, started talking about all the things there were to do in Fairmont, but I don’t want to. I just want to be gone.
5:00 PM - The Last Supper (of Boredom). Back to the chain restaurant.
- Mental Note: Next time: pack a sandwich.
7:00 PM - Packing (and Wishing): Counting Down the Hours. Maybe I should have scheduled a trip to Florida.
Day 3: Freedom! (And the Drive Home)
7:00 AM - Final Hampton Inn Breakfast: One Last Waffle. This time the waffle's perfect! Good riddance, Fairmont. I'm free!
8:00 AM - Check-Out: The Escape. Goodbye, Hampton Inn! Goodbye, Fairmont!
8:00 AM - The Drive Home: Contemplating Life Decisions. As I leave, I'm unsure if I enjoyed the trip or not. Did I find hidden gems of beauty? Or am I just not the adventurous type? As I drive, I'm starting to come around to the fact that sometimes, life is just… kind of boring. And that's okay. The small moments, the slightly burnt waffles, the quiet streets, the bad food - it's all part of it. It's real. And sometimes, it's exactly what you need. Final thought: Next time, I'm bringing a good book and lowering my expectations.
Hampton Inn Fairmont, MN – The Real Scoop (From a Fellow Traveler Who's Been There, Done That, and Probably Lost a Sock in the Dryer)
Okay, spill the beans! Is the Hampton Inn Fairmont *actually* good? I've seen reviews, but...
Alright, let's get real. Yes, the Hampton Inn in Fairmont is... pretty solid. Okay, maybe more than "solid." It's a reliable choice. I've stayed there a handful of times, usually for business. (Yes, thrilling, I know!) And honestly? For Fairmont, it’s a winner. Think of it as the dependable friend who's always there for you, even if they're not the flashiest.
Here's the thing, though: It's not the Ritz-Carlton. Don't go expecting caviar and a butler. But when you're stuck in Minnesota, navigating a sea of chain restaurants and needing a reasonably clean and comfortable place to crash, it delivers. The reviews? They’re mostly right. But let me embellish a bit, because you won't get the real vibe from those vanilla-flavored reviews.
What about the breakfast? Is it the usual sad continental fare?
Ah, breakfast. The make-or-break moment, isn't it? Look, I'm a breakfast person. A *serious* breakfast person. And yeah, it *is* Hampton Inn breakfast. Think waffles, scrambled eggs (of questionable origins but usually edible), cereal, muffins… the works. BUT! Here's a hidden perk, a little secret the meticulously-structured reviews won't tell you: they often have *decent* sausage. Not gourmet, mind you, but a solid, salty, protein-packed fuel for a day of… well, whatever you're doing in Fairmont. One time their scrambled eggs were suspiciously yellow and fluffy – I think they might have sprinkled in a bit of magic. It was a peak breakfast experience, I tell ya!
Pro-tip: Hit the waffle maker early. Those things go fast, especially on weekends when the family gatherings are in full swing. And don’t judge the other guests, some of them are just as hungry as you are.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they clean?
Cleanliness is paramount, right? Look, I'm a bit of a germaphobe. Okay, maybe a lot. But I've never had a *bad* experience with cleanliness there. The rooms are generally well-kept. I’ve found the occasional stray hair (we all shed, right?), but nothing truly horrifying. That said, you're not going to find marble countertops. It's practical, functional, and generally spotless. I once, on a particularly low-budget business travel expedition, actually *slept* on the floor because I had a bad experience with a hotel in the past, and the room was so clean I felt comfortable. Weird, I know. I'm still processing it!
However, a little warning: the walls seem thin. Meaning you can hear your neighbors. Including the snoring. So, pack earplugs, because otherwise, you're going to have a very intimate experience with Mr. and Mrs. Snore-a-lot next door. I speak from painful experience!
Is there a pool/gym? Because I need to unwind after a long day of... well, Fairmont-ing.
Yes! Hallelujah. They have a pool and a gym. The pool is an indoor pool, and it's actually…nice. Clean, usually not overly crowded, and a perfect place to unwind after the aforementioned "Fairmont-ing". I've actually had some surprisingly relaxing swims there. (I am easily pleased, okay?) The gym? It’s the classic hotel gym: a few treadmills, some free weights, and a machine or two. It’s not going to win any awards, but it’ll get the job done if you feel the urge to work off those breakfast waffles. Just don't expect a personal trainer. You're in Fairmont; temper your expectations slightly.
What about location? Is it convenient?
Location-wise, it's pretty good. It's close to the main drag, which means easy access to restaurants (mostly chains, let's be honest), shops, and whatever else Fairmont has to offer. I once tried to find a quirky local diner, and it was a bit of a trek, so plan accordingly if you're looking for something truly unique. It's also fairly easy to get to from the highway, which is a huge plus.
An Anecdote: One time, I was there for a big conference, and the hotel was *packed*. Like, sardine-in-a-can packed. Finding a parking spot was an Olympic sport. So, consider the timing of your visit. That's something the meticulously-structured reviews won't tell you. Another hidden perk: is the free parking.
Staff? Are they friendly? What about the check-in/check-out process?
The staff is generally very friendly and helpful. Hampton Inn staff are trained to be friendly. They’re usually pretty efficient with check-in and check-out. Things go smoothly. I've only had one slightly awkward experience. The front desk person seemed brand new, and it took a while to get through the process. But they were trying hard and were very apologetic! Overall, the staff are one of the best features in my book.
Hidden Perks and Quirks? Anything the reviews MISS?
Okay, buckle up for the *real* insider info. The reviews are bland! They don't tell you about the little things, the things that make a place memorable. Like… there's usually always a fresh supply of coffee in the lobby 24/7! (Important, people, IMPORTANT!) Also, I swear there’s always a copy of “USA Today” available. (For those of you who still enjoy the news in physical form!)
A HUGE Thing The Reviews Miss: THE INTERNET. The wifi is usually pretty decent. I say usually because there have been a handful of times, if everyone hits the internet at the same time, the internet bogs down. It's enough to do basic work, but don’t expect to stream 4k movies. That’s a Fairmont problem, not just a Hampton Inn problem, to be honest.
And this isn't a perk, but a quirk: Sometimes, the elevators are slow. Like, *really* slow. So if you're on a higher floor, pack your patience! And the air conditioning...can sometimes be a little noisy.
Hidden Gem: One time, I was stuck in Fairmont way longer than anticipated. I was missing home terribly and feeling sorry for myself. After a particularly brutal business meeting, I went down to the lobby. The staff member on duty, seeing the misery etched across my face, offered me a *complimentary* cookie. Not just any cookie. A warm, gooey, chocolate chip cookie. (I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. Don't judge.) That cookie, inHotelicity
