Claremont's Hidden Gem: The Common Man Inn & Restaurant (Must-Try!)
Claremont's Hidden Gem: The Common Man Inn & Restaurant (Must-Try!) - My Chaotic, Honest Take
Alright, fellow adventurers, seekers of comfort, and connoisseurs of a good (and sometimes slightly messy) time! Let's talk about The Common Man Inn & Restaurant in Claremont. Forget the perfectly polished travel blogs, I'm giving you the real deal. This isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. A mostly positive one, but hey, life’s a cocktail of sunshine and spilled coffee, right? And trust me, this place serves both.
First Impressions (and a Slight Stumble… literally!)
The approach to accessibility – a HUGE plus. I'm thrilled to see wheelchair accessibility highlighted right away. Elevator is a godsend for anyone, including myself, not wanting to huff and puff up stairs. Not always the easiest to get around, but they make it clear they put effort into it, which is worth noting. Getting there was pretty easy! I used airport transfer and when I arrived the doorman welcomed me super charming.
Safety First (and Second, and Third… Let's Be Safe!)
Okay, let's get the nitty-gritty out of the way: Cleanliness and Safety. In this post-pandemic world, it's paramount and the Common Man Inn seems to understand. They proudly boast Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They've got Hand sanitizer strategically placed everywhere, and the staff is trained in safety protocol, so that's a relief. I felt surprisingly comfy. Did I mention the 24-hour security, including CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property? This helps to make me feel safe, even more at ease with the fire extinguisher.
Rooms: My Cozy Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room? Well, it was a solid win. I sunk into the extra long bed. The bathrobes were plush, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in. The complimentary tea was a nice touch, and the free wi-fi was as important as air. Having the internet access - wireless available was great. I was able to work, though you can't beat the comfort of a laptop workspace. The safety/security feature such as in-room safe box was very good.
Now, Here's Where It Gets Interesting… They tout everything: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker, Desk, Hair dryer, Internet access – LAN, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Here's where it gets a little… human. While everything was there, the room decor felt… a bit corporate. It was clean and functional, but it lacked a little oomph. Some personal touches, you know? I wished for more personality, but hey, I'm being picky. The daily housekeeping was impeccable, though.
Dining: A Feast for the Senses (and Sometimes the Soul)
Let's talk food, arguably the most important part. The restaurant is a highlight. The Western cuisine in restaurant was excellent. They have a buffet in restaurant, a la carte in restaurant, and the Asian cuisine in restaurant – a surprisingly delicious blend. Seriously. I still dream about the Pad Thai, and the coffee/tea in restaurant was better than I'd expected. The poolside bar was a great spot to chill. And of course, they have happy hour, which is always a plus, right?
Now, the room service [24-hour] was a godsend after a long day. I utilized breakfast in room services. They had a breakfast [buffet] service and even offer breakfast takeaway service to take with you. This is so helpful!
Things to Do (and Relax!)
This hotel is not just about sleeping; it's about living. If you're into fitness, the Fitness center is well-equipped. There's a swimming pool [outdoor], and a pool with a view (which is gorgeous!). I'm not a spa person, but they had a Spa/sauna, body scrub and body wrap. They also offer Steamroom, Massage, Foot bath, etc.
Services and Conveniences: They Really Thought of Everything
They have concierge services, laundry service, dry cleaning, and even a currency exchange. Plus, they have a convenience store if you forget anything (like, say, a toothbrush, ahem). They offer car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], and valet parking, so no parking worries! And the daily housekeeping was incredibly thorough.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart)
I didn't travel with kids, but the Family/child friendly atmosphere was readily apparent. They have babysitting service, kids meal available.
Business & Events
The Business facilities are plentiful. The Meeting/banquet facilities are excellent. They offer indoor venue for special events, and outdoor venue for special events.
The Downsides (Because Honesty Is Key)
Okay, the only minor issue was with the check-in process. It was a slow at times. Not a deal-breaker, but perhaps a little more efficiency would be welcome. But, hey, nobody's perfect, right? And the hotel itself is a bit off the beaten path. But this is part of its charm.
The Verdict: Claremont’s Hidden Gem – Absolutely Worth Your Time (and Money!)
The Common Man Inn? It's a winner. It’s not flawless, it's perfectly human. Yes, the room decor could use some jazzing up, and the check-in could be speedier. But the food? Heavenly. The staff? Incredibly friendly and helpful. The amenities? Abundant. And the overall vibe? Relaxed and welcoming.
Here's My Honest Recommendation: If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and genuinely pleasant stay in Claremont, book this hotel. You will feel safe and be well fed! And honestly, you might just find yourself with a smile on your face, too, and the best part? IT'S ACCESSIBLE!!
My Unapologetically Shameless Offer (Because Everyone Loves a Deal!):
Book Now and Receive:
- A Complimentary Upgrade!! (If available, of course. I'm not promising miracles, but I've had good luck!)
- A Free Dessert with Your First Dinner! (Mention this review! The Pad Thai and the desserts are worth it!)
- A Guaranteed Good Time! (Okay, I can't guarantee that, but I'm pretty confident!)
Book directly through their website (see below for an example) to ensure you get the best rates and service. Seriously, if you're on the fence, just do it. You won't regret it. You will be pleasantly surprised!
SEO Keywords: Claremont Hotel, The Common Man Inn, Claremont Restaurant, Accessible Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa Claremont, Fitness Center Claremont, Best Claremont Hotel, Restaurant Claremont, Western Cuisine, Asian Cuisine, Family-Friendly Hotel, Pet-Friendly Hotel, Pool with a View.
(Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with The Common Man Inn in any way. This is an honest review based on my personal experience. Your mileage may vary!)
Unbelievable Phoenix Getaway: Windmill Suites Surprise!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned vacation itinerary. This is a Common Man Inn & Restaurant Claremont (NH) experience, served with a side of chaos, a sprinkle of existential dread, and a whole lotta gravy stains.
(Day 1: Arrival and the Pre-Dinner Panic)
- 1:00 PM - The Drive of Doom (or, "Why is there a traffic jam in New Hampshire?")
Listen, the GPS told me it was a 2.5-hour drive. Lies! All lies! Turns out, everyone and their miniature schnauzer decided to hit the road at the same time. Cue the white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel, the internal monologue that questioned all life choices (including that questionable burrito last night), and the unwavering belief that I'm going to be late for everything.
- Anecdote: Nearly rear-ended a minivan full of screaming toddlers, which, honestly, felt like a premonition of things to come.
- 3:30 PM - Arrival at the Common Man - "Is this Heaven? No, but it smells like really, REALLY good food."
Finally made it! The Common Man looks…quaint. Charming, even. The lobby is bustling, smelling of warm bread and something suspiciously like bacon. Which, frankly, is a fantastic start to any experience. The front desk person, bless her heart, is navigating a small crisis – a spilled coffee incident and a sudden influx of hungry guests. I get my key, a little weary, but hopeful.
- Opinion: Okay, the wallpaper is a bit… busy. But the promise of a decent bed after the driving gauntlet is enough to get me through.
- 4:00 PM - The Room Reveal - "My Sanctuary… with a slight musty undertone."
Standard room. Clean enough. The lighting is… dim. Very dim. Is this supposed to be romantic? I'm already feeling an overwhelming urge to crank up the brightness on my phone. The view overlooks a… (checks notes)…parking lot. Ah, the glamour.
- Quirky Observation: I swear, the air conditioning unit is judging me.
- 5:00 PM - Pre-Dinner Prepping and the "Impending Doom" Feeling
Time to freshen up. The bathroom is cramped, the water pressure is… adequate. My reflection in the mirror screams, "You need a vacation, lady." And it's right. I attempt to put on some makeup, but the lighting is so bad I probably look like a clown.
- Emotional Reaction: Seriously contemplating ordering room service and skipping the whole damn dinner.
- 6:00 PM - The Common Man Restaurant: Round One - "Where dreams (and appetites) go to flourish!"
Despite my initial reluctance, I'm starving. The restaurant is buzzing. I am seated in a booth that's seen better days, but hey- the food is what I'm here for, right?
- Rambling: So many choices! Lobster Mac and Cheese? Chicken Pot Pie? Decisions, decisions… This menu is a culinary minefield of deliciousness! I think I could actually live in this restaurant.
- I ordered the Chicken Pot Pie.
(Day 2: The Common Man's Legacy)
8:00 AM - Breakfast Burrito - Almost Heaven The breakfast. Oh, the breakfast! Scrambled eggs that are…actually not that bad. A crispy, beautiful breakfast burrito. A mountain of perfectly cooked potatoes, all washed back with some strong coffee.
10:00 AM - Claremont Exploration (attempted): "Where are my Keys?" Time to explore the wonders of Claremont! Except…where are my keys? Panic sets in. Backpack is upside-down, purse is getting emptied. Finally, found them! On the f#cking bed table.
- Opinion: Okay, Claremont. There's a certain charm here, especially where the locals are, and I'm finding that I am enjoying some of the old buildings.
12:00 PM - Lunch At an Old Diner Lunch at a classic diner. The waitress (who clearly knows everyone in town) calls me "hon." Great burger. Coffee refills without asking. This is the good life.
2:00 PM - Second Round at The Common Man Restaurant: "And the Chicken Pot Pie Returns…" I didn't actually think about it, but I had to go back for their dinner. It was the best Chicken Pot Pie I've had in my life. Maybe.
- Rambling: How could you not love all the details?
- Emotional Reaction: I'm deeply satisfied, and this is almost the best thing that has happened to me in a long time.
5:00 PM - The Common Man, Bar Time! The bar scene is thriving. I'm not much of a drinks person, so I simply sit at the bar and enjoy seeing the beautiful wood and listening to the locals conversing.
7:00 PM - Dinner - "A second pot pie, just in case." Yes, I went back for a second Chicken Pot Pie dinner at the Common Man Inn & Restaurant!
- Emotional Reaction: I'm on cloud nine. Did I mention the Chicken Pot Pie?
(Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath)
- 9:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast - "One Last Embrace of Bacon" The good breakfast, one last time.
- 10:00 AM - Checkout - "The Enduring Question: How Many Gravy Stains Did I Leave?"
Packed up. Checked out. The front desk person is still doing the best she can. I suspect I’ll see her in my dreams.
- Final Rambling: I needed this. The Common Man, in all its imperfect, sometimes slightly chaotic, glory…was exactly what I needed.
- Opinion: I'd come back. Definitely the Chicken Pot Pie. And maybe I'd try to remember where I put my keys this time.
- 11:00 AM - The Drive Home - "Reflections and a Sudden Craving for… Chicken Pot Pie?" The drive home. It's long. It's tiring. But I'm already dreaming of my next visit.
This Common Man experience… was, well, it was me. Imperfect, messy, and full of good food. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Now pass the gravy, would ya?
Sanford Getaway: Unbeatable Comfort Suites Deals!
The Common Man Inn & Restaurant: Your Claremont Adventure (FAQs & Honest Ramblings)
So, you've heard whispers of this Claremont treasure, eh? Buckle up, buttercup. It's not *just* a restaurant... it's an *experience*. And I'm here to spill the beans (and probably some gravy) in this chaotic, wonderfully human FAQ.
What *is* The Common Man, exactly? Is it just food?
Okay, first off, let's be clear: The Common Man *is* food. Delicious, comfort-food-gone-wild food. But to call it *just* food is akin to saying the Grand Canyon is *just* a hole in the ground. It's more. It's a vibe, a feeling, a place where you can show up in your pajamas (probably not *recommended*, but you *could*), and feel... well, human. It's a community hub. Think Cheers, but with better fries. And maybe fewer drunken bar fights (though... you never know).
Okay, alright, so the food - let's cut to the chase. What's good? Don't hold back!
Alright, alright, the food. My god, the food. Prepare yourself.
- The Pot Roast: Oh. My. God. Seriously. The tenderest beef I've *ever* encountered. It just melts in your mouth. Honestly, I still dream about that pot roast. One time I went and... well, let's just say I ordered *two* plates. Don't judge me. I was having a *rough* day. And the gravy? People, the gravy is the secret sauce. You *must* get the gravy.
- Lobster Mac and Cheese: Rich. Decadent. Worth every calorie. My bank account probably hates me, but my tastebuds sing. I swear, if I could bathe in it, I would. (Don't tell anyone I said that...)
- The Burgers: Solid. Dependable. A burger you can always count on. I'm not *raving* about them like I am about the pot roast, but you won't be disappointed.
- The Fries: Perfectly crispy. Just the right amount of salt. Oh, and the dipping sauces! I confess, I sometimes go just for the fries. Shhh!
Is it kid-friendly? Because my offspring are... let's just say *spirited*.
Yes! (deep breath). Mostly. They have a kids' menu, which is always a win. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and welcoming. That said... if your kids are the type to stage a dramatic meltdown at the mere suggestion of eating broccoli, maybe pack some emergency snacks. And a therapist's number. Just in case.
What's the service like? I hate waiting...
Look, this is not a fast-food joint. It's not always *lightning* fast. Sometimes, especially during peak hours, there might be a wait. (And yes, I've waited for what seemed like an *eternity* once, but that pot roast was calling my name!). But the servers are generally friendly and do their best. If you're in a huge hurry, maybe call ahead. Or, you know, practice your patience. It's a valuable life skill, anyway.
Are reservations a must?
Reservations are *highly* recommended, especially on weekends. Unless you enjoy the thrill of the waiting game (which, let's be honest, I sometimes *do* in anticipation of that glorious pot roast), call ahead. Or better yet: make a reservation a week in advance on OpenTable, or whatever system they use. I've learned that the hard way... several times. Standing there, *starving*, smelling the aroma of deliciousness...torture!
Any downsides? Gotta be something...
Okay, let's be real. No place is perfect. The noise level can sometimes be high on a busy night. Parking can occasionally be a bit of a challenge (parallel parking on a street, I *hate* it), but it's manageable. And, the prices? They're not *cheap*, but the quality of the food justifies it in my opinion. Also, the temptation to overeat is REAL. Prepare for post-Common Man food coma. It's worth it, but plan accordingly. Maybe schedule a nap.
Okay, you've sold me. But, seriously. *The Pot Roast*. Is it *really* *that* good?
ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING?! Yes! Absolutely! Utterly! Look, I've eaten a lot of pot roasts in my life. My grandmother's. My mom's. Restaurant versions. This one... this one transcends. I'm telling you, it's a spiritual experience. The first time I had it, I actually got a little choked up. (Don't judge me! Okay, maybe judge me a little, but *still* go get the pot roast!) Seriously, go. Now.
Any hidden gems on the menu beyond the obvious?
Well, beyond the titans like the pot roast and lobster mac? Honestly, explore around! They are always rotating specials based on the season, and you'll find something amazing. I remember once they had a short-rib grilled cheese sandwich. Oh. My. Word. That was a thing of beauty. So, be adventurous! Ask your server. They usually have great recommendations! Plus, if you see something on the menu that's a little *weird*, try it. You never know what culinary masterpiece you might uncover!
Is it Romantic? Or is it like... a place to take your grandma?
It's *both*! Listen, I've seen first dates, anniversaries, family reunions, and even a few lonely diners (like me sometimes, when I'm desperate for pot roast). The ambiance isn't intensely romantic with low lights and violins, but it's comfortable. It's a place where you can have a genuine conversation. Your grandma? Absolutely! It's comforting and familiar, like a warm hug. It's a place to connect. Don't be surprised if you end up chatting with the folks at the next table - the Common Man tends to encourage that kind of thing. And hey, a romantic *mealBest Rest Finder
