Escape to Paradise: Red Lion Inn & Suites Goodyear Awaits!
Escape to Paradise… or Did We? A Review of Red Lion Inn & Suites Goodyear Awaits! (Spoiler: It's Complicated)
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your typical clean-cut travel review. This is real life, with all its messy glory and minor inconveniences. We just got back from Red Lion Inn & Suites in Goodyear, Arizona, and let me tell you, the "Paradise" part of the name… well, let's just say it's aspirational.
Metadata for the SEO gods (and Google): Red Lion Inn & Suites Goodyear Review, Goodyear Hotels, Arizona Hotels, Accessible Hotels, Spa Hotels, Pool Hotels, Pet-Friendly Hotels (sort of), Restaurant Reviews Goodyear, Free Wi-Fi Hotels, Family Hotels Goodyear.
First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle: (It’s a Rollercoaster)
Right off the bat… the drive there? Straightforward. Goodyear itself? Kinda… suburban sprawl. Not exactly the dramatic arrival I was hoping for. My partner is in a wheelchair, so accessibility is HUGE. The website claims to be accessible, and at first glance, it seemed that way. The entrance ramps were okay, though could be a touch steeper for some, and that initial feeling of “whew, this will finally be a good getaway!" was quickly replaced by a more realistic expectation of "we'll see."
Accessibility Check-In: A Bit of a Bruising Start
Check-in was… well, let's say they tried. The front desk guy, bless his heart, was enthusiastic but a little flustered. He was clearly trying to be accommodating, but things felt a bit… clunky. We got lost trying to find our room because the signage wasn't all that clear (seriously, guys, invest in some better signs!). Then the room, which WAS supposedly accessible. It was wheelchair-friendly… in the sense that you could maneuver a chair around. But the turning radius in the bathroom? Tight. Like, really tight. My partner ended up banging his elbow more than once. Also, the handle on the bathroom door? Not the easiest for someone with weaker grip. So the initial accessibility impression? A solid C. They tried, bless 'em, but there's room for massive improvement.
Rooms & Amenities: The Good, the Bad, and the Confusing
- The Room Itself: We booked a non-smoking room (obviously). It was clean-ish, but again, that “clean-ish” feeling. The bed? Comfy enough. Air conditioning? Definitely working, which was a lifesaver in the Arizona heat. Other pluses - there was even extra long bed, which was nice. There was also a mini-bar, a refrigerator and complimentary water (yay!). I'll take it.
- Wi-Fi: Freedom! (Mostly) Free Wi-Fi in every room is a huge win. The speed was decent, and I managed to stream a movie without any major buffering. Good job on that front, Red Lion! I guess it's a must have these days.
- Bathroom Bliss (or Lack Thereof): As mentioned before, the bathroom accessibility was a letdown. Also, the water pressure in the shower? Pathetic. Like, could barely wash the conditioner out of my hair. And the toiletries? Standard, generic, hotel-brand stuff. Nothing to write home about (unless you’re writing a very negative review about sad, uninspired soap).
- The In-Room Coffee Situation: The coffee maker was… present. That’s about all I can say. The coffee itself? Weak and watery. I ended up walking down to the lobby for some coffee from the coffee shop.
Things to Do (and How We Relaxed… Sort Of)
Okay, this is where things get a little… scattershot. The Red Lion boasts a pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
- The Pool: The outdoor pool was actually pretty nice. The water was clean, and it had a view. The biggest problem? Shade. There wasn’t a ton of it, and it was brutal with the Arizona desert sun beating down on you. So, we spent a good amount of time in the shade, sipping water because, again, the options, are very limited if you are not really a drinker.
- Poolside Bar: I love a swim-up bar. This one? Open sometimes, not others. When it was open, it was okay. The drinks were… fine. Nothing to rave about.
- Fitness Center: Took a peek in there. Looked… functional. Not exactly a state-of-the-art gym, but probably good enough for a quick workout. I didn’t actually use it, because, well, vacation.
- The Spa (or Lack of It): The "spa" promised massages, and other treatments. I called several times to make a booking. I kept being told that they were "fully booked". I eventually met the spa guy, who was also handling the check-ins. He mumbled how he was "swamped". Okay, no spa experience for us.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Tale of Two Tables
- Restaurants: There are a couple of restaurants, but the quality was hit or miss. The Asian and Western cuisine restaurants? Again, okay. Nothing to make you jump for joy.
- Breakfast? The buffet breakfast was… well, it existed. I opted for the breakfast takeaway service, which was convenient. Although, I got a feeling that it all came from the same buffet.
- Poolside Bar: As mentioned, the poolside bar was inconsistent. And the snacks? Limited. Prepare to hit up a convenience store if you are the snacking type.
- Room Service (24-hour): It’s a massive win, in my book. I ordered a late-night pizza one night, and it arrived quickly. It wasn’t amazing pizza, but hey, pizza at 1 am is still pretty darn good.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Sanitization Shuffle
Okay, in the post-COVID world, cleanliness is paramount. They claimed to have gone above and beyond. The "Anti-viral cleaning products" were a nice touch. The hand sanitizer stations were plentiful, The staff were trained. The shared stationaries were removed. They seemed to be taking things seriously. HOWEVER, I still noticed a few dust bunnies in the room. So, the cleaning could have been a bit more thorough, I must say.
Services & Conveniences: Hits and Misses
They offered a ton of services, with an elevator, an on-site event hosting, a cash withdrawal, a concierge, a convenience store, currency exchange, a daily housekeeping. All in all, it’s a real plus for all the guests.
For the Kids: The Silent Treatment
The hotel claims to be family-friendly. I didn’t see any kids facilities, but I wasn’t particularly looking for them, so I can’t be sure. There was no Babysitting service, no kids meal but there was a family/child friendly setup.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Okay, so was it a paradise? Not exactly. The accessibility was a definite low point. The food was mostly disappointing. The spa was a no-go. But… the staff tried. They were genuinely friendly. The pool was nice. And I did have some truly relaxing moments, despite the hiccups.
Final Verdict: A Solid "Meh" with Potential
Would I recommend Red Lion Inn & Suites Goodyear? It’s complicated. If accessibility is a non-negotiable factor, I’d suggest calling beforehand and getting very specific about your needs. If you’re okay with a slightly imperfect experience and a decent pool, then maybe. It's not a disaster, by any means. But "Escape to Paradise"? Let's just say they have some serious work to do to get there. The potential is there, though. Maybe next time.
South Korea's EPIC Hotel Brown Dot Waterpark: You HAVE to See This!Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your beige-toned, perfectly-formatted travel brochure itinerary. This is real life, Red Lion Inn & Suites Goodyear - West Phoenix style. Let's get this train wreck on the rails!
Day 1: Arrival - The Desert Welcomes (and Maybe Judges You)
- 1:00 PM: Ugh, finally landed. Phoenix Sky Harbor felt like a giant, air-conditioned reptile house. The heat hits you like a brick wall the second you step outside. Seriously, what's with this dry heat everyone raves about? It just feels… thirsty. Grabbed my rental car (a slightly dusty, slightly dented sedan – because, budget!) and navigated the highway. Found Red Lion Inn. Looks… like a Red Lion Inn. You know, the type. A little faded, but clean enough. Checked in. The woman at the front desk was nice, but I swear she gave me a side-eye for my travel outfit (sweatpants and a band t-shirt. Judge me, I dare you.)
- 2:00 PM: Dragged my suitcase to my room (Room 217 – it has a weird crack in the ceiling, btw). Threw it on the bed, which felt like it might swallow me whole. The air conditioning blasting a glacial wind – a blessed relief. Unpacked, which always feels like an unpacking ordeal.
- 2:30 PM: Poolside reconnaissance mission. Let's scope the scene. Sun already cooking the cement. Saw a couple of families splashing around, kids screaming bloody murder, a guy in a Hawaiian shirt who looked like he was living his best life. Me? I just sat on the pool chair, sunscreen coating my hands, squinting at the sky. Was it going to rain? Nah. Just a deceptive desert glare.
- 3:30 PM: Made a quick trip to a grocery store nearby for some hydration. My internal monologue on food is so weird. Ended up buying a bunch of questionable snacks, for the in case of a bad food day.
- 5:00 PM: Attempted a walk around the hotel. It wasn't very scenic, mostly parking lots and scrubby desert plants. Kinda like a movie set waiting for the main actors. Saw a roadrunner! (Maybe.) The desert is definitely… present.
- 6:00 PM: Took a shower. The water pressure was surprisingly good! Celebrated with a mini bottle of champagne I’d sneaked in because, why not?
- 7:00 PM: Ordered pizza from a place called "Pizza Palace" (groundbreaking, I know). Ate it in the room, because let's be honest, I have no energy for social interaction right now. The pizza was… fine. Definitely pizza. The kind you eat when you're tired and just need something to fuel the next day's adventures.
- 8:00 PM: Watched some TV and caught a few segments of a boring documentary. Found myself staring into the ceiling crack. Wondering where it goes. Wondering about life. This whole thing is slightly overwhelming.
- 9:00 PM: Bed. Praying for sleep. Praying for no bed bugs. Praying for a good travel day ahead…
Day 2: Desert Dreams and Culinary Disasters
7:00 AM: Woke up with a crick in my neck. Curse you, cheap hotel pillows! Decided to hit the "complimentary" breakfast, even though I had a feeling it would be a tragic comedy of processed food.
7:30 AM: Breakfast. It was! The "cereal" tasted like cardboard dipped in sugar. Sausage links that were probably once a sentient being. The coffee… well, let's just say it required a heroic amount of creamer to achieve drinkability. Swallowed it anyway, and took a second cup to-go.
8:30 AM: Drove to the West Valley Museum, because, culture! The exhibitions were pretty good, though, I'm not going to lie, my mind kept wandering.
11:00 AM: Stopped at a farmers market. Finally, SOMETHING interesting! Bought way too many jalapenos.
12:30 PM: Lunch. Went to a diner. They served me burnt fries. I sent them back. Got more burnt fries. I started to think the kitchen was on fire.
1:30 PM: Back to the hotel for some downtime. Did some work, then, I decided to relax.
3:00 PM: Pool again. Surfing the "Internet" and found an old movie to watch.
6:00 PM: Attempted to cook the jalapenos. Disaster! The first few were fine, then the rest turned into a fiery, smoky inferno. I think I inhaled enough smoke to start a career as a dragon. Had to open all the windows and use the fire extinguisher.
7:30 PM: So, that "homemade" dinner was a bust. Ordered something else. This time chicken from a restaurant.
9:00 PM: Bed. I'm exhausted. The desert has claimed another victim.
Day 3: Grand Canyon… And Existential Dread
- 6:00 AM: Holy crap, early start! Driving to the Grand Canyon.
- 9:00 AM: Arrived. The Grand Canyon. It's huge. Really, really huge. I stared into the abyss. A little overwhelmed. A little awestruck. A little…existentially terrified that my problems seemed so small.
- 10:00 AM: Took a hike. The views were incredible, until I started to think about how long it would take to climb back up. Then, the sun started to cook the air, and I nearly passed out.
- 12:00 PM: Had lunch, ate and didn't think.
- 2:00 PM: Drove back, stopping to buy snacks.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Went to a restaurant. The food was ok, but the company was better.
- 7:00 PM: Packing and resting.
- 8:00 PM: Bed and done!
Day 4: Departure - Leaving The Crucible Of Adventure
- 7:00 AM: The final breakfast, which was the worst of all.
- 8:00 AM: Checked out. Gave the lady at the desk a slightly sad smile. The city was definitely, a lot.
- 9:00 AM: Dropped the rental car.
- 11:00 AM: Flew home.
Important Notes:
- Sunscreen: Seriously, bring a huge bottle.
- Hydration: Drink more water than you think you need.
- Complaining: Don't be afraid! I'm not afraid!
- Embrace the Mess: Travel is messy. It's imperfect. It's sometimes disappointing. But it's always an experience. Enjoy the ride!
And there you have it. My Goodyear, Arizona, experience, in all its chaotic glory. Hopefully, your trip will be a little smoother. But probably not.
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Escape to Paradise: Red Lion Inn & Suites Goodyear Awaits! (Uh... Mostly) - A Very Honest FAQ
So, is this place ACTUALLY paradise? Sounds a bit...much, doesn't it?
Paradise? Okay, let's not get *too* carried away. Look, it's the Red Lion in Goodyear, Arizona. Think "refreshing pool after a long drive" rather than "pearly gates with cherubs handing out margaritas." It *is* a decent escape. The pool is actually pretty nice, I will say. And after a particularly grueling day of… well, let's just say "adulting"... dipping into that cool water was blissful. Needed it. Badly. More on that later.
But paradise? Nah. Let's just stick to calling it a solid, reliable, and sometimes surprisingly pleasant place to stay. You know, like a good pair of jeans. Comfortable, gets the job done, doesn't need to be all sparkly to make you happy.
Alright, spill the beans! What's the parking situation? Because, frankly, that's a deal-breaker for me.
Okay, parking. Don't panic. It's…adequate. Which, in today's world, is practically sainthood. Seriously, I've been to hotels where you need a blood oath and a topographical map just to find a spot. Here? Pretty straightforward. Plenty of spaces, mostly well-lit. You’re not going to be circling for an hour, which, let's be honest, is a win in my book.
The only thing I'd say is, on weekend nights, it might get a *little* crowded. I saw some guys arguing over a spot once. But I think they were just trying to show off to their dates because there were plenty of spots anyway.
The *rooms*, tell me about the rooms! Are they clean? Is the air conditioning going to try to kill me with its Arctic blast?
The rooms… hmm. Okay, let's be real. They're not the Ritz. But they’re not a condemned building either. My room was clean-ish. You know, the kind of clean where you don't feel like your shoes are permanently glued to the floor. They got the basics right. Bed was comfy enough (after a long day, *anything's* comfy, let's be real). Television worked. Shower had hot water, which is essential.
The air conditioning, though... oh, the air conditioning. It was a bit of a beast. At first, it blew a hurricane of ice cubes. Seriously, I had to adjust the thermostat like five times. Eventually, I got it to a tolerable level. Still, I felt like I was in a meat locker all night. Layer up, kids. Layer up.
Breakfast. The most important meal of the day, right? What's the food setup looking like?
Breakfast… ah, the make-or-break. Okay, the free breakfast is what you'd expect. Standard hotel fare. Think: Waffles, scrambled eggs (the kind that might or might not be made from actual eggs, you know?), some kind of sausage that looks like it's been through a war, and some fruit that's probably been sitting out since the Mesozoic era.
But, and there's a but! The waffle maker? Glorious. It's one of those self-serve ones. And you can load it up with syrup and whipped cream. I may or may not have had three waffles one morning. Don't judge me. It was a *rough* week. And the coffee? Acceptable. Not life-changing, but gets the job done. So overall, consider it a solid, free, and carbohydrate-heavy breakfast.
Pool time! Is the pool worth it? I'm a pool snob.
The pool… Yes! The pool is actually pretty great. I’m not usually a pool person. I'm more of a "curl up with a good book in a dark room" kind of person. But after that insane drive (traffic on the I-10, am I right?), that pool was just… yes.
It's clean, it's a decent size, and there are plenty of lounge chairs. I did notice a couple of kids splashing around, which is inevitable, I guess. But mostly, it was peaceful. I spent a good hour or two just floating around, listening to the birds. The sun was setting, and the whole thing felt… well, almost like paradise. For a little while, anyway. Definitely worth the dip.
Is there a gym? Because I *might* consider exercising on vacation… maybe…
Yep, there's a gym. A *very* small gym. It has a couple of treadmills, a universal machine, and some free weights. Basically, it's enough to pretend you’re being healthy for a little while. I peeked in. I even went inside. I *definitely* intended to use it.
But you know what happened? The call of the pool was too strong. And the pull of the sofa was even stronger. So, no, I didn't actually work out. But hey, at least they *have* a gym. Gold star for effort, I guess. Maybe next time.
About the Location: Anything nearby that isn't a chain restaurant? I get bored of those fast.
Okay, location. Goodyear isn't exactly bursting with hidden gems, let's be honest. It's suburban, you know? Strip malls and chain restaurants abound. However! I did manage to unearth a couple of options if you're willing to venture slightly off the beaten path.
There's a decent Mexican place a few minutes away that doesn't taste like every other Mexican place. And there was a small coffee shop. Okay, full disclosure, the coffee wasn't *amazing*, but at least it wasn't a Starbucks! So, explore a little. Don't be afraid to drive around. You might be surprised at what you find. Or you might end up at another chain restaurant. It's the gamble you take.
Okay, let's get real. Any major downsides? Gotcha!
Downsides? Oh, there are always downsides. Life's not a bowl of cherries, folks! Here's where it gets... interesting. One night, the fire alarm went off. In the middle of the night. I am *not* a morning person. I am *even less* of a middle-ofBangkok: The Ultimate Thailand Adventure Awaits!
