Brookside Motor Inn: Your Unexpected US Getaway Awaits!
Brookside Motor Inn: My Unexpected US Getaway… And Let Me Tell You, It Was WILD! (A Review That's Real)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from Brookside Motor Inn, and honestly? I’m still processing it. "Your Unexpected US Getaway Awaits!" they say. Yeah, you got that right. Unexpected in all the best… and occasionally, most interesting ways. Let's dive in, shall we?
Accessibility: The Good, The… Well, The Functional
Alright, first thing’s first: accessibility. I need to mention this because it's important, and frankly, good hotels need to be shouted out for it! Brookside claims to have "Facilities for disabled guests," which, to be fair, they do. There's an elevator (THANK GOD! Climbing those exterior corridors at night…no thank you!), and I think some rooms are designed with accessibility in mind. However, I didn’t personally experience the accessible room, so I can't give a definitive thumbs up. But the elevator is a huge win, and I saw no major obstacles getting around the main areas. This is crucial.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Until Your Eyes Water!
Okay, they weren’t kidding about the safety protocols. You're hit with the "Welcome to a Clean Environment!" sign the second you walk in. I’m talking serious sanitization. Daily disinfection in common areas, definitely a thing. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yep. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Probably. The staff were masked, they've got hand sanitizer everywhere, and they clearly took this whole pandemic thing seriously. Did it feel sterile at times? Maybe a little. But hey, I'd rather err on the side of clean, right? Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely in use. They offered a room sanitization opt-out, which I appreciated. I wasn't too keen on the idea of my room being a hospital operating theatre, but the staff seemed really on top of everything. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. I felt safe.
Internet and Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi, Praise the Internet Gods!
Listen, I NEED internet. Like, more than I need oxygen. So the fact they boast "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and it actually works? Huge win. Internet access – wireless? Check. Internet access – LAN? I guess that's there if you're into retro tech? And, y'know, Wi-Fi in public areas too. Honestly, it was strong and reliable. I got my work done, I binge-watched some truly terrible reality TV (don't judge!), and the connection never dropped. Internet services were more than adequate.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Sometimes)
Oh, the dining experience… Let’s just say it's "unique." Restaurants are present, but "international cuisine" is a bit of a stretch. It's more like, “whatever's available tonight.” They had a bar, thankfully, because sometimes you just need a stiff drink after you've spent the afternoon surrounded by questionable taxidermy (more on that later).
There’s a breakfast [buffet], but let's be honest, it was pretty basic. Cereal, some questionable fruit, and a waffle maker that, judging by the looks of it, had seen better days. Breakfast takeaway service was available, which was helpful for a quick start to the day. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yep. Coffee shop? Yes. Snack bar? Absolutely. The bottle of water they provided in the room was appreciated. They did have a vegetarian restaurant option, which was a relief. The salad in restaurant was actually quite good! The soup in restaurant? Well… let's say it was "an experience." I'm pretty sure it involved a jar of something that resembled gravy. And for the love of all that is holy, the desserts?! Avoid. Just avoid.
I did appreciate a Poolside bar, even though it wasn’t exactly a luxe experience. Room service [24-hour]. This was a lifesaver at 3 AM after a particularly questionable food experience.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa? Yes. But…
Okay, this is where things get interesting. They’ve got a swimming pool (outdoor!), which was surprisingly nice. Pool with view? Not really, unless you consider the parking lot a "view." They had a spa. I’d looked at the spa treatment options. Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Foot bath, were listed. The spa itself seemed… well, it had a certain "charm". Let’s leave it at that. I'm not sure if they did the body scrub, body wrap, or massage that I wanted. I decided to skip it, but hey, maybe you'll be brave - lol.
They also have a gym/fitness area. I walked in and I walked right back out. The equipment looked like it had been rescued from a forgotten warehouse. I’m not saying it was unsafe, just… dated.
Available in all rooms:
This is important. You are going to need these (and probably more)
- Air conditioning - Trust me, you need it.
- Air conditioned
- Alarm clock.
- Bathrobes - A plus after a swim.
- Bathroom phone.
- Bathtub - Because, why not?
- Blackout curtains - For all those terrible hangover mornings.
- Carpeting - Ah, the classic motel carpet.
- Closet - For hiding your shame.
- Coffee/tea maker - Coffee, essential.
- Complimentary tea.
- Daily housekeeping - Bless you, housekeeping.
- Desk - For working (or pretending to).
- Extra long bed.
- Free bottled water - Essential.
- Hair dryer.
- High floor - If you score one.
- In-room safe box - Good for security
- Interconnecting room(s) available.
- Internet access – LAN.
- Internet access – wireless.
- Ironing facilities.
- Laptop workspace - Very helpful.
- Linens - Check
- Mini bar - Yay!
- Mirror - For checking your face.
- Non-smoking.
- On-demand movies.
- Private bathroom.
- Reading light.
- Refrigerator - Because of the mini-bar.
- Safety/security feature.
- Satellite/cable channels - For boring nights
- Scale.
- Seating area.
- Separate shower/bathtub.
- Shower.
- Slippers.
- Smoke detector.
- Socket near the bed.
- Sofa.
- Soundproofing.
- Telephone.
- Toiletries.
- Towels.
- Umbrella.
- Visual alarm.
- Wake-up service.
- Wi-Fi [free].
- Window that opens.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of Awesomeness
They had Air conditioning in public area too, which was a godsend. Cash withdrawal, because, well… you might need it. A Concierge? Sort of. They claimed they had a concierge, and the front desk guy was trying. He was a treasure, bless him. Convenience store? Yep, stocked with the essentials. A Daily housekeeping service, which was great! A Doorman? Not really. Dry cleaning and Laundry service? Yup. Elevator? Praise the Lord! Facilities for disabled guests? See above. There's a gift/souvenir shop, essential for grabbing that last-minute "I went to a place" gift. A Meeting/banquet facilities. On-site event hosting? Possibly. Terrace? Yeah.
For the Kids: Babysitting? Maybe. Charm? Definitely.
They claim to be Family/child friendly, with Kids facilities. Maybe. I'm not sure. Kids meal? Probably.
Getting Around: Driving Is Key, Honey
Airport transfer? Nope. Car park [free of charge]? Absolutely! Car park [on-site]? Yup. You definitely need a car here. Taxi service? Available, but plan ahead. Valet parking? Nope.
Cleanliness and Safety: More on This, Because It Matters Now
The rooms are Non-smoking rooms. Smoking area? Yup, outside. Fire extinguisher, **Front desk
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're diving into the glorious, messy reality of a trip to Brookside Motor Inn, USA. Prepare for emotional rollercoaster, questionable decisions, and probably a lot of coffee.
Subject: Brookside Bound – A Week of Unexpected Adventures (and Probably a Questionable Breakfast Buffet)
Day 1: The Arrival – Or, How I Realized My Life is a Rom-Com, Minus the Charming Leading Man
- 10:00 AM (ish): The drive. Oh, the drive. I packed three different playlists, a travel-sized bottle of wine (hey, long journeys!), and an optimistic outlook. Reality? Stuck behind a minivan full of screaming children for the first two hours. My wine lasted all of five minutes.
- 1:00 PM (give or take): Arrival at Brookside Motor Inn. The website photos… let's just say they were generous. The lobby smelt vaguely of chlorine and regret, but honestly? It was already growing on me. The front desk lady, bless her heart, looked like she'd seen things. Important note for the future: always book a room on the second floor. Apparently, the "earthy" scents of the ground floor are not appealing.
- 1:30 PM: Unpacking. Standard hotel room stuff. Realization that the hairdryer is older than I am, and probably just as cranky.
- 2:00 PM: Attempted dip in the pool. Nope. Closed for maintenance. Guess I'm not the glamorous, pool-lounging type. More like the "staring awkwardly at a chain fence" type.
- 3:00 PM: Exploring Brookside. The town itself is charming in a "forgotten by time" kind of way. Found a diner that looked straight out of the 50s. I had to go in, I mean, I had to see it.
- 3:30 PM: Diner Experience. The waitress, Betty, was the queen of sass and gave me the best damn milkshake I’ve had in years. She also told me, "Honey, you look like you need a burger and a hug." She wasn't wrong.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at The Rusty Spoon (recommendation from Betty). They had a karaoke night! It was terrible and brilliant at the same time. I swear, the guy singing "My Way" sounded like he was being strangled by a cat. I applauded anyway. He needed it.
- 9:00 PM: Back at the Inn. Watched some reruns of a reality TV show that I don't even like but felt strangely comforted by. It's probably the loneliness talking.
Day 2: The Quest for Breakfast – and the Mystery of the Missing Remote
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Attempted to turn on the TV. The remote? Missing. Search ensues. Note to self: Maybe don't leave small objects, like remotes, on the bed the night before.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. I bravely ventured into the breakfast buffet. Okay, it was a disaster. The scrambled eggs looked like something that had been left out in the sun for a week. I stuck to the pre-packaged pastries (and a mountain of coffee).
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast drama continues. I finally found the remote. It was underneath the bed. The hotel's carpet is…questionable.
- 9:00 AM: Decided to walk around the town. Found a charming antique shop. I bought a vintage postcard of a cat wearing a hat. Don’t ask.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the diner again. Betty remembered my name. I felt like a local.
- 1:00 PM: Attempted to explore the "Nature Trail." Got eaten alive by mosquitoes and gave up after five minutes. My "nature" adventures are evidently limited.
- 2:00 PM - 7:30 PM: I’m going to be honest, I spent most of this time reading in my room. Needed to recharge.
- 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Dinner at the Rusty Spoon, again. This time, no karaoke. Thank god.
Day 3: The Day I (Sort Of) Became a Local
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast buffet 2.0. I knew better this time. Just coffee and a donut. Small victories.
- 9:00 AM: I visited the local library! This place was amazing. They had a whole section dedicated to local history. Found out some of the stories of the town.
- 11:00 AM: I met a real live local, a guy named Frank, who works at the hardware store. He told me all the best spots to visit.
- 1:00 PM: I took Frank's recommendation and visited the local brewery. I don't love beer, but I had a good time.
- 4:00 PM: I decided to explore the main street. I came across a small art gallery. It was a little too expensive for my taste, but the paintings were beautiful.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at The Rusty Spoon. I went with Betty's recommendation and tried the mac and cheese. Incredible.
Day 4: The Unexpected Detour – AKA The Day I Became a Conspiracy Theorist (Briefly)
- 8:00 AM: The dreaded breakfast buffet, again. This time, there were new, suspiciously shiny muffins. I am slightly afraid.
- 9:00 AM: My car wouldn't start! This is the fun of travel, isn't it? I tried to call for help. The front desk woman was…helpful.
- 10:00 AM: I called for a tow truck. It was the only garage in town. It was a long way away.
- 12:00 PM: The tow truck arrived. The tow truck started by guy. Nice folks.
- 2:00 PM: The mechanic fixed the car. It turned out to be a dead battery. Thankfully, easy fix.
- 3:00 PM: I made my way back to the motel room. I was grumpy.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at The Rusty Spoon. I found out the karaoke night was on again…sigh.
Day 5: The Grand Finale (Maybe?) – The Day the Pool Opened!
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The breakfast buffet was even worse this time. It was not a good day to start.
- 9:00 AM: The pool was open! Finally! I'm not a strong swimmer, so I mainly stood in the shallow end and people-watched.
- 11:00 AM: I went out to the local park. It was fun.
- 2:00 PM: I had lunch back at the diner. Betty gave me extra fries.
- 4:00 PM: Did some souvenir shopping. I bought a Brookside Motor Inn branded key chain. It seemed appropriate.
- 7:00 PM: Farewell dinner at The Rusty Spoon. Karaoke… was good this time. It made me cry. Then I fell asleep in the booth.
Day 6: The Great Escape – The bittersweet Goodbye
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast at the breakfast buffet. I ate what I could.
- 10:00 AM: I packed all my stuff. I found a few things I had lost. I will never see them again.
- 11:00 AM: Check out. Saying goodbye to the front desk lady.
- 12:00 PM: I started my drive home.
My Thoughts:
Brookside. You were weird. You were flawed. You were surprisingly charming. I'm not sure you'll ever be in my top ten vacation spots but you were real. You were honest. And you gave me a story to tell. Also, Betty knows her stuff, and I'll miss those fries.
P.S. If you go, bring your own coffee. And possibly a hazmat suit for the breakfast buffet. Be prepared for the unexpected. And most importantly, embrace the mess. Because that's what makes it all memorable, right?
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Brookside Motor Inn: The Unvarnished Truth (and Maybe a Few Beetles Under the Bed) - FAQ
So, you're thinking about Brookside? Buckle up, buttercup. This ain't the Four Seasons, folks. But maybe, just *maybe*, that's a good thing.
1. Okay, Seriously, What *Is* Brookside Like? (And Can These Questions EVER End?)
Alright, here's the unglamorous truth: Brookside is... well, it's a motor inn. Picture it: nestled next to a highway, with that charming, slightly-faded "retro" vibe. You know, the kind where the pool is maybe *slightly* greener than it should be, and the vending machines probably only sell one kind of chips (and possibly some stale granola bars, if you're lucky). I'd stayed there last summer. It was... an experience.
Don't expect pristine perfection. Do expect a certain…lived-in quality. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure book, but the choices are: "Room with a view of the dumpster," "Room with a questionable stain on the wallpaper," or "Room... with a working TV. Score!" (Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic… slightly.) But it's got character. It's got history. It's got… a certain je ne sais quoi of "we've seen things you wouldn't believe."
The point is, go in with realistic expectations. You're not paying for luxury. You're paying for a place to lay your head, a story to tell, and a (hopefully) working shower. And maybe a continental breakfast that's 90% carbs.
2. Cleanliness: The Perpetual Anxiety of Budget Motel Stays. Tell me, is Brookside a biohazard zone? (Be Honest!)
Okay, okay, deep breaths. Cleanliness at Brookside…it's a spectrum. Let's just say you *might* want to bring your own Lysol wipes. When I stayed I'm not sure if they used them, but the rooms aren't spotless. I’d recommend checking under the beds. (Spoiler alert: I found… things. Don't ask.)
The sheets *appeared* clean. The bathroom, well, let's just say I eyed the shower curtain with suspicion. But, honestly, I've stayed in *much* worse. It's not a biohazard zone, but it's not a sterile operating room either. Just… manage your expectations. They're probably doing the best they can with what they've got. And who knows, maybe you'll get lucky! Maybe your room will be the one that got extra TLC that week. Cross your fingers.
My advice? Pack some anti-bacterial wipes, and maybe some of those travel-sized air fresheners. Just in case.
3. The Pool: A Source of Joy or Dread? (Or Just Really, REALLY Green?)
Ah, the pool. Probably the most iconic feature. Okay, so… the pool. The pool at Brookside is… *a pool*. It's usually there. (Sometimes. Check before you book, seriously.) The water quality? Well, I wouldn't recommend drinking it. Or swimming in it after dark, since it's probably not lit. Not a pristine, sparkling oasis. Think more "slightly chlorinated, possibly harboring a family of algae."
But... here's the thing. When I was there, I took a dip. It was hot. The air was thick. There was something undeniably… charming… about a slightly-less-than-pristine pool in the middle of nowhere. I half expected to see a giant pool noodle with my name on it. (I didn't.) So, yeah, the pool. Take it for what it is. A refreshing (questionably so) splash-around opportunity. It's the kind of place where you can comfortably relax, without the pressure of looking perfect. Bring a towel. And maybe some goggles, just in case. And honestly, it was nice after a long day of driving.
4. Breakfast: Will I Starve? (And is it really *continental*?)
The continental breakfast: the classic budget motel staple. And, yes, Brookside *does* boast a continental breakfast. The menu is a classic: stale pastries, sugary cereals (sometimes), questionable instant coffee, and maybe, if you're lucky, some fruit that hasn't fully ripened. It's a buffet you don't want to overthink.
My tip? Lower your expectations. Don't look for gourmet. Think of it as sustenance. A way to get some energy before you hit the road. Grab a coffee (or two… or three) and embrace the moment. This is not where you're going to get a brunch worthy Instagram post. It's functional food, and that's okay. Just don't expect life-altering culinary experiences. Think of it as fuel for Adventure!
5. What About the Staff? Are They Nice? (Or Secretly Plotting to Steal My Luggage?)
The staff at Brookside? Well, it depends. They are nice. They are doing their best. They're the type of people who probably have seen it all and heard it all. They remember you, and that's worth something.
There's a certain… unpretentiousness about them. They're not going to be fawning over you. They might be a little grumpy, or tired, or overworked. They might be a little rough around the edges. But they're probably trying to keep things running, make sure your room is ready and keep you from getting into trouble.
Just be polite. Be patient. Appreciate the fact that someone is there, working hard, to make sure you're (relatively) comfortable. And tip them a couple of bucks. They probably deserve it.
6. The Vibe: What's the Overall Atmosphere? (And Will I Find a Mysterious Stranger in the Lobby?)
Ah, the vibe. Now we're getting to the heart of the matter. The Brookside vibe is… well, it's *unique*. It's a blend of faded glory, roadside charm, and a healthy dose of "we've seen things." It's not the place for a romantic getaway (unless you're *really* into gritty authenticity). It's not going to be a scene. It's the sort of place where it isn't fancy. It's the kind of place where you might see a biker gang, a family of five, and a truck driver all in the same breakfast room. And that's part of its charm.
It's a place where you can relax, unwind, and maybe even people-watch. The stories you could write from just a day at Brookside! There's a sense of freedom and a certain lack of pretense. The staff, the guests… everyone's there for a reason. And they're all just trying to get where they're going. It's a place to stop, breathe, and maybe,Ocean View Inn
