Escape to Secaucus: Meadowlands Luxury Awaits at Best Western Plus!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the… well, the Best Western Plus in Secaucus, New Jersey, which somehow sounds less glamorous than "Meadowlands Luxury Awaits!" but hear me out. I've got thoughts. Lots of thoughts.
First Impressions: The Arrival and the “Meh” that Became “Okay”
So, Secaucus, right? My expectations weren't exactly sky-high. It's a business-y kind of place, close to the city but not in the city. Translation: convenient, but maybe a little… bland. I gotta be honest, when I pulled up, the exterior wasn't exactly screaming "luxury." It was perfectly fine, standard Best Western-ish, you know? But hey, I’m here for the inside, right? RIGHT?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Sadly
Okay, let's get the important stuff out of the way first, especially because it’s super important. Accessibility. They do list "Facilities for disabled guests," which is a good start. They've also got an elevator. But, the devil's in the details, and I didn’t get to thoroughly investigate. My take? Call ahead and specifically ask about accessible rooms and amenities. Don't just assume. Check about the elevators, the door widths, everything. Don't assume anything these days. I am guessing they have some, but don't take my word for it. Verify, verify, verify. Better safe than sorry, you know?
The Room: From Functional to… Functional with a View (Maybe?)
The room itself? Pretty standard, but in a good way. Air conditioning, check. Free Wi-Fi? YES! And it actually worked, which, let's be honest, is a small miracle in the hotel world. Room was clean - and that's a big win, especially after seeing some of the questionable hotel rooms I’ve seen in my life. You gotta appreciate that. The blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in, and the bed was actually comfy, which is a HUGE deal for me. They also listed additional toilets. I didn't see any of these. Maybe for the really fancy suites? I was in no such suite.
Now, the view? Well, that depends on what you consider a "view." I looked out on… other buildings. Not exactly the Eiffel Tower, but hey, I wasn't expecting the Eiffel Tower.
Internet: Bless the Free Wi-Fi Gods
Honestly, the free Wi-Fi in all rooms was a lifesaver. I’m a digital nomad at heart (aka, I work remotely and am constantly online), so reliable internet is, like, oxygen for me. And it was good. Not constantly buffering, not dropping out – just solid, dependable internet. Score! They also have Internet [LAN], whatever that is. Probably for those business types with their clunky hardwired setups.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safer – (Probably)
Alright, let's talk the Cleanliness and safety.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, listed (you know what I always say, if you can't tell by looking, it's not working)
- Daily disinfection in common areas, also good.
- Hand sanitizer, I saw that (thank god)
- Rooms sanitized between stays, they say (still don't know, still take precautions).
- Staff trained in safety protocol (I hope).
- Sterilizing equipment, seems like they got that.
I also spotted things like CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. Which makes me feel a teeny bit safer. I'm a worrier!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Hotel Buffet – A Love/Hate Relationship
Okay, the dining situation. Here's where things get… interesting. They advertised a breakfast buffet, which is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, unlimited carbs! On the other hand, it's a hotel buffet. You know the drill. Stale pastries, questionable scrambled eggs, and coffee that tastes like dishwater. But honestly? It was okay. I mean, I managed to find something edible, which is a win in my book. They also have a Coffee Shop, but I did not experience that.
They have things like a la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant. So, more options than I anticipated.
The presence of options like Happy hour at the bar, poolside bar (which, let's be real, is always a good idea), and room service [24-hour] is a plus.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Gym Rat, or Couch Potato?
Okay, what about the "luxury awaits" part? This is where things get a little… strained. They boast a Fitness center. So, if you're the gym-going type, you're covered. I’m not a gym-going type, so I wouldn’t know?
The pool with view sounds amazing, but I was there in the off-season. I didn't see it.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes, thank God.
- Business facilities: They have all the stuff you’d expect: meetings, Xerox/fax and so on.
- Concierge and Doorman: I didn't use them but they were there apparently.
- Convenience store: Handy for late-night snacks.
- Daily housekeeping: Much appreciated.
- Elevator: Awesome.
- Laundry service: Perfect for those of us who pack light.
- Luggage storage, good.
The Verdict: Worth It?
Honestly? Yeah, I'd say it's worth it. It’s not the most glamorous hotel in the world, but it's clean, comfortable, has good internet, the staff were friendly, and the location is convenient. If you're in Secaucus for business or need a place to crash near NYC, this is a solid choice.
The "Escape to Secaucus" Offer (Because You Need More Than Just A Review!)
Okay, here's my pitch to book this hotel.
Tired of the NYC hustle? Craving a getaway that's close but feels worlds away?
Escape to Secaucus: Meadowlands Luxury Awaits at Best Western Plus!
Here's the deal (and it’s a good one, trust me):
- Free Wi-Fi – Stream your fave shows, catch up on work, or just browse the internet without those pesky buffering issues. You'll be thanking me later.
- Comfy Beds & Blackout Curtains– So you can actually get some real sleep, especially after dealing with the stress of being in the city or running around.
- Great access to the City – It’s easy to get into Manhattan.
Book now and get:
- A cozy and clean room.
- Peace of mind.
- A convenient location perfect for both business and leisure travelers.
Click here to book your escape! (or at least find out more)
P.S. Don't forget to pack your swimsuit (if the pool's open, depending on the season!). This is my little escape plan for you. Enjoy yourself!
P.P.S If you have to go to a business meeting, this hotel is not a bad choice.
Escape to NY: Unbelievable Hampton Inn Near Stewart Airport!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive headfirst into the chaotic, glorious, and slightly-off-kilter world of my (maybe, probably slightly over-planned) trip to…Secaucus, New Jersey. Yes, Secaucus. Home of the Best Western Plus Meadowlands. Don't judge. It's close to the city, and sometimes, you just need a reasonably priced bed and complimentary breakfast, okay? Let's do this.
SECAUCUS SPECTACULAR: A Journey in Mild Disarray (and Hope for Decent Coffee)
Day 1: The Arrival and the Anxiety (Best Western Plus, Baby!)
- 1:00 PM: Okay, first things first. Fly into Newark. This is where the good intentions start to crumble, because the Newark airport is basically a portal to a parallel universe where luggage disappears and lines stretch into infinity. Seriously, I packed light, yet I'm pretty sure my suitcase now contains a small woodland creature. Ugh. Wish me luck.
- (Approximately 2:30 PM): The Great Luggage Retrieval Debacle. So, the woodland creature survived, but my suitcase, predictably, is nowhere in sight. Cue the paperwork, the sighs, and the internal monologue questioning all life choices that led me here. Deep breaths. Right, call the hotel. They probably have a lost and found and not the lost and never found.
- (Roughly 3:30 PM): Finally, Check-in to the Best Western Plus Meadowlands. The lobby is… well, it’s a Best Western. Standard issue, you know? The front desk guy is super nice, though, which instantly mellows me out. He's seen it all, the defeated travelers, the giddy tourists, the ones that have lost their luggage (me!). The room itself is… clean! Score! Now, to unpack…oh, right.
- (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The Great Panic Button Panic. Decide to explore the hotel, and discover that every hotel room has a "panic button." I think I'm going to get panic from pushing the button, I'm not sure what else. My favorite past time is making assumptions, and I've come to the conclusion that someone is going to bust through my door and start yelling at me. This is a fun game to play! I'm going to turn on the TV, and hope I can get away from my thoughts.
- Ancillary thoughts: I should have packed more underwear.
- (6:00 PM): Find dinner. Head out to find dinner. There's a Cheesecake Factory nearby. I'd say that would be fun, but that crowd is overwhelming, and I'm not really into getting a table right away.
- (7:30 PM): Netflix and Chill (with a Side of Self-Loathing) Okay, I've eaten something that resembled food, got my suitcase. Now it's time to embrace the hotel room. Netflix, my old friend. I’m thinking a cheesy rom-com, preferably one with minimal plot and maximum comfort food cravings. This is my "fuck it, I'm alone" moment. Might order room service, just because I can. And because… chocolate.
Day 2: City Bound, and the Quest for Perfection
- (8:00 AM): The promised breakfast buffett! I'm a sucker for hotel breakfast. I have some toast, eggs (that aren't rubbery…), and some coffee. Maybe some fruit. I like fruit. Breakfast is fun!
- (9:00 AM): The commute to the city. The hotel has a shuttle which is awesome, but I have to share it with…everyone. On the train, I'll be able to sit and listen to my music.
- (9:30 AM): Times Square – The Sensory Overload. Oh. My. God. Times Square. It's… a lot. The lights! The noise! The people! It's a giant, sparkly, chaotic, and slightly overwhelming beast. I love it! At its absolute core, times square gets me going! I just need to push my way through the crowds and stay as far away as possible from those guys in the furry costumes.
- (11:00 AM): Museum Hopping (sort of). Gotta experience some culture, right? I'm thinking the MoMA. Or maybe the Met. Or maybe I'll get intimidated by the crowds and end up in a random coffee shop, pretending to write a novel. Likely scenario.
- (1:00 PM): Lunch, the Critical Decision. Okay, finding food is crucial. Where do I even begin? There are about a billion options in NYC. Pizza? Pastrami on rye? A street vendor hot dog? The pressure! Need to find a place that's not too touristy, but also won't give me food poisoning. Damn. I hate making decisions.
- (6:00 PM): Broadway Show. The main event! I've got tickets to see something fabulous! The energy of the theater is amazing. The stage is magical.
- (9:00 PM): Post-Theater Reflections and Pizza. Wow! The show was incredible! Now, pizza is a must. Gotta find a slice that's worthy of this glorious day. Maybe I'll make it back to the hotel for some sleep.
- (11:30 PM): Back at the Hotel, Exhausted but Happy. After the day, I feel grateful, and a little empty. But the show, and the pizza, and even the crowds, made my whole trip what it is!
Day 3: Farewells and Final Thoughts (and the Realization I Need More Coffee)
- (7:00 AM): The Early Morning Scramble. Time to check out. Another breakfast, of course! Gotta fuel up for the airport chaos.
- (9:00 AM): Checkout and Shuttle to Airport. It was nice. Not that "this is my life" nice, but it was, fine.
- (10:00 AM - Whatever time My Flight Is): Airport Debacle, Pt. 2. The lines. The security. The inevitable delays. I will embrace the suck. I will arrive home, eventually. Maybe.
- (On the Plane): So, How Was Secaucus?. It was… an experience. Definitely not perfect, but it was mine. And that's something, right? And hey, at least I got a decent breakfast.
- (Final Thoughts): I'm pretty sure I'll remember this trip. The good, the bad, and the Best Western. And the memories I hope to never forget.
Okay, so, Secaucus. Seriously? Why *this* Best Western Plus? I mean, it's Secaucus!
Alright, look, I get it. Secaucus doesn't exactly scream "glamour." It's not exactly the French Riviera, is it? But hear me out. I was skeptical too. I mean, I'd seen the billboards on the Turnpike, the ones promising "luxury" near the Meadowlands, and my internal monologue went something like, "Luxury? In Secaucus? Is that a typo?"
But then... I needed a place near the city, y'know? Cheap parking, easy access to public transport... and this place kept popping up. And honestly? It charmed me. It really did. It's not *pretentious* luxury. It's more like... comfort with a side of practical. Like your favorite pair of jeans – reliable and always there for you. Plus, the price was right, which, let's be real, is *huge* when you're trying to visit NYC!
Oh, and the free breakfast? Don't even get me started. That's a whole other rabbit hole we can dive into later. Think: waffle station, potential for accidental carb comas… good times.
What's the deal with the Meadowlands, anyway? Besides… you know… smelling… something.
Okay, okay, I'll be honest. The swamp thing? Yeah, it's there. Occasionally. It's more… noticeable on humid days. But honestly, it's not a dealbreaker. Think of it as… rustic. Nature's perfume. (Okay, I’m kidding. It's not perfume.)
But the Meadowlands themselves are actually pretty cool! They’re like this vast, open space, perfect for a quick run – if you’re brave enough – or just staring at the sky to escape the city rush. And the location of the hotel? It’s actually *convenient*. You’re close to MetLife Stadium, so if you catch a game, you're golden. (Unless your team loses. Then, well, the Meadowlands might perfectly reflect your mood.) Plus, easy access to the bus or train to NYC. Bonus: less stressful than driving into the city and finding parking.
Let's talk rooms. Are they… clean? (Please say yes.)
Yes! Mostly. Okay, look, I'm a little obsessive about cleanliness. My own apartment is permanently in a state of "organized chaos." So, I was pleasantly surprised. They *try* really hard. The rooms are generally clean and well-maintained. I mean, not sterile-hospital-clean, but clean enough that you can relax and not worry about questionable critters. I'm talking clean sheets, a decent bathroom, and a room that doesn’t smell like the lingering scent of… let’s just say, previous guests. (You *know* what I mean.)
My one (tiny!) gripe: Sometimes the air conditioning can be a little… enthusiastic. Like, *Arctic* enthusiastic. Pack a sweater, just in case. But it's better than being *too* hot, right? And honestly, I'd rather be freezing than sweating in a stuffy room. (My inner drama queen surfaces again.)
That breakfast… you mentioned a waffle station. Tell me *everything*.
Okay. HOLD. THE. PHONE. The breakfast is... *chef's kiss*. It's… glorious. It’s the kind of breakfast that sets you up for a day of walking around NYC, or, you know, staring blankly at a computer screen when you get back home.
THE WAFFLE STATION: Oh, the waffle station! It's one of those where you pour the batter, close the lid, and hope for the best. Sometimes the waffles are perfect, golden rectangles of crispy deliciousness. Sometimes, they’re a little… messy. I once slightly overcooked one to the point of near-combustion. The smoke alarm went off, I panicked, and I may or may not have tried to fan the smoke away with my hotel key card. (Don't judge me, it was early!) But hey, waffle adventures are part of the charm, right?
Then there's the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (sometimes a little rubbery, I’m not gonna lie), bacon (crispy is the goal), sausage links (a crapshoot), cereal, fruit, bagels, toast… the works! The coffee? It's passable, which is high praise from a coffee snob like me. And the staff keeps it all stocked up! Bless them, because it can get a little… chaotic during peak breakfast hours. Think: hungry hordes, waffle-induced anxiety, and a whole mess of hungry people.
Is it easy to get to New York City from the hotel? Because I'm all about avoiding epic road trips!
YES! Thank the travel gods! That's the *best* part. You're right near a bus or train station (the Secaucus Junction station, to be exact). The trains are generally reliable, and they get you into Penn Station in New York City in like, twenty minutes. Seriously! It's way quicker than driving and finding parking, and you get to avoid the absolute mayhem of NYC traffic.
Honestly, going into NYC is a total breeze from this spot. It kind of makes the "Secaucus" part melt away, because the access is so easy. You can be in Times Square, or at a museum, or seeing a Broadway show without the hassle of a long commute. So, if you’re planning on exploring the city, this is a HUGE bonus, and it's the main reason I'd go back. It's a lifesaver for anyone who's not a fan of driving in the city, which, let's be honest, is pretty much everyone.
Okay, I'm sold. What's the worst part, though? Spill.
Alright, let's get real. It's not all sunshine and waffles. The *absolute* worst part… is that, well, you're in Secaucus. It's not a destination in itself. I mean, there's not a ton to *do* right outside the hotel. You're basically there for the convenience. It’s an outpost, a gateway, a place to sleep before you go explore the *real* action.
And occasionally the elevators can be… slow. Not glacial, but definitely not speedy. So, if you're impatient (like me), pack a good book (or a phone with a lot of games). And one time, the gym was closed for maintenance, which was a bummer, because I ALWAYS plan on going to the gym on vacation. (I never go.) But hey, at least the lobby had a comfy couch for me to sit on and avoid my responsibilities.
Is there anything else I should know? Any secret tips?
Okay, hereHotel Price Compare
