Escape to Paradise: Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale Tamarac West Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the lukewarm pool of hotel reviews! And let me tell you, after spending a long weekend at the Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale Tamarac West, "Escape to Paradise" is a BOLD claim… but hey, maybe it WAS! Let's get real, shall we?
First Impressions (and the Parking Lot Predicament)
So, first things first, accessibility. They proudly boast about their wheelchair accessibility, and from what I saw, they're not fibbing. Ramps, elevators, all that jazz. Plus, they have dedicated car parking [free of charge]! That's usually a win, right? Well… sorta. The parking lot itself was a bit of a free-for-all. A few times I felt like I was playing bumper cars with a minivan and a rogue golf cart (why was there a golf cart?!). But hey, at least it's car park [on-site] so you don't have to wander off into the wild yonder.
The Room: My Sanctuary (or, the Saga of the Blackout Curtains)
Alright, the rooms. They're… clean. Which, honestly, is high on my list after the whole pandemic thing. Rooms sanitized between stays, check. Daily housekeeping, double-check. They've got the basics covered, which is a good starting point.
And speaking of the pandemic, here's where the Anti-viral cleaning products and the Room sanitization opt-out available come in handy. Good job on safety.
The room itself? Standard Hampton Inn fare, meaning… comfortable. A Desk, Laptop workspace, a Refrigerator. Crucially, Blackout curtains which is key because I'm trying to sleep. Oh, those glorious Blackout curtains! They're the hero of this story. Seriously, I could have spent all day in the room, especially with the Air conditioning blasting and Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! That's a big win!
Now, let me tell you about the Internet access – wireless, which is also the Internet. So, you know, I could work if I had to. But seriously, the Wi-Fi in public areas and Internet services were fine.
Bathroom Blues (and the Bathrobe Bliss)
The bathroom was…adequate. Standard stuff. Clean Towels, a decent Shower, the usual Toiletries. But, and this is a big BUT… they gave me a Bathtub! Now, I like my baths, really I do. When i get a chance. However, the real star was the Bathrobes. Oh, those fluffy, cloud-like Bathrobes! I basically lived in that bathrobe. I even considered wearing it to breakfast. (I didn’t, but the temptation was REAL.)
Food, Glorious Food (and the Breakfast Buffet Battlefield)
Okay, let's talk grub. The Breakfast [buffet] is… well, it's a buffet. You know the drill. The Breakfast [buffet] was your standard hotel fare: scrambled eggs that may or may not have been real, the suspect sausages, the pastries, the waffle maker (always a highlight). I'm a sucker for a waffle. I mean, let me tell you how to make a great waffle Asian breakfast? No, I don't think so. Western breakfast, definitely. And yeah, Breakfast takeaway service, is also an option if you wanna eat on the go!
They had a Coffee/tea in restaurant with Complimentary tea in the room which is a big win for me. I like tea in the morning. And the Coffee/tea maker is a winner too. I'm talking Coffee shop kind of stuff.
Don't even get me started on the Bottle of water that they give you at the start, just so you know that you need it!
Dining, drinking, and snacking
So, I tried the Snack bar, it was not great. There are some Restaurants on the premises, but you know, I didn't go. But the Poolside bar was tempting.
Amenities: The Body Scrub that Never Was
Okay, let's be honest: "Escape to Paradise" and amenities are key here. I really wanted the Spa/sauna. Maybe even a Body scrub! I envisioned myself, luxuriating in a Sauna, afterwards getting a Massage. Sadly, the hotel doesn't have a spa. That was something of a let down..
However, there's a Fitness center (AKA, the windowless room of sweat), a Swimming pool [outdoor] (which looked nice, even if I didn't jump in), and a Gym/fitness there.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Symphony
Okay, this is where the Hampton Inn shines. They are taking it seriously. They had stuff like Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol, check. Daily disinfection in common areas, double-check. Cashless payment service, check as well.
Staff: Friendly, but Not Always Quick
The staff were generally friendly and helpful. Front desk [24-hour], which is good news if you're a night owl like me!
The Verdict: Escape? Maybe, Relaxation? Definitely
So, is the Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale Tamarac West a true "Escape to Paradise?" Nah, probably not. Does it promise the stars and deliver the moon? No. Is it clean, comfortable, and convenient? Yep. Is it a good base for exploring Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas? Absolutely.
The Offer That Can't Be Refused (sort of):
**Book now and receive a complimentary in-room bottle of… well, water, okay its a simple offer. But at least you get good service and location is great. This hotel is perfect if you want that and more. No! **
SEO Keywords (because the people demand it!):
- Hampton Inn & Suites Ft Lauderdale Tamarac West
- Ft Lauderdale Hotels
- Tamarac West Hotels
- Wheelchair Accessible Hotels
- Free Wi-Fi
- Fitness Center
- Pool
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (sort of)
- Clean Hotels
- Safe Hotels
- Breakfast Included
- Airport Transfer
Final Thoughts:
Would I go back? Probably! It's a reliable, comfortable, and (most importantly) CLEAN place to crash. And hey, those blackout curtains are still calling my name. The Car park [free of charge], which is what I came for! And the Car park [on-site] I do appreciate those things. See ya on my next trip!
Escape to Comfort: Hampton Inn Jackson East Flowood Awaits!
Okay, hold onto your hats, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking real travel, the kind that leaves you with a suitcase full of questionable souvenirs and a heart full of memories. We're staying at that Hampton Inn & Suites in Tamarac, and let me tell ya, things are already shaping up to be interesting.
Hampton Inn & Suites Tamarac: Operation Vacation - A Messy, Honest, and Utterly Human Itinerary
(Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Struggle)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL). Okay, so the flight wasn't as smooth as promised. Delayed two hours, so naturally, I was in a bad mood, and the seat was already taken, I think I overreacted to the lady that took my seat, and now I'm worried I will look like a fool.
- 2:30 PM (ish): Car rental pickup. You know how they always pressure you into extra insurance? Well, I said no. I said, "I am a responsible driver!" Famous last words, right? Also, the nice lady in the front desk gave me an upgrade!.
- 3:30 PM: Check-in at Hampton Inn. Room is (surprisingly) ready. Standard Hampton Inn, but hey, I'm not complaining. It has a pool, and that, my friends, is crucial. The receptionist was weird, like really cheery at the worst possible time. "Welcome to your home away from home!" she chirped as my luggage decided to go rogue and take a tumble. I think I embarrassed myself.
- 4:00 PM: Immediate breakdown of all the plans. Time to take a nap and collect myself again from the flight.
- 5:00 PM: The pool! Oh, glorious pool! It's a tad crowded with screaming kids, but I think I will be just fine!
- 7:00 PM: Dinner Dilemma. This is the most crucial part of any trip. The hunger is real, but the options are many, and I hate making decisions when I'm hungry. My stomach is rumbling like a monster, but I am also in a bad mood to make a food decision. Also, I feel bad because the hotel restaurant is probably bad, so I want to eat anywhere else.
- 7:30 PM: Found a decent-looking Italian place nearby. Fingers crossed it's not a total disaster.
- 9:00 PM: Return the hotel, and prepare for the disaster that will be tomorrow.
(Day 2: Beach Days, and Unexpected Detours)
- 7:00 AM: UGH! Wake up. The free breakfast spread at the Hampton Inn. The options were abundant, but, let's be honest, it's not exactly gourmet. Waffles, cereal, questionable eggs - the usual suspects. I am not really hungry.
- 8:00 AM: Beach bound! I'm going to Ft. Lauderdale Beach. The plan is to have a blissful morning, soaking up the sun. However, I am already thinking that I have forgotten something.
- 10:00 AM: The beach is spectacular. The weather is awesome. I am ready to just be here.
- 12:00 PM: Hunger strikes again! Finding a lunch spot near the beach. I'm praying for some good seafood that isn't ridiculously overpriced.
- 1:00 PM: OMG, this restaurant is amazing! The food is incredible, and the place is packed with people.
- 3:00 PM: Detour! While driving back to the hotel, I saw this massive, gaudy sign advertising something called The World's Largest Souvenir Shop. Against my better judgment, I have to go.
- 4:00 PM: The Souvenir Shop is everything you'd expect and more. I bought a ridiculous t-shirt, a tiny plastic alligator, and a snow globe. I regret nothing. Yet.
- 6:00 PM: A quick dip in the pool. My legs feel like jelly from all the walking.
- 7:00 PM: Tonight, I am going to explore the area around the hotel.
(Day 3: Shopping and Culinary Adventures (and Potential Meltdown))
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast again at the hotel. I am starting to think I am going to make a terrible decision.
- 10:00 AM: Shopping, shopping, shopping! Time to buy some gifts and treat myself.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch and a quick nap!
- 3:00 PM: I am going to try that restaurant I saw yesterday.
- 5:00 PM: Time for a walk around the hotel!
- 7:00 PM: It's back to the Italian place. I'm a creature of habit, and they have a good pasta.
(Day 4: The Departure (and Emotional Baggage)
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. Same as usual, and I am starting to not like it at all.
- 8:00 AM: I am taking my time, enjoying the last hours in the hotel, taking things easy.
- 10:00 AM: Checkout time!
- 11:00 AM: Head to the airport.
- 1:00 PM: Flight time! It is time to return to the real world.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was a rollercoaster. There were moments of pure joy, moments of utter frustration, and a whole lot of souvenir shopping. I have learned, once again, that the best trips are the ones where you let go of your expectations and embrace the chaos. I wouldn't trade this mess for anything. Well, except maybe a better flight back.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go unpack my questionable souvenirs and start planning my next adventure!
Escape to Kosta Lodge: Your Unforgettable Swedish Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale Tamarac West Awaits! - FAQs... or More Like My Ramblings
Okay, let's get this over with. F.A.Q.s, right? Sounds so official. But honestly, after my recent stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale Tamarac West, "official" is the last thing that comes to mind. More like... a chaotic, slightly sunburned memory. Let's try this...
1. Is it *truly* a paradise? Or just another Hampton Inn?
Define "paradise." If your definition involves pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, and a shirtless lifeguard named Chad... then NO. Absolutely not. (Although, I might've seen *someone* looking lifeguard-adjacent by the pool, but I digress... and it was definitely NOT Chad.)
It's a Hampton Inn. Which, let's be honest, is a known quantity. You get your complimentary breakfast with the questionable scrambled eggs (more on THAT later), the vaguely-floral air freshener in the lobby, and the reliably clean (ish) room. It's *comfortable* though. And after a ridiculously long drive, comfort felt a lot like paradise to me. I was so zonked I actually *remember* thinking, "Wow. Carpet." Yep. Paradise. Just carpet. And a faint whiff of chlorine from the pool down the hall. Winning.
2. Okay, about the breakfast... The Scrambled Eggs... Are They Edible? (And, Should I even Bother?)
Listen, the breakfast situation is... a rollercoaster. Let me paint you a picture. It's 7:00 AM. You're bleary-eyed, possibly a little bit hungover (no judgement, pal, no judgement at all), and desperately craving *something*. The smell of burnt coffee and... I suspect, *something* else fills the air as you stumble toward the buffet...
The eggs. They look… well, they look like they've seen things. Things you don't want to imagine at that hour. Texture? Let's just say they're... *firm*. Flavor? Vaguely eggy, possibly tinged with sadness and the ghosts of breakfast past. I think I saw a stray piece of something… green… possibly an onion? Not sure. Here's my advice: Grab a waffle (those are usually safe!), some fruit, and a LOT of coffee. Avoid eye contact with the eggs. Seriously. It's for your own good. (Though, I *did* see a kid absolutely *devour* the scrambled eggs one morning. Kids, man. They'll eat *anything*.)
3. The Pool! Is it actually *swimmable*? And, what's the deal with that tiny "fitness center"?
The pool... yeah, it's swimmable. I mean, it's not the ocean, but it's wet and chlorinated, which in the Florida heat is a win. But get this... the pool is VERY popular. Expect a small crowd, especially in the afternoon. This could lead to a competitive game of "find a lounge chair." And trust me, those things disappear FAST. There was one day I saw a guy actually *running* to snag a chair. He tripped. It was... memorable.
As for the fitness center… ha! That's where I had a mini crisis. Think... two treadmills (one mysteriously out of order), a rickety elliptical machine, and some free weights that looked like they hadn't been touched since the Reagan administration. I lasted about five minutes, convinced I was going to pull a muscle just *looking* at the equipment. I left. Defeated. And went back to my room to watch Netflix. Which, honestly, felt way more rewarding. (And safer.) So, yeah. Swimmable pool, tiny fitness center. Manage your expectations.
4. What’s the deal with the location? Is it close to anything interesting?
Okay, location. It’s… good? Alright, it's kind of… on the edge of things. You *will* need a car. Don't expect to stroll to the beach from here. You're in a more suburban kind of zone, which has its pros and cons. The good news? It’s close to a bunch of restaurants and stores. The bad news? Traffic can be a NIGHTMARE, especially during rush hour. I spent a solid hour once inching my way down a street, slowly losing my mind while someone in front of me kept slamming on their brakes. I found a great Thai place. Which was worth it, because… Thai food. But still. Traffic. Just be prepared. And pack your patience. And maybe a good audiobook.
5. Any hidden gems or things I should know BEFORE I go? Dish the dirt!
Okay, this is where I spill the tea. First, *pack mosquito repellent*. Those little buggers are hungry. Like, *vampire hungry*. I got bitten like a dozen times. It was basically a free buffet for the local mosquito population. Bring the good stuff. The stuff with the DEET. You'll thank me later.
Second, the wifi... it's there. It works... most of the time. But don't expect blazing fast speeds. So, if you're planning on streaming a movie marathon, you might want to download them beforehand. You know, to avoid frustration and screaming into your pillow.
And finally, on a more positive note: The staff! They’re actually really lovely. Super helpful and friendly. They even dealt with my ridiculous request for a room with a specific view. (Which, let's be honest, was probably asking too much from a Hampton Inn.) So, props to them. They made the less-than-perfect parts of the experience a lot more bearable. Also, and this is IMPORTANT… if you find the vending machine… check the expiration dates. Just do it. Trust me.
6. Would I go back?
Look, for the price and the convenience? Yeah, probably. It wasn't *perfect* paradise, there were definitely moments where I questioned my life choices, but it was… fine. Comfortable. And after a long drive, a comfortable bed in a clean room is a pretty sweet deal. Just remember my advice: pack the bug spray, mentally prepare for the scrambled eggs, and maybe lower your expectations a *tad*. And you'll be just fine. Maybe even… slightly relaxed. Now, if you'll excuse me… I need to go find some more Thai food. And, oh yeah, I'm going to check the expiration dates in the vending machine before anyone else does. You've been warned!
