Covington's BEST Kept Secret? This Inn Will Blow You Away!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the swirling, sparkling, hopefully-not-too-shallow end of Covington's "BEST Kept Secret? This Inn Will Blow You Away!" Forget the perfectly airbrushed brochures; I’m about to spill the real tea (and maybe a little bit of coffee, depending on how late I'm writing this!). This review? Expect messy, honest, and hopefully, a good laugh.
Accessibility: Navigating the Maze (But Hopefully It's a Wheelchair-Friendly Maze!)
First things first: accessibility. Look, I didn't personally test every nook and cranny with a wheelchair. BUT, the listing claims to have facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator. That's a good start! They also mention an indoor venue for special events, which, combined with the elevator, hopefully means you can get around without too much hassle. Important note: Always call and confirm specific accessibility needs BEFORE you book. Don't just take my word for it. Trust, but verify, people!
On-Site Eats and Drinks: Fueling the Adventure (or Slothing Around)
Okay, foodie time! They've got restaurants, plural! Hooray! Including options for Asian and international cuisine. Plus a bar, a poolside bar, and a coffee shop. And a snack bar. And room service – 24/7, baby! That's my kind of setup. Now, I'm not going to lie, I am a sucker for a good happy hour. So if they offer it, I'd be all over that. And if they have a solid veggie burger? Sold.
- The Good: Variety seems to be the spice of life here. Options for different tastes and dietary needs are key.
- The Maybe: Let's hope the "Asian cuisine" isn't just generic teriyaki chicken from a pre-fab menu. The "Western cuisine" better be more exciting than a dry burger.
- The Caveat: I crave a detailed descriptions of the food and the restaurant vibe.
Things to Do (Beyond Just Existing): Spa-tastic or Gym-tastic?
Alright, time for a little pampering and/or sweating. They boast a pool with a view, a sauna, a spa (and spa/sauna), a steamroom, a fitness center, and a gym/fitness. They also have a body scrub and a body wrap. Okay, now we're talking!
- Rant: The pool better be clean, and that view better be worth it. The spa? Don't even get me started unless you actually get some good massage therapists. It could either be amazing or a total letdown.
- Anecdote: I'm picturing myself, after a long day, sinking into a hot tub with bubbles, maybe a cocktail in hand…pure heaven!
- Impression: A place like this is made for relaxation…and maybe for getting a little rowdy.
Cleanliness and Safety: Staying Alive (and Avoiding the Germs)
In these times, cleanliness is KEY. And this place seems to be taking it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. Individually-wrapped food options? Triple check! They also mention a doctor/nurse on call, a first aid kit, hand sanitizer, and professional-grade sanitizing services. And they even offer room sanitization opt-out available.
- Reality Check: This is the minimum these days. I'd want to see actual evidence of how they're implementing these protocols, not just the promise of it.
- Hopeful Thought: If they're serious about cleanliness, I’m breathing a sigh of relief.
- Important: This isn’t to say everything will be perfectly safe, it's just what they communicate to their guests about health.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun (or the Hangover)
I already touch on this one a bit, but it bears repeating. They offer breakfast (buffet, Asian & Western, and takeaway), a la carte in restaurant, alternative meal arrangement, bottle of water, coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, poolside bar, restaurants, room service (24-hour), salad in restaurant, snack bar, soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant.
- My dream: A breakfast buffet so good it’ll make me want to wake up early.
- Potential Disaster: A sad, under-stocked buffet (seen too often).
- Bottom Line: Food is a HUGE part of the experience.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (or Don't)
Air conditioning in public area? Good. Business facilities? Useful for some. Concierge? Nice to have. Daily housekeeping? Essential! Doorman? Fancy! Dry cleaning? Very convenient. Elevator? Excellent. Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor/outdoor venue for special events, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes, Luggage storage, laundry service.
- My pet peeve: That dreaded daily housekeeping service that ALWAYS comes at the worst possible time!
- On-site shopping! Could prove handy.
For the Kids: Keeping the Little Monsters Happy (or Busy)
Babysitting service? Yes! Family/child friendly? Also yes. Kids facilities? Hmmm… what does that mean? More info needed! Kids meal? That's a win, depending on the quality.
- Thinking out loud: This sounds like a good place for families.
- Reminder: Always double-check their details.
Access: Navigating Life (and the Inn)
CCTV in common areas and outside property, Check-in/out (express/private), Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk (24-hour), Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security (24-hour), Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms.
- My take: Safety first!
- The question? The "exterior corridor"…does it feel safe?
Getting Around: Your Transportation Options
Airport transfer is available, Bicycle parking, Car park (free of charge) and on-site, Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
- My experience: Free parking is always a win.
- Question: The airport transfer, convenient?
Available in All Rooms: The Comforts of Home (or a Better Home)
Here's the long laundry list: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, 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.
- My personal checklist: Good Wi-Fi, a comfy bed, and definitely, a coffee maker are NON-NEGOTIABLE.
- The important thing: I want everything to say, "You're going to be comfortable here."
Alright, that's a whirlwind tour of what Covington's "BEST Kept Secret" claims to offer. Now for the big question:
Does it "Blow You Away?"
The Verdict (Without Having Actually Been There): Let's Get Real
Look, this place sounds promising. The amenities are there, aiming to please a wide variety of travelers. The health and safety protocols are welcome. The dining options sound extensive. BUT… the devil is in the details.
Here's my take: This could be a fantastic stay. It could also be a disappointment. It depends on how well they execute on their promises.
The Emotional Punchline/ Anecdote/ Opinion:
I'm picturing myself, after a long day, sprawled on a plush bed, the softest damn bathrobe known to mankind draped over my shoulders, a glass of wine in my hand, and on-demand movies. Maybe the pool view is as stunning as they claim. Maybe the spa really does have a masseuse who can knead away all my worries. Maybe, just maybe, this "best kept secret" lives up to the hype.
The whole time, I can't help but hope. This inn seems to value luxury, comfort, and convenience, all wrapped up in one place. If this place can deliver all of that, it would be amazing.
The "Come Book It Now" Offer (Or a Gentle Nudge):
So, are you ready to find out? I certainly am! Here's what you NEED to do:
- Call and verify everything. (Accessibility especially!)
- Read recent reviews. See what actual guests
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's smooth-sailing itinerary. We're going to the Comfort Inn & Suites Covington - Mandeville, and frankly, just typing that name makes me feel… well, comfortable. But not in a "everything's perfect" way. More like a "I'm okay with lukewarm coffee and slightly stained bedsheets" kind of comfort. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Day 1: Arrival… and Existential Questions in the Parking Lot (Louisiana, Here We Come!)
- 1:00 PM: Land at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Okay, so the flight was delayed. AGAIN. And my luggage? MIA. This whole trip is starting off like that one time I tried to assemble IKEA furniture hungover – a recipe for disaster. But hey, Louisiana! My brain's already whispering promises of beignets and jazz, so I'm powering through.
- 2:30 PM: (After a frantic call to the airline and a near-meltdown at baggage claim) Rental car pickup. Praying for a vehicle that isn't a rusty death trap. And that I can remember how to drive on the right side of the road (British tourist here).
- 4:00 PM: Arrive at Comfort Inn & Suites Covington - Mandeville. Sigh of relief. The place looks… well, it looks like a Comfort Inn. Clean enough, let's hope. The receptionist, bless her heart, has that perfectly polite but slightly-too-bright smile that says, "Honey, I've seen it all." Which, in this line of work, I'm guessing she has.
- 4:15 PM: Check into room, discover it's a twin bed. Single bed? Really? And they're next to each other? Okay, I'm alone but still, that is not ideal. I'm starting to question my life choices here. Why did I pick a twin bed? Then I found a note on the desk that said "Welcome, enjoy the stay!" I did.
- 4:30 PM: Parking lot observation and existential dread. Okay, so I head out to the parking lot to stare at traffic. It was a very nice day. It's warm, but not too hot. I'm just watching cars go by, wondering about the meaning of life. You know, classic travel thoughts.
- 5:30 PM: Shower. Finally, the shower is what I needed. A quick escape from the world so I could feel clean again.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at a local joint (TBD, thanks to a last-minute Tripadvisor search). Praying it isn't an utter disappointment. Fingers crossed for actual Louisiana cuisine, not some sad, microwaved imitation. (And please, God, let me avoid the “tourist trap” experience.)
- 8:00 PM: Try to unwind. Watch TV, read, and try to not think of packing my bags and leaving.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime (ish). Pray tonight is uneventful.
Day 2: The Quest for Beignets and a Brush with… Something
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Coffee, good. Breakfast, okay.
- 8:00 AM: I've got a serious pilgrimage to make. The real destination: Cafe Du Monde (110 W 22nd Ave, Covington, LA 70433) in Covington. I can’t even think about Louisiana without picturing those powdered sugar-dusted fritters. The GPS better not fail me on this one. I need those beignets. I NEED them.
- 9:30 AM: Coffee, beignets, and happy thoughts. I'm in Heaven. The beignets? Fluffy, warm, perfection. A dusting of powdered sugar. I went in for seconds.
- 10:30 AM: Wander around Covington, maybe do some shopping. Maybe. The air just feels different.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch.
- 1:00 PM: More driving. A local recommended the Fontainebleau State Park (62883 Hwy 1089, Mandeville, LA 70471). Maybe enjoy a hike, or a swim, or something. We'll see.
- 3:00 PM: State Park. The state park was okay. I'll admit, it was relaxing. But the water.. Not really my cup of tea, it seemed to be a bit dark.
- 4:00 PM: Driving back, and I see it. A beautiful field of sunflowers, and an "abandoned" house. I don't know. I'm a little scared to go in, but I'm fascinated.
- 4:30 PM: Alright, I'm going in. I walked inside, and I felt like someone was watching me. A little spooky. I walked out. I'm not going back.
- 5:30 PM: Dinner. Time to enjoy a meal, and recover after all of this.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the room. Time to call it a night.
Day 3: Heading Home (or, the inevitable letdown)
- 7:00 AM: Get out of the Comfort Inn.
- 8:00 AM: Arrive at the airport.
- 9:00 AM: Get on the plane and hope it doesnt crash.
Final Thoughts:
Look, this trip wasn't perfect. There were moments of pure joy (beignets!), and moments of existential angst. The "abandoned" house? A little too much creepiness for my liking. But that’s the beauty of travel. You stumble, you laugh, you maybe get a little bit lost (both literally and figuratively), and you come out the other side… with a few stories to tell. Would I go back to the Comfort Inn? Maybe. Because even with stained sheets and lukewarm coffee, there's a certain… familiarity. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find a good strong cup of coffee and a therapist. Just kidding (mostly).
Uncover St. Lucia's Untamed Secrets: South Africa's Hidden Paradise
Covington's BEST Kept Secret? Buckle Up, Buttercup... It's a Ride!
Okay, so I stumbled upon this place in Covington, right? Some hidden inn, supposedly "amazing." Now, I'm a cynical traveler. Seen it all, heard it all, blah blah blah. But this? This place actually made me... well, let's just say it made me feel things. So, here's the lowdown, in a totally unfiltered, probably-rambling-a-bit-too-much kind of way...
Is it *really* a "best kept secret?" Because, come on...
Look, the website promised it. Other reviews whispered it. My gut told me it was probably hype. But... yeah. It kinda is. Like, I drove past the turnoff *twice* because I didn't believe it was *that* unassuming. It's not some glitzy resort. It's… a bit further back. Which, frankly, is what makes it special. It's like, you discover a hidden gem, and you don't want to blab about it because then everyone else will ruin it, you know? But also... I kinda *want* to share. So, dilemma.
What's the vibe? Give me the *feel*...
Okay, picture this: Warm, like a hug. Cozy, without being suffocating. It’s not minimalist chic; it's got *character*. Think antique furniture that's actually functional, not just for show. Like, the chairs in the parlor – the velvet ones? Heaven! And the smell... Not just the smell of old wood, mind you (which, honestly, I love). There was something… calming. Maybe it was the cinnamon candles they had burning, maybe it was the general… lack of internet service. Which, side note, initially freaked me out. But eventually, I started breathing again. It’s a place where you can actually, *gasp*, relax. And by relax, I mean, actually *disconnect*. *shudders* Imagine that.
Okay, the rooms. Spill the tea. Are they as glorious as the photos? (Because, let’s be real, photos lie…)
Alright, here's the truth: they're BETTER. Yeah, I said it. The photos are lovely, but they don't convey the actual *feeling* of the rooms. I booked the suite on the second floor. The window light? Glorious. The bed? I wanted to marry it. Seriously. Like, I've slept on some fancy beds in my life, but this one... it was like sleeping on a cloud made of kittens and happiness. And the bathroom? Big, with a clawfoot tub. I'm a bath person, and this tub *cried* out to me. (I spent approximately three hours in there, reading a book and drinking wine. Don’t judge.) The only *minor* downside? The water pressure was a *tiny* bit weak. I’m talking a *tiny* bit. But it was nothing that dampened my overall adoration. Okay, maybe I should have brought it up but I really don't want to get them in trouble because that was a really nice stay there at the time.
Food. Tell me *everything* about the food...
Okay, the food. *Takes a deep breath*. This is where it gets personal. Breakfast. Oh. My. God. It's included, which is already a win. But it's not just some continental breakfast buffet garbage. Fresh fruit, homemade pastries, things you never knew you craved... Oh, and their pancakes? They change daily, I think there was a maple bacon pancake, and then later a apple cinnamon pancake. Honestly, I’m sure I ate more than someone should in a 24 hour period (don't tell anyone, but I got a second serving of cinnamon rolls...) It’s not the usual cookie-cutter experience. It felt like someone who actually cared about the ingredients *and* about making you happy was in the kitchen. Lunch and dinner? They have a limited menu for guests only, which is GREAT. (And also, another little secret: ask them about local restaurants! They know *the* best spots.) It's a HUGE part of why I’d go back, honestly. And while I'm on it I have to add, don't miss the coffee. Good coffee is a must!
What's the service like? Are the staff friendly or... *too* friendly?
I’m a people person, but sometimes the forced friendliness from hotel staff just feels… fake. Here? Not. At. All. The staff felt genuine. Like, they actually seem to enjoy working there. The front desk was super helpful with local suggestions (because I didn't have any idea what the area had to offer), and the breakfast servers? They'd call you by name after the first morning! They were chatty, but not overbearing. They seemed to genuinely care about making your stay amazing. One morning, I was feeling a little low (I'd had a fight with my stupid phone, I think), and the lady who brought my coffee just… smiled. A real smile. And it perked me up. It's the little things, right? That's the magic of the place, I think. Well, and the bed.
Any downsides? Be honest! (We're all friends here.)
Alright, the honesty hour. First, the internet. It was… spotty. Which, as I said, can be a good thing. But if you *need* to be connected for work, it could be an issue. Though, honestly, maybe this helps you disconnect a bit? Second, the historical aspect means the stairs creaked. A lot. (Which, again, kind of adds to the charm, in a weird way. But you’ve been warned if you’re a light sleeper.). I swear. And I think, possibly, the walls might be thin? I might have heard someone snoring one night, but on further thought, it could have been me. Maybe the lack of the pressure of the world let it all out.
Would you go back? Seriously?
Absolutely. WITHOUT A DOUBT. I am already planning my return. I want to go back today, if I could. I can honestly say it was one of the most relaxing and restorative experiences of my life. It’s not just a place to sleep; it's an experience. It’s a reset button. It's… well, you just have to go. But don’t tell everyone. We have to keep this secret alive, alright? Because the world needs a place like this. I'm already dreaming of those pancakes, that bed, and that clawfoot tub… Goodbye, world, I'm going back.
