**Portland Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at America's Best Value Inn Scarborough!**
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the…well, let's just say, experience that is Portland Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at America's Best Value Inn Scarborough! – or as I prefer to call it, "The Scarbs," like it's my weird, slightly disreputable friend I secretly adore. This isn't your glossy, airbrushed travel brochure kind of review, trust me. We're going raw, real, and maybe a little bit off-kilter, just like the inn itself.
First things first: Accessibility. Listen, I'm no expert on navigating the world in a wheelchair, but they do mention "Facilities for disabled guests." So that's a tick…of sorts? I hope it's a good one, because, frankly, accessibility feels like a basic human right, not a special feature. (Side note: I'm already spiraling a bit, just like the hotel layout probably is. Stick with me…)
Cleanliness and Safety – or, How Not to Catch the Zombie Flu:
Okay, this is where The Scarbs actually shines. They are obsessed with cleaning. Like, borderline-compulsive-cleaner obsessed. We got Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE (and let's be honest, we all need that), and even the option to opt-out of room sanitization. (Because, you know, maybe you like living in a biohazard? Who am I to judge?). Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Probably. They'd better be, with the amount of bleach they probably go through. Seriously, I felt safer there than I do in my own damn house. This is a HUGE selling point in these weird, pandemic-ridden times. Kudos, Scarbs, kudos.
Internet - Or, The Wi-Fi Whisperer:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! Look, the world runs on Wi-Fi now. I practically need it to breathe. And it actually WORKED. Solid connection. No buffering-induced rage. No throwing my laptop out the window (though, the window did open, if I'd been so inclined). They also had Internet access – LAN and Internet access – wireless and Wi-Fi for special events!! Just…wow.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Where Things Get Murky (and Possibly Delicious):
Okay, so here's where the chaos begins. They boast a lot, and I mean a lot of dining options listed. Like, a whole menagerie of A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Buffet in restaurant, Happy hour, you name it. But…I didn't see most of it. I did see what I think was a coffee shop, and definitely a snack bar (with questionable offerings, if I’m being honest). And, the breakfast [buffet] was…well, let's just say it wasn't a Michelin-star experience. Think pre-packaged pastries and industrial-strength coffee. But you know what? I wasn’t expecting gourmet, and it filled the hole in my stomach. Score one for The Scarbs' pragmatism. There was a Poolside bar though… that I did see, and that did get me excited!
The Pool and "Things to Do" – Or, Staring Intensively at Water:
So, Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yep. Pool with view? Perhaps, if you count the parking lot and…well, other buildings. Let's just say the view is not the primary reason for spending time at the pool. I'm guessing this is the "relax" part of your vacation, which includes lounging or sitting by the pool - I imagine this is what they meant by ways to relax. I spent a good half-hour just staring at the water. It was oddly soothing. The Sauna Spa and Steamroom - I am guessing they had, but didn't see them.
Services and Conveniences – The Usual Suspects (and Some Surprises):
The usual suspects were present: Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, etc. But here’s a weird one: Food delivery. I didn't order food delivery (I ate the questionable snack bar offerings, remember?), but it’s good to know the option is there! Family/child friendly - Yes! The Kids facilities may be basic, but a lot of people love those kinds of things. Cash withdrawal and Cashless payment service - check.
Rooms and Amenities – The Truth Revealed:
Okay, now we get to the nitty-gritty. I'm going to be honest - the room wasn't exactly Pinterest-worthy, but it was clean(THANK GOD), and relatively spacious. They have Non-smoking rooms (Hallelujah!), Air conditioning, a Coffee/tea maker (crucial!), Free bottled water (a lifesaver after the questionable coffee), a Mini bar (which I didn't use, because, again, snack bar), a Refrigerator, a Seating area, a Shower, and a Wi-Fi [free] connection. The Mattresses were pretty comfortable, as well. One small note the room had a slight "seen-better-days" vibe but…it was clean! The Bed was Extra long which is a must for a lot of people!
The Quirks, The Flaws, And the Unexpected Delight:
Look, The Scarbs isn't perfect. It's not a luxury resort. It doesn't have a Michelin-star chef. The decor is…well, let's just say it's "eclectic." But…it has a certain charm. It's practical. It's clean. It's safe. That level of cleanliness is worth gold in my book. It’s also, undeniably, affordable. The staff, while maybe not overly effusive, were perfectly pleasant and helpful. And, honestly, once I got past my initial skepticism, I found myself kinda…liking it.
The Verdict: Should You Stay?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway, this isn't it. But if you're looking for a clean, safe, affordable place to lay your head, with decent internet access, and a surprisingly well-stocked cleaning arsenal, then Portland Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at America's Best Value Inn Scarborough! might just surprise you.
Here's My Honest Offer:
Tired of overpriced, pretentious hotels? Craving a getaway that's kind to your wallet and your peace of mind? Then ditch the fancy hotels and join The Scarbs club! At America's Best Value Inn Scarborough, you’ll get:
- Unbeatable Deals: We're talking serious savings that let you keep your hard-earned cash. (And trust me, with food prices these days, that's HUGE.)
- Spotless Cleanliness: We're basically a sanitization factory. Your room will be so clean you could probably eat off the floor (though I don't recommend it). (Don't tell them I said that).
- Lightning-Fast Wi-Fi: Stream your heart out, catch up on work, or just browse the internet without that agonizing buffering delay.
- Convenience is King: From free parking to 24-hour front desk service, we make your stay as effortless as possible. And hey, we're pet-friendly, so your furry friend can come along for the adventure!
Book your stay at America's Best Value Inn Scarborough today and experience a stress-free getaway that won't break the bank!
Click here to claim your unbeatable deal NOW! You might be surprised at what you find. After all, I was. (And yes, I'm still a little bit skeptical, but in a good way.)
Unbelievable Serbia Getaway: Hotel Etno Centar Balasevic Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travel brochure. We're diving HEAD FIRST into my "Scarborough, Maine - Actually Trying to Survive" itinerary. This is my attempt to wrangle a semblance of a vacation around a stay at the ahem "Americas Best Value Inn" (which, let's be honest, is probably code for "motel with questionable plumbing and a complimentary continental breakfast consisting solely of stale muffins").
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread - Or, "The Quest for a Decent Cup of Coffee"
- Morning (Mostly): Flight lands. Somehow, miraculously, I'm here. The airport's okay, smells vaguely of old popcorn. I'm already regretting the baggage fees. First priority: Coffee. A real coffee. Not the powdered stuff they serve on the plane.
- Afternoon: Check-in at the ABVI. Let's just say the "value" part is definitely emphasized. The room has that distinctly motel-y odor, a potent blend of Lysol and… something else I can't quite identify. Maybe despair? Found a weird stain on the bedspread. Decided to ignore it, because, you know, vacations.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The coffee hunt. This is where things get real. After a desperate Google search ('Best Coffee Scarborough Maine'), I bravely embark on a quest. Ended up at a place called "Cozys". Coffee was meh, but the barista was super friendly. The place had this weird, aggressively cute decor that made me feel simultaneously comforted and slightly nauseous. Ordered a chocolate croissant. It was AMAZING. Ate two. No regrets.
- Evening: Drive to the beach. "Scarborough Beach State Park," the signs proclaimed. It's gorgeous, the ocean is gray, and the wind is biting. I spend a good hour just staring out at the waves. It's… peaceful. Maybe, just maybe, this whole trip won't be a complete disaster. Ate a burger at one of the restaurants on the beach, it was okay, nothing special.
Day 2: Lobsters & Regret - Or, "I Am Now Seafood's Nemesis"
- Morning: The "Complimentary Continental Breakfast" at the ABVI. This is where the "value" part really screams. Stale muffin, weak coffee, and a packet of "preserves" that looks like it's been around since the Eisenhower administration. I eat the muffin. I regret it. Badly.
- Mid-Morning: Lobster! The legendary Maine lobster! I'm determined to do this right. I'm talking a full-blown lobster feast. Found a place called "The Lobster Shack" that was allegedly a local favorite. Ordered a lobster roll, a steamed lobster, and a side of fries. The lobster roll was good but not worth the hype. The steamed lobster… OH MY GOD. Best thing I've eaten in a long time. I spent a solid hour just silently devouring its sweet, salty, glorious flesh.
- Afternoon: Stroll around a few shops. Buying souvenirs is my weakness and I get a few.
- Evening: Went back to the beach again. It was cold. Ate more food.
Day 3: A Whale of a Time? - Or, "Never Trust a Seasick Pill"
- Morning: Woke up feeling slightly sick. Ate nothing. I decided to go on a whale-watching tour. Seasick pills are purchased and consumed.
- Mid-Morning: The tour boat is rocking. The ocean is… well, let's call it "unsettling." The pills kick in. Now I don't care about seasickness, but everything looks blurry and I feel detached from my body.
- Afternoon: THE WHALES! I see the tail of one. I see the blow of another. This is awesome. Totally worth the vaguely queasy, slightly dizzy feeling.
- Evening: Back at the ABVI. All I can manage is a can of soup and watching the TV.
- Night: Have a nightmare about giant lobsters chasing me.
Day 4: Farewell, For Now - Or, "Why Do Vacations Always Fly By?"
- Morning: The last "Complimentary Continental Breakfast". I skipped the muffin this time. Lesson learned.
- Mid-Morning: Check out of the ABVI. Said goodbye to the creepy stain on the bedspread. I'm surprisingly sad to leave. The ABVI was my motel for the previous 3 days.
- Afternoon: Flight home.
- Evening: I'm back home. I'm exhausted. My wallet is lighter. But I've seen whales, eaten lobster, and survived. And, you know what? I'd do it all again. Maybe. Definitely the lobster. The lobster was worth it.
Postscript:
So, there you have it. A messy, imperfect, and totally honest glimpse into my slightly chaotic Maine adventure. Did I overeat? Probably. Did I make questionable choices? Most definitely. Did I have a genuinely good time? Absolutely. And that, my friends, is all that matters. Until next time, Scarborough… and may your coffee be strong and your lobsters plentiful.
Escape to Burbank: Unbeatable Deals at Quality Inn Airport!
Portland Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at America's Best Value Inn Scarborough! (Uh... Mostly) - FAQ
Okay, so... America's Best Value Inn Scarborough. Really? Is this a joke? Because my last "budget friendly" experience was a moldy motel in Reno... let's just say, I'm PTSD-ing a little.
Look, I get it. “Budget” and “Portland” don’t usually go hand-in-hand. And yes, the name "America's Best Value Inn" *doesn't* exactly scream luxury spa retreat. But hear me out. I went in expecting the Reno experience (shudder). BUT! I'm happy to report... it's *better*. Way better. Cleaner, for starters. The staff actually seemed to, you know, *care*. Does it have the Ritz-Carlton feel? Absolutely not. But for a base camp to explore Portland and surrounding areas, it's… functional. And the price? Yeah, it's what initially snagged me. I'm talking *affordable* – which leaves more cash for lobster rolls and craft beer, the *real* reasons we're all here, right?
Anecdote Time: So, picture this... I arrive at like, 1 am, after a truly epic drive up the coast. Exhausted, hangry, and praying I didn't book a room from hell. The front desk guy, bless his heart, was genuinely friendly. Actually *smiled*. He pointed me to the vending machines (crucial!), and even offered me an extra pillow without me asking. It's the little things, people! It's the little things that make or break you at that hour, ya know?
What are these "Unbeatable Deals" you keep hearing about? Are we talking about a free toaster with our stay? (I'm not kidding, I've seen it...)
Alright, alright, let's get practical. "Unbeatable" is a strong word. It’s not winning the lottery, but, you *can* usually find rates that are significantly less than you'd pay at a pricier downtown hotel. I’m talking regular sales, seasonal offers, maybe even discounts for AAA members. You *have* to check, of course. Prices fluctuate (the bane of my existence, price gouging, etc.) But keep your eyes peeled online, and you *will* score a better deal here than some other places. The biggest appeal is obviously the price. Portland is expensive. This place allows you to actually *enjoy* the city without having to subsist on ramen for the entire trip.
Rambling Moment Alert:I will say, I *hate* the whole “deals” game. I detest the feeling of constantly scouring for the best price, but in this economic climate, it's almost required. And sometimes, because I'm inherently cheap, if not thrifty, it's necessary. Okay, let's just get back to the hotel, and its price.
Scarborough? Isn't that... a bit of a drive from the actual Portland action?
Yes. Look. Truth time: it's not *in* Portland. It's in Scarborough, which is technically a suburb. It’s about a 15-20 minute drive, depending on traffic (and Portland traffic can get *insane*). It's not ideal if you plan on, like, stumbling back to your room after a night of hard-core brewery hopping. But... honestly, it's not *that* bad. You can Uber or Lyft, but that could get costly. I usually end up driving. The trade-off is the price. You're sacrificing a bit of convenience for a cheaper stay. That's your call! If you’re a hardcore partier, maybe rethink it. If you value a peaceful sleep after a day of sightseeing, it's bearable and a far better option for cheaper deals.
Quirky Observation: The drive itself? It's actually kinda pleasant. You get to avoid the absolute crush of tourist traffic that plagues the city center. Plus, there's something oddly satisfying about crossing the bridge back to your "home base" at the end of the day.
Okay, let's talk about the rooms. Are we dealing with "basic" or "basement-level-haunted-house"?
Alright, honest to god, the rooms are... functional. They're clean-ish (I always check under the beds, don't judge me). The beds are comfortable enough for a good night's sleep (again, essential!), and you get the basics: TV, a bathroom, and air conditioning (thank god, because Portland summers can be brutal). Don’t expect a jacuzzi tub or a gourmet coffee maker. But it's not a moldy basement-level haunted house. I'd say it's slightly above average for this kind of budget motel. The decor? Well, let's just say it's… not exactly "Instagrammable." Think beige, and slightly faded prints.
Strong Emotional Reaction: The *lighting*! Oh, the lighting. It's always either way too dim, or so fluorescent it feels like you're in a hospital. Still, you get what you pay for. I, personally, always travel with a small, battery-powered bedside lamp to create a cozier ambiance. Don't tell anyone.
What about amenities? Free breakfast? Pool? Jacuzzi? My expectations are already rock bottom, but...
Okay, let's start with the good news: they usually offer a *very* basic continental breakfast! Think: pastries, some fruit, coffee, juice, and maybe – MAYBE – a waffle machine. Don't get your hopes up for anything fancy, trust me. It *works* for a quick bite before you head out to explore. As for a pool or Jacuzzi… Nope. Nada. Zero. Zilch. There's no spa. There is free wifi (thank god!). And, of course, free parking, which is HUGE in a lot of places, but that's the norm in Scarborough.
Messier Structure & Occasional Rambles: The lack of fancy amenities is, frankly, part of the charm. It's a place to sleep, shower, and charge your devices. It's not a resort. It's a springboard for adventure! Though, I will confess to longing for a decent pool, especially after a long day of walking around.
Any potential downsides I should be aware of? Like, potential ghosts? Or… noisy neighbors?
Okay, real talk. Yes, there are a few potential downsides. As mentioned it’s not *in* Portland, so there is the drive issue. The walls aren't soundproof, so you might hear your neighbors. I've had to deal with some noisy kids at odd hours. But hey, it's a motel, not a sound studio. It could be worse, which is what I usually tell myself in that situation. Also, depending on which room you get, the air conditioning unit can be loud (bring earplugs!). And the location, while close to the action, isn't right on the ocean, which is a bummer for any coastal trip. There are a few good restaurants and stores nearby, but nothing to write home about.
Doubling Down on a Single Experience (and making a scene): I *did* once encounter a group of… let's just say "enthusiStaynado
