Monterrey's BEST Kept Secret? This Homewood Suites Will SHOCK You!
Monterrey's BEST Kept Secret? This Homewood Suites Will SHOCK You! (Seriously, It Might) – A Raw & Rambling Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on… well, potentially the BEST kept secret in Monterrey. It's the Homewood Suites. And, honestly? It kind of shocked me. Not in a "jaw-dropping, life-altering" way, but more like a "Huh, this is actually really good, and for the price… wow" kind of shock.
Let's get one thing straight: I travel a lot. I'm perpetually chasing Wi-Fi and clean sheets, and I've seen my share of hotel horrors. So, when I tell you this Homewood Suites is worth considering, especially if you're heading to Monterrey, you should probably listen.
First Impressions (and a bit of a rant about accessibility, because, come on people!)
Getting to the hotel was easy. That's a good start. It's located… well, I'm not gonna give away the precise location (it's a secret, remember?!). But let's just say it's convenient to what you need. The accessibility? Alright, here's where I slightly stumble.
Accessibility: Okay, so first impressions are crucial, right? Entry was pretty smooth, with automatic doors. Now, I appreciate that. Elevator was a must, and it worked fine. But and this is a big but, I didn't see super clear information regarding wheelchair accessible rooms like this one. Still, common areas seemed fine.
Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private]: This was a smooth experience (I'm trying to be nice, but honestly?). They were super friendly and got me through the process FAST. Boom, in the room like a flash!
The Room: My Oasis (and the Wi-Fi Saga)
Okay, let's get to the juicy stuff: the room. And let me tell you, this is where Homewood Suites really shines.
Available in all rooms: The basics are all covered!
Air conditioning: Praise the heavens! Monterrey's heat can be brutal!
Alarm clock: I actually used it. Shocking, I know.
Bathrobes: Always a win.
Bathroom phone: Meh.
Bathtub: Yes!
Blackout curtains: Crucial for a good night's sleep.
Closet: Plenty of space to hide my questionable fashion choices.
Coffee/tea maker & Complimentary tea: Essential for a caffeine addict like myself.
Daily housekeeping: Always appreciated!
Desk: Worked perfectly for hammering out emails.
Extra long bed: Yesss!
Free bottled water: A lifesaver in the Mexican heat.
Hair dryer: Obviously.
High floor: I am afraid of heights, but the view was great.
In-room safe box: Important for valuables.
Ironing facilities: I don't iron often, but they're there if you need 'em.
Laptop workspace: Comfortable.
Linens: Clean and fresh.
Mini bar: Well equipped.
Mirror: For preening before I leave my room.
Non-smoking: Thank God.
On-demand movies: For those late-night binges.
Private bathroom: Definitely a must-have.
Reading light: Perfect for getting lost in a good book.
Refrigerator: Stocked with… well, stuff I bought.
Satellite/cable channels: To zone out.
Scale: gulp (okay, maybe I didn't use that one)
Seating area: Perfect for lounging.
Separate shower/bathtub: Luxury!
Shower: Excellent water pressure.
Slippers: Always a nice touch.
Smoke detector: Safety first, people!
Socket near the bed: So you can charge your phone while still using it. Genius.
Sofa: Comfy.
Soundproofing: Helped block out the street noise.
Telephone: In case of emergencies (or food delivery).
Toiletries: Okay, nothing fancy, but got the job done.
Towels: Plenty of clean towels.
Umbrella: Thank goodness.
Visual alarm: Important, if you need it.
Wake-up service: Slept through it once. Oops.
Wi-Fi [free]: This is where it gets interesting.
Internet access: Okay, so the Internet access – wireless was pretty solid and for free and the Wi-Fi [free] in the room was a godsend. Internet services: The internet was pretty stable, which is a huge win.
Internet access – LAN: They've got Internet access – LAN, and Wi-Fi in public areas, too.
Food Glorious Food (and the slightly chaotic breakfast)
Alright, let’s talk about breakfast. The breakfast buffet was included.
Breakfast [buffet]: The buffet was a solid offering – a little bit of everything.
Asian breakfast: They had some Asian options, which was a nice touch.
Western breakfast: The Western breakfast options were great.
Breakfast service: Breakfast was on point.
Breakfast takeaway service: Also available.
Coffee/tea in restaurant: Coffee, tea, etc.
Coffee shop: Unfortunately, no coffee shops.
Desserts in restaurant: Not a dessert person, but I did see some options.
Salad in restaurant: Salads available, if you're into that sort of thing.
Snack bar: There's also a snack bar for late-night cravings.
Restaurants: A variety of restaurants nearby!
Things to Do (or NOT Do, Depending on Your Mood)
This ain't a resort, folks. It's about accessibility.
- Gym/fitness: There's a fitness center, if you're into that whole "working out" thing.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The outdoor pool looks amazing!
- Pool with view: The pool had a great view of the city.
- Spa/sauna: No spa or sauna.
Cleanliness, Safety & All That Jazz
- Cleanliness and safety: The hotel was spotless.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yay for cleanliness!
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Peace of mind.
- Safe dining setup: It felt safe, which I appreciated.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Good.
- Security [24-hour]: Always a plus.
- Smoke alarms: Important, in case of a fire.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Matter
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential.
- Concierge: Helpful.
- Convenience store: For last-minute essentials.
- Daily housekeeping: Always appreciated.
- Doorman: Very friendly.
- Elevator: Works fine.
- Facilities for disabled guests: The facilities are okay.
- Laundry service: Available.
- Luggage storage: Handy if you arrive early or depart late.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes.
- Safety deposit boxes: For your valuables.
Getting Around (the Important Bits)
- Airport transfer: Available.
- Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]: Parking was super easy.
- Taxi service: Easy to find a taxi.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service: No comment.
- Family/child friendly: The hotel is family-friendly.
- Kids meal: No information.
Bottom Line: Should You Stay Here?
Look, this isn't the Four Seasons. But it's clean, comfortable, and in a great location. The free Wi-Fi is a lifesaver, the breakfast is decent, and the rooms are well-equipped. For the price, this Homewood Suites is a total steal.
My Quirky Observation: They really, really like white pillowcases. Like, a lot. I counted at least six.
My Emotional Reaction: Initially, I was skeptical. Then I got here. The staff's helpfulness was genuinely heartwarming. It’s clean, the Wi-Fi works, and I slept like a baby. Success.
My Honest Imperfection: I almost forgot my toothbrush!
OVERALL RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars
**Monterrey's BEST Ke
Escape to Paradise: Unwind in Luxury at Villa Laury, Koksijde
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this itinerary for Homewood Suites in Monterrey? Yeah, it's gonna be less "polished brochure" and more "slightly caffeinated travel journal scribbled on a napkin." Prepare for some real talk, okay? Let's dive in… (Lord help me.)
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Quest for the Perfect Taco (aka, the Messy Begins)
- 1:00 PM (ish) - Arrival at Monterrey International Airport (MTY): Oh, god. Airports. The purgatory of the travel world. This one, bless its heart, is trying. Immigration was a blur, mainly because my Spanish is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. The feeling of exhaustion and culture shock? It's real, folks. Seriously, airports and jet lag are a special kind of torture. Managed to find a taxi (thank heavens for pre-booked transfer or I'd be lost in the shuffle)… now, let the adventure begin
- 2:30 PM - Check-in at Homewood Suites by Hilton Monterrey Apodaca: The hotel looks like a solid choice - a little bit of an oasis, nice lobby, pretty simple. I was really starting to appreciate the whole suite setup at this point, 'cause let's be real, unpacking and making a mess is a joy. Found myself in my room, a small victory!
- 3:30 PM - The Nap of Doom (aka, the Big Sleep): Jet lag smacked me HARD. I'm talking, face-planting on the bed, lights out. Woke up an hour later, disoriented, drooling a little. This is the reality folks… it's not always Instagram-worthy.
- 4:30 PM - Taco Quest Begins (aka, the Belly Speaks): The mission: find the best damn taco in Apodaca. Seriously, this is non-negotiable. I asked the front desk for recommendations. They gave me a list, and I took off. Feeling a little crazy with the new environment. My first attempt was… underwhelming. The meat was dry, the salsa lacked oomph. But hey, that's the journey, right? More taco hunting tomorrow, no other choices.
- 7:00 PM - Poolside Meltdown (and Redemption?): The hotel has a pool. I'm pretty sure I looked like a drowned rat after half an hour, but I watched the sunset over the city. It was.. okay. There was a kid who splashed me on purpose a few times, so I had to pretend to be amused. Still, it's a small win amidst the chaos of my first day.
Day 2: The Food of Gods, Cerveza, and a Deep Dive into a Parking Lot
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel: Free breakfast – a godsend! Waffles, eggs… the usual suspects but hey, it hits the spot. Needed the fuel, because today is all about the…
- 9:00 AM - Exploring the City, Part I (aka, Getting LOST, Mostly): I tried to walk around, but the heat and the whole "lost in translation" thing quickly sent me retreating back to the sanctuary of the hotel. The city layout seemed chaotic, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it. Probably.
- 11:00 AM - The Taco Triumph (aka, My Stomach is Doing the Happy Dance): Okay, I found it. The taco place. Tiny, unassuming, off the beaten path. The pastor tacos were INSANE. Juicy, flavorful, the pineapple was perfectly charred. I almost cried. Okay, maybe I did cry a little. It was that good. I think I ate four. No regrets. (Seriously, I'm still thinking about them.)
- 12:00 PM - Siesta time. Needed to rest after the taco journey, otherwise I'd have to deal with the consequences: bloating, an uncomfortable stomach… the whole shebang.
- 2:00 PM - The Art of Parking Lot Therapy (aka, Deep Thought and Existential Dread): I started wandering, got lost again (surprise!), and ended up… in a parking lot. Seriously. But it's not just any parking lot. It had a certain, let's say, charm to it. Watched how the people here act, their movements.. Just me, a parking lot, and a deep dive into the nature of humanity. Weird, I know. But sometimes, the most unexpected places are where you find yourself.
- 4:00 PM - Cerveza Time: This is important. Found a little "cantina" (a bar) nearby, ordered a cold cerveza. Just sat and watched the world go by. The simple pleasures, you know?
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and a Show (of Sorts): Headed back to the hotel, feeling reasonably full… and then the complimentary "social hour" with free snacks and beer. Free beer! I'm not complaining, I drank it.
- 7:30-9:00 PM - Back to the room. Rest and watch TV. It's late.
Day 3: Departure (aka, Farewell Taco Dreams and the Lingering Smell of Adventure)
- 8:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast (and Taco Withdrawal Symptoms): One last waffle! And a silent, mournful prayer for those tacos. The craving is real.
- 9:00 AM - Packing, Regret, and the Future: Packing is always the worst. Trying to cram everything back into the suitcase, realizing I bought too many souvenirs, and also feeling like I need a vacation from my vacation.
- 10:00 AM - Check-out: Goodbye, Homewood Suites. You were a decent launching pad for my Monterrey adventures. Didn't have any problems here, so I'll be back.
- 12:00 AM - Airport… Again: Off to face the airport purgatory.
- On-going - Reflecting on the Journey: Monterrey, you were a whirlwind! The tacos, the heat, the (occasional) feeling of being utterly lost… It was a mess, it was real, it was kinda beautiful. I'll be back. For the tacos, if nothing else. But also, to wander those parking lots a little more… Who knows what I'll find?
Okay, there you go. A travel journal that feels more like a slightly frantic confession. Remember, travel isn't always perfect. It's messy, it's exhilarating, it's humbling, and sometimes, it's just about finding the perfect taco. Embrace the chaos, and enjoy the ride, because that's what makes it worth it.
Adios, and happy travels!
Escape to Paradise: JHL Solitaire Gading Serpong's Luxury Awaits
Monterrey's BEST Kept Secret? Oh, THIS Homewood Suites... Seriously?! (And My Chaotic Thoughts)
Okay, okay, so I'm supposed to be cool and collected about this "secret," right? Like, "oh yeah, the Homewood Suites in Monterrey? It's *fine*." But honestly... my brain's still a little blown. Let's try to unpack this, shall we? Before things get *too* off the rails...
1. Is this REALLY the "BEST Kept Secret" in Monterrey? Because, like, Monterrey's a big place.
Look, I'm using "best kept secret" loosely. Let's be real. It's not like it's guarded by ninjas or anything. But here's the thing: I wasn't expecting *this*. Monterrey is a whirlwind – the food, the noise, the sheer *vibe* – and typically, my hotel experiences are… functional, at best. This Homewood Suites? It actually felt like a little… oasis.
Here's the thing, I was on a business trip, so I *needed* somewhere quiet. And the location? Perfect. Close enough to everything but far enough, from all the noisy traffic.
2. So, what's *so* shocking about a Homewood Suites? Isn't it just… a Homewood Suites?
Right?! That was my thought! I was picturing the usual: beige walls, a slightly lumpy bed, and a complimentary breakfast buffet that tastes suspiciously of sadness. But no. They actually put some thought into this place! It's clean, the rooms are spacious (important when you're trying to avoid climbing over your suitcase), and the staff? Seriously, they were angels. I swear, one of them spoke fluent "hangry tourist" and somehow anticipated my croissant craving before I even knew I had one. I actually miss them. (No, I'm not being dramatic. Okay, maybe a *little*.)
3. Okay, details! Tell me about the room. Was the bed at least decent?
The bed! Oh, the bed. Listen, as a seasoned business traveler, I've slept in some horrific beds. Beds that feel like concrete, beds that squeak like they're trying to communicate with ghosts, beds that… well, let's just say they left me with back pain for a week.
This bed? Heavenly. Seriously. Cloud-like, even. I slept like a log, which is saying something considering I was stressing about the presentation I had to give the next day. I swear, the blackout curtains blocked out *everything*. And the pillows! Not too fluffy, not too flat – Goldilocks would have approved. (And, yes, I checked for bed bugs. I'm a little paranoid that way).
But, let's be honest, I still missed my bed!
4. Speaking of breakfast, tell me about it! The "suspiciously of sadness" comment has me intrigued…
Alright, alright. So, the breakfast... wasn't *sad*. At all. It was actually pretty good. Real eggs, not that powdered stuff. Fresh fruit. And, this is the important part, REAL, CRISPY BACON. Can't emphasize this enough. Bacon is a deal-breaker for me. If the bacon is bad, the whole day is ruined.
There was also a waffle maker, which, let's be honest, is the hallmark of a superior hotel breakfast. I may or may not have made four waffles. Don't judge me. I was fueled up and ready to conquer the day (and my presentation). And the coffee? Not that tepid brown water you get at some places. It was STRONG. Which is exactly what I needed.
5. The Location? Tell me more!
Honestly, the location was a sneaky winner! It wasn't in the *absolute* heart of the tourist madness, which was fine by me. But it was a quick and easy Uber ride to everywhere I wanted to go. Like, seriously easy. I'm talking five-minute rides to the best taco places I found. Seriously, I went to like four different taco places during my stay. My stomach is forever indebted to Monterrey, and for the location of the hotel for making it so easy! Which, if you're a foodie like me, is basically the most important thing.
6. Any downsides? Something has to go wrong.
Okay, okay, here's the truth, to keep things balanced. The gym? A little… small. It had the basics, but if you’re used to serious workouts, you might be disappointed. And the Wi-Fi was a little patchy in my room one day, which almost caused a panic attack. But honestly, these are minor quibbles. And, this is a bit embarrassing, but I once got locked out of my room. But the staff were quick to fix it and had a good laugh with me.
Oh! And on my way out, I ran in to my boss in the lobby, and he just smiled the biggest grin and let me know he thought the same thing about the hotel! So I guess it isn't the *biggest* secret after all!
7. So, would you recommend it? The big question!
Absolutely. Without a doubt. If you're going to Monterrey, and you want a comfortable, clean, well-located hotel with a decent breakfast and genuinely friendly staff, then YES. BOOK IT. Seriously. Just... maybe don't tell *everyone*. I might want a room next time.
I'm still processing how much I enjoyed this place. It's a Homewood Suites. But it was a damn good Homewood Suites.
Final thought: Go, eat tacos, and enjoy the bed. You won't regret it.
