Winchester's BEST Kept Secret: Red Roof Inn Lexington (KY) Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving DEEP into a hotel review – the kind that's less "TripAdvisor perfection" and more "what actually happened, and how did I feel about it?" I'm gonna use the given categories, but expect some serious side-tracking and maybe a few emotional meltdowns (in a good way, hopefully). Buckle up, because here we go! SEO keywords: Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Pool, Luxury Hotel, Family Friendly, Cleanliness, Safety, Covid-19 Protocols.
Hotel Review: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprisingly Emotional
Right, let's get this show on the road. I stayed here… well, let's just say it was recent. My expectations? Zero. My mood? Pre-caffeinated grump. This review? Well, it's gonna be a rollercoaster.
Accessibility: Okay, first impressions matter. And this hotel… well, it claims accessibility. Things started well!
- Wheelchair accessible? Seemed decent. Ramps were there, elevators were working. The elevator situation was good.
- Facilities for disabled guests. Definitely, the hotel has some facilities for disabled guests, even more than wheelchair access.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Fine, I guess
Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas: Oh. My. God. Free Wi-Fi. In all rooms. Angels sing! Okay, maybe I was a little too amped up at that moment, but after a long flight, streaming Netflix in bed is pretty close to heaven. The Wi-Fi was generally solid, a huge win, and the [LAN] felt like a nostalgic trip.
Things to do, ways to relax: Let's be honest, this is where the magic happens.
- Pool with view. The POOL. Oh, the pool. This was my zone. It was an outdoor pool too. That view was INSANE. Infinity pool overlooking… I’ll stop here, but it was breathtaking. The pool wasn't just a pool; it was an experience.
- Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath. Okay, the spa situation. I went in for a body scrub and… well, let's just say the aesthetician was intense. Like, “I will exfoliate your soul” kind of intense. The steam room was heavenly, and the sauna was a nice treat. The massage? Worth every damn penny. I left feeling like a new person. So, in conclusion, the spa was phenomenal.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Look I am a person who intends to go to the gym. Then sleeps in. But the gym looked… good? Modern equipment, clean, all the usual suspects. I wouldn't know the difference between a treadmill and a torture device though.
Cleanliness and safety: This is where things get… complicated.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Okay, during my stay, there were a lot of these safety measures that were in place. I think they were trying. It felt clean, at least. I saw staff cleaning constantly.
- First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call. This adds some security to the hotel, good, good.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Mmm, food. My favorite part.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. The sheer volume of food options was, frankly, overwhelming in the best way possible. The breakfast buffet was a glorious, carb-laden feast. The coffee situation was on point. The pool bar? Deadly. The happy hour? I don’t even remember most of it. There were some great restaurants – the Asian cuisine was particularly good. The room service was prompt and the food quality good. My only complaint is I ate too much.
Services and conveniences: The little things that matter.
- Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. Okay, this is where the hotel really shines. The concierge went above and beyond. Housekeeping was fantastic, and I appreciated things like the essential condiments being provided. The service level felt genuinely attentive, not just going through the motions. The elevators worked!
For the kids: This is something I didn't need to worry about but it seemed like a nice touch.
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. The hotel was definitely kid-friendly. Tons of families. I'm pretty sure I saw a bouncy castle at one point.
Access: These things are necessary too, but not necessarily exciting.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms. The security seemed tight, which is always reassuring. The 24-hour front desk was a godsend for late-night snack cravings.
Getting around: The crucial stuff
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. The airport transfer was seamless. Parking was easy. All wins.
Available in all rooms: Finally, the room itself.
- 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. The room was spacious, well-appointed, and thankfully, dark. The blackout curtains were a gift from the gods. The bed was comfortable. The mini-bar was a danger zone (as always). I’m not gonna get into the quality of the toiletries, but I was pleased with them.
The Verdict:
Okay, so… would I go back? Absolutely. This hotel wasn’t perfect. But it was… well, it felt like somewhere I could actually relax. The staff was friendly, the food was delicious, the Wi-Fi was reliable, and the pool was my sanctuary. There were definitely hiccups and bumps along the way, but the good definitely outweighed the bad.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (Could easily be 5 if I could bottle that spa experience.)
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is "Operation: Red Roof Rumble in the Bluegrass," and let me tell you, I'm going in blind. Winchester, Kentucky? Lexington? All I know is there's horses involved, and frankly, I'm more of a "couch cushion" kind of gal.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Red Roof Reveal (and the lingering scent of cleaning product):
- Morning (Whenever I finally roll out of bed): Okay, so the flight took way longer than I planned (curse you, turbulence!), and that pretzel was basically dust in a bag. Landed in Lexington. The airport? Honestly, a bit underwhelming. But hey, at least it wasn't overflowing with screaming kids. Grabbed the rental car. A little compact thing named Bessie - bless her heart, she's seen better days and maybe is a bit rusty but that'll be fine.
- Lunch (Somewhere, Anywhere): Needed food immediately, so I looked up the nearest place from the rental location. Ended up at a place called "The Filling Station" - yep, a converted gas station. Charm on tap, good vibes and decent burgers. Still, I really wanted some authentic Kentucky something, but alas, grease prevailed.
- Afternoon (The Red Roof Inn Saga Begins): Finally arrived at the Winchester Red Roof. The exterior? Kinda…red. And a roof. Mission accomplished. Checked in and the room smells… like cleaning products trying to cover up something else. Okay, let's not dwell. Found a surprisingly comfortable bed. The TV? Endless channels. This could be my downfall. Okay, I'm going to be honest, the walls seem paper-thin, I can hear everything, and I'm already a little unnerved. I feel like I'm in a hotel from a horror movie.
- Evening (Pre-Dinner Indulgence): Walked up the street, it was a bit long and all I could see was fast food, so I walked back. And watched television. And got more and more convinced that I'm hearing stuff!
- Dinner (Food Quest): After the TV almost ate my soul, I decided I needed dinner. Somewhere, anywhere that wasn't chain food. Finally found a local place called "Hall's on the River". And the food was bland. And the service was slow. And the atmosphere was… river-y. Not bad, just… blah. Back at Red Roof with my head in my hands watching TV.
Day 2: Horses, Whiskey, and Unfulfilled Dreams:
- Morning (Horse Power): Today, I had plans to visit a horse farm. I'm a city slicker, so my expectations were high. Woke up to more creaking than my joints. Finally did manage to find a cute little horse. It was everything I ever hoped for, truly!
- Lunch (Fueling the Spirit): I needed something to wash down the country air. Found a place with good reviews, and it wasn't that bad.
- Afternoon (Whiskey Wonderland): Time for the Bourbon Trail! Because, you know, Kentucky. I chose a well-known distillery. Thought the process was fascinating, really. The smell of whiskey was intoxicating. The tasting? Excellent. The gift shop? Dangerous. I may have bought a bottle of something that cost more than my rent.
- Evening (Red Roof Reflections): Back to the Red Roof. Again, it's a little… much. The noise has ramped up (I think the walls are vibrating). And I'm already questioning all my life choices. Watched some TV and thought about all of them.
Day 3: Farewell to Winchester, and a Promise to Never Look Back (Maybe):
- Morning (Departure and Despair): Woke up (late). Couldn't bring myself to eat. Coffee from the in-room maker (which was… fine, for what it was). Packed Bessie, and checked out of the Red Roof, my ears still ringing from all the sounds. Honestly, I'm glad to go.
- Lunch (On the Road Again, With Leftovers): Grabbed something quick on the road, a sandwich.
- Afternoon (Lexington and the Wild Geese): Drove towards Lexington to visit the campus of the University of Kentucky. I thought that was pretty.
- Evening (Homeward Bound): Headed back to the airport. Reflection: Winchester? Lexington? Decent. But will I be back? Maybe. Will I stay at the Red Roof again? Absolutely not. Honestly, the cleaning products didn't quite cover it all, and those walls… yikes. Overall thoughts? Kentucky is a pretty place. But I’m a city person. I’m going home. And I'm going to take a long, LONG nap.
Final Thoughts:
This "trip" was a rollercoaster. Kentucky gave me horses, whiskey, a bit of charm, and a whole lot of questions about the structural integrity of budget motels. It was okay, I guess. Would I recommend it? Well, depends on your tolerance for slightly-less-than-stellar accommodations and a healthy dose of my own personal existential dread. But hey, at least I have a good story (and a slightly overpriced bottle of bourbon) to tell. Until the next adventure (which will hopefully involve better soundproofing), stay weird, folks. Stay weird.
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So… what's the actual point of all this? Like, seriously. What's the deal with LIFE?
Ugh, right? The Big Question. Honestly? I have NO clue. If anyone *actually* knew the answer, they'd be selling it on a late-night infomercial for a thousand bucks a pop. And I’d probably buy it, just to find out if it’s legit. Personally, I'm pretty sure the point isn't PRE-DETERMINED. You know, like some grand, cosmic checklist. I think it's more… something we make up as we go. A chaotic, messy, often hilarious, and sometimes utterly soul-crushing IMPROVISATION. Like, my "point" this morning was to find a decent cup of coffee. Mission... somewhat accomplished. But yeah, the "Big Point"? Still working on it. Let me know if you figure it out.
How do you "deal" with stuff? You know, the bad feelings… the existential dread… the overflowing inbox?
Oh, THAT sweet little bundle of joy! Listen, I'm no guru. I’m pretty sure my therapist is making a killing off of me. But here’s what *mostly* works, though not always perfectly:
- **Crying in the shower is a legit coping mechanism:** The warm water hides the evidence, and nobody can judge your ugly cry. Highly recommend.
- **Chocolate. And lots of it:** Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, the kind with sea salt… all of it. It doesn't *solve* anything, but hey, at least you got deliciousness.
- **Fake it till you make it… until you crack:** Sometimes, gotta pretend you're all zen and together. Then, inevitably, you'll spill coffee down your shirt, and the whole facade crumbles. And you laugh and feel a tiny bit better (or you don't and wallow a bit, which, also, acceptable).
- **Surround yourself with people who tolerate your weirdness:** Find your tribe, your weirdo-crew, your sanity-savers. They'll understand your meltdown-mood.
- **When All Else Fails, Distraction:** I once successfully used the entire second season of *Schitt's Creek* to distract from the imminent doom of tax season. Highly effective. (Unless you wind up relating to the Rose family… then the dread multiplies.)
What about Relationships? Is that whole "love" thing actually real?
Okay, deep breath. Love. Ugh. The whole circus of expectations and heartbreaks. Yes, I think the "love" thing is real. But let’s be honest, it's a goddamn roller coaster. One minute you're on top of the world, the next you're questioning every life choice you've ever made. It's messy. It's imperfect. It's often a train wreck you can't look away from. I once thought I found "the one." Turns out he was actually the "one… who loved to leave dirty socks on the floor." It's a long-ish story. Let's just say I'm now a firm believer in the "pre-emptive sock-removal training program."
Also, Friends! Friends are invaluable. The ones who show up with ice cream and bad jokes when you're a mess are golden. Treasure them. They are your anchors in the raging seas of life. And yes, romantic love can be awesome too. Just...brace yourself. It's a wild ride. Have I said that already? I'm repeating myself. Life's repeating itself. That's just love!
How do you deal with failure? Because, you know...it happens. A lot.
Oh, failure. My old frenemy. I've got more stories of epic, face-plant fails than I care to admit. Remember that time I tried to make a soufflé for a dinner party, and it emerged looking like a deflated, eggy frisbee? Yeah, good times. My guests were… polite. And I learned the hard way I should stick to ordering takeout. But, generally, I just try to do these things in this order:
- **Swallow, then eat all the ice cream you want:** Indulge that sad feeling. Get it out of your system!
- **Let the feelings wash over you, and then just… feel them:** Don't try to push them down. Let yourself be mad, or sad, feel whatever you feel.
- **Whine to your support system:** They are crucial.
- **Learn the lesson (if there IS one):** Was there something I could have done differently? Or, was this an inevitable part of the process?
- **Get back on the damn horse!:** Eventually. Not immediately. Maybe not the next day. But eventually.
What if my life just feels...boring?
Boring is the enemy of joy, and the arch-nemesis of your peace of mind. Ugh, BORING! First, define what boring MEANS. Are you stuck in a rut? Is it the same routine every day? Are you surrounded by people who bore you? Do you bore yourself? Once you know the source, you can fix it. I've had stretches where I felt like I was living the same week on repeat. Ugh! What snapped me out of it? I can tell you this:
- **Try something *completely* random:** Learn to juggle. Take a pottery class. Start a random hobby. Sing karaoke (even if you're terrible, embrace it).
- **Get OUT of your usual geographical parameters:** Just go somewhere else, maybe a nearby town. The change of scenery might be the jumpstart you need.
- **Say YES to things you’d normally say NO to:** Go to that party. Talk to that stranger.
- **Re-evaluate the people in your life:** Are they adding to the joy? Or are they sucking the life out of you?
- **This is important:** Life doesn't *have* to be a constant thrill ride, but it shouldn't be soul-crushingly dull either. Find what makes your heart beat a little faster. Do more of that.
What's the best advice you've ever received? Or, you know… learned the hard way?
Hmm. That's a tough one. I’ve gotten *tons* of advice, most of which I promptly ignored. (Sorry, Mom!) But here’s the one thing that consistently pops back into my brain, especially when things get tough:
**"This too shall pass."** It’s simple. A little cliche. But the truth is, everything changes. The bad times, the good times… they all shift and morph. So, when you're in the middle of a disaster – a massive screw-up, a heartbreak, a total life collapse – it’s a reminder: It, too, will eventually be over. And on the other side ofRest Nest Hotels
