Gainesville Getaway: Drury Inn & Suites - Your Perfect Florida Escape!

Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville Gainesville (FL) United States

Gainesville Getaway: Drury Inn & Suites - Your Perfect Florida Escape!

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Gainesville Getaway: Drury Inn & Suites, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride. "Your Perfect Florida Escape!" they say? We'll see about that. (Spoiler alert: it's pretty darn good, but let's not get ahead of ourselves, okay?)

First Impressions (and My Inner Monologue):

Pulling up, the exterior is…well, it's a Drury Inn. Which means it's clean, modern, and doesn't exactly scream "Florida!" in a kitschy, alligator-on-a-pontoon-boat kind of way. My first thought? "Thank goodness for the free parking!" (I HATE paying for parking, it's one of life's great injustices, right up there with lukewarm coffee.) The access seemed pretty good, which is a HUGE plus. Accessibility is key, folks, and this place seems to have it covered with elevators and everything. No hobbling around for hours, I can already tell.

The Room: My Cozy Fortress (and the Battle with the Blackout Curtains)

Okay, the rooms are comfy. Super clean, which is a MAJOR win. The air conditioning blasted ice-cold air right in my face – glorious. The bed? Okay, it wasn't heaven, heaven would involve a puppy and endless ice cream. But it was good, solid, sleep-inducing. And that blackout curtain? A weapon. A glorious, light-obliterating weapon. I’m a light sleeper, so that was a lifesaver. Let me tell you, I slept so deeply the first night, I almost missed breakfast! ALMOST. The in-room safe box was a nice touch, and I actually used it. Never know what kind of shady characters are lurking, even in Gainesville (kidding, mostly). The free wi-fi? Solid. Really solid. No buffering, no dropped connections. Huge win.

Wi-Fi, Glorious Wi-Fi! (and the Eternal Struggle):

Seriously, the free Wi-Fi is everywhere! In your room? Check. In the lobby? Check. In the pool area? Double-check. This is HUGE for a travel writer like myself. Being able to get work done poolside is a win-win. The internet services are reliable and available, which is a major plus.

Food, Glorious Food (and My Endless Quest for Caffeine):

Breakfast. Ooooh, breakfast. This is where Drury Inns shine. The buffet is…well, it’s not gourmet Michelin-star stuff, but it's plentiful, varied, and the service is fantastic. The international and Western breakfasts, with Asian options too are a plus. I mean, where else can you get waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage, AND a decent cup of coffee all in one place? (Yes, I'm a caffeine addict, I admit it.) They had everything: cereal, fruit, pastries, the works. Breakfast takeaway service is handy if you're in a rush. I loved the coffee shop for grabbing a quick caffeine boost.

Lunch and dinner? The options aren't quite as extensive, but there are restaurants nearby, and the hotel has a snack bar/poolside bar - perfect for a quick bite. I didn't see many vegetarian options as I hoped. Their happy hour is a godsend.

Relaxation Station (and the Questionable Spa):

Okay, so "spa" might be a bit of a stretch. There isn't a full-blown spa - no body scrubs or wraps. They do have a gym/fitness center, a pool with a view, and a sauna and the steam room. I spent a good chunk of time lounging by the swimming pool, which was absolutely divine. The pool was clean and well-maintained. I did get the urge to spend some time in the sauna as well!

Cleanliness and Safety: A Very Important Side Note (especially now!)

Alright, let's get serious for a sec. Cleanliness is a big deal these days. Drury Inn seems to be taking it seriously. They are using anti-viral cleaning products and have a daily disinfection in common areas. There's hand sanitizer everywhere, individually-wrapped food options, and the staff is trained in safety protocol. Room sanitization is a thing too. I felt safe. And frankly, that's worth a hefty amount these days.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things that Make a Difference

The daily housekeeping was a treat. The staff was helpful and friendly – always a good sign. The facilities for disabled guests seemed top-notch. There's a convenience store for last-minute essentials. The elevator was a lifesaver. I do miss my pets so the fact that pets weren't allowed here was a downer.

Things to Do (and Avoiding the Tourist Traps):

Gainesville is a great town! Close to the University of Florida, a thriving arts scene and nice parks. I wish there were car charging stations here.

Oh, the Imperfections… (because nothing is perfect, right?):

Look, it's a Drury Inn. It's not a five-star resort. It's not perfect. The decor is pretty standard. The room service menu is limited. The walls aren't soundproof (I think I heard the neighbor's dog bark once). But honestly? These are minor quibbles.

The Emotional Verdict (My Over-the-Top Opinion):

Would I recommend the Gainesville Getaway: Drury Inn & Suites? Heck yes! It's clean, comfortable, convenient, and the free breakfast is a game-changer. It's not the most glamorous place on Earth, but it's a solid, reliable choice for your Florida escape. It's perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a stress-free getaway.

My Quirky Observation (Because I Can't Help Myself):

I swear, the waffles at the breakfast buffet defy the laws of physics. They are impossibly light, fluffy, and delicious. I think there's magic involved.

Now, Book It! Here's My Honest Offer:

Forget those overpriced, pretentious hotels. Say goodbye to hidden fees and mediocre experiences. The Gainesville Getaway: Drury Inn & Suites offers:

• Free Hot Breakfast: Seriously, unlimited waffles, eggs, and more!
• Free Drinks and Snacks: Evening Kickback with hot snacks.
• Sparkling Clean Rooms: Because who wants to sleep in a mess?
• Reliable Wi-Fi: Stay connected, even by the pool!
• Prime Location: Easy access to Gainesville's best attractions.
• Parking: Seriously, FREE Parking!
• Flexible Cancellation Policy!

Book your stay today at the Gainesville Getaway: Drury Inn & Suites, and experience a Florida escape that's comfortable, convenient, and won't break the bank. You deserve it! (And you definitely deserve those waffles.)

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Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville Gainesville (FL) United States

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average, sterile travel itinerary. This is the Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville, Florida in all its glory, seen through the slightly-bloodshot, perpetually-in-need-of-a-coffee eyes of yours truly. And let's be honest, my planning skills are about as reliable as a weather forecast in Florida – sometimes sunny, sometimes a hurricane of chaos.

Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and a Slightly Questionable Pizza

• 3:00 PM: Arrive at Drury Inn & Suites, Gainesville. Oh, the air conditioning! Sweet, blessed relief from the swampy Florida heat. You know that feeling, right? Where the second you walk in, you could practically hear your pores exhale? Yeah, that was me. Checked in. The front desk lady, bless her heart, had the patience of a saint when I couldn’t find my ID. Turns out it was…in my sock. Don't judge. Travel brain, you know?
• 3:30 PM: Room recon. Standard Drury fare: comfy bed (praise be!), mini fridge, and… a tiny, terrifyingly-powerful hairdryer. Seriously, that thing could probably launch a small rocket. Made a mental note: avoid eye contact with hairdryer.
• 4:00 PM: Unpack (halfheartedly). Okay, let's be real. "Unpack" is a strong word. More like, toss everything on the bed and start mentally organizing later. Which, spoiler alert, rarely happens.
• 5:00 PM: Pre-dinner snackage. The Drury's free happy hour is legendary, but I'm too impatient. Grabbed a bag of chips from the lobby vending machine. They were stale. Lesson learned: never trust a vending machine.
• 6:30 PM: Pizza Roulette. Found a local pizza place online with glowing reviews. The pizza arrived… and it looked like a crime scene. Soggy crust, neon-orange cheese, and suspiciously sweet sauce. Ate two slices out of sheer hunger and a morbid curiosity. Regret level: high. But hey, at least I have a story, right?

Day 2: Gators, Gardens, and a Near-Disaster with a Squirrel

• 8:00 AM: Free Breakfast Bonanza. The Drury breakfasts are a lifesaver! Waffles, scrambled eggs, a mountain of fruit… It’s the fuel you need to survive a Florida day, and also a good place to people-watch. Note: Observe the waffle-making process closely. Those things are an art form.
• 9:30 AM: Gator Nation! Visit the University of Florida campus. The architecture! The energy! The…gators? Okay, maybe not real gators. Unless??? (Just kidding. Mostly.) Hit the bookstore, bought way too much Gator swag (I'm not even a student, but the orange and blue gets you). Found a cute little coffee shop near the campus, people watching and a latte, a must have.
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local cafe. Decided to try a place recommended by the front desk – a cute little diner with amazing BLTs. I swear, they deep-fried the bacon to perfection. I wanted to order one more for desert.
• 1:30 PM: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens.* Absolutely stunning! This is where I started to calm down. The sheer variety of plants and flowers… mesmerizing. Wandered around lost in the beauty, that's when…DISASTER STRUCK. A squirrel, a particularly brazen and fluffy one, decided my water bottle was its next snack. I swear it almost jumped on me. I screamed, it ran…and then I giggled. Because seriously, what else can you do?
• 4:00 PM: Back to the Hotel for a quick swim. The pool area at the Drury is usually crowded, but it’s well-maintained; and relaxing is perfect.
• 6:00 PM: Happy Hour Round 2, Electric Boogaloo! This time, I paced myself way better than the night before. Grabbed a tiny plate of snacks. The free beer is awesome!
• 7:30 PM: Dinner. A slightly better dinner. I tried a restaurant someone told me about, a dive bar offering delicious burger and fries.

Day 3: Departure, Reflection, and the lingering scent of chlorine

• 8:00 AM: Free breakfast one last time! Chowed down on waffles and eggs one last time.
• 9:00 AM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Because, you know, gotta bring something back to prove I actually left the house.
• 10:00 AM: Check out of the Drury. Said goodbye to the amazing staff.
• 10:30 AM: Drive to the airport.
• 12:00 PM: Reflecting on the journey… Gainesville, you were a wild ride. From the questionable pizza to the squirrel encounter, you provided entertainment, beauty, and enough free breakfast to keep me fueled for a week. The Drury Inn was a perfectly adequate base. The small frustrations faded compared to the moments of peace and adventure. I'm pretty sure the lingering smell of chlorine from the pool will always remind me. Until next time, Gator Nation! And next time, I'm bringing a water bottle that's squirrel-proof.

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Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville Gainesville (FL) United States

Gainesville Getaway: Drury Inn & Suites - Your "Almost Perfect" Florida Escape! (FAQ - Read at Your Own Risk!)

Okay, spill it. Is this Drury Inn really as good as everyone says in Gainesville? Like, seriously?

Okay, fine, fine. I'll level with you. The Drury Inn in Gainesville? It's... *mostly* good. Like, 80% there. You know? The kind of good that makes you think, "Maybe I *should* become a regular." But let's be honest, nobody's perfect, and neither is this place. **Here's the thing:** Breakfast is usually *amazing.* Seriously. I once ate three waffles. *Three!* And I’m not even a waffle person! They have that little area where they can crank out fresh ones all morning, and the smell alone is worth the stay. The scrambled eggs? Hit or miss. The sausage? Well, let's just say it's not gourmet, but it gets the job done. And the coffee? Strong enough to wake the dead, which, after a night of trying to navigate the maze of I-75... is a definite pro. **The pool?** Oh, the pool. It's indoor/outdoor, which is brilliant for Florida weather. You can swim laps even when the humidity is trying to eat your hair. BUT! One time... ONE TIME... I saw a *child* wearing a full, soaking-wet diaper in there. Just... floating. Silent scream. So, yeah, check the kiddie situation before you dive in. (Pro Tip: If it's packed, grab a drink at the bar and wait for chaos to subside. You'll thank me.)

What about the "kickback"? Is it worth cancelling your afternoon plans for?

Okay, the "kickback." This is where the Drury REALLY tries to reel you in. Free hot food and drinks in the late afternoon/early evening? Yes please! (But it's a total zoo). I've had some killer experiences here. Once, they had *spaghetti and meatballs*. I swear, I ate more meatballs than I thought humanly possible. Another time? Mini chicken tacos. *So good.* But remember, free means a *lot* of people are going to be there fighting for the good stuff. **Here's the gritty truth:** It's a gamble. You might get lucky and grab a plate of culinary bliss. Or, you might end up staring at a chafing dish of... questionable-looking chili. And the wine? Okay, let's be real. It's usually the kind you'd find in a box on a pirate ship. Drinkable, yes. Memorable, no. But hey, it's *free*. Just... manage your expectations. And maybe arrive early. Like, *way* before everyone else. Or order pizza in advance.

Rooms: What should I expect room-wise? Is it all cookie-cutter?

Honestly? Yes, it's pretty cookie-cutter. But in a good way! Clean, spacious, and you KNOW what you're getting, which is a huge plus when you're traveling. I *hate* surprises when it comes to hotel rooms. You got your standard king or two-queen beds setup. Decent internet (mostly), a mini-fridge (YES!), microwave (essential for reheating those leftovers!), and a decent-sized TV. **The bathroom is usually clean:** I once stayed in a budget motel, and… well, let’s just say I’m still traumatized. Drury’s bathrooms? Generally pristine. (Again, mostly. Inspect the corners, people, just in case). **The elevators:** Okay, I have a bit of a phobia (don’t judge). The elevators can get crowded, especially during peak times. Give yourself a solid five extra minutes in case you get stuck with the slow elevator. **A Room with a View?** Don't expect the Ritz. You're not paying for a panoramic vista. You'll generally be overlooking the parking lot or, if you're lucky, another building. But hey, you're in Gainesville, not on the French Riviera! Just focus on the waffle possibilities.

Parking: Is it a nightmare?

Parking? Yeah, it can be kind of a free-for-all. It depends on the time of year and what's going on in Gainesville. Around Gator game weekends? Forget about it! Prepare to park a mile away and walk. **My worst parking experience:** I once drove around for a solid 20 minutes, circling the building like a vulture, waiting for someone to leave. Finally, I snagged a spot just behind the dumpster. Smelly, but hey, it was a spot! **Tip:** Arrive early. Seriously. Or, if you’re staying during a busy time, maybe just call an Uber. Less stress, I promise.

Is it kid-friendly? Because I have them… sigh.

**Kid-friendly?** Oh, it's built for them. The pool is a selling point, but it's often filled with screaming kids. The free food is a win, but good luck getting a plate when you're chasing a toddler. **My Advice:** If you have kids… take deep breaths. Pack snacks. Expect noise. Embrace the chaos. And maybe bring earplugs. Seriously. You'll thank me later. It's not *bad*, it's just, well, *family*. And that comes with its own set of glorious, messy challenges.

What about the staff? Are they friendly?

The staff? Generally, yeah, they’re pretty darn cheerful. They have to be right? They work in the hospitality industry. However, I've had a couple of weird interactions, like the time I asked for extra towels, and the guy behind the desk gave me this *look*. You know, like I’d asked for a gold-plated unicorn. But they are generally helpful and friendly. Don't be afraid to ask for extra pillows or directions to the nearest Publix. They likely know a lot more about Gainesville than you do.

Location, Location, Location: Is it actually convenient?

The location is… alright. It's not *in* the middle of everything, but it's pretty close to I-75. You can get to the University of Florida pretty easily, which is a big plus for gamedays or visiting students. There are restaurants nearby, but I wouldn’t call the dining scene *amazing.* **My advice:** Do your research. If you're looking for a particular experience (like a world-class restaurant or a happening nightlife scene), don't assume it’s right outside the door. Gainesville isn’t exactly New York City. But for a comfortable base camp to explore the area? It's decent.

So, final verdict: Should I book the Drury Inn & Suites in Gainesville?

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Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville Gainesville (FL) United States

Drury Inn & Suites Gainesville Gainesville (FL) United States

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