Escape to Utah's Best-Kept Secret: Union Park Suites Await!
Okay, Buckle Up Buttercups: My Chaotic Deep Dive into Union Park Suites (Utah's "Best-Kept Secret" - Is It Though?)
Alright people, I'm back from the trenches, and by trenches, I mean…Union Park Suites in Utah. They say it's a secret, but I'm about to spill the tea, the coffee, and maybe a little bit of my own anxieties (because, let's be real, travel is stressful). So, here's the lowdown, unfiltered, and with all the quirks of my overthinking brain.
First Impressions (and a Little Freakout About Accessibility):
Look, I’m not gonna lie. Jumping on a plane, landing in a new state and then driving to a hotel… it’s a lot. And accessibility is always a major concern for me, considering… well, gestures vaguely at self. The website promised "Facilities for disabled guests," and thank god for that! I was slightly stressed out when I arrived. The front desk was super welcoming, making the "Contactless check-in/out" a plus because, let's face it, sometimes human interaction is just. Too. Much. There's a big, very obvious elevator, which is a godsend. I swear I could have sworn I saw a family, and the dad had a mobility scooter and this was a very good sign.
The Room – My Temporary Fortress (and the Wi-Fi that Saved My Sanity):
Stepping into my room was a breath of fresh air. Clean, bright, and, most importantly, air-conditioned. You guys, Utah heat is NO JOKE. I am happy to announce the presence of "Air conditioning," and "non-smoking rooms." The Internet access – wireless, and the free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver. I swear, I would have lost it without being able to binge-watch trash reality TV to calm my nerves. Plus, shout out to the "desk" because I needed that to do some work. The “bathroom phone” caught my eye even and I thought, why, why would I need that?
The bathroom was decent, although my inner germaphobe did a little internal screaming. It was perfectly fine, but you can never be too sure. So, it's all good. I was glad to have the "separate shower/bathtub" and the "hair dryer," because you're on your own here.
Okay, Let's Talk Food (and My Near-Disastrous Buffet Experience):
Right, dining. This is where things got…interesting. Apparently, Union Park Suites have "Restaurants". I'd seen them online and I believed that I should check them out. The "Breakfast [buffet]" was a circus. I mean, the food was fine, I guess? Your standard scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries…but it's a buffet, so expect some chaos. I swear, I saw a guy pile his plate so high, it was practically a food tower. I also saw a little kid sneeze directly into the orange juice dispenser! I shuddered to the idea of the "Daily disinfection in common areas," and hoped that was a thing.
And while we’re on the topic of eating, there were "Alternative meal arrangement" options available, which is great for picky eaters (like me!). I think the "A la carte in restaurant" should be fine.
The "Coffee shop" was decent, got a little pricey.
Spa Day Dreams (and the Reality Check of Being a Human):
Okay, I wanted the full spa experience. "Massage," "Spa/sauna,"… I even saw they had "Pool with view"! I was picturing myself, draped in a robe, sipping cucumber water, totally zen. But when I got there, the spa was actually closed. I have no idea why. I was heartbroken, but it's okay. The hotel has a "Fitness center," that's a thing too.
The "Things to Do" (and Why I Just Wanted to Sleep):
I checked out the "Things to do" section of the hotel website, and that was a rollercoaster of possibilities. They offer "Outdoor venue for special events" and "Indoor venue for special events" so i was intrigued. Of course, there's the classic "Swimming pool [outdoor]" and "Swimming pool," but I was pretty tired that day, so I ended up with the "wake-up service," and didn't do anything.
Cleanliness and Safety (and The Constant Worry):
Look, I'm a worrier. I'm always a bit freaked out when it comes to travel and hygiene. So, the fact that they were offering "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Rooms sanitized between stays" and all these other things made me feel a little safer. They also had "First aid kit," "Hand sanitizer," and "Staff trained in safety protocol." A doctor or nurse "Doctor/nurse on call," is always a plus.
The Verdict: Is Union Park Suites a "Secret"?
Honestly? No. It's a solid hotel. I would come back if I'm ever in Utah again. They have a good hotel vibe. Yes. It is not a secret. It’s a good place to lay your head and it's good for people with disabilities, with access.
My Unsolicited Offer for You (and My Emotional Plea for You to Book):
Listen. You and I both deserve a break. We deserve a place where we can crash, relax in a room, and get away from it all. If you need a place to stay, look no further than Union Park Suites! Book now and get:
- Guaranteed peace of mind: With our rigorous cleaning protocols, you can relax knowing your safety is our top priority.
- Unbeatable value: Experience comfort and convenience without breaking the bank.
- A stress-free stay: From our friendly staff to our convenient amenities.
So, ditch the stress and book your escape to Union Park Suites today! You deserve it!
(P.S. If you see a guy with a messy bun and a stressed look in his eyes, wave hello. It might be me.)
Adler, Russia Family Suite: Luxury Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfect travel itinerary. This is going to be a glorious, messy, real-life chronicle of my Salt Lake City adventure, centered around the… ahem… charming elegance of the Extended Stay America Select Suites - Salt Lake City - Union Park. God help me.
Travel Itinerary: Salt Lake City & The Extended Stay (Oh Dear God)
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (and a Really Bad Pizza)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at SLC Airport: Okay, first impressions. The airport isn't terrible. Smell-wise, it's significantly better than a cat kennel. But there's a strange sense of… spaciousness? Like someone forgot to put enough furniture in. Grab my rental car – a silver sedan I immediately christen "The Silver Surfer" (irony is delicious, especially after a delayed flight).
- 1:45 PM - Drive to Extended Stay America (ESA), Union Park: GPS tells me it’s a quick hop to the "luxury" (and by "luxury" I mean… well, we'll get to it) of ESA. The drive is surprisingly scenic. Mountains! Big ones! I'm already feeling a pang of the "vastness" of Utah. Is this what it's like to be an ant?
- 2:15 PM - Check-in Hell (Part 1): The desk clerk looks like he hasn’t seen sunlight in a decade. He drones through the check-in process with zero enthusiasm. Then the Wi-Fi refuses to cooperate. Cue my first grumpy reaction: "Seriously? Already?" This is going to be like that time I had a root canal, I just KNOW it.
- 2:45 PM - Room Reconnaissance: Okay, here we go. Step inside. The room… well. It's functional. The kitchenette is a depressing reminder of my inability to cook anything beyond ramen. The bed looks… safe. I'll call it the "safe-bed." But the air conditioning is blasting like a hurricane. I wrestle with the thermostat and immediately sweat. Welcome to Utah, folks!
- 3:30 PM - The Pizza Debacle: Hunger gnaws. I decide on the brave pursuit of… food. I scour Yelp. Pizza it is! A place called "Big Tony's" seems promising. I arrive, salivating like a cartoon dog, only to discover the cheese is congealed, the crust is like cardboard, and the sauce tastes suspiciously of… sadness. I eat two slices, silently weep, and vow to find REAL food tomorrow.
- 5:00 PM - Settling In (and Existential Dread): I curl up on the "safe-bed" and stare at the ceiling. The silence is… loud. I start wondering if I should have packed a book. Or, you know, a therapist. My initial impression of this place is 8/10 on the "average motel" scale.
- 7:00 PM - Evening Stroll (and Hope for Redemption): Maybe a walk will shake off the pizza-induced despair. I venture outside. The neighborhood is… quiet. Too quiet. I walk for a block, feeling like I'm the only person on Earth. I retreat back to my haven of air conditioning.
Day 2: The Temple, The Tragedy (of Breakfast), and a Glimmer of Hope
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast of Champions (or at Least, the Slightly Less Depressed): The ESA "complimentary breakfast" is a disaster. Pre-packaged cereal, stale bagels, watery coffee. I manage to choke down a piece of toast. The existential dread is starting to become a part of me.
- 9:00 AM - Temple (Square) Exploration: After breakfast, I attempt cultural immersion at Temple Square. The architecture is impressive, if not a little… austere. The sheer number of meticulously manicured flowerbeds is overwhelming. I get slightly lost, stumble upon a choir practice, and feel a strange sense of peace (mostly because the music is beautiful and momentarily drowns out the inner monologue).
- 11:00 AM - The Library (or, Where I Almost Broke Down): I venture into the public library, looking for a place to actually do something. I see people reading, working on laptops, and generally being productive human beings. And then… I see it: The Children’s Section. Overflowing with tiny humans and cartoon characters. I feel a sudden, overwhelming wave of… is this regret? I consider having a full existential crisis.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch Interlude: I wander around. I search for good food. I find a little cafe with decent food. I eat something delicious. I feel better.
- 2:00 PM - Red Butte Garden (and a Moment of Clarity): I find a beautiful garden. It's lovely. I can admire the beauty. I almost enjoy myself. I stop thinking about the meaning of life and begin to focus on the shape of the daffodils.
- 5:00 PM - The Grocery Store Predicament: I realize I must face the kitchen. I trudge to the grocery store in a sudden burst of optimism. I buy questionable produce. Maybe I'll make a fruit salad! Or toast!
- 7:00 PM - Dinner (Attempted): I make a fruit salad. It's… okay. I eat it while watching some terrible television.
Day 3: The Great Salt Lake & The Lingering Feeling of "Meh"
- 9:00 AM - The Great Salt Lake: The lake! The legendary, salty, mysterious… thing! The drive there is pleasant. The lake is… vast. And, well, a bit underwhelming. It's the color of weak coffee. I get out of the car, take a picture, and try not to slip on the salt. It's a unique experience, I guess?
- 11:00 AM - City Creek Center (and the Shopping Void): I decide some retail therapy might lift my spirits. I find the City Creek Center, a fancy mall. It's beautifully designed, but I wander the opulent and somewhat expensive stores while feeling an intense, almost palpable sense of emptiness. I end up buying a lukewarm coffee and a slightly overpriced magazine. Shopping: Not a cure-all, apparently.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch with a View: I try to eat outside of the ESA. I find a nice little spot. I eat decent food. I watch people. It's calming.
- 3:00 PM - Back to the "Safe-Bed" (and a Serious Case of the Blahs): Relegated back to the room. The air conditioning is still at "arctic blast." The TV offers nothing of interest. I contemplate writing a scathing Yelp review.
- 6:00 PM - The Room Service "Adventure" (Or, the Reason I Hate Cooking): One last-ditch effort. I look for food. I get some food. I try to make it. I fail. I find solace (and relief) in a TV dinner. Even the microwave seems to be mocking me at this point. I hate cooking. I hate myself.
- 8:00 PM - The Quest for a Decent Night's Sleep: I'm getting used to the "safe-bed." I turn the lights off. I try to sleep. I fail.
Day 4: Farewell (and the Promise of a Better Breakfast)
- 7:00 AM - Last Breakfast Disaster: Seriously. This is just… sad. I'm starting to feel personally offended by the quality of the free breakfast. I pour myself a cup of coffee, stare at the bagel, and begin composing my review of the "Extended Stay America Select Suites… well, let's just say not "Select."
- 8:00 AM - Check-out (and the Escape): I check out. I fill the Silver Surfer with gas. I drive away. I feel… free.
- 9:00 AM - Reflecting on Salt Lake (and the ESA): Salt Lake City has its moments. The mountains are beautiful. Some of the people are nice. The Extended Stay… well, it was an experience. I’m not sure I loved it, but at least I’ll have a story. And I'll know, next time, to pack snacks. And maybe a therapist.
- 9:30 AM - Goodbye, SLC! (and Goodbye, Dignity): Back to the airport!
Union Park Suites: Let's Spill the Tea (and Maybe Some Soda) on This "Best-Kept Secret"
Okay, Okay... Where *Exactly* is This "Secret"? And Is It REALLY a Secret?
My first impression? Found it on some random travel blog. I was skeptical, naturally. "Best kept secret?" More like "Best-kept-under-the-radar-because-they-don't-shill-on-Instagram." And honestly, I kinda love that. It’s a little… unassuming from the outside. Reminds me of those hidden brunch spots you only find by accident. You know, the ones with the *actual* good coffee.
What *Actually* Makes It Escape-Worthy? Is It Just a Room?
The kitchenettes are key. Seriously, *lifesaver*. No more eating sad, overpriced takeout every night. I'm not a chef, by any means, but I could whip up a decent breakfast burrito, and that's all that matters. Plus, the little balcony I had? Perf! Sipping coffee, watching the sun rise over the Wasatch Mountains... pure bliss (until the pigeons started squawking).
**Confession:** I spent a solid afternoon just lounging on the couch, watching bad TV. It was glorious. Sometimes, the best escape is just... doing nothing.
Parking? Wi-Fi? Those Annoying Little Details...
The staff? Friendly enough. Not overly bubbly, which I appreciate. Like, I don't need a relentless barrage of forced enthusiasm at 7 AM. A simple "Good morning" and a smile is already a 10/10.
**Side Note:** They offered laundry facilities. I didn't use them. I'm a total slob on vacation. But good to know they're there if you like clean clothes.
Anything I *Won't* Love? Let's Rip the Bandage Off.
And here's my biggest gripe: The coffee in the lobby was… forgettable. Seriously, someone get a better bean supplier! But hey, the kitchenette saved the day, AGAIN.
And on a personal note: The workout room. Look, I try to be a good person. But I *hate* hotel gyms. This one was small, windowless, and with only one treadmill that actually worked. I lasted five minutes. Which, I'd say, is about my limit.
But Is It *Worth* It? Give It To Me Straight.
The value is insane. Seriously, I felt like I was getting away with something. It’s not just a hotel; it's a *vibe*. And that vibe is: relaxed, unpretentious, and perfect for when you *actually* want to escape the madness. (Or, you know, just need a chill weekend away from your own house.)
**Pro Tip:** Book direct. Sometimes you can get sweet deals.
Okay, Okay, But *Specifically*... What Did *You* Do While There?
**Day 1:** Checked in. Immediately made a cup of instant coffee (see: lobby coffee issue, above). Then, settled in on the couch. Watched *way* too much bad TV. Ordered pizza. Regretted not getting the bigger pizza.
**Day 2:** Actually ventured outside! Walked to a cute little cafe (had to grab breakfast since the coffee in the lobby was still… ugh). Browsed a used bookstore (bought three books. And a mug. Don't judge). Then, back to the suite. More couch time! More book reading! Glorious.
**Day 3:** Attempted the workout room... Failed. Then, did a massive grocery run. Made a salad. It was… okay. Mostly, it was the feeling of *not* having to go out and eat that was amazing.
**Bonus anecdote:** One of the days I went to a local concert. It was an old-school bluegrass band. Pretty awesome! The acoustics in their venue were amazing. After, walking back to the hotel I felt a sense of belonging. This stay felt like I was actually *living* somewhere instead of just… passing through. That feeling? Totally worth it.
Give Me the Bottom Line. Should I Go?
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