Rochester's BEST Kept Secret: Hampton Inn Penfield Review (You WON'T Believe This!)

Hampton Inn Rochester Penfield Rochester (NY) United States

Rochester's BEST Kept Secret: Hampton Inn Penfield Review (You WON'T Believe This!)

Rochester’s BEST Kept Secret: Hampton Inn Penfield Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - Seriously, It's Better Than You Think!

Alright, listen up, fellow travelers! If you're sniffing around the Rochester area, especially if you're in Penfield, and you're looking for a comfy, convenient, and dare I say it… surprisingly delightful hotel experience, then you absolutely need to hear about the Hampton Inn Penfield. Seriously, this place is a hidden gem, and I'm about to tell you why, warts and all. And trust me, I've stayed in enough hotel rooms to write a thesis on the perfect pillow (more on that later).

First Impressions - The Accessibility Angle (and a quick rant)

Now, I’m not disabled, but I am writing this with accessibility at the forefront of my mind. Because frankly, it's 2024, and accessible accommodations shouldn’t be a rare luxury. So, let's start there. Accessibility? Yep! They do a solid job. Facilities for disabled guests are definitely present. Plus, you've got an elevator, which, let's be honest, is essential. I didn’t see any obvious fails here, and that's a HUGE win. But, and this is a me thing, I always wish they'd make it more obvious. More signage, more… something! Ok, rant over. Moving on!

Cleanliness and Safety - Because COVID Still Exists (and I'm a Nervous Nelly)

Okay, let’s be real. We're all still thinking about hygiene. Cleanliness and safety? Top-notch! They seem to take things seriously. They've got the whole shebang: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocol, etc. You know the drill. Did I see them cleaning the lobby with a hazmat suit? No. But, did I feel safe? Absolutely. And for me, a person prone to imagining all sorts of germs, that's a huge win. There’s even hand sanitizer everywhere. And, hey, if you really want to keep things squeaky clean, they offer a room sanitization opt-out available. I felt a bit silly choosing that, but it's nice to have the option (especially if you're paranoid, like yours truly).

The Room - Ah, That Pillow! (And Other Important Bits)

Alright, buckle up, because this is where things get personal. Available in all rooms: you get everything you'd expect: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathroom, blackout curtains (thank you!), daily housekeeping, desk, hair dryer, in-room safe box, iron, ironing facilities, mini bar, non-smoking rooms, private bathroom, refrigerator, shower, smoke detector, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, wake-up service, and – crucially – Wi-Fi [free].

And the Internet access – wireless is actually fast. I mean, actually usable. I needed to upload some massive files, and it didn't die on me. Huge props to the Hampton Inn Penfield on that!

But the real star? The pillow! Oh. My. God. The pillow. I'm a pillow snob, and I usually travel with my own. But these pillows? They were fluffy, supportive, and the perfect level of squishiness. I slept like a baby! No, scratch that, I slept like a well-rested adult! Heaven. Honestly, this might be the best hotel pillow I've ever encountered. I'm seriously considering calling them and asking where they get them.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food!

This is where the Hampton Inn Penfield really shines… in the, uh, buffet! Breakfast in room, and Breakfast takeaway service are a nice option, but the real joy is the Breakfast [buffet]. They've got the usual continental suspects – pastries, fruit, yogurt, cereal – but the hot stuff is where it's at. Scrambled eggs that aren't rubbery? Check. Crispy bacon? Double check. And the coffee? Actually drinkable! (I've mentioned it before, but I'm going to again, Coffee/tea in restaurant. They have it!)

Oh, and speaking of dining… There is an Asian Cuisine in restaurant which brings a new flavor dimension to the hotel.

Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter

Cash withdrawal? Yes! Currency exchange? Nope, but they have a nearby ATM. Dry cleaning? Yep! Laundry service? You betcha! The front desk is 24-hour, which is a lifesaver when you arrive late. Facilities for disabled guests are available. Luggage storage? Yup. Basically, they've thought of everything. And while they don't have a concierge, the staff are super helpful and friendly.

Things to Do/Ways to Relax - Beyond the Bed and Breakfast (kinda)

This is where the Hampton Inn Penfield is good, but not amazing. There’s a Fitness center, which looked decent (I didn’t use it, because, well, priorities). The Swimming pool [outdoor] is a nice touch, but it's not exactly a resort-style experience. More like, a pleasant place to cool off after a long day. I would have loved to have had the chance to relax on the terrace but alas, the weather was not suitable.

For the Kids – Family Friendly (Mostly)

Family/child friendly is their attitude, and I appreciate that. Babysitting service? I didn’t see it advertised, but I would trust them to point me in the right direction if needed. There also is Kids meal.

Getting Around - Easy Peasy

Car park [free of charge]? YES! And plenty of it. Seriously, parking is a breeze. Airport transfer? Not that I saw. Taxi service? Absolutely.

The Quirks – Because Perfection is Boring!

Every place has its quirks, right? I noticed a few minor things: The TV remote was a little…complicated. But hey, who actually watches TV anymore, right? Maybe a few extra electrical outlets at the bedside would be nice for charging all our modern devices. And the elevator (bless it) was a bit slow at times. Hey, it's a minor thing.

My (Highly Subjective) Verdict – Book It!

Look, the Hampton Inn Penfield isn't the Ritz-Carlton. But it is a fantastic, clean, comfortable, and convenient hotel, especially for the price and location. The staff are genuinely friendly, the breakfast is a highlight, and the pillows are pure bliss. It is also safe. You won't be disappointed. My favorite part? The lack of pretentious airs. It’s just a solid, reliable, and surprisingly enjoyable place to stay.

Now for the BIG OFFER - Because You Deserve a Treat!

Want to experience the magic of the Hampton Inn Penfield for yourself? Of course, you do!

Here's the deal:

Promo Code: HIDDENGEM25

Book your stay at the Hampton Inn Penfield using the promo code HIDDENGEM25, and you'll get:

• 25% off your room rate!
• Free upgrade to a room with a view! (Subject to availability, but worth asking for!)
• A complimentary voucher for the best coffee in Rochester!

Act fast, this offer is only valid for bookings made within the next 7 days! Don’t miss out on your chance to discover Rochester’s BEST Kept Secret!

Click here to book your stay now and use the code HIDDENGEM25! [insert link to hotel booking page here]

You won’t believe how comfortable you’ll be!

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Hampton Inn Rochester Penfield Rochester (NY) United States

Alright, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to embark on a Rochester, NY, adventure that's less "polished travel brochure" and more "slightly frantic journal entry fueled by caffeine and the inherent chaos of life." This is my Hampton Inn Rochester Penfield itinerary, and it’s gonna be a wild ride.

Day 1: Arrival and a Near-Crisis Involving a Missing Phone Charger (and Maybe My Sanity)

• 2:00 PM: Land at Greater Rochester International Airport. Okay, smooth flight! Wait… where the HELL is my phone charger?! This is a travesty. I need juice! How am I supposed to document my epic adventures without… photos? And, you know, access to the entire world? Panic button: activated. Rummage through every crevice of my carry-on. Find it! Crisis averted. Whew.
• 2:45 PM: Uber to the Hampton Inn Rochester Penfield. The hotel is…well, it’s a Hampton Inn. Clean, functional, the free breakfast is a definite plus. The lobby smells faintly of chlorine and hope, which is, oddly, comforting.
• 3:30 PM: Check-in, settle into my room, and immediately judge the pillows. Seriously, hotel pillows are either clouds of bliss or bricks of despair. These ones… hmm, jury's still out.
• 4:00 PM: Briefly consider the gym. LOL. Never. But I do consider ordering a pizza. Because, Rochester.
• 4:30 PM: Pizza ordered! (Ginos the best!)
• 4:45 PM: I got a notification that the pizza is here.
• 5:00 PM: Pizza devoured. (It was a glorious, cheesy masterpiece.)
• 6:00 PM: I was going to explore. But you know what? The air conditioning is nice. And I think I just might fall into a post-pizza nap.
• 7:00 PM: Awake. Refreshed. Now I'm REALLY going to explore. Nah, I'm going to order ice cream and then watch Netflix.
• 9:00 PM: Netflix and ice cream. Absolute bliss.
• 10:00 PM: Begin to get ready for bed.

Day 2: The Genesee River, Garbage Plates, and One Spectacular Fail

• 7:00 AM: Free breakfast at the Hampton Inn. The waffles are calling my name again.
• 7:30 AM: Waffles consumed. Fuel for the day!
• 8:00 AM: Decide I'm going to be a cultured traveler today. First stop: the Genesee River. Apparently, it's a big deal here. Maybe I'll even find a cool rock.
• 8:30 AM: Drive a ways.
• 9:00 AM: Okay, the Genesee River is…a river. It flows. It's pretty, I guess. I took a picture. The rock situation is underwhelming.
• 10:00 AM: Time for the real reason I came to Rochester: the Garbage Plate. Get a recommendation from hotel staff to Nick Tahou's.
• 11:00 AM: Nick Tahou's it is! Found it! This is it! This is the holy grail. Two cheeseburgers, home fries, mac salad, and meat sauce. I have no words. My arteries might hate me, but my soul is singing.
• 12:30 PM: A bit hungover from the previous night.
• 1:30 PM: Consider the Strong National Museum of Play. I like games!
• 2:00 PM: Okay, so I tried to go to the Strong Museum. Turns out, it's closed on Mondays. FACE PALM. I'm an idiot. I should have checked.
• 2:30 PM: Wander around, dejected, until I find coffee. And chocolate chip cookies. This makes it slightly better.
• 4:00 PM: I am on my way to dinner.
• 5:00 PM: Got dinner.
• 6:00 PM: I was supposed to go on a walking tour. Oops. It's raining. And I want to take a nap.
• 7:00 PM: Nap time.
• 9:00 PM: Watch some TV.

Day 3: The Finale (Maybe With a Little Panic)

• 7:00 AM: Wake up at the Hampton Inn. The pillows are still questionable.
• 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Waffles again. No regrets.
• 9:00 AM: Packing! I always pack last minute.
• 10:00 AM: Checkout.
• 11:00 AM: Head to the airport.
• 12:00 PM: Board the plane.
• 1:00 PM: Goodbye, Rochester!

And that's it. A somewhat disorganized, frequently food-centric, and occasionally self-deprecating account of my adventure in Rochester. I didn't see everything. I didn't do everything perfectly. But I ate a Garbage Plate, almost lost my charger, and had a genuinely good time. And that's what matters, right? Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find the nearest place that sells ice cream.

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Hampton Inn Rochester Penfield Rochester (NY) United States

Hampton Inn Penfield: Rochester's "Best Kept Secret"?! (Seriously?!) - My Chaotic Review

Okay, so "Best Kept Secret"... Is that just clickbait, or is this Hampton Inn actually... good?

Alright, alright, let's not get ahead of ourselves. "Best Kept Secret" is *definitely* a stretch. More like... "Pretty Solid Choice If You're in Penfield." Look, I've stayed in some truly questionable hotels in my life (think: mysterious stains, flickering lights, and a general air of existential dread). This Hampton Inn? It’s not that. It’s… functional. Cleanish. The free breakfast is *mostly* edible. The coffee is, well, coffee. Does it blow your mind? No. Does it make you want to flee in terror? Also no. So, take that for what it's worth.

The Free Breakfast: Truth or Dare? Because hotel breakfasts are notoriously… depressing.

Ugh, hotel breakfast. The bane of my existence. Okay, so here's the deal. They *do* have the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (of questionable origin), limp sausage, sad little pastries. But! AND THIS IS A BIG BUT (pun intended, probably) - they usually have a waffle maker! And let me tell you, those waffles… are passable. They're not the *best* waffles I’ve ever had (my grandma's still reigns supreme, naturally), but they're warm, they're fluffy-ish, and you can drown them in enough syrup to make it count as a legitimate breakfast. Also, once -- *once* -- they had fresh strawberries. That was a good day. A *very* good day. The rest of the time, it's the usual hotel breakfast fare. But hey, it's free, and it fills that morning void.

What about the rooms? Are they clean? Do they smell? (Important questions, people!)

Okay, this is where the Hampton Inn in Penfield kind of… shines. The rooms are generally clean! They rarely have that "smells like bleach trying to cover up something worse" vibe. Though, I did once find a rogue sock. I'm not sure if it was mine, I'm not sure whose it was, and I was too afraid to ask. But, other than that one incident... the rooms are decent. The beds are… well, they're hotel beds. You know, firm-ish, comfortable enough to sleep on, but not exactly a cloud. The decor is… beige. Very beige. But hey, beige is a safe color, right? It doesn't offend. Speaking of beige, is there any chance of color in this hotel? I saw a picture of a splash a color on the wall. I was so happy, let me tell you.

Seriously, what's the *deal* with the location? Penfield? Is this a thing?

Penfield. Okay, so Penfield isn't exactly… Times Square. It's a suburb. A *perfectly fine* suburb. It's got your standard suburban amenities: chain restaurants (Applebee's, anyone?), a Target, a few strip malls. It's convenient to, well, a lot of things *in* Rochester. It's a pretty easy drive to the city center, if you’re okay with Rochester traffic (which, let's be honest, can be a nightmare sometimes). Okay, one time I tried to drive to city center during rush hour. Never again. Never. But if you need to be in the area, or if you’re just not a fan of the hustle and bustle… Penfield can be a solid option. Although really, who *is* a fan of traffic?

Let's talk about the pool. Necessary for a good stay, or just a bonus?

The pool… ah, the pool. It's there. I've seen it. I’ve even, on one occasion, dipped my toes in it. It’s… indoor. The water is… wet. It’s a reasonable sized pool. Don't expect Olympic-level swimming. It’s more for a quick dip to cool off or let the kids burn off some energy. And, again, it's *there*. Sometimes I've needed to just sit and breathe. And that pool room has been a good place for it. It's not going to win any design awards, but it's a pool, and it's indoors, and it's a plus (though I always forget my swimsuit).

Okay, so the staff. Are they friendly? Do they get the job done?

The staff... honestly, they're generally pretty nice. They're helpful, in a "standard hotel staff" kind of way. I've never had a *bad* experience with them. They're efficient, they'll answer your questions, and they'll usually greet you with a smile. Nothing to write home about, but nothing to complain about either. One time, though, I did ask the front desk guy to recommend a good, local craft brewery. He blinked, looked at me, and then pointed me towards the nearest Applebee's. So, yeah, take that for what it's worth. It's not a deal breaker though!

My most important question: Is this place worth the money?

Alright, the burning question. Is it worth the money? That, my friends, is the million-dollar question. It depends. Compared to some of the other places I've stayed, which I dare not name, it’s usually priced fairly. It's not going to break the bank. You do get what you pay for, which you will find on a budget. If you're looking for a place to crash for a night, a solid, clean-ish, and relatively cheerful experience, then yeah, it’s a good option. It’s not the Ritz, but it’s also not a complete disaster. It's perfectly average, and sometimes, perfectly average is exactly what you need. Just don’t go expecting a life-altering experience. *Maybe* a decent waffle. Go with low expectations, and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

One Last Rant: Anything that particularly annoyed you?

Okay, okay, one last thing. The *noise*. Ugh, the noise can sometimes be a real issue. The walls... seem thin. You can hear everything. The slamming doors, the excited children in the hallways, the late-night conversations… It’s not a deal breaker, but light sleepers beware. Bring earplugs. Or maybe just embrace the chaos. I've tried both. The earplugs are often the wiser choice.

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Hampton Inn Rochester Penfield Rochester (NY) United States

Hampton Inn Rochester Penfield Rochester (NY) United States

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