Decatur's BEST Hotel Near Emory? (Residence Inn Review!)
Okay, here's a sprawling, slightly chaotic, definitely opinionated, and hopefully helpful review of the Residence Inn in Decatur, near Emory. Buckle up, buttercups. This is gonna be a ride.
Decatur's BEST Hotel Near Emory? (Residence Inn Review!) – A Highly Disorganized, But Hopefully Useful, Account
Alright, so you need a hotel near Emory. You're probably dealing with a hospital visit, a student's move-in, or maybe you're just visiting Atlanta for some good ol' Southern hospitality. Whatever your reason, I'm guessing you want something comfy, convenient, and well, works. The Residence Inn in Decatur claims to be that. Let's see if it delivers, shall we?
First Impressions (and the Parking Situation – Oh, the Parking!)
Okay, first off, finding the hotel wasn't a problem. Decatur's pretty easy to navigate. The exterior? Standard Residence Inn – clean-ish, brick-ish, a little generic. But the parking… that was a different story. Free, yes, which is a huge plus. But it's tight. Like, really tight. I swear I saw a Smart Car get stuck trying to squeeze into a spot. Valet parking isn't mentioned so it's not available. So, be prepared for the potential of minor parking lot acrobatics. (Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge] - CHECK!)
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag (and a Rant about Door Handles)
Accessibility is critical, and I'm going to be brutally honest here because it's important. The Residence Inn does make an effort. (Facilities for disabled guests - CHECK!). There are elevators (Elevator - CHECK!), which is essential. And generally, the public areas seemed navigable for wheelchairs. But I have a beef. A BIG beef. Those damn door handles! The kind that are round knobs instead of level handles. In my experience, it can be difficult for many people with limited mobility to maneuver the circular door handles. It's a small thing, but it matters. (Accessibility - CHECK, but with reservations).
The Room – My Sanctuary (and its Quirks)
Alright, let's get to the meat of it. I booked a standard studio, and you know what? It was pretty darn good. (Available in all rooms - CHECK!). The rooms are spacious (more than most hotels), and the layout makes sense. You've got your living area (sofa! sofa! So comfy!) and a separate sleeping area. The bed was… well, the bed was good. Not heavenly, but good enough to collapse in after a long day. (Extra long bed - CHECK!…maybe. I don't remember measuring, but I'm 6'1" and didn't feel cramped.)
- Cleanliness: A major plus! (Cleanliness and safety - CHECK!). The room felt genuinely clean, (Room sanitization opt-out available - CHECK!), which is always a relief.
- Internet: FREE Wi-Fi in all rooms! (and a good signal, too!) (Internet access – wireless - CHECK!, Internet - CHECK!, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - CHECK! ) I had no problems streaming, working, or generally living my digital life. There's also Internet access – LAN if you're old-school or need a super-secure connection.
- Bathroom: Adequate. Nothing fancy. But the water pressure was decent, and the toiletries were… well, they were there. (Private bathroom - CHECK!, Shower - CHECK!, Toiletries - CHECK!, Hair dryer - CHECK!). I am grateful to have complimentary tea from the hotel!
- Amenities: Mini-fridge (essential), microwave (even more essential), coffee maker (thank the heavens). (Coffee/tea maker - CHECK!, Refrigerator - CHECK!). These are the little things that make a longer stay bearable, if not downright enjoyable.
Okay, BUT… The Quirks!
- The Sofa Bed Predicament: I'm not sure if this is a hotel-wide policy or if it's just this hotel, but I tried to order a room with a sofa bed, but they said they're "unavailable" which is not something I expected. I hope to use a sofa bed the next time I come however.
- My Biggest Beef: The AC Unit! The air conditioning unit. It was a beast. It sounded like a jet engine taking off, and sometimes, it blew out arctic air. (Air conditioning - CHECK!). I had to play around with the thermostat for far too long before finding a comfortable setting.
- Soundproofing? Maybe Not. I could occasionally hear hallway noise. (Soundproof rooms - CHECK!, but maybe not perfectly)
Food Glorious Food… (or, The Breakfast Saga)
Alright, listen up. The Residence Inn offers Breakfast [buffet] (CHECK!). And it's included. And it's… well, it's a buffet. (Breakfast service - CHECK!). The usual suspects were present: scrambled eggs (sometimes questionable), waffles (always a highlight), oatmeal, fruit, and all the carbs you could possibly want.
- The Good: The waffle maker was a lifesaver. Freshly made waffles make everything better.
- The “Meh”: The coffee. Let's just say it was… functional.
- The Annoying: The breakfast area gets crowded.
- Dining Options: There isn't a restaurant on site, but this hotel offers options such as coffee and snacks. (Coffee shop - CHECK!, Snack bar - CHECK!).
The Amenities: Gym Rats and Relaxation Seekers, Rejoice!
The Residence Inn has a fitness center (Fitness center - CHECK!, Gym/fitness - CHECK!), which is a decent size. It's not a state-of-the-art gym, but it has enough equipment to get a decent workout in. There's also a pool, (Swimming pool [outdoor] - CHECK!, Swimming pool - CHECK!) which is lovely. It is not mentioned in the description, but I could not determine if an indoor pool is present. There isn't a spa or sauna on site. (Spa - NOT CHECKED, Sauna - NOT CHECKED!)
Location, Location, Location!
This is where the Residence Inn really shines. It's super close to Emory University. (Airport transfer - CHECK!, Car park [on-site] - CHECK!). You can walk to some shops and restaurants, and downtown Decatur is a short drive away. From the hotel, I was able to order food and have it delivered to my room. (Food delivery - CHECK!)
Services and Conveniences (and a Plea to the Dry Cleaning Gods)
- Daily housekeeping: (Daily housekeeping - CHECK!) - Yes, they clean daily! The staff are generally incredibly helpful and friendly.
- 24-hour front desk: (Front desk [24-hour] - CHECK!) - Always a plus.
- Business facilities: (Business facilities - CHECK!) - Meeting rooms, etc.
- Dry cleaning and laundry service: (Laundry service - CHECK!, Dry cleaning - CHECK!) - I didn't use them, but it's good to know they're there. (Ironing facilities - CHECK!)
Things to Do (and Remember to Breathe!)
- Explore Decatur: Seriously, explore Decatur! It's a charming town with some great restaurants and shops.
- Visit Emory University: It's right there! Check out the campus, the museums, whatever interests you.
- Relax: This is key. Take a deep breath. Unwind. Use the amenities.
Cleanliness and Safety in the Age of… Well, You Know…
This is a big one these days. I felt the Residence Inn was doing a decent job with cleanliness. (Cleanliness and safety - CHECK!) Hand sanitizer was readily available. (Hand sanitizer - CHECK!). They mentioned enhanced cleaning protocols, but I didn't see anything that really wowed me.
Staff – The Heroes (and the Moments of Grace)
The staff were… fine. Friendly enough, helpful when needed. Nothing extraordinary, but nothing to complain about.
My Recommendation - The TL;DR Version… and the Offer!
Is this the best hotel near Emory? Honestly, probably not the absolute best in terms of lavish amenities or unparalleled luxury. But it's a solid, reliable, well-located option.
Who should stay here? People visiting Emory, families needing a home base, business travelers who need a decent workspace, and anyone who values convenience and a comfy bed.
Who should think twice? Those who are really picky about noise or those who need a spa experience (there isn't one).
My Overwhelming Emotion: Gratitude. (Emotional Reaction!). For a clean, comfortable, and relatively inexpensive place to crash near Emory, the Residence Inn delivers.
The Offer – Because You Deserve a Break!
**Book your stay at the Residence Inn in Decatur, near Emory, through my referral link (which I'll write if I have it) and receive a complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability!), a free breakfast voucher for your entire stay (even if breakfast isn't normally included), and a late checkout to 2 PM (so you can sleep in!). **
Dinan Escape: Luxury & Charm at Best Western Armor Park!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your perfectly polished travel brochure. This is me, trying to wrangle a trip to the Residence Inn Decatur (Emory Area North, because apparently there are others) and spilling my guts about it. Think of it as therapy with a travel log.
Residence Inn by Marriott Decatur Emory Area North, Atlanta, GA – A Whirlwind of Expectations and Reality
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Laundry Fiasco (Or, My Luggage is Apparently Hiding a Black Hole)
14:00 (ish): Arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Okay, so "arrive" is a strong word. More like, limp into. My flight was delayed, naturally. And the baggage claim? A chaotic ballet of suitcases and defeated sighs. I swear my suitcase has developed a symbiotic relationship with the Bermuda Triangle. It's gone every single time. This time, it had the audacity to be hiding a full day. I was convinced to get it from a very sweet guy helping at baggage claim, he didn't have to spend all the time for my lost baggage, It took a whole hour to get it.
15:30 (ish): The rental car. Let's just say my relationship with rental car companies is… complicated. The "economy" car I reserved was the size of a shoebox. And the upselling? Oh, the upselling! "Ma'am, for just $500 more, you can have a vehicle that actually fits your luggage!" (Looking at you, suitcase, you traitor). After a battle of wills worthy of a Roman centurion, I ended up with something that resembled a car. Victory? Maybe. My patience? Severely depleted.
17:00: Finally, FINALLY, arrive at the Residence Inn. Relief washes over me like a warm bath. It looks… clean. That's a good start. The lobby is surprisingly stylish. Okay, Marriott, you’ve got my attention.
- Check-in: Flawless. The woman at the front desk, bless her heart, was efficient and didn't bat an eye when I mumbled about my existential dread (caused by the suitcase, obviously).
17:30: The room. Okay, let's be honest, I was praying for a clean bed and a functional shower. SUCCESS! It's spacious, surprisingly so. Full kitchen. (Mental note: must resist the urge to cook.)
18:00: The REAL laundry incident. I unpack partially. Then there's this nagging voice telling me to do the laundry. I find the laundry room. IT'S MAGICAL. Industrial-sized machines. I triumphantly load up my emergency clothes, a whole heap of laundry, and press start. 45 minutes later - nothing. The machine is just staring at me. After a couple of tries, I realized that I hadn't noticed the directions on paying and didn't have the right coins. I felt embarrassed and annoyed.
19:30: Dinner. I find the nearest Mexican restaurant, because, well, tequila. The margaritas are… strong. The food, a glorious, messy pile of deliciousness. I spill salsa down my front. I laugh. Maybe this trip wouldn't be so bad after all.
Day 2: Emory, Espresso Dreams, and Existential Parking Woes
07:00: Breakfast at the Residence Inn. They have a "free breakfast" situation, and it's… decent. Waffles, eggs, the usual suspects. But the coffee? It's the kind that makes you question your life choices. I need a real coffee.
08:00: Drive to Emory University. Okay, "drive" is generous. More like "navigate a labyrinth of one-way streets and near-misses". Parking is a nightmare. It's like they designed the parking lots specifically to induce rage. I circle for what feels like an eternity. Finally find a spot. It's a mile and a half from where I actually need to be. I vow to get my daily steps in.
09:00 - 12:00: Emory. The campus is beautiful, even in my slightly sleep-deprived, caffeine-deprived state. I visit the library. So many books! A part of me wants to chuck it all in and become a student again. Then I find a study spot. A place where I can pretend to be a super-genius by osmosis.
12:30: Lunch. I find a cute cafe and ordered a grilled cheese.
14:00: Back to the Residence Inn. Nap time.
17:00: Gym. The gym at the Residence Inn is surprisingly well-equipped. I almost feel guilty about the pizza and margaritas from last night. Almost.
18:00: Pizza and takeout. I'm exhausted and can't bring myself to cook. Pizza it is!
Day 3: The Botanical Blunder and Departure (With a Hint of Suitably-Sized Car)
- 08:00: Breakfast at the Residence Inn. Decide to try to improve my luck at the waffle station. I make a slightly wonky waffle.
- 09:00 - 12:00: Attempt to go to the Atlanta Botanical Garden. I map it out, but things happen. I misread the directions. End up circling around for an hour, and decide to abandon ship. I am devastated. I wanted to see the flowers.
- 14:00: Hotel check-out. The lovely and friendly staff helped me.
- 15:00: Back to Hartsfield-Jackson. This time, I return my rental car. No major drama, it seems.
- 16:00: At the gate, waiting to board my flight. There is a tinge of sadness when I think of leaving. The Residence Inn was fine for a place to stay.
Final Thoughts:
- The Residence Inn Decatur (Emory Area North): Solid. Clean. Convenient. A good base of operations for my slightly disastrous tour of Atlanta-ish things.
- Atlanta: A city with its own personality. Gorgeous, yet chaotic.
- Me: I'm still here. Slightly bruised, likely a little wider (thanks, pizza!), but hey, still breathing. And the suitcase? Who knows where it is now. Maybe it's on its own adventure.
So there you have it. The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Or, at least, my version of it. Now, off to plan the next adventure. (And find a luggage locator. Seriously.)
Escape to Paradise: Tejomaya Jungle Retreat, Corbett's Hidden Gem
Decatur's BEST Hotel Near Emory? (Residence Inn Review! - Prepare for Emotion!)
Okay, Is the Residence Inn Decatur Actually *Near* Emory? Because "Near" Can Be a Lie.
Alright, let's cut the crap. "Near" in hotel-speak means anything from a five-minute drive (bliss!) to a terrifying slog through traffic that makes you question your life choices. I can tell you, *from personal experience* (and with a *heavy* sigh), the Residence Inn in Decatur is, thank God, actually *near*. It's maybe a 5-7 minute drive to Emory University depending on the traffic gods that day. I was taking my sister to get a check up at the hospital - bless her heart - and trust me, the last thing you need is a long, stressful drive when you're already emotionally drained. We were there super early, so thank goodness the traffic was light. So yes, it's actually convenient. Phew! It saved my sanity. And my sister's. We weren't late, amazing!
Is the Breakfast...Edible? Because Hotels Are Often a Breakfast Disaster Zone.
Okay, breakfast. The *most important* meal, especially when you're trying to be a supportive sibling while dealing with hospital anxiety. This is where hotels often fall flat on their face. I've seen enough sad, rubbery scrambled eggs to last me a lifetime. But, I have to say, the Residence Inn Decatur surprised me. It wasn't a Michelin-star experience, don't get me wrong, but they had the basics: eggs (decent!), bacon (crispy!), waffles (yes!), fruit (yay!), and all the fixings for oatmeal (a godsend for my sister).
Now, here's a *real* story. First morning, I was rushing and didn't even *look* before grabbing the coffee. The coffee was strong, which I loved. But my sister, who needs her morning fix to function - she was not a happy camper. Had to get ready and head downstairs again. That was 10 minutes wasted. But second day, We just made sure to double-check the coffee maker. Always.
So, is it edible? Absolutely. Will it change your life? Nah. But it's more than passable and will fuel you for the day, which, trust me, is half the battle sometimes.
The Rooms: Cleanliness, Comfort, and Could I Actually *Live* There for a Week?
Alright, the rooms. Here's where things get *interesting*. We got a suite because we needed the space. My sister needed a comfy place to relax after all the stress, and I needed space to pace and worry. And it was bigger. Which was nice.
**Cleanliness:** Spotless. Honestly, cleaner than my own house at the time (don't judge!). Linens smelled fresh, the bathroom was sparkling. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this made me *very* happy.
**Comfort:** The beds were ridiculously comfortable. I'm talking *sinking-into-a-cloud* levels of comfort. I could have stayed in bed all day. If I didn't have to take my sister to the appointments. The sofa was good for a nap, too.
**Living There?:** Yeah, probably. The suite layout has a little kitchenette with a fridge which came in handy for storing my sister's medicines. Honestly, if my apartment hadn't been under renovation, I probably *would* have considered it for the duration. The hotel feels home-y, not just a box.
What About the Staff? Are They Friendly or Do They Make You Want to Scream?
Oh, the staff. This can MAKE or BREAK your stay. Thankfully, the staff at the Residence Inn Decatur were, and I wholeheartedly mean this, *amazing*. Everyone was genuinely friendly, helpful, and didn't act like they were just going through the motions.
I had a small *issue* – completely my fault, I'm a klutz – with the TV remote. I called down, half expecting someone to roll their eyes. Instead, they sent someone up immediately who was incredibly polite and fixed it in seconds. They literally *saved* my evening of mindless channel surfing. That was a relief.
The front desk was helpful with directions, restaurant recommendations, and even just a cheerful "good morning" to start the day. Seriously, these little things make a HUGE difference. They felt human, not robots. Big props to the staff!
Amenities: Pool, Gym, Parking... Anything of Interest?
Amenities! Okay, here's the deal. I *glanced* at the pool. Did not use it. (Was busy with my sister -- again, just to be clear). Looked clean. The gym...I *thought* about it. Too much going on to go. The parking was...normal. Enough spots, easy to get in and out. No complaints.
Honestly, I wasn't there for a vacation, so I didn't really test the amenities to the fullest. For me, the important things were a comfortable bed, a clean room, and a quick hop to Emory. On those fronts, it delivered.
Would I Recommend This Hotel? The Bottom Line, People!
Alright, here's the bottom line. Would I recommend the Residence Inn Decatur? Absolutely. Especially if you need to be *near* Emory.
It's clean, comfortable, the staff is great, and the location is convenient. The breakfast is edible, which is more than I can say for some hotels. It's not perfect - no hotel is - but they get the *important* things right.
And hey, I made it through a stressful trip with my sanity (mostly) intact. That's a win in my book, and I'd say that's a solid testament to a good hotel. Go for it!
