Commonwealth Richmond: Unveiling the Secrets of Virginia's Capital!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Commonwealth Richmond! Now, I'm not usually one for fancy hotels – give me a good burger bar and a clean bed, and I'm happy. But Richmond, Virginia? That city's got a certain… je ne sais quoi. And the Commonwealth? Well, let's just say it's trying to keep up.
First Impressions: Curb Appeal and Accessibility (Or, Can We ALL Get In?)
Okay, let's be real. Finding the entrance took me about three tries. My sense of direction is, shall we say, "aspirational." But! Once I did, the Commonwealth boasts pretty decent curb appeal. Modern, kind of sleek. Accessibility? Crucial. They've got wheelchair accessibility, which is a HUGE win. Elevator? Check. That's a lifesaver. Getting around the public areas actually felt… accessible. No gnarly steps to navigate. That gets a big gold star.
Interior Life: Rooms, Wi-Fi, and the Illusion of Peace
My room? Decent. Not a shocking "OH MY GOD" level, but solid. Air conditioning? Yep. That's a must in Virginia, trust me. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Praise the internet gods! Because let's be real, I'm a digital nomad at heart. Internet [LAN]? They had it, too. Old school for those still rocking the hardwire life. Internet services were decent. Overall, internet worked which is more than I can say for some hotels.
Now about that room… it had the usual suspects: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub (score!), hair dryer, mini bar, non-smoking (thank you!), private bathroom, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, smoke detector (always a good idea), telephone, toiletries, and towels. Pretty standard, but essential.
My One True Love: The Bathtub
And speaking of essential, the best part of my room: THE BATHTUB. Oh, glorious bathtub! After a long day of exploring Richmond, I'm talking Civil War history, street art shenanigans, and the sheer intensity of a city that’s both historic AND hip, that bathtub was my sanctuary. Bubbles, a good book (okay, a trashy book), and a hefty dose of "me time". I could have stayed in that tub for hours. That alone, honestly, makes this hotel worthy of a stay.
Okay, back to planet earth: the Daily housekeeping was also spot-on. My room was always spotless, a haven after a day of Richmond adventures.
Stuff to Do Inside the Hotel (and Trying to Relax!)
Now look, I'm not usually one for hotel amenities. I was more focused on the bathtub. BUT, the Commonwealth’s got a decent selection. Fitness center? Yep. Because clearly, I'm going to work out on vacation. (Spoiler alert: I did not). Pool with a view? Now we're talking! I did check out the Swimming pool [outdoor]. It was sparkling, surrounded by some comfy-looking chairs. (Didn’t swim. See above, re: bathtub). Spa? Sigh. I almost went. Almost. They've got a Spa/sauna, and I'm pretty sure there was a Steamroom too. I'm kicking myself now. Should have, could have…next time, people. Next time.
Body Scrub? Body Wrap? Massage? All on offer! Maybe I should have broken free of the bathtub's captivity.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fueling the Wanderer
Let's get to the juicy part: food! The Commonwealth's got options. Restaurants? Plural! Coffee/tea in restaurant? Yes! (Essential for me. I literally can't function. Without caffeine, it is not pretty). Happy hour? Gotta love it. Bar? Absolutely.
Breakfast [Buffet] was the standard hotel fare. Eggs, bacon, pastries… nothing to write home about, but enough to kickstart the day. I appreciated the Coffee/tea in restaurant because I needed that caffeine hit BEFORE the buffet.
They also had A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, and Vegetarian restaurant. Pretty comprehensive.
The Cleanliness and Safety: A Post-Pandemic Reality Check
Okay, this is where the Commonwealth REALLY shines. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. Professional-grade sanitizing services. Rooms sanitized between stays. They were taking COVID seriously. And honestly? It put my mind at ease. Anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas. They were really on top of it. Cashless payment service? Check. They made it easy to feel safe, which is huge these days. Safe dining setup? Absolutely. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They were making it happen.
Things to Do in Richmond (Beyond the Hotel Walls)
Richmond is a vibe, people. Seriously. It's a clash of history and hipsterdom, a city that wears its past on its sleeve. You've got the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a must-see. Monument Avenue (gorgeous – and controversial). The Canal Walk (charming!). The food scene? EXPLORE IT. Trust me.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They've got everything you'd expect. Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator (THANK YOU!), Luggage storage, and a Safety deposit box. Cash withdrawal? Yep.
For the Kids: The Commonwealth is Family/child friendly, which is great.
For the Soul:
They had a Shrine! Seriously, a shrine in a hotel! I didn't go in, but the fact that it exists is interesting. Proposal spot?
Bottom Line & The Big Sell: Your Richmond Adventure Awaits!
Okay, so the Commonwealth Richmond isn't flawless. But it's a solid, well-run hotel with a great location, a stunning aesthetic, and, most importantly, a dedication to making you feel safe and comfortable. The staff were friendly and helpful. And that bathtub… swoon.
Here’s the Deal: Stop scrolling and book your Richmond escape NOW!
Here's Why You Should Jump:
- Unbeatable Location: Seriously, you're in the heart of the action.
- Super Clean and SAFE: The Commonwealth is CRUSHING IT on the safety front. Seriously, book with confidence.
- Luxury Amenities: Spa, Pool, Fitness Center… you know the drill.
- The Bathtub of Dreams: (Okay, maybe not for you, but it was for me!)
- Free Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi, Free Wi-Fi!: Stay connected, share your adventure, and never miss a beat.
- Accessible and Inclusive: Everyone's welcome!
Book your stay at the Commonwealth Richmond today! And get ready to fall in love with Richmond. I did. You will, too. Don't be like me and "almost" go to the spa. Book a massage now! And, for Pete's sake, tell me about the bathtub!
Escape to Paradise: Hampton Inn & Suites Wilmington Wrightsville Beach
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Richmond, Virginia, adventure that's less "perfect Instagram reel" and more "slightly-chaotic-but-mostly-magical home movie." Expect spilled coffee, questionable decisions, and maybe a tear or two. This is the real deal, folks.
Richmond Ramble: A Hot Mess Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Monument Mess (and Maybe Some Forgiveness)
- Morning (ish - I'm NOT a morning person): Touchdown at Richmond International Airport (RIC). Hope I remembered to pack deodorant. Seriously, the thought of that flight… sweaty palms and questionable airplane food already. Ugh. Grab a rideshare – hopefully, the driver doesn't have a full-blown existential crisis during the ride. First observation: the air smells different here. Cleaner? Smogier? Whatever, I'm embracing it.
- Mid-Morning: The Fan District Fiasco: Check into my (hopefully) charming Airbnb in The Fan District. I reserved a place with a porch. Porches are the dream. Maybe, just maybe, I'll actually sit on it and read a book. (Spoiler alert: I probably won't.) Immediately get distracted by the colorful houses and the sheer vibe. It's like living in a postcard, albeit a slightly faded one. Okay, rapid-fire thoughts: this neighborhood is so cute, the architecture is amazing, the squirrels here are probably plotting something devious – I can feel it in my bones.
- Afternoon: Monument Avenue Meltdown (and My Attempt at Being Culturally Sensitive): Okay, so, Monument Avenue. This is where things get… complicated. I'm going to be honest. The whole thing makes me… uneasy. I'm a history nerd, but the statues just… stare. It is a lot. I'm trying to be respectful, really, but there's a knot in my stomach. It's hard to look at them and not think about the history and the pain and… ugh, enough. Finding myself utterly overwhelmed, I need a distraction – and caffeine. Seriously, I need that coffee NOW.
- The Coffee Fix: Find a local coffee shop (likely Lamplighter Roasting Company because apparently, it’s the place). Order a latte, and try not to make too many judgmental noises when the barista gets my name wrong. (It's always wrong!). Find a quiet corner. Breathe. And try to process. Is this good coffee? Yes. Is that statue still staring me down? Possibly.
- The Forgiveness Factor (or, Trying to Be A Better Person): I’m trying, I really am. The history of this place is palpable. It sinks into your soul and makes you think far too much.
- Evening: Dinner & Deep Thoughts (Maybe With Wine): Dinner at a restaurant in the Carytown area. (Maybe Kuba Kuba, if I can get a table. Their reputation for both amazing food and chaotic energy are well-earned. Hoping I have some good karma on my side, and don't end up in the dreaded section near the bathroom.) Will I actually enjoy my meal? Maybe. Will it be served to you by a waiter who has seen too much? Probably. Will I overthink everything I've seen and done today? Absolutely. Order a glass of wine. Or two. Or the whole damn bottle.
Day 2: Art, Museums & Maybe, Just Maybe, Some Happiness
- Morning: VMFA: The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Okay, this is my happy place. Seriously, the VMFA is a treasure. Free admission? Yes, please. The art! The sculptures! The calming architecture! I could spend an entire day wandering the galleries. (And probably will.) I get lost in the details of the art. Oh, my god, the light! And I love the special exhibits. Did I mention it's free?
- The Surprise Encounter: Wait a minute. Did I just see a couple making out hardcore in front of a painting? Seriously? I'm not judging, but I'm also slightly mortified I just witnessed that. Okay, must. Focus. On. Art. Think about art.
- Afternoon: A Shocking Dive into History (and the Murky Waters of the Past). I am now going to experience a river walk in hopes of experiencing some emotional growth. (I.e. I want to cry. I need an outlet). So much history just under the surface and you can feel it.
- The Shocking Dive: It's difficult to hold it together. A constant internal battle of how to be respectful and how to feel something. So, I am going to have to force myself to not get overly emotional.
- Evening: Dinner & Dive Bar Adventures: Somewhere in Shockoe Bottom because I will need some booze tonight. (Probably Penny Lane Pub. It's got character. And cheap beer. What more could a girl ask for?)
Day 3: Departure & The Ghost of Richmond
- Morning: The Last Hurrah: Brunch somewhere. Maybe Millie's. (Prepare for a wait. Worth it, but prepare.) One last look at the city. One last breath of Richmond air. Do I love it? Hate it? Both? Who knows. I'll probably be processing this trip long after I'm back home.
- Afternoon: Farewell, Richmond! (Or, Until Next Time): Head back to RIC. Reflect on the trip. Maybe a few tears. Definitely a lot of thoughts. Promise myself I'll explore further next time. Promise myself I'd make a better effort to appreciate it all (even the hard parts).
- Evening: Back Home & The Post-Richmond Blues: Flights are delayed. Everything is behind you. Did I remember to send postcards? Probably not. Realize I haven't truly unpacked or even considered what I've seen. Richmond continues to haunt my dreams.
Things I Know I'll Forget (But Should Probably Remember):
- Pack comfortable shoes. Seriously, my feet will hate me.
- Bring an extra phone charger.
- Learn a few basic Southern phrases.
- Don't overschedule. Leave room for spontaneity and unplanned adventures.
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change based on my mood, the weather, and how many times I get lost. Proceed with caution. And pack your sense of humor. You'll need it. And probably some tissues.
Escape to Paradise: Dolphin Bay's Unbeatable Puerto Galera Getaway
So, Like, What *Is* This Whole "Life" Thing Anyway? And Why Does My Laundry Never Fold Itself?
Right?! Big questions, my friend. The "what is life" question? Philosophers have been sweating that one for centuries. My answer? It's a chaotic, messy, beautiful, confusing, utterly absurd circus. You roll in, you try to figure it out, you probably mess up a dozen times, you laugh (or cry) a lot, and then... well, you leave. And the laundry? That's the universe's cruel joke, I swear. It’s probably because we’re too busy *living* it to *fold* it. I have a mountain of clean clothes on my bed right now. Currently, I am too busy staring at my screen.
Okay, So, How Do I "Adult"? I Feel Like I'm Winging It.
Oh, honey, welcome to the club. We're all winging it. Seriously. Anyone who *acts* like they have it all figured out is either lying or secretly terrified. The "adulting" handbook is a myth. It's more like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book written by a drunk octopus. One day you're balancing a checkbook (or trying to), the next you’re burning the toast and calling it "rustic." Embrace the chaos. Learn from your mistakes. And, most importantly, *ask for help*. Seriously, reach out to your support system. They’re there for a reason. You can start by calling your mom. I definitely do. And she *still* tells me to eat my vegetables.
This whole "Relationships" thing... what even IS it? Why is it so hard?
Ah, love and all its glorious, painful, confusing forms. Okay, relationships are a *journey,* a rollercoaster, a delicious, slightly-burnt-on-the-bottom lasagna. See? Messy. They’re hard because... well, people are hard! We're complicated creatures with baggage, insecurities, and a tendency to communicate through passive-aggressive sighs. Honestly, it gets easier.
My ex? Don't even get me started. We thought we were soulmates. Turns out, we were just soul-adjacent. The learning curve is steep. Communication is key, and you know what? Sometimes, just sometimes, it is not enough. But, it taught me a lot. *A LOT*. And now, I've got a better idea of what I want - and also, what I *don't* want. And I do have my lovely friends who are like my family. These humans… I adore them.
Any advice on dealing with... well, *feelings*? Turns out, I have them. A lot of them.
Ugh, feelings! The bane of my existence sometimes. Look, here's the deal: you *will* feel things. Joy, sadness, rage, boredom... the whole shebang. Ignoring them is a terrible idea. They come back with a vengeance. When you feel the emotion, just let it be. Some good habits help: you can try journaling, getting outside, or calling a friend. If the feeling is too heavy, seek help. Don't underestimate the power of a good cry (or a scream into a pillow). That honestly, works wonders for me.
Career & Money... Are we all just doomed? My bank account cries every time I look at it.
Okay, real talk here: Finances? Can be a source of great stress. Career? Ugh, I’ve seen more career changes than I’ve had hot dinners. The key is to find something that gives you some kind of joy... and perhaps, allows you to pay the bills. It might take a while. It's okay to not climb the ladder straight away.
My career, oh, I’ve done stuff. And I was so stressed and afraid, all the time. It's just part of the deal. But, I learned. And now, I'm not as scared.
"Self-Care": Is It Just Fancy Bubble Baths, or Is There More to It?
Okay, people often think self-care is all about spa days and scented candles. Don't get me wrong, those things *can* be great. But really, self-care is making sure you're treating yourself well, physically *and* mentally. It's about setting boundaries (saying "no" when you need to), getting enough sleep (a battle, I know), eating something that isn't just instant noodles, and moving your body in a way that feels okay. And it's about being kind to yourself. Seriously. Show yourself some grace, especially when you mess up. Because, you will mess up. We all do.
One time, I was SO stressed, I ended up buying a whole bunch of random stuff online, like glitter and a disco ball, and a book I didn't understand. The glitter was a good choice, to be fair. But I should have just taken a nap. Which now I'm realizing, I'm going to go do.
I Have A *Lot* of Bad Days - How Do I Cope?
Oh, honey, we *all* have bad days. They're practically a requirement for being human. Coping is a skill you learn, not something you're automatically born with. First, acknowledge it. "Yep, this is a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day." Let yourself *feel* the awfulness. Then, try to break the cycle: Go for a walk. Listen to music. Eat your comfort food. Call your best friend. Or, my personal favorite - hide under a blanket and watch cheesy rom-coms. It's okay to wallow for a bit, but eventually, you've got to climb back out. And then... remember that tomorrow is another day, with the *potential* to be better.
I once spent a week in bed after a particularly brutal breakup. I ate ice cream for every meal. It was glorious (in a way). And then I started getting bored of the ice cream, so I knew it was time to get up.
Mental Health: When Should I Seek Help? Am I "Crazy" if I need therapy?
Absolutely not.World Of Lodging
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