Raritan Hotel Woodbridge NJ: Your Dream Getaway Awaits!
Raritan Hotel Woodbridge NJ: My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Dream Getaway Attempt!
Okay, so "Dream Getaway Awaits!" they say, right? The Raritan Hotel in Woodbridge, NJ. Sounds promising! Truth be told, I needed a break – like, desperately. Between the kids, the work, and the general mayhem of life, I was practically running on fumes. So, I booked a room, visions of spa days and poolside cocktails dancing in my head. Let’s dive in, shall we? Buckle up, it's gonna be a ride…
Accessibility – (Did they REALLY think of everything?)
Alright, let’s start with the basics. Accessibility is a HUGE deal, and I admit, I didn’t personally need it, but I'm a sucker for inclusivity. The website claimed to have Facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. However, specifics? I'm not seeing them. Elevator? Check. Crucial for getting around (especially with all the luggage I inevitably bring). But for a truly accessible experience, they need to be crystal clear about room features, ramp access, and all that jazz. More info needed on their part.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges – (Drinks! But where to get them?)
This is where things are a bit hazy. "On-site accessible restaurants" – yes! But how accessible are they? I'd love to know about ramp access, table heights, and menu readability. Details, Raritan! Give me details! I heard whispers of a Bar and Poolside bar, which, let's be honest, is the most appealing part of the idea to me. Picture this: Me, lounging by the pool with a fruity cocktail… (I am literally drooling).
Wheelchair accessible - (A fundamental feature)
This is crucial, of course, and the more inclusive they are, the better this can be for everyone.
Internet – (Can I actually disconnect?)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Seriously, this is a must-have. It's 2024. I need to be able to instantly post a ridiculously filtered selfie of my "relaxing" getaway without incurring crazy data charges. Internet [LAN]? Okay, retro. Not sure I even own a LAN cable anymore. But the Internet services overall are solid.
Things to do & Ways to Relax – (The holy grail of getaways)
This is it! This is the meat and potatoes of the "Dream Getaway" promise! The website touted a whole menu of relaxation options, and I, my friends, was ready.
- Spa: Okay, sign me up! Spa, Steamroom, Sauna, Swimming pool (outdoor), Pool with view, Body scrub & Body wrap… (deep breath)… Massage! Oh, heavenly, glorious massage. I was picturing myself completely melting away under the skilled hands of a masseuse. Sadly, the "pool with a view" was more of a "pool with a view of the parking lot." (Slight letdown). And while the spa existed in spirit, the actual treatments were booked solid for the duration of my stay. (Major bummer! My stress levels were, in fact, still high.)
- Fitness centre/Gym: I'm not a gym rat, but the thought of a little light exercise (to counter all the potential cocktails and desserts) was appealing.
- (A REALLY IMPORTANT NOTE:) – While they offered a spa, the availability was scarce. Make your treatment bookings far in advance to avoid disappointment. I learned this the hard way.
- For the kids: I had a couple of kids (mostly) running amok the whole time. The hotel has a Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal option which could have been a lifesaver, yet I didn't utilize it.
Cleanliness and Safety – (The "Is it safe?" Factor)
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays – Okay, good! This eased my germaphobe tendencies.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere? Also good.
- Staff trained in safety protocol – Excellent. Because, you know, SAFETY is sexy.
- Safe dining setup - Necessary.
- Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher - Great, great.
Dining, drinking, and snacking – (Fueling the Relaxation!)
This is where things got interesting (and, frankly, a little messy).
- Restaurants - They had a few options, including a Vegetarian restaurant which came as a pleasant surprise.
- Breakfast [buffet]. Oh, the buffet! Asian breakfast, Western breakfast… This was the beginning of my downfall. I might have indulged a bit too much in the pastries. Desserts in restaurant. And then, I got caught up in the A la carte in restaurant, along with Happy hour and Poolside bar.
- Room service [24-hour] – This is a lifesaver. Indulging in midnight snacks in a bathrobe? Absolutely living the dream.
- Alternative meal arrangement - This is a nice touch for any dietary requirements.
- Snack bar – Great!
Services and conveniences – (The little things…)
- Air conditioning in public area. CHECK.
- Concierge and Doorman - These guys were fantastic. Super helpful and friendly.
- Daily housekeeping – Luxury! Not having to make my bed for a few days? Bliss.
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Hair dryer, Complimentary tea, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Seating area, Shower, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens. All essential.
- Invoice provided - The paperwork of being a grown-up!
For the kids - (because they're always there…)
- Babysitting service - I didn't use them, but good to know in the arsenal.
- Family/child friendly – Definitely.
- Kids facilities – Probably a good thing.
- Kids meal - This is helpful. (I could use some of these!)
Getting around
- Airport transfer – Sweet (though I didn’t use it).
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking – Plenty of choices.
Available in all rooms
- Additional toilet, Blackout curtains, Closet, Internet access – LAN, Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Mirror, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. All the things!
My Overall Verdict (and the Imperfections)
Look, the Raritan Hotel tried. There were moments of pure relaxation. The bed was ridiculously comfortable, the toiletries were nice, and the staff were genuinely lovely. However, there were some hiccups. The spa situation was a bummer, the "view" wasn't exactly postcard-worthy, and my dream of a completely stress-free vacation was, well, slightly deflated.
But here's the thing: It wasn't a disaster. It was a reminder that even a "dream getaway" can't completely erase the chaos of real life. Imperfections are part of the charm, right? And, hey, I got a decent night's sleep and drank a few cocktails. That, in itself, is a win.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. (Room for improvement, but a solid effort!)
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- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of the Raritan Hotel in Woodbridge, NJ! Did the "dream getaway" live up to the hype? Find out about the spa, pool, restaurants, accessibility, and more. My messy, human experience revealed!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're going to Woodbridge, New Jersey, and we're doing it… well, we're doing it us. Expect the unexpected, the slightly disastrous, and a whole lotta "WTF-was-I-thinking?" (Spoiler alert: probably nothing).
Day 1: The Raritan Hotel Rampage Begins (and Ends… Kinda)
1:00 PM - Arrival at the Raritan Hotel (Woodbridge, NJ). Okay, so the website promised "boutique charm." Let's just say… "charm" is a generous word. It's got a certain… vibe. You know, the kind of vibe that screams, "This wallpaper hasn't been updated since the Reagan administration." Check-in was a bit of a saga. Turns out, "check-in" really meant "wait in line behind a guy trying to return a half-eaten bagel." Finally got the key, and the elevator… dear god, the elevator. Sounds like a dying robot. I swear, I held my breath the whole ride up.
1:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance. The room… well, it's a room. The bedspread had a questionable pattern, and the air conditioning sounds like a jet taking off. But the view? Overlooking the parking lot. Majestic. I opened the window and actually heard someone shout, "Hey! My car!" so at least I know I'm somewhere. I've already decided the best part of the trip may be the free wi-fi.
2:00 PM - Snack Attack & Woodbridge Exploration (Attempt #1). Okay, so the hotel vending machine offered… options. Mostly variations on the theme of "stale." I snagged a bag of chips that tasted vaguely of regret and headed out to conquer Woodbridge. (Or, you know, wander around aimlessly for an hour). I was initially planning on visiting a few shops and restaurants, but I saw a squirrel and started thinking about the meaning of life… so I ended up losing track of time… and I can't find the stores I wanted to visit. Woodbridge, you sneaky devil!
4:00 PM - The "Oh, God, I Need Coffee" Incident. Found a Dunkin' (thank goodness, or I would be lost), but the line was snaking around the block. Apparently, everyone else in Woodbridge needed caffeine just as desperately. My patience, already frayed from the robot elevator, began to teeter. I, without thinking, grabbed a coffee and ran back. I'm ashamed to say I cut in line. I was so embarrassed.
6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (and Redemption?). Dinner. I’d researched a bit, and had a hankering for some Italian – Woodbridge apparently has a good chunk of folks. The reviews were right a particular joint had good food, but had the ambiance of a hospital cafeteria. I saw a plate of cheese ravioli staring back at me and almost lost it. I ordered a pizza, instead. I did finish it (in order to not waste it).
8:00 PM - Back to the Bunker. Hotel room. TV. Regret. Okay, I should have gone out.
9:00 PM - The Wi-Fi is the Only Friend. At least the internet works.
10:00 PM - Pre-Sleep Thoughts. I think I need a better plan.
Day 2: Woodbridge's Wild Ride (Maybe I'll Like It?)
9:00 AM - Breakfast Blues. Hotel breakfast. The eggs looked… suspicious. The coffee tasted like dishwater. I'm starting to think I should have brought my own food. I went for the bagel and cream cheese -- it was okay.
10:00 AM - Woodbridge Redux: The "Actually Finding Stuff" Edition. Armed with my phone's GPS, I vowed to actually see things this time. First stop: a bookstore. Found a book on local history – maybe I can at least learn something about this perplexing town!
12:00 PM - Lunch Lunch (The "Actual Good Food" edition). Had some sandwiches and fries. It was good. Nice change of pace.
2:00 PM - Shopping & Wandering. Found a cute boutique, picked up a souvenir (don't ask what, it’s embarrassing).
**4:00 PM - The Waterfront. **I decided to take a walk at the waterfront. It was perfect.
6:00 PM - Dinner (Let's Not Screw Up This Time). I’m going to try my luck at a different restaurant, but not before I ask for a local recommendation.
8:00 PM - Hotel Room, Part 2. More TV!
Day 3: Escape (and a Tiny Tear)
9:00 AM - Goodbye Breakfast. I think the sadness is kicking in. The bagel was okay, again.
10:00 AM - Last Woodbridge Hurrah. One last attempt to find something amazing.
12:00 PM - Check-Out/Escape. Okay, bye Woodbridge.
**2:00 PM - Home. **
Raritan Hotel Woodbridge NJ: Your (Potentially Messy) Dream Getaway - FAQs
Okay, spill the beans. Is this Raritan Hotel REALLY a 'dream' getaway? The website's always so...glowing.
Dream? Well, hold on a second. Dreams are… complicated, right? Look, the website? Yeah, it paints a pretty picture. Sparkling pools, smiling faces etc. I’ve been there. Twice. First time… let's just say I got a room *way* down the hall from the ice machine. The walk felt like a triathlon in slippers. My dreams? Not so dreamy that night. The second time... the elevator was out. Cue my creaky knees and a serious internal debate about whether I *really* needed that extra pillow. So, dream? It *can* be. But maybe, a more realistic label would be... a *possible* getaway. With potential for good things! And...potential for funny stories, which I have plenty.
What are the rooms *actually* like? Be honest. Is the decor circa 1998?
Alright, honesty time. The rooms... they’re… functional. They’re not falling apart, which is a plus! The decor... well, let's just say it leans towards "classically understated." Think: beige. Lots and lots of beige. And maybe some floral patterns that haven't quite gotten the memo that the 90s are over. I once saw a framed print of a sailboat that looked like it was rescued from a garage sale. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking a good sailboat. The point is, if you are expecting a trendy boutique hotel aesthetic, you will probably be disappointed. BUT, the beds are generally comfy. And after a long day, that's the REAL MVP. Plus, the A/C works, and that's crucial in Jersey summers. Trust me on this one.
How's the food situation? I'm a hungry person. Is there anything decent nearby?
Food is a *vibe*. The hotel's got a restaurant, which is...fine. I had breakfast there once, and it was... well, let's say it filled a hole. I'm not gonna write home about the scrambled eggs, you know? But it got the job done. Nearby? Ah, that's where things get interesting. Woodbridge is a treasure trove of... varied cuisine. You've got your fast food basics, of course. And, bless them all, there are some good local delis. Those are *clutch*. Also, depending on your taste, you're not far from some great Italian restaurants. My advice? Do some pre-trip research. Yelp is your friend. Trust me, a good meal can change everything in a stay. Hungry people, unite!
What's the deal with the pool? Is it worth packing a swimsuit?
The pool... ah, the pool. Okay, the Raritan Hotel's pool is a prime example of the "potential" I mentioned earlier. When it's open, it's usually clean, they have some lounge chairs... It can be a great place to relax after a long day. But! And it's a big but... I've seen it closed a *lot*. "Under maintenance," "weather conditions," "chlorine levels fluctuating," they have a myriad of reasons. So, yes, pack your swimsuit, but *also* pack a backup activity. Because you might end up feeling like you just brought your swimsuit, and you’re sitting by the pool watching everyone else using it. It's a gamble. A watery, chlorine-scented gamble.
Is it family-friendly? Would it be a good place to bring the kids?
Family-friendly? Hmm. I'd say... it *leans* family-friendly. There's definitely some family-friendly elements, like the (sometimes) open pool and the convenient location. But it's not like a dedicated kids' resort with a splash pad and a clown with balloons. The hallways can be a little loud at times, with kids running around. Again, it has POTENTIAL, and depending on your kids and their tolerance for beige, it could work. But, if you're looking for the absolute *best* family experience, you might want to weigh your options. I've seen families having a good time there, though. It's not hostile to kids, that’s for sure.
What about the location? Is it actually *convenient* to anything?
Okay, the location? This is where the Raritan Hotel actually *shines*. It's pretty darn convenient, to be honest. You're close to the highway, which is a total game-changer for getting around. You've got easy access to New York City (traffic permitting, of course - JERSEY), shopping malls are a quick drive away, and you're relatively close to the Jersey Shore (again, traffic depending). This convenience is a HUGE plus. Seriously, you can get to a lot of places from this hotel. It's the hotel's major selling point, for me. You’re practically in the middle of the everything. Just don't expect a scenic vista from your window.
Tell me about the staff. Are they helpful? Friendly? Surly?
Staff... it's always a gamble, isn't it? I've had experiences ranging from 'perfectly pleasant' to 'wait, did someone actually *smile*?' Generally, though, the staff are... trying. They're not actively trying to ruin your day. Which is a good starting point! I did once have an incident... Let me tell you. I was trying to check out, and the system was down. I'm talking, full-on, computer meltdown. I was late for a very important [insert reason here, it could be a wedding, a job interview, whatever!] and the front desk person, bless her heart, was clearly stressed. We were both stressed. After twenty minutes, they eventually got *something* sorted out...but not without a decent amount of hand-wringing and apologies. It was a bonding experience, in a weird way. So, the staff are...human. With all the imperfections that implies. But they genuinely *try*. I'll give them that.
What's the single best thing about staying at the Raritan Hotel?
Okay, the *best* thing... for me, it's the sheer, unadulterated *possibility*. The Raritan Hotel isn't a perfectly polished, flawless experience. It's not the Four Seasons. But that's also its charm. It's a blank canvas. It's an opportunity to make memories. ItHotels With Kitchen Near Me
