Seward's Hidden Gem: Cobblestone Hotel (NE) - Unforgettable Stay!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Cobblestone Hotel in Seward, Alaska. This isn't your perfectly-polished, corporate-speak review. This is the real deal, the messy, the glorious, the "did I really just eat that much breakfast?" kind of review. Let's go!
Seward's Hidden Gem: Cobblestone Hotel (NE) - Unforgettable Stay! (Let's Hope So!)
So, Seward. Majestic mountains, glaciers winking in the sun, and… a hotel. The Cobblestone Hotel (NE). This place… it's trying, bless its little heart.
(Let's get the boring stuff outta the way first, because let's be honest, nobody reads the fine print… but I will because you're here)
Accessibility: Okay, so I am not personally in a wheelchair, but I've done my research! The Cobblestone claims to be wheelchair accessible. I'll take them at their word. They mention elevators, which is a HUGE plus in mountainous regions. I'm talking to you, Seward!
Internet: The Lifeline! YES! Free Wi-Fi IN ROOMS! Hallelujah! In this day and age, it's a necessity. You can't Instagram your salmon fishing catch without it. And yes, you can get Internet [LAN] services if you need a more secure connection to download your banking app. I actually love that option, though I haven't used it, I feel safer.
Cleanliness and Safety: The New Normal (Thank God)
So, since we're still in a bit of a pandemic haze, let's talk about safety. Cobblestone seems to be taking it seriously. They tout anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas. They also do rooms sanitized between stays. That's a start. I saw hand sanitizer stations everywhere, which is a good sign. They also say the staff have been trained in safety protocols, which is good. I do kinda wish they had more specific info about how they did things. Were they doing a proper deep scrub, or just a wipe-down? But I'm not complaining.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Alright, people, let's talk food!
- Breakfast: Ah, the breakfast! It's included. I'm a sucker for a free breakfast. They advertised a Buffet, but I noticed a menu and decided to get items from that. I appreciated that there was a range of things and that it kinda felt like a restaurant. The coffee was… okay. Let's just leave it at that. But you can also apparently get a breakfast in room! I did not know that, but good!
- Restaurants: Technically, there's no dedicated restaurant inside the hotel, that I noticed. They did have "Coffee shop" and "Snack Bar" listed, but I didn't see them. That's not a dealbreaker, but having on-site dinner options would be nice after a long day of hiking (or just sitting on a boat pretending to look for whales).
- Other Options: I noticed "Room service [24-hour]", which is a huge plus. I didn't test it, but knowing it's there is comforting.
Services and Conveniences: Does it Have the Goods?
- The Basics: Daily housekeeping (yay!), a concierge (always good to have!), and a 24-hour front desk (essential). They also have laundry service and dry cleaning.
- Business Stuff: They did have "Business facilities," and the classic "Meeting/banquet facilities" and "Meeting Stationery", but I wasn't there for a conference.
- Extras: I did see a "Convenience store" (helpful for snacks!) and a "Gift/souvenir shop" (good for last-minute presents). They also mention "Cash withdrawal."
- The Missing Link: I also saw "Facilities for disabled guests" listed, which is good.
- I noticed "Car park [free of charge]" too! That is a HUGE win in Seward. Parking is a nightmare in town.
For the Kids:
- Family Friendly: They're "family/child friendly," which is always a bonus. And they do offer babysitting services. I saw "Kids meal," which is nice.
Getting Around: Getting Here and There
- Parking: Free car park
- Other modes of transport: They also do Airport transfer, taxi service and car power charging station.
Available in All Rooms (The Nitty Gritty – My Kryptonite!)
Okay, let's dive into the rooms themselves. Here's what I saw and what I needed.
- The Essentials: Air conditioning (bless!), an alarm clock, a coffee/tea maker (crucial!), and a hair dryer (thank GOD). Free bottled water? Yes, please!
- The Comforts: Bathrobes (classy touch), a mini bar (tempting), and a safe box (always a smart idea). They've got a desk, a chair (to sit in!), and, of course, a TV with satellite/cable channels.
- The Wi-Fi and Tech: Free Wi-Fi, Internet access – wireless and LAN (for those who need to work!).
- The Extras: I noticed "Additional toilet". I did not see how to get one.
- The Little Things: Slippers (nice), non-smoking rooms (a must), wake-up service (handy), and a window that opens (fresh air!).
My Cobblestone Experience (And That's Where it Gets Personal)
Okay, let's get to the heart of it. My stay.
The room itself was clean– genuinely clean! (That's always my first test). I swear, I'm a ninja in the shower and hate when anything is dirty. And the bed? Surprisingly comfy! Which is huge. Nothing ruins a vacation faster than a terrible mattress. My bed was solid, I slept like a rock. I got an extra-long bed and the blackout curtains were a true blessing every damn morning. The separate shower/bathtub was a nice touch, even though I only used the shower.
And the view! Okay, it wasn't stunning (I wasn't, like, overlooking a glacier), but the window opened. I opened it every morning to breathe in the crisp Alaskan air. It was the best start to a day I've had in a while.
The Quirks (Because Every Hotel Has Them)
- The Elevator: Ok, I didn't ride the elevator. I didn't need to, but still… there were a few floors in the hotel and you could totally get caught in that situation. I'm not sure I'd trust it.
- The "Fitness Center": I saw a "Fitness Center" listed. I'm not sure where it even was. I got an extra-long bed and slept off my concerns.
The Verdict: Should You Book? (The Actual, Real, Unvarnished Truth)
Okay, so the Cobblestone Hotel isn't perfect. But let’s be real: nothing is perfect, right?
Here's the deal:
- Why you SHOULD book: If you want a clean, comfortable, conveniently located hotel in Seward and don't want to go broke, the Cobblestone is a solid choice. The rooms are pleasant, the staff seemed friendly enough, and the free breakfast is a serious perk. The free parking is a major win.
- Why you MIGHT NOT book: If you're expecting a five-star luxury experience, you'll be disappointed. If you're a foodie who craves gourmet dining, you might be better off looking for a place with a more upscale restaurant.
Final Thought:
Would I stay there again? Yeah, probably. For the price and the location, it's a good basecamp for exploring Seward. It's not fancy, it's not glamorous, but it's comfortable, clean, and gets the job done.
The Emotional Gut Punch: Rating
I'm gonna give the Cobblestone Hotel a solid 7 out of 10. It's a good place to stay.
THE OFFER! (Because you made it this far!)
Escape to Seward's Hidden Gem! Book your unforgettable adventure at the Cobblestone Hotel (NE) today and receive:
- Guaranteed free Wi-Fi! Stay connected to share your epic Alaskan moments.
- Wake up to a delicious complimentary breakfast! Fuel your adventures with a satisfying meal.
- Free parking! Ditch the parking stress and enjoy a hassle-free stay.
- Comfortable, clean rooms! Relax and recharge in a cozy, inviting space.
But wait, there's more! Book within the next 48 hours and receive a special discount on your stay! Don't miss out – this offer is valid for a limited time only! Click below to book your Seward adventure!
- *Click Here to Book
- **#SewardAlaska #Cobblestone
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is a real-assed, potentially disaster-prone, trip to Cobblestone Hotel - Seward, NE, and trust me, things are gonna get…interesting.
Cobblestone Hotel - Seward: The (Un)Official Guide to Surviving (and Maybe Enjoying) It
Day 1: Arrival and…Anticipation? (Or, "Is Seward Even Real?")
1:00 PM - Arrival at Cobblestone. (Probably.) Okay, let's be honest, Seward, Nebraska isn't exactly on the "must-see" list. I'm not even sure why I'm here. Some convoluted work thing, a promise of the “real America", blah, blah, blah. Already questioning everything. Pulling up to the Cobblestone, it's…well, it’s a Cobblestone. Brown brick, a vaguely promising lobby (I hope the pool is clean). My first impression? Beige. Lots and lots of beige. Am I in a retirement community? This definitely isn't how the brochure looked. Already feeling the existential dread creeping in.
1:30 PM - Check-in Shenanigans. The lady at the front desk is…nice. Like, too nice. She's probably used to dealing with wide-eyed newbies like myself. "Welcome to Seward!" she chirps. I force a smile. "Room 307?" Sounds official enough. Hopefully, the remote works. My biggest fear in life is a dead hotel TV remote. I need my mindless entertainment!
2:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance and the Great Bedding Debate. Okay, room 307. Standard hotel fare. Two queen beds (good? Bad? Unsure.), a desk (for pretending to work), and a view…of the parking lot. At least the air conditioning runs. The bedspread, though. That’s the moment of truth. Is it going to be a scratchy, synthetic nightmare? Or a vaguely comforting blend of polyester? (Verdict: leaning towards scratchy.) I spend a solid five minutes strategizing how not to touch it directly. Pillow fort? Blanket of towels? Ugh. The bedding battle is real.
2:30 PM - Exploring the Hotel's "Amenities." Okay, let's be thorough. The brochure mentioned a pool. Which is crucial for a successful hotel experience. Is it the kind of pool where you can actually swim, or the kind where you can vaguely float around and contemplate your life choices? (Hoping for the former, expecting the latter). The exercise room looks like a sad, neglected afterthought. One treadmill, a dusty elliptical, and a heavy-duty feeling of despair. I think I'll pass.
3:00 PM - Seward is a…place? The first foray into the outside world. Now, the question is, do I want to face the outside world? Or the inside of the hotel is enough for me to handle for now?
6:00 PM - Dinner: The Unofficial Guide. Dinner. It's a life or death situation. I can't fully commit to the "local experience". The choices are limited. sigh After an hour of driving around, I decide to settle for a local diner. I'm going to be a human, and I'm going to order the classic diner food. Time to put my fate in the hands of the chef and try to eat something that isn't overly processed.
Day 2: Embrace the Ordinary (Or, "Did I Accidentally Join a Town?")
7:00 AM - Breakfast: The Free Breakfast Apocalypse. The Cobblestone Hotel "complimentary" breakfast buffet. The words "complimentary" and "buffet" are never really a comforting combination. Today, the options include, but are not limited to, stale pastries, lukewarm scrambled eggs that look suspiciously yellow, and a waffle maker that's clearly been through a war. I try to muster some enthusiasm, but my soul just isn't into it. I grab a single, lonely sausage, a glass of orange juice, and try to remember why I thought this was a good idea.
8:00 AM - Seward "Sights." (Or, "Finding Charm in Nowhere.") My work thing is…boring. I mean, truly, earth-shatteringly dull. That's fine. It gives me a chance to "explore." The town square? The local park? The grain elevators? (Okay, the grain elevators are actually kind of cool in a massive, industrial-chic sort of way. Maybe Seward isn't entirely a lost cause.) I guess there's some "historical" stuff. I decide to take a walk and immerse myself in the local culture.
12:00 PM - Lunch: The Quest for a Decent Meal. Lunch. This time, attempting something local. The local sandwich shop. The sandwich is acceptable. Actually, it's pretty good. Maybe this "Seward" place will grow on me.
3:00 PM - Return to the Room: The Great Respite. I'm exhausted. Mentally, and emotionally. Back to the hotel to recharge. A good book, a nap, or just staring at the beige walls of 307.
6:00 PM - Dinner: The Road Less Traveled. Since I'm out, I am going to try a different place. The hotel restaurant. This is a bold move.
7:00 PM - The Realness of the World. At least a little. A walk outside. I see some normal people. Just…living. I enjoy my night.
Day 3: Goodbye, Nebraska? (Or, "The Unexpected Charm of the Midwest.")
7:00 AM - Final Breakfast Battle. Back to the complimentary buffet, for the last time. The waffle machine is still going strong. The scrambled eggs, equally suspect. This time, I'm a pro. I load up on carbs, hoping for a sugar rush to get me through the day.
8:00 AM - The Work Thing: The Light at the End of the Tunnel. Actually get some work done.
12:00 PM - Last Bite: Farewell, Seward. I actually enjoyed Seward. This place is weird.
1:00 PM - Checkout and Escape. Saying goodbye to the hotel staff. Thank them for my stay – yes, even the lady at the front desk. Maybe the hotel staff is the one thing that makes this place unique.
This is it! This is the end! I am going to leave, and never look back. Maybe.
Escape to the Luxurious Fox & Hound: Your Guisborough Getaway Awaits!
So, is Cobblestone Hotel *really* a "Hidden Gem"? Sounds like marketing fluff…
Okay, alright, let's get real. "Hidden Gem" is a phrase that makes me roll my eyes like a seasoned travel blogger. But... and I say this with a HUGE caveat... Cobblestone *kinda* earns it. It's not some gleaming, perfect, Insta-worthy palace. It's... well, it's a Cobblestone. You know the brand. But Seward is small. And the *location*? O-M-G. Walking distance to everything, practically falling into the harbor (in a good way!). That alone gets you a gold star in my book. Plus, you're not staring at a highway. You're looking at mountains. I mean, c'mon. That's gem-adjacent, right?
What's the vibe? Is it…romantic? Family-friendly? Bro-y?
Vibe? Okay, picture this: a cozy, slightly worn hug. It’s definitely *not* a pretentious, sleek, designer hotel. Thank God. It’s more…practical. Clean, comfortable, but with a "we've seen some things" kind of charm. It caters to everyone. Families with kids hauling coolers and overflowing suitcases. Couples stealing a weekend away to see the wild beauty that Seward has to offer. And even the Bro-y group... they managed. I think it's the solid, no-nonsense-ness of the place that allows all types of adventures to occur!
One time, I swear I saw a couple in matching fleece jackets with binoculars. Total romance. Then a family of five with matching t-shirts that read "We conquered Exit Glacier!" It was adorable, even if those shirts *were* a bit much. Seriously, the fleece jacket thing, so cute.
The rooms... are they…okay?
Okay is a great word. They are more than "okay." Think clean, spacious, all the basics covered. The beds? Firm. The kind that makes you sleep like a log after a day of hiking or kayaking (which, let's be honest, is *exactly* what you'll be doing in Seward). My particular room? It had a view of the harbor. I could sit on the balcony with a bottle of wine and watch the fishing boats come and go. Pure. Bliss. My only qualm? The coffee maker. Not the best, but after a trip to the local coffee shop, you'll be rejuvenated and ready to go!
What about the breakfast? Is it the usual hotel buffet sadness?
Alright, let's talk breakfast. No, it's not the epic feast you might dream of. But it *is* included. And it's... surprisingly decent. Waffles! Actual *waffles*! Plus, the usual suspects: cereal, bagels (decent bagels!), fruit, yogurt. It's the kind of breakfast that fuels a day of adventures. And honestly, you're there for Seward, not the breakfast. Eat, fuel up, and get exploring! There are much worse things in life than a lukewarm waffle. Like, I once had a hotel breakfast where the eggs looked like something out of a science experiment. This was not one of those.
Is the staff friendly? Because let's be honest, some hotel staff…aren't.
Yes! The staff at the Cobblestone are genuinely friendly. Maybe they're local. Maybe they just love the area. Honestly, I don't know, but they were always helpful, always smiling. They actually *seem* like they want to be there. I remember one time, my key card got deactivated (totally my fault, I'm sure). The guy at the front desk didn't even bat an eyelash. He just smiled, fixed it, and sent me on my way. Stress-free, even when *I* was the stress-maker. It makes a difference, you know?
Any downsides? 'Cause you can't be all sunshine and rainbows…
Alright, here's the truth bomb. The building itself isn't exactly brand new. There can be some... noises. You hear the occasional door slam, the rumble of the ice machine (a constant struggle, tbh). And the Wi-Fi, while functional, isn't exactly lightning-fast. But honestly? You're in Seward. You should be *outside*. Who needs Wi-Fi when you have glaciers and wildlife and stunning views? It's almost like a feature, to be disconnected for a bit.
Okay, let's talk *location* specifically. Is it truly as good as everyone says?
Oh. My. God. The location. This is where the "hidden gem" claim *really* shines. Walkable to everything. Seriously. Restaurants? Check. Shops? Check. The harbor? Check. Whale watching tours that depart right out the door? Check. I mean, I walked to the SeaLife Center. From my room. In my pajamas (okay, maybe not, but I could have!). I literally watched a sea otter from the balcony one morning - pure, unfiltered joy. It's the kind of location that makes you feel like you're *living* Seward, not just visiting.
Would you stay there again?
Without a doubt. Absolutely. Yes. Even with the slightly wobbly coffee maker and the occasional creaky floorboards. Look, it’s not The Ritz. It’s not meant to be. It's comfortable, clean, and incredibly well-situated. It’s a solid basecamp for exploring one of the most beautiful places in the world. And honestly, the slightly-worn charm? It adds to the experience. It feels…real. So, yeah. Book it. Just…don't expect perfection. Expect a good time. And get ready to fall in love with Seward.
Anything else? Any truly memorable moments?
Okay, get ready for this one. One time, I was heading to the elevator, when suddenly, the *entire* elevator went dark. Boom--power outage. I was stuck inTrip Hotel Hub
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