Clemson's BEST Hotel? Luxury & Comfort Await at the Western Plus!
Clemson's "Best" Hotel? Let's Talk About This Western Plus Saga! (Spoiler: It's Complicated)
Okay, deep breaths. We're diving headfirst into the… experience that is the Western Plus near Clemson. They tout themselves as the "BEST" – a bold claim, considering the ever-evolving hotel landscape. So, I, your intrepid (and slightly jaded) reviewer, booked a stay. Let's dissect this beast, shall we? Buckle up, buttercups, because this might get a little… messy.
Accessibility & Safety: The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the Slightly Terrifying
First off, gotta give them some props. Accessibility is a HUGE deal, and the Western Plus seems to try. The wheelchair accessibility feels… generally decent. I'm not in a wheelchair, thankfully, but I did take a mental note of the ramps and elevator situation. Seems passable, but I'd definitely recommend calling ahead to confirm room specifics if you have specific needs. They do list facilities for disabled guests, which is a good sign, but the devil's always in the details, so call.
Safety is… well, it’s a mixed bag. They claim to have a whole arsenal of pandemic-era precautions: Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, room sanitization between stays, staff trained in safety protocol… the works. And to be fair, I did see staff wearing masks. But… and this is a big BUT… I also caught a glimpse of a housekeeper using the same rag on a countertop and a bathroom sink. My inner germaphobe screamed! I had to wipe everything down myself. This is where the "professional-grade sanitizing services" and "sterilizing equipment" claims start to feel hollow. There are CCTV cameras in common areas and outside the property, which is reassuring, but also a tiny bit Big Brother-esque. The fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, and security guards are all present, but does it really matter if that one housekeeper… Okay, I'll stop. Breathe.
Rooms: The Bland and the "Meh"
Okay, the room. Let's be honest: it was… functional. The air conditioning worked, thank the gods. You could crack open a window that opens – always a plus for fresh air (and escape, if needed). They offer non-smoking rooms, which is a necessity these days. The bed… well, it was a bed. Not the cloud-like experience promised by the glossy brochures. The blackout curtains were a blessing for sleeping in after tailgating all day, though.
- Rambling Thoughts Interlude: I did get the feeling they’d prioritized quantity over quality. It felt like they’d bought a bulk order of beige and everything was beige, from the carpeting to the walls. There was a desk, but it was small and flimsy. The Internet access – wireless was technically there, but it faded in and out like a bad memory. The Internet access – LAN? Good luck finding the port…
- The Silver Lining: They provided free bottled water, which was a nice touch. They also had a coffee/tea maker, which, again, was functional. The mini-bar contained… absolutely nothing. Which, at least, prevented a temptation I'd otherwise spend the next five days cursing.
The Spa/Relaxation Zone: The Phantom Retreat
Alright, time for the Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, Foot Bath and Pool with view that I never saw. They list these amenities -- "Spa" and "fitness center" are both listed, at least, so my expectations were pretty high (in a world of 5-star hotels, I needed this hotel to be 2-star). I asked at the front desk about the pool with view (which I REALLY wanted a view!) and was met with a blank stare. The website and the elevator had pictures! Why do they advertise? It was like they were hiding some ancient artifact! The swimming pool [outdoor] was closed. The Gym/fitness was… a closet with a treadmill and some dusty weights. The poolside bar? Non-existent. They had the potential for relaxation – but the reality was a sad, lonely reality. It felt like a cruel joke. This is where I shed a tear. .
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure? (Mostly No.)
Okay, the dining situation. They advertise a restaurant with Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, a Bar, and a Coffee shop. Sounds promising, right? Wrong. The restaurant was… closed. (Sound familiar?) The coffee shop was also closed. So, what was open? The Snack bar, with a sad selection of pre-packaged chips and candy bars. I had a "happy hour" with some of those…
- The Silver Lining: The Breakfast [buffet] was open, technically. It was a… buffet. Adequate, but nothing to write home about. Some breakfast takeaway service, which was handy to keep me from going hungry. I saw some Asian breakfast. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was available (albeit weak brew). The Bottle of water was there.
- The Downside: The advertised A la carte in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant were… ghosts. They existed in the parallel dimension of the brochure, not in the gritty reality of the hotel. And the Room service [24-hour]? I wouldn't trust it.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Bad, and the Clueless Staff
This is where things get interesting. They claim to offer a plethora of services.
- The Good: They have Daily housekeeping, which is essential. A Concierge. Luggage storage (needed!). Laundry service. Dry cleaning. Cash withdrawal. Elevator. Meeting/banquet facilities. Car park [free of charge].
- The Okay: They offer Contactless check-in/out… if the person at the front desk understands what “contactless” means. They have a convenience store which is probably a vending machine.
- The Bad: The staff… bless their hearts. I found them to be polite, but often clueless. They seemed… overwhelmed. The Air conditioning in public area worked, but the lobby still felt stuffy. The Xerox/fax in business center (which was apparently the lobby) was broken and I could tell no one was happy about it. It's hard to tell if they're understaffed, undertrained, or both.
For the Kids: The Promise of Family Fun… or Utter Boredom?
I didn't travel with children, so I can’t speak from personal experience. But the hotel claims to have Kids facilities, Babysitting service, and is Family/child friendly. I'm skeptical. Based on the rest of the operation, I suspect it would be a case of "bring your own entertainment."
- The Rambling continues: The Proposal spot might be nice, but I wouldn't hold my breath for an incredibly romantic setting.
Getting Around: Your Transportation Options
They say they have Airport transfer, Car park [on-site]. Not sure if they have Taxi service or Valet parking, But hey, at least there's Bike parking and a Car power charging station in the lobby!
The Verdict: Is the Western Plus the "BEST" in Clemson?
Absolutely not. Not even close. It's… a hotel. A functional hotel. It’s okay; it's not a disaster. I did not throw my remote out the window. But it's definitely not the luxurious sanctuary it's trying to portray.
Here's the bottom line: If you need a place to crash near Clemson, and you don't have sky-high expectations, the Western Plus might suffice. But if you're looking for a genuinely relaxing, well-run, and consistently clean experience, look elsewhere. The "Best" part of this hotel is the potential – the potential to improve, to shine, to maybe, just maybe, live up to its name. I, for one, am not holding my breath.
Final Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars (with a generous bump for effort)
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, 'cause this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is ME in Clemson, and it's gonna be a glorious, slightly chaotic mess. We're talking Best Western Plus Clemson Hotel, baby! Get ready for… well, let's see what we can get away with.
My Clemson Catastrophe (and Hopefully Triumph) - A Totally Unprofessional Itinerary
Pre-Trip Panic & Preparation (The Night Before… because I’m that person)
- 21:00 - 22:00: Okay, deep breaths. I've got my bag packed… mostly. Realized I forgot deodorant, which is, you know, crucial. Cue the internal monologue: "You're going to be sweating, you're going to be awkward, you're going to be wearing the same shirt for three days. Embrace it."
- 22:00 - 23:00: Freaking out about the traffic. The GPS said 3 hours, but that means 4 or 5 with bathroom breaks and the inevitable "I-didn't-pack-enough-snacks" stop. Debating throwing in a bottle of wine for the ride. Don't judge me.
- 23:00 - 00:00: Setting multiple alarms. Because I’m prone to oversleeping, and the only thing worse than being late is being late and looking like a total disaster. Packing a little extra cash just in case, y’know, for emergencies like a sudden craving for pimento cheese or a desperate need for a Clemson University tiger bobblehead.
Day 1: Arrival, A Quick Taste, and Impromptu Shenanigans
- 09:00 - 12:00: ARRIVAL! Finally! The Best Western. Looks… comfy enough from the outside. Parking situation is a bit of a cluster, but hey, at least I found a spot that (hopefully) won't get me towed.
- Anecdote: Checked in, and the front desk guy looked like he'd seen a ghost. Turns out, I'd apparently booked a room with a "river view" – which, the river is a few blocks away and mostly obscured by buildings. Still, I'll take it.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Unpacking. Or, more accurately, flinging my stuff onto the bed. Hotel rooms are a minefield of potential tripping hazards. Gotta establish my territory: phone charger right by the bed, snacks within easy reach, and a strategically placed water bottle.
- 13:00 - 14:00: The hunger pangs hit. Scouting out the immediate area for food. Settled on a fast-casual joint (probably the only place open), because I don't want to overthink it before getting my bearings around town.
- Quirky Observation: The college kids. Everywhere. All wearing the same shade of orange. I had a flash of "What if I accidentally bought a Clemson shirt?", and thought "oh god, no", and then almost bought one. Self-control is a fascinating concept.
- 14:00 - 16:00: Exploration! Wandering around the town. Popped into a few shops. Found a bookstore where I immediately got lost in the stacks. Impulse-bought a book about… well, it doesn’t matter, it was pretty.
- Emotional Reaction: Feeling a bit overwhelmed. It's been a while since I really travelled, and actually being somewhere is a bit much. Take a deep breath. You're doing it.
- 16:00 - 18:00: Back to the hotel for a nap. Yes, I’m that person. Those pillows are calling my name.
Day 2: Getting Down to Business (and maybe messing it up)
- 08:00 - 09:00: Wake up call. Grab some free hotel breakfast (buffet-style, so expectations are low). Scrambled eggs… or something resembling them. Coffee is lukewarm. Ah, the joys.
- 09:00 - 12:00: Whatever actual reason I'm here at the Best Western Plus Clemson. Actually, I have a business meeting at the conference center. Trying to appear vaguely professional.
- Imperfection: I spilled coffee on my notes. Twice.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Lunch. More food. This time, I remembered to pack my own snacks, which are now the only comfort during the day.
- 13:00 - 17:00: Back to meetings. Trying to remember what I should have said. The room is warm. The people are… fine.
- Rambling: Okay, so, I learned this thing about the history of Clemson… or was it another town nearby? It was about… I don't know. History is hard, you know? I can't really connect with the information. I think I actually like the town, though.
- 17:00 - 19:00: Drinks with… someone. Networking, they call it. More small talk. Realized I have no idea what people are talking about half of the time. The most important thing is: Do you like the town?
Day 3: Tigers, Goodbye, and Existential Dread
- 08:00 - 09:00: Last hotel buffet – and, surprisingly, I’m not entirely sick of it. Scrounge for a banana.
- 09:00 - 11:00: Decided to go all-in on the Clemson atmosphere.
- Doubling Down on Experience: Wandering the campus. The architecture is impressive. Taking way too many photos of the stadium (because… why not?). Found a tiger statue and… well, I might have hopped on it for a photo. Don't judge.
- Anecdote: Accidentally stumbled into a student orientation session. Felt like a total imposter. Made a quick escape.
- 11:00 - 12:00: Last-minute souvenir shopping. A Clemson-themed coffee mug. My "I went to Clemson" shirt. The regret will set in later.
- Emotional Reaction: A strange mix of relief and sadness. Glad to be going home, but a little wistful. Did I even do anything? Did I soak it all in? Probably not.
- 12:00 - 13:00: Quick lunch. Probably something unhealthy. Gotta fuel up for the drive.
- 13:00 - 16:00: Packing up. Double-checking everything. Panic setting in about forgetting something important. The "what ifs" start circling.
- 16:00: Head back home.
- Opinionated Language: This place was okay, I guess. Not bad, not great, just… there. The Best Western was, well, a Best Western.
- 16:00 - onwards: Back on the road. Probably crying on the way home. Questioning all my life choices. Reflecting on my Clemson adventure.
Okay, that's it. This is the trip. This is me. It's messy, it's honest, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Now if you excuse me, I need to find that deodorant.
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Clemson's BEST Hotel? Hold My Paw: Western Plus FAQ (and My Truth Bombs)
Okay, spill it. Is the Western Plus *really* the best hotel in Clemson? I've heard whispers...
Alright, alright, let's just say... "the whispers" aren't *entirely* wrong. Look, Clemson's not exactly overflowing with the Ritz-Carlton experience, you know? We're talking college town, not Monaco. But, and this is a big BUT, the Western Plus... they try. They *really* try. My opinion? For gameday weekends? Yeah, probably. Off-season? You've got options, girlfriend or boyfriend. It depends what floats your boat, honestly. Do you want convenience? Then the Western Plus is a solid choice. Do you want the ultimate luxurious experience? Well, maybe lower those expectations, buddy!
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually nice? I saw some photos online...
Okay, the photos? They're *slightly* touched up. Let’s be real. But, they're not *lying*. They're generally clean, which is a huge win. The beds are pretty comfy – I’ve crashed on them after a particularly rowdy post-game celebration (don't ask!). The bathrooms? Functional. Not spa-like, but hey, you can shower and brush your teeth. I wouldn't plan a romantic getaway centered around the showerhead, but it gets the job done. They *do* have the essential oils in the bathroom. I'm just kidding.
**Pro-tip:** Ask for a room *not* facing the stadium. Especially on gameday. Unless you *love* the amplified roar of the crowd at 8 AM. I, personally, prefer a little more sleep. I went for it once, and it was like living inside a football. Never again. Never. Again.
Is there a pool? Because I'm picturing myself poolside after a game...
Yes, there is a pool! *Finally,* the important questions! Indoor, even. It's perfectly fine. My biggest complaint? It’s usually packed on gameday weekends. Think… more "communal bath" than "serene oasis." I've seen people crammed in there like sardines. I'm not saying it's a bad pool, but don't go expecting Olympic-sized lanes. Bring your own pool floats, and maybe a hazmat suit. Just kidding...kinda.
Oh! I almost forgot! There are the hot tubs now. Which is great! So you could be sitting there, relaxing, soaking in the bubbly goodness, and *bam!* you feel this tap. Yep. A guy in a Speedo, elbowing his way through to join you. Maybe you like that. Maybe you don't. It's all part of the experience, I guess.
What about breakfast? The free breakfast is a deal breaker for me.
Ah, breakfast. Here's where the Western Plus kind of… shines and then slightly fades. Free breakfast is *always* a win. It's the law, really. They usually have the usual suspects: eggs (of questionable origin, but hey!), sausage (also questionable), waffles (yes!), cereal, yogurt, fruit, and the holy grail of hotel breakfasts: the coffee.
Now, let me tell you a little story... One time, I was *starving*. Like, "I haven't eaten in 12 hours and I might gnaw on my own arm" hungry. I headed down to breakfast, and it was... chaotic. The waffle maker was like a battleground. I saw a small child commandeer the entire sausage supply. And the coffee? Let’s just say it tasted vaguely of sadness and regret. Yet, I still devoured three waffles. I still remember that day fondly. My point is, it's free! Lower your expectations a tad, and you'll be fine.
Is the location convenient for gameday stuff? Tailgating and such?
Listen. This is the *real* reason the Western Plus gets a good reputation. Location, location, location! It's close to the stadium. Like, *really* close. You can practically smell the barbecue from your room (if a slight burnt smell is your thing). Walking to the game is a breeze, which is a HUGE win when you're lugging a cooler and your lucky orange hat. You can probably see the giant screen from your room. You're in the thick of it. It is *gold* during gameday madness.
The downside of location? It is a zoo. You are in the heart of the gameday chaos. Traffic. Noise. The occasional overly enthusiastic Tiger fan. You have to be prepared to embrace it. This, is the ultimate test of your spirit animal.
Are there any hidden costs I should know about at the Western Plus? I hate surprises.
Hidden costs? Hmm. Let's see… Parking. Yup. Expect to pay for parking, especially on gameday weekends. It is to be expected. They *might* charge for internet, depends on the package. Check the fine print, folks. Also, room service? Don't expect four-star dining. They have a very small selection of convenience foods.
My biggest "hidden cost" warning: The cost of *emotional resilience* after a Clemson loss. Because, look, it happens. And sometimes, you just need a stiff drink and a quiet room to recover. So, budget for that. Seriously. I’m still recovering from last year's semi-final.
What's the staff like? Are they friendly? I like friendly.
Alright, the staff... They’re generally friendly! They are college-friendly if you know what I mean. Most of them are college students themselves, and they've seen *everything*. They are used to dealing with tired, slightly inebriated, and sometimes, downright demanding guests. They're pretty good at it. They're likely to be stressed during a big game!
I think the staff is genuinely trying. I've had good experiences. I once had a front desk agent who ran outside in the pouring rain to help me find my car keys. Now, *that's* service. You know that's something, I do recommend tipping, that is, if you feel for it. They deserve it.
Okay, final verdict: Should I book the Western Plus?
Look, here's the straight truth. If you're going to Clemson for a gamedayDigital Nomad Hotels
