Newark Airport's BEST-KEPT Secret: Red Roof PLUS+! (Carteret)
Alright, buckle up, folks, because I'm about to spill the beans on Newark Airport's… well, ahem, let's just say "underrated gem": the Red Roof PLUS+ in Carteret. Seriously, this place is the best-kept secret near EWR. Forget the pricey airport hotels; this is where the savvy traveler lands. And yes, I'm talking from experience, the good, the bad, and the slightly… questionable… moments.
The Real Deal: Accessibility & Convenience – Getting There, Getting Around, and Just Existing
Let's get the basics out of the way, shall we? Accessibility is key when you're flying. And the Red Roof PLUS+ mostly delivers.
- Accessibility (and the Little Things Matter): Okay, full disclosure: I didn't personally test every single accessible feature, but they do advertise facilities for disabled guests, including elevators. This is critical after a long flight, trust me.
- Parking: Praise be! Free car parking. That's a win right there. And it's on-site, so you don't have to wrestle your luggage across a desolate parking lot at 3 AM.
- Airport Transfer: They DO have airport transfer. This is HUGE. Less stress, more sleep. Enough said.
- Check-in/out [Express]: Sweet, fast, painless.
- Car Power Charging Station: For the eco-conscious (or the just plain smart) driver, they've got you covered.
Rooms, glorious rooms. The Comfort Zone After a Flying Siege
Alright, let's talk rooms. This is where things get interesting, because it's not just about a bed, it's your personal fortress after you have been traveling for hours.
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning (thank GOD), alarm clock (for those crucial early flights), black-out curtains (hallelujah! Finally a way to sleep without the sun blasting in my eyes), coffee/tea maker (essential!), free Wi-Fi (more on that later – because, internet!), hairdryer (a must!).
- The Extras: Ironing facilities (wrinkle-free travel, here I come!), a mini-bar (potential for… adventure?), safe box (always a good idea), and a refrigerator (leftovers, anyone?).
- The Real Experience: I walked in and a wave of relief washed over me. The room was surprisingly spacious. The bed was comfy (okay, maybe not luxury comfy, but it’s better than some high-end hotels I’ve been to!), with plenty of fluffy pillows. The air conditioning was blasting – a lifesaver after a humid day.
The Internet! (Or, The Saga of the Wi-Fi)
Okay, so Wi-Fi. It’s 2024, this is a make-or-break deal. Now, Red Roof PLUS+ claims free Wi-Fi in all rooms. Claiming and delivering are two different beasts, right?
- The Good: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Let the streaming commence!) Internet access… also available.
- The "Meh": The speed, however, can vary. It’s not exactly blazing fast, but it’s usually enough for emails, video calls, and browsing. You know, the basics. Also, it's free!
- The Experience: The first time I stayed there, I had a slight issue with the Wi-Fi. It kept cutting out. Frustrating? Absolutely. But I called the front desk, they reset something, and boom! Back online. It’s not always perfect, but they do try. And hey, at least it’s available, unlike some other places I've stayed where you actually pay for dial-up speeds!
"Things To Do"… Or, How to Survive a Layover
Let's be honest, you're probably here for a layover or a quick trip, not a tropical vacation. But when you have some extra time, do you have options?
- The Gym/Fitness Center: The Red Roof PLUS+ does boast a fitness center, but I’m not gonna lie, I didn’t check it out. I was too busy, you know, relaxing.
- The Pool: No pool. (sad!)
- The Spa/Sauna: No spa.
- Poolside Bar: No poolside bar.
So, yeah, not the place for R&R. But I do go there to sleep, and eat, and that's all that really matters when you are about to crush a long flight.
Dining, Drinking, Snacking – Fueling the Journey
Food! The lifeblood of travel, right?
- Breakfast: Okay, the highlight for me: FREE breakfast! It's a continental buffet, but they have your basics: cereal, pastries, fruit, coffee, and juice. It’s not gourmet, but it’s free, it’s convenient, and it fills the gap. Also there are some Asian options!
- On-site Restaurants: No restaurant, there is a snack bar.
- The Experience: This isn’t a culinary destination, but for this price range, the free breakfast is a serious perk. It’s a lifesaver when you are tired and have to leave early.
Cleanliness and Safety – Because We're All Kinda Germaphobes Now
Okay, let’s talk about hygiene. The world is a messy place, and the Red Roof PLUS+ seems to take it seriously.
- Safety Measures: They have hand sanitizer, staff trained in safety protocols, and lots of cleaning product stuff and measures, and they use anti-viral cleaning products. It's not a sterile operating room, but you can tell they're making an effort.
- The Experience: I felt pretty comfortable. The rooms were clean, and every time I visited there was plenty of staff around. You’ll find the usual things: fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, etc.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Okay, let’s talk about the stuff that makes a hotel stay actually pleasant.
- Front Desk: They are there 24/7. Always a plus.
- Laundry and Dry Cleaning: Laundry service is available.
- Convenience Store: Yes!
- Daily Housekeeping: Room is cleaned daily!
- The Hidden Gem: The concierge is helpful. The staff is friendly. The location is GREAT!
For the Kiddos (and the Kid in You!)
- Family/Child Friendly: This isn’t a kid-focused resort, but it has family rooms to go.
The Quirky Stuff (Because No Place Is Perfect)
- The Decor: It’s not exactly high-end interior design, but it IS clean and functional. Think of it as… minimalist? Or, as I like to say, “charming in its own way.”
- The Noise: I will say the walls are not as thick as Fort Knox. I’ve never had a problem, but light sleepers might want to request a room away from the hallway.
- The Location: While it's not right at the airport, it’s close enough for the airport transfers to be super convenient. Plus, its easily accessible, without having to navigate Newark traffic.
The Bottom Line: Why You Should Book the Red Roof PLUS+ (Carteret)
Look, it’s not the Ritz-Carlton. But you know what? It is a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located hotel near Newark Airport that won’t completely drain your bank account.
Here’s My Honest-to-Goodness Assessment:
Pros:
- Proximity to EWR: Fantastic for layovers or early morning flights.
- Free Airport Shuttle: HUGE!
- Free Breakfast: Saves you money and time.
- Free Parking: Big bonus.
- Clean Rooms & Comfortable Beds: Exactly what you need after a long flight.
- Value for Money: Seriously, the price is right.
- Convenience Store: You can find anything at moment's notice.
Cons:
- Not a Resort: No pool, spa, or fancy amenities.
- Wi-Fi Can Be Spotty (Sometimes): But mostly works.
- Not Exactly Luxury: But it’s practical.
My Verdict:
The Red Roof PLUS+ (Carteret) is the perfect choice for the no-nonsense traveler. If you value convenience, a comfy bed, and a budget-friendly option near EWR? Book it. Seriously. You won’t regret it (unless you're expecting a spa treatment – in which case, you might).
The Unbeatable Offer for the Savvy Traveler:
Book a room at the Red Roof PLUS+ (Carteret) now and get:
- Guaranteed free airport shuttle service.
- Complimentary continental breakfast.
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Access to comfortable rooms and friendly service.
**Don't risk overpaying for a subpar hotel near EWR.
Elaf Kinda Hotel: Your Arabian Nights Await in Saudi Arabia!
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly chaotic, and hopefully hilarious chronicle of my attempt to conquer… well, let's just say "survive" the Red Roof PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret. Wish me luck, because I'm gonna need it.
Pre-Trip Nervous Breakdown (and the Eternal Search for Affordable Parking):
- Day 0 (aka The Day Before): Okay, so the first thing I did was panic. Like, a full-blown "Did I pack my toothbrush?" kind of panic. Then came the existential dread of parking. Seriously, the cost of parking near EWR is a national disgrace. I spent an hour comparing rates, reading reviews riddled with tales of stolen car parts, and contemplating taking an Uber that would cost more than my flight. Eventually, I settled on some off-airport lot with a name that sounded suspiciously like "Discount Death Trap." Fingers crossed my car isn't joyriding across Jersey while I'm gone. Packing was a disaster. Clothes scattered everywhere. My suitcase exploded, resulting in the lost of my favorite socks.
Day 1: Entering the Red Roof Labyrinth of Doubt
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Arrived at Newark Airport with the grace of a newborn giraffe. The rental car return was a clusterf*ck. Endless lines. Grumpy people. The usual. Finally check in at the hotel, Red Roof PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret, which, based on online reviews, is either a budget paradise or a portal to some other dimension where dust bunnies reign supreme. I'm praying for paradise, but I'm mentally preparing for the dust bunnies. The lobby smells faintly of stale coffee and… optimism? Maybe?
- Midday (10:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Okay, room check. And… well, it's a room. It has a bed. It has a TV. It smells faintly of… something. Not sure what, but let's call it "Neutral Hotel Odor." The bedspread looks like it's seen more action than a used car lot, but hey, I'll sleep on it. The air conditioning is blasting like a hurricane. I immediately fumble around with the thermostat, because I'm apparently incapable of achieving a comfortable temperature in any hotel room. I spend a solid fifteen minutes trying to connect to the nonexistent Wi-Fi. Call the front desk, they give the password, and no luck. I think the Wi-Fi is giving me the finger right now. Dinner at the Taco Bell. Don't judge me. It's convenient. And they have a $5 box. Can't resist.
- Evening (2:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Honestly, I'm exhausted. The travel has taken a toll, and I feel like an overcooked noodle. I decide to go for a brief walk out and then back to my room. I end up spending a couple of hours relaxing and watching TV. The hotel feels empty, and I'm alone with my thoughts and… the mysterious smell.
Day 2: The Great "Oh, Right, I'm Supposed to Be Doing Things" Awakening
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, so I remember what my flight is for. I get ready and try to find some breakfast, only to realize the hotel doesn't serve it. "Well, that's life," I think heading out the door. I get over there, and the tour guide is late. I spend a while with a few other people, and we chat about everything and nothing. Turns out, the tour guide is a sweet older man, with a lot of information about the place.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Tour, tour, tour. The guide is chatty, but I was enjoying it. The sites are great; I saw some amazing things, like the Statue of Liberty. Everything was better when I thought more about how I was enjoying myself rather than nit-picking things. I think I'm learning to let go of the little things. It's hard, but I'm doing it.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Back at the hotel. I still have no Wi-Fi. I try to call the front desk to no avail. I just start to laugh, and eat a bag of chips. I end up finishing the day with some junk food, and sleep.
Day 3: The Journey Home (and the Aftermath of Doubt)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Wake up. Pack. Check out. The whole "leaving the hotel" routine. The anxiety is gone, and I feel at peace with life. I'm going to get my car and then, after that, I'm done with everything.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The car is there. No joy riding, no stolen parts. Thank God. The flight is delayed. But in the end, I'm on track. A bit late; but I'm alive.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Arrive back home. Exhausted. But happy.
Post-Trip Wrap Up (or, Did I Survive?)
- Final Thoughts: The Red Roof PLUS+ Newark Liberty Airport - Carteret? It's… a place. It exists. It served its purpose. The Wi-Fi was a lie. The bed was okay. The location was convenient. Overall, it was a classic hotel experience. The trip brought me to a new place, which is always good. But most importantly, it gave me a chance to relax and enjoy myself.
- The Verdict: Would I recommend it? Maybe? If you're on a tight budget and don't mind a touch of the "slightly-underwhelming," then sure. Just bring your own Wi-Fi, and maybe a hazmat suit for the bedspread.
So there you have it. My Jersey adventure in all its messy, imperfect glory. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And possibly some therapy. And maybe a new toothbrush. The adventure is over, and I'm back on track with my life.
Prescott Getaway: Unbeatable Days Inn Deals!
Newark Airport's… Secret? Red Roof PLUS+ Carteret: Your Guide to (Maybe, Kinda) Surviving the Layover
Wait, Red Roof *WHERE*? Is this a joke?
Okay, listen, the "best-kept secret" thing? Maybe a *slight* overstatement. It's Red Roof PLUS+, in Carteret, NJ. Yes, near Newark. And no, it's probably *not* going to win any design awards. But, and this is a big BUT, it can be a lifesaver if you're stranded at EWR. Seriously, I've been there. Delayed flight, missed connections, the whole shebang. Suddenly, a slightly-wobbly shuttle ride to Carteret sounds like *heaven*. Don’t expect the Ritz, though. Think…clean, basic, and a haven from the airport’s soul-crushing fluorescent lighting.
How far is it from Newark Airport really? Because Google lied to me once.
Good question! Google’s optimistic estimates can lead you astray. Figure on 20-30 minutes *without* traffic, which is like…unicorn sightings. During rush hour? Budget an hour. A friend, bless her heart, thought it was a quick hop. She ended up calling me, practically hyperventilating, from a cab she was *sure* was going to take her to the Bermuda Triangle. So, build in extra time. Seriously. You'll thank me. Or at the very least, not hate me.
Shuttle Service: Blessing or Curse? The Truth.
The shuttle…it’s functional. Don't expect a chauffeured limo experience. It's usually a small van, or maybe even a slightly battered bus. The drivers are generally friendly, but their schedules can be…erratic. Once, I swear, the shuttle driver spent half the ride chatting with someone on his phone about…I don’t even know. Car repairs? His cat's latest escapades? Whatever. The point is, it was *slow*. And late. My connecting flight...missed it. But! I *was* in a clean-ish bed, relatively close to the airport. So, swings and roundabouts, right? It definitely *beats* sleeping on a cold airport bench.
The Rooms: What am I REALLY getting myself into?
Okay, so let's be crystal clear: Luxury is *not* the name of the game. Think basic, but clean. You get a bed, a TV, a bathroom that (hopefully) works. The decor is…well, let’s call it “economically priced.” My first visit, I thought the curtains were a bit…loud. Like, aggressively cheerful. But honestly? After enduring the screaming kids and the relentless announcements at the airport, I appreciated all the little things like, ya know, actually having a bed. Don't go expecting fluff and fancy. But do expect a place to crash and recharge.
Food Options: Starving? Be Prepared.
Alright, the food situation…needs some planning. There's no restaurant *in* the hotel. There are a *few* options nearby, but you might have to walk a bit, order delivery, or, heaven forbid, use the vending machines. Let's be real, the vending machines are a crapshoot. One time I got a bag of chips that tasted suspiciously like…plastic. So, my pro tip: Grab some snacks at the airport, or, even better, before you leave home. Pack a granola bar, a bag of trail mix, something! Trust me, airport food is expensive and usually awful. Being hungry, tired, and stranded...is a recipe for disaster.
Is it safe? Like, REALLY safe?
Safety is important, always. The area around the hotel is…well, it's not the Hamptons. But I've never felt unsafe, personally. It's a busy-ish road, plenty of businesses, and the hotel itself seems reasonably secure. Of course, always be aware of your surroundings, just like you would anywhere. Don't flash your cash, don’t go wandering around alone at 2 am. Basic common sense. And don't let the slightly-rough-around-the-edges exterior scare you. It's not a crime-ridden wasteland, but it *is* Carteret.
Okay, I'm Tempted. But the reviews…they’re a mixed bag. Should I even bother?
Mixed bag? That's putting it mildly. You'll see everything from "best hotel EVER!" to "DO NOT GO!" Listen, it's not going to be perfect. It might be noisy, the Wi-Fi might be dodgy, and the breakfast (if they even have one) might consist of stale pastries. But if you're desperate, and you *value* a bed, a shower, and relative peace and quiet over… well… *luxury*, then yes! Go for it. I've been there when I was so exhausted, and the hotel was a total godsend! It's not a destination, it's a solution. Sometimes, that's all you need.
One More Thing: That Time I Watched The World Cup During a Layover. (Yes, Really.)
Okay, so here's the real clincher. A few years back, I got hopelessly stranded. Connecting flight cancelled. I was *miserable*. Then, someone suggested, "Red Roof." I booked it, and got on the shuttle. The room was…fine. The bed? Actually pretty comfy. But here's the thing: the TV. It had *every* channel, including the ones showing the World Cup. I'm not a huge soccer fan, but hey, distraction! I ordered pizza (delivery, thankfully!) and watched the entire game with a bunch of other weary travelers. We cheered, we groaned, we bonded over the shared misery of layovers and the joy of cheesy carbs. That experience transformed it from a basic hotel into…a place where I, at least, could forget I was stranded for a few hours. It felt…almost normal. And in the context of a travel disaster, that IS a win. So, yeah. Red Roof Carteret. It’s not glamorous. Not perfect. But sometimes, in the chaos, it's just exactly what you need.
