Escape to Paradise: Riveredge Resort's Unforgettable Alexandria Bay Getaway
Escape to Paradise: My Rambling, Overly-Enthusiastic, and Slightly Messy Review of Riveredge Resort in Alexandria Bay! (SEO-tastic!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to the absolutely stunning Riveredge Resort in Alexandria Bay, NY, and I've got so much to say. Forget the sterile, corporate reviews – this is the real deal. Prepare for some serious gushing, a few gripes, and the unfiltered truth about whether Riveredge actually lives up to its “Escape to Paradise” promise. (Spoiler alert: It mostly does!)
Accessibility & Safety: A Rollercoaster of Success and Misses
Let's be honest, accessibility is something I always keep an eye on, and Riveredge is… well, it's complicated. The good news? They have facilities for disabled guests. And an elevator! Hallelujah! Makes those upper floors a breeze. And, the staff is super friendly and helpful. The less good news? I didn't get a detailed look at everything specifically designed for accessibility – so I can't give a thorough assessment.
Okay, let's talk cleanliness and safety. This felt like a FORTRESS of germ-busting! They were serious about COVID precautions. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff? They were all trained in safety protocol. Hand sanitizer everywhere you looked! Individually-wrapped food options (mostly – more on that later…) and the safe dining setup meant I felt pretty darn secure. Did I opt out of room sanitization? Honestly, no. I wanted the works! And they offer this too! Plus, the place had CCTV in common areas and outside property, so I did feel protected.
Now, about those "Rooms Sanitized Between Stays": Yes. Check. The commitment to Hygiene certification was appreciated. Also, a First-aid kit was available and a Doctor/nurse on call (which I thankfully didn't need!).
My Food Adventure: From Buffet Bliss to Snack Bar Shenanigans
Alright, FOOD. This is where Riveredge REALLY shines…and where things get a little…interesting.
Breakfast [Buffet]: Okay, first morning, eyes wide, I hit the buffet. It was a glorious sprawl of choices, from Asian breakfast offerings to the classic Western breakfast. Think mountains of fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and enough fruit to make you feel like you were doing something healthy. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was a godsend. I think I drank about a gallon of coffee each morning. It was that good!
Restaurants: There are Restaurants! Plural – what a luxury. The A la carte in restaurant experience was top-notch for dinner. But, honestly, I spent a LOT of time at the Poolside bar. Because, pool. Drinks!
Specific Anecdote: One evening, I was chilling at the bar, nursing a margarita, when a sudden downpour hit. Everyone scrambled for cover. I was trapped, feeling utterly miserable and drenched. Then, a friendly bartender, bless her heart, materialized out of the chaos with a gigantic Umbrella and a shot of tequila. It was a small gesture, but it totally made my night. It's those little touches that made the whole experience really feel special.
Room Service [24-hour]: YES! Absolutely yes. Perfect for late-night cravings.
Snack bar: The Snack bar was…well, it was there. Let’s just say the gourmet options weren't the focus. But hey, sometimes you just need a burger and fries, right? Especially after a few hours in the pool.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Breakdown:
- Asian Cuisine in restaurant: A nice touch.
- Bar: Obviously, essential.
- Bottle of water: Always appreciated.
- Buffet in restaurant: HEAVEN!
- Coffee shop: (and the coffee was good!)
- Desserts in restaurant: Delicious, but watch your waistline!
- Happy hour: YES, YES, YES!
- International cuisine in restaurant: A good variety of flavors.
- Poolside bar: My happy place!
- Salad in restaurant: Needed a salad.
- Soup in restaurant: Always comforting.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Options available.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Satisfies all your cravings!
A Little Rant about this and that!
Services and conveniences
- Air conditioning in public area: Absolutely necessary.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: Didn't see any but good it has them.
- Business facilities: Didn't need any, but good to have.
- Cash withdrawal: Convenient.
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Contactless check-in/out: Efficient.
- Convenience store: Handy for snacks and forgotten essentials.
- Currency exchange: Wasn't applicable for me.
- Daily housekeeping: Rooms were spotless.
- Doorman: always a friendly face.
- Dry cleaning: useful service.
- Elevator: essential!
- Essential condiments: Available!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Mentioned earlier.
- Food delivery: I have no information about this.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Didn't notice or use it.
- Indoor venue for special events: Didn't attend any, but good to have.
- Invoice provided: Yup.
- Ironing service: Yep.
- Laundry service: Yup.
- Luggage storage: Convenient.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Available.
- Meetings: Services offered.
- Meeting stationery: Didn't use any.
- On-site event hosting: Available if needed.
- Outdoor venue for special events: Great for functions.
- Projector/LED display: Good to have.
- Safety deposit boxes: Useful amenity.
- Seminars: I didn't see any.
- Shrine: lol, no.
- Smoking area: Available.
- Terrace: Nice for a drink.
- Wi-Fi for special events: Didn't use.
- Xerox/fax in business center: Didn't require.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service: available, but I didn't use it.
- Family/child friendly: Definitely.
- Kids facilities: I saw a splash pad, which looked amazing.
- Kids meal: Options available.
The Room – My Little Sanctuary (Mostly!)
Okay, the room! (Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens).
My room was a dream. Spacious, well-appointed, and with a view that made me gasp every morning. The blackout curtains were essential for sleeping in, and the bathrobes were wonderfully plush. The free Wi-Fi was a lifesaver, and having a Refrigerator and Coffee/tea maker was a huge plus. I loved the added In-room safe box and the easy access the Safety/security feature. There were only a few minor gripes. The soundproofing wasn't perfect, and sometimes I could hear the laughter from the Exterior corridor.
Things To Do (and Ways to Relax!)
OH, the things to do! And ways to relax.
- Body scrub: Didn't try it.
- Body wrap: Didn't try it.
- Fitness center: I peeked in, it looked well-equipped.
- Foot bath: Didn't get the chance.
- Gym/fitness: Same as above.
- Massage: Oh, yes! The spa experience was divine.
- Pool with view: The infinity pool overlooking the St. Lawrence River was just…wow.
- Sauna: Bliss.
- Spa: Highly recommend!
- Spa/sauna: All the spa things!
- Steamroom: I loved it!
- Swimming pool: Beautiful outdoor pool.
- **Swimming pool [
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Riveredge Resort adventure in Alexandria Bay that's less "perfect Pinterest board" and more "slightly chaotic, gloriously messy memory-making machine." Think less 'polished brochure' and more 'drunk diary entry' with a splash of "OMG, I almost lost my sunglasses!"
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Interactions, and Island Dreams (aka, the "Getting My Bearings and Possibly Looking Like a Tourist" Day)
Morning (10:00 AM): Drag myself out of the car after a surprisingly brutal drive. Seriously, traffic on the way up felt like a personal vendetta. First impressions of Riveredge? Definitely a "rustic charm" kind of place. Think less "luxury spa" and more "grandma's charming lake house…if grandma was a resort tycoon." My immediate reaction: relief. I needed a getaway like a fish needs water.
- Minor Category: Check-In Disaster - Turns out you can’t check in early which, I didn’t realize. So, after my long drive, all I could do was wander around, looking a bit like a lost puppy. I got a coffee, started a conversation with a local, and the next thing I know, I am asking him for sightseeing recommendations! Ugh!
Late Morning (11:30 AM): Finally, the room is ready! The excitement sets in. The room isn't the sprawling suite I secretly dreamed about, but the water view is EVERYTHING. Seriously, I could stare at the St. Lawrence River all day. The little touches are cute, like the welcome note, and the complimentary drinks, yes!
- Impression: Awkward Elevator Ride. Shared a ride with a couple and their incredibly rambunctious golden retriever in the elevator. Tried to make small talk, but ended up blurting out something about "loving their dog's fur" as though it was a particularly delicious cake. They gave me a look. Note to self: Work on social skills.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch at "The View." Okay, the food is…serviceable. But the vista? Unreal. I order the fish sandwich. The fish is a bit… bland. But the view? Amazing. I got a little bit lost in it and almost forgot to eat my lunch.
- Emotional Reaction: Unexpected Joy. Watching a tiny sailboat glide across the river. Just pure, unrestrained happiness. Almost teared up, which, you know, is a little embarrassing but also… beautiful. Thank you, boat.
Early Afternoon (3:00 PM): Double Down on the 1000 Islands Boat Tour. I bought my tickets beforehand but oh gosh, the line was long. And then, the tour itself… Let me tell you: It was a tourist trap and the guide was absolutely terrible! The anecdotes, while ostensibly historical, were delivered with the enthusiasm of someone reading a phone book. But… the islands! The castles! And then there was the boat, so slow that I could have reached out and touched the Thousand Islands Bridge. The boat tour was a bit… disappointing. But, let’s be honest, it still gave me a reason to go outside, take some fresh air, drink some beers, and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
- Quirky Observation: All the islands look like they're trying to be miniature versions of other places. "Ooh, this one is clearly Capri! And that one is Definitely Capri."
Evening (6:00 PM): Dinner at the resort's restaurant. Let's be real, I'm a bit wary after lunch. I tried to get a table outside, but it was already booked… but hey, I can deal! My expectations were not high. I ordered the steak, medium-rare and when the waiter brought the dish, well… it was actually good! I devoured it and watched the sunset, and that made it even more perfect!
- Emotional Reaction: A Tiny Victory. The steak was cooked to perfection. Seriously, a small culinary triumph after a day of slightly underwhelming experiences. Felt like a tiny, quiet celebration of me!
Nighttime (8:00 PM): The resort offered entertainment, but I was too tired. So, I had a glass of wine and went to bed. I read for a while. And then, I was out!
Day 2: Castles, Kayaking, and Questionable Decisions (aka, the Adventure Begins!)
Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast in the resort's casual dining. The buffet situation is… functional. The eggs are a little overcooked, but the coffee is strong, which, let's be honest, is all that matters.
- Imperfection Alert: The Missing Sunglasses Incident. I swear, I had my sunglasses with me the whole time! I think I left them at breakfast. Did I?
Late Morning (10:00 AM): Boldly ventured out to Boldt Castle. Wow. It's stunning! The history is tragic (a wealthy guy building a castle for his wife, she gets cold feet, and the castle is left unfinished. My heart broke as I walked through the hallways, but it was a good way to spend some time!
- Rambling Thought: If I were to build a castle, I'd probably get bored halfway through and just turn it into a giant trampoline park. Or maybe a library. Or… both?
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Lunch: I grabbed a quick sandwich from a deli in town.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Kayaking! Rented a kayak from a local outfitter. The water is glassy smooth. Paddle out, feeling all serene and connected to nature. Then, WHOOSH! The wind kicks up. Suddenly, I'm paddling against a current, looking like a frantic, flailing seal. I almost fell in the water twice. But it was still pretty cool!
- Emotional Reaction: Embarrassment and Triumph. Managing to NOT capsize. A small win, really. The soreness is a bonus.
Evening (6:00 PM): "Dinner somewhere with a view." This time, I was going to the bar. The sunset was even more beautiful, if that’s possible, and my mood matched it.
- Option: Decision Fatigue. I saw a sign saying they had a new menu. I had to make decisions for everything from the drinks to the food! I just wanted a good dinner!
Day 3: Farewell, Fish, and Future Plans (aka, the "Almost Perfect Ending" Day)
Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at the resort, I swear I look for my sunglasses. They are gone. I accept the truth – I've lost them.
Late Morning (10:00 AM): One last walk along the river. I found a little spot near the pier, and soaked it all in.
Lunch (12:00 PM): Said goodbye to Riveredge with a final “fish and chips” experience. The fish was just as I remembered.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Drive back, reminiscing, the scenery, the moments of beauty.
Quirky Observation: My sunglasses were gone. I decided to check the gift shop.
Strong Emotional Reaction: Goodbye: It was the end. I was driving back. It was bitter, and a little sweet. I can’t wait to be back.
In Conclusion:
Alexandria Bay and Riveredge Resort weren't perfect, but they were real. The food wasn't always gourmet, the activities occasionally awkward, the weather sometimes unpredictable. But the laughter, the views, the moments of unexpected joy… those were perfect. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. (Just… maybe pack an extra pair of sunglasses… and a good sense of humor).
Escape to Paradise: Rosselba Le Palme's Unbeatable Elba Island Camping!
Escape to Paradise: Riveredge Resort - You In? (Cause I'm Still Recovering...)
So, Riveredge. Is it *actually* paradise, or just some brochure-worthy lie?
What's the REALLY cool stuff to *actually do* at Riveredge? Don't just give me the boring website spiel.
The rooms at Riveredge...are they actually nice? No mold bombs, right?
The food! Is it edible? Should I pack snacks?
I'm a *stressed* person. Is Riveredge a good place to actually relax? Or is it chaos?
How's the location? Is it easy to get around?
The staff...are they helpful? Annoying? What's the deal?
Would you actually go back? Seriously?
Okay, one final, weird question: Did you *actually* feel like you "escaped to paradise"?
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