M B.
Yelp
Let me preface this with two things:
- I have never stayed IN the Meadowmere as a guest
- This review is primarily about their gym facilities, the rest is my own insipid rambling
Got it? Good.
I'm a lazy bastard. No no, I'm sure you're positively shocked to read this, but it's entirely true. If medical science were to somehow discover a way to let you remain svelte and healthy on a diet of Cheetos, Mountain Dew, and whiskey, all while remaining comfortably in bed during a glorious Netflix binge, covered head to toe in magnificent orange cheese dust? I would be the first fucking person in line to shake hands with the ones who discovered this magic.
Unfortunately it's unlikely I'll ever live to see the day. And, on that note, if I ever want to see the next five years, I need to keep at it exercising. Unlike some people who seem to eat and drink whatever they want and remain thin (the bastards), I am one of those who actually has to make an effort. Do you know those types of people? You're like "You're so thin, how the hell? Do you like jog 20 miles a day and eat only a lettuce leaf for lunch?" And they're like "Huh? No, here, have some Cheetos."
Don't you just want to punch them right in the neck? Because I do.
Where was I? Oh yes.
For a while I was going to one of the large fitness centers in Portland (I won't say what place, but "fitness" is in the name) due to its great location. HOWEVER, it's very popular, which means it's often packed wall to wall. Also, those big places, you get two basic groups of people. You get the people like me, who totally fucking hate having to be there, and you get the people who are in absolutely obscene physical condition because they spend hours and hours sweating and never eating anything even remotely fun. Now, the latter, while thin and in great shape, look totally miserable. I mean I've NEVER seen one of them smile. Not once. Of course, the other crowd of which I am one, DO smile. And do you know why we're smiling? Because we're thinking about Twinkies and just how many we can cram in our prodigious gullets the minute we're out of that sweaty hell hole.
Nowadays I go to the gym at Meadowmere. It's near my office, I can go in at 6:00am, there's hardly anyone there, do my self torture, and leave happily. And why am I happy? I'm happy that I've gotten in some exercise, so I can tell my doctor "Yeah, I totally exercise regularly", then go pretty much across the street to Amore Breakfast (see my review) and shovel 10,000 calories of delicious into my face.
The hotel itself, as I make my way down, is always very clean, the lawn nicely manicured, and the staff quite friendly. In the fall, nearing Halloween, there's a large scarecrow witch outside that's like 15' tall, and for some reason that makes me really happy.
There is a full compliment of machines for every workout need, cardio equipment, and my personal (hated) favorite, free weights. There is a Smith machine if you're so inclined, as well as a very well built squat setup, with enough room and weights for dead lifts. Generally my fellow masochists who use the space tend to return weights to their respective locations, and people are really good about personal space, not being loud, and not being annoying. The space isn't huge by any means, but from late September to early May, the entire town more or less clears out since it's very much a summer destination, so it's very rarely packed.
Of course, I've only ever used the men's locker room, and it's always very clean, the floors obviously being mopped at least a few times a day, the counter around the sink is spotless. Granted, I'm getting in there early in the day, so later in the afternoon things could be different. If you're planning on showering after your workout, I suggest bringing your own towel as those are not supplied, but the showers are also very clean, the water is nice and hot with good pressure.
One very minor complaint: The hours are listed as opening at 6:00am, and on a number of occasions I've arrived right at 6:00 or even a little after, and the locker room hasn't been unlocked. For the most part, that's not a big issue, but when you've REALLY gotta pee, or fill your water bottle (I mean hey, if you're inclined to combine the two, sure, not a big deal, but I'm not quite at that level of recycling mania), it's a big deal. I believe there might be a public restroom near the front office, but that's a bit of a walk away. I admit that I'm someone who is punctual to a fault, and if something says "Open at 6:00" I get prissy if it's not open at 6:00, ready to roll.
So if you're in the area looking for a gym, I recommend the Meadowmere. I've also spoken to quite a few people I've encountered through work who stay there regularly and nary a complaint to be had.