Escape to Hillsdale: Days Inn's Cozy Michigan Getaway!
Escape to Hillsdale: Days Inn - My (Unfiltered) Michigan Getaway!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just survived… er, experienced a stay at the Days Inn in Hillsdale, Michigan. And let me tell you, it was a ride. Forget those perfectly curated travel blogs – you’re getting the real deal, warts and all. This is my Escape to Hillsdale… and whether I actually escaped remains to be seen.
First Impressions (and the all-important Parking Situation):
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. The reviews said "wheelchair accessible." And… okay, technically yes. There's an elevator, which is a huge plus. But navigating the parking lot? Let's just say my tiny sedan felt like a monster truck rally participant. Car park [free of charge] is a definite win, but the "free" feeling kinda evaporates when you're dodging potholes the size of small children. And the sidewalks? Let's just say they’re not exactly smooth for folks needing extra assistance. Accessibility: Mixed bag. Could be better; could be worse.
The Room: My Temporary Fortress (and Slightly Smelly Coffin):
Alright, the rooms. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathroom phone (who uses this?!), bathrobes (yay!), bathtub, blackout curtains (bless!), carpeting (eh), closet, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea (score!), daily housekeeping (thank goodness!), desk, extra long bed (nice!), Free bottled water (another win!), hair dryer, high floor (nope), in-room safe box, internet access (more on that later), ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar (not really), mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies (old movies, mostly), private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature (more on that later), satellite/cable channels, scale (really?), seating area, separate shower/bathtub, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletires, towels, umbrella, visual alarm (I didn't need this, thank the internet gods), wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens.
The decor? Let's call it "functional." The bed? Comfortable enough. The shower… well, the water did get hot. The internet access – wireless was… a constant adventure. “Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!” they brag. And yeah, it technically existed. But connecting? Staying connected? That was the real adventure. I spent a solid hour wrestling with the router, muttering under my breath about how I needed to post this damn review. Let's just say Wi-Fi was more "try again later" than "instant access." Internet [LAN] was there, but who has LAN cables anymore?
Cleanliness and Safety (and the Great Sanitization Sweepstakes):
Now, listen, during a pandemic, I’m extra picky about cleanliness. The Days Inn gets points for Daily disinfection in common areas and Rooms sanitized between stays. They also had Hand sanitizer readily available. They even offered Room sanitization opt-out available. That's reassuring, right? But… and this is a big but…. I did spot a rogue crumb or two under the desk. Just saying. And the Smoke alarms were definitely present, which is always a good thing.
Dining, Drinking, and Surviving Hunger:
This is where things got… interesting. Breakfast [buffet] was included, and, well, it was there. Think pre-packaged muffins and instant coffee. My taste buds were… let's just say they weren't thrilled. Definitely not fine dining, which made me grateful for the Coffee/tea in restaurant (got my fix). Now, the Restaurants listed in the general info were… well, not actually ON the property. You were pretty much driving into Hillsdale for anything resembling a proper meal. So I raided the Convenience store. I also checked out the Snack bar - not that exciting at all. I ordered a pizza later, but Food delivery isn't as great in Hillsdale as in NYC.
More Rambling About Food (And Lack Thereof): They did advertise the Breakfast takeaway service though, a pretty handy thing. The buffet was also "buffet in restaurant", so, you see the situation…
Surviving the Spa-less Spa:
Ha! Spa, Sauna, Steam Room… all listed! Sounds luxurious, right? WRONG. There was NO spa, no sauna, no steam room. I’m not sure if my dreams of a Body scrub or Body wrap exist in Hillsdale. I think there was a tiny Swimming pool (I think I saw the view out the window). The Poolside bar sounded amazing, but nonexistent. Swimming pool [outdoor], sounded inviting, but it was too cold to swim.
Things to Do (Besides Stare at the Walls):
Okay, this is where the Days Inn felt a bit limited. Things to do in Hillsdale? Mostly, it seemed, drive to Hillsdale College (which, admittedly, is beautiful) or browse the local antique shops. There was a Fitness center (I peeked in), but it screamed "vintage equipment." If you're looking for a bustling nightlife or exciting cultural experiences, this ain't it. I spent most of my time battling the internet Wi-Fi and working while I had working Wi-Fi. You could consider this "escape" a Way to relax while not driving, in the countryside.
Services and Conveniences (and the Helpful Staff):
The staff? Surprisingly friendly and helpful. Front desk [24-hour] meant someone was always there to help (eventually, after the Wi-Fi debacle). There's Daily housekeeping, which I appreciated. They did also offer, but are Unavailable Pets allowed. Facilities for disabled guests are good. The Elevator worked! Air conditioning in public area (necessary, because it can get HOT in Michigan). Concierge wasn’t quite the butler I’d envisioned, but… they were there to help with a smile.
The Good and the Ugly:
The Days Inn in Hillsdale… it’s not luxury. It’s not glamorous. It's… functional. It’s a place to crash, to rest your head, and hopefully, connect to the internet long enough to post a review. It’s got some quirks, some rough edges, and some serious Wi-Fi woes. But the staff are nice, the price is okay, and hey, you’re in Hillsdale, Michigan!
So, Should YOU Escape Here? (My Verdict):
Look, if you're on a budget and just need a place to sleep while exploring the area, the Days Inn is… passable. It's a starting point for your adventure. But if you're looking for a luxurious getaway, look elsewhere. And be prepared to embrace the imperfections! The internet is not your friend, and you gotta drive for good food.
My (Tentative) "Escape to Hillsdale" Offer for YOU!
Book Today and Get… a Story!
Tired of cookie-cutter vacations? Craving something… real? Tired of waiting to connect to the internet?
This is your chance to escape to Hillsdale! We're not promising perfection, but we are promising an experience. Book your stay at the Days Inn, and you can unlock the following:
- Free Wi-Fi… eventually! (We're working on it… maybe.)
- A Comfy Bed: Because everyone deserves a good night's sleep.
- Complimentary Coffee and Breakfast: (Just don't expect Michelin stars.)
Hillsdale, Michigan: The Perfect Escape (But with Some Headaches!)
So, are you ready to escape? Or are you ready for the internet's worst features? Book your stay now and experience the "Escape to Hillsdale"!
Tupelo Getaway: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8 by Wyndham Airport!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-manicured travel blog. This is my actual, real-life, slightly-chaotic experience at the Days Inn by Wyndham Hillsdale, Michigan. And let me tell you, it's been… an experience.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Continental Breakfast Debacle
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at the 'ol Days Inn. First impression? Well, it’s a Days Inn. You know what you’re getting. Beige, slightly worn carpet, and a faint smell of… something. I'm going to guess it's a mix of chlorine, regret, and stale coffee. The check-in was painless though, and that's a win in my book. The receptionist (bless her heart, she looked like she'd seen things), handed me my key with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. I'm already intrigued.
- 1:30 PM: The room itself is… adequate. Two queen beds, a TV that probably still has rabbit ears somewhere in it, and a bathroom that has seen better days. Let’s be real, this isn't the Four Seasons. It's a place to crash, to get that sweet, sweet sleep.
- 2:00 PM: The real adventure begins: unpacking. Now, I'm a chronic over-packer, I’ll admit it. I’m pretty certain I had a whole suitcase dedicated just to "just in case" outfits. But I do get a pleasant feeling as I unpack, and I get the best vibes, I feel almost giddy to explore the area and see what it has to offer.
- 6:00 PM: Okay, so, the Continental Breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. The "fresh fruit" looks like it’s been on a geological expedition. The coffee is… well, let’s just say I wouldn’t use it to water my houseplants. The waffle maker, however, is a marvel! I spent a solid 15 minutes wrestling with it, and I finally managed to eject a respectable-looking waffle. Victory! After I ate my waffle I decided to leave.
Day 2: Exploring Hillsdale (and Battling My Own Existential Woes)
- 9:00 AM: After that disastrous breakfast, I opted for the safety of a local diner. Found a place called “The Red Rooster.” It was exactly what I needed. Greasy spoon perfection, the kind of place where the waitress calls you "hon" and the coffee flows like a river. Also, I have been thinking about my ex on the entirety of this trip, and I still don’t understand what went wrong. I think I'm not ready to admit that I am in love with someone else. It's been an incredibly emotional journey.
- 10:30 AM: Wandered around the town square. Hillsdale is… quaint. Like, really quaint. It felt like stepping back in time, in a good way. The main street has some cool little shops, and the people are overwhelmingly friendly. Stopped at a bookstore, browsed for hours. Found a copy of "Catcher in the Rye" and had myself a little nostalgic moment. Then I felt a big wave of sadness and I wanted to call my mom, I decided to change my mind.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a place called “The Pub.” Mediocre pub food but the beer selection was decent. The bartender, a guy who looked like he’d seen it all (and probably had), was a good listener. I poured my heart out over a burger and a pint. He just nodded, offered a knowing smile and refilled my beer. Sometimes, that's all you need.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the Days Inn for a nap. Sleep is key. Even in a slightly-less-than-glamorous hotel room. Needed it. I feel like I have been trying to fill this huge void inside me.
- 7:00PM: Alright, so, I feel like I want to go back to the pub. It’s just so lonely being here on my own. So off I went!
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Smell of… Something
- 8:00 AM: Yep, I went back to The Red Rooster again. I am now a regular at this diner. The waitress, bless her heart, knows my order already. This has instantly become one of the best parts of the trip so far.
- 9:30 AM: Packed up the rest of my stuff, taking the time to appreciate the simple pleasure of putting away my things. The Days Inn has kind of grown on me. It’s not perfect, but it's… real. It's honest. And the waffle maker… well, we have a bond now.
- 10:00 AM: Checked out. The receptionist gave me the same tired smile, but there was a hint of… recognition? Did she remember me and my waffle-making struggles? Who knows. It's the little moments that I am going to remember.
- 10:15 AM: One last goodbye to Hillsdale. I found myself actually a little sad to leave. It's funny how a place can grow on you, even a slightly wonky little town with a slightly wonky Days Inn.
Final Thoughts:
Would I recommend the Days Inn by Wyndham Hillsdale? Well, it depends. If you’re looking for luxury, this ain’t it. But if you’re looking for an affordable base, a place to crash, a place to meet some interesting people, and have a mediocre continental breakfast experience, well… it might just be perfect. And maybe, just maybe, you'll leave with a story or two, and a newfound appreciation for the enduring power of a decent waffle. This experience made me realize that there’s magic in the mundane. And that’s a good thing.
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Escape to Hillsdale: Days Inn's Cozy Michigan Getaway - FAQs (Because You *Need* to Know!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're thinking about the Days Inn in Hillsdale, Michigan. I've been there. I've survived. I'm here to tell you, it's… an experience. Let's get these FAQ's outta the way, shall we?
1. Is this really an "escape"? Or am I just... going to Hillsdale?
Okay, let's be real. Hillsdale isn't exactly the Maldives. It's... Hillsdale. But "escape" is relative, right? For me, it was an escape *from* my overflowing inbox and the existential dread of doing laundry. So, yes. It can be an escape. Think of it as a strategic retreat. You're escaping *something*, even if it’s only your own cluttered brain. Plus, there are those sweet, sweet gas station snacks. More on that later.
2. The website says "cozy." Is it *actually* cozy? Or just… old?
Ah, the "cozy" debate. Let's just say, the vibe leans *heavily* towards "vintage." Cozy? Well, the room *was* a little dim. The carpet? Definitely seen some things. I walked in, and my immediate internal monologue went full-on "Is this where I'm going to die?" (Dramatic, I know, but the lighting, people! The lighting!) BUT... there's a certain charm, a kind of… lived-in comfort. It's like a favorite, slightly threadbare sweater. Not sexy, certainly not new, but it *fits*. And the bed? Surprisingly comfortable. I actually slept *really* well. So, yeah, cozy-adjacent. Maybe "comfortably worn" is a better description.
3. Is breakfast any good? The free kind, I mean.
Okay, breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. There's the "continental" breakfast. It's the usual suspects: cereal (some weird generic brand), slightly stale pastries (probably from the 80s, but hey, who am I to judge), instant oatmeal (which I avoid like the plague), and those little yogurt cups that always seem to have a suspicious film on top. The coffee? Let's just say it's caffeinated *water*. I would recommend bringing your own breakfast from the gas station. Don't judge me, that donut changed my life.
4. Is the pool actually… swimmable?
Ooh, the pool! Now, *that* was an adventure. I heard stories. Whispers of green water. Legends of… questionable cleanliness. And honestly? The first time I peered in (after, admittedly, several beers), it *did* look a little murky. But I’m a sucker for a hotel pool. So, I took the plunge. (Pun intended, and I apologize.) It wasn't the Ritz, but it was… refreshing. There were, however, a few errant leaves and the distinct *scent* of chlorine, mixed with something indefinable... possibly "old hotel." Overall, it was a solid 6/10 pool experience. Definitely better after a few drinks.
5. What's the Wi-Fi like? (Because, you know, the modern world.)
The Wi-Fi? Oh, honey, the Wi-Fi is like a reluctant toddler. It tries, it struggles, and sometimes it just gives up and throws a fit. (aka: disconnects). I needed to do some work while I was there, which was a mistake. Pack a hotspot. Seriously. Embrace the digital detox, or come prepared to tether to your phone and pray to the gods of cell service. I ended up just giving up and watching cheesy reality tv. The world didn't end. In fact, it was kind of freeing. Maybe the Wi-Fi is a genius form of forced relaxation?
6. Are there any good restaurants nearby? Or am I doomed to microwave meals?
Look, Hillsdale isn't exactly a culinary mecca. But there are options! There's a diner. A few fast food places. I had a surprisingly good burger from a place across the street… can’t remember the name, but it was good. And the hotel's proximity to a gas station is a *major* win. Because, let's be honest, gas station food is a guilty pleasure. The roller grill hot dogs? The slushies? Don't judge me. Plus, they sell a decent selection of chips. Basically, you won't starve. Although, if you're a foodie, pack some snacks. And maybe a really good bottle of wine. And maybe an extra blanket, just in case.
7. Would you recommend it? Honestly?
Depends. If you're looking for luxury? No. If you're expecting pristine perfection? Absolutely not. If you're easily horrified by slightly dodgy carpet? Run away! Run far, far away! But… if you need a quiet, affordable escape, a place to unplug (or at least, *attempt* to), and you can embrace the imperfections, then yeah, I'd recommend it. It's a slice of Americana, a slightly-worn hug of a hotel. Just remember to bring some snacks, lower your expectations, and maybe pack a sense of humor. Oh, and definitely pack your own coffee. Seriously. The coffee.
8. What was your *favorite* part? Spill the tea!
Okay, hear me out (before you laugh). My *favorite* part was… the vending machine. I know, I know, it sounds pathetic. But there was a vending machine in the lobby. Offering a selection of questionable snacks. And, it would only accept *cash*. I was completely dependent on cash at this point - the irony didn't escape me. Finding that perfect chip-to-candy ratio was actually genuinely challenging, and deeply satisfying. In moments like that, I felt completely unplugged from the world. Okay, maybe the pool was a close second. And the donut... definitely the donut deserves a special mention.
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