Calgary Airport's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review & Hidden Perks!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review… of somewhere. I don't get to say where, but let's just say it's a place promising the moon and stars. I'm expecting, at least, a comfy chair. And maybe, just maybe, a decent cup of coffee. Here's my take, and it's gonna be… honest.
SEO & Metadata - The Nitty Gritty (but let's be honest, it's boring, so I'll try to sneak it in)
- Keywords: Luxury Hotel, Spa, Wellness, Accessibility, Fine Dining, Family Friendly, Business Travel, Pool View, Free Wi-Fi, 24-Hour Room Service, Sanitization, COVID-19 Safety, [Specific Location Keywords - insert your location here, people!], Wheelchair Accessible, Pet-Friendly, Meeting Facilities, Fitness Center.
- Meta Description: Luxurious stay! Experience top-notch service with accessible rooms, stunning views, a rejuvenating spa, and delicious dining. Prioritizing your safety and comfort with stringent cleaning protocols. Perfect for business or leisure. Book your unforgettable escape today!
Alright, now that the robots are happy, let's get the real stuff started…
First Impressions (and the Immediate Chaos of Arrival)
Ugh, travel. You're always so optimistic before you go, aren't you? Sunglasses perched, ready for adventure! I got there – late, of course, because traffic – and let's just say, my "glow" was already fading faster than a cheap sunblock.
Accessibility - The Great Leveling Field (Mostly)
Okay, first things first, because it's important, right? Accessibility. They said they had it. And honestly? They were pretty on it. Wheelchair accessible entrances, which, halleluiah! I've been to places that claimed it and it was more like a subtle suggestion. Elevators, which is kind of essential when you’re lugging around a suitcase. And I saw some facilities for disabled guests, so, good start. I didn’t personally need them, but it's good to see they tried.
But honestly, I did notice their parking… I got a parking spot that's free of charge, but the walk into the building itself was, let's just say, a workout - a long walk. But hey, for the amount of energy I used to get to the front, by the time I got to the lobby, I needed the workout.
On-Site Restaurants/Lounges - Where the Stomach Meets the Soul (and Sometimes, Heartburn)
They had a bunch. Restaurants, bars, the whole shebang. And a poolside bar too, which is basically a requirement for me on vacation. I’m a sucker for a good poolside cocktail.
I was especially looking forward to the Asian cuisine, because I love me some dumplings and sushi! The A la carte in restaurant menu looked promising. And that included a vegetarian restaurant, which is a huge plus in my book. But, oh, the reality…
First, The Happy Hour was… well, maybe too happy for the bartender because my mojito tasted like sweetened water and sadness. The atmosphere seemed a little stale. I also tried a salad in restaurant, and it was one of those tiny salads everyone takes a photo of and then complains about. The other restaurants weren't any better, but, hey, at least the coffee/tea in the restaurant was decent… I think.
Wi-Fi and Internet – The Modern-Day Oracle (or, The Thing That Keeps Us Sane)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! Thank the heavens. No scrambling for hotspots. Internet access – wireless, as well as Internet [LAN], which I completely forgot about… but it's there! They even had Wi-Fi for special events, in case you bring your own party.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax – So. Much. Promise.
This is where the brochure really got me. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Check. Pool with view? Double check! I pictured myself, cocktail in hand, gazing at… well, something breathtaking. Reality? The pool was… crowded. And the view was of a parking lot. But hey, I guess I was getting a workout just getting around!
And then the spa! Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna… I was ready to be pampered. I booked a Body scrub and a massage (which, let’s be honest, is code for "I need a nap"). The scrub was… aggressively exfoliating, let’s just say. And the massage, bless her heart, the masseuse wasn't bad, but she felt a little… off. I'm not sure I could fully relax. The Fitness center was decent, and I even saw a foot bath option!
Cleanliness and Safety – The Reign of Sanitize (and My Slight Paranoia)
Okay, let's be real, the post-COVID world is a lot. I was definitely looking for reassurance. They REALLY went all-in here. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options (which, honestly, felt mildly depressing after a while), Rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff seemed well-versed in their safety protocol, and even had professional-grade sanitizing services. Fine… I felt safer, But, it felt like I was in a sterile spaceship more than a luxurious retreat.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Gastronomic Journey (of Mild Disappointment)
I've already touched on the restaurants, but let's dig deeper into the dining options. Breakfast [buffet] was… there. But it was crowded, chaotic, and the coffee tasted like it had been brewing since the dawn of time. Breakfast takeaway service? Bless their hearts. Useful but not exactly memorable. Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver, though!
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things (That Can Make or Break You)
They had a ton of services. Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, the works. The doorman was always lovely. Cash withdrawal? Check. Luggage storage? Naturally. Food delivery? Yep.
But the little things? I ran out of coffee pods (tragic, I know) and it took hours to get more. Also: Ironing service was mentioned, but they still charged for it… Like, can't a weary traveler just get a wrinkle-free shirt without forking over an extra fee?
For the Kids – The Mini-Human Zone (or, The Sound of Screaming With Delight)
Family/child friendly… that's what they said. And they really tried, with babysitting service, kids facilities, and a kids meal option. But honestly? This place seemed more geared toward business travelers and… the ultra-wealthy. I didn't notice any children.
Available in All Rooms – The Comfort Zone (or, The Things That Make Me Grumpy)
Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub (yes!), Bathrobes (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), Blackout curtains (essential for sleeping off a terrible massage), Coffee/tea maker (a lifesaver, assuming you can get the pods), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, Safe box, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Shower, Toiletries, Towels, Wi-Fi [free], and a window that opens. All there. Hallelujah.
BUT. My room had… an issue with the plumbing. Not fun. My shower pressure did not work, AND my shower was a stand-up, I wanted a bath!
Getting Around – A Taxi, Please (and A Prayer). Also, the Parking
They had Airport transfer, which was a total godsend after the hellish flight. Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] – both a big plus, though the walk to the building was ridiculous. The taxi service was available, I didn't take it.
In Conclusion (and My Final, Rambling Thoughts)
Was it awful? No. Was it perfect? Absolutely not. It was… a place. A place with some serious flaws, and a whole lot of things that made me sigh. I can't recommend it wholeheartedly. But would I stay again? I don't know. Maybe if I absolutely had to, and they promised to fix that damn shower. And maybe, just maybe, give me a decent mojito next time. Or at least a free one, after all I went through!
Final Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. Good for basic needs, but not much more. The promise was higher than the reality.
Sunset Inn Costa Mesa: Your Dreamy OC Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the swirling vortex that is… a trip to the Calgary airport, staying at the Days Inn. Sounds glamorous, right? Think less "luxe getaway," more "surviving a layover with a slightly stale continental breakfast." Here we go:
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Airport Hotels
1:00 PM - Arrive at Calgary International Airport (YYC). Okay, first impressions: it's an airport. Airports are airports. Crowded, smells faintly of jet fuel and desperation. My flight was almost on time, which is a small victory in the grand scheme of things, like winning the lottery, but only if the lottery ticket was for… a stale croissant.
1:30 PM - Shuttle to Days Inn Calgary Airport. The shuttle driver… bless his heart, looked like he'd seen some things. Maybe he was a taxi driver from the Twilight Zone. Anyway, the drive was uneventful, which is exactly what I wanted. I needed uneventful. My soul was already feeling the strain of travel.
2:00 PM - Check-in & Room Inspection. Okay, the room. Standard Days Inn fare. Clean-ish. The bed… Well, it looked like a bed. I'm not sure about the mattress, but then again, I don't expect much from a hotel bed. It's really just a placeholder until I get to my bed. The bathroom? Functional. Let's just say I wouldn’t eat off the floor… but, you know, I could eat a sandwich there if I had to. And the TV? Basic cable. Perfect for losing myself in mindless daytime TV… or, more realistically, trying to connect to the wifi, which of course is a pain in the rear end.
2:30 PM - The Great Wifi Struggle. Seriously! Why is hotel wifi always so terrible? I swear, my grandma’s dial-up modem from the 90s had a faster connection. Twenty minutes of me fruitlessly battling the hotel's wifi before I finally gave up and accepted my fate. This is going to be a problem! The internet is an essential part of our life nowadays and I'm going to need it.
3:00 PM - The Dread of Alone Time. With nothing but the TV and a potential connection to the outside world (if any), it was time to face the music, alone, and I'm not gonna lie, it's a bit weird being in a hotel room by myself. I can't quite put my finger on why. Maybe it's because hotels are designed for fleeting moments, like a holding pen for travellers before the long haul. It's the kind of feeling that creeps in when you start wondering why are you here.
4:00 PM - The Vending Machine Encounter. Snack time!! Headed to the vending machine, which was, thankfully, in the hallway, close to my room. I swear, the selection in these things is worse than the selection in the hotel's complimentary continental breakfast. Settled for a bag of chips. At this point, anything will do.
5:00 PM - Dinner Quest. There's a restaurant in the hotel, but I've heard mixed reviews. The nearby restaurants are mostly chain restaurants. I guess I have to choose between the options.
6:00 PM - Meal Since the option is limited, it was better than nothing. I'm not a picky eater, but the entire experience was a bit of a blur. I'm not sure I'll remember the food in a few hours.
7:00 PM - The Rest of the Night. I'm pretty sure I spent most of the night watching TV, checking my phone, looking out the window and trying to sleep.
Day 2: Farewell and the Promise of Real Beds
7:00 AM - Continental Breakfast Roulette. Okay, the dreaded continental breakfast. I braced myself. The usual suspects: stale bagels, questionable muffins, weak coffee, and the eternal mystery of "what exactly is this fruit salad made of?" I loaded up on coffee and tried to approach with a "fake it 'til you make it" attitude. It was a disaster, so I just grabbed some cereal.
8:00 AM - Departure. Time to embrace the real world and the promise of my bed. The shuttle came on time, which was a pleasant surprise. Airport, here I come.
8:30 AM - Airport Check-in. Airport time. Crowded, smelly, stress-inducing, but in a familiar way.
And that, folks, is my Days Inn Calgary Airport tale. Messy? Yes. Honest? Absolutely. Would I stay there again? Probably. Necessity, you know? But next time, I'm bringing my own coffee, my own snacks, and a whole lotta patience.
Escape to Atlanta: Stockbridge's BEST Microtel Inn & Suites Deal!
So, what even *is* this whole "FAQ" thing meant to be about? I think I'm lost already.
Ah, a good question to kick things off! Honestly? I'm not 100% sure. Supposedly, it's about answering Frequently Asked Questions. But *my* FAQ? It's more a stream-of-consciousness meander through the things that have been bouncing around in my head lately. Think of it like a mental confetti explosion, a bit messy but hopefully with a few shiny bits you can pick up.
Okay, you’ve got my attention… somewhat. What’s the *point* of this particular FAQ?
The point? Honestly, the point is a moving target. Mostly, it's for me. To just *get it out*. To stop the incessant chatter in my brain. But if you, dear reader (does anyone *actually* read these?), accidentally find something relatable, a flicker of agreement, or perhaps a good, hearty laugh at my expense? Well, that's just a bonus, isn't it? And really, isn't everything a bonus if you look at it right?
Are you going to stick to one topic, or just blather on about... anything? (Please say the latter.)
Oh, absolutely, I'm going to blather. Prepare yourself. One minute we might be talking about the existential dread of choosing a cereal. The next, it's that awkward moment I tripped in front of the entire coffee shop. The *next*? Well, that's the fun, isn't it? Pure, unadulterated chaos. (Don't tell my therapist I said that.)
What's the deal with "stream of consciousness" exactly? Should I be worried about your mental state?
Stream of consciousness? Think of it like this: my brain is that water cooler in the office. All the thoughts, anxieties, random musings... they're all just, *dumped* in there. Then, occasionally, I pull something out and try to make it sound slightly coherent. As for my mental state...let's just say I'm...*introspective*. And let's leave it at that, shall we? You’ve probably got your own stuff going on, right?
Fine, let's get to it then. What's the *most* embarrassing thing that's happened to you recently? (Don’t hold back!)
Oh, *lord*. Okay, deep breath. This just happened, like, *last week*. I was at this fancy-schmancy gallery opening. You know, the kind where everyone's wearing black turtlenecks and talking about, like, *'the inherent deconstruction of the post-modern condition' or whatever*. And I, being me, had on… jeans. And a slightly stained band t-shirt. Not my finest moment clothing-wise, but the mortification? That came later.
So, I'm awkwardly trying to navigate the canapés (those mini-quiches? Evil things), when I see this woman. Exquisite. She had this *hair* that just *defied* gravity. And I thought, 'Wow, she's got the *look*'. I decide, in my infinite wisdom, to approach. I think, "Hey, I’m gonna be cool and casual, maybe make a witty remark about the artist’s use of… dots or something." As I get closer, I *trip*. Right over, nothing. Flat on my face. With the mini-quiche in hand.
Here's the kicker: the mini-quiche? Landed, *perfectly*, on the woman's perfectly coiffed hair. Like a tiny, savory hat. Silence. Mortified, I stammer out a series of apologies. The woman, to her credit, was incredibly gracious. But the image? Still haunts my dreams. I'm pretty sure I saw her later in a video and she was giggling as if it was the best moment of her life. Which, honestly, maybe it was. I'm still cringing about *that* too. I mean, it’s either laugh or cry, right?
What's your biggest regret? (Don't say "the mini-quiche incident"!)
Okay, okay, besides the quiche-capades... hmm. Regret... The big one, I think, is not taking enough chances when I was younger. I mean, I had this half-baked idea for a [insert vague, unfulfilled aspiration here]. Never did anything with it. Just let it...poof...fade away. Now, I’m older (and, let’s face it, a bit more jaded about the whole concept). It was stupid. I should've just *tried*. Ugh, it really bugs me.
What's something you absolutely love? (Besides, you know, avoiding mini-quiches).
Oh, that’s easy. Sunshine. Specifically, the kind that streams through a window in the morning, making the dust motes dance. And coffee. A *really* good cup of coffee. And… cats. I could talk about cats all day. The way they knead, the way they purr, the sheer *sass* of it all. (I have a cat. Her name is Mittens. She judges me constantly.) And, if I'm being completely honest, a good book. Yes. A good book can save the world, I tell you!
Do you ever feel... overwhelmed? (Be honest.)
Overwhelmed? Does a bear…you know. YES. Absolutely. All the time. The world is a relentless barrage of information, expectations, and… well, everything. Sometimes, I just want to crawl under a blanket with Mittens and never come out. But then I remember there’s coffee, and books to be read, and the joy of… (Oh my god, I need another coffee break!). I'm not sure how to cope. If anyone has any concrete tips other than "take things one day at a time" or, you know, meditation, please, send them my way.
What keeps you going? What's the point, even?
Ah, *the big oneHotel Search Trek
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