Escape to Big Rapids: Your Dream Stay at Country Inn & Suites!
Escape to Big Rapids: My Chaotic Dream Stay at Country Inn & Suites! (Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Oatmeal Station)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at the Country Inn & Suites in Big Rapids, and let me tell you, it was a ride. Not a boring, cookie-cutter hotel review ride, but a rollercoaster of accessibility triumphs, buffet battles, and a surprising level of… well, chaos. (In a good way, mostly!)
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- Keywords: Country Inn & Suites Big Rapids, Hotel Review, Accessibility, Wheelchair Access, Free Wi-Fi, Pool, Breakfast, Spa, Big Rapids Michigan, Family Friendly Hotel, Non-Smoking Rooms, Meeting Facilities, Business Travel, Pet-Friendly (Sort of!), Cleanliness, Safety, Covid-19 Protocols.
- Description: A brutally honest and hilarious review of the Country Inn & Suites in Big Rapids, Michigan. Covering everything from accessibility and the (sometimes surprising) breakfast situation to the cleanliness protocols and the general vibe. Is it your dream stay? Maybe. Probably. Okay, definitely, if you like free cookies.
- Category: Hotels, Travel, Reviews
The Arrival: Accessibility & First Impressions (and a Moment of Panic)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and thankfully, the Country Inn & Suites actually got it. Wheelchair accessible? Check! Ramps? Plenty. Elevators? Smooth sailing. The common areas felt open and easy to navigate, which is a massive relief. The front desk staff… bless their cotton socks… were genuinely helpful. A small, and honestly, charming detail? The lobby had a subtle scent of… clean. Not that chemical-overload fake-fresh, but a genuine, welcoming smell. (5/5 for Accessibility).
However… I did have a minor moment of panic after the drive. My usual pre-check-in strategy involves downing a Monster Energy and forgetting my car keys in a public library. I was a bit late to Big Rapids and, tired, was expecting a straight forward experience.
Rooms/Amenities: My Castle (with Complimentary Cookies!)
My room? Available in all rooms, was clean, (more about that later), and the air conditioning worked like a CHAMP. Free Wi-Fi – in all rooms! – was reliable enough for my Zoom calls (essential, let's be honest). The bed was comfortable, a good king-sized one. Extra-long bed? I didn’t notice but appreciated the space. The blackout curtains were amazing. Coffee/tea maker, refrigerator, in-room safe box – all the essentials. I managed to find the desk and used it for my laptop (laptop workspace). The bathroom was, well, functional. Separate shower/bathtub (fancy!), and they even had slippers! (I'm a slipper fiend, so brownie points there). Bathrobes, a mirror, and hairdryer were welcome additions as well.
Room Observations
There were a few things I needed to get an understanding after the drive, particularly after such a late arrival. The alarm clock (a classic) was not an LED but an older one that still worked, but needed to be set or reset. The extra toilet was a nice touch. The room was soundproof, as I couldn't hear anything in my room. The smoke alarm was of course a staple. Socket near the bed allowed easy charging.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Post-COVID Reality Check.
Now, let's talk about the elephant (or, you know, germ) in the room: Cleanliness and safety. They're taking things seriously, which is a huge relief. Anti-viral cleaning products are being used, and there were signs everywhere about their sanitation efforts. Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol? Yep, all present and accounted for. The hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. However, and this is a TINY nitpick, there were slightly fewer individually-wrapped food options at the breakfast (which I'll get to) than I’ve seen elsewhere making the experience a bit less "touchy". I also wasn't sure about the room sanitization opt-out but I didn't care because the place felt clean. (4.5/5 for Safety)
Dining, Drinking, and the Buffet of Dreams (and Disasters):
Okay, let's get real. The breakfast [buffet] is the heart of the Country Inn & Suites experience. And it’s… well, it’s a process. Picture this: a sprawling expanse of breakfast foods. The Asian breakfast offerings were surprisingly delicious. The Western breakfast staples felt solid. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was surprisingly decent. I didn’t check for a vegetarian restaurant, but there was certainly salad in the restaurant.
My moment of truth? The oatmeal station. I'm obsessed with oatmeal. I love it. I live on it during travel. Now this oatmeal station… it was like a choose-your-own-adventure novel. You had your instant oatmeal cups, your add-ins, and of course, your coffee. The variety of toppings? Pure chaos. I swear, I spent a solid 15 minutes hemming and hawing over which sprinkle mix to select I'M NOT EVEN KIDDING. The breakfast takeaway service made it a bit easier.
The Pool, the Sauna and the Spa (or My Attempt at Relaxation):
There's a swimming pool (indoor, thankfully), and the thought of a pool with a view got me excited. I did not see that view. But, again, it was a good pool. I also have to admit, I never actually made it to the sauna or spa, because I felt it would have to be too extra after the oatmeal adventure.
Services and Conveniences: The Ups and Downs
Business Facilities are available, which I really needed, meaning business travellers can easily access resources. The elevator, concierge, doorman, and front desk [24-hour] staff were super helpful, and the daily housekeeping was efficient and unobtrusive.
Meeting/banquet facilities? Yes. Gift/souvenir shop? Of course. Laundry service? You betcha. They even had an outdoor terrace.
The "Meh" Moments:
- Okay, the internet access was generally fine, but I did have a few hiccups at peak times.
- I didn't eat at the restaurants, but the coffee shop seemed fine.
- No bar that I saw.
For the Kids (and the Kid in Me):
The hotel has family-friendly features, with babysitting service available.
Getting Around: Your Own Wheels Needed
Car park [on-site, free of charge]? Check! Taxi service? Didn't need it, but it's available.
The Verdict: Would I Return?
Absolutely. The Country Inn & Suites in Big Rapids isn't a five-star luxury palace. It's more like a genuinely comfortable, friendly, and surprisingly well-equipped home base. It offers a good blend of amenities, accessibility, and a level of cleanliness that put my germaphobe tendencies at ease. I'd stay again and I think that speaks volumes.
Final Score: 4.2/5 Stars. (Minus half a star because I’m still thinking about that oatmeal station.)
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Okay, buckle up buttercups! This isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded travel itinerary. This is going to be… well, it's going to be me. And me, at a Country Inn & Suites in Big Rapids, Michigan? Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster that is… a trip to Big Rapids!
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Big Rapids, MI - The Slightly Less-Than-Perfect Itinerary (and by "slightly" I mean… possibly not at all):
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (aka "Checking In")
- 2:00 PM: ARRIVE. Or attempt to. Let's be real, I'm probably going to be at least 30 minutes late because I'm always late. That whole "leave early so you arrive on time" thing? Yeah, it's a theory, not a reality for me. Sigh. I hope I'm not too late for the complimentary cookies. (Important life goal: get cookies).
- 2:30 PM (ish): Check-in. This is where the magic begins. Will the front desk person be having a bad day? Will I accidentally reveal I'm a slob with my luggage? Will there be a slight whiff of chlorine from the indoor pool I never plan to use? These are the important questions.
- 2:45 PM (if the cookie situation is okay): Unpack (mostly). I'll probably throw my stuff haphazardly on the bed, vowing to organize later. "Later" usually means "the night before I leave."
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Perils of Room Exploration. Okay, time to assess the situation. Is the TV a dinosaur? Is the WiFi even functional? (Pray to the internet gods!) I'll probably test the bed with an unauthorized nap, just to make sure it meets my exacting standards (which are, essentially, "doesn't collapse").
- 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner Dilemma. Ah, dinner. Big Rapids. What are the options? Should I go "local"? Chain restaurants? The hotel restaurant (if there is one? Does anyone actually eat in hotel restaurants?). I'll probably spend an hour scrolling through Google Maps, agonizing over every review. I'm a chronic over-thinker; I often end up eating something I could've gotten anywhere, anywhere.
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: The Evening of Procrastination, Big Rapids Version. This is where the "vacation" part gets real. Will I finally read that book I brought? Probably not. Will I watch trashy TV? Almost certainly. Will I feel a creeping sense of existential dread about the purpose of my life? Potentially. (It's a travel tradition). Maybe I’ll try the pool. Probably not. But I'll consider it.
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Snack Attack and Sleep. The snack situation is crucial. Chips? Chocolate? Maybe a healthy option? The options are endless, the possibilities breathtaking. Then, finally, bed. Pray for a good night's sleep, because tomorrow is going to be another day in Big Rapids.
Day 2: Big Rapids Adventures (or, "Trying to Find Something To Do")
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Free Breakfast Gambit. This is the moment of truth. Is the waffle maker broken? Are the eggs rubbery? Will there be enough (or any) bacon? This is life or death. I will load up a plate like I'm preparing for a famine. Honestly, "complimentary breakfast" is my love language.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Planning (or rather, pretending to plan). Okay, what am I actually doing today? I'll probably stare at a Big Rapids tourist brochure, feeling a little lost. Maybe I'll look for "quirky" local attractions. I mean, what constitutes "quirky" here? A giant ball of twine? A shop that only sells rubber chickens? (Okay, that would be pretty great).
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Exploring (or, "Wandering Aimlessly"). So, the plan is… to go somewhere! Maybe. I'll drive around Big Rapids, trying to look like I know where I'm going. Probably I'll just end up at the mall. And maybe I'll actually do some shopping. That's the thing about vacation - you never know!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch (again). The eternal search for sustenance.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Day 2 Activity (if I can find one). Maybe I’ll find like a local art gallery? Or a slightly-more-than-slightly sketchy antique shop? That could be fun, right? I kind of wish for the world to offer me something other than the typical tourist traps.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Pool Time and the Unexpected Drama. Okay, let's be honest, I’ll be so tired from my "adventures", I’ll probably actually go back to the hotel. And because I'm a glutton for punishment I might indulge in the indoor pool. If I do, I'll probably discover a minor drama. A screaming kid. An awkward flirting couple. A floating band-aid. It's the randomness of life, baby.
- 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner and Post-Adventure Reflections. Where to refuel? And then, the existential dread returns. Did I enjoy my day? Did I find myself? Probably not. But that's okay! Self-discovery is overrated.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime: Procrastination part 2. Repeat Day 1's evening activities. Except with more guilt this time.
Day 3: The Great Escape (or "Goodbye, Big Rapids, I Hardly Knew You")
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Last Breakfast. Repeat Day 2's breakfast ritual, but with increased desperation for bacon.
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Packing (more like, shoving things into my suitcase). Why do I always bring so much crap?
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Checkout. Hopefully, the front desk person is in a better mood. I'll probably spill coffee on myself. That's just the way my life goes.
- 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: The Final Review. One last look at Big Rapids. Was it amazing? Probably not. Did I survive? Definitely.
- 10:15 AM - Departure. Freedom! Back to the real world. The endless cycle of work, bills, and the agonizing search for a decent cup of coffee (which, let's be honest, Big Rapids might not have provided).
- 10:16 AM: Already thinking about the next trip. This time, maybe somewhere with actual mountains. Or at least, a really, really good burger place.
Postscript:
So that's it. My slightly-less-than-perfect itinerary for a visit to Big Rapids. Will it be glamorous? Probably not. Will it be hilarious? Maybe, if I'm lucky (or, more realistically, if I can laugh at myself, which is a given). Will I find myself? Absolutely not. But I'll have cookies.
Statesville Getaway: Days Inn's Unbeatable Deals Await!
Escape to Big Rapids: Your Dream Stay at Country Inn & Suites! - Um, Maybe? FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, You Have Questions)
Okay, so "Dream Stay"? Is that *really* the vibe at Country Inn & Suites in Big Rapids? I've seen some… things… online.
Alright, let's be brutally honest. "Dream Stay" might be a *touch* aspirational. Look, it's a Country Inn & Suites. Think… reliable. Think… cleanish. Think… probably not Michelin star-caliber. My experience? Well, once, and I swear this is true, I found a rogue Cheerio clinging for dear life to the side of the mini-fridge. Proof of life! So, dream? No. Decent, and a solid base camp for exploring Big Rapids? Probably. Don't set your expectations for a poolside sunset luau or anything.
Is the free breakfast as glorious as the website suggests? I'm talking waffle-shaped nirvana.
The breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. Okay, the waffles *are* involved. And yes, you *can* probably create a slightly misshapen waffle-based monument to your carb-loading prowess. The reality? It’s a bustling buffet. Expect the usual suspects: scrambled eggs (texture varies wildly), sausage links (questionable provenance), the aforementioned waffles (potentially glorious, depending on your batter-to-syrup ratio), fruit that's seen better days (maybe), and the omnipresent, slightly stale-smelling coffee. It’s functional fuel, people. Don't expect breakfast at the Ritz. I swear, I saw a kid wearing a waffle on his head once. Memorable, certainly.
Is the pool worth braving? I’m a germaphobe, and chlorine is my nemesis.
The pool... hmm. Okay, I'm gonna be straight with you. Pools at hotels like this can be… dicey. Consider it a liquid petri dish with added chlorine. The kids? They *love* it. Loud splashing, shrieking, the whole shebang. The adults? They're usually huddled on the edges, nervously eyeing the water. I’m not going to lie, on my last stay, there was a *suspicious* looking inflatable dinosaur. And the air was thick with the aroma of… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly ocean breeze. If you *must* swim, bring your own goggles, a hazmat suit, and a healthy dose of optimism. Maybe wipe down the lounge chairs. Just saying.
The reviews mention something about the rooms being "dated." Is that code for "creepy?"
Dated? Oh honey, let me tell you about *dated*. Think… avocado green. Think… floral wallpaper that’s been peeling since the Carter administration. Think… questionable lighting fixtures that might flicker at any given moment. Creepy? Potentially. Especially at night when the shadows get long and the air conditioning hums a mournful tune. Honestly, the place *does* kind of feel like it's living in a time capsule. I've always wanted to have a room with an actual rotary dial phone. *Maybe* I am being a little dramatic, but pack a flashlight and a strong sense of humor. And maybe don’t watch scary movies the night before. Just a suggestion.
Are there any redeeming qualities, besides the generally affordable price?
Okay, okay, let's be fair. It's not all doom and gloom! The staff? Generally pretty friendly and trying their best. The location, depending on your Big Rapids goals, is actually quite convenient. Plus, the price is usually right. And sometimes, and I mean *sometimes*, you can snag a room with a really beautiful view of… a parking lot. But, hey, people-watching is free! Oh and let us not forget the convenience store adjacent to the lobby makes for a terrific late night snack raid. You know, for when you are afraid to go outside. And hey, a roof over your head during a Michigan winter is always welcome, right?
Seriously, what’s the *best* thing about staying here? Be honest!
Alright, honest time. The *best* thing about the Big Rapids Country Inn & Suites? It's… a starting point. It’s a place to rest your weary head after a day of exploring (or enduring) Big Rapids. It's the launching pad for your adventures. For me, it was a weekend of catching up with an old friend. The memories, the laughter, the shared stories – *that’s* what matters. The hotel? It's just a backdrop. A slightly faded, slightly quirky, potentially Cheerio-infested backdrop, yes. But a backdrop nonetheless. Embrace the imperfections. Find the humor. Make your own "dream stay." And bring some extra snacks, just in case.
Okay, one final question: Would you stay there again?
Hmm. Honestly? Yeah, probably. Because, where else are you going to go that’s affordable, somewhat clean, and close to everything in town? I am not in a place to put my life at risk for a hotel. I'm not an adventure person. And in the grand scheme of things, a slightly dated hotel room is a small price to pay for a weekend getaway with a friend and a good hearty breakfast to make you feel bad about yourself for the rest of the day. So, yes. I’d stay there again. But I'm packing earplugs. And hand sanitizer. And maybe a hazmat suit. Just kidding! (Mostly.)
Is the Wi-Fi acceptable, or am I going to be tearing my hair out trying to connect?
The Wi-Fi… Ah yes, the digital battlefield! It’s a gamble. Sometimes it's smooth sailing, you're streaming Netflix, and life is grand. Other times? It’s a dial-up nostalgia trip. You'll be lucky to load a basic webpage. There's a chance you'll be staring at a spinning wheel of death more often than not. I’d recommend downloading anything crucial *before* your arrival, or be prepared to channel your inner zen master and practice extreme patience. And maybe bring a book. Just in case. Because you *will* need it.
What about the noise? Thin walls, loud neighbors?
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