Traverse City Getaway: Unwind at the Stunning Country Inn & Suites!
Traverse City Getaway: Country Inn & Suites - My Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Review!
Okay, folks, let's dive headfirst into my recent escape to Traverse City, Michigan. I stayed at the Country Inn & Suites, and honestly, the name alone promised exactly what I needed: a chill, country vibe. And let me tell you, after the week I'd had, I was practically craving that! This isn't your perfectly polished travel blog, mind you. This is the real, slightly-disorganized deal, complete with my genuine thoughts (and occasional rants) about my stay.
First Impressions & Accessibility – The Good, the Quirky, and the "Hmm…"
Pulling up, the Country Inn & Suites definitely looked the part. That classic, welcoming exterior… You know the one! The signage was clear, and the parking situation? Awesome! (More on free parking later - a HUGE win in my book!). Now, for accessibility, which, let’s be real, is super important these days. The hotel itself seemed pretty good on paper: They touted wheelchair accessibility throughout, and that's a massive plus. The elevators were there, and the general flow seemed easy enough. But I didn't personally need those features, so I can't vouch for the nitty grainy details from a first-person perspective. I'm taking their word for it, and hoping that those who need it, gave it a fair go, based on their own needs!
The check-in/out process was supposedly contactless (another win in my book). No fumbling around with pens shared by 50 strangers? Score! Actually, it was… efficient, let's put it that way. It felt a bit hurried, a little… detached. Not a big deal, but it could’ve used a bit of friendly chit-chat. Maybe a teensy bit of the "Welcome to Traverse City!" vibe, you know? But hey, they had a 24-hour front desk, which is always comforting.
The Room: My Sanctuary… or Just a Room?
My digs? A perfectly adequate room. Clean, which is the most important box to check post-pandemic, I'd say. The essentials were there: Air conditioning, a desk, a decent bed (thank goodness for that!), and even a tiny refrigerator (important for keeping my emergency stash of snacks!). They had some of the perks like bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary water.
Oh, and the blackout curtains? Absolute MVP. The sunrises in Michigan can be relentless! I appreciate that.
The Amenities! (Let's Get This Right!)
Alright, let's get to the fun stuff. The pool. Now, the swimming pool (outdoor) was a highlight. But, well, it wasn't a pool with a view like the description touted. It was more… next to the parking lot. But, it was refreshing after a day exploring Traverse City, especially with that hot sun, and that's what counts! It got the job done.
They boasted a fitness center, which I intended to use. Keyword: intended. I looked, I peeked, but ultimately I’m me. It was there though, so that's something, right?
And the Spa/sauna, that sounds relaxing!
The Food & Beverage Situation – A Rollercoaster, Honestly.
Okay, this is where things got interesting. Breakfast. Listed as Breakfast [buffet] plus Asian breakfast - a combo! - but it wasn't exactly a culinary masterpiece. It was breakfast takeaway service for many items. The buffet in restaurant could have been a whole lot better in terms of quality.
There was a coffee shop, and that was a godsend! That coffee was the friend I needed. Some of the food, looked like it had been sitting out for a minute, but hey, it's a buffet, what can you do?
They had a bar – which I did not partake in, but it was there. Maybe next time. And, a poolside bar (but remember the pool location).
The "Things to Do" – Beyond the Hotel Walls
Traverse City, itself, is a gem. The hotel provided a solid base for exploring. The city's lake is ridiculously beautiful – I spent a whole afternoon just staring at it, lost in thought. They had indoor venue for special events which might have been cute. Traverse City is a foodie paradise, and I took advantage of the restaurants downtown.
Cleanliness & Safety – The Pandemic-Era Reality
Let's be clear: I'm slightly obsessed with cleanliness these days. And the Country Inn & Suites delivered in this respect. The anti-viral cleaning products and the professional-grade sanitizing services were super reassuring. I saw staff members frequently sanitizing common areas and lots of hand sanitizer stations. They also had individually-wrapped food options, which I appreciated. Bonus points for the room sanitization opt-out available.
The Little Things (That Make a Difference)
- The free Wi-Fi in all rooms? A massive win! Essential. Can't live without it.
- Daily housekeeping – appreciated, even if I often just said "No, thanks" just to get some peace and quiet.
- The convenience store came in handy for grabbing forgotten essentials and more snacks.
Final Verdict – The Verdict Is… Ambiguous!
Look, the Country Inn & Suites isn't a luxury resort. But it's a comfortable, clean, and convenient place to stay while exploring Traverse City. It delivered on the key promises: a good night's sleep, a clean room, and a decent starting point for the day. There's room for improvement in the food department, and maybe a bit more warmth at check-in. But overall? I'd recommend it, especially if you're after a solid, reliable basecamp for your Traverse City adventures. It's not perfect, but it's perfectly decent.
**Le Méridien Washington, D.C.: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits (Madison Hotel Review)**
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're talking Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Traverse City, MI – the alleged heart of Northern Michigan adventure – and I'm about to unleash my inner travel goblin. Expect some chaos, some questionable decision-making, and a whole lotta love (and maybe a little hate) for the cherry capital. Let's get this show on the road… or rather, the schedule!
Day 1: Arrival, Expectations vs. Reality, and the Great Cherry Pit Spit-Off (Almost)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival & Check-in: Alright, first impressions… the Country Inn is… well, it's a Country Inn. It smells faintly of chlorine and lukewarm coffee, a scent I'm beginning to associate with "travel." The lobby is clean, okay? That's a plus. The lady at the desk is aggressively friendly. "WELCOME TO TRAVERSE CITY!" she booms. I smile weakly. I'm picturing crystal-clear lake, charming boutiques, and artisanal everything. Fingers crossed.
- 1:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance: My room? Perfectly… adequate. The bedspread looks like it was plucked from a time capsule circa 1998. But hey, it's clean(ish). I've seen worse. (Shudders, recalling that backpacking hostel in Prague…) Now, if I can just figure out how the hell the TV remote works…
- 2:00 PM - First Cherry Encounter (Attempt): Okay, plan was to hit up a local cherry orchard. Apparently, I hadn't accounted for Michigan-level pre-season madness. Every orchard I called was either closed or booked solid. Fine. We’ll pivot. Drive-by glimpse of a cherry farm. Not a bad start, I'm just sayin.
- 3:00 PM - Downtown Traverse City Wanderings… and a Near-Disaster: Downtown is… cute. Very cute. Too cute, perhaps? The storefronts are adorable, and the air smells of fudge and lake. I almost bought a ridiculously overpriced cherry-flavored anything (I resisted.) I spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to take a "candid" photo by the water. (Spoiler alert: I’m terrible at candid.) Then, I tripped on a rogue cobblestone and nearly face-planted into a gelato shop. That would've been a bad start. Good thing I've survived.
- 4:00 PM - Pre-Dinner Indulgence (and Regret): I saw a sign for "The Cherry Pit Spit-Off Championship." It was, sadly, a distant memory, but the little souvenir shop had a cherry-covered everything bar. It was too tempting. Got a cherry soda. Got a cherry-covered chocolate. Finished it all in two bites. Regret. Immediately. My teeth are now stained a horrifying shade of red.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at… The Blue Tractor Cook Shop (Hoping for Redemption): This place had great reviews. I ordered the mac and cheese. Solid. Not mind-blowing, but solid. At least the beer was cold. The waitress had a great laugh. Gave me some tips for the next day. Maybe this trip wouldn't be a total disaster after all.
- 8:00 PM - Evening Wind-Down… or Attempt Thereof (The Eternal Struggle): Back at the room. The TV remote still defies me. I scrolled… and scrolled. I can't find anything to watch. Eventually, I gave up and opted for a book, but only after spending an hour looking for a USB outlet and failing. The struggle is real, people. The struggle is real.
Day 2: Lakes, Lattes, and a Lesson in Humility
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast at the Country Inn (The Great American Staple): The "free" breakfast. You know the drill. Waffles that taste suspiciously of cardboard. Questionable fruit. But hey, they have coffee, and that's all that really matters at this point.
- 8:00 AM - Mission: Find the Damn Lake (and Maybe Some Sanity): I'm a city dweller. The lure of the lake is powerful. I needed water. I took a drive. I missed my turn. I got lost. I felt a little silly. Finally, I found a beach and just… stood there. The water was clear. The sky was blue. It was… nice.
- 9:30 AM - Coffee and Contemplation (Fueling the Procrastination): Found a local coffee shop. (Victory!) Strong coffee. Sat outside, watched people. Absorbing the "Traverse City Vibe." I felt a bit more hopeful that I didn't completely wreck my trip.
- **11:00 AM - *Mission: Climb Sleeping Bear Dune (My Personal Everest)*: I’d heard about climbing the Sleeping Bear Dunes. They looked… daunting, but I’d seen pictures. I imagined myself, triumphant, at the top. I pictured myself, maybe, slightly winded, but still, a conqueror. I drove to the park. Saw the sand. Saw the *height.* I thought, "This is going to be easy." *Reader, it was not.* We reached the top. Took a while. I'm fairly certain I aged about five years during the climb. Sweating. Gasping. Questioning all life choices. But the view… Oh. My. God. The view. Breathtaking. Absolutely stunning. I kind of felt like the king of the world, at the edge of the sand. However, my knees felt it. Going down? Even more treacherous. After an age of slipping and sliding, I felt a sense of relief. Then I saw the trail, and had to make my way to the car. I was completely exhausted. I need a nap.
- 3:00 PM - Lunch, Finally: Reward myself with a greasy burger. I earned it.
- 4:00 PM - Retail Therapy (the Only Therapy That Works): Some local shops. Bought a ridiculous t-shirt. No regrets.
- 6:00 PM - Sunset at the Beach (Redemption Achieved): Back to the water. More peace. Beautiful sunset. Traverse City, you’ve come through. I forgive you for the cobblestones.
- 8:00 PM - Dinner at… Mama Lu's… (Tacos and Triumphs): This place had been highly recommended. Amazing tacos. Amazing margaritas. I’m starting to feel like I actually understand the hype. Plus, the servers were helpful. Highly recommend tacos.
- 9:00 PM - Back to the Room (Collapse Mode): The usual routine. Watch bad TV. Pass out. Bliss.
Day 3: Departure and the Lingering Taste of Cherries
- 7:00 AM - Another Breakfast, Another Waffle (Acceptance): The waffles are growing on me, actually. Maybe it’s Stockholm Syndrome.
- 8:00 AM - Rapid-Fire Shopping (and a final cherry souvenir): One last swing through the shops for that perfect fridge magnet (found it).
- 9:00 AM - Check-out (bitter-sweet): Goodbye, Country Inn. It’s been real. And by “real,” I mean… well, you get the idea.
- 10:00 AM - Final Cherry (or Attempt Thereof): One last attempt to find fresh cherries. Success! I bought enough to make a pie.
- 11:00 AM - Head Home. Reflections and the Future: I had a great time.
- 12:00 PM - Back to being normal again (sort of): Next trip!
Final Thoughts:
Traverse City, you were a mixed bag. But the beauty, the food, the… well, the vibe… it all kind of got to me. I survived the Dunes. I found a genuine appreciation for the simple beauty. And yeah, I'll probably come back, someday. (Once my legs recover.) Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a cherry pie to… well, attempt. Wish me luck!
Houston Galleria Escape: TownePlace Suites Luxury Awaits!
Traverse City Getaway: Country Inn & Suites - The Unvarnished Truth (and Some Wine)
Okay, Real Talk: Is this Country Inn & Suites REALLY all sunshine and rainbows? Because, let's be honest, hotel websites are practically fairytale factories.
The Location, Location, Location! Is it actually *convenient* for all the Traverse City awesomeness people rave about?
Personal Anecdote: Okay, so we went to the beach, right? Beautiful, perfect weather. We spent literal *hours* building sandcastles. Toddler heaven. Except… he stepped on a crab. Screaming ensued. Meltdown level: eleven. We were able to hop in the car, race back to the hotel (which was, again, conveniently close), and have him calmed down and happily splashing in the indoor pool within *minutes*. That, my friends, is priceless. Priceless! Totally worth the slightly less-than-direct downtown access.
The room itself. Spill the tea, or the Pinot Noir. Is it actually *clean*? Is the bed comfy? Because I'm a princess (or a person who desperately needs sleep).
**Imperfection Alert:** I did notice, once, a tiny, almost invisible hair in the bathroom. It was a blonde one, and it was... not mine. But, hey, stuff happens. Overall? Solid, clean, and sleep-inducing. Emphasis on the sleep-inducing. That's worth its weight in gold when you're traveling with a child who thinks naptime is a personal insult.
Breakfast. The make-or-break factor for me. Is it the sad continental breakfast special, or is it actually worth waking up for?
What about the other amenities? Pool? Gym? Is there anything *fun* to do at the hotel itself?
Double-down on the Pool: The pool area was a lifesaver. Especially with kids. Rain? No problem! Tired of the beach? Head to the pool! It's a guaranteed way to burn off some energy and tire them out for naptime (ha!). The water was warm, there were plenty of towels, and it was surprisingly well-maintained. My only minor gripe? It could get a *little* echo-y when all the kids are screaming with joy. But hey, noise is part of the territory, right? More importantly, it was safe, clean, and a total win. We practically lived in that pool.
Any downsides? Because nothing is perfect, right? Spill the tea (or the coffee, since we're already caffeinated).
* **The Elevators:** They’re slow. Like, really, *really* slow. Prepare for some serious patience - or a lot of stairs. With a stroller and a suitcase, the stairs become a Herculean feat. * **Noise:** While the walls seemed pretty soundproof, there was some occasional hallway noise. Kids running amok, doors slamming. Nothing major, but if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. * **The Layout:** It’s a bit sprawling, and the hallways are long. Might be a pain if you’re far from the elevator.
But honestly, those are pretty minor complaints. Overall, the downsides were outweighed by the positives. And look, I'm being picky. I'm on vacation! I'mHotel Finder Reviews
Post a Comment for "Traverse City Getaway: Unwind at the Stunning Country Inn & Suites!"