Houghton's Hidden Gem: Unforgettable Stay at Country Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average travel review. We're diving headfirst into the Country Inn & Suites in Houghton, and trust me, it's going to be a bumpy, yet strangely satisfying, ride. I'm talking honest-to-goodness real-life observations, the good, the bad, and the slightly-too-much coffee. Let's get this started, shall we?
Houghton's Hidden Gem: Unforgettable Stay at Country Inn & Suites? (More Like, a Surprisingly Decent Time!)
First off, the name? "Hidden Gem"? That's a bold claim. Houghton isn't exactly known for being the epicenter of the universe, so maybe "Surprisingly Convenient Stopover" is more accurate? Still, I went in with an open mind, ready to be wowed (or at least, mildly entertained).
Accessibility & The All-Important "Can I Actually GET In?" Factor:
Okay, here’s the thing. I am, blessedly, ambulatory. But accessibility is ALWAYS a huge point for me. It's just good manners, people! And Country Inn & Suites? They seemed to give it a decent go. The website mentioned facilities for disabled guests, which is a GREAT start. They did have an elevator (essential!), and I saw ramps around. So, thumbs up on the initial impression. I didn't get a chance to test out a specific disability but it seemed to be a serious aspect of their design. My only gripe? Better signage! Make it obvious and easy to see. No one wants to do a scavenger hunt to find the accessible entrance.
Cleanliness & Safety – We’re in a Post-Pandemic World, Folks:
Let’s be honest, the pandemic shifted our expectations. Clean is no longer good enough. We demand sanitized. And Country Inn & Suites? They tried. I give them a solid "B" here. They mentioned anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays. That's reassuring. I also noticed hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and staff seemed to actually know how to wear masks (unlike some places I’ve been!). I felt pretty safe.
The Room: My Temporary Fortress of Solitude (and Wi-Fi!)
Okay, let's talk about the actual rooms. Available in all rooms? Well, duh! It seems silly to even mention it, but here's a list of what the rooms had.
- Air Conditioning: Check. Essential, especially if you're visiting in summer and the heat decides to pop off.
- Free Wi-Fi: Double-check! And it actually worked! I'm talking fast, reliable Wi-Fi. I could stream, video chat, and avoid actual human interaction (my personal favorite pastime).
- Coffee/Tea Maker: Hallelujah! Instant caffeine gratification first thing in the morning is a non-negotiable.
- Blackout Curtains: Triple-check! Crucial for sleeping in or hiding from the harsh reality of daylight.
- Desk: Check for that urgent email you have to send at 4 AM in the morning.
- Refrigerator: Check! Stored my beverages. Essential.
- Cable TV: Meh. Honestly, I barely turned it on (see Wi-Fi and avoidance of human interaction above).
The bed was comfy, the pillows fluffy, the shower… well, the shower did the job. No complaints. They had a safe box. I didn't use it, but good to know it was there. A decent enough place to crash and recover from all of the fun I was too hungover to handle.
The Internet - The lifeline to the outside world
- Internet Access - Wireless, LAN, Wi-Fi for special events. The internet was fine. It was working. I'm not an expert on the intricacies of internet services, but it worked. I didn't have any problems.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or at least, the Weekend)
Brace yourselves, because this is where things get a little…complicated.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet], breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, coffee/tea in restaurant Listen. The breakfast buffet… was there. It was. Let's just say it wasn't Michelin-star material. But hey, free food is free food, right? They had your standard continental fare: cereal, toast, some sad-looking fruit, and a waffle maker that seemed to have seen better days. The coffee was hot, and that's all that really mattered at 7 am. (Okay, I may have grabbed a fruit or two, it wasn't the worst in the world.)
- Coffee/Tea in the Restaurant: Yes! That was probably the biggest win…for me. I love my coffee, even if I was stuck there for a full hour while my room got cleaned.
- Restaurants: There were, technically, restaurants. But for this review, it seems a little overkill. I ate at the breakfast buffet. I really couldn't review the experience in depth.
Services and Conveniences: The Nice-to-Haves (and the OMG, I Forgot My…)
Okay, let's breeze through these…
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent! My room was always cleaned. Excellent.
- Laundry service: Didn't use it, glad it was there.
- Cash withdrawal: Yup. In case you're old school.
- Concierge: Didn't need it.
- Elevator: Excellent!
- Convenience store: Wasn't there. Sad.
- Car park [free of charge]: Yep, plenty of parking! Not a huge deal for me, but good for the peeps with cars.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - (Let’s Be Realistic, It’s Houghton)
Okay, Houghton isn't exactly the entertainment capital of the world. Let's be clear. But! This place did offer a few things…
- Fitness Center: Did not brave. I like the IDEA of working out. The actual working out? Less appealing. Maybe next time.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Didn't use, it was cold and I hate the cold. Maybe in summer?
- Spa/Sauna: Nope, but good if you're into that sort of thing.
For The Kids: Because They're Here Too (Probably)
- Family/child friendly: Sure. I didn't actually see any kids, but the place seemed child-friendly.
Getting Around: The Transportation Tango
- Car park [free of charge] and Airport Transfer: Free parking, definitely. Airport transfer, that's a big convenience if you're traveling by plane.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (And the Things That Made Me Go “Hmm…”):
Every place has its quirks, right?
- The "Hidden Gem" Paradox: You know what? It's a perfectly fine hotel. But a "hidden gem?" Nah. It's a reliable, comfortable place to stay.
- The Vibe: Neutral. It wasn't particularly charming or memorable. It was…a hotel. Perfectly functional, but not overflowing with personality.
Final Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Yes, actually, I probably would. Especially if I was driving through and needed a decent, clean, conveniently located place to crash. It wasn't amazing, but it was good. And sometimes, "good" is all you need. So, Country Inn & Suites, Houghton. You get a solid "B." And, hey, that's not bad for a place that's not exactly the most talked about in the world. Consider me a mild fan.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Plaza Florida & Tower Irapuato!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to wade knee-deep into a Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Houghton, MI itinerary. This isn't some pristine, perfectly-manicured travelogue. Oh no. This is going to be a glorious, messy, rambling, and utterly human account of my (likely) slightly disastrous trip.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic
Afternoon (Around 2pm): Arrive at Sawyer International Airport (MQT). Okay, so the drive to Houghton is supposed to be pretty, right? I've seen the brochures. Lots of trees. Hopefully, I don't get car sick. My last road trip involved a questionable gas station burrito and a near-disaster involving a rogue bag of chips. Fingers crossed for smooth sailing.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4pm-ish): Check in at Country Inn & Suites. My expectations are… moderate. I'm hoping for a clean bed, a working TV, and maybe, just maybe, a complimentary cookie. Don't fail me, Radisson!
- Anecdote: Last time I went to a "nice" hotel, they gave me the key to a room that was already occupied. I swear, the look on that couple's face was a mix of "absolute horror" and "mild amusement." Hopefully, I won't get "that" room.
Evening(6pm) : The first hurdle: finding a decent dinner in Houghton. I'm already imagining myself wandering the eerily empty streets.
Quirky Observation: I'm oddly obsessed with ordering the wrong thing when I'm stressed. So, the odds of me accidentally having a deep-fried cheese curds and beer for dinner are incredibly high. Send help.
Emotional Reaction: Is it just me, or does "upper peninsula" sound a little… lonely? What if there's nothing to do? What if I get lost? I need a stiff drink (once I find a bar, that is).
Dinner:* I'm at the Library Restaurant. The atmosphere is, well, a little underwhelming, despite its 4-star rating. The food is actually, good, I am surprised at how good the fish is.
Night (9 pm): Back to the hotel. Unpack, probably. Wrestle with the TV remote. Maybe, just maybe, I'll attempt to use the fitness center. Highly doubtful.
- Rambles: Honestly, the thought of a fitness center after a full day of travel makes me want to crawl into a hole. I'm more of a "Netflix and sweatpants" kind of person. But who knows, maybe I'll get inspired. The only thing I'm certain of is how sleepy I am.
Day 2: Exploring the UP & Emotional Rollercoaster
Morning (9 am, if I wake up): FREE BREAKFAST! This is a huge win. I'm praying for waffles. Lots and lots of waffles. And coffee, strong enough to stand a spoon in.
- Emotional Reaction: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should be a religious experience. Failure to have a decent breakfast is a sign of a bad start, a bad life even.
Morning/Afternoon (10 am - 2 pm): Tours and Exploring Houghton. Let's face it, I'm not a big fan of "structured" tourism. I prefer to wander aimlessly, stumble upon interesting things, and get delightfully lost. That's the plan. I'll try to visit the:
Quincy Mine: This is the BIG one. Everyone raves about it. I hope it's not too claustrophobic. I picture myself getting lost at the bottom of a mine shaft.
Houghton Waterfront: Supposed to be pretty. Maybe take a stroll, people watch, and contemplate the meaning of life. Or at least the meaning of my rapidly depleting bank account.
Afternoon (2 pm - 5 pm): Exploring the UP
- Ancillary consideration: Find some pasties! It's a must, I have to try one. Seriously, if I don't eat a pasty, did I even go to the UP?
Evening (6 pm): Dinner. Considering a casual spot, something local. Hopefully, I'll have successfully navigated the day without any major meltdowns.
- Stream-of-consciousness: Okay, this is where things get REALLY messy. Imagine the Quincy Mine tour. The guide is talking about the history, and it's fascinating. But, also… claustrophobic. The air feels thick. It's dark. I'm trying to be brave, but I'm secretly picturing a collapse. My heart is pounding. I start fixating on the thought of being trapped underground. I clutch my water bottle. I start fantasizing about a phone signal. I want to go out. All I want to do is go out. And breathe. The guide tells a joke, and I manage a weak smile, but my brain is already spinning.
If I make it through the mine without a full-blown panic attack, I'm going to consider that a major victory.
Night (8 pm - onwards): Collapse into bed. Watch TV (hopefully, with a working remote). Decide if I'll attempt the fitness center tomorrow. Probably not.
Day 3: Departure & Post-Trip Trauma (Maybe)
Morning (9 am): Repeat of Day 2's breakfast ritual. Savor the waffles.
Morning (10 am - 12 pm): One last stroll/drive around Houghton. Maybe pick up a souvenir (preferably not another "I got lost" t-shirt).
Opinionated Language: I really don't understand the appeal of most souvenirs. I'd rather spend my money on experiences.
Departure (Around Noon): Check out of the hotel. Head back to Sawyer International Airport. Reflect on the whirlwind trip.
Afternoon/Evening (Post-Trip): Reflecting on all the things I did, the things I did not do, and the things I should have done.
Messier Structure: This is where the structure unravels. My mind races, reliving every moment of the trip. The highs, the lows, the near-panic attacks in the mine. I am already imagining the awkward small talk with my friends about the trip. When I say "Houghton", I already know what they'll say: "Hmm, where is that again?"
Conclusion: The trip will have been worth it. I will be back. Maybe I'll actually enjoy the UP next time.
So there you have it. My messy, imperfect, and likely hilarious adventure in Houghton. Wish me luck… and maybe send some valium?
Boulder's BEST Kept Secret: Luxury Stay at Residence Inn!
Houghton's Hidden Gem: Country Inn & Suites - Your Questions (and My Ramblings) Answered!
Okay, seriously, what's so "hidden gem" about this place? I've seen Country Inns!
Alright, alright, hold your horses. "Hidden gem" might be a slight exaggeration, okay? It's not like it's a speakeasy accessed through a secret portal. BUT! Hear me out. Living in Houghton, you quickly learn that "comfortable and clean" is a win. Especially after a brutal snowshoe hike (or, you know, a particularly soul-crushing week at work). This Country Inn & Suites consistently delivers on that. Clean rooms, decent breakfast, and a friendly staff. Those are the basics, right? BUT! The *real* magic... and this is subjective, so bear with me... is the VIEW. Okay, maybe not *magic*, but it's definitely enjoyable. Especially in the fall with all the colors. Or in the summer while watching the sunset (those sunsets are actually freaking stunning over the water).
Plus, the pool is *always* a bonus. I've been to a few hotels where the pool is either a disgusting swamp or closed for "maintenance." This one, at least when I've been there, has been consistently...swimmable! A win in my book.
Are the rooms clean? Honestly, that's my biggest worry.
Yes. Generally, yes. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so I'm probably a harsher judge here. Look, I've stayed in places that felt like they hadn't seen a vacuum cleaner since, well, the last ice age. Not here. I've always found this place to be pretty damn clean, a very important factor. You know, the usual stuff - fresh linens, no mystery stains (that's key!), and a bathroom that doesn't make you want to shower twice immediately after. Now, I'm not saying it's *surgical* pristine, but it's definitely above average for the price point.
What's the breakfast situation like? Free breakfast ALWAYS sounds sketchy...
Okay, let's be honest, free hotel breakfasts are a crapshoot. Sometimes you get a lukewarm egg and a stale muffin. Sometimes, it's glorious (rarely). This one... it's somewhere in the middle. Definitely not gourmet, but totally adequate. You've got your usual suspects: waffles (make those yourself! Fun!), cereal, fruit, toast, and maybe some scrambled eggs. It's enough to get you going in the morning, especially if you're planning some outdoor adventures. And the coffee? Not the best coffee. But free coffee is free coffee, and it does the trick. If you're a serious coffee snob, bring your own French press.
Is there anything *bad* about the hotel? Because no place is perfect...
Okay, real talk. Let's get the negatives out of the way. The elevators can be slow, *especially* if you're there during a busy weekend. I've found myself taking the stairs a couple of times, even though I'm lazy. And the Wi-Fi can be a bit spotty in certain rooms. Not a dealbreaker for me, as I usually try to unplug while on vacation. But if you *need* to be connected for work, maybe double-check the signal strength before you settle in. One time, and this pissed me off, the hairdryer was a relic from the 80's. Pathetic! And the air conditioning can also be a bit noisy, but I'm pretty sure that's a universal hotel problem. And hey, if you are looking to get some shut-eye, the noise can be a bit of an issue.
Okay, you mentioned "view." What does that even mean? Is it a parking lot view?
No parking lot view! Thank God. Most of the rooms actually face the Portage Lake. You can either have a view of the lake or a view of the road which is a bit less exciting. Imagine waking up and seeing the water and maybe a distant bridge. It's peaceful, especially when you're trying to escape the usual hustle. The sunsets are particularly good, but I've only seen them from the room on a good day.. You never truly know when the skies will bring beauty when you live up here.
Is it easy to get to things? Like, is it *actually* in a good location?
Location, location, location! This one's pretty solid. It's close to a bunch of restaurants, so you don't have to drive forever to get dinner. The local casino is also right next door, if that's your thing (not mine, but you do you). It's also a short drive to downtown Houghton and the Michigan Technological University campus. Plus, it's relatively easy to get to the various trails and outdoor activities in the area. Think of it as a great basecamp.
Okay, you seem to really like the pool. Is it crowded?
Ah, the pool. Let's talk about the pool, shall we? Honestly? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It really depends on the time of year and the day of the week. During peak season, especially on weekends, expect it to be pretty busy. I've had to wait a bit for one of the hot tub seats. But, honestly, it's kind of a nice problem to have. I mean, what's better than soaking in a hot tub after a day of hiking in the freezing Michigan weather? It's just *chefs kiss*. You definitely want to check, though, if you are after some quiet time. This is a family-friendly place and you'll understand.
I'm with my kids. Are there any kid-friendly features?
Yep! The pool is a huge draw for kids. There's a decent kids' area as well. The breakfast buffet gives them something they can eat, usually waffles. And the staff is pretty used to dealing with energetic youngsters. It's not a resort with a million activities, but it's definitely a comfortable place for families, especially if you have a few days to kill. It's a win for parents, and that's a win for everyone, right? They also offer rooms with pull-out sofas, which is a good idea for families.
Is there a gym? Because the thought of completely abandoning my workout routine is... depressing.
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