Sault Ste. Marie's BEST Western? (Shocking Review Inside!)
Sault Ste. Marie's BEST Western? (Shocking Review Inside!)
Sault Ste. Marie's BEST Western? More Like… "Well, That Was Something" (A Shocking Review!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just wrestled with the Best Western in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. And let me tell you, it was an experience. This isn't your cookie-cutter, bland travel review. This is raw, messy, and likely full of grammatical errors because, honestly, I'm still processing.
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Right, let's dive in, shall we? First impressions…well, they're lasting impressions. I rolled up, tired from the drive, and the exterior, while functional, isn’t exactly screaming "luxury retreat." More like "reliable pitstop," if you catch my drift.
Accessibility: (Starts off okay, but…)
They claim to be accessible. And, technically, they are. There's an elevator (hallelujah!), and the front desk seemed ready enough, in theory. But, and this is a big but, the ramp leading to the entrance felt like it was designed by someone who'd never actually seen a wheelchair. It was steep. Getting my luggage in, let alone a wheelchair (if I had one, which I don't, but you know… imagining), wouldn't have been a picnic. Minor issue for some, major potential roadblock for others. They do have facilities for disabled guests in particular rooms, though.
Check-in: Semi-Contactless, Semi-Chaotic
They claim “Contactless check-in/out” and "Check-in/out [express],” but honestly? It felt more like a speed dating version of check-in. The staff were friendly enough, but I felt rushed. I was handed my keycard, told the basics, and pushed out the door faster than you can say "Welcome to the Soo!" The lack of a clear explanation about the hotel resources was… disappointing, to say the least.
The Room: Ah, the Room. My Sanctuary…or My Prison?
Okay, here's where things get… interesting. My room (let's be real, the shack) boasted "Free Wi-Fi," which, thank goodness, because I needed to escape into the digital world after what had happened. And yes, the "Internet access – wireless" was indeed present and accounted for, even if it did occasionally sputter like a grumpy old man. "Wake-up service" was a nice perk if you are a heavy sleeper. "Soundproofing" was… optimistic. You could certainly hear the hallway chatter, and the occasional… ahem… passionate outburst from a neighboring room (don't judge, it's a hotel!).
But let's talk about the good! "Air conditioning" (yes!), "Refrigerator" and "Coffee/tea maker" saved me from complete despair. "Hair dryer" (a necessity for my unruly locks) was a welcome site. And the "Desk" did provide a workspace; which I needed for my work. And the "Bed" was nice too!
The bathroom? Functional. Think "clean but not spa-like.” The "Shower" was decent, and the “complimentary toiletries” were… well, they existed.
I will be honest, it wasn't a total bust. The "Bed" was comfortable. The "Bathtub" was great. The "Safe box" made me feel a little bit at ease.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious (or Questionable) Food
Now, the food situation. They have a restaurant! A real, honest-to-goodness, restaurant. "Breakfast buffet" was a thing, and it was, admittedly, shockingly okay. The "Western cuisine in restaurant" did the job to get me going. And the "Coffee/tea in restaurant" helped me wake up. The "Room service," though? It promised a 24-hour experience, but my order, after a long work day, was met with a sigh, a shrug, and a two-hour wait. Let's just say I’m glad they at least had a "Coffee shop" in the lobby. The snack bar offered decent options for the budget.
Amenities: A Mixed Bag of Blessings and…Meh
They boast a "Fitness center." I peeked in. It looked like a storage closet with a treadmill and a few dusty weights. The "Swimming pool [outdoor]" was temporarily closed, which was a total bummer, especially with a "Poolside bar" that was out of commission. "Sauna" and "Spa" were non existent due to the situation. The "Gift/souvenir shop" was nice.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized, But Still Felt a Little…Off?
They were trying, bless their hearts. "Daily disinfection in common areas," "hand sanitizer" everywhere, and staff wearing masks. I saw "Individually-wrapped food options," which was a plus. They said the "Rooms [were] sanitized between stays," and that they use some "Anti-viral cleaning products." They were attempting to do everything correctly, which I'm not used to seeing in modern hotels. However, it still didn't quite feel 100% pristine. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's just me.
Things to Do (or Not Do):
Sault Ste. Marie itself offers some cool stuff, like the Soo Locks (a must-see!), and the Agawa Canyon Tour Train. The hotel, however, didn’t exactly scream "entertainment central." There's definitely no "Proposal spot," although it wouldn't be the worst place to do one.
Staff: Bless Their Souls
The staff, on the whole, were genuinely trying. They were friendly, they worked hard, and they apologized a lot, which, let's be real, is a common theme in many hotel experiences these days.
Overall Impression: The Verdict
So, the Best Western in Sault Ste. Marie? It's…complicated. It's not a disaster. It's not luxurious. It's that weird middle ground between "adequate" and "slightly underwhelming," with a healthy dose of "they're trying, bless them" sprinkled on top.
It had its moments, and it certainly did the job of providing a place to rest my weary head, but the inconsistencies (especially on the accessibility end) give me pause.
Would I stay here again?
Maybe. If I absolutely had to. If everything else was booked. If I was on a tight budget. If they promised me a guaranteed non-neighbor-screaming room.
Final Verdict: 3 out of 5 stars (with a strong dose of "needs improvement")
- Accessibility: 2/5 (Potential issues, needs improvement.)
- Cleanliness: 3/5 (Good effort, but some areas felt less than perfect.)
- Room Comfort: 3/5 (Bed was comfy, everything else…meh.)
- Food: 3/5 (Buffet was okay, room service was tragically slow.)
- Staff: 4/5 (Friendly and trying!)
- Overall Value: 3/5 (Good price!)
P.S. If you're expecting glamorous, skip it. If you just need a place to sleep and have a caffeine fix, go for it. Just don’t set your expectations too high. You might be pleasantly surprised. Or, you might end up writing a rambling, slightly-sarcastic, review like this one. You've been warned!
Zelda's St. Petersburg Secret: Unveiling Her Hidden Apartment!
Okay, strap in buttercups, because you're about to go on a whirlwind trip to… well, to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and specifically, the Best Western. Don't judge. It's where the adventure starts, I promise you. Or at least, where the lukewarm continental breakfast begins. This is my itinerary, my messy, beautiful, slightly-off-kilter guide to surviving, and maybe even enjoying, a few days in the Soo. Buckle up.
Day 1: Arrival, Realization, and the Quest for Decent Coffee
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at the Best Western: Okay, truth bomb: I was expecting… something. I'm not sure what, but the beige-on-beige aesthetic of the lobby hit me like a dull thud. The nice lady at the front desk was cheerful enough, bless her heart, but the air smelled faintly of chlorine and regret. Check-in was smooth, blessedly. Whew.
- 1:30 PM - The Room: A Study in Brown: My room. Ah, yes, the room. Let's just say it's a masterclass in the art of brown. Brown carpet, brown furniture, brown… well, you get the idea. The bedspread? A masterpiece of floral camouflage. I half expected a herd of deer to leap out and start grazing. Seriously, though, the air conditioning worked. That's a win in my book.
- 2:00 PM - The Coffee Catastrophe: The first order of business: coffee. My lifeblood. And the hotel's coffee? Let's just say it tasted vaguely of burnt rubber and disappointment. I went on a frantic search, a quest, a pilgrimage for a decent cup. Found a random gas station, a real gas station. Won't name it, but the coffee wasn't the best either, but it was caffeinated. My savior.
- 3:00 PM - The Locks: Awe and Awkwardness: Okay, the locks are impressive. Seeing those massive freighters navigate the Soo Locks is genuinely cool. I even, and I'm not proud of admitting this, took a selfie with a giant boat. Don't judge my social media desperation. The whole process is fascinating, the engineering marvel! I spent a good hour there, alternately gazing in awe and feeling slightly self-conscious about being a tourist.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner at a "Local Favorite": Tried a place called "The Antlers". Reviews were mixed, but hey, you gotta try. The food was… fine. Comfort food, I suppose. The portions were HUGE. I'm still not sure how I managed to eat that entire plate of pasta, actually. The decor? Think taxidermy and a distinct aroma of old grease. But hey, it's character, right? The waitress, bless her heart, was run ragged. But she was a sweetheart.
- 7:00 PM - Stargazing (Attempt #1): I thought, "The Soo! Remote! Surely, the stars!" I ventured out into the parking lot, squinting at the sky. Turns out, the city lights were pretty good at doing their jobs, and I saw more hazy-looking streetlights than constellations. Fail. But hey, it was quiet. Minus the occasional passing car.
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime Ritual and Room Service (Sort Of): Back to the brown room. The TV was a relic, but it worked. I ordered room service or tried to. Turns out the kitchen was closed. So, I ate the pre-packaged snacks from the vending machine (another win!). The snack selection was… limited, but it's better than nothing. I flipped through channels, and passed out.
Day 2: Soo Locks Madness and Superior Dreams
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast of Champions (and Regret): Back to the continental. The bagels are hard today. The waffle maker is a slow torture device. I had to accept defeat. It was either this or go back to the gas station, which I couldn't. I managed to grab some fruit, that's something.
- 8:00 AM - Soo Locks: Take Two, With Vengeance: Determined to get my money's worth, I headed back to the locks. This time, with a slightly more jaded perspective. The crowds were worse. They needed to make the viewing area bigger! I watched another freighter pass through, trying to appreciate the engineering instead of getting annoyed by the tourists.
- 10:00 AM - A Walk Along the Water: I needed air. I walked along the St. Marys River, breathing deeply. The air was crisp and clean. It was beautiful. I saw a seagull trying to steal a hot dog (a classic), watched the water, and felt a flicker of genuine peace.
- 11:00 AM - Agawa Canyon Tour Train (The Dream): I wanted to experience the train tour. It's a whole adventure in itself, but they are off-season. I may consider this on my next visit here. I'm bummed that I missed it.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch: A Culinary Leap of Faith: Craving something besides beige. I found a diner, and thought I'd give it a chance. The food was standard diner fare, but the waitress was ridiculously friendly, and the pie was actually pretty good. So, another win.
- 2:00 PM - A Museum of Sorts: Chose a random museum. I have a thing for random museums. It was… educational. And slightly dusty. But hey, I learned a few things, and that's always a good thing, I guess.
- 4:00 PM - Superior Dreams and the Hotel Pool: I took a nap. I needed a nap. Seriously, the brown room was starting to blend into, well, you know. The hotel pool, on the other hand, was inviting. I should have taken my swimsuit, but nooooo.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner (Attempt #2): Went back to the diner. It was the only place open. This time, I ordered something different. It was… edible. I'm starting to realize that culinary expectations need to be adjusted.
- 8:00 PM - Stargazing (Attempt #2): Headed to the parking lot, armed with a flashlight. I did see a few more stars this time! Success! (Maybe).
- 9:00 PM - Bedtime Ritual, Take Two: More TV (not the best), more packaged snacks (a staple).
Day 3: Departure and Reflections (Or, The End… Maybe?)
- 7:00 AM - Breakfast… AGAIN: I learned from my mistakes and grabbed a ton of fruit, then tried to look non-committal when the waffle maker started sputtering.
- 8:00 AM - Last Look at the Locks: I spent some time at the locks, watching the water. It was a beautiful day.
- 9:00 AM - Checkout and Contemplation: Checkout was easy. I stood out in the parking lot, trying not to regret my trip. I was tired. I'd eaten a lot of beige food. But you know what? I also saw some amazing things, and laughed a lot.
- 9:30 AM - The Drive: Here we go… Back to reality.
Final Thoughts:
Look, the Best Western in Sault Ste. Marie isn't the Ritz. It's… well, it is what it is. But the Soo is a quirky little place. And sometimes, the best travel experiences are the ones you didn't expect. The imperfections? They're part of the story. I'll be back. But next time, I'm bringing my own coffee. The best hotel, the best trip is the one you create for yourself.
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Sault Ste. Marie's BEST WESTERN? (Oh Boy... Let's Dive In!)
Okay, spill the tea. Is this Best Western *actually* worth staying at? You *sound* like you've got a story...
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because the Sault Ste. Marie Best Western... well, it's an *experience*. My first thought? Let's just say my expectations were lower than the Canadian dollar after a particularly rough hockey game. I walked in, and the air felt... thick. Not in a cozy, "welcome home" kind of way. More like, "hasn't-been-aired-out-since-the-Clinton-administration" kind of thick. I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I? Let's just say, it's... nuanced. And by nuanced, I mean, buckle up.
The dreaded "cleanliness" question. Was it, you know, *clean*?
Okay, here's where things get dicey. They *try*. Let's give them that. The lobby seemed okay, you know, superficially clean. Then you get into the, uh... *rooms*. Remember when I said "nuanced"? Think... dust bunnies the size of small cats. And don't get me *started* on the carpet. I swear, I saw a rogue Cheerio embedded in there, bearing silent witness to decades of forgotten breakfasts. Now, I'm not a germaphobe by any means. But when I start questioning whether my socks are safer than the floor... well, that's a sign. My partner, bless her heart, even started using Clorox wipes on everything. EVERYTHING. It became a running joke. "Honey, have you sanitized the remote control yet?" "Almost done, babe! Just tackling the light switch. You wouldn't *believe* what I found..."
The breakfast... Tell me about the breakfast. Please, tell me it wasn't *terrible*.
Oh, the breakfast. Here, let me fetch my therapy dog... Okay, I *will* be polite. The breakfast *exists*. They have, um, the staples, you know? Your continental suspects: cereal (probably the safest bet), toast (butter and jam, hooray!), some sad-looking pastries that looked like they'd last seen sunshine during the Cretaceous period. The "hot" food... let's just say, it lived up to the name by being lukewarm at best. I remember one morning, the scrambled eggs looked so... *questionable* that I just made a beeline for the toaster. I swear, the coffee was the best part, and that's not saying much. At least it had caffeine, which I desperately needed after the long drive. And the breakfast area itself... let's just say it could use some love and a good deep clean.
What about the staff? Were they helpful, at least? Or did you feel like you were interrupting their day?
The staff? Okay, this requires a disclaimer. Some were perfectly lovely, bless their hearts. The check-in lady was nice. The checkout guy was... also there. But others? Well... let's just say the warmth wasn't exactly radiating. I got the impression they'd seen a *lot* of people come and go, and they were, understandably, a little jaded. A smile wouldn't go astray, but at least nobody was actively rude. I did have a minor issue with my room key not working, and the guy looked at me with a *look*. The look that said, "Really? *Another* key problem?" (It was, to be fair, my fault... I put it near my phone. Lesson learned.)
Location, location, location! How was the hotel situated? Easy to find everything?
Okay, here's a *small* win. The location is actually pretty decent. It's relatively close to things. You could get to most of the major attractions in Sault Ste. Marie pretty easily by car. Restaurants? A few within driving distance. A Tim Horton's? Thankfully, yes, a Tim Horton's. Because, you know, Canada. But don't expect to wander out and find a bustling nightlife scene directly outside the door. It's a bit more "suburban-roadside-motel" than "city-center-chic."
Let's talk about that pool I heard about! Was it a refreshing oasis or a murky swamp?
The pool... oh, the pool. It was... a thing. Indoor, which is good, given the weather in Sault Ste Marie can be a bit, you know, *Canadian*. I saw some positive reviews, but I'm here to be real. The pictures looked nice. In reality, the air around it felt…thick and chlorine-y, so I thought I had to try it. The water was... okay? Not crystal clear, but not visibly green or anything. The chlorine levels were intense. You know that feeling, your eyes start to sting the moment you step into the room and you’re sure you’re inhaling bleach? Yeah. The pool deck was a little...well, maybe it could use some sprucing up. The walls had a bit of a water stain history going on, but the water was warm. I’m not sure if I’d call it “refreshing.” "Functional” is probably more accurate. Though the water temperature was very nice, maybe if I knew how to swim I could use it more. *sigh*
Was there a gym? Did you get a chance to work out?
There *was* a gym. I think. I *think* I saw a sign for a gym! I'm not sure if it was in fact a gym. I honestly couldn't bring myself to venture in for fear of... well, of what I'd find. Something tells me it wasn't the Four Seasons. I suspect treadmills from the 80’s and weights rusty enough to require a tetanus shot. If you're a fitness fanatic, I’d suggest investing in a day pass somewhere else. If being stuck in a room with a rusty old machine sounds like your idea of a good time, go for it! But me and exercising in motel gyms? Not a match made in heaven. I gave it a pass.
Okay, the big finale: Would you stay there again? Be brutally honest!
Ugh. Okay. Brutally honest? *Probably not*. Unless my options were, like, sleeping in a tent in January (also, probably not) or this. It's a budget hotel, and you get what you pay for, I suppose. But the cleanliness issues, the breakfast, and the overall "wornUnwind in Wine Country: Your Dream Stay at Staybridge Suites Temecula!
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