Sault Ste. Marie's BEST Kept Secret: Comfort Inn Luxury Awaits!
Sault Ste. Marie's BEST Kept Secret: Comfort Inn Luxury Awaits!
Sault Ste. Marie's "Luxury" Secret: Comfort Inn - A Deep Dive (with Reservations and a Dash of Chaos)
Okay, folks, get ready because I just emerged from the (allegedly) luxurious embrace of the Comfort Inn in Sault Ste. Marie, and, well, I have thoughts. Let's just say my expectations for the “BEST Kept Secret” were… slightly overinflated. But hey, that's life, right? You can’t win ‘em all, and you can’t believe everything you read on the internet… especially when it comes to hotel reviews.
SEO & Metadata (because I'm supposed to):
- Keywords: Comfort Inn Sault Ste. Marie, Soo Hotel Review, Accessibility, Spa, Swimming Pool, Free Wi-Fi, Restaurant Review, Ontario Hotels, Sault Ste. Marie Hotels, Hotel Reviews, Reviews Canada, Family-Friendly Hotels.
- Description (Something I'll write later once I'm done with this wild rant): A candid review of the Comfort Inn in Sault Ste. Marie. Covering accessibility, amenities (spa, pool, dining), cleanliness, services, and the overall experience. Honest opinions, quirky observations, and a little bit of chaos included!
Accessibility, let's start there. I mean, it's the 21st century, right? The website claims to be accessible. And for the most part, it mostly is.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yep, ramps everywhere, elevators, the whole shebang. Kudos. But… the hallways felt a little… narrow. Like if you were a giant on a scooter you’d be bumping into doors all the time. Minor quibble.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: They say they have them. Didn’t personally test them (thankfully!). My main concern was the bathroom in the room: while it had all the marks, I almost slipped on the extra floor towels… and it's kind of a small space.
- Access: Express Check-In/Out - Did not experience. I waited a good 15 minutes, but it's also because they were handling a slightly irate guest complaining about the bed's comfort, which is a good transition to other points…
Rooms and Comfort (or Lack Thereof – The Bed Saga)
- First off, Air conditioning in all rooms? Check. Air conditioning in public area? Check. Thank goodness, because the Soo can get sweaty in the summer.
- Wi-Fi [Free] in all rooms also check. It actually worked! (Miracle!)
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone -- all that stuff. But the actual room, the heart of the experience? A mixed bag.
- The Bed, The Unbearable Bed. This is where things get… personal. I read a review complaining about the very same thing and I thought, “Oh, they’re just being dramatic.” Nope. The bed was hard. Like, concrete slab covered in a duvet. I’m not kidding. I tossed and turned all night. Got up in the middle of the night to walk around, and couldn’t sleep. I even tried the Sofa, because I couldn't bear the bed anymore. It was marginally better. Ugh. The Extra long bed was more like a very long, hard bed. Linens were clean, though.
- Rooms Sanitzed: Between stays - definitely. I could smell the cleaning products (maybe a little too much).
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They say! Smelled like it.
- Other room things: Blackout curtains (yay!), Coffee/tea maker (double yay, but the coffee was instant, so…), Refrigerator (very handy), Hair dryer (worked!). Bathtub (clean!). Desk (a bit wobbly)
The Wellness "Luxury" Gambit (Spa, Pool, and the Illusion of Relaxation)
Okay, this is where the "Luxury Awaits!" aspect of things… wears thin. They boast about a spa, a pool, and a fitness center. Let's break it down:
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Open, but in the middle of the winter. Closed.
- Swimming pool: Indoor, yeah. Looked… fine. Not exactly the tropical oasis the website photos promised. The water appeared clean, though. I wasn't brave enough to swim.
- Fitness Center: A tiny, dimly lit room with a treadmill, and a couple of other machines. Gym/fitness - technically correct. Pool with view - no.
- Spa/sauna: Didn't see anything, but the website promises one.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage, and Foot bath: Unlikely.
- Steamroom: Unlikely.
Dining and Drinking (Fueling the Experience of the (Maybe) Less-Than-Luxury)
- Restaurants? Plural? Nope, more like a single space that tries to be all things to all people.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Included. Buffet in restaurant. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast. It's… fine. Not gourmet. Coffee was hot, which is the biggest requirement. Breakfast service, Breakfast takeaway service. The buffet was not great.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, and essential condiments are available.
- Coffee shop: Didn't see one.
- Snack bar: Had a few chips and a vending machine.
- Bar: Limited and not very atmospheric. Happy hour? Possibly, but not sure when.
- Room service [24-hour]: I saw it. Didn't use it. It likely wasn't amazing.
- Restaurants: Yes, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant. They had it all… but there was an element of basic quality.
- Bottle of water: Yes.
- Poolside bar: Not during the winter, and I would still question the "luxury" aspect.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the Shadow of Covid (A Good Showing, Though)
- Cleanliness and safety: Really important, especially these days.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They claim it.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed like it.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Hygiene certification: I didn't check, but looked okay.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Yes.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I didn't opt-out, so I can't say.
- Safe dining setup: Fine, nothing spectacular.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it. They wore masks and took it seriously.
- Cashless payment service: Yes.
- CCTV in common areas: Yes.
- CCTV outside property: Yes.
- Fire extinguisher, smoke alarms, smoke detector: Present and accounted for. Made me feel slightly safer, to be honest.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Kinda Matter)
- Concierge: Nope.
- Cash withdrawal: Yes.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Listed, but I didn’t test them.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars: Yep.
- Business facilities, Audio-visual equipment for special events: Claimed, but again, didn't check.
- Convenience store: A few snacks.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Yes!
- Car power charging station: Didn't notice one.
- Additional items: Luggage storage, Daily housekeeping, Wake-up service, Doorman.
- For the kids: Family/child friendly. Babysitting service - Not sure.
Getting Around (And Escaping the Bed)
- Airport transfer: They offer.
- Taxi service: Available.
- Getting around: You're kinda stuck with a car.
Overall Impression
Look, the Comfort Inn in Sault Ste. Marie is… a Comfort Inn. It's not luxurious. It's not a secret hideaway. It’s a functional hotel, clean enough, and with friendly staff. The bed, however, is a genuine problem. If you’re expecting a spa retreat, think again. But if you need a place to crash while passing through the Soo, it'll do. Just bring your own mattress topper, and manage those expectations. And maybe don’t believe everything you read about “luxury”. The secret? It's probably average.
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Comfort Inn Sault Ste. Marie: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the St. Mary's River (Probably)
Alright, folks, buckle up. This isn't your glossy travel brochure itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt at surviving (and maybe even enjoying) a few days in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, from the somewhat dubious comfort of the Comfort Inn. Wish me luck, 'cause frankly, I already need a nap.
Day 1: Arrival, Accidental Adventure, and the Mystery of the Pre-Packaged Oatmeal
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at Chippewa County International Airport. Okay, "international" might be stretching it a touch. More like, "rural airport with surprisingly comfortable seats." The taxi driver (a woman named Betty who had a LOT to say about the local weather) ferried me to the Comfort Inn. First impression? Beige. Lots and lots of beige. My room… well, it’s beige with a vaguely floral pattern on the bedspread. Comfortable enough, I guess. Honestly, after that plane ride, a cardboard box would feel luxurious.
- 2:00 PM: Unpacking, and the great oatmeal conundrum. Seriously, what is it with hotels and pre-packaged oatmeal? Is it a conspiracy? Is there a secret society of bland oat flakes? I decided to brave the complimentary breakfast anyway. The coffee was… coffee. The fruit was… okay. The oatmeal? Yeah, it was pre-packaged. I mixed in some sugar, and tried to find a new form of joy as I watched the oatmeal become not a solid mass, but not as liquid either.
- 3:00 PM: Trying, and failing to connect to hotel Wi-Fi. This feels like a rite of passage at this point. Finally, gave up, called reception. “Yeah, the Wi-Fi can be… quirky," they said. Translation: "Good luck, buddy."
- 3:30 PM: Decided to walk down to the Soo Locks. And, oh my god, the St. Mary's River. Majestic. Massive. The freakin' ships are HUGE. I saw a gigantic freighter (a real one!) go through the locks. It felt like witnessing something important. I actually got a little choked up. (Maybe I just needed to see something other than beige.)
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at a local diner. I tried, and failed, to resist the urge to try the "Big Mac" knockoff. But, after some deliberation, I ordered it. It was surprisingly good, but I would definitely say it was better than a "Big Mac." The waitress, whose name I think was Carol, but I can't be sure after the first bite of the knockoff, was super friendly. She told me all about growing up in Sault Ste Marie and all the things to see and do.
- 7:00 PM: Staring out the window. Watching the lights reflect on the river. Contemplating the meaning of life… or maybe just wondering if they have any cookies for sale at the front desk.
- 8:00 PM: Trying to find a decent movie to watch on TV. Ended up watching a reruns of a show that I didn't understand the name.
- 9:00 PM: Asleep.
Day 2: Locks Galore, A Tragic Comedy, and the Search for a Decent Souvenir
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast again. Another attempt at the pre-packaged oatmeal. This time, I added copious amounts of brown sugar. Still bland. Still a mystery.
- 9:00 AM: SOO LOCKS, PART DEUX. Armed with my camera (and a slightly more cynical attitude towards the oatmeal situation), I return to the locks. This time, I'm determined to get a good photo of the freighter. You know, a really good one.
- The Disaster: I lean over the railing for the perfect angle… lose my balance… and almost drop my phone into the St. Mary’s River. The sheer panic that flooded me was… intense. Luckily, I managed to grab it back. My heart’s still racing, I feel like I've just survived a near death experience. But hey -- at least I still have my phone!
- The Observation: As I'm calming down, I notice this little kid, maybe six years old, staring at me, eyes wide with an emotion that I can only describe as delighted horror. Clearly, my near-drowning experience was way more entertaining than the freighter. I gave him a weak smile and moved on.
- 11:00 AM: The River of Life Museum. I spent some time there, learning about the history of the locks and the area. I was amazed at the history of this small town.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. I spent some time there, getting to know the history of this area. So much to learn!
- 2:00 PM: Souvenir Shopping – the Quest for the Perfect Trinket. I wandered around looking for a decent souvenir. It's harder than it looks! Everything was either: a) cheesy, b) overpriced, or c) both. Ended up getting a "I Heart Soo Locks" mug. Pretty sure I'll never use it, but, hey, it's a souvenir.
- 3:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Staring at the river again. This time, feeling a little less overwhelmed. I’m starting to get the hang of this whole “being alone in a beige hotel room” thing.
- 6:00 PM: Searching for decent food. I found some Italian food but I had to take the effort of going through the menu. I would soon discover that the "best Italian food" wasn't for me.
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel room to plan for the next day. I planned all night long.
- 9:00 PM: Asleep.
Day 3: The Unexpectedly Awesome Sunrise, Departure, and a Reluctant Good-Bye
- 6:00 AM: Woke up. Against my will. But, hey, the sun was rising. And it was… beautiful. The sky was all pink and orange, and the river was all glassy and shimmering. I swear, even the beige hotel room looked a little less beige.
- 6:30 AM: Coffee. Needed the caffeine. Contemplating the mysteries of the pre-packaged oatmeal one last time.
- 7:00 AM: Quick lap around the hotel. Trying to soak everything in. So many details!
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Oatmeal (sigh). A final attempt at making it decent. Failed.
- 9:00 AM: Checking out. Goodbye, beige room. Goodbye, quirky Wi-Fi. Goodbye, pre-packaged oatmeal.
- 10:00 AM: Last glance at the Soo Locks. I'll admit, I'm going to miss the freighters. And the river. Okay, maybe I even liked Sault Ste. Marie a little bit.
- 11:00 AM: Off to the airport. Betty the taxi driver wasn't there. A new driver came.
- 12:00 PM: At the gate. Waiting for my flight. Feeling… surprisingly okay.
- 12:45 PM: Boarding the plane.
This trip wasn't perfect. It was messy, a little silly, and filled with the usual travel imperfections. But, you know what? It was mine. And, somehow, among the beige rooms and the bland oatmeal, I found some beauty and a little bit of adventure. And hey, I didn't lose my phone in the St. Mary's River. That's a win in my book. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a long nap and a really, really good cup of coffee. Maybe I’ll even try to recreate that oatmeal… but, probably not.
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Okay, spill the tea – is this Comfort Inn REALLY luxury? Seriously?
Alright, alright, settle down. "Luxury" is a loaded word. Think maybe... *aspirational* luxury? Look, it's a Comfort Inn. Let's be real. BUT… and this is a big BUT… for a Comfort Inn? They're genuinely trying. I walked in expecting the usual suspects – faded carpets, a lingering smell of chlorine from the pool area, the works you know. Instead? Okay, the lobby was… well, it was perfectly nice. Not exactly The Ritz, but hey, it had a *vibe*. The trick, the real, unexpected, *almost* luxurious bit? The darned beds. Seriously, I sunk in like a marshmallow in hot chocolate. That, my friends, is a sign of quality. My back's still thanking them.
What's the deal with this "Lake Superior View"? Because SOMEONE on a review site was VERY disappointed.
Okay, here's the lowdown. The views… they're… a *view*. It's not like you're on a cliffside villa in Italy. You get… glimpses. Sometimes, if you crane your neck just right, and if the weather cooperates, you *might* see a sliver of that majestic lake. I was there during a particularly foggy day, and let's just say my "Lake Superior View" mostly consisted of the hotel next door. The upside? Less direct sunlight beaming into my eyes come morning. Silver linings, people! Silver linings! Just… temper your expectations. Maybe bring binoculars. Or a really good imagination.
Breakfast. The make-or-break. What's the food situation like? Be honest.
Breakfast? Ah, yes. The crucial moment. It's… free. Let's start there. Free breakfast at a Comfort Inn in the Soo. You're not going to get Michelin-star fare, okay? They have the usual suspects: the sad little muffins, the vaguely-egg-shaped things (I suspect they have a "factory egg" agreement), the cereal that gets soggy the second you pour milk. But you know what? It's *there*. And, if you're clever (and I am), you get there right at the *start*. Because the earlier you go, the fresher things are. I snagged a waffle, and it was… well, it was a waffle. Edible. Kept the hunger pangs at bay. And let's be honest, sometimes all you need is that instant coffee to kickstart a day of exploring!
The pool! Heard mixed things. Is it… safe? Clean? Worth a dip?
The pool… Ah, the pool. My experience here was… *interesting*. See, I'd heard whispers. Whispers of questionable chlorine levels. Whispers of… *things* floating on the surface. So, I psych myself up, grab a towel, and venture forth. And… it wasn't *terrible*. It was a standard indoor pool. The kind you expect. There might have been a rogue rogue band-aid floating in the deep end (I have a vivid imagination), but I didn't touch it. The water was… wet. The kids seemed to be having a blast. I opted to use it after sunset (the less you see the better). So, safe? Probably. Clean? Mostly. Worth a dip? If you're into that sort of thing. Me? I stuck with the *idea* of swimming mostly. Felt safer.
Okay, let's talk about the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or… "that" kind of staff?
Honestly? The staff were fantastic. Truly. Like, unexpectedly lovely. The front desk lady, Brenda, she's an absolute gem. I swear, she remembered my name (though I suspect she's just *really good* at her job). Extremely helpful. I once lost my keycard, and instead of looking at me like I had two heads, she just smiled, reprinted it, and sent me on my way. That's service, people! The breakfast crew were equally delightful, bustling around with smiles even though they were probably knee-deep in waffle batter. They were consistently lovely, even when a kid spilled juice on the floor. Kudos to the staff, they really bumped the overall experience up a few notches. They could teach some 5-star hotels a thing or two about customer service!
Anything else that surprised you (good or bad)? Spill it!
Hmm, let me think. The elevators. They were… slow. *Very* slow. I took the stairs a couple of times, just to avoid the wait. Now that I think of it, maybe it wasn't the slow elevator that bothered me… it was my inability to find the stairwell. That was a low point (emotionally). The one thing that really, *really*, stood out? Okay, this is weird, but the *lighting*. Honestly, the lighting in the rooms was… decent! Not that awful, harsh, fluorescent glare that you get in some hotels. It was… soft. Calming. It actually made the room feel inviting. Small details, people. Small details. That and the bed. Seriously, that bed… It's worth the stay by itself!
Final Verdict? Worth the hype? Or just another Comfort Inn?
Alright, final verdict. "Luxury"? Let's not go crazy. But… it's a *good* Comfort Inn. A solid Comfort Inn. A Comfort Inn that clearly *tries*. Clean rooms, a super comfy bed, friendly staff, and a surprisingly decent breakfast (if you get there early). It's not the Four Seasons, but if you're looking for a comfortable, reliable, and reasonably priced stay in Sault Ste. Marie, this is definitely worth a look. Would I stay there again? Absolutely. But I'm packing extra band-aids for the pool, and maybe a blindfold for the Lake Superior view. And I'm definitely going to the breakfast buffet *early*. One can never be too prepared. And with that bed, I'm sold.
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