Vermilion, AB's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn Review & Hidden Gems!
Vermilion's Secret Weapon: Days Inn - The Honest Truth (and Some Hidden Gems!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Vermilion, Alberta's best-kept secret: the Days Inn. And let me tell you, it's more than just a stopover; it's an experience. Forget glossy travel brochures, this is the REAL deal, the messy, honest, and occasionally hilarious truth about a prairie hotel.
First Impressions & Accessibility (Let's Talk About the Good Stuff!)
Right off the bat, the Days Inn in Vermilion is…well, it's there! It's easy to find, which, after a long drive across the vastness of Alberta, is a legit victory. Accessibility? They're trying! There are facilities for disabled guests, and the website says it's wheelchair accessible. This is where I'd love to give a definitive "yes," but I'd need to experience it fully myself (working on that!). Regardless, I can say that the elevator is a godsend.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Covid Reality Check
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we? In these post-apocalyptic times, cleanliness is EVERYTHING. And the Days Inn? Surprisingly good. They're REALLY on it with the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I saw staff conscientiously wiping everything down. The fact they have Hand sanitizer stations everywhere is a definite comfort. The Staff trained in safety protocol is a huge plus. They're also offering Room sanitization opt-out available which is a nice touch! The fact they have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property makes a difference.
Rooms: Cozy, Comfortable… and Occasionally Quirky
The rooms themselves are your standard Days Inn fare, which, honestly, is perfectly adequate. You've got your Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, and a Desk to pretend you're productive. My room had a Window that opens which I always appreciate for fresh air, and Blackout curtains are a lifesaver for those prairie sunrises. And the Internet access – wireless? Surprisingly reliable. I had a decent connection for my Zoom calls.
- Anecdote: I was unpacking and nearly fell over a suitcase that just happened to be covering a door. Don't ask… let's just say my sense of direction isn't my strong suit. Luckily, a super-friendly staff member was there to help, and it was a pretty memorable experience.
The Breakfast Saga (And a Plea for Better Coffee)
Okay, let’s be real. Hotel breakfasts are often a gamble. The Days Inn offers that classic Breakfast [buffet]. I had some Coffee/tea from the breakfast, and while it wasn't winning any awards, it was much of what I needed. It’s a step up from the instant stuff! Vegetarian options were available, and there was an assortment of the usual suspects: scrambled eggs, bacon/sausage, toast, yogurt, and fruit. They also offer Breakfast takeaway service, which is perfect if you are in a hurry.
Dining & Drinking (Beyond the Buffet)
Beyond breakfast, the dining options are fairly basic. There's a Bar, which is handy for a nightcap after a long day of… well, whatever you do in Vermilion. They have options for Daily Happy hour!
Services & Conveniences: Little Things That Make a Difference
Here's where the Days Inn shines. The Front desk [24-hour] is a godsend. The Concierge seemed to know everything about the area! They do a great job with Daily housekeeping! There's a Convenience store for essentials, and a Laundry service. The Cash withdrawal is a nice touch, and the Car park [free of charge] is always appreciated.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Beyond the Room)
For the Kids: The Days Inn is Family/child friendly!
Ways to Relax, you ask? Well, Vermilion, despite its unassuming charm, is surrounded by the sprawling Alberta scenery. This opens opportunities for Bicycle parking, which I, unfortunately, didn't use. Things to do: There's a local museum, and friendly people that can help you with the best experiences in the area.
Internet, Let's Get That Wi-Fi Working!
- Wi-Fi [free] is an absolute must in any hotel these days, and the Days Inn delivers.
- Internet access – wireless (I already mentioned this, but I can't stress this enough!)
- Internet (duh)
The Hidden Gems!
Okay, the real secret? Vermilion itself. It's the kind of town where people smile, and friendly locals in general make you feel welcome.
- Recommendation: Ask the staff about local restaurants – they have the inside scoop!
- Quirkiness: The Days Inn is functional. Clean. And comfortable. It's not the Ritz, but it's not pretending to be. And that's kind of refreshing.
My Verdict: A Solid Choice with Prairie Charm
The Days Inn in Vermilion isn't perfect, the coffee could be better, and I'm still hoping for a full-blown spa. However, it's clean, comfortable, and staffed by genuinely friendly people. For the price, it's a reliable option in Vermilion. It's the kind of place that just works.
Ready to Explore? Book Your Vermilion Adventure!
Don't just take my word for it! Book your stay at the Days Inn in Vermilion today!
Special Offer: Get 15% off your stay when you book directly through our website + Free Breakfast!
What are you waiting for? Experience the beauty of the Alberta prairies, the charm of Vermilion, and the comfort of the Days Inn. It's the perfect basecamp for your prairie adventure!
#VermilionAB #DaysInn #AlbertaTravel #PrairieLife #HiddenGems #HotelReview #TravelCanada #ExploreAlberta
Grand Forks Getaway: Hampton Inn & Suites - Unbeatable Deals!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, slightly-less-than-organized reality of a trip to Vermilion, Alberta, and, specifically, the Days Inn by Wyndham. My brain is already buzzing with the possibilities, so let's see what kind of chaotic masterpiece we can create.
Vermilion Days Inn Adventure: A Chronicle of Mild Mayhem & Unexpected Delights
(Okay, so this isn't a perfectly structured day-by-day thing. Let's just call it a "Vibes and Vibes" itinerary.)
Pre-Trip Anxiety (and the "Why Vermilion?" Question)
- The Booking Fiasco: Oh, dear Lord, the booking. I mean, I'm not sure how many times I double-checked the dates, the name of the hotel, what kind of bed I wanted (king, obviously, who am I kidding?)… and then, THEN! I realized the first time I had to rebook, because I'd booked for the wrong month. That's just the kind of traveler I am.
- The "Why Vermilion?" Inquiry: Let's be honest, Vermilion isn't exactly the Eiffel Tower. The reason? Well, let's just say it involves a slightly embarrassing family obligation and a profound need to escape the usual humdrum of life. So, Vermilion it is.
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Impressions (or, "The Lobby's Lament")
- The Drive: Okay, so the drive was pretty. Alberta prairie sunsets are a real thing. But I swear, I spent half the time stressing about how to navigate the gas station washroom situation. Are there ever enough paper towels? The existential questions of the road, folks.
- The Days Inn Debut: Stepping into the Days Inn…it's immediately… Days Inn. You know the smell? That slightly chemical, vaguely floral, always-present aroma that screams "hotel." It's comforting in a weird way. The lobby was… well, it was a lobby. The check-in lady? Super friendly. That's a good start.
- Room Revelation: The room… a king-sized bed! Bless! The decor is, shall we say, "classic." Think: beige-everything, a picture of a vaguely scenic landscape, and a TV that probably still gets cable. But hey, it's clean, the bed looks comfy, and I have a window and good wifi.
- Dinner Dither: Okay, major crisis. Where to eat? I googled, of course. "Best restaurants in Vermilion." The options felt… limited. I finally settled on (a local mom-and-pop burger joint - forgot its name! And I have to go back). The food was good, the people were friendly, and I eavesdropped on a conversation that was more interesting than most things on the internet.
- Evening Wind-Down: Watched some bad TV, read a book (because I'm an adult), and succumbed to the sheer, glorious laziness of a hotel bed. This is what I need more of, I realized.
Day 2: Exploring Vermilion (or, "The Search for the Soul of Alberta")
- Breakfast Buffet Bliss (and Bewilderment): The free breakfast! Alright, I’m in. The buffet was… well, it's a standard hotel buffet. The scrambled eggs were kinda sad, but the coffee was hot. I judged a couple of other guests, but, I was also judged, probably, and that's fair.
- Venturing Out: Felt brave. Today, I was going to explore. I drove around downtown, saw some grain elevators, a few historic buildings. It was… quiet. Peaceful. A little… desolate? Then, I found this tiny little local shop. The lady was a charm, the shop was beautiful, and I bought an oversized coffee mug, out of habit, and need.
- The River Valley: Decided to go to the river valley. Beautiful. A proper, "Wow, Alberta is pretty" moment. Almost worth the trip alone. Just me, the trees, and the rustling of leaves. Glorious.
- The Afternoon Slump: Back to the hotel. Afternoon naps are a gift from the gods.
- The Evening, The Burger, The Moment: Yep. Went back to that burger place. Okay, I guess I was hungry. The second time around, I sat at the bar, and started a conversation with an old man - name forgotten, of course. He told me stories about the town. And his dog. I should write a book about it.
- Nightmare Shower Thoughts: Can a shower be too hot? Yes. Yes, it can. Woke up questioning life, existence, and my decision making abilities.
Day 3: The "Getaway" Realization (or, "The Day I Embraced the Ordinary")
- Breakfast Repeat: Okay, the eggs are getting better.
- The Unscheduled Day: Today, there was no pressure. No agenda. Just… floating. I revisited the river valley. Sat on a bench. Did nothing.
- The Gift Shop: Stopped into a gift shop to look for a present. I thought I should buy a souvenir, but I already had the mug. And that's when it hit me. This trip wasn't about being a tourist, or about seeing the sights. It was about being. About just… existing in a new place.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster of Free Time: I felt this weird mix of boredom, peace, and a vague sense of "Is this all there is?". But then I decided to embrace all that nothing. The peace.
- The Days Inn Finale: Packing up my things, I realized: this hotel, with its beige and its breakfast buffet. And all its little flaws, had been… fine. More than fine, even. This was a real life. I feel like I can write a journal for the next few months based on this trip.
- The Drive Home (and the Aftermath): The drive home was uneventful, thank god. Arriving home, feeling a sense of… maybe not accomplishment, but a quiet kind of satisfaction. I'd survived Vermilion. And, more importantly, I had survived myself.
Final Thoughts (aka, the Ramblings)
- Would I go back? Maybe. Depends on the family reunion.
- The Days Inn Verdict: Decent. A solid 3 out of 5 stars. Definitely would stay there again.
- The Real Lesson: Sometimes, the best trips are the ones that don't go according to plan. The ones where you get lost, eat bad eggs, and find a moment of peace. It was an adventure. And that, my friends, is more than enough.
- And also… I really want a burger right now.
- Oh, and! I’m gonna call my mom.
Vermilion's Days Inn: The Best Kept Secret...Or Is It? (My FAQ!)
Okay, so "Best Kept Secret"? What's the deal with the Days Inn in Vermilion? Is it ACTUALLY good?
Alright, alright, let's be real. When I first heard "Best Kept Secret" about a Days Inn, my inner critic started sharpening its claws. Days Inns are… well, they're Days Inns, right? Functional. Usually. But honestly? Vermilion's Days Inn? It's got a certain je ne sais quoi. Like, my initial visit was purely functional: a late-night drive, a need for a bed that wasn't my car seat. Expected the worst, prepared for the worst... then walked into a shockingly clean lobby. Now, I've stayed there *multiple* times since. Is it the Ritz? Heck no. But for the price, the location, and the surprisingly decent breakfast? Yeah, it's pretty darn good. Consider me... cautiously optimistic.
What are the rooms like? Are they clean? (Because let's be honest, that's the MOST important thing!)
Cleanliness? YES. Big, bold YES. I’m a total germaphobe, okay? I travel with disinfectant wipes like a survival kit. And so far, knock on wood, every room I've been in at the Vermilion Days Inn has passed the white-glove test (figuratively, of course - I’m not THAT obsessive). The linens always seem fresh, the bathrooms are usually…well, let's just say I haven't felt compelled to wear shoes in the shower yet. Which, in budget hotels, is a MAJOR win! I've seen some *questionable* grout in my day, folks. This place? Above average. It's not pristine, mind you. There might be a slightly wonky lampshade here and there, a tiny paint chip. But overall? Spot-on. And the beds are… remarkably comfortable. I slept like a log. A very clean, well-rested log.
Let's talk about breakfast. Is it the sad continental breakfast of doom?
Okay, here's where the Days Inn in Vermilion REALLY shines, surprisingly. It's NOT the sad, stale donut and watery coffee of doom. They actually put some effort in! There's usually a selection of cereals, some (sometimes) decent pastries, instant oatmeal (standard), and then… the glorious hot options! Sometimes it's scrambled eggs and sausage. Sometimes it's waffles. I even saw *bacon* once! (That day was a good day.) The coffee is… well, it's hotel coffee, let's not get carried away. But it's drinkable. And the breakfast area? Surprisingly spacious and clean. I've seen a few kids make a mess (inevitably), but the staff is usually ON IT, cleaning up quickly. Honestly, it’s enough to get you fueled up and ready to face… whatever Vermilion throws at you.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Because dealing with a grumpy receptionist can ruin your whole day!
The staff? Ah, here’s another pleasant surprise. They're genuinely *nice*. Like, not just "putting on a show for the hotel review" nice. Actually friendly. I remember one time, I accidentally locked myself out of my room (classic move). I went down to the front desk, fully expecting a lecture. Nope! The lady working (I think her name was Brenda?) was super helpful, got me sorted out quickly, and even cracked a joke about how it happens to the best of us. They just seem… real. Maybe it’s the small-town charm, I don't know. But it makes a BIG difference. Being treated with respect and a smile? Turns out, it's kind of a big deal when you're traveling.
Okay, okay, I'm intrigued. But what's the location like? Anything fun nearby?
Alright, so the Days Inn in Vermilion is conveniently located. It's right off the highway, which makes it easy to find. And let's be honest, Vermilion isn't exactly a bustling metropolis. But there are some hidden gems! Okay, here comes the stream-of-consciousness... My first discovery, or so I thought, was the Canadian Barrel Coffee shop. Delicious coffee and pastries, I used to think, until I did a google search. But this shop is no hidden gem! Haha, I guess people know about this one! It's a short drive, and it's the perfect place to grab a caffeine boost before hitting the road. There is a Tim Hortons too, which is always a reliable choice in Canada, but the Barrel is the better choice! The best restaurant is the Boston Pizza down the street, very reliable and good food. There is also a fantastic local brewery, the Vermilion River Brewing, which I completely loved! It's a short drive, and the atmosphere is great.
Tell me about that one time you accidentally locked yourself out of your room. What truly happened?
Oh, the locked-out story? Okay, buckle up. It was late. Absolutely late. I'd been driving for hours, battling a particularly nasty headwind across the prairies. I finally made it to the Days Inn, practically crawling out of the car, and I just wanted to collapse. I think I may also have been running on two hours of sleep and pure, unadulterated caffeine. I stumbled into my room, threw my bag on the bed, and immediately headed for the bathroom. I took a glorious shower, finally feeling human again. Then, wrapped in a towel, I went for my phone. It wasn't there. My keys? Nowhere. My wallet? Nada. Panic started to bubble. My brain, in its sleep-deprived state, *completely* forgot that I'd left everything on the (locked!) desk. Cue frantic patting of pockets, then this horrible, sinking realization. *I'd locked myself out.* I walked down to the front desk, mortified, convinced I was going to get the stink-eye. But Brenda, bless her heart, just smiled. She sorted me out in minutes. It was such a relief. And she didn't even make me feel like a total idiot. That's the kind of service that makes a difference after a looooong day.
What's the biggest downside? Because no place is perfect.
Okay, realism time. The biggest downside? Well, it's still a Days Inn. It's not cutting-edge trendy. Don't expect a giant, rainforest shower or a jacuzzi. The decor is…let's say it's functional. There's not much that screams "Instagrammable hotel room". Also, the wifi can occasionally be a little… spotty. If you're dependent on constant streaming or a super-fast connection, you might be disappointed. But honestly? For what you get, it's a minor quibble. And look, this is Vermilion, not Paris. Lower your expectations slightly,Hotel Search Tips
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