Southfield's BEST Kept Secret? This Detroit Hotel Will SHOCK You!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because "Southfield's BEST Kept Secret? This Detroit Hotel Will SHOCK You!"… well, it almost shocked me right into a coma from all the… stuff. Let's unpack this glorious, messy package, shall we? And yes, I'm going to be brutally, beautifully honest. Consider this an SEO-optimized, stream-of-consciousness odyssey. Let's dive in!
First Impressions: The Arrival… And My Initial Fear That I'd Entered a Parallel Dimension Where Beige Ruled
Alright, I pulled up. Southfield, Michigan. Not exactly the heart of the Motor City, but hey, I'm open to anything. And the hotel… well, let's just say the exterior wasn't exactly screaming "SHOCKING!" More like, whispering, "Could we interest you in… beige?" But, you know, appearances can be deceiving, right? I've learned that the hard way. Like that time I thought my date was cute because he looked like Ryan Gosling…from the back. Anyway…
Accessibility: The Elevator is Your Friend (and You Should Know!)
Okay, HUGE props to the hotel for taking accessibility seriously. Wheelchair accessible? Check. Elevator? Yep, and it actually works! This is surprisingly a HUGE win. Facilities for disabled guests are also on point. I mean, honestly, I wasn't personally needing any of those things. But just seeing it all there made me feel…well, good. I like to know people are taken care of. So, huge thumbs up for that folks.
Internet: The Wi-Fi Saga Continues… Maybe Bring a Book?
Okay, let's be clear. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a must. And thankfully, they deliver. Internet access – wireless in the room? Affirmative. Internet access – LAN? I'm not even sure what that is, but it's there. But… and here's the but… the connection did occasionally feel like it was moving at the speed of a snail wearing lead boots. So for those intense work projects? Maybe bring a book as a backup plan. Or just stare out the window, contemplate the meaning of life, and let the slow Wi-Fi be a gentle nudge towards mindfulness!
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitizing, Sanitizing Everywhere! (Good, But Slightly Traumatizing)
Okay, if you're a germaphobe, you'll be in heaven. If you're not? You might feel like you're living inside a hazmat suit. It's a LOT. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Hand sanitizer… you get the picture. They've got it all. The staff is definitely trained in safety protocols, and you can tell. The sheer amount of sanitizing made me feel safe, but also kept me constantly scanning for potential germs. It was like living in a hospital while also knowing you’re on a vacation.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet That Won’t Shock You (Probably)
Alright, let's talk food! Breakfast [buffet] – the classic hotel staple. It was perfectly fine. Not life-altering, but gets the job done. The coffee was… well, it was coffee. There's a coffee shop, various restaurants, and even a poolside bar. A snack bar is also on hand if you feel those cravings. The best part? Room service [24-hour]! Because, let's face it, sometimes you just want to eat a burger in your pajamas.
The Pool with a View: Did I See a Squirrel in a Speedo?
The swimming pool [outdoor] was a real vibe. Beautiful scenery. The view was better than expected after the exterior, it's also a pool with view. I swear I saw a squirrel… or felt like I was hallucinating and maybe did. The poolside bar was a definite perk, and I may or may not have spent a considerable amount of time there.
The Spa: A Whirlwind of Relaxation (And Questionable Music)
This is where things get interesting. They have a whole Spa/sauna setup. I got a massage. The massage was great, I felt all my problems melting away. The sauna was hot in a good way. They also have a steamroom. Just remember to bring water! Did they have a foot bath? I think so, I honestly don't remember. Maybe the music at the spa made me forget?
Things to do & Ways to Relax: More Than Meets the Eye
- Gym/fitness - Nice to have the option.
- Things to do - It is what you make it, you are on vacation and can do what you want.
- Ways to relax - The pool, spa.
Services and Conveniences – The Usual (And a Few Surprises)
Air conditioning in public area? Check. Daily housekeeping? Absolutely. Laundry service? Yep. Concierge? Always helpful. Currency exchange? For all your international travelers! I'll also add that the front desk [24-hour] was a lifesaver when I accidentally locked myself out of my room at 3 AM (don't ask).
For the Kids: Babysitting… Maybe?
I, personally, don't have kids. But I noticed they offer a babysitting service. They also had kids facilities and a kids meal.
In-Room Features: Comfort and Convenience (Mostly)
Air conditioning? Of course. Blackout curtains? Bless them. Coffee/tea maker? Yes, please. Free bottled water? A must. Hair dryer? Essential. Mini bar? Tempting. One small quibble: the alarm clock was like a tiny, angry robot. Prepare to fight. But hey, wake-up service is always an option if you want to avoid the robot's wrath.
The Big Question: Would I Recommend It?
Okay, this is where it gets real. "Southfield's BEST Kept Secret?" SHOCKING is kind of a stretch. It was more like a solid, slightly quirky, and surprisingly functional hotel. It's clean, convenient, and the staff is friendly. Is it perfect? Nope. But in a world of cookie-cutter hotels, this one had a little bit of personality. And let's be honest, sometimes that's all you need.
SEO-Optimized Keywords (Just in case, you know… that's what this is all about): Southfield hotel, Detroit hotel, Michigan hotel, accessible hotel, wheelchair accessible, spa, pool, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, clean hotel, safe hotel, business travel, family-friendly.
The Offer: Get Ready to Be… Mildly Surprised!
Tired of the Same Old Hotel Routine?
Escape the ordinary! Book a stay at Southfield's BEST Kept Secret, and experience a hotel that's… well, it's something. You might not be SHOCKED, but you'll get a clean, convenient, and surprisingly comfortable stay. And, for a limited time, we're offering:
- 20% off your stay when you book directly through our website (insert link here)!
- Complimentary breakfast buffet for all guests!
- Free upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability – first come, first served!)
Don't delay! Book your stay today and discover the… charm… of Southfield!
P.S. If you see a squirrel in a Speedo at the pool, please let me know. Just to confirm I wasn't completely losing it. 😉
Houghton's Hidden Gem: Super 8 Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted travel itinerary. This is a mess. This is a diary. This is… well, it's me trying to survive a weekend at the Victory Hotel in Southfield, Detroit. And let's be honest, surviving is the goal here.
A Victory Hotel Victory (Maybe) - A Detroit Disaster? (Probably Not):
Friday: The Arrival of the Slightly-Overcaffeinated
3:00 PM: Arrive at Victory Hotel. Okay, first impressions: the lobby…it feels…beige. Seriously, is beige the official color of "business travel chic?" The check-in process went smoother than expected. The lady at the front desk, Angela, had the best smile. Made me feel instantly less stressed. (Yes, I was already stressed. Travel does that to me.) My room key card? Let's call it a "precious" thing, I'll probably lose it at the end of the day.
3:30 PM: Room inspection. Standard hotel room. Two beds (why two? Am I expecting company? I wish!), a TV that probably gets channels I don’t understand, and the essential – a mini-fridge. Praise be to the fridge! My immediate thought? "Can I get away with eating that leftover pizza in there?" Emotional note: I'm suddenly ravenous. And lonely. Okay, focus. unpack, go to the bathroom and start the day!
4:00 PM: Attempting to navigate the weirdness of hotel room Wi-Fi. It's like a technological labyrinth, my friends. After 20 minutes of frustration and a minor meltdown, I give up. Guess I need to experience life OFF-LINE.
5:00 PM: The "Work Hard, Play Hard(ly)" Plan. Gotta get a head start with work, right? (Pro tip: That's what I lie to myself to feel productive) I'm sprawled on the bed, laptop on my stomach, trying to compose emails while battling a growing urge to order room service. The conference call is in less than a few hours.
6:30 PM: Conference Call. Actually, the conference call was a success! (Which is a miracle because the Wi-Fi refused to cooperate)
7:30 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant - I'm not expecting miracles, considering it looks like the lobby. But, surprisingly, the salmon was edible. (That's high praise coming from me). I also attempted to order a glass of wine but asked for the "most dry white wine" and the server looked at me and repeated. "The driest….". It's fine.
9:00 PM: Back in the room. Contemplating the meaning of life while flipping through channels. Stumbled upon a cooking show marathon. Suddenly, I’m craving…everything.
10:00 PM: Attempting to sleep. Hotel beds, am I right? Firm. And slightly…suspiciously clean. Emotional note: I'm already craving the comfort of my own bed. And my cat.
Saturday: Detroit, You Intriguing Beast!
7:00 AM: Alarm goes off – time to be productive…or at least pretend to be. Coffee from the terrible hotel machine. It tastes like burnt sadness, Honestly, how does a hotel mess up coffee?
8:00 AM: Head to the Detroit Institute of Arts!! (DIA). They have a Diego Rivera mural, which is the main attraction, of course. But be careful, I'd heard reports of a group that wanted to vandalize the murals.
11:00 AM: DIA experience update. Yes, I was in awe. In fact, I think I spent an over-long amount of time staring at the Rivera murals, my neck starting to ache. I needed a break. So I sat down in the cafe, ordered a coffee (a better one, thankfully) and watched people. That’s what I do when I’m lost in a city. I like to watch people, imagine their stories. Made me feel less alone.
12:30 PM: Lunch at a local sandwich shoppe, the sandwich was messy, and perfect. The place was full of the kind of chatter that makes you feel you're actually in a place, not just a tourist passing through.
2:00 PM: Riverfront walk. Oh man. Detroit. It's got this… raw energy. And also, a lot of empty spaces. It's beautiful and sad all at once. I felt my own raw energy go through me.
4:00 PM: More work. Back to the beige room. The Wi-Fi still hates me.
7:00 PM: Feeling like a proper lonely person. Ordered room service. The burger was…meh. I really need to get out of this room. This feels like a trap.
8:00 PM: Venture out. Found a small, dimly lit bar with live music. The music was surprisingly good (Detroit knows its music!). Had a couple of drinks and started to feel…human again. Quirky observation: People in Detroit are friendly. Like, genuinely friendly. It’s a welcome change from the jaded city I am used to.
10:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Attempt to sleep. Again. It’s the same. I have a thought.
11:30 PM: I should have called my mom!
Sunday: The Long, Beige Goodbye:
8:00 AM: Another terrible coffee. I should learn to pack my own.
9:00 AM: Checkout time. Bye bye, beige room. Angela’s still at the front desk. Her smile feels even better this morning.
9:30 AM: Pretend to casually stroll through the hotel lobby, to see how others behave, to make an assessment.
10:00 AM: Drive home. The drive is long. Emotional note: I'm actually, kind of, looking forward to going home. To my cat. To my own bed.
1:00 PM: Arrive back home. Collapse on the sofa. The world outside is now in order.
1:30 PM: Clean my face.
2:00 PM: End.
Overall Assessment of the Victory Hotel: A mixed bag. Functional, mostly. Detroit? Intriguing. I'll be back. I think!
Shelton's BEST Extended Stay? (Fairfield County's Hidden Gem!)
Okay, spill the beans: What's this legendary hotel, anyway?! And is it REALLY a secret?
Alright, alright, FINE. The "legend" (and I use that term VERY loosely) revolves around a hotel in Southfield, just outside of Detroit. I'm not dropping the actual name yet, partially because I'm still trying to figure out if the whole thing's a cleverly orchestrated PR stunt. But "secret"? C'mon. It's not like they've hidden it behind a portal to another dimension. It's a hotel, people. But they play it up, saying people don’t know about it. I can vouch, I have seen it a million times, but if you told me the name, I'd be like, "Oh, yeah! That place...". So...it's secret-adjacent, I guess.
What's supposed to be so mind-blowing about it? What kind of “shock” are we talking here?
The hype focuses on a few things: supposedly incredible decor, unique amenities, and an experience that's a cut above the usual boilerplate hotel stay. Let's say "shock" means they're hoping to surprise you with a level of detail and craftsmanship you'd expect from a boutique hotel in a much trendier location. Honestly, the bar is incredibly low at this point because let's be honest, I spend more time at the library than fancy hotels. So, while I'm skeptical, I’m also a sucker for a good room with interesting decor. So, sure, the element of surprise could have me hooked. I'm thinking of like, super comfy beds, maybe a fantastic view. Maybe a robot butler? (Okay, probably not a robot butler, but a girl can dream!). I'm not expecting the moon, but I'm also not expecting a Motel 6.
Let's get real. Did it *actually* shock you? What was the best part?
Alright, here's the truth bomb: it wasn't *shocking* in a "OMG I've never seen anything like this!" way. Remember when you're kid and thought a new toy was the greatest thing, only to play with it for 10 minutes? It was more like a pleasantly surprising. The best part? Hands down, the bathroom. I know, I know, it's weird, but I was obsessed. It had a giant walk-in shower with, like, a rainfall showerhead AND a handheld one, seriously, the water pressure wasn't a trickle! It made me wish I could just live in there. And the way the lighting was set up? Pure bliss. I think I spent a solid hour in there, just luxuriating. I even debated taking a bath, but time was of the essence and I had to report back, so only the shower got the full treatment. Regrets. Major regrets.
And the worst? Did the hotel have any major fails?
Oh, yeah. Let's not get carried away with the bathroom love. The service was a little... uneven. One minute, a staff member was overly solicitous, practically offering to carry my toothbrush, and the next, I was practically begging for more towels. And the elevators. Good lord, the elevators. They were SLOW. And, dare I say, a bit sketchy? Like, I had a moment of panic when the doors wouldn't open and I thought I was going to have to spend the night. I’m not claustrophobic, but I'm also not a fan of being trapped. But the worst part? The coffee. The coffee was just… awful. Like, seriously, how can a hotel botch coffee? It was worse than what you get at, like, a gas station. And I love gas station coffee! I'm starting to think they were doing it on purpose, just to mess with me. Because really, bad coffee is more shocking to me than bad decor.
What about the decor? Did it live up to the hype that it was "unique"?
This is where things get subjective, right? The hotel clearly had a theme going. Think a blend of modern meets… something else. It had some very odd angles and artistic touches. Honestly, I felt like I was in a museum the first few hours, afraid to touch anything. Then I got a bit more comfortable. There was clearly effort put into it, and I can appreciate that. If you're looking for cookie-cutter, bland hotel rooms, this isn't it. But, let's be honest, some of the design choices were… questionable. Let's just say the furniture choices made me feel like I was missing something. Like, was I not cool enough to understand their aesthetic? Am I still too simple for fancy hotel rooms? Am I just old and uncultured? Okay, I'm rambling again. It was *different*, let's leave it at that. And I'm sure some people love it. I will say that the lobby had a nice chandelier!
The Food! What about the food?
Okay, the restaurant, let's call it the "eatery," was… a mixed bag. The menu was ambitious, with dishes that *sounded* amazing. The presentation was beautiful. The first dish I ordered – a salad – was actually pretty good, although a little too "healthy" for my liking. Then I ordered the steak, and that's where things went downhill. It was overcooked, and tough, and tasted, honestly, a little bland. To this day, I'm not sure if it was me, or the chef had an off day. I'm beginning to think I was the problem. Maybe my palate is just basic! It's the kind of experience that makes you wonder if the chef is trying too hard or not hard enough. (And the service, there, was a bit slow.)
So, is it worth the hype? Would you recommend this "BEST KEPT SECRET?"
Honestly? IT'S COMPLICATED. As an experience, yeah, sure. It's better than most hotels. I'd totally stay there again, if only for the bathroom. But best kept secret? Nah. It's a nice hotel, with some cool features. But shocking? Mind-blowing? Game-changing? No. Maybe if I'd come in with absolutely zero expectations, I would be more impressed. But the hype just set me up for disappointment. So, my advice? Go with an open mind, temper your expectations, and prepare yourself for some quirky design choices and a rollercoaster ride of service. And, for the love of all that is holy, maybe bring your own coffee. (And please tell me what you think!)
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