Escape to Michigan: Benton Harbor's Premier Staybridge Suites Awaits!
Escape to Michigan: Staybridge Suites Benton Harbor - My Completely Unfiltered Take!
Okay, listen up, weary travelers! You're thinking about a Michigan escape? Benton Harbor's calling, and the Staybridge Suites is beckoning. I've just back from my own personal little getaway, and let me tell you, I have opinions. Buckle up, because this ain't your sterile, generic hotel review. We're getting REAL.
First Impressions & Accessibility – The Good, the Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. I'm not disabled, so I can't speak from personal experience, but I did take a good look around. The website claims to have facilities for those with disabilities, like this elevator! Phew, because stairs are the bane of my existence. So, points for elevator, that's a win in my book.
- Accessibility: (I did see a lot of things that looked accessible, but it's always best to call ahead and confirm if you have specific needs, ya know?)
But wait, there's more! Actually, not a lot more in some ways.
- Wheelchair Accessible: (Seemed promising!)
So, yeah, accessibility seems… present? I'm going to cautiously say it looks like they're trying. Always double-check if you have specific accessibility requirements.
Internet – Bless the Wi-Fi Gods!
Okay, for a digital nomad like myself, solid internet is make or break. And you know what? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! I'm talking fast, reliable Wi-Fi. Didn't have a single dropped Zoom call, which deserves a medal.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – YES!
- Internet Access LAN – (Didn't test LAN, but with the Wi-Fi, why bother, right?)
- Internet Services: (Beyond Wi-Fi? Not sure, but the Wi-Fi was enough!)
Cleanliness & Safety – Did They Survive the Great Sanitizing Scare?
This is where things get interesting. Let's be honest, after the pandemic, we're all a little… paranoid.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: (Good!)
- Daily disinfection in common areas: (Reassuring!)
- Hand sanitizer: (Spotted plenty!)
- Rooms sanitized between stays: (A must!)
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: (Yep! Heard about it on the website!)
- Staff trained in safety protocol: (They looked like they knew what they were doing.)
The Dining Dilemma – Breakfast…and Beyond.
Breakfast! My Achilles' heel! Alright, so the Staybridge Suites offers a breakfast buffet. (deep breath). Now, I'm not a buffet kinda person. I like to grab and go. I'll admit, the food was… adequate. Cereal, some fruit (the apples were amazing), and the usual suspects.
- Breakfast [buffet]: (It was there, alright.)
- Breakfast service: (Yes! Breakfast was served!)
- Breakfast takeaway service: (Didn't explore this, but options!)
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: (Yes! And thankfully, readily available!)
- Vegetarian restaurant: (Not really - but they had some vegetarian options on the breakfast buffet.)
The Hotel Itself - The Perks (and the not-so-perks)
- Facilities for disabled guests: (Probably better to call.)
- Elevator: (Thank goodness!)
- Indoor venue for special events: (Didn't see any, didn't care!)
- Laundry service: (Essential!)
- Luggage storage: (Helpful!)
- Meeting/banquet facilities: (Not my thing.)
- Non-smoking rooms: (Thank you, sweet baby Jesus!)
- Rooms sanitized between stays: (Double thanks!)
- Safety deposit boxes: (Always a plus!)
The Staybridge Suites Experience – The Pools, The Gym, The…Well, That’s About It.
Okay, let's talk about the real reason we escape: relaxation.
- Fitness center: (Yep, it's there. I don't go, so no comments. LOL!)
- Swimming pool: (Indoor and outdoor! I spent a lot of time here.)
- Sauna (didn't visit though some people did)
The pool was beautiful! It was relaxing. Seriously, I spent hours just floating, ignoring all my responsibilities. It was glorious. The pool area was clean and well-maintained.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Fine Print on Food.
- Coffee shop: (Didn't see any.)
- Desserts in restaurant: (Didn't partake in the desserts, but I'm sure they exist.)
- Snack bar: (Didn't see a snack bar but there were vending machines full of delicious, terrible snacks…)
My Verdict:
The Staybridge Suites in Benton Harbor is a solid choice. It's not perfect, but it gets the job done. It's generally clean, well-maintained, and the internet is a godsend. Definitely recommend is you just want a place you can chill and relax, or maybe work.
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My Special, Completely Unfiltered Offer - BECAUSE You Deserve a Break!
Tired of the same old routine? Need to escape? Book a stay at the Staybridge Suites in Benton Harbor NOW, and I'll personally guarantee you… Okay, I can't guarantee anything, BUT …
- A much-needed break, regardless.
- Access to that gorgeous pool.
- The peace of mind that comes with a generally clean and safe place to stay.
Here's the hook: Book your stay using this little link (or find it somewhere on this review): [Insert Booking Link Here].
You deserve this. Go get it. And remember, don’t just take my word for it—read the reviews (but maybe not the ones that are too glowing).
Happy travels, you magnificent people!
Escape to Houston Comfort: Deer Park's Best-Kept Secret!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is a Staybridge Suites Benton Harbor-St. Joseph River by IHG itinerary… with a dash of "oh god, what have I gotten myself into?" thrown in for good measure.
Day 1: Arrival and the Dreaded Grocery Run (Mayhem Ensues)
1:00 PM: Arrive at Chicago, Midway airport (oh joy, not O'Hare!), grab the rental car. The first sign of trouble? The rental car agent who looked like he hadn't slept since the Clinton administration. "You got… the… compact," he grunted, handing me the keys. Compact it was not. It was a land yacht. I immediately regretted my decision.
2:30 PM: Drive to Benton Harbor, MI. Google Maps promised a breezy hour and a half. Lies. All lies. The traffic around Chicago was a parking lot of despair. I channeled my inner zen and focused on the promise of a free breakfast at the Staybridge Suites once I got there.
4:00 PM: Check in. The lobby was surprisingly bright and clean. The lady at the desk was way too cheerful for my liking. "Welcome to the Suites! Everything alright, dear?" "Yep," I said, already fantasizing about my bed. The room? Decent enough. The kitchenette? I was immediately excited for the possibility of staying in for the night and not going out.
4:30 PM: The grocery run. This is where things went sideways. I decided to get food at Meijer. I'm not sure how many times I've cursed the words "aisle six." What started as a mission for cereal and coffee quickly morphed into me wandering aimlessly, muttering about the existential dread of frozen vegetables in the freezer section. Then, a rogue shopping cart nearly took me out. I may have made a very un-ladylike sound.
6:00 PM: Back in the room. Survived groceries! Crashing. Hard. Microwaved some questionable microwaveable food I found on the sale rack at Meijer. Okay, maybe not crashing. More like a sluggish, defeated retreat to the couch to flip through channels. The TV options were abysmal.
7:00 PM: Contemplating the pool. The pool looks amazing, but the thought of having to change and see other humans is just… no.
Day 2: Beach Vibes and a Failed Attempt at Culture
7:00 AM: Okay, the free breakfast at Staybridge Suites was actually… decent. Scrambled eggs, sausage, the usual. I fueled up for a day of… well, I wasn't sure what. Maybe something involving the beach.
8:00 AM: Decided to go to Silver Beach County Park. The light was beautiful, and the lake was amazing. I took some pictures. It was… peaceful. Which felt weird, because I usually thrive on chaos. So, I walked along the pier, pretending I was in a Nicholas Sparks novel. It wasn't working, but still.
10:00 AM: Decided to try to visit the Krasl Art Center, which, if I'm being honest, I’d probably enjoy. I was thinking of spending an hour at the museum. I got there but then decided to use the bathroom. The bathroom was in excellent condition, but I was too tired to enjoy the art. I swear, a good bathroom is a game changer.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a local diner. Greasy spoon perfection. The waitress called me "honey," and I felt a strange sense of belonging. The kind of belonging that comes from knowing she's seen it all – bad hair days, questionable life choices, and everything in between.
2:00 PM: Napped. A solid two-hour nap. Bliss. Woke up feeling slightly less like a pile of discarded socks.
4:00 PM: Back to the pool contemplation. Still a no.
6:00 PM: Decided to attempt to start my book. I brought the book of course. I have never failed to bring a book on a solo trip. I sat in a chair in what was supposed to be a "relaxing" atmosphere and got distracted by the screaming children. My relaxation plans were failing right now.
Day 3: The Whirlwind of a "Day Trip" and a Total Food Fail
7:00 AM: Repeat breakfast at the Staybridge Suites. Starting to get familiar with the regulars. There's a guy who always grabs three sausages. I'm judging.
8:00 AM: Decided to go to South Haven for a day trip. Another trip. I was thinking about taking the car there. It's not far, about 35 minutes. I was regretting the car. Also, there were so many beautiful lakesides, and small towns. I did enjoy seeing the boats.
12:00 PM: Attempted to eat at a cute little restaurant in South Haven. The wait was an hour and a half. Nope. My stomach growled.
1:00 PM: Found a burger place. The burger was… well, it was a burger. Not the worst, not the best. Fuel, I guess.
2:00 PM: I'd spent all day in the sun, I was tired and sunburnt. I decided to go to the beach. I just laid on a towel, closed my eyes, and listened to the waves.
4:00 PM: Back to the Staybridge Suites. The pool is calling my name but the thought of the kids again is making me think again.
6:00 PM: Tried again to go to a restaurant. Failed again. It was a complete culinary disaster. I ended up eating the last of my microwaveable things in my room.
Day 4: Departure (and a Vow to Return… Maybe?)
7:00 AM: One last breakfast! Said my goodbyes to the sausage guy.
8:00 AM: Packed. The land yacht awaits.
9:00 AM: Check out. The too-cheerful lady smiled and asked, "Did you enjoy your stay, dear?" "It was…" I hesitated. Should I be honest? "…Memorable," I finally said, smiling back, and it was the truth.
9:30 AM: Headed back to the airport. The drive, surprisingly, wasn't a complete nightmare. Maybe the rental car agent had finally gotten some sleep.
11:00 AM: Airport. Sigh.
12:00 PM: Flight home.
So, there you have it. The Staybridge Suites Benton Harbor-St. Joseph River by IHG itinerary… with a whole lot of life peppered in. Would I go back? Maybe. Probably. Definitely, if there's a good sale on microwaveable food. And, if I could, maybe I'd get a better rental car next time.
Luxury Medellín Escape: Estelar Apartamentos Await!
Escape to Michigan: Benton Harbor's Premier Staybridge Suites Awaits! (…Maybe?) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, so, IS the Staybridge Suites REALLY "premier"? Like, should I pack my tiara?
Okay, hold your horses (and definitely leave the tiara at home). "Premier" might be a LITTLE generous, let's be honest. It's not the Ritz-Carlton, folks. But honestly? For Benton Harbor, Michigan? It's pretty darn good. I mean, are we talking "luxury"? No. Are we talking "clean, comfy, with a halfway decent breakfast and a free beer happy hour on certain nights"? YES. And sometimes, that's *exactly* what you need after a long drive and maybe, just maybe, a near-miss with a rogue deer. (True story. Almost. Heart palpitations. Benton Harbor, you wild place.) So, "premier"? Ehhh… "Perfectly adequate and probably better than you expect?" More like it. Lower your expectations, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. Promise.
The website boasts about the "fully equipped kitchens." Can I *actually* cook a gourmet meal in there? Or am I limited to ramen and sadness?
Okay, the kitchens. Ah, the kitchens. They're...equipped. Fully? Well… *mostly*. There's a fridge, a microwave, a stovetop (usually – check before you unpack). And… well, that's about it. Don't go planning to whip up bouillabaisse. Unless you REALLY know your way around a single pot, a couple of sporks, and have pre-chopped everything. I tried this once, convinced I could make a simple pasta dish. I ended up with a burnt pan, a smoking smoke detector, and a desperate plea for pizza delivery. The "fully equipped" is more like "kinda equipped." Think simple breakfasts, heating up leftovers, maybe a slightly ambitious grilled cheese (if you're feeling *dangerous*). Ramen and sadness are definitely still on the menu, but you CAN elevate it a bit. Bring your own good olive oil and some spices. And a prayer.
What about the breakfast? Is it the standard "waffle maker and questionable eggs" situation?
Ugh, the hotel breakfast. It's the *breakfast of possibilities* mingled with the *breakfast of mild disappointment*. Yes, there's a waffle maker. And yes, the eggs might be… well, let's just say embrace the rubbery texture and move on. But, and this is a HUGE BUT, sometimes, *sometimes*, they have actual, fresh fruit. Like, strawberries. Or blueberries. And that, my friends, can make all the difference. There might be some sad-looking pastries. But for a free breakfast? It's a lifesaver. Especially when you're hungover from the aforementioned free beer happy hour. Just… don't go in expecting a culinary masterpiece. Go in hungry and thankful for sustenance. And maybe some coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Is there a pool? And if so, is it a chlorinated abyss of screaming children?
Yes, there's a pool. And yes, it *can* be an abyss of screaming children. But, and this is key: the pool area is usually pretty well-maintained. Think clean towels, a decent temperature (at least, when I was there… your mileage *may* vary!), and ample lounge chairs (if you get there early. Get there early!). It's not Olympic-sized, by any means. More like a rectangular…ish… thing. But hey, it's a pool. You can swim. You can splash. You can attempt to avoid eye contact with the screaming children. Just be prepared to share the space with the aforementioned offspring. Bring earplugs. Or just… embrace the chaos. It's part of the adventure. And look on the bright side: at least it's *not* freezing.
The location. Benton Harbor. Is it… safe? And, like, is there anything *to do* around there?
Okay, Benton Harbor. Let's be real. It’s… Benton Harbor. Safety is a matter of perspective. Use common sense. Don't wander around deserted streets at 2 AM. Keep your valuables out of sight. Trust your gut. Is it the most glamorous place on Earth? Nope. But is it a place that can surprise you? ABSOLUTELY. There are some cool art galleries, especially in the Arts District, some decent restaurants (check TripAdvisor, I swear!), and, if the weather is nice, the beaches are gorgeous. The Silver Beach County Park is amazing. Seriously, the beach is the saving grace. Bring your sunscreen. Bring your towel. And go explore! Just… do your research. And maybe download a good map app. You’ll thank me later.
Let's talk about the "free beer and wine" happy hour. Is it as good as it sounds? What's the catch?
Ah, the sweet nectar of *FREE*. Yes, the free happy hour is a real thing. And it *is* glorious. Especially after a long drive or a day of exploring Benton Harbor (or just… existing). The catch? Well, it's not top-shelf stuff. Think… well, think of it as a *social lubricant*. It's not going to win any awards, but it's free. And the staff is usually super friendly. It’s a great way to unwind before, you know, realizing you forgot to buy snacks for the room. (I may or may not have learned that the hard way…) They usually have some basic beers and a red and a white wine. Don't expect miracles. But DO expect a relaxed atmosphere and a chance to maybe chat with other travelers, maybe even bond over the burnt-plastic smell of the microwave in your room. It's those shared, slightly imperfect moments that you remember, right? Just… don’t overdo it. Especially if you're planning on driving anywhere. Duh.
What about the staff? Are they… friendly? Or do they look like they've seen some things?
The staff… okay, *this* is where the Staybridge Suites usually shines. They’re generally really, really nice, which is a big point in their favor. Like, genuinely friendly. They seem to actually *care* that you're having a good stay, which is a rare and beautiful thing in the hospitality world. Yes, you might encounter the occasional person who looks a little… tired. (We all have those days, right?) But overall, the staff is welcoming, helpful, and willing to go the extra mile. They're probably the best thing about the whole place. And who knows, maybe you'll get lucky and connect with a local who can REALLY give you the inside scoop on Benton Harbor. Just don't expectStay Finder Blogs
