Farmington Hills' BEST Kept Secret: Stay at MainStay Suites Detroit!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the… ahem …"BEST Kept Secret" of Farmington Hills: Stay at MainStay Suites Detroit! (Don't tell anyone I let the cat out of the bag!). Now, I'm no travel agent, just a relatable human who stayed there and lived to tell the tale (with a few mild PTSD flashbacks, naturally). So, let's break this down… ALL of it.
First Impressions (and the Reality Check):
Okay, so I rolled in, and the first thing that smacked me in the face? Not a bad smell! Honestly, after some hotels, that's a win. It's not the Ritz, people, let's be real. But the exterior corridor look? A little…motel-y. But hey, I wasn’t here for architecture, I was here for a potential escape! And, you know what? MainStay Suite’s in Farmington is pretty easy to get to. Score one for convenience, before some serious reviews.
Accessibility (Because, You Know, We All Gotta Get Around):
Right, so, gotta give credit where it's due. They do mention "Facilities for disabled guests." I didn't personally need any, but I saw an elevator and what appeared to be the usual accessible stuff. So, tentatively, a thumbs up. Better to show the goods, then to be a showoff.
Let's Talk Wi-Fi (and My Internet Meltdown):
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Praise be! (I need my cat videos, okay?). But…insert dramatic pause here…the first day? It was a crawl. Like, dial-up levels of slow. I’m talking, “did my email even send?” slow. And my deadline? Looming. You know, that feeling of panic as your screen loads…eternally? Yep. I went full-on Karen for a minute. (Shameful, I know.) But the next day? Magic! Fast as lightning. Maybe the internet gremlins were on holiday the first day? Who knows. But it DID have "Wi-Fi for special events," so I guess I wasn’t really on my own, and it was actually usable. sigh of relief
The Room: My Sanctuary (and Occasional Bunker):
Okay, the room itself. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning…check. Alarm clock…check. Hair dryer…check. They weren’t kidding. It was clean, reasonably spacious, and had "Blackout curtains" which were a godsend with my sleep schedule (read: vampire hours). And, the "Desk" was a HUGE plus because the cat videos, of course, are important, but so is the deadline. I did appreciate the "Refrigerator" for my emergency snacks.
Now, I didn't get a "Couple's room" (single gal here, people), and I didn't require a "Additional toilet" (although, if you have IBS, you might be thrilled. Just sayin’). But, point is: It had the basics, plus… wait for it… a "Laptop workspace." (Cue angels singing). I’m not gonna lie, I spent most of my day there.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the "Germaphobe's Delight" (maybe):
Alright, let's talk COVID-era. They really leaned into the "Cleanliness and safety" stuff. Seriously, it was everywhere. I'm talking "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays," etc. They even had "Hand sanitizer" everywhere. Now, I'm not a clean freak, BUT, all this added to my peace of mind. The "Staff trained in safety protocol" seemed genuinely committed. It wasn't just a show – you felt it. I didn’t see the "Doctor/nurse on call," but I didn’t need one!
The Dining/Drinking/Snacking Situation (My Personal Hell):
Okay, this is where things got… interesting. There's a “Breakfast service” (supposedly a "Breakfast [buffet]"…which felt a little sparse, if I am being honest. And don't expect "Asian cuisine in restaurant," or a "Vegetarian restaurant," or even much by way of a "Bar." Forget "Poolside bar." Honestly, it was not a culinary paradise and made me go to a restaurant, but hey, I was in a pinch and not here for that. It was very…basic. You could get "Breakfast takeaway service," which was convenient. And I would be lying if I said that I did not appreciate the “Bottle of water” that was available.
Things to Do/Ways to Relax (Or, How I Tried to De-Stress):
Alright, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Despite the “Pool with view” designation, the pool wasn’t quite that, although the “Swimming pool [outdoor]” was fine. No "Spa/sauna" at MainStay Suites Detroit. No "Body scrub." (I dream of a good body scrub!). Forget the "Gym/fitness" or the "Massage" – or even a "Sauna." I was at a Main Stay.
Services and Conveniences (The Stuff You Really Need):
They had the usual suspects: "Daily housekeeping," "Laundry service," "Dry cleaning," "Luggage storage," and a "Concierge." They even had "Business facilities" including, “Xerox/fax in business center.” And, let’s not forget the "Elevator" and the "Facilities for disabled guests” I mentioned before.
For the Kids (Because, You Know, Families):
They're "Family/child friendly," but the amenities for kids are…well… I’m sure they put up a good face, but the Main Stay is not a kid’s dream.
Getting Around (And the "Car Park [free of charge]"…Thank God):
Free parking? HOORAY! "Car park [on-site]"? Also, yay! Because, let's be honest, Farmington Hills is not exactly a city you can navigate on foot. I didn't use "Taxi service" so I can't comment. They also had "Airport transfer".
Conclusion: The "Best Kept Secret" (Perhaps a Slightly Overhyped Secret)
Okay, let's cut the fluff. MainStay Suites Detroit in Farmington Hills is…solid. It's not going to blow your mind. It's not going to win any Michelin stars. But, it’s safe, clean, adequately comfortable, and offers all the basics. It’s a decent pad to hang your hat (or your laptop) for a while, and perfect for a traveler in a pinch.
SEO and Metadata (Because, Google Likes This Stuff):
- Keywords: MainStay Suites Detroit, Farmington Hills Hotels, Accessible Hotels, Free Wi-Fi, Detroit Hotels, Budget Hotels, Clean Hotel, Safe Hotel, Hotel Review, Family-Friendly Hotel, Airport Transfer, Parking, Business Traveler, Michigan, Detroit Metro
- Meta Description: Honest review of MainStay Suites Detroit in Farmington Hills. Find out about accessibility, free Wi-Fi, cleanliness, amenities, and what it's REALLY like to stay there. Spoiler alert: It's a decent place.
- Title Tag: MainStay Suites Detroit Review: The REAL Deal in Farmington Hills?
- Focus Keyword: MainStay Suites Detroit
- URL Slug: mainstay-suites-detroit-review-farmington-hills
(Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars) (Or, two thumbs up… and a frustrated sigh about the Wi-Fi)
(Disclaimer: My opinion is just like…an opinion, man. Your experience may vary. Please bring your own cat videos.)
Fairfield Inn Port Huron: Your Perfect Michigan Getaway Awaits!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're diving headfirst into my absolutely bonkers Detroit adventure, with the Mainstay Suites in Farmington Hills as our glorious, slightly beige-carpeted launchpad. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travelogue, oh no. This is the real deal. Prepare for questionable decisions, a mountain of questionable food, and me, generally wrestling with life.
Day 1: Arrival & Suburban Discombobulation
- 1:00 PM: Landed at DTW. Seriously, the airport is a beast. Navigating that labyrinth with my slightly-too-heavy suitcase? Pure cardio. And why is it always freezing in airports? I swear, I almost turned into a human popsicle.
- 1:45 PM: Got that rental car. A silver sedan. Standard. Named her "Silver Surfer" (don't judge). First minor hiccup: I initially tried to put the keys in the gas tank. Facepalm city.
- 2:30 PM: Finally arrived at MainStay Suites. Okay, clean, basic, perfectly…adequate. The guy at the desk was super friendly, bless his heart. Gave me a room on the third floor. Elevator, thank god! The thought of hauling my suitcase up those stairs after driving all the way here felt like a punishment from the travel gods.
- 3:00 PM: Unpacked. Immediately realized I overpacked, as usual. Seriously, why do I bring five pairs of jeans for a trip? I'm not planning on being a denim model! Tossed a bunch of stuff in a random corner and decided to explore.
- 3:30 PM: Strolled around Farmington Hills. "Strolled" is a generous term. More like a slightly bewildered shuffle. Suburban sprawl, people! Strip malls as far as the eye can see! Found a Starbucks. Ordered a caramel macchiato. Standard caffeine injection. The lady in front of me spilled her entire venti on the floor. Made me feel better about my own clumsy tendencies.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at a local pizza place called "Pizza Perfection." The name was…ambitious. Crust was a bit soggy (a tragedy!), but the toppings were decent. Ate the whole thing anyway. Don't judge my post-travel hunger!
- 6:30 PM: Back in the hotel room. Collapsed on the bed. The sheets felt suspiciously scratchy. Watched some terrible reality TV. My brain is currently mush.
Day 2: Detroit…Sort Of
- 9:00 AM: Dragged myself out of bed. Breakfast at the hotel. Waffles. Glorious, slightly-too-syrupy waffles. The kind of waffles that make you question all your life choices, but in a good way.
- 10:00 AM: Decided to go into Detroit. Map app malfunctioned. Ended up circling the same block for a solid twenty minutes. My navigational skills are truly atrocious.
- 11:00 AM: Finally on the right track! Made it downtown, parked (expensive parking, UGH!), and wandered around. Detroit. This place…it's a vibe. Raw, gritty, with a history that practically bleeds from the buildings.
- 11:30 AM: Got caught in an impromptu street performance showcasing some incredible breakdancing. Seriously, jaw-dropping stuff. I was grinning like an idiot. Suddenly, a little kid came up and offered me a dirty penny. I gave him a buck instead. Made my whole day.
- 12:30 PM: Decided to check out the Detroit Institute of Arts. Okay, yes, amazing. But overwhelmed. So much art! So many rooms! Spent like an hour just gaping at the Diego Rivera murals, forgetting everything else. Pure, unadulterated awe. I could have stayed there all day.
- 3:00 PM: Lunch at a diner. Classic diner experience. Greasy spoon perfection. Had a burger. And fries. And a milkshake (because, why not?). Spent way too much time people-watching. Detroiters have stories written all over their faces.
- 4:30 PM: Had a very, very minor incident with a street vendor. Let's just say I tried to bargain and maybe, just maybe, might have insulted the guy's family. Awkward doesn't even begin to cover it. Bought a souvenir (a frankly hideous t-shirt as an apology).
- 6:00 PM: Back to Farmington Hills. Exhausted. Overstimulated. Wondering if I can just stay in my room and eat chips for the rest of the trip.
- 7:00 PM: Ordered takeout from a Chinese restaurant. Fried rice. Comfort food. Life saver. Watched a documentary on the history of Motown. Felt all the feels.
Day 3: The Ford Experience (& My Personal Breakdown)
- 9:00 AM: Okay, Ford Rouge Factory Tour. This was the day. The day I'd been hyping up. The day that was supposed to be the pinnacle of my automotive-based awakening.
- 10:00 AM: Showed up at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. The immense scale of the place hit me like a ton of bricks. Huge, loud, and smelling intensely of…industrial things. (Metal? Rubber? I don't know!)
- 10:30 AM: The documentary before entering the factory was…well-done. Powerful, a bit cheesy. I might have teared up. Don't judge me.
- 11:00 AM: The FACTORY ITSELF. Holy. Crap. Robots! Blazing fast! Sparks flying! A symphony of whirring, banging, and metallic screams! It was…a sensory overload. I thought I could handle this. I really did. I LOVE cars, I thought.
- 11:30 AM: I started to feel…off. Overwhelmed. A little nauseous from the smells. The sheer relentless process of creation…it was terrifying and magnificent. I remember wondering if the robots were secretly judging me.
- 12:00 PM: I stumbled out of the factory, feeling like I'd just gone three rounds with a champion boxer. Disoriented. My heart was pounding. The energy was exhausting. I needed…air. And water. And to lie down.
- 12:30 PM: Found a bench outside. Sat down. I couldn't stop staring at the cars. All those metal shapes, lined up like chrome soldiers. Then, it happened. Something in me cracked. A wave of genuine, ugly, crying came over me. Right there, in front of dozens of tourists. I just started sobbing, quietly.
- 1:00 PM: Eventually, I got myself together. Wiped my face, took some deep breaths. The intensity of the experience – the industrial might, the ambition, the history…it all hit me at once. I felt…small. Insignificant. And strangely moved.
- 2:00 PM: Ate lunch. A sandwich. I sat there in a daze, watching everyone else with their families. Still feeling a bit shaky. Decided to go back to my hotel.
- 3:00 PM: Back in the hotel. The quiet was welcome. Crawled into bed. Stared at the ceiling. Was I having a meltdown? Maybe. Did I care? Nope.
- 6:00 PM: Ordered pizza from somewhere. The hotel pizza was surprisingly good. Ate with the TV on and passed out.
- 7:00 PM: Slept for 12 hours
Day 4: Recovery and Departure
- 9:00 AM: Woke up feeling marginally better. The emotional tidal wave had receded. Sort of.
- 10:00 AM: Decided to have a slow morning, just relax. Started writing in my journal. Surprisingly I'm finding out that all of these experiences and emotions are making me see value in the small things!
- 11:00 AM: Packed. The dreaded packing. Made sure to leave at my house all of the things I didn't want to carry.
- 12:00 PM: Checked out of the MainStay Suites. Said goodbye to the friendly guy at the desk. He didn't comment on my generally disheveled appearance, which I appreciated.
- 12:30 PM: One last caramel macchiato at Starbucks. Because rituals.
- 1:00 PM: Drove to the airport. Successfully returned the Silver Surfer. No scratches! (Victory!)
- 2:00 PM: Airport. Security. The usual chaos. Found my gate.
- 4:00 PM: On the plane. Heading home. Tired. Changed. Maybe a little bit more human than when I arrived.
Detroit, you magnificent, messy, complicated place. You broke me down and built me back up. Thanks for the memories (and the slightly traumatizing factory tour). Hasta la vista, baby! Or, you know, until next time.
Escape to the Brandywine Valley: Luxurious Fairfield Inn Stay Awaits!
Farmington Hills' BEST Kept Secret: The MainStay Suites Detroit - Or, My Slightly Unhinged Guide
Why is MainStay Suites Detroit, specifically in Farmington Hills, considered a "best-kept secret"? Seriously, what's the deal?
Okay, so "best-kept secret" might be stretching it. Let's be real. It's not like they're hiding a unicorn stable in the parking lot. But, and this is a big but, it's a solid, reliable choice that seems to get overlooked. Maybe it's because everyone's rushing to the flashier hotels downtown. Or, and this is my theory...people like their secrets! My theory, that's it. I've stayed there, off and on, for, like, five years. It's my "go-to" when I'm visiting family and don't want to sleep on a pull-out couch that smells vaguely of grandpa's pipe tobacco (love ya, Uncle Jerry, but...). I think it's the combination of a decent price, a surprisingly good breakfast, and the fact that it's...well, convenient.
Okay, fine, convenient. But *what* is convenient about it?
It's centrally located in Farmington Hills! And, I'm serious, it's near everything. Food? Loads. Groceries? Check. Shopping? Oh, honey, you're covered. Highway access is ridiculously easy, which is crucial for navigating the Detroit area. I once, and I swear this is true, had to drive to, like, five different suburbs in one day. I’m not sure why, I don't even want to remember, my head still hurts, I needed a place to crash. The MainStay was my oasis! It was close to everything and saved my sanity, or whatever was left of it by that point. Plus, the staff is generally super friendly. This one woman, I think her name is Sarah, always remembers my coffee order! Okay, maybe I just order coffee way too much, but whatever.
Let's talk specifics about the rooms. What can I expect? Are they clean?
Alright, alright, let's get down to brass tacks. The rooms are... perfectly acceptable. Don't expect the Four Seasons – this isn't a luxury resort! But THEY ARE CLEAN! They're spacious, generally well-maintained, and have a little kitchenette. Seriously, a kitchenette! Microwave, fridge, sink... invaluable for leftovers (because let's be honest, who actually cooks on vacation?). I've never encountered anything truly horrifying – you know, like, mystery stains or questionable odors. Although, one time... ok, a while ago… I think it might have been a Friday… I did find a rogue Cheeto under the bed. But Honestly, I'm not blaming the staff. I mean, it's Farmington Hills, not exactly known for wild parties! Overall, it's a comfortable, practical space. And that's really all you need, right?
The Breakfast... Is it the usual continental disaster?
Okay, this is where MainStay actually *shines*. For a free breakfast, it's actually pretty decent. Waffles, people! Fresh waffles! They have your usual suspects – cereal, pastries, fruit – but the waffles are a game changer. Maybe I'm easily pleased, but there's something deeply satisfying about a perfectly cooked waffle, especially when you're traveling. And the coffee? Surprisingly good. I told you about Sarah! I’m a caffeine fiend! This is a serious plus in my book. Let's be realistic, a bad hotel breakfast can ruin the entire mood for the a day! It’s that important.
Is there anything I *don't* like about it? Anything that you'd warn people about?
Hmm... okay, let's be honest. No place is perfect. First, the decor...it's... functional. Let's go with that. Think “beige.” But honestly? I don't spend a lot of time admiring the wallpaper when I'm traveling. Also, sometimes the elevators can be a little slow during peak breakfast hours. Patience, people! But the biggest thing… and this is a totally minor thing… but sometimes, and I’m talking VERY occasionally, the WiFi can be a little spotty. I think I might have a poor connection, but my connection is super important! I’m a content creator! A blogger! The pressure is REAL. Besides that, I have no real complaints to warn you about.
What's the parking situation? Is it easy to get a spot?
Parking? A breeze! There's plenty of free parking. Never had a problem. Believe me, parking is a huge deal in my book. I hate fighting for a spot after a long day.
Would you recommend it to a friend? Or, maybe more importantly, would you recommend it to *me*?
Absolutely. Look, if you're looking for a clean, convenient, and reasonably priced place to stay in Farmington Hills, I genuinely recommend it. It's not going to knock your socks off with luxury, but it's reliable and practical. And hey – you might even become a secret fan like me! Just don't tell *too* many people, okay? I wanna keep the "secret" alive!
I'm traveling with kids. Is it a good option for families?
I'd say yes, but with a tiny caveat. The suites are spacious, which is perfect for families. The kitchenette is super helpful with kids. The pool is nice as well, but there's not a ton of kid-specific amenities. Depends on the family! Maybe if you're coming to stay with your kids and there's just not enough space in your house. I'd definitely recommend the stay versus sleeping on the floor! Overall, Yes, a good choice!
What about the gym? Is there a gym?
Oh yeah. There's a gym! I wouldn't call it state-of-the-art. It's got treadmills, some weights, and the usual exercise equipment you'd find in a mid-tier hotel. I've used it a few times. It gets the job done if you need to get a quick workout in. It's not going to replace your regular gym, but it's there if you need it. I am still not sure how I feel about exercising in hotels. I feel like I'm in an endless cycle.
Okay, last question, and be honest. Did you *really* find a Cheeto under the bed?
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