Thunder Bay Getaway: Ramada by Wyndham's Unbeatable Deal!
Thunder Bay Getaway: Ramada by Wyndham's "Unbeatable Deal!" – Or Is It? A Rambling Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I'm back from a trip to Thunder Bay, and let me tell you, this Ramada by Wyndham, touting its "Unbeatable Deal!", has left me feeling… well, a mixed bag. This isn't your sanitized, corporate-speak review. This is the truth, warts and all, fueled by lukewarm coffee and the lingering scent of chlorine.
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Accessibility: The Good, the Bad, and the “Huh?”
First things first: accessibility. They say they're accessible. And I did see ramps and elevators, so technically they're ticking the boxes. But… (and there's always a but, isn't there?) the layout felt a bit…clunky. Navigating the hallways with a wheelchair (hypothetically, of course; I'm ambulatory, thank God) would require a bit of skill. Some doorways felt a smidge too narrow. This is where the review could have been better and more detailed, which I am trying to keep in mind. The accessible rooms sounded well equipped, but I didn't actually see one, so I'm relying on the website's promises. Perhaps more specific information or confirmation on a certain kind of disability is actually the accessibility level of this facility? The devil is in the details, folks, and those details remain…elusive.
Internet: Free Wi-Fi is Always a Win! (But…)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms – YES! Finally, a hotel that gets it. I was immediately thankful for this. BUT, and this is a big BUT, the signal strength was… variable. Sometimes lightning fast, other times I’d be staring at a loading circle while contemplating the existential dread of modern life. I also tried using the LAN access, which was… a ghost. It wasn’t mentioned anywhere in the hotel, nobody knew about it, and I also didn’t have the means to test it, so it must exist.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitization Station Overload
Okay, in post-pandemic times, I'm looking for clean. The Ramada seems to be trying. They had hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Seriously, I think I saw a hand sanitizer station strategically placed inside a hand sanitizer station. The signage about sanitization protocols was extensive. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Anti-viral cleaning products? Let's hope so! Honestly, it was almost a little over the top. Like, am I staying in a hotel or a biohazard containment unit? I'm not sure it was necessary, but it did at least provide some peace of mind, I think.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (or Lack Thereof)
The "Unbeatable Deal" included a buffet breakfast. (Cue dramatic music.) Buffet in restaurant? Absolutely. Western breakfast? Kinda. “Asian breakfast”? I’m not sure where it was. Here’s the thing: the coffee was weak. The bacon tasted like sadness. The scrambled eggs… well, let’s just say they weren't exactly gourmet. But hey, it was free, (or at least included) so I can’t complain too much. There were several restaurants, a snack bar, and even a poolside bar. I was never really able to test any of those establishments out, so I can’t review them.
The convenience store was a welcome relief! Even with the snack bar, you still need to be able to go and just grab something quickly.
Room Service: Nope.
They claimed to have 24-hour room service. I tried ordering a late-night snack, and the phone rang endlessly. Eventually, I gave up, and decided to drink the lukewarm coffee instead.
The Pool: A Glimmer of Joy in a Sea of Meh
The outdoor swimming pool, however, was a definite highlight. Pool with a view? Well, no. But the water was clean, the sun was shining, and for a few glorious hours, I managed to forget about the slightly depressing décor of the room and the mediocre breakfast. It was a good moment.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects
You've got your standard hotel fare here: daily housekeeping (thank you, whoever you were!), laundry service, a business center with a printer that probably works half the time, and a concierge. The staff was generally helpful, but not overly enthusiastic. It was just…fine.
For the Kids: Babysitting…Maybe?
They advertise babysitting services. I don't have kids, so I didn't test this out. I did, however, see some kids running around, so the place is clearly family-friendly.
The Room: The Real Deal-Breaker (or Maker?)
Air conditioning: CHECK! Blackout curtains: CHECK! Complimentary tea? Uh, no. I didn't find any. The mini-bar was empty, which honestly, is a blessing in disguise. The bed was comfortable enough, but the décor was straight out of the early 2000s. Think beige, brown, and a general air of blandness. The "room sanitization opt-out available" note was fine, but I never had the urge to use it. The towels were soft, so I'd give it to them.
Getting Around: Parking, Parking Everywhere!
Free car park. Yes! I'm not looking for valet parking. I want somewhere to park my car, and I want it to be free. Done and done.
Final Verdict:
The "Unbeatable Deal" at the Ramada in Thunder Bay… is a deal. It's not unbeatable, mind you. It's perfectly okay. It's the kind of place you stay when you need a place and don't want to break the bank. It serves a purpose. The pool is lovely. The Wi-Fi works (sometimes). But don't expect to be wowed. It's more about practicality than luxury. I think I'd stay there again. Maybe. With lowered expectations. And a strong resolve to bring my own coffee.
Mankato's BEST Courtyard Hotel: Unbeatable Deals & Amenities!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is a Ramada by Wyndham Thunder Bay Airlane Hotel survival guide, with a healthy dose of my own messy, emotional, and utterly opinionated self thrown in. Prepare for a wild ride.
Ramada Rumble: A Thunder Bay Tussle - My "Itinerary" (More Like…A Suggestion?)
Day 1: Arrival, Apprehension, and Airport Pizza (The Holy Trinity of Travel)
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Touchdown at Thunder Bay International Airport. Okay, so touchdown might be a bit dramatic. More like, wobbly landing with a minor freak-out about the potential for seasonal affective disorder. The airport itself… well, let's just say it's got that classic small-town Canadian charm. And by "charm," I mean a distinct lack of exciting shops and a very specific smell of… something. I'm not sure what, but it's memorable.
(2:30 PM): The taxi (or Uber, if you're luck has turned) ride to the Ramada. My driver, a lovely woman with a thick accent, filled me in on the local gossip: apparently, the "best" poutine is at…well, I didn't catch the name, but it involved a street corner and a lot of cheese curds. Mental note: Poutine mission initiated.
(3:00 PM): Check-in at the Ramada. Ah, the comforting familiarity of a hotel lobby. Beige carpet, the faint smell of cleaning supplies, a slightly stressed-looking receptionist. Standard operating procedure. Okay, I'm on the 5th floor. Praying to the hotel gods for a decent view.
(3:30 PM): Room check-in. Oh boy… I have a view of the parking lot. And the neighboring motel. Well, at least it's not the wall. The room itself is… adequate. The bed seems comfortable enough, the TV is probably from the early 2000s (but hey, it works!), and the bathroom is… cleanish. Let's call it "lived-in."
(4:00 PM): Mandatory evaluation of the complimentary shampoo and conditioner. Tiny bottles. They always are. Judging from the label, it's designed primarily to make you feel inadequate. I'll probably have to buy some the moment I exit.
(4:30 PM): Airport Pizza. I know, I know. It's cliché. But after a flight, pizza is my life blood. And the little airport cafe? Surprisingly decent. That pizza was my first taste of Thunder Bay. and it was… fine. Okay, maybe a little greasy, but the cheese was melty. I give it a solid 6/10.
(7:00 PM): Dinner. Trying to decide if I actually want to leave the hotel. The Ramada has a restaurant, but I keep hearing conflicting reviews. I think I'm going to eat in. I ordered a burger and fries from the hotel restaurant, which I'm kind of already regretting. This will be a true test of the "It’s what you make of it” theory.
(8:00 PM): The burger arrives. It's… fine. The fries are crispy. Crisis averted. I’m starting to relax a little. Maybe Thunder Bay won't be so bad after all. Maybe.
(9:00 PM): Channel surfing. Stumbling upon some extremely local programming. This is the kind of thing you can only find in small towns. It's amazing. Actually, it’s kind of mesmerizing.
(10:00 PM): Bed. Ready for a good night sleep. Because tomorrow, the real adventure (or at least, slightly more exciting than today) begins.
Day 2: Lake Superior, Lattes, and a Little Bit of Lost
(8:00 AM): Wake up! I survived the first night. Success! Shower in the "lived-in" bathroom. Feeling surprisingly refreshed.
(9:00 AM): Breakfast. The Ramada offers a "complimentary" breakfast. I approach with cautious optimism. Honestly? It's not bad. Standard hotel fare: cereal (uninspired, but does the job), a sad-looking waffle maker, and some questionable eggs. But the coffee? Drinkable! Bless the coffee gods.
(10:00 AM): Head out to the lake. A drive to Ontario's famous great lake, the Lake Superior. It's massive! And beautiful, in a brooding, rugged kind of way. I found a pretty lookout and just stared. The sheer size of it is humbling, and a little bit intimidating. I'm really digging the wild, untamed vibe.
(12:00 PM): Lunch. I’d planned something elaborate, but I got completely lost in a parking lot. So, I found a little cafe. It was a charming little place with a lovely latte and some very tasty sandwiches. That was good.
(2:00 PM): Attempt to walk around. Oh, the things that are available to see! I'm overwhelmed. I try and check out some cool hiking trails. I got distracted and ended up hiking for three hours!
(5:00 PM): Back to the hotel. Shower and quick power nap.
(7:00 PM): Dinner. I want to try and eat something "authentic," but I'm also exhausted and a little bit lost.
(8:00 PM): I decide to explore that little brewery. The beer is decent, and the atmosphere is jovial. I talk with some locals, who tell me more about the city.
(9:00 PM): Back at the hotel. I am already planning my next trip.
Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and the Unspoken Truths of Hotel Life
- (8:00 AM): Wake up, sadly. Final breakfast. Second helping of coffee (I can't resist).
- (9:00 AM): Checking out. The receptionist is nice. I leave a tip for the cleaning staff (they deserve it!). This is almost over!
- (10:00 AM): Airport. Waiting for my flight. Feeling a strange mix of relief and a hint of sadness. Thunder Bay, in its own quirky way, has grown on me.
- (12:00 PM): Back home. A trip like this can be a bit messy. And it's okay. It's how we find ourselves, and it's how we grow.
Quirks, Imperfections, and Random Thoughts:
- I have a weird obsession with the hotel ice machine. The rhythmic clink of ice always feels oddly satisfying.
- Why are all hotel clocks set to the wrong time? It's a conspiracy, I tell you!
- The best part of travelling is having a story to tell.
- Thunder Bay is… different. In a good way.
- I am already booking a trip back.
This is my Thunder Bay adventure. It's not perfect, it's not glamorous, but it was mine. And that's what makes it memorable.
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Okay, spill the beans! What's this "Unbeatable Deal" at the Ramada in Thunder Bay all about? Is it actually… *good*?
Alright, alright, don't get your toques in a twist! The "Unbeatable Deal" at the Thunder Bay Ramada... well, it’s got a certain *je ne sais quoi*. It’s kind of their “come on in, the water's lukewarm and there’s definitely a decent shower” package. Seriously though, it usually involves a discounted room rate, *potentially* parking included (check that fine print, trust me)... and sometimes, if the stars align and the breakfast Gods are feeling benevolent, maybe even a continental breakfast. I say "maybe" because last time I went, the "continental" part was mostly stale bagels and a sadness-inducing selection of pre-packaged muffins. BUT, let's be honest, for the price you're probably paying, you can't expect a Michelin-star experience. It's a solid, functional, and probably far from 'unbeatable,' but it's a deal nonetheless.
So, is this deal… family-friendly? Because, you know, kids.
Oh boy. Family-friendly. That's a loaded question, isn't it? Let me tell you a story. Last summer, I was trying to wrangle my two adorable (but also tiny tyrants) into the car for a *quick* trip to the Ramada. You can imagine the chaos. Screaming. Lost socks. The usual. The room itself? Spacious enough, I suppose. Enough room for the kids to battle with pillows and build a fort with the bedsheets. The pool… Well, it *had* one. And it was open. That's all I'm saying. Don't expect sparkling cleanliness. Expect chlorine. Expect splashing. Expect the screams of joy (and the occasional toddler meltdown). So, yes, in a practical sense, it's family-friendly. Will it be a relaxing vacation? That depends on your definition of "relaxing." Mine now involves copious amounts of coffee and a strong tolerance for noise. Good luck!
The reviews I saw online… they mentioned something about… a view? What am I actually going to be looking at from my window?
Okay, let's talk about the view. This is crucial. Brace yourself. The view is going to be, generally speaking, *Thunder Bay-esque*. Which means… possibly another building. Possibly a parking lot. Maybe a glimpse of the highway. I once got a room facing... a very imposing brick wall. I’m pretty sure I could have reached out and touched it. My expectations before that trip were… high. Now, I ask for "anything but the wall." Look. Don't expect rolling hills and majestic mountains. Thunder Bay is beautiful in its own way. But the Ramada view… isn't usually the highlight. Focus on the inside of the room – maybe you'll get lucky with the air conditioning (another gamble!).
What amenities are included in the "Unbeatable Deal" anyway? Will I get a mini-fridge? (Please tell me I get a mini-fridge!)
Ah, the mini-fridge question! This is where the thrill of the deal *really* comes into play. Look, it's hit or miss. Seriously. Sometimes… yes! A glorious mini-fridge, just waiting to be filled with beverages of your choosing (I am a sucker for a cold pop after a long drive, and I keep a stash of snacks at all times). Other times… silence. Just the empty promise of a cool beverage. Call ahead! Ask! Beg! The mini-fridge situation can make or break a trip. Beyond that, expect the usual: towels, soap (probably the tiny, generic kind, but it works!), and maybe a hairdryer that's been through a few wars. Don't expect luxury. Expect practicality. And cross your fingers for that mini-fridge. Seriously.
Let's talk about breakfast. You mentioned something about... stale bagels. Is it REALLY that bad?
Okay, *deep breath*. Breakfast. This is where things get… existential. The "continental breakfast," the siren song of the budget traveler! It can be a beautiful thing, a morning oasis of carbs and coffee, fueling your day's adventures. OR... it can be a landscape of disappointment. I kid you not – one time, *one time*, the bagels were so hard they could have doubled as hockey pucks. I tried to eat one. I really did. My teeth almost broke. The coffee? Let's just say it tasted like regret and sadness. The fruit? Let's face it, it's probably *mostly* bananas and they're almost always brown-spotted. It's a gamble. A delicious, carb-filled gamble. I recommend bringing your own bag of granola bars just in case. And lower your expectations... WAY lower.
Parking? Included? Not included? What's the deal?!
Parking. Oh, parking. The bane of every road-tripper's existence. The fine print in the "Unbeatable Deal" *loves* to play games with you. Sometimes… it's included! *Hallelujah!* You can park your trusty steed (or minivan, or whatever metal beast you drag with you) without worrying about those pesky parking fees. Then again... sometimes it's not. Sometimes you're looking at an extra twenty bucks a night. Twenty bucks! That's almost enough for a decent bottle of wine and maybe a little something-something from the gift shop! Always, ALWAYS read the fine print. Don't assume. Call ahead if you're particularly anxious about the whole parking situation, because a surcharge will quickly turn the "unbeatable" to the "barely a deal" situation. And trust me, you don’t want to get started to your first day with a parking ticket, you really, really don't.
What about the pool? I need to de-stress and float. Is it worth it?
Ah, the pool! The promise of watery relaxation! The Ramada pool... is an experience. It's usually indoors, which is nice when it's raining (and in Thunder Bay, it *will* rain). It's usually a decent size, so you're not constantly bumping into strangers. BUT... it might be overrun with kids. Screaming kids. Splashing kids. Kids who are somehow *everywhere*. The chlorine smell? Intense. Like, you'll smell like a swimming pool for days afterward. The pool itself? Okay, sometimes it's clean. Sometimes it's… a little less so. I've seen questionable objects floating – always best to avert your eyes. So… is it worth it? If you're a pool purist, probably not. If you're looking for a place to *actually* de-stress and float in peace… well, keep your expectations in check. But, if you're traveling with kids, or have a fondness for a good dip, it’s an okay-Stay Classy Hotels
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