Detroit Southfield Escape: SpringHill Suites Luxury Awaits!
Detroit Southfield Escape: SpringHill Suites – Luxury? Mostly. (And That Wi-Fi Almost Broke Me)
Okay, so you wanna know about the SpringHill Suites in Southfield, Michigan? Buckle up, buttercup. This isn't gonna be your dry, corporate-approved review. This is real life, baby. And sometimes, real life involves a lukewarm pool and an internet connection that threatens to send you spiraling into existential dread.
The "Luxury Awaits" Thing… Hmmm…
Let's just say the "Luxury Awaits" slogan is a tad ambitious. It's a SpringHill Suites. It's nice, sure. Clean, mostly. But Luxury with a capital L? Let's temper those expectations. I went in needing a mental escape, a little break from the chaos of real life. Did I get it? Kind of. Did I feel like I'd been beamed into a James Bond movie? Absolutely not.
Accessibility: Almost a Home Run!
First things first, the accessibility is pretty damn good. Plenty of wheelchair accessible options, easy to navigate common areas. The elevator was speedy and reliable, which is a HUGE plus, especially after a day of… well, just being alive. Signs were clear, and I didn't feel like I was battling unnecessary obstacles. Kudos, SpringHill Suites. You passed the accessibility test with flying colors. And they have facilities for disabled guests, a solid move.
On-Site Bites and Booze: Keeping it Real (and Sometimes Disappointing)
Okay, let's talk nourishment. They've got an on-site restaurant/lounges. Now, don't go expecting Michelin stars. Think… reliable. The breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. The usual suspects: scrambled eggs that might or might not have been real, sad-looking sausage, and fruit that seemed to have seen better days. But hey, it filled a hole! There was also breakfast takeaway service which was a godsend because most mornings felt like I needed to eat on the road. I did spot some Asian breakfast options, which were tempting, but I chickened out. Maybe next time. They even had a coffee shop! Gotta have that caffeine, right? But the coffee tasted a little, well, like hotel coffee. You know the deal.
They had a bar area. A Poolside bar! Sounds good in theory, except the pool itself… we'll get to that later. They did have a happy hour, though, and that’s an important detail. We're talking Western cuisine in restaurant and International cuisine in restaurant. Nothing groundbreaking, but perfectly acceptable. There was a la carte in restaurant as well, which was nice to have options. They also had a snack bar and offered room service [24-hour], which saved my bacon after a long day of… well, doing things.
The Pool: A Tale of Two Temperatures (And One Epic Fail)
Alright, the pool. The swimming pool [outdoor]. The source of both joy and, eventually, minor despair. The website promised a glorious oasis of relaxation! And yes, it was… there. Kinda. The pool itself was reasonably clean, and the pool with a view was… technically true. You could see the parking lot from it. The biggest issue? The damn water. It felt lukewarm. Like, I think I could swim in a bathtub of ice water and feel warmer. I only managed about 10 minutes before giving up the dream of a refreshing dip. My emotional reaction: frustration. But hey, they also have a sauna, spa, and a steamroom, if that’s more your vibe.
Relaxation Station: Promises, Promises…
They had all the right buzzwords: Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage. The Spa itself was… well, I didn't actually use it. I'm not exactly a spa aficionado. The thought of being exfoliated made me feel a little panicky. This is something I was not comfortable with. So, I can't tell you firsthand if the massages are heavenly or just… massages.
There's also a Fitness center, Gym/fitness. I peeped my head in and saw some treadmills and weights. Nothing fancy. Just a place to sweat a bit if you feel like it.
Cleanliness & Safety: They're Trying, Bless Their Hearts
They’re trying on the cleanliness front. Daily disinfection in common areas. Anti-viral cleaning products. Room sanitization opt-out available, which made me feel a little better about the whole thing. They had hand sanitizer everywhere and the staff seemed genuinely concerned about safety protocols. Staff trained in safety protocol feels good, too. The hygiene certification didn't hurt, either.
Room Details: The Wi-Fi Saga Begins
Okay, the rooms. Not bad, not bad at all. They offer non-smoking rooms, the holy grail. The air conditioning blasted (a little too much, sometimes). They had a refrigerator, which is essential for keeping your beverages cold. Free bottled water? Always a bonus! The coffee/tea maker was a welcome sight when I needed a pick-me-up.
And the internet… ahem. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!. Sounds great, right? WRONG. The internet… was a beast. Slow, spotty, and prone to disappearing at the most crucial moments (like when I was trying to upload a video of myself singing badly, obviously). The Internet access – wireless was a crapshoot. I ended up pacing the room like a caged animal, muttering curses under my breath at the digital gods. Internet access – LAN wasn’t much better. I spent more time troubleshooting than actually using the internet. My emotional rollercoaster: From initial optimism, to mild frustration, to outright, incandescent rage. I still have some residual PTSD from those internet struggles.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things Matter
They offer a decent range of services: Daily housekeeping, laundry service, dry cleaning, all the usual suspects. Concierge was helpful. The cash withdrawal option was welcome, because who carries cash anymore? They have a convenience store, which is great when you’ve run out of snacks (and your sanity). Car park [free of charge] is always a win. They had an elevator, a godsend.
For the Kids: Family Friendly-ish
They had babysitting service, which might be useful for some. They also offered Kids meal, which is always welcomed.
The Verdict:
The SpringHill Suites in Southfield is… fine. It's a solid option for a quick trip or a weekend getaway. It's clean, generally comfortable, and the staff is friendly. But the "luxury" part? Temper those expectations. The Wi-Fi situation was a major buzzkill (I'm still recovering), and the pool wasn't exactly a tropical paradise. But hey, it's a place to crash, to regroup, and to (hopefully) avoid complete digital meltdown.
Would I go back? Maybe. If I really needed to be in Southfield and if I could guarantee a decent internet connection. Otherwise, I might just keep searching for that elusive promise of true, unadulterated luxury. And maybe bring my own Wi-Fi router.
Escape to Flagstaff: Mountain View Inn's Unforgettable Arizona Getaway
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to plan a trip to the SpringHill Suites Southfield in Detroit, and if you're expecting some pristine, perfectly organized itinerary, you came to the WRONG place. I'm winging it, and frankly, so is my life. Here we go…
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pizza Quest (with a Side of Existential Dread)
2:00 PM: Arrival at SpringHill Suites Southfield. (Ugh, Hotels. Just hoping the sheets are clean, honestly.)
- Okay, first impressions: the lobby looks…hotel-y. Which I guess is a good thing. Check-in. Pray to the travel gods for a room NOT next to the ice machine. Seriously, that sound…it's like the soundtrack to my insomnia.
- Anecdote Alert: Last time I stayed in a hotel, some guy in the next room was practicing the tuba. At 3 AM. I swear I almost went full-on “Psycho” with a rolled-up newspaper.
2:30 PM: Unpack, Assess Room (and the Existential Questions That Always Arise in Hotel Rooms).
- Alright, room check. Is the air conditioning blasting arctic winds? Is the TV from the Jurassic period? Do the walls have a story to tell, or are they just beige? (Spoiler alert: probably beige.)
- Quirky Observation: Hotels always make me feel…detached from reality. You're in this sterile, anonymous space, surrounded by strangers, and you start wondering, like, “What is the meaning of a complimentary shampoo bottle?” (Deep thoughts, people, deep thoughts.)
3:30 PM: The Pizza Pilgrimage Begins.
- Detroit. Pizza. NEED. Pizza is the only thing holding me together, I can practically taste it.
- Rambling Consideration: I've heard about Buddy's, and Cloverleaf, and…oh God, the choices! I need a pizza guru, someone who can steer me away from the tourist traps and towards the real deal. Maybe I’ll just walk around and sniff the air until I find it…
- Emotional Reaction: I'm already getting hungry! I'm pretty sure there's a special kind of pizza-induced anxiety that hits you before you actually eat.
5:00 PM: Pizza Research / Pizza Attempt (Location TBD).
- Okay, I'm heading out. My internal pizza compass is tingling!
- Imperfection Zone: Expect delays. I'm terrible with maps. I might get lost. I accept this.
- Potential for Disaster: I'm going to order the biggest damn pizza they have. I'm not sharing. Fight me.
6:00 PM: Dinner Time! Pizza Evaluation/Stuffing My Face.
- Opinionated food review: Okay, let's see… snaps fingers Did I make the right place? (I hope so).
- Stream-of-consciousness: Pepperoni, supreme, veggie, all of them! I gotta take a picture before I ruin everything.
- Emotional reaction: This is bliss. Pizza is love. Pizza is life.
7:00 PM: Pizza Digest/TV.
- Minor Catagory: TV time I'll watch some stupid reality show, but not the one with the Kardashians.
8:00 PM – 10 PM: Hotel Relaxation/Free Time.
- Minor Catagory: Relaxing, reading, or planning. Might have a drink, or just watch some TV.
- Emotional Reaction: sighs, happy sigh. So, so good.
10:00 PM - Bedtime (and praying for no tuba players).
Day 2: Culture & Coffee, Maybe a Meltdown.
8:00 AM: Wake Up, Regret Last Night's Pizza Decision.
- Let's be real, I woke up. What is going on?
- Anecdote: No tuba! Thank the heavens. Now, the important question: coffee, or coffee?
9:00 AM: Breakfast (Complimentary, Hopefully Decent).
- Quirky Observation: The hotel breakfast is always a gamble. You can either get the food of the gods or something that resembles airplane food. I have faith in the waffle maker.
- Potential for Excitement: If they have bacon, this day is automatically a win.
10:00 AM: Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) Attempt.
- Rambling Consideration: Art. Museums. I like them. But sometimes, I get overwhelmed. I spend so much time admiring a piece, and then I forget what I saw!
- Imperfection Zone: I might get lost. Again. I'll keep an eye out for the gift shop, though. I always love a great gift shop.
12:00 PM: Lunch (Quick and Easy).
- Minor Category: Food I am tired of pizza.
- Emotional Reaction: Hungry!
1:00 PM: Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) Exploration (Continuation).
- Doubling Down on the DIA Experience.
- Emotional Reaction: So, I think I have a favorite artist… sigh maybe.
3:00 PM: Coffee Shop Reconnaissance / Emotional Breakdown (Optional).
- Stream of Consciousness: I need coffee. Strong. Black. So I can stop thinking about how I don't understand the meaning of life.
- Messy confession: If they run out of my favorite coffee I will be mad.
4:00 PM: Post coffee… Something Else.
- Opinionated decision: Hmmm, I'll walk around… maybe?
6:00 PM: Dinner (Trying to avoid the pizza trap).
- Imperfection: If there is one thing that will make me mad, is a bad meal.
- Strong emotion: Looking for something great, I hope.
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Evening Relaxation/Catching Up on Life.
- Minor Category: TV is a must
- Emotional reaction: Exhausted, happy, and full of life.
10:00 PM: Bedtime, or Maybe Another Slice of Pizza? (Temptation is a Hell of a Drug).
Day 3: Departure, and a Bittersweet Farewell (to the Beige).
8:00 AM: Wake Up, Breakfast (Repeat).
- Quirky Observation: The hotel is feeling like home… but in a weird way.
- Potential for Sadness: I am sad to go…. (Maybe I should stay.)
9:00 AM: Last-Minute Errands/Souvenir Hunting (Gift Shop Redux).
- Rambling Consideration: Gotta grab a last-minute gift.
- Emotional Reaction: Shopping is the BEST!
11:00 AM: Check Out. (Adios, Beige Walls!)
- Imperfection: I should have checked out ahead of time. Waiting in line is the worst.
- Strong emotion: I need to leave!
- Stream of Consciousness: Hope the bed sheets are clean!
12:00 PM: Depart. Detroit, You Were… Something.
- Opinionated: Well, I need another trip!
Okay, there you have it. A travel itinerary more chaotic than a toddler's toy box, but hey, that's life, right? Enjoy Detroit. And for the love of all that is holy, eat the pizza.
Red Deer Getaway: Unbelievable Days Inn Deal! (AB, Canada)
Detroit Southfield Escape: SpringHill Suites - FAQ (with a Healthy Dose of My Opinions!)
Okay, spill it… *Is* this place actually luxurious? (SpringHill Suites, remember?)
"Luxury"? Let's be honest, we're not talking Ritz-Carlton here. But Look, *luxury* is subjective, right? My definition is "doesn't smell like stale chlorine and the bed doesn't want to swallow me whole." In that very specific sense, YES. I'd call it an *elevated* SpringHill Suites experience. The lobby wasn't a soul-crushing abyss of beige. It had, I kid you not, *modern* furniture. And a fireplace! A *fake* fireplace, mind you, but still. This place is clean, generally well-maintained.
One time, I stayed at a motel near a highway. The window was barely sealed, and I could hear every truck that drove by. Not here, thankfully.
So, luxury? No. But delightfully *not-terrible*? Absolutely. Consider it a solid upgrade from the budget motels I’m used to. Plus, the free breakfast is a lifesaver when you're hungover; let's just say the coffee machine and the waffles are your friends after a night out in Detroit.
Speaking of breakfast... What's the deal with the food? Is it even edible?
Ah, the sacred free breakfast. Okay, here's the unvarnished truth: It's hotel breakfast. You know, the usual suspects: rubbery scrambled eggs that may or may not be made of actual eggs, questionable sausage patties (I always suspect they're a blend of mystery meats), and those pre-packaged pastries that look vaguely like they were baked in a lab.
But. *There's a 'but'.* The waffle maker. Oh, sweet, glorious waffle maker. You can unleash your inner chef! My advice? Load those babies up with whipped cream and strawberries. It’ll elevate the experience. (Disclaimer: I'm a sucker for waffles.)
They always had a good selection of coffee, and that's a total win in my book. A strong coffee is absolutely vital..
What's the location *really* like? Is it safe? Is there anything to *do* nearby?
Southfield, you know? The area is generally pretty safe, especially compared to some other parts of Detroit. I wouldn't wander around at 3 AM alone, but hey, I wouldn't do that anywhere.
"Anything to do?" Depends on your definition of "fun." There's a surprising number of restaurants nearby, everything from chains to some pretty decent local spots. Seriously, for dinner, I'd recommend grabbing an Uber and heading to one of the districts Detroit (Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, etc.) has to offer. The drive is short, and it's worth it for the atmosphere, but be sure to take your time when you're driving there. Traffic can be a nightmare. Plus, you're close to the freeway and major roads, so getting around is easy. A big plus.
There’s a shopping mall and a movie theater nearby…. I’d always hit up the mall.
For the adventurous, grab a scooter and cruise around. Just kidding... Probably not the best idea.
The rooms! What are they *really* like? Size, amenities, all that jazz…
Alright, the rooms. This is where the "SpringHill Suites" part shines, and not always in a good way. They're… spacious. Like, you could probably do a small yoga class in the room. That sounds like a positive, right?
Here’s the catch: The “suite” designation is a bit of a stretch. It's more like... a large room with a little seating area. A couch, generally. The beds are generally quite comfy. The pillows? A mixed bag. One night, I remember, the towels were fluffy and soft. The next, they felt like sandpaper. Go figure.
The biggest letdown? The Wi-Fi. Seriously, it’s the 21st century! It was spotty. I had to hotspot from my phone. Pretty annoying when you're trying to work or stream something.
The bathroom felt clean, and had a decent shower. It's not luxury, but it's functional, mostly clean, and gets the job done.
Okay, let's talk about the service. Friendly? Helpful? Or more like "meh"?
The staff... Well, they were perfectly *serviceable.* Not overly effusive, but not rude either. The usual hotel smiles. They were there, they did their job, and in all honesty, that's kinda what you want. I don't need a parade and a personal concierge.
I did have one slightly awkward encounter with the front desk lady when I asked about late checkout. No issues, really, it was just that she sort of gave me a blank stare, then asked me if I'd "already checked out." My perception of the experience was *way* off base. Now I give her the benefit of the doubt.
Overall, the service was fine. No complaints. It wasn't a reason to book or avoid this hotel.
Seriously, what would be the deal-breaker thing or thing to avoid?
Hmm... Deal-breakers... Let me think. The *single* biggest potential issue? The Wi-Fi. Seriously. If you *need* a reliable internet connection, this place is not your first choice!
Personally, though, I'm going to be honest with you. The one thing I *always* avoid is the tiny swimming pool. Hotels often have them and they all seem to be the same: too small, too filled with screaming kids.
Okay, maybe that's two things. But the Wi-Fi is the biggest issue. Also those elevators. The elevator is fine, but they only have one of them. So, if you're in a hurry, it could be a problem.
Anything else? Any Hidden Gems? Random Tips?
Okay, listen up!
* **Hidden Gem:** If you're a bargain hunter (I am!), check online for deals and discounts.
* **Random Tip:** Pack earplugs. Just in case. You never know what noises you might hear from your neighbors.
* **My Biggest Advice:** Don’t go here expecting a Ritz-Carlton experience. Set your expectations accordingly, bring your own Wi-Fi, and you probably have a decent stay ahead of you!
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