Escape to East Lansing: TownePlace Suites Awaits!
Escape to East Lansing: TownePlace Suites Awaits! … Or Does It? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, so, East Lansing. Home of the Spartans, green everything, and… well, a TownePlace Suites. I booked this place, not for the thrill of it, but because I was attending a lecture at the university. Location, location, location, ya know? Let's dive in, warts and all, because honey, there were some warts.
First Impressions: Arrival and Accessibility (and a little frustration)
Pulling up, it looked like a TownePlace Suites. Beige, mostly. Clean, mostly. Now, I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always appreciate seeing a hotel actually thinking about folks who are. Accessibility? Tick. Wheelchair accessible? Looks good from the outside, ramps and all. But I'm a visual person and for someone reliant on wheelchair I would've needed firsthand knowledge of the room options and pathways. The exterior corridor was nice. This is a "hotel chain" hotel folks. (Yes, I'm grumpy about this, why you ask? Because I came from a stay at a boutique hotel- and it's been hard adjusting back).
So, check-in. Thankfully, the young woman on the front desk was efficient. Contactless check-in/out? Check. Front desk [24-hour]? Yep. They had facilities for disabled guests, listed as a feature, but the proof is in the pudding, so I didn't get any first-hand experience.
Rooms: The Good, the Bland, and the Missing Slippers
My room? Fine. Perfectly… blah. The non-smoking rooms are a given. Air conditioning? Always a must. Alarm clock? Check. Mini bar? Alas, no. Though I did appreciate the refrigerator. Needed it for my leftover salad, which, by the way, was a disaster. I am jumping ahead of myself.
Available in all rooms seems to be true enough, with the usual suspects: Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Coffee/tea maker. They even had bathrobes. (Now, I'm a bathrobe snob, so these were…adequate. No fluffy clouds here). The extra long bed was a blessing because I am very tall. And the window that opens was a welcome reprieve from stale hotel air.
But the details are where things get interesting, or, in my case, mildly annoying. No slippers. Seriously? In this day and age? I’m not asking for much! But, hey, complimentary tea. Can't knock it, I suppose. Daily housekeeping? Yes, and thankfully! The place needed it.
Internet: Free Wi-Fi…But Don't Expect Miracles
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it worked. Mostly. I needed to use the Internet access – wireless and Internet, but the promised lightning speed for the Internet access – LAN was a joke. I really rely on the internet for travel work, so this was a minor crisis – but still a crisis. My laptop was not happy.
Dining: Breakfast Buffets and the Case of the Disappearing Yogurt
Here’s where things get… complicated. They had a breakfast [buffet] and, and let me tell you, it was an experience. Let's just say the Asian breakfast they offer.
I'm getting ahead of myself, it was more like "Asian-ish". The usual suspects were there: Coffee/tea in restaurant was okay – the coffee shop was a total disappointment. The star of the show, really, was the…the absence. Yogurt? Missing. Breakfast takeaway service? Yes, but only if you could get there before the lukewarm scrambled eggs. The a la carte in restaurant was a sad, lonely menu. The only food to consider was the salad in restaurant, which was the only semi-healthy option that was available.
Honestly, breakfast was an exercise in survival. (I ate my weight in toast).
Things to Do (Or, Mostly, Things Not To Do):
Okay, so, things to do. Apart from the lecture, and the campus surrounding the hotel, there was not much going on.
Things to do outside of the hotel involved exploring East Lansing itself. But honestly? I spent most of my time in the room, sulking.
Relaxation: Spa Dreams Dashed
They listed a ton of ways to relax: Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, and even a Foot bath.
Okay, let me be clear: None of these existed on-site. It was a hotel, damn it, not a freaking resort. This was the most disappointing part. (I like a good steam and a swim; The swimming pool [outdoor] was closed for the season - I did check). False advertising, people! (Or, at least, wildly optimistic advertising).
Cleanliness and Safety: Germ Warfare and Sanitized Expectations
Now, for the good stuff. (A little bit of good stuff, anyway). Cleanliness and safety seemed to be a priority. They had Anti-viral cleaning products, which is nice, but I didn't see any visible evidence of things being wiped down, but I did see Daily disinfection in common areas. The staff trained in safety protocol was important. They've got Hand sanitizer strategically placed. Rooms sanitized between stays, so that was something. Room sanitization opt-out available? Good for those who care. Cashless payment service? Nice. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Seems likely, given the mediocre breakfast. First aid kit? Good to know.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Soup for the Soul
There were restaurants, and a poolside bar(not-operational). Bottle of water - CHECK. Snack bar was a tiny area of overpriced junk, so that was a no. I did not find any Vegetarian restaurant. I ate some soup. The only semi-okay one.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual, Plus a Few Surprises
They had the standard Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes. The Food delivery was helpful, considering the lack of options. Not much more to say.
For the Kids: Is This Place Kid-Friendly?
They mention For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. If you are considering bringing your children here, keep in mind, that this just isn't a kid-friendly hotel.
Getting Around:
The Car park [free of charge] was a bonus. Taxi service was available.
The Final Verdict:
Would I stay here again? Probably. Because location, location, location. But I’d lower my expectations, bring my own slippers, and pack a sandwich. I'd give it a solid 2.5 out of 5 stars. It's a place to crash, not a place to fall in love. And if you're looking for some "spa" time - look elsewhere.
Escape to Barrie: Your Perfect Travelodge Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a REAL journey. A TownePlace Suites East Lansing Okemos odyssey, and I’m taking you along for the ride. Prepare for glitches, gushings, and possibly a slight existential crisis or two.
The Okemos Escapade: An Existential Breakfast & Beyond
(Okay, I'm already regretting that title. Let's just say I'm flexible…mostly.)
Day 1: Arrival, Panic, and the Perils of Parking
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown, baby! Or, more accurately, stumble into the lobby looking like a slightly caffeinated, barely-packed disaster. First impression of the TownePlace Suites? Clean. A little…too clean. I immediately suspect a hidden camera, but then I see the slightly-sad-looking indoor pool and decide, nah, probably just really corporate.
- 1:15 PM: The car. Oh, the car. Parking. The bane of my existence. After circling the lot approximately 17 times (seriously, I think I saw a groundhog judging me), I find a spot. It might be in Narnia, but it's a spot. Victory. (Or at least a temporary ceasefire in my internal parking rage.)
- 2:00 PM: Check-in. Smoother than expected. The front desk lady, bless her heart, is radiating genuine kindness. This might be the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Or at least, a relationship where I borrow her extra coffee pods.
- 2:30 PM: The room. It's…fine. Beige. Functional. Standard TownePlace Suites-y. The kitchen area, however, is a game-changer. Microwave? Check. Mini-fridge? Check. Potential for epic late-night snack raids? Double-check! Feeling a wave of relief that I've survived Day 1 so far.
- 3:00 PM: Unpacked (ish). My suitcase is a black hole of wrinkles and regret. I throw my stuff near the closet, and hope for the best, but the real first unpacking will happen after my coffee.
- 3:30 PM: Decided to just go for it, and order my first meal because I don't like to waste time and prefer to eat while working. I have a pizza, and the sauce is the one thing I can't stand, so I'm sitting here in my hotel room eating pizza crusts, and it's an amazing, and deeply embarrassing, experience.
Day 2: Brunch Battle and the Botanical Buzz
- 8:00 AM: The free breakfast. Okay, here’s where things get real. Continental breakfast. The stuff of legends…mostly for its mediocrity. Cereal that tastes suspiciously like cardboard? Check. Waffles that are either crispy perfection or soggy sadness, depending on the god of the waffle machine? Double-check. I'm currently staring down a bagel that's seen better days and questioning my life choices. (Again.) I want to go home.
- 8:30 AM: Managed to choke down a bagel (with cream cheese, because, gotta have some joy in this breakfast hellscape). Contemplating a second coffee, but afraid of the inevitable caffeine jitters. The room is already humming with the dull roar of the hotel’s air conditioning, I'm getting a headache.
- 10:00 AM: The Beal Botanical Garden. Okay. This is actually quite lovely. Wandering around, actually taking a moment to appreciate that it's Spring, feels like I'm moving in slow-motion.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local place called “The Soup Spoon.” It was fine. I ate soup. It filled a hole. Not much else to say.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel. A nap is required. This trip is hard work.
- 7:00 PM: Got my laundry done. The best thing about having a kitchen in my room is the fact that I could just hang my wet clothes on the oven door! So many good ideas.
Day 3: Work, Workout, and a Waffle-Induced Existential Crisis
- 9:00 AM: Back at the breakfast bar. The waffle machine is working today! I made a perfect waffle. The gods have smiled upon me. This calls for a moment of silent waffle appreciation.
- 9:30 AM: Work, work, work. The hotel room has become my office. The beige walls are starting to blend into a comforting monotony. I've lost track of time, and my productivity is questionable.
- 1:00 PM: The gym. Or, as I like to call it, the torture chamber. The treadmill is calling, and I must obey. After a decent workout, I feel like I’ve earned the cookie I saw in the lobby.
- 3:00 PM: I've just been sitting here, staring endlessly at the the TV. I think I'm starting to understand why people get into meditation.
- 4:00 PM: I don't know what's scarier: the fact that I'm not sure how to feel…or the feeling that I can't sleep.
- 6:00 PM: Ate a plate of sad take-out pasta in my room. Watched some TV.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime, I think..
Day 4: The Farewell Fiesta…or at Least, a Slightly Less Awkward Departure
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast again. The waffle machine, again. I'm starting to feel a strange allegiance to this place. Maybe this is how Stockholm Syndrome starts.
- 9:00 AM: One last attempt at packing. My suitcase remains a disaster zone, but at least I've managed to locate my toothbrush. Small victories.
- 10:00 AM: Check-out. The lovely front desk lady is back. We exchange smiles and pleasantries. I feel a pang of sadness at leaving. Okay, maybe not sadness, but a general feeling of…contentment? I'm going to miss this place. This beige, slightly-sterile, waffle-filled haven.
- 10:15 AM: Goodbye, TownePlace Suites East Lansing Okemos. You weren't perfect, but you were mine. (And hey, you had free Wi-Fi. That counts for a lot.) Hopefully, I won't be back—until next time.
- 11:00 AM: The long drive home. Okay, I'm actually sad now. I don't like the drive.
Final Thoughts: This trip was a mess. A beautiful, awkward, and slightly-caffeinated mess. I learned a lot. About myself. About the varying quality of continental breakfast. About the enduring power of beige. And, most importantly, that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that don't go according to plan. Now, excuse me while I go unpack, wash all my clothes, and try to forget the waffle machine ever existed. Until next time, Okemos! You've earned a special place in my heart (and maybe a permanent spot on my mental map of things I'm gonna miss).
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Escape to East Lansing: TownePlace Suites - Yeah... About That... FAQ
So, what *exactly* is this "TownePlace Suites" thing? Is it...fancy?
Okay, deep breaths. "TownePlace Suites by Marriott" – sounds fancy, right? Like, "Oh darling, we're staying at the TownePlace Suites this weekend, darling!" Nah. It's more like... reliable. Think of it as the dependable friend you call when you need a ride from the airport at 2 AM. It's clean, it's functional, and chances are it'll have a mini-fridge. That's the key, people, the mini-fridge. Keeps the beer cold. Essential. But fancy? Let's just say the decor *doesn't* scream "haute couture." More like... comfortable beige. Which, after a day of driving/flying/wrestling kids, is sometimes *exactly* what you need.
East Lansing? What's the draw? Besides, you know, the hotel.
Okay, here's the deal. East Lansing is basically... well, it *is* Michigan State University. Which means: college town vibes, which can be a total mixed bag. Think: students everywhere (sometimes *loud* students!), decent food (pizza, burgers, more pizza), and a whole lotta green spaces. It's the kind of place you might spill your coffee, forget your keys, and accidentally wander into a poetry slam (true story, by the way). There's a certain energy, a certain... *unpredictability* that comes with a college town. I, for one, dig it. Plus, the Spartans rule (I, *might* be biased, having spent an entire weekend getting paint on my shoes in a truly epic game of beer pong. Don't judge). So, yeah, the hotel is the sleep spot. The city? The *experience.*
Speaking of experiences, what's the breakfast situation like? Free? Scary?
Alright, breakfast. This is where things get *interesting*. It's... free. Yes. But the quality can vary. Let's just say don't expect Michelin-star presentation. The standard fare consists of: waffles (always a win!), scrambled eggs (questionable quality), some sort of breakfast meat (bacon or sausage, usually), and the all-important cereal bar. Which, let's be honest, is where I spend most of my time. Look, I'm not a morning person. The free coffee is the real MVP. Keeps the demons at bay. And hey, a waffle is a waffle, right? Unless, *unless* they run out of syrup, and the world ends. Which, okay, has almost happened. Don't let that bother you. Go for it. Load up on carbs. You'll need them.
Can I bring my pet Fido?
Check the fine print (it's important!). Many TownePlace Suites *do* allow pets, but there's usually a fee and some restrictions. They're not stupid. They know dogs are going to pee on stuff. Just saying. Call the hotel directly to confirm their policy. And for the love of all that is holy, clean up after your dog! Nobody wants to step in a steaming pile of... well, you know. Speaking of which: I once stayed at a place that *did* allow cats. There were *cat hairs* everywhere. I'm not even allergic. I get shivers just thinking about it. So yeah, pet rules are important. Do your research people!
Is there a pool? Because I need to pretend I'm relaxing.
Ugh, the pool. The *promise* of relaxation. Whether or not the East Lansing locations has one... well, that's a crapshoot. *Typically* TownePlace Suites have pools. But: pools can be crowded with screaming children (I'm not judging; I *was* one, once), or closed for maintenance, or inexplicably freezing cold, or just *smell* like chlorine so strongly your eyes burn. So, check beforehand. Call ahead. If there *is* a pool, bring your swimsuit. And a strong sense of zen. And earplugs. And maybe a small bottle of hand sanitizer after you get out. Just to be safe.
The Suites...are they *actually* suites? Like, multiple rooms?
That's the *promise*, darling, the *promise*. Generally, yes! TownePlace Suites are designed with more space than your average hotel room. Usually you’ll get a separate living area plus a bedroom. Sometimes. Depends on which suite you chose. This is a *huge* win if you’re traveling with kids, or if you're like me and need to spread out your stuff like a small civilization. But don't go expecting a sprawling mansion. You're not gonna find a grand fireplace or a sweeping staircase leading to a second floor. It's more practical than palatial, but the extra space is a godsend. Trust me. The alternative is living in a closet for a few days, and trust me, you will thank for the extra space.
Anything else I should know before I go? Like, any *secrets*?
Secrets... hmm. Besides the aforementioned mini-fridge and the questionable quality of the eggs? Okay, here's a little something: Check for hotel-specific deals and offers *directly* on their website. You might find a discount, or a package deal. Also, pack snacks. Always pack snacks. Especially if you're going with kids. Or if you're me. Because those free waffles, while glorious, can only sustain a human so long. And finally, and this is the most important thing: Lower your expectations. Not in a negative way, but in a "be prepared for anything" kind of way. Flights get delayed, kids get sick, the coffee machine breaks down... Life happens. TownePlace Suites is the starting point. The adventure of *East Lansing* is the real game. Go forth, embrace the chaos, and maybe pack some extra toilet paper. You're gonna need it.
Okay, okay, I'm sold. But seriously, about that beer pong game... details?
...You want details? Okay, you asked for it. It was the homecoming weekend, frigid, but the beers were flowing like the Red Cedar River. The game was *intense*. Rivalries, bragging rights, the faint whiff of regret... It was epic. I may or may not have been wearing a Spartan jersey (proudHotel Deals Search
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