Lansing Getaway: Unwind at the Luxurious DoubleTree by Hilton!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lansing – or, as I’m now calling it, "The Lansing Getaway that Almost Broke My Credit Card (But Was Totally Worth It)." This review is going to be less polished travel brochure and more…well, me, after a few cups of coffee and a serious lack of sleep. Let's get this digital therapy session started, shall we?
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- Keywords: Lansing Getaway, DoubleTree by Hilton, Lansing Michigan, Hotel Review, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Restaurant, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Free Wi-Fi, Family Friendly Hotel, Business Travel, Michigan Hotels, Relaxing Getaway.
- Meta Description: My unfiltered review of the DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing! From the accessibility features to the (almost) divine spa and the surprisingly good breakfast buffet. Is it worth it? Read on to find out, plus all the little quirks and imperfections (and a few spectacular triumphs).
Accessibility – A Sigh of Relief and a Few Glitches
Okay, first things first, Accessibility. Because, let's be honest, it’s incredibly important but often overlooked. I'm happy to report that the DoubleTree gets a solid B+ here. Wheelchair accessible, check. Elevator, check. Facilities for disabled guests, mostly check. The ramp situation was decent; it's always a relief not to have to wrestle with a mountain of stairs. The rooms themselves were well-designed, with enough space to maneuver, which is a huge win.
However (and there's always a "however"), I did notice a couple of niggles. The signage could be improved (particularly for the accessible restrooms near the pool – I spent a solid five minutes wandering around like a confused squirrel before finding one). And while the rooms were accessible, the shower setup could use some tweaking for even greater ease of use. Little things, sure, but they make a difference. Still, a definite thumbs up for trying!
Rooms and Creature Comforts – My Tiny Fortress of Solitude
Let's be real, the hotel room can make or break a trip. My room at The DoubleTree was…a welcome landing pad. Comfy bed (extra long, even, which is a win for us long-legged folk), air conditioning that actually worked (miracle!), and a desk that, at least, tried to inspire productivity.
That mini bar was a siren song, though. The refrigerator was a godsend for keeping my overpriced bottled water chilled. And the blackout curtains? Chef’s kiss. Slept like a baby, mostly. Until the phone rang at 6 a.m. (which, I'm assuming, was the wake-up service, even though I didn't request it. Oops). But, that's okay. I'll just blame the fact I didn't disable it on the lack of sleep.
They have Internet access with Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! That's a big thing for me!
Bathroom Breakdown: They had all the usual suspects: towels, toiletries, and a hair dryer. A separate shower/bathtub was a nice touch, although I preferred the shower because it was, at least, a little roomier. Oh, yes! They included slippers and bathrobes. Those are always pleasant.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – My Stomach's Adventure
The DoubleTree excels in options here. Honestly, it's a foodie's (or a hungry traveler's) paradise. I'm still dreaming of that breakfast.
Breakfast [buffet]: Oh, the breakfast buffet. It's a beautiful, dangerous thing. The Asian breakfast corner was a unique and welcome touch – the miso soup was surprisingly good. And the standard Western breakfast, of course: scrambled eggs, bacon that was cooked just right (crispy!), and a waffle station (because, priorities). Word to the wise: go early, or the waffles disappear faster than you can say "extra syrup."
Restaurants: Several restaurants, I didn't get to try them all. The Happy hour at the bar was an experience. I ordered a drink, and then two. It was what I needed, and that's all that matters.
Snack bar: They had one. I grabbed a chocolate bar and a soda.
Room service [24-hour]: Yes! This made me very happy.
Spa, Fitness, and Relaxation – Attempting Bliss…mostly successfully
This is where things get really interesting. The DoubleTree claims to be for relaxation, and they partially deliver.
- Starting with the spa. Wow, the massage… heaven. It was one of the best massages I've ever had. I almost floated away. The body scrub was also fantastic.
- Pool with view: Gorgeous!
- Fitness center: They had a gym, and equipment.
I made time for the sauna. It was all just… bliss. It really was.
Cleanliness and Safety – My Obsessive-Compulsive Checklist
Okay, I’m a bit of a germaphobe. So, this section is crucial. The DoubleTree seemed to take things seriously, which definitely eased my anxieties.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services, check.
- Rooms sanitized between stays, check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol, check.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere, check.
- They had daily disinfection in common areas, which was reassuring.
- I didn't have the option to room sanitization opt-out available, but if there was, I would have used it.
- Cashless payment service, and it was easy.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
The DoubleTree nails the services. They had everything you could possibly need.
- Concierge: Helpful staff.
- Daily housekeeping: Much appreciated.
- Laundry service: Awesome!
- Luggage storage: Handy.
- Elevator: Good (for me!).
For the Kids – A Playground of Possibilities (Thankfully, I Don't Have Any)
I didn’t experience any kid-related things, but in case you're traveling with kids, they have a Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities.
Getting Around – Practical Matters
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes, thank you!
- Airport transfer: Provided.
- Taxi service: Available.
The Imperfections – Because Nothing is Ever Perfect
Okay, let's talk about the not-so-perfect bits. Minor gripes:
- The check-in process was surprisingly slow one day. I think someone might have been training.
- Room service prices, while convenient, are a little steep. My credit card whimpered in protest.
My Verdict: Lansing Getaway – Worth It?
Absolutely. The DoubleTree by Hilton in Lansing is a solid choice. It's comfortable, convenient, and, most importantly, it actually delivers on the promise of a getaway. The moments of pure bliss (the massage!) were worth the price of admission. Would I recommend it? Unreservedly, yes. Especially for a solo traveler or someone in need of a serious dose of relaxation. Just…maybe bring your own bankroll. Mine needed CPR.
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Final thought: I can't wait to go back!
Rancho Cordova Getaway: Days Inn & Suites Review & Best Deals!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing itinerary is about to get real. Forget perfectly curated travel blogs. This is life, with waffle makers and questionable parking.
DoubleTree by Hilton Lansing: Operation "Survive Michigan Winter" (And Maybe Have Some Fun)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Lobby Scramble
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM: The Parking Lot Predicament: Okay, first things first: the parking. I swear, finding a decent spot at this place is an Olympic sport. I circled. I sighed. I contemplated abandoning the car and just…walking. Eventually, after a near-miss with a rogue minivan, I found a spot. Victory! (Cue triumphant music in my head).
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Check-In Chaos, or "Where's My Room?" Let the games begin. The lobby! It's…well, it’s a lobby. Standard hotel lobby fare, but it's also where the check-in lines can stretch like the Michigan winter. The desk clerk was lovely, though, bless her soul. She was juggling a phone call, a grumpy-looking couple, and my request for a room NOT facing the highway. Success! (Small victory, for sure)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance and the First Waffle: Okay, the room. Not bad. Cleanish. The bed looks inviting. And wait for it…DOUBLETREE COOKIES! I swear those cookies are the main reason I stay in these places. Okay, and the fact that it's already freezing. Let's be real. I am already digging in the cookie right now, how bad can it be?
- 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM: The Pool, The Pool. Okay, but… After a while I went to the pool. The pool was relatively empty, a plus. The chlorine smell, not a plus. I bravely dipped a toe in, but I quickly retreat, the water didn't feel too clean. Pool=Fail!
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner Debacle (Or, The Joy of Room Service): The restaurant downstairs wasn't really my vibe -- seemed a bit…corporate-y. I opted for room service. I ordered a burger, fries (because, you know, comfort food), and a soda. The fries were okay, the burger tasted like it was made to be eaten by a robot. Meh. The soda, at least, was cold.
9:00 PM - 11:00 PM: TV Time and Internal Debates: The TV is huge. I scroll through the channels, land on some truly terrible reality show. I end up watching it out of sheer boredom, because what else am I supposed to do when it's 20 degrees outside? This show is now the high point of my day.
Day 2: Lansing Adventures (Or, Attempts Thereof)
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Waffle Gambit (Round 2): Okay, the waffle bar! This is the real reason I’m here. The potential for crispy, fluffy, syrup-laden goodness is almost too much to bear. I load up my plate, I take a bite… perfection. This is why I live, I swear!
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: The State Capitol - A Lesson in Perseverance (and Avoiding Tourist Traps): I, a brave traveler, ventured out to see the State Capitol. Finding the parking was easier this time (perhaps my newfound parking karma had kicked in), but frankly, I'm more into the cookies and room service food than anything else, I had a moment. I walk around, pretending to understand the significance of everything. It was also very cold, and the Capitol dome was pretty impressive. I spent a solid hour wandering around the grounds, feeling vaguely important and chilly. Definitely a worthwhile experience. I spent a good while in the gift shop. I came out with a snow globe.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch "Delight" (Or, McDonald's Redemption): I thought of a fancy restaurant but I just can't. I found a McDonald's. It was exactly what I needed. In and out. Back to cookie bliss.
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: "Relaxation" or Staying Warm: Back to the hotel. Nap time. I tried to make a reservation to a spa, but I got some annoying person on the phone. I closed my eyes, and I fell asleep.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner and Drama (The End of the Cookie's life): The night was quiet. I went to the local deli, ordered a pizza… but I dropped it!. So yeah, so it was cookie and sadness.
Day 3: Departure – The Sweetest Part of It All
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: The Waffle Gambit (Round 3): One last waffle! One last crispy, syrup-drenched moment of pure joy before I faced the world again. It was perfect.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Check-Out and Reflections: Check-out was quick and painless. The clerk was friendly. I even got a "safe travels" from them. I considered. It wasn't the worst trip ever. I survived Michigan winter. I had waffles. I had cookies. That's what matters, right?
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: The Parking Farewell and a Look Back: The final parking challenge! I weaved out of the parking lot. I looked back at the imposing building. “Goodbye, DoubleTree,” I thought. “You were… an experience.” And I drove away, full of waffles, cookies, and a vague sense of accomplishment. Until next time, Lansing! Until next time, you glorious purveyor of waffles and double-tree cookies!
Lansing Getaway: DoubleTree Delights & Disaster... Maybe? Let's Find Out!
Okay, spill the tea. Is the DoubleTree in Lansing *actually* luxurious, or just… nice-ish? Be honest.
Alright, alright, let's get real. "Luxurious"? That's a word that gets thrown around like a football at a tailgate. I expected chandeliers, maybe a butler named Jeeves (or, you know, a reasonably-priced cocktail). What I *got* was... comfortable. Very comfortable. Think upscale Holiday Inn, but with a much better cookie. (And seriously, those DoubleTree cookies are a *danger*.) The lobby? Spotless. The staff? Super friendly, even when I was fumbling with my key card (more on that later). Did my jaw drop and did I immediately start comparing it to a Parisian palace? Nah. Did I feel like I'd wandered onto a movie set? Also no. But was it a perfectly pleasant, well-appointed hotel? Absolutely. It was the kind of place where you wouldn't be embarrassed if you accidentally left your socks on the floor. Unless the maid had a *really* judgmental streak.
Speaking of cookies, are they *really* as good as everyone says? The internet hype is… intense.
Ugh, YES. The cookies. They’re the reason I’d consider applying for some kind of DoubleTree employee exchange program. Seriously, they’re warm, gooey, the perfect amount of salty and sweet… I’m getting cravings just thinking about it. I may or may not have snagged a couple extra on my way out. Don't judge me! It's a survival instinct! You *need* those cookies. Your life depends on it. Okay, maybe not *that* dramatic. But they are ridiculously good. Best part of the entire experience. Everything else? Meh. Cookie? 10/10. Would recommend. Would probably fight a small child for one. I'm not proud.
What's the deal with the pool? Is it swim-able, or just a glorified Instagram backdrop?
Okay, confession time: I *intended* to hit the pool. I packed my swimsuit, the whole sha-bang. But then… life happened. Namely, the extremely comfortable bed, and back-to-back episodes of some terrible reality show I’m too embarrassed to name. The pool *looked* perfectly inviting from the window – clean, blue, with what appeared to be some kind of waterfall feature. I saw people in there! I heard… splashing. So, I'll give it a tentative "swim-able." But I can't personally vouch for the water temperature or the chlorine levels. (Pro Tip: Always check the chlorine levels. Trust me.) Maybe next time I’ll actually *go* to the pool… or just order more cookies. Tough choices, people, tough choices.
Did you eat at the hotel restaurant? Worth it, or should I Uber Eats something in?
Alright, the restaurant. This is where things get… complicated. I did eat there. I *had* to. I was starving after battling rush hour, and the thought of more fast food made me want to weep. The food was... fine. Competently prepared. Edible. Not life-changing. I had the burger. It was a burger. The fries were decent. The service also was "meh". Our server clearly was having a bad day, which I get, but no smile, almost forgot our drinks… you know. But if you're tired after a long drive and don't feel like venturing out, it'll fill the hole. I wouldn’t go out of my way for it though. If you're looking for a culinary adventure? Probably Uber Eats. Or, you know, hit up a good Lansing eatery. There are some great places downtown! But the convenience… it was a factor, you see. A *big* factor... and I was also still full from all those cookies.
How's the location? Is it near anything interesting, or are you stuck in a parking lot purgatory?
Location-wise? It's… well, it's Lansing. It's not exactly smack-dab-in-the-middle-of-the-action, but it's pretty convenient. You're not *too* far from the Capitol, which is cool if you're into... politics (not me, really). I also managed to navigate my way to a decent coffee shop in the morning (essential!), and there were some other restaurants and shops nearby. Not a bustling metropolis of excitement, but good enough. You won't get lost in a maze of cobblestone streets and hidden bars, but if you are looking for a quiet, relaxing trip? Then the location is wonderful! Plenty of parking. That's always a plus!
Any disasters? Did anything go spectacularly wrong?
Oh, man. Okay, so this is where the stories get a little… messy. First, the key card. I swear those things have a vendetta against me. I probably tried to swipe it at least five times before I finally got the door to open. The staff was incredibly patient (bless them). Second, the… well, let's just say I managed to lock myself out of the bathroom. (Don't judge! After a long day, my brain can be a little… foggy.) I eventually got help, but the whole experience was a slightly embarrassing comedy of errors. Then, there was the TV remote, which I could *not* figure out. Seriously. I swear, it was like a Rubik's Cube designed by a sadist. It felt like a character from that show *Lost*.
Would you recommend the DoubleTree in Lansing overall?
Honestly? Yeah, I would. Despite the key card drama, the bathroom lock-out, and the burger that wasn't the best burger I've ever had… it was a pleasant experience. It's a solid, reliable option for a stay in Lansing. It's comfortable. The staff is friendly. And the cookies? Are well worth the trip. Am I still dreaming of those cookies? Possibly. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe… I'll ask for two extra cookies this time. And learn how to operate a key card.
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