Escape to Dearborn: Your Detroit Oasis Awaits at Extended Stay America!
Escape to Dearborn: Extended Stay America - My Detroit Oasis…or Maybe Not? (A Rambling Review)
Alright, alright, buckle up, buttercups. This ain’t your standard, sterile hotel review. This is real – the kind where I spill the tea (and maybe some lukewarm coffee from the "complimentary" dispenser) about my recent stay at the Extended Stay America in Dearborn. Buckle up, this is gonna be a bumpy ride, like the I-94 on a Monday morning.
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First Impressions – The Parking Lot Saga (And the Promise of Free Parking!):
So, first things first – the parking. Oh, the parking. The glorious, free parking! That’s a win right off the bat, especially when you're hauling luggage, a questionable amount of snacks (don’t judge), and the vague promise of a relaxing getaway. The car park is, well, a car park. Nothing fancy. But hey, free is free, and it's there, on-site. Score one for the little guy! And speaking of little: a car power charging station! Nice touch for the environmentally conscious, or, you know, just someone who forgets to charge the Tesla. Which I am not, cough.
Accessibility – Making My Way in the World (of Hotel Rooms):
Now, I gotta say, as someone who appreciates accessibility, Extended Stay America Dearborn…well, it’s a mixed bag. Let me be real: navigating some of the ramps wasn't a breeze. And the “elevator” felt more like a slow-motion contraption. More like a box of uncertainty to get to the upper floors. But the good news? Wheelchair accessibility is claimed. The rooms themselves, from what I could gather from my brief exploration, seem to have the basics covered – wider doorways, bathroom grab bars. But I wish I could have seen the rooms from the perspective of someone who truly needed it. It's a crucial aspect, and honestly, better information about accessible room features is always welcome.
Rooms – Living the Extended Stay Life (with a Side of Questionable Carpeting):
My room? Okay. Clean-ish. Let's be honest, some things look a bit…tired. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver (I love sleeping in!), and the air conditioning roared like a small jet engine but eventually did the job. I appreciated the desk (essential for pretending to work) and the mini-fridge (for my aforementioned snacks, obviously). The kitchenette was handy. Made me feel like I could actually live there. The internet [Wi-Fi free] was a godsend for streaming. And the carpeting? Well, let's just say it had seen some things. It was clean enough and definitely felt like it was trying to blend into the rest of the room.
The Amenities – Are They Really There? (And Do They Matter?):
The fitness center is advertised. I didn't see it. I have the feeling it was hidden behind a locked door. I did notice the lack of a pool with a view, a spa, or a sauna. This is, after all, budget travel. I'm not sure what I was expecting. This is not the Four Seasons.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Surviving Mealtime (or Not):
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. There is no on-site restaurant or lounge and, from what I understand the breakfast [buffet] is minimal. And it is not exactly designed for culinary excellence. I’m talking dry muffins, instant oatmeal, and questionable coffee. I was not a happy camper. It’s enough to get you going if you're in a hurry. But if you're hoping for a gourmet experience, look elsewhere. Fortunately, there are nearby options for delivery. The snack bar is a vending machine. So there is some basic eating. Services and Conveniences – The Good, the Bad, and the Forgettable:
- Daily housekeeping. Always a plus.
- Laundry service (that's pretty cool), but I didn't use it.
- Elevator: It worked, eventually. See prior rant.
- Contactless check-in/out: This made the start of my stay faster and easier.
- Luggage storage: Nice to know it's available, but I didn't actually use it.
- Pet allowed: This is good for those with furry friends.
Cleanliness and Safety – Are We Safe? (Probably, But…):
The staff seemed to be doing their best to keep the place clean. I noticed hand sanitizer dispensers around. The room was, generally, clean. They said that the rooms were sanitized between stays, and there were little signs advertising precautions.
Staff – The Real Heroes (Or At Least, Trying To Be):
The staff were overall nice people. They're trying. They answered questions. They seemed to actually care. That's all you can ask for.
For the Kids – Family-Friendly? (Maybe, But…):
Not really a kid-centered place. No playground, no game rooms. I didn't see any Babysitting service. In fact, I actively avoided children. (I'm kidding…mostly). This is family-friendly in the sense that kids are allowed, but it's not necessarily geared towards entertaining them.
Getting Around – Location, Location, Location (And How to Get There):
The location is decent for access to Dearborn attractions like Greenfield Village and The Henry Ford Museum. Airport transfers are available.
The Verdict – Would I Return? (Maybe, But With Low Expectations):
Look, Extended Stay America Dearborn isn’t the Ritz. It's not trying to be. It’s a place to crash, to work, to have a base for exploring the area. It’s functional, it's clean enough, and most importantly, it's affordable. However, the real question is would I return? Maybe. If I needed a place to stay for a while and all I needed was a bed and a roof over my head. I'd make sure I had plenty of snacks on hand. I'd mentally prepare myself for the coffee. And I'd go in with realistic expectations. This is a Detroit oasis for a budget traveler. And sometimes, that’s enough. For me? It was… passable. But I'm still dreaming of that perfect hotel coffee, folks… and maybe a cookie.
Hartford Marriott Downtown: Luxury Stay in the Heart of Connecticut
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're heading to the Motor City! Specifically, Extended Stay America Suites – Detroit – Dearborn, which, let's be honest, sounds about as glamorous as a lukewarm bowl of oatmeal. But hey, we're here, we're gonna do something, and I'm gonna chronicle the entire shebang, warts and all.
Day 1: Arrival, the Dreaded Grocery Store, and a Pizza Pilgrimage (Dearborn Dreams…and Deliverances)
1:00 PM: Arrival & Initial Assessment (aka: "Is the Bed Clean?")
Okay, I finally pulled into the parking lot. The hotel looks…exactly like I thought it would. Beige. Uniformly beige. My first thought? "Please, dear God, let the sheets be clean." Check-in was a breeze. The lady at the front desk seemed to have a slight allergy to smiles. Understandable. This isn't exactly the Ritz. Room check…bedding? Mostly okay, a few suspicious stains of unknown origin. I'm just going to power through it, I think. I grabbed a Clorox wipe, gave the remote a good scrub down.
- Emotion: Mildly anxious, and the beginnings of acceptance. "This is fine" meme playing on repeat in my head.
2:00 PM: The Grocery Store from Hell (and Frozen Pizza Regret)
Okay, so I'm cheap. I'm not above a little grocery shopping to save on those exorbitant restaurant prices. I headed to [Grocery Store Name], which looked promising from the outside. Inside? Total chaos. Rows and rows of fluorescent lights, screaming children, and the overwhelming scent of…everything. I grabbed some essentials (water, coffee, a bag of chips, and a frozen pizza because I'm lazy) and battled my way through the checkout line. I got back the hotel. The pizza was sad, limp, and I knew immediately this wasn't the move.
4:00 PM: Pizza Redemption: Buddy's Pizza (or, "How to Eat Like a Detroiter")
Forget the frozen abomination. I needed a real Detroit experience. Buddy's Pizza – legendary. I'd heard the hype, and I was ready. The wait? Not terrible. The square pizza? AMAZING. The crust? Perfect. The sauce? Heavenly. I’m pretty sure I inhaled it. I also talked to the waitress and the host, it was nice, it felt real..
- Quirky Observation: I think my stomach officially now has a permanent layer of Buddy's Pizza grease.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated joy. I'm officially a Detroiter, by way of pizza.
7:00 PM: Settling In and Channel Surfing (or, "The Agony of Choice")
Back at the beige wonderland. The TV remote is, of course, a battleground of buttons, all equally unresponsive. I've spent a solid 20 minutes just trying to find something NOT infomercials or news about terrible current events. Found a cheesy action movie, which is perfect after all this adrenaline. Now, settling in for maybe an early night.
- Messy Structure: I'm already starting to question if everything I planned will be done. But maybe that's okay?
- Rambling: Thoughts on the meaning of life, the perfect pizza, and the eternal struggle of finding a decent channel on cable…
Day 2: Cars, History, and the Potential for Disaster (or, “Detroit, You Crazy Beautiful Thing”)
9:00 AM: Ford Pondering (Ford Rouge Plant Tour)
Okay, I'm not a car person, per se, but I'm a history buff. The Rouge Plant tour? Impressive. The scale of the operation is just mind blowing. The whole experience was kind of…industrial. I was also hoping for more time to touch classic cars.
- Quirky Observation: I’m pretty sure I could now assemble a Ford F-150. Maybe. Probably not.
12:00 PM: The Henry Ford Museum - Or, "Where You Can Spend Your Entire Paycheck on Memorabilia"
This place is nuts. Absolutely nuts. I could have spent a week here. The sheer volume and variety of historical artifacts – the bus where Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat, presidential limos, old trains! And the gift shop? Forget about it. I almost bought a replica Model T license plate. Almost. Luckily, my credit card sensed danger and hid itself.
3:00 PM: Afternoon Exploration (a Stroll and a Search for Coffee)
I explored the streets of Dearborn. Had to find a decent coffee shop. The chain stores were all…meh. Eventually, I found a cute little artisan place. I grabbed a latte and just people-watched. It was really lovely, really, really lovely.
6:00 PM: Dinner (Another Epic Pizza Encounter?)
I was seriously thinking about going back to Buddy's. But also, variety. I’m torn. This is going to be a major struggle, a pizza battle of the culinary titans. Any suggestions?
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I’m getting a bit emotional about this pizza choice dilemma. Seriously, help.
- Opinionated Language: I'm officially tired of mediocre food. It's an insult to my taste buds.
Day 3: Farewell, Detroit (and the Hotel That Wasn't So Bad After All)
9:00 AM: Brunch (of Champions! Or, the Local Diner Gamble)
I found a cool little diner nearby. The food was greasy, the coffee was strong, and the company was…well, it was what I expected from a diner. A true Detroit experience.
11:00 AM: Final Errands and Last-Minute Souvenir Hunt (Why did I leave this to the last minute??) I needed to grab some souvenirs for my loved ones. I ended up buying some Detroit Lions merchandise (because I was told it’s a must) and some local art.
1:00 PM: Check out & Departure (and a fond goodbye to the beige)
The hotel, well, it was what it was. I checked out without any major drama. The lady at the front desk almost smiled this time. Detroit, you weird and wonderful city, you've been…interesting.
- Final Rambling: Reflecting on the experience as a whole. The highs, the lows, the pizza. This was a journey, you guys. The trip was great.
This entire itinerary is a mess, but a real one. It's honest, human, and completely unprepared for whatever Detroit throws my way. Tune in next time…maybe.
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Escape to Dearborn: Your Detroit Oasis Awaits (Maybe...?) - A Messy FAQ
Okay, so...Extended Stay America in Dearborn. Is it *actually* an "oasis?" Because, let's be honest, the pictures online are always… optimistic.
"Oasis" might be stretching it. Look, I've stayed in hotels. I've stayed in *motels.* I've slept on a friend's (questionably clean) couch. So I've got a pretty versatile definition of "oasis." And yeah... the Extended Stay in Dearborn? It's… functional. Think of it as a *concrete* oasis, maybe. It's a roof over your head, it has a fridge you can fill with the questionable leftovers from your late-night pizza run (more on that later). But calling it paradise? Let's not get ahead of ourselves. It's more like a budget-friendly launching pad for your Detroit adventures.
The "kitchenette." Tell me the truth. Is it usable or just a sad collection of countertop dreams?
Alright, the kitchenette. Ah, the kitchenette. Here's the deal: it's... there. And it's probably seen some things. My first thought? "Okay, I'll boil some water for instant ramen." The next, after staring at the questionable sink for a solid minute? "Maybe I'll just… eat cold ramen." Look, it *does* have a fridge, a microwave, a stovetop (that I wouldn’t trust with anything more complex than warming up a frozen pizza), and a coffee maker that might – *might* – produce something approximating coffee if you're feeling brave. Don’t expect granite countertops and a chef-grade stovetop. But for reheating leftovers and making a quick, easy meal? Alright, I’ll give it that. But before you go planning any Michelin-star meals, remember: you are, ultimately, in a budget extended stay.
Is parking a nightmare? Because I've heard horror stories about hotels and parking in general.
THANK GOD, no. The parking situation is a bright spot. It’s ample. It's free. You can usually find a spot right outside your door, which, after a long day of exploring, is a *godsend*. Trust me, I’ve lugged suitcases through parking garages the size of small countries. This isn't one of them. You can breathe a sigh of relief on this one. Now, if only they offered valet… kidding!
Proximity to the Henry Ford Museum - is it walkable if I am feeling extra adventurous?
"Walkable?" Hmmm. Technically, *maybe*. But I'd advise against it, unless you're training for a marathon. It's a bit of a hike, more than you'd realize from looking at the map. You *could* walk it in a pinch. Like, if you'd somehow lost your car keys, your phone, and all your money and needed to beg for help immediately. But, in that case, you probably have bigger problems than walking to the museum. You are so much better off just driving (or Ubering) it. Trust me on this one. Spare your feet and your sanity, and just drive.
Okay, the breakfast. I've read mixed reviews. What is it *really* like?
Alright, breakfast. Ah, the infamous Extended Stay America complimentary breakfast. Let's be brutally honest here: It's... minimal. It's the kind of breakfast you eat *because* it's free, not because you're excited about it. Think pre-packaged muffins (that may or may not be from the previous week), instant oatmeal, maybe some sad-looking apples, and instant coffee that tastes vaguely of… well, not coffee. Honestly? I'd suggest hitting up a real breakfast place. Find a diner! There are plenty of good ones near there. Otherwise, bring your own. A box of cereal would probably be a serious upgrade.
Speaking of food... any good recommendations for late night eats nearby? After all, the kitchenette isn't exactly... a culinary powerhouse.
Oh, yes. Late night eats. This is where things get interesting. See, I *love* a good late-night pizza run after a long day of sightseeing. And that's where the Extended Stay's location really shines, in my opinion. There’s a pizza place nearby – I won’t name drop, but let’s just say the bright neon sign is hard to miss – that’s open until the wee hours. And their pizza… well, it's the kind of pizza that tastes better at 2 a.m. with a healthy dose of exhaustion. The pepperoni is salty, the cheese is melty, and you’re practically inhaling it. No regrets. Just pure, delicious, greasy bliss. It's a vital part of the Extended Stay experience, in my humble opinion. Just be prepared to deal with the post-pizza food coma. The bed at Extended Stay is *perfect* for that.
Is it quiet? I *need* sleep. Seriously. I turn into a gremlin if I don't get my beauty rest.
Ah, sleep. The elusive beast. Okay. Here’s the truth about the noise levels: It *can* vary. Sometimes, it's blissfully quiet, perfect for recharging those batteries. Other times… well, let's just say you might hear your neighbors. And by "hear," I mean... *everything*. The walls are thin, so you hear the slamming doors, the late-night phone calls, the toddler tantrums. I’m not going to sugarcoat it: it’s not the Four Seasons. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Pack them. They're your best friend. And maybe a white noise machine. You'll thank me later.
The staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Or, you know... just *there*?
The staff? They're… generally nice. They're not going to be overly effusive, but they're usually helpful. They'll point you in the right direction. They'll give you extra towels. They'll nod politely when you look like you haven't slept in days (which, let's be honest, is probably accurate after a long day of Detroit sightseeing). They're just… doing their job. Don't expect them to magically fix everything. But they’re decent humans. And that's something, right?
Would you stay there again? The ultimate question.
Okay, the million-dollar question! Would I stay at the Extended Stay America in DearbornLocal Hotel Tips
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