Escape to Paradise: Howard Johnson Traverse City Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? Howard Johnson Traverse City: Let's Dive In (Honestly!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. We're talking about the Howard Johnson in Traverse City. "Paradise," the brochure says. Let's see if it lives up to the hype. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-scripted review. This is going to be real. And maybe a little… scattered. Bear with me. Gotta explore all the details, right? Let's get started.
Accessibility & Getting Around (The Nitty Gritty)
First things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me – both because I value it and also… well, aging parents. Escape to Paradise needs to remember everyone! Thankfully, the Howard Johnson seems to understand. They tout Facilities for disabled guests, which is a great start. An elevator is essential, and hopefully, the rooms themselves are well-equipped. Gotta love that they're aiming for easy access. Airport transfer is sweet too, particularly if you're flying in (and let's face it, who doesn't like a shuttle?). Car park [free of charge] is another serious win. Score one for not nickel-and-diming us from the get-go.
The Tech Stuff (Because We're All Glued to Our Phones)
Internet: Ah, the modern-day necessity. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! That's the sound of my streaming apps rejoicing. Also, Internet access – LAN (for the old-schoolers, like, me sometimes), which is a bonus. They also cover Wi-Fi in public areas, so you're covered no matter where you are. I'm betting that Wi-Fi will be, you know, functional. Sometimes those free ones are… well, let's just say temperamental. Let’s pray it’s fast enough to upload those sunset pics!
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, Let's Be Honest, We're All Thinking About It)
Alright, the real world has hit us. Cleanliness and safety are paramount. I'm liking what I'm reading. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check! Hand sanitizer is probably plastered everywhere, which is a good thing. Staff trained in safety protocol? Fingers crossed they're actually following it! The fact the options are present makes me feel a little better, at least. And the whole Cashless payment service is a nice touch. You can't forget the First aid kit and the Doctor/nurse on call, although I'm hoping I hopefully won't need those!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Where the Fun REALLY Begins)
Okay, let’s talk food. This is where things get interesting, and where potential for disappointment always looms. Restaurants? Plural! Okay, okay. And Asian cuisine in restaurant? Intriguing. Breakfast [buffet]? That’s a gamble. Buffets can be amazing or… well, let’s just say I've had some questionable buffet experiences in my time. But Breakfast service in general is important. The fact there’s many options with A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant makes it feel like there's a good chance to find something you will enjoy. Maybe the Poolside bar will be a lifesaver after a day exploring the city.
Services & Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
Concierge? Always a good sign. They can point you towards the hidden gems and the best restaurants. Daily housekeeping? Essential. Dry cleaning, Laundry service, and Ironing service? Yes, please! I'd prefer to arrive looking like I've got it together. Safety deposit boxes also nice. This is starting to sound like a well-rounded experience. And of course, there is Air conditioning in public area because everyone wants to cool down.
For the Kids & Families (Keeping the Peace)
They mention Babysitting service, which is fantastic if you need a break. Family/child friendly? Excellent. Kids meal? Hope it doesn’t just mean chicken nuggets.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Because "Escape" is the Point!)
Okay, now we're getting to the good stuff. Swimming pool [outdoor] is practically mandatory for a summer getaway in Traverse City! Hopefully, it’s clean, well-maintained, and not overrun with screaming children (just kidding… mostly). Pool with view? Now we're talking! A view elevates everything.
And if you’re looking to unwind a bit (and who isn't?), they have: Fitness center, Spa/sauna, Massage, Sauna, Steamroom. Okay, this is a serious contender for “Escape.” I love a good massage. I’m now fully sold on the spa. I picture myself floating in hot water!
What About the Room, Though? (The Make-or-Break)
Okay, okay. The heart of the matter. Air conditioning? Good. Alarm clock? Standard. Bathrobes? Ooh, fancy! Now we're starting to feel the luxury vibe. Blackout curtains? Crucial for sleeping in (because vacation). Coffee/tea maker? Praise be. Free bottled water? Nice touch. Hair dryer? Check. In-room safe box? Important. Mini bar? Possibly dangerous… but tempting. Non-smoking? Thank the heavens. Private bathroom? Obviously. Refrigerator? Useful for snacks and drinks. Satellite/cable channels? Gotta have something to watch when you’re crashing after a long day. Shower? Yep. Wake-up service? (If you're not relying on the alarm clock). Wi-Fi [free]? Thank goodness. And finally, Window that opens? A breath of fresh air!
Now, For a Moment of Truth… The Quirkiness and Imperfections
Okay, real talk. No hotel is perfect. And that’s fine! What are the likely hiccups? The Wi-Fi speed, for one thing. Could be problematic. And let's be honest, hotel restaurants are often, well, hotel restaurants. They can be a hit or miss. Buffet quality is always a gamble. Let's pray for hot food that isn't bland. And please, for the love of all that is holy, let the pool be clean!
My Emotional Reaction (Good, Bad, and Ugly)
Right now? I’m cautiously optimistic. The Howard Johnson seems to prioritize accessibility, cleanliness, and a good level of amenities. The spa is calling my name! The kids are going to be thrilled with the pool. If the breakfast buffet is decent, it's a huge win. I’m already dreaming of a massage and a sunset by the pool.
Now, For the Sales Pitch (Because I’m Supposed to Do That)
Escape to Paradise: Howard Johnson Traverse City Awaits!
Ready to ditch the everyday and embrace pure relaxation? The Howard Johnson in Traverse City offers the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. Imagine yourself:
- Morning: Waking up in a spacious, non-smoking room with blackout curtains, a hot cup of coffee from your coffee/tea maker, and free Wi-Fi to plan your day.
- Day: Exploring the vibrant city or lounging by the sparkling swimming pool [outdoor] with a drink from the poolside bar.
- Afternoon: Indulging in a rejuvenating Massage at the spa, followed by a relaxing session in the Sauna and Steamroom.
- Evening: Savoring delicious dining options at the Restaurants, with options that appeal to you the most.
But it's not just about the amenities. It's about the peace of mind. We’re committed to your safety with Daily disinfection in common areas, Anti-viral cleaning products, and Staff trained in safety protocol. Plus, our Facilities for disabled guests mean everyone can enjoy their escape.
Book your getaway at the Howard Johnson Traverse City today! And get ready to unwind. You deserve it. We are waiting for you!
(But, as a disclaimer: I haven't actually stayed there yet. So, take this with a grain of salt. I'm going in with an open mind. And hoping for the best!)
Candiland Apartment Semarang: Your Dream Home Awaits!
Alright, deep breaths. Here we go. Trying to plan a trip… and not just a trip, but a Howard Johnson trip in Traverse City. This should be interesting. Hold on, lemme grab my… uh… travel notepad. It’s actually just a crumpled receipt from the grocery store, but hey, function over form, right?
DAY 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of the Lobby Carpet
1:00 PM: Arrive at Traverse City, MI. Holy moly, the drive was a nightmare thanks to that "mild" road construction. I swear, they were repaving the entire state. Anyways, found parking at the Howard Johnson. It's… well, it's a Howard Johnson. You know you're on vacation when you're greeted by the faint smell of chlorine and a lobby carpet that's seen more spilled coffee than I've had showers this week. The front desk lady, bless her heart, seemed genuinely surprised to see another living human. “Welcome! Your room is… um… somewhere down the hall.” Sigh, adventure begins, I guess.
1:45 PM: Settle into room. Okay, the room is… functional. Two beds, a questionable painting of what I think is a lighthouse, and a TV from the Jurassic period. The AC is either arctic tundra or Sahara Desert, no in-between. I flicked it on, it's currently at the arctic tundra level. Probably gonna leave it. Actually, I like a cooler temperature than a hot one. Also, the view is… well, the parking lot. But hey, free entertainment! People-watching from the comfort of my slightly-dingy-but-still-functional room.
2:30 PM: Explore. First stop the promised free continental breakfast! I have a strong emotional reaction to this choice, "free" is not an ingredient I enjoy! I mean, I'm hungry, but there's just something about a sad muffin wrapped in plastic. I am not against some plastic wrapping; I am against sad muffins! A quick peek, and then, I am already thinking about somewhere else to go!
5:00 PM: Dinner at "Ausable Restaurant" - Nope, closed. So… Plan B: finding a grocery store. I think my inner child is going to burst with an "adventure" as I browse the options here! Let's get this bread! (Figuratively and literally).
6:00 PM: "Ausable Restaurant" - Dinner. I made it! The food… let's just say it wasn't Michelin-star material. But they had a decent burger, and the waitress, bless her soul, kept my water glass full. So, all is right with the world, it seems. Now I'm getting sleepy.
7:00 PM: "Ausable Restaurant" Review - I'm writing this review on my phone. I'm also taking pictures of myself with the food. I really like food. I ordered a burger. The food was as good as the service.
DAY 2: Beaches, Beer, and the Triumph of the Tiny Toilet
9:00 AM: Breakfast. The plastic-wrapped muffin called to me in my sleep. It wasn't half bad! It was, in fact, okay. Considering the options. I ate two -- and I don't feel guilty about it!
10:00 AM: Beach time! Traverse City has some awesome beaches. Tried to find a good spot. It was a little crowded, but the sand was soft, the water was inviting (and surprisingly not freezing, yay!), and I swear I saw a seagull trying to steal a pizza crust. This is living!
1:00 PM: Lunch. Ate a hot dog at the beach. Standard procedures.
2:00 PM: Time for some beer tasting! Traverse City is known for its breweries and wineries. I decided to try a few. It's research, I swear! Okay, maybe it's also a little bit of "self-treatment" for the road trip stress. A bit of research, a bit of "me time", and a whole lotta "cold beer." Cheers to that!
5:00 PM: Return to the hotel. Urgh, the tiny toilet in the bathroom. I swear, it's a Lilliputian's throne! Honestly, I feel like I'm going to fall into the thing. But hey, at least it flushes. Mostly.
5:30 PM: The pool! It's the indoor pool, of course. The hotel's indoor pool might be a bit small, but it's warm, and the chlorine smell is strangely comforting by now. Did a few laps, then just floated, staring at the ceiling. Pure bliss.
6:30 PM: Dinner - The hotel is right next to a Chinese restaurant. A Chinese take-out restaurant, to be percise. This is… the culinary experience I've been waiting for. I think I had more fun eating.
8:00 PM: I am watching TV now. I can hear an explosion outside but I'm still enjoying a warm beverage.
DAY 3: Cherry Everything and the Fading Glory of the Hotel
10:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. I'm going to break the rules and have another muffin! Look, I am on vacation! And the coffee? It's… well, it's coffee. I am trying to keep my expectations low.
11:00 AM: Cherry everything! Traverse City is the Cherry Capital of the World, or something like that. So I hit up the cherry stores. Cherry pie, cherry juice, cherry salsa… even cherry-flavored lip balm! My inner child and my "I-need-to-buy-souvenirs" side are very happy.
1:00 PM: A small lake! I had a delicious meal at this place. I was feeling hungry, but I still got plenty of food. I thought this was amazing.
2:00 PM: Back at the Howard Johnson. Starting to notice the little things that are, well, less charming. The peeling wallpaper, the slightly-stained carpet in the hallway, the flickering lightbulb in the bathroom. It's a symphony of minor imperfections. But hey, it's a reminder that life isn't perfect and the hotel is just as bad, so what?
7:00 PM: Dinner. Decided to be adventurous and try the hotel's vending machine. Score! Found a bag of chips. I think I'll pair that with a beer.
8:00 PM: Packing. Ugh. The packing sucks. How does one manage to create so much laundry in just three days? I swear, my suitcase is going to explode.
DAY 4: Departure and the Lingering Memory of the Lobby Carpet
8:00 AM: Final breakfast. I may or may not have considered smuggling a muffin out. Maybe. Don't tell anyone.
9:00 AM: Check out. Back to the front desk lady. She’s seen a lot this week, I can tell. “Enjoyed your stay?” she asks, with a weary smile. “Oh, yes,” I reply. “Absolutely.” Because, well, it was an adventure, warts and all. And hey, I survived the lobby carpet!
9:30 AM: Goodbye, Traverse City. Goodbye, Howard Johnson. As I drive away, I glance in the rearview mirror. It's a small smile, and I'm already thinking when I might come back. Maybe next year, for the Cherry Festival, again, or maybe, I'll avoid the hotel and get something a little nicer. Maybe.
Escape to Paradise: Howard Johnson Traverse City Awaits! (But Really, What's the Deal?)
Okay, "Paradise"... Really? Is this a joke, or what? Howard Johnson? Traverse City? My expectations are officially lower than a gnat's kneecaps.
Location, Location, Location! What ACTUALLY makes this place desirable, because my GPS isn't exactly screaming "Romance."
The Rooms: Let's get brutally honest. Are we talking '70s time capsule, or what? And are there… bugs? Don't lie to me!
Pool Time! Rumor has it they have one. Is it… survivable? (And is it clean? Seriously, I need to know!)
Breakfast: Is it that sad continental breakfast, or are we talking… *food*? I need sustenance, people!
The Staff: Are they friendly? Or are they the kind who visibly sigh when you ask for a second towel? I need a good vibe.
Parking: Because nothing ruins a vacation faster than circling the block for an hour.
Anything Else? Any hidden gems or unexpected surprises?
Would you go back? Be honest! Would you *recommend* it?
But the highway? What the heck? Is it noisy? Do I need earplugs?
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