Detroit's BEST Kept Secret? This Utica Hotel Will SHOCK You!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving HEADFIRST into… Detroit's BEST Kept Secret? This Utica Hotel Will SHOCK You! Listen, I'm not usually one for hyperbolic headlines, but after my stay, well, let's just say my jaw nearly hit the floor. This isn't your cookie-cutter, beige-on-beige hotel experience. This place… this place is something.
Accessibility (and My Inner Accessibility Advocate):
Okay, so, let's get the important stuff out of the way first. Accessibility is a HUGE deal for me, and I'm happy to report… this hotel mostly delivers.
- Wheelchair Accessible?: Yep! Ramp access, elevators galore. I didn't see any glaring issues, but I'd still call and confirm specific needs (like, "Is the pool hoist fully operational?") just to be sure—gotta be prepared, ya know?
- Accessibility in the Rooms: This is where it gets a little… mixed. They say they have accessible rooms, but I'd recommend calling directly and explaining your needs. Sometimes "accessible" just means a grab bar in the bathroom, and we all know more is ideal.
- Curb Appeal vs. Street Smarts The main entrance is truly beautiful with its curb appeal. The parking is ample and convenient, a plus. As a non-disabled person, I truly appreciate the ramps and elevators as a bonus to the aesthetics.
Internet? (Because We Live in the Future):
- "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" YES! Thank the internet gods. Crucial. Essential. Necessary. I'm a travel blogger, people; I need my Wi-Fi!
- Internet Access: You get the Wi-Fi, and there are options for Internet [LAN]. You'll find that they cover their bases with both, which is nice.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Of course, everywhere.
- Internet services: Yeah.
Things to Do (and Ways to Chill):
Here's where things got interesting.
- The Spa/Sauna/Steamroom: My Own Personal Nirvana Okay, okay, the spa. Let's talk about the spa. I walked in, expecting the usual: a few massage rooms, maybe a tired-looking sauna. Nope. This spa is an OASIS. Seriously. The pool with a view? Majestic. The sauna? Heavenly (and hot, in the best way). The steamroom? I spent a solid hour in there, basically melting into a puddle of happy. The body scrub? Oh. My. GOD. I walked out feeling like a brand new human. Seriously, book a massage while you're at it. Trust me.
- Fitness Center: Didn't use it, but it looked clean and well-equipped. Free weights, treadmills… the usual.
- Swimming Pool [Outdoor]: Lovely, especially after a hard day of… you know… things.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because Germs are the Enemy)
- Anti-viral cleaning products / Daily disinfection in common areas / Rooms sanitized between stays: CHECK, CHECK, and CHECK! I’m a little germaphobe (don't judge), and I felt SO safe there. The staff clearly takes hygiene seriously.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Food safety protocols: Safe dining setup, individually-wrapped food options (if you’re into that), and all the sanitation you could ask for.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Fueling the Fun)
This is where the hotel really surprised me.
- Restaurants: Multiple. Varying cuisines. From a casual cafe to a legit restaurant, this place had it all.
- Poolside Bar / Bar / Coffee Shop: Perfect for pre-pool cocktails (or post-pool relaxation). The coffee shop served fantastic coffee and pastries.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A decent spread. Not the best I’ve ever had, but definitely not the worst. They had all the basics.
Services and Conveniences (Makes Life Easier)
- Concierge: Helpful, friendly. They hooked me up with some local hotspots.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was spotless every single day.
- Laundry service / Dry cleaning: Didn’t use it, but good to know it’s there.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: If you’re into corporate events, they’ve got you covered.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Score!
- Airport transfer: Nice perk.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Great.
For the Kids (Because Some Folks Bring Them)
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Babysitting service: if you need it, which is wonderful
- Kids meal: They make kids meals, and I saw a few happy kids in the restaurant, so that is great!
Access: Getting Here & Checking In
- Check-in/out [express]: Quick and easy.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always a plus.
- CCTV in common areas / CCTV outside property / Security [24-hour]: Felt super safe. They take security very seriously.
The Rooms (Where the Magic Happens… or At Least, You Sleep)
Full disclosure: I stayed in a standard room. It was lovely, but let's be real, the suites looked amazing.
- Air conditioning / Blackout curtains / Soundproof rooms: All essential for a good night's sleep.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Of course!
- Bathroom: Clean. Well-appointed. Good water pressure (a MUST).
- Bed: Comfy. Pillows galore.
- Desk / Laptop workspace: I got work done (eventually).
- Coffee/tea maker & Refrigerator: Always a good combo.
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes.
Getting Around
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes!
- Car park [on-site]: Yes!
- Taxi service: Of course!
The Quirks, The Imperfections, and The Honest Truth
Okay, so it wasn't perfect. Honestly, what is?
- The service was a little slow at the bar on a busy night. Could be better staffed, but the staff were friendly.
- The decor is a little… interesting in places. Think modern with a dash of traditional. But honestly, it adds character!
- Check in gets busy.
My Emotional Reaction: Mostly Overjoyed, A Little Sleepy
I left this hotel feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to face… well, whatever the world threw at me. The spa was truly the highlight. Worth the trip alone.
Final Verdict: Should You Book?
YES! Absolutely. This is NOT your average hotel. It’s clean, comfortable, and has some truly amazing amenities. If you're looking for a chill getaway in Utica or Detroit, this is a fantastic choice.
ARE YOU READY TO BOOK THIS HOTEL?
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Here's why you NEED to book right now:
- Unwind in the world-class spa: Melt your stress away in the sauna, steam room, and pool with a view. Treat yourself to a massage you won't soon forget!
- Savor unforgettable dining experiences: Explore multiple restaurants, from casual cafes to elegant dining rooms, offering a delightful variety of cuisines.
- Enjoy convenient and comfortable stays: From free Wi-Fi and complimentary parking to well-appointed rooms and excellent service, the hotel has it all.
- Discover Utica's hidden gem: This hotel offers the perfect blend of relaxation, convenience, and excitement.
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Escape to Ireland's Coast: Unforgettable Lodge Awaits!
Alright, deep breaths. This is gonna be… well, a trip through my planned stay at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Detroit-Utica. Let's be real, this isn't gonna be some pristine, perfectly-formatted itinerary. More like a slightly-stained, coffee-ringed planner of a disaster waiting to happen… a fun disaster, hopefully.
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread in the Detroit Suburbs…
1:00 PM: Arrive at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). Ugh, flying. I swear, the moment that metal tube lifts off, a little piece of me just… deflates. Like a slowly-leaking balloon, filled with all my hopes and dreams. Anyway, gotta find the rental car. Hoping I don’t get the tiny, death-trap of a economy car. I'm picturing myself crammed inside, screaming at the GPS to STFU, which is always a highlight.
2:00 PM: Pick up the rental car. (Cross fingers for a decent vehicle… please, not the Smart Car. I'd rather walk). This is where the real fun begins. My sense of direction is, let's just say, "interpretive." "Google Maps, be gentle with me."
3:00 PM: Actually… okay, I'm already lost. The signs look the same everywhere. I've entered the Twilight Zone of identical strip malls. Deep breaths. I have the address for the hotel pulled up.
3:30 PM: FINALLY, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Detroit-Utica (By IHG)! Check-in. I'm hoping for a friendly face at the front desk, someone who understands the sheer exhaustion of modern travel. Bonus points if they have complimentary cookies. (This is my primary motivation for staying at the place… I’d be lying to myself if that wasn't the case.)
4:00 PM: Settle into the room. Okay. It's… clean. A very important thing, and the whole hotel is, for what it's worth. It's beige and functional. The kind of room that inspires awe, not in a "wow, this is amazing!" way, but in a "wow, I am utterly alone in this beige box" way. Quick unpack. Assess the damage of the plane ride's affect on my person.
5:00 PM: Explore the hotel a bit. Look for the sacred vending machine. Maybe a quick dip in the pool, if the lighting isn't overly harsh. And if I'm feeling particularly adventurous, hit up the gym… for about 10 minutes. Then back to the sacred cookies.
6:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. This is where the real test of my courage begins. Do I go with the chain restaurant or take a leap of faith on some local place? Decisions, decisions! Hopefully, I don’t accidentally order something I can't pronounce and I don't have some kind of allergic reaction on the spot.
8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Collapse on the bed. Watch some terrible TV. The kind of TV that's perfect for zoning out and letting your brain slowly turn to mush. Ah, bliss. I'm thinking of calling it an early night. I have plans, after all…
The "Plans":
- Get a good sleep.
- Wake up and see the breakfast.
- See if I hate the breakfast.
- Consider getting work done.
Day 2: Delving into the Local Scene (Or At Least Stumbling Around, Probably) and Cookie-Hunting.
7:00 AM: Actually, wake up, feeling slightly better. Maybe not good, but… functional. The breakfast situation. This is a crucial moment. Is it the sad, sad, continental breakfast buffet, I'm imagining already? Or… miracles happen! Free waffles! Sausage? I'll play it safe. Grab a coffee and a fruit.
8:00 AM: Start exploring! This depends on the weather. Should I head towards Detroit? Or stick to the general area? Detroit seems like fun, but I don't really know what's worth driving for.
9:00 AM: Look into places near the hotel. There's gotta be something interesting nearby, right? A quirky antique shop? A weird roadside attraction? Pray for something, anything, that will break up the monotony.
12:00 PM: Lunch at… somewhere. I'm picturing lots of chain restaurants. I still can't decide what to eat! I'll probably end up getting Chicken. And regret.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: More exploring. I'll take it as it comes. I feel like I'm going to be disappointed, no matter what. Maybe a trip to a mall. (I sound like I'm gonna be bored to death.)
5:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Back into the room. Time for a mental break. The day turned out fine? Did the day turn into a disaster?! Regardless of how the day turned out, I'm always tired.
6:00 PM: Dinner… back to square one. How do I decide what to eat? Do I just keep eating a chain store? Should I order something?
8:00 PM: This is the moment of truth. The most important question of all is: are the cookies still available? And if so, how many can I legally take? I take my sweet time, I slowly pace myself back to the front desk. I can only hope. The best, most exciting moments of life lie between the sugar frosted treats.
Day 3: Departure and the Ephemeral Nature of Hotel Breakfast.
7:00 AM: Breakfast. The final review! How are the waffles holding up? Are they as perfect as always? Is there a new person at the desk, and are they judging my cookie-taking habits?
8:00 AM: I do the best I can in a moment. I'll pack up, check out. But I don't want to.
9:00 AM: Time to leave! That's it. I'll get in the car, and try not to think about how soon I need to fly again.
10:00 AM: Drop of the car at the airport. "See ya later, pal."
11:00 AM: Go through security. Pray that the security line is short. I can't wait to leave,
1:00 PM: Goodbye, Utica! Goodbye, Detroit! Goodbye, to the beige room and questionable breakfasts. I feel like I'm forgetting something. I'll know when I get home. I've got more trips planned, don't I?
Okay, "Detroit's BEST Kept Secret?" Seriously? Utica? I'm... skeptical. What's the actual deal?
Alright, alright, hold your horses. Skepticism is healthy – I get it. Detroit *itself* has a reputation, and then Utica, which is... well, it's *near* Detroit. And honestly, the hotel in question, The Hamlin? I stumbled upon it by accident. Lost. Late. Hangry. Needed a place to crash. That's it. No grand plan. My expectations? A clean bed, a decent shower, pray-for-no-roaches situation. What I *found*? Well... that's the secret. It's not just 'clean.' It’s… different. Let's just say, it surprised me. Big time. Seriously, go in with *zero* expectations, and prepare to be pleasantly… baffled. In a good way.
Right, different. Cryptic. Is it *haunted* different? Cuz I’m not about that ghost life.
Okay, *calm down*. Haunted? Look, I didn't see any spectral figures, disembodied whispers... But the building *does* have history. And charm. And a, shall we say, *unique* character. I'm talking antique furniture. Hallways that feel like they’re whispering stories (whether they *actually* are whispering is up for debate). Let's just say, it *could* be haunted. But the kind of haunted that feels more quirky than terrifying. Think less poltergeists, more… a very opinionated resident cat. (More on *that* later.) It's not a sterile, corporate experience. It's… *lived in*. And honestly? That's what I appreciated about it. It felt real. Refreshingly *not* corporate.
Fine, charm. I’ll bite. What *specifically* made this place so… special? The food? The service? Tell me something concrete!
Alright, buckle up, because this is where it gets… interesting. The food? Not a Michelin-star experience, let's be clear. It's… hearty. Home-style. Breakfast? Think eggs cooked perfectly, crispy bacon, and actual, proper coffee. None of that watery hotel swill. Service? Forget robotic smiles. The staff? They're… *characters*. Friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to *enjoy* their jobs. One woman—I have no idea if she was the owner but she was the boss—she called me "sweetie" and made sure I had a second cup every morning. That's the kind of place it is. They remember you. They care. Which, in this day and age... is kind of shocking, actually.
Okay, but practicalities. Parking? Wi-fi? Anything else I need to know to survive?
Parking? Free, thankfully. Wi-fi? Worked like a charm when I was there, but I am not sure how consistent it will be for others. And now for the *important* survival tip: Ask about the cat. Seriously. There's this… I think she's a black cat? Named something dignified, like "Empress" or "Shadow." She's the unofficial greeter, the hotel's resident queen. She'll probably judge you. She *definitely* has opinions. Get on her good side. Bring some treats. Trust me on this, it's vital to your overall experience. Also, the rooms are… not huge. Space is at a premium. Pack light, wear comfy shoes to explore Utica, and don't expect a spa. It's about the experience, not the amenities. Which, honestly, is refreshing. You're not paying for fluff. You're paying for… *authenticity*? Is that even a word anymore?
Alright, so you're saying I'm potentially going to share a room with a cat overlord. Sounds… different. Is there anything *bad* about this place? *Any* negative aspect at all?
Okay, look, nothing's perfect. This isn't a luxury resort. So, yes, there were aspects that were not ideal. The building is… old. Some of the fixtures are… dated. The walls are thin, so, if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. My ceiling creaked at times. There may be some imperfections in the room (again, old building). And, if you're expecting a slick, modern hotel, this is *not* for you. However, those imperfections, to me, they were part of the charm. The air conditioning unit when I got there was older - and didn't work great at first, until someone was willing to go out of their way to fix the unit.
But, is a rickety AC really the *end* of the world? Not to me. To me, the genuine warmth of the staff, the feeling of stepping back in time, the cat... all of that outweighed the minor issues. This isn’t a place to go if you want perfection. It's a place to go if you want an experience. And if you’re open to the unusual, and the slightly quirky, you might just find yourself loving it.
So, if you're raving about it, I am going to ask: When are you going back?
That's the question, isn't it? The honest answer? I'm planning my return *right now*. Seriously. I’m looking at dates as we speak. The Hamlin isn’t just a hotel; it's a *vibe*. It’s the kind of place that stays with you. I even brought home some soap from the bathroom because I liked the way it smelled. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you least expect. It's a little bit of magic, tucked away in Utica. And I'm definitely ready for more. I want to find the cat, and make peace with the ghosts.
