Brighton's BEST Kept Secret: Homewood Suites Review (MI)
Brighton's BEST Kept Secret? Homewood Suites Review (MI) - Buckle Up, Buttercups, 'Cause Here We Go!
Alright, folks, gather 'round! Let's talk about Brighton, Michigan, and more importantly, let's talk about the Homewood Suites. Now, I'm not one for flowery prose, but this place… well, it's kind of a chameleon. You know, sometimes it's amazing, sometimes it's… meh. But overall? It’s definitely got that “best kept secret” vibe. Buckle up – this ain’t your sanitized, cookie-cutter review. This is the real deal, warts and all, because, let’s be honest, that's how life is, right?
First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle (It's a Big Deal to Me!)
First things first: Accessibility. Crucial! I want to commend Homewood Suites for generally getting this right. They have facilities for disabled guests, which is always a massive plus. There's an elevator, easy access to the common areas, and I'm pretty sure I saw accessible rooms. But… and there's always a but, isn't there? I didn't stay in an accessible room myself (I'm not in a wheelchair, though I appreciate it being an option), so I can't vouch for the depth of the accessibility. BUT, the initial impressions were good. They try, and that's a huge deal in a world that doesn't always.
The exterior corridor is, well, fine. Nothing fancy, but it's practical. I’m not a corridor connoisseur, so I don’t care about fancy corridors; I just want to get to my room!
The Check-in/out [express, private, contactless] situation: depends on the staff, and the time. Sometimes, it’s a breeze. Other times… well, let's just say technology isn't always our friend. But they are attempting to offer contactless, which is a definite plus given the state of the world.
Rooms: The Good, The "Huh," and the "Where's My Slippers?"
Okay, let's get messy. The rooms are… spacious. Really spacious. Like, "I could do cartwheels in here" spacious. They've got the Air conditioning (thank heavens!), Blackout curtains (essential for sleep!), and a refrigerator (hooray for keeping those late-night snacks cold!). There are even interconnecting rooms available, which is great if you're traveling with a gaggle of kids (or, you know, just REALLY like your privacy).
Now for the nitpicks:
- The bed was comfy-ish. I'm a princess when it comes to beds, so I always bring my own pillows if I can!
- The bathroom was functional. Separate Shower/bathtub? Yes. Toiletries? Yep. Actual good ones? Sometimes. Sometimes, they smell like… generic hotel soap.
- I never did find the slippers, and I'm still a little salty about it.
- And, yes, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – a MUST, and it worked pretty well. Internet access – LAN as well!
- Every damn room should have a hair dryer, and this one did, but I've been burned by some hotels!
- Alarm clock… It did exist, and I'm not sure how to use it!
- The desk was nice and big.
Cleaning and Safety: The COVID Era Reality Check
Right. Let's talk about the elephant in the room: cleanliness and safety. This is where Homewood Suites, like everyone, is navigating a constantly shifting landscape. The good news? They're trying.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Check.
- Hand sanitizer stations everywhere? Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol? Supposedly. I hope so!
- Room sanitization opt-out available? Nope. You are at their mercy on this one.
- Anti-viral cleaning products and professional-grade sanitizing services? Probably. They seemed clean, but I'm not a germ expert.
- Cashless payment service? Yes! I love this!
- Individually-wrapped food options? Yep.
So, they are doing what they can. However, the real test will be how they deal with (insert random disease outbreak) round 2,000.
The Food Face-Off: Breakfast & Beyond!
Okay, here's the thing. The breakfast [buffet] used to be the stuff of legend. Free waffles? YES. Scrambled eggs that weren't suspiciously flat? Maybe. But. COVID. So, the buffet is… different. It's more of a grab-and-go situation now, with individually wrapped food options. Frankly? It’s decent. They at least try to offer some variety.
I saw a coffee/tea maker in my room. I'm a coffee snob, but I still appreciate its presence.
- Room service [24-hour]: Nope. Not at this Homewood Suites. Sad face.
- Restaurants: Technically, there aren't any in the hotel. The hotel is close to a lot of restaurants, so you're not stranded.
- For the kids: Babysitting services: Hmmm, no
Amenities: The Temptation of Relaxation
This is where Homewood Suites shines… sort of. Let's break it down:
- Fitness Center: They have one. I peeked in. It's… functional. Not exactly a state-of-the-art gym, but it’ll do the trick if you need to work off that complimentary breakfast.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: Yes! I didn't use it, but it looked inviting. It's definitely one of the draws, and I heard good things from other guests.
- Spa/sauna: Nope, not here!
- Laundry service: Yes!
- Daily housekeeping: YES.
- Car Park [free of charge]: Always a plus!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Here's the lowdown on the extra perks:
- Convenience store: A lifesaver!
- Laundry service: Very useful, if you're staying a while.
- Air conditioning in public area: YES, thank the heavens
- Wi-Fi for special events? Probably.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Yes.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location!
Brighton is a great spot! You're close to the highway, but tucked away enough to feel peaceful. Car park [free of charge]: always a plus. Taxi service? Possibly available. Airport transfer: Unlikely.
The (Unsolicited) Verdict & a Quirky Proposition
Okay, here's my honest take: Homewood Suites in Brighton is imperfectly perfect. It's got its quirks, its flaws, and its moments of brilliance. At its core, it’s a decent, reliable place to stay.
But here's the kicker: This hotel is perfect if you need a place to sleep, go out for a swim, and maybe go to a meeting.
Now, for the BIG OFFER! (And I mean it!)
(Drumroll, please…)
My little secret is to go on a week-long stay! This could become a true home, and I would get to know every little thing.
And if you're looking for something special, something that goes above and beyond, well… book your stay ASAP!
So, book your stay!
P.S. And if you see me there, say hi! Just… maybe don’t ask too many questions about the slippers. I'm still a little sensitive about it.
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Homewood Suites Brighton: My Journey Into the Suburban Abyss (and Maybe Finding Some Good Coffee)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your perfectly curated Instagram travel blog. This is the unvarnished truth, seasoned with caffeine jitters and the existential dread of being trapped in a suburban Homewood Suites. I'm in Brighton, Michigan. Brighton! The name itself screams "pleasant, predictable, and probably a little beige." And, you know what? So far, it's living up to the hype.
Day 1: Arrival and the Pursuit of Caffeine (and Possibly Sanity)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). Ugh, flying. Always an experience. This time, I spent the entire flight behind a woman who treated her oxygen tank like a personal megaphone. Bless her heart, but my eardrums are still recovering.
- 2:30 PM: Rental car pickup. Successfully navigated the labyrinth of the airport rental car zone. Victory! The car? A slightly sad-looking Ford Escape with a dashboard that's seen better days. Feels appropriate.
- 3:30 PM: Arrive at the Homewood Suites Brighton. First impressions? Clean. Predictable. The faint aroma of chlorine lingers from the indoor pool. The woman at the front desk, bless her, is trying very hard to be perky. I feel bad for her.
- 4:00 PM: Unpack. The two-room suite is… spacious. Almost too spacious. I feel utterly alone in here. That's a mood killer, right off the bat.
- 4:30 PM: The coffee situation. A catastrophe. The "complimentary" coffee in the suite is, well, let's just say it tastes vaguely of sadness and disappointment. This is a PROBLEM. My brain needs fuel, and this swill isn't cutting it. Operation: Find Decent Coffee is now in full swing.
- 5:00 PM: Research local coffee shops. Google Maps tells me there’s a Biggby Coffee nearby. Hope springs eternal.
- 5:30 PM: BIGGBY, the saviour. Okay, maybe not a savior, but at least they have a decent latte. The place is buzzing with people chatting and working. Feels human. I order a coffee and a scone. The scone is…okay.
- 6:30 PM: Back at the hotel. Start doing emails, because I'm a slave to the grind.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the hotel. Again, a tragedy. The free food consists of cold pasta and a very sad salad bar. I try to find a decent piece of lettuce in the salad bar but fail.
Day 2: Embracing the Beige (or, at Least, Attempting To)
- 7:00 AM: Morning. The coffee situation is significantly better now that I know where to go. Biggby is a lifesaver.
- 8:00 AM: Hotel breakfast. The usual fare: scrambled eggs that look suspiciously like rubber, sad-looking pastries. I grab a waffle, because why not? It's aggressively mediocre.
- 9:00 AM: Finally get to work. I'm here for… work. The details are boring, but the gist is: staring at a computer screen for several hours. The suite is a bit too quiet. I miss the noise of the city.
- 12 PM: I eat my lunch, and read.
- 1:00 PM: The Brighton Rec Center. Okay, I decided to be "active" and get out of the hotel room, but the fitness center is a bit… depressing. There is a tread mill and elliptical machine. The whole place smells of chlorine. I decide to take a quick swim in the pool. Its very cold and I get out pretty quickly.
- 3:00 PM: The world is still grey. I take a nap.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local chain restaurant. It's what you expect.
- 7:30 PM: Back to the hotel. I watch TV and work until I get bored and hit the hay.
Day 3: Escaping (Even if Just for a Few Hours)
- 7:00 AM: Coffee. Biggby. Repeat. I'm starting to become a regular. The barista recognizes me. This is both comforting and mildly terrifying – am I that predictable?
- 8:00 AM: Work. More work. Send and receive emails, staring at a computer screen.
- 10:00 AM: I desperately crave something, anything, different.
- 11:00 AM: The Brighton State Recreation Area. I decide to go for a short walk but I walk too far, get lost, and turn around. It was a nice experience though!
- 2:00 PM: The hotel. I work, until I can't.
- 4:00 PM: I decide to go back to Biggby. The barista remembers my order.
- 5:00 PM: Dinner at a local place. I get some take out to the hotel.
- 6:00 PM: I start packing, and mentally prepare myself for the long trip home.
Day 4: Departure and the Search for Meaning (and Maybe a Decent Meal Before the Airport)
- 7:00 AM: Coffee. Biggby. Again. I wonder if I'll miss it.
- 8:00 AM: Check out. The perky woman at the front desk is still perky. I offer her a weary smile.
- 8:30 AM: Last-minute errands.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. I find a place that has a decent breakfast, and start to feel a little bit better about everything.
- 11:00 AM: Drive back to the airport.
- 1:00 PM: Flight. The plane takes off.
Final Thoughts (aka, Ramblings):
So, Brighton. It was… an experience. The Homewood Suites was fine. Clean. Predictable. The Biggby saved me. The drive home will be long. I need a vacation from my vacation. And maybe, just maybe, I'll appreciate my own messy, chaotic life a little bit more after this.
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Okay, spill the beans! Is Homewood Suites Brighton REALLY a "best kept secret"?
Alright, alright, settle down! "Best kept secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. More like... a reliable friend you always forget about until you REALLY need them. Seriously, I've stayed at places that cost a mortgage payment and delivered LESS than this place. Honestly, it depends on what you're looking for. If you're expecting a Michelin-starred experience, you're in the WRONG county, pal. But if you want comfortable, convenient, and won't break the bank, then yeah, Homewood Suites in Brighton (MI) is worth considering. It's not gonna win awards for design, you know? It's more like… a well-worn, comfortable pair of jeans you always reach for. You KNOW they're gonna fit right and get the job done.
The Suite Life: What are the rooms REALLY like? Are we talking cramped, or sprawling?
Okay, here's where the "suites" part actually matters. You're not crammed in a tiny shoebox, thankfully. Usually. I say "usually" because… remember that time I booked a last-minute room and ended up facing the parking lot? Ugh. That felt a LITTLE cramped. But generally, you get a decent-sized space, with a separate living area AND a bedroom. And a kitchenette! Microwave, fridge, the whole shebang. Ideal for leftovers. Because, let's be honest, who *doesn't* take home leftovers? The furniture is… serviceable. Clean, comfortable, but don't expect designer chic. Think "comfort and practicality" over "magazine-worthy." The mattresses are usually pretty decent, which is crucial. I'm a light sleeper, so I've always been pleasantly surprised. Except for that one time… (more on that later).
Breakfast Bonanza or Breakfast Blunder? Tell me about the included breakfast!
Breakfast! Ah, the free breakfast buffet. This is where Homewood Suites truly shines, in my humble opinion. And by shine, I mean… it's CONSISTENTLY good. Not gourmet, no, no, no. But solid. You know you'll get your eggs (scrambled, usually), your sausage or bacon, your waffles (make your own!), the usual suspects. Fruit, yogurt, cereal, the coffee that'll either kickstart your day or leave you jittery. I remember one time, I was SO HUNGRY after a five-hour drive, and I inhaled three waffles, a mountain of scrambled eggs, and a whole bowl of fruit cocktail. Don't judge me! Hey, it's free! It's fueling up a body! It gives energy to drive. It gives energy to work. It's a glorious, carb-loaded start to the day. Just don't expect artisanal everything. Think quantity and convenience, and you'll be happy.
Location, Location, Location! Is it actually convenient?
Okay, this is a BIG YES. It's SUPER convenient, actually. Right near the highway, so getting in and out is a breeze. Close to restaurants, shopping (hello, Tanger Outlets!), and, of course, Brighton's cute downtown area. You can easily walk to a few places, but you'll probably want to drive to most, because of the Michigan weather. I remember one freezing December night, I tried to walk to a restaurant, and let me tell you, it was an adventure in frostbite. Learn from my mistakes! Google Maps tells you the truth. I’m generally a “drive anywhere” person, the location is awesome.
Is the Pool/Gym Worth a Dip? And is this place family-friendly?
The pool? It’s… a pool. It’s indoor, which is a massive win for Michigan. It’s not Olympic-sized, mind you; it's more like a big rectangle for splashing. The gym? Basic. Treadmills, some weights, enough to get a little sweat on. I'm not a gym rat, so it suits me fine. My kids, however? They spend HOURS in the pool. It's a lifesaver when you're traveling with little ones. Speaking of which, YES, it's family-friendly. The suites are great for spreading out with kids, and the breakfast avoids all the "I'm hungry" complaints. They also have pack n' plays if you need them. Generally, I've seen tons of families there. Consider that a plus or a minus, depending on your tolerance for kid noise.
The Dark Side: What are the potential downsides? Be Honest!
Alright, here's the dirt. First, it's not the fanciest place. Don't expect luxury. And the decor… well, it’s a touch…dated. Some rooms can be a bit noisy, especially if you're near the elevator or the highway. I've had the occasional plumbing issue (nothing major, but… you know). And sometimes, JUST sometimes, the breakfast area gets crowded, and you have to play the waiting game for a table. I’m talking, it’s not a big deal usually, But... Oh GOD. There's this one time. This ONE time. The air conditioning unit in the bedroom was a total dud. I tried everything! I even tried to call the front desk but it was like a horror movie. It was like 90 degrees outside, and inside? It was an oven. I ended up sleeping on the couch in the living room, which, if you're sharing a room with someone, is awkward, to say the least. So, yeah, stuff happens. Things break. It's not perfection. And the price does fluctuate like crazy, especially during peak season.
Okay, so... would you recommend it? Give me the final verdict!
Look, if you're looking for affordable, comfortable, and convenient in Brighton, then YES, I recommend Homewood Suites. It's not going to blow your mind, but it delivers! It's a solid choice for families, business travelers, or anyone who just wants a stress-free stay. Just maybe call ahead and double-check the AC before you check in! And maybe pack a snack. You know, just in case.
