Spicer's Hidden Gem: Your SureStay Hotel Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this review of Spicer's Hidden Gem: Your SureStay Hotel Awaits! is gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "friend oversharing after a couple of margaritas." Let's get real about this place, shall we?
Spicer's Hidden Gem: The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the "Worth It?" Factor
First off, let me say I'm perpetually on the lookout for a hidden gem. The name promised it, so my hopes were, admittedly, sky-high. Did it deliver? Well, let's unpack the luggage of expectations and see what we found hidden under the… you know… the stuff.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like My Relationship Status
Alright, Accessibility. This is important, and I'm always checking this. Spicer’s tries, bless their hearts. The elevator is a huge plus! But, and there's always a but, I didn't thoroughly investigate the nitty-gritty. It looked… adequate. That's a starting point, anyway. You'll want to call and verify if you have specific needs.
Internet: Bless the Wi-Fi Gods!
Okay, internet. Huge. I’m a digital nomad (read: perpetually glued to my laptop), so… Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! is music to my ears. And… (whispers) it actually worked! The Wi-Fi in public areas was also surprisingly solid. No rage-inducing buffering during my Zoom call with Aunt Mildred. A miracle! Speaking of which: Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services – I’m not entirely sure what those additional entries mean, but hey, more options, right? Maybe they have a secret, super-fast connection just for the cool kids. Which, regrettably, I am not.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreams (and Maybe Disappointment?)
Okay, the spa, the pool with a view, the sauna, the massage… this is where my inner princess started to bubble with anticipation. The idea of it was dreamy. Spa/sauna, steam room, gym/fitness… They sure threw a lot of keywords in there. I even got to see the swimming pool [outdoor]. Let's just say it was… there. I was able to have a relaxing evening in the swimming pool. It wasn't quite the oasis of tranquility I’d envisioned. It felt more like a busy street in New York than the advertised “pool with a view." I’m not going to lie, I was slightly let down. But the fact that it exist is a win. I will be back, no doubt, despite the lack of a full spa.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitized Fortress (Mostly)
Ah, in these post-pandemic times, CLEANLINESS IS GODLINESS, people. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and rooms sanitized between stays? Okay, Spicer's, you got me. I felt pretty safe, which is a HUGE plus. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, all the staff was trained, and all that. The Cashless payment service was another easy and safe way to do things. So, kudos for taking it seriously.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Buffet Bliss to Questionable Coffee
Okay, this is where the experience gets… interesting. The Breakfast [buffet] was, well, a buffet. Let's just say it was adequate. Not terrible, not amazing. Standard hotel fare. The Coffee/tea in restaurant? Hit or miss. Sometimes it was decent, other times… ugh. Thankfully, the many Restaurants in and around the hotel made up for it. I highly recommend trying the local Asian cuisine in restaurant. The Poolside bar was a nice touch for a drink right before going to sleep. I didn't try the room service but I'm happy it was there.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and The "Wait, Really?"
Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping - all the usual suspects, done well. The Convenience store came in clutch when I needed a late-night snack attack fix of gummy bears. The Elevator was a life saver (thankfully). Laundry service, was… there. And that's all I can say.
For the Kids: Babysitting? Maybe Call First…
I don't travel with kids. But if you're traveling with kids, you probably want a place that gives the appearance of being family-friendly. I wasn't able to test the Babysitting service, the kids facilities, or the kids meal. So, I recommend calling up to get a full understanding before taking your child with you.
Available in All Rooms: The Comfort Factor
Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, mini bar, non-smoking, on-demand movies, private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, seating area, shower, slippers, smoke detector, telephone, toiletries, towels, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], window that opens. Okay, this list is long. Overall, the rooms had everything you need. The air conditioning worked, which is crucial in my book. The bed was comfortable, the TV worked, and there was even a window that opened.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (or at Least, Easy-Ish)
Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Taxi service - all available, which is convenient. I didn't need valet parking, but the option was there.
The Final Verdict (and the Emotional Rollercoaster)
Look, Spicer’s Hidden Gem: Your SureStay Hotel Awaits! isn't perfect. But it's a totally SOLID option. It’s clean, safe, and has all the basics covered. The free Wi-Fi is a huge win, and the staff was friendly and helpful. The restaurant was okay, but not the best. But what really matters is that I felt good, not miserable. And when I felt good, especially after a long day of sightseeing, I was absolutely ecstatic.
So, would I recommend it?
Yes, with a few caveats. If you're looking for a luxurious spa getaway experience, and the brochure tells you exactly what you are going to get, don't. But if you want a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located hotel that won't break the bank, then go for it.
My Offer (because everyone loves a deal!)
Book your stay at Spicer's Hidden Gem this month and get:
- A complimentary bottle of wine on arrival (to ease the potential buffet blues!)
- Free upgrade (based on availability), you might get a better view.
- Early check-in/late check-out (because who doesn't love a little extra time to relax?).
Don't overthink it. Just book it. You might not find a diamond, but you'll certainly find a comfortable stay with free Wi-Fi, a solid base for your adventures in the area, and a chance to create your own memories. Now go forth, explore, and tell me what you think!
Phuket's Hidden Gem: Neptuna Kata Hotel - Paradise Found!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't your polished travel brochure. This is real life at the SureStay Hotel by Best Western in Spicer, Minnesota. Prepare for a chaotic, glorious mess.
Day 1: Spicer… You Had Me at “Lake”
- 7:00 AM - The Alarm: A Siren Song of Despair. Okay, I tried to be a morning person. I really did. But the hotel alarm clock sounded like a dying seagull, and frankly, I wanted to strangle it. Rolled over, hit snooze. (Classic.) This whole trip was SUPPOSED to be a refreshing getaway, dammit.
- 7:30 AM - The Scramble: Finally, out of bed. Bathroom saga. Why is it always so difficult to find a decent hair tie when you need one? (Seriously, where DO they go?) My first shower in the hotel after i checking in.
- 8:00 AM - Hotel Breakfast - The Great Unknown: Okay, I psyched myself up for this. Free breakfast, right? Score! Nope. Cold instant oatmeal (like… really cold), rock-hard bagels, and coffee that tasted suspiciously like dishwater. But hey, at least there was a decent, if slightly bruised, banana. Ate it anyway. Gotta fuel the adventure!
- 9:00 AM - Lake Minnewaska Wanderings - The Unexpected Beauty: Found my way to the lake. Holy moly, it was stunning. The water was that perfect, shimmering blue. Took a deep breath, tried to clear the hotel-breakfast-coffee fugue from my brain. Watched a few real locals fishing (looked like they'd been there since the dinosaurs). Felt a little pang of envy, and a whole lot of calm.
- 10:30 AM - The Spicer Pioneer Museum - A Blast From the Past (and Present): Ended up at the Spicer Pioneer Museum. God, the history. I LOVED the vintage farming equipment. And the stories. The old photos gave me goosebumps. There was a little kid running amok, poking at some display cases; I felt a kinship with that little gremlin.
- 12:00 PM - Downtown Spicer - The Search for Lunch (and Sanity): Walked around the town looking for a small pub. Stumbled upon a bakery. The aroma of fresh bread was irresistible, and I bought a loaf and grabbed a coffee.
- 1:00 PM - Back to the Lake - The Embrace of Nothingness: Spent the afternoon by the lake. Sat on the dock, closed my eyes, and just listened. The loons, the breeze, the lapping of the water… Bliss. Complete and utter bliss. Started to think I might actually LIKE this place.
- 4:00 PM - Back to the Hotel. Shower #2: Because, hotel. And lake. And a whole lot of walking.
- 6:00 PM - Supper and Sunset: I decided to grab a pizza at a local place. I ate it sitting on the porch as the sun set, and just felt thankful.
Day 2: The Roller Coaster of Spicer (and My Emotions)
- 7:00 AM - The Siren Song (Part 2): You know the drill. Except this time I was half expecting it.
- 7:30 AM - Breakfast - The Redemption Arc: Decided to try the waffles. Actually, they were pretty decent this time. Maybe the hotel fairies upped their game?
- 8:30 AM - Sibley State Park - The Hikes (and the Tears of Joy): Hiked. Hiked. Up hills, past trees, and I almost literally cried when I got to the peak. The view was INSANE. Wind in my hair, the vastness of the Minnesota landscape… okay, I'm getting a little choked up just writing about it. This is what I needed. This is what my soul craved.
- 12:00 PM - Downtown Spicer - The Post-Hike Feast: Found a deli and got a sandwich. This time, the coffee was actually drinkable. Small victories.
- 2:00 PM - A Drive (that was supposed to be a Drive): Tried to drive to a park, got turned around, and almost ended up in the middle of nowhere. My sense of direction is a joke.
- 3:30 PM - Back to the Lake (Again) - My Happy Place: Sat by the water. Read. Thought. Meditated. Probably fell asleep. Honestly, who cares? I was happy.
- 6:00 PM - The Hotel Pool (and the Existential Dread): I ended up in the hotel pool where children were splashing and laughing. Swam a few laps. The chlorine smell, though, was a bit much. But hey, bubbles.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner and Reflection: I ate instant noodles. Found a quiet spot to sit on the porch. I realized, with a genuine smile, how good I felt. That may have been the best few days I've experienced in years.
Day 3: Leaving Spicer (With a Piece of My Heart)
- 7:00 AM - Farewell Seagull Alarm: (Still hated you.)
- 7:30 AM - Breakfast - The Last Stand: One last waffle. One last, potentially-dishwatery coffee. One last bruised banana.
- 8:30 AM - The Lake's Final Embrace: One more walk by the lake. Said my goodbyes to the loons. Tried to etch the memory of the water in my brain.
- 9:30 AM - Packing and Departure: Scraped. Pack. Drive.
- 10:00 AM - Drive away: I am on the road back home.
Post-Trip Thoughts:
- Spicer, you surprising little gem. You provided me with a level of peace and beauty I didn't know I was missing.
- That hotel breakfast… still needs work. But hey, the waffles were alright on day two, right?
- I'll be back. Eventually.
And that's the mess. Honest. Human. Beautiful. And I wouldn't trade it for the world.
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Spicer's Hidden Gem: Your SureStay Hotel Awaits! (Or Does It?) - An FAQ, Probably!
Okay, spill it. Why's it a "Hidden Gem" anyway? Is it like, actually hidden? Because I'm TERRIBLE with directions.
Alright, alright, settle down. "Hidden Gem" is... well, let's say it's aspirational branding. It’s *sort of* hidden. It’s on the main drag, but you might miss it, especially if you're distracted by, say, a particularly compelling roadside gnome sale (which, admittedly, *I* was once). The "Gem" part? That’s where things get...interesting. It's a gem in the way that a slightly chipped, but still functional, antique tea cup is a gem. Has character. Probably saw some stuff. Look, it's not the Ritz. But hey, the price? Sometimes, it's *too* good to be true...but mostly it's alright. Just don't expect a diamond. Think…polished river rock. You get the point, right?
The "SureStay" part? Is that like, a promise? Because I've stayed in hotels that *weren't* sure, and let me tell you, it was a *nightmare*.
"SureStay" is… well, I guess, it's a branded guarantee that they'll TRY to give you a stay. Look, my cousin Brenda stayed there last month. She described her stay as "uneventful," which, in hotel terms, is a win. It's probably going to be there. The bed will *probably* be there. The bathroom will *probably* have water. Emphasis on probably. And that's actually saying a lot. Brenda's also the sort of person who'd describe a root canal as "mildly inconvenient," so take that with a grain of salt, like, a *big* grain. I haven't stayed there. I'm asking *you* the questions.
Is there a pool? Because I *need* a pool. I'm a pool person. My soul craves lukewarm chlorine.
Ah, the pool question. This is where my memory gets a little...foggy. See, I *think* there was a pool. Maybe. Or maybe it was a particularly large, algae-covered puddle I saw in the parking lot when I was trying to remember if I locked my car. I’m not positive. But if there *is* a pool, prepare for it to be… rustic. Think less Olympic-sized, more… well, think ‘what the dinosaurs might have used as a watering hole.’ Bring your own floaties. And maybe a tetanus shot, just in case. Honestly, I'd call ahead. And ask specific questions. Like, ‘Is there a pool, and is it actively swimming, or just… existing?’
Food? What's the breakfast situation? Because I'm a monster before coffee.
Breakfast. Ah, the breakfast. Okay, so, and this is based on internet hearsay and vague recollections from... the internet...and, possibly, a Yelp review, the breakfast is…continental. Which, in hotel speak, means: toast, possibly stale muffins, maybe a waffle maker that’s seen better days (probably in the 80s), and instant coffee that tastes suspiciously like old pennies. But, hey, it's free, right? Consider it fuel for your upcoming adventures, or possibly a reason to drive to a nearby diner. I’d pack my own protein bars, personally. And a hazmat suit. I’m probably being dramatic.
Speaking of adventures, what's the Wi-Fi situation? Gotta stay connected. Gotta feed the 'gram. You know.....
Wi-Fi... ah, yes. The bane of modern existence. Well, okay, Maybe not *that* extreme. But you *will* want to check the internet situation before your trip. I've heard it's... intermittent. I've heard stories of people having to stand in the parking lot in the rain to get a signal. Or on the roof, which i would *not* recommend. It's likely spotty, like my childhood memories. So, download your movies, your podcasts, your everything. Consider it a digital detox. Or, you'll want to curse their name. Bring a book. Or a friend. Preferably the friend with the unlimited data plan.
Are there any, like, major downsides I should know about before booking? Because, you know, I'm not exactly a fan of surprises.
Okay, honesty hour. Let's just say, it might not be perfect. I saw the lobby. It's… charmingly dated. And by 'charming,' I mean, straight out of the 1970s, complete with questionable carpet choices. If you're a germaphobe... well, you might want to bring your own pillowcases. And maybe some industrial-strength disinfectant wipes. And a hazmat suit. (Maybe.) And, based on some *whispers* I've heard... the walls *might* be thin. So, if you're easily disturbed by… well, let's just say, the sounds of other people living… you might want to pack earplugs. And consider asking for a room at the end of the hall. Or better yet, don't worry, be happy.
Is it clean? Like, actually clean? I'm a clean freak. My therapist hates me.
Cleanliness... ah, the ultimate question. Look, I'm not going to lie to you. This is another 'proceed with caution' situation. I *believe* they attempt to clean. I *hope* they clean. I have *heard* stories involving… well, let’s just say, a rogue dust bunny or two. The bathroom… well, again, it's probably functional. But don't expect pristine. Expect… practical. I'd bring my own cleaning supplies. Okay, maybe I'm being too harsh. But the "vibe," shall we say, is "lived-in." If you're expecting the Four Seasons, you're in the wrong place. If you're expecting a place to lay your head without catching a mysterious ailment, you’re *probably* in the right place. But it's not a guarantee.
Alright, alright. Let's say, hypothetically, I book a room. What's the parking situation like? Because I have a car the size of a small yacht.
Parking… Ah, parking. The eternal struggle. I *believe* (see a pattern here?) there'sHotels With Kitchen Near Me
