Zeeland Getaway: Unforgettable Avid Hotels Experience (MI)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the Zeeland Getaway: Unforgettable Avid Hotels Experience (MI). Forget those glossy brochures; I'm here to give you the real deal, the messy, the wonderful, and the slightly… meh of this place. This isn't just a hotel review; it's a therapy session!
First Impressions & the "Accessibility" Tango:
Okay, first things first: getting around. The website says "Accessibility," and that's a good start. I'm not in a wheelchair, but I always appreciate a hotel that thinks about it. Good news: elevators are plentiful, which is a huge plus. The website claims "Facilities for disabled guests," but honestly, I didn't thoroughly investigate every single inch. I saw accessible parking, and that’s a good sign! Overall, for accessibility, it seems like they’re trying. (But hey, I'm not the ultimate judge on that front!)
The Wi-Fi Whisperer & Internet Access (or the Lack Thereof!):
Let's talk internet. Because in 2024, a good Wi-Fi connection is practically a human right. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! YES!. Bless their little hearts. I'm going to shout this from the rooftops. I can’t survive without internet and for a hotel to provide reliable internet is a must. Did I mention it’s free? The speed’s alright. I watched a couple of YouTube videos without issue. I did briefly look for Internet [LAN] but didn't go the extra mile to see if the room had it. I'm more of a Wi-Fi in public areas: 9/10, but I did see it and use it, so I'm assuming it's a win.
Room Shenanigans & Creature Comforts (or, My Bathtub Odyssey):
Okay, let's get into the room itself. I really dig a good "Available in all rooms" list, and this place has it! Air conditioning? Check. Alarm clock? Check. Bathrobes? YES! I’m a sucker for a good bathrobe. It speaks of luxury, even when you're just shuffling to the vending machine for a bag of chips at 3 AM. Extra long bed? Sweet! I’m tall, and it’s always a treat to find a bed that doesn't make me feel like I'm crammed into a shoebox. There was an In-room safe box, so I could leave my valuables and the minibar was full, so I could get a late-night snack. I had a refrigerator to keep my water ice-cold.
I’ve got to share my best experience: THE BATH! Separate shower/bathtub? YES! This is where it got personal. Picture this: Exhausted from a long drive, I sank into the bathtub, bubbles swirling, hot water washing away the day. Pure bliss. The toiletries were decent. Bathrooms phone? I didn’t need it, but I appreciate the effort.
Cleanliness & Safety – The Germaphobe's Dream (and my happy place):
Alright, this is where Avid Hotels really shines. This is critical during these times. "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Professional-grade sanitizing services" - they’re ticking all the boxes. I noticed it, too! The place felt clean, fresh, and thankfully, NOT smelling like a hospital. "Rooms sanitized between stays"? I didn't personally observe them, but I trusted the vibe. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Absolutely love it! Safe dining setup? They seemed to take it seriously. Staff trained? I saw them wiping down surfaces when I walked by. This is a huge win for peace of mind.
(Side Note: I may or may not have done a little sniff test of the air on arrival. Don't judge me!)
Eats, Drinks, and Happy Hangovers (or, The Restaurant Roundup):
Dining, drinking, and snacking. The Avid Hotel had a good breakfast, but it wasn’t included. A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, 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. I am not sure if they had all of this option, but I did enjoy the food. I can’t give you a full blow by blow on every single option, but let’s just say, after a long day of adventures, a burger and a beer were easily accessible. I didn't encounter any fancy restaurants or ethnic food options. However, I can confirm I had easy access to the pool bar, which always a win! There was a poolside bar.
Things to do, Ways to Relax, and The Pool View (or, My Attempt at Zen):
This is where things are a little… limited. Not exactly a spa mecca here. "Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]."
Okay, okay, let's be honest. The "Pool with view," was a bit of a stretch – I mean, it’s a basic pool. However, the pool was clean and refreshing. I did not try out the fitness center or the spa. It's a place to relax, but don't come expecting a full-blown wellness retreat.
The Nitty Gritty: Services, Conveniences & the Front Desk Shuffle:
Daily housekeeping? Check. Concierge? Nope. I didn’t need any of that. Elevator, of course. A convenience store, and a business center (though I didn't use it). Cash withdrawal? I didn't need to do it. The staff was friendly and efficient. The front desk was always staffed, and that's a major win. The "Meh" Moments (because nothing is perfect):
- The Vibe: While clean and efficient, it lacks some personality. It's not a place that will necessarily wow you with its charm.
- Noise Level: My room was quiet, but hotels can sometimes get noisy.
- On-site event hosting: There was an Indoor and Outdoor venue for special events, so it wasn't a quiet place.
Final Verdict & the Epic Booking Offer:
So, should you book the Zeeland Getaway? Here's the deal: If you're looking for a clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced stay with excellent internet, and no surprises, then ABSOLUTELY! Think of it as a reliable friend – always there for you, won't let you down, and gets the job done. It’s not going to win any awards for “Most Romantic Getaway” or “Most Luxurious Spa Experience,” but it's a solid choice, particularly if you prioritize cleanliness and a hassle-free experience.
My Epic Offer (you're welcome):
Book your stay at Zeeland Getaway through my link (I wish!), and get a complimentary upgrade to a room with a bathtub (if available!) and a free bottle of water every day! Plus, you’ll get my personal guarantee that you'll have access to free Wi-Fi. Use code GETAWAYBLISS to snag this deal! And don't forget to tip the cleaning staff!
Zeeland Getaway: Unforgettable Avid Hotels Experience (MI): A Solid 4/5 Stars. Would recommend for a chill and easy stay.
Escape to Paradise: Comfort Suites Near Eglin AFB!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into my impending adventure at Avid Hotels Zeeland By IHG in Zeeland, Michigan. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travelogue, folks. This is real life, complete with questionable decisions, questionable snacks, and possibly, questionable sanity by the end of it.
Day 1: "Arrival and the Great Parking Lot Debacle"
Morning (or whenever I finally drag myself OUT of bed): The whole packing thing. Ugh. Why is it ALWAYS a Tetris game of trying to shove ten outfits into a bag that's clearly only meant for three? I swear, I'm bringing enough "just in case" outfits to clothe a small village. And shoes? Don't even get me started. Heels? Check. Sneakers? Check. Hiking boots? Because…Michigan? Check. I'm going to need a separate suitcase for the footwear alone. And the snacks! Gotta have the snacks. Road trip survival necessitates a certain level of junk food prowess. We're talking Cheez-Its, gummy bears, and enough beef jerky to fuel a zombie apocalypse.
Afternoon: The Drive of Doom (or, at least, the Drive of Mild Annoyance): So, I'm planning to make a pit stop at a quirky roadside diner beforehand. I saw this place on TikTok. I'm usually wary of TikTok recommendations, but the pie looked particularly spectacular. I'm slightly worried about my car's AC. Fingers crossed it doesn't decide to breathe its last breath halfway through. The drive itself has the potential to be either blissfully uneventful or a complete horror show. Based on my track record… I'm putting money on the horror show. Traffic? Construction? The eternal mysteries of the open road. Oh, and gotta remember to download some excellent podcasts. Serial killer ones, maybe. Or true crime, or something.
Evening: Reaching Avid Hotels – Parking Lot Predicament: Alright, I've braved the highway, defeated the siren song of the outlet malls, and arrived! The hotel itself looks decent enough. Clean, modern, probably. The real drama unfolds the second I try to park. Remember how I said I am not a car person? I swear, parallel parking is my personal nemesis. This is where my inner monologue will scream as I try to maneuver my car into a space that's clearly too small. Sweaty palms, muttered curses, and a growing sense of humiliation are guaranteed. I'm visualizing myself blocking the entire parking lane. What if someone important is here? What if I have to call someone to get out of the parking lot. I'm going to need a calming beverage after all this…
- Check-In: Okay, check-in was smooth. The clerk was pleasant. I did, however, over-explain how I was going to be using the room - "Just a brief escape from the kids, some peace, and maybe a little sleep" - maybe should have kept that to myself. My usual, I'm-just-here-to-sleep-and-disappear persona. The room key… I'm absolutely going to misplace it, by the way. It's a guarantee.
- Room Reconnaissance: Okay, all in all, the room is fine, not fantastic. I like the idea of the big TV, though. I will need to find a specific show to binge. And…I'm absolutely going to test the bed's comfort level by faceplanting onto it immediately. The snacks! I dump them on the desk. So many snacks. I feel like I need a nap already after all that.
Day 2: "Zeeland's Delights and the Questionable Breakfast Situation"
- Morning: Breakfast (The Trial): So, hotel breakfast, right? They always promise so much, and yet… it's usually a land of lukewarm scrambled eggs and sad, shriveled pastries. I'm aiming for cautious optimism. I'll grab some coffee, though. Coffee is a crucial survival skill, especially for me. Also, I need to decide if I'm one of those people who just grab EVERYTHING at the buffet. I see many of those people and I'm not sure if I respect them or not.
- Mid-Morning: Exploring Zeeland (If I Ever Get Out of the Room): I've heard Zeeland has a charming downtown. I'm anticipating cute shops, possibly even a bookstore. I'm a sucker for a good bookstore. My big challenge will be not buying everything I see. I'll wander around, savor the small-town vibe, and, hopefully, stumble upon something truly unique. I may have heard there is a festival going on while I am there, too. I'm hoping it isn't too crowded though.
- Afternoon: The Great Food Quest, Round 2: Time for lunch! I'm thinking I'll try to find a local restaurant. I see a few intriguing options online. Maybe some diner-style food? I'm a sucker for a good burger and fries. I'm also going to ask the locals for some recommendations. This is where my social awkwardness will kick in. Me: "Um, hi. Where does everyone eat? Like, the good food?" The clerk will probably assume I am an idiot tourist (which may be true).
- Evening: Wind Down (or, Attempting to Wind Down): Back at the hotel. TV time! I'm planning an early night. Maybe some writing, some reading… or more likely, scrolling on my phone until I finally succumb to sleep. I hate the whole "winding down" thing. If I were truly honest, I'd probably order pizza and eat it in bed while watching some utterly mindless show. My idea of a perfect vacation.
Day 3: "Departure and the Existential Dread of the Drive"
- Morning: Last Breakfast and the Sad Farewell: The hotel breakfast, one last time. I will probably be slightly less optimistic this time. I'll try to eat something that isn't sugar and regret it. Then it's packing up. The Tetris game repeats. Why does everything seem so much bigger on the way home? I will try my best to "Marie Kondo" it, but that's a pipe dream.
- Mid-Morning: One Last Zeeland Hurrah (or, Hurrah-ish): One last stroll through town, maybe? Just to soak it all in. I'll probably buy a cheesy souvenir, something I'll regret later, but that's part of the charm, right? More chances to people-watch. I love people-watching.
- Afternoon: The Drive of Doom, Part Deux: The AC better still be working. The snacks had better have survived the weekend. The podcasts better keep me mildly entertained. The drive back will be the litmus test of my sanity. I am going to be slightly grumpy, but also relaxed. Hopefully. Unless there is traffic. If there is traffic, I might become a complete monster.
- Evening: Home Sweet…ish Home?: I'll get home. I'll unpack, and the laundry will begin to pile up, the dishes will be unwashed, and the feeling of peace will dissipate. But for a fleeting moment, while I was away, I was free from the everyday. That's what makes it worth it, right?
Okay, that's the plan. It's subject to change, of course. Things will go off the rails. I might get lost. I might eat too many gummy bears. But hey, that's life, isn't it? And at least I'll have a story (or several) to tell. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.
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Zeeland Getaway: The Avid Hotel (Michigan) - Real Talk FAQs
So, is the Avid in Zeeland actually "unforgettable?" Don't give me the PR spiel.
Unforgettable? Well, it *is* a hotel, you know? Let's be clear: This ain't the Ritz, alright? But unforgettable in the sense that I will *always* remember the oddly shaped desk that nearly gave me a hernia trying to swivel around on my first night, YES. And the *smell*... it was a generic "hotelness" that both comforted and slightly freaked me out. Like a clean, vaguely chemical hug. I'd say... uniquely memorable qualifies. Look, it's not like I had a life-altering epiphany there, but I definitely *remember* it more than, say, that random Holiday Inn I stayed at last month. And that's saying something considering my memory is basically a leaky sieve.
The free breakfast. Spill. Is it worth getting out of bed for? (Especially if you're hungover?)
Okay, breakfast. Oh, breakfast. Alright, if you're expecting a gourmet brunch buffet with artisanal everything, you're in the *wrong* place, friend. We're talking the standard fare. Cereal that gets soggy in approximately 2.5 seconds (I timed it, don't judge), questionable little pre-made omelets that tasted suspiciously like rubber, and the ever-present, perpetually-empty coffee dispenser that makes you question your life choices at 7 AM. But... and this is a big but... it's *free*. And in my book, free food, especially when you're fighting back the demons of the night before, is basically a miracle. Grab a waffle. Slather it with the questionable syrup. Embrace the mediocrity. You'll survive. Maybe even thrive, depending on your caffeine tolerance.
What's the deal with the "fitness center"? Is it just a treadmill and a sad elliptical staring at each other in despair?
Hahahahaha! Okay, so the fitness center. Bless their little hearts. I’ve seen… *more*. It *is* a treadmill and an elliptical, yes. They *are* probably silently judging you. There might be a weight rack, maybe a few dumbbells that have seen better days. The lighting is likely the fluorescent, soul-crushing kind. But you know what? I actually *used* it. The treadmill was shockingly functional, and I was so pumped just because I found myself there. It’s not a gym, let's say that. It’s a place to sweat out your travel anxiety and pretend you’re a responsible, health-conscious human being on a business trip. Points for effort, Avid. Points for effort.
How's the Wi-Fi? Because, you know, gotta stay connected. Is it fast enough to stream cat videos? (Priorities, people!)
Alright, Wi-Fi. This is crucial. I mean, what's the point of a hotel if you can't binge-watch trashy TV in your pajamas? The Wi-Fi was... acceptable, I'd say. I successfully streamed a few cat videos (obviously). It handled email and basic web browsing perfectly fine. Now, if you're planning on downloading the entire internet or live-streaming a major sporting event, maybe pack a backup plan. Like a book. Or, you know, actually talk to the people you're with. But yeah, for the average hotel user, it's good enough to get by. Mostly.
What's the surrounding area like? Is there anything to *do* in Zeeland, Michigan?
Zeeland. Ah, Zeeland. Look, it's not exactly the epicenter of nightlife. I believe the big draw is the Tulip Time Festival (I didn't go, don't @ me), and it’s fairly close to Grand Rapids which offers a lot more options. You've got your standard chain restaurants, a couple of local eateries (I tried a diner, it was... fine), and enough gas stations to fuel a small army. If you're looking for a bustling metropolis, you're in the wrong place. If you're looking for a quiet, slightly *forgettable* (again, in that unique way) experience, then yeah, it’s a good spot. I think I walked around a park once, that was pretty neat.
Let's talk about the *room*. Was it clean? Was it comfortable? Any unexpected horrors lurking in the corners?
Okay, the room. This is where things get interesting. For the most part, it was *clean* clean... or at least cleaned to a standard that I'm comfortable with. I'm not a germaphobe, but I certainly don't want to share a room with last week's spilled mystery liquids. The bed *was* comfortable, which is the most important thing. I slept. I dreamt. I woke up feeling… reasonably human. But… *sigh*… there was the bathroom. Now, the bathroom itself wasn't awful, but the *shower*. The shower was... well, let's just say the water pressure was comparable to a gentle drizzle on a particularly lazy summer day. I felt like I was showering in a rain forest. I needed a whole extra five minutes to rinse off. It brought a moment of panic because I was late on my way up. And... the *noise*. The air conditioning unit. It was doing its best, but it sounded like a dying robot in the middle of a very, VERY long marathon. I'd say bring earplugs. Highly recommend earplugs. And maybe a stronger coffee.
The staff. Were they friendly? Did they go above and beyond? Or were they just... there?
The staff. Ah, the unsung heroes (and maybe the villains, depending on the day). Honestly, they were fine. Not overly friendly, not overly unpleasant. Neutral. But good. I mean, they checked me in, they gave me a key, they replaced my towels (after my *shower* debacle… grumble, grumble). They were polite, efficient... and perhaps a little bit used to dealing with people who are probably just as tired and grumpy as they are. I didn't have any major issues or interactions, so, overall, a positive experience. I do remember one young lady who was particularly cheerful in the morning, her name tag said "Ashley". Ashley, if you are reading this, you are a gem! And I thank you for not judging me for the five extra waffles I ate.
Would you stay at the Avid Zeeland again? Be honest! And why?
Okay, this is the big one. Would I stay at the Avid Hotel in Zeeland again? Hmmm... yeah, probably. Depends. See here's the thing: if I'm going to the area and I *just* need a clean, reasonably priced place to crash, I would. If I'm looking for luxury and a memorable experience? Absolutely not. I'd fork over a little extra cash and go to the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids. But the thingGlobe Stay Finder
