Clarion Hotel Sudbury: Your Unforgettable Northern Ontario Escape!
My Clarion Hotel Sudbury: A Northern Ontario Adventure (That Almost Went Off The Rails!)
Okay, buckle up, folks. I'm back from my "unforgettable Northern Ontario escape" at the Clarion Hotel Sudbury, and let me tell you, it was… an experience. Forget those polished, sterile reviews. This is the real deal, the raw, the messy, the honest take. And honestly? It’s a mixed bag. But hey, aren't the best adventures always a little bit… chaotic?
Let's start with the basics, shall we?
Accessibility & Safety: A Mixed Bag of Accessible Bliss and (Slight) Security Anxiety
Right off the bat, the accessibility seemed pretty decent. Wheelchair accessible elevators, thankfully. And they did offer a variety of amenities for disabled guests. Though, I didn't fully test them, I saw enough to give them a decent nod.
Now, for the safety stuff… The CCTV in common areas and outside were reassuring, that 24-hour front desk was a godsend (especially after that… incident, which I'll get to). They had all the usual modern amenities, like smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. They also made a big show of the safe dining setup and all kinds of hygiene certifications were proudly displayed. Good stuff.
But listen, I'm a little paranoid, so the 24-hour security was the best thing for me to find. They also had a doctor/nurse on call, which is actually really reassuring. (You never know when you are going to need it, right?).
And the cleanliness? During the pandemic, they went full-on sanitization. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays… They weren't messing around. They even went with the professional-grade sanitizing services. If you're a germaphobe, you'll sleep soundly.
Internet Access: Praise to the Wi-Fi Gods (and the Occasional LAN Letdown!)
Thank the Wi-Fi gods! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and boy was it a relief cause it was much easier than trying a Internet [LAN] connection, which was also available in the rooms. Seriously, I'm one of those people who needs to be connected, even when I'm ‘escaping’. So, Internet access – wireless was essential, and it worked most of the time. And did I mention the Wi-Fi in public areas? Also available. They also made an offer to have Wi-Fi for special events, which I thought was great.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: From Buffet Bliss to My Breakfast Blunder
Alright, let's talk food. Because, listen, a vacation isn't a vacation without good eats, right?
They had the whole shebang. The restaurants had a range of options, including an Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and even a Vegetarian restaurant! Pretty impressive for a hotel in Northern Ontario. They have a Bar, a Coffee shop (essential!), and a Poolside bar. They have everything to get you going, and keep you going.
They also had a decent breakfast buffet (hello, buffet in restaurant!) - I'm a sucker for a quality breakfast. And they have a Western breakfast available. The Asian breakfast was an added bonus. I also saw Breakfast takeaway service and Breakfast in room. You could order Room service [24-hour] and get Coffee/tea in restaurant.
My biggest blunder? I ordered Breakfast in room one morning. Sounds luxurious, right? Well, it arrived… let's just say it looked a little less appetizing than the picture on the menu. Think slightly soggy croissants and maybe, just maybe, a rogue hair (not mine, I swear!). After that, I took advantage of the Coffee/tea in restaurant option. After that, I stuck to going down to the buffet myself. Note to self: Always go for the buffet.
The Happy hour was great, the Poolside bar was a lifesaver after a long day, and they had an excellent selection of Desserts in restaurant (because, priorities). They also offered Bottle of water! Small details, huge service!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pool With a View, and a Sauna-Induced Crisis
This is where the Clarion really shines. They've got a Swimming pool, and it's an outdoor swimming pool. The real star: the Pool with view. Seriously, I could have stayed there all day. They also boast a Spa, with a Spa/sauna.
I, being a man of great wisdom and courage, decided to embrace the sauna. I should have known, something was going to go wrong. After a few minutes, I felt a little… lightheaded. Then more lightheaded. Then… well, let's just say I stumbled out of there looking like a lobster that had seen a ghost. Moral of the story: know your sauna limits!
They had a Fitness center and Gym/fitness for those who are actually motivated to work out on vacation (not me!). I did a quick Foot bath (very relaxing!).
The Rooms: Comfy, But… Let's Just Say I Had Some Issues
The room itself? Pretty standard hotel fare. Non-smoking rooms, thank goodness. Air conditioning (essential!), a desk (I never used it), a TV with satellite/cable channels (thank you, Netflix!), and a refrigerator. You know, the usual.
I was able to get a window that opens and had complimentary tea. And they have an alarm clock! I was happy to find that I had a hair dryer, and they had bathrobes, and towels.
They had an Air conditioning in public area.
The "Incident": A Near-Disaster and a Lesson in Hotel Security
Okay, here's the juicy bit. Remember earlier when I mentioned the “incident”? Well, it involved the aforementioned rogue hair in my breakfast, a misplaced room key, a locked door that wasn't my own, and a frantic few minutes of near-panic. I went on a Room sanitization opt-out available!
Let's just say the 24-hour front desk staff earned their stripes that day. They were efficient, understanding, and surprisingly patient with my flailing around. The whole experience hammered home the importance of their Safety/security feature!
Services and Conveniences: The Expected and the Unexpected
The Clarion offers all the usual suspects: Daily housekeeping, luggage storage, laundry service, dry cleaning, cash withdrawal. They also had a Convenience store, which was great for grabbing snacks.
They also have some pretty good services, in case you have Audio-visual equipment for special events, Meetings, Seminars, and even indoor venue for special events or outdoor venue for special events.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun (and Kid-Friendly Meals!)
The hotel is Family/child friendly, with Kids facilities and the added bonus of a Babysitting service. They also offer Kids meal. I didn't have kids with me, but saw a few families enjoying the pool, so it seems to be a hit.
Getting Around: Parking Nirvana
Car park [free of charge]? Yes, please! They also offer a Car park [on-site], Valet parking, and even a Car power charging station. Oh, and Airport transfer. So, you're covered, transport-wise.
Overall Impression: Worth the Trip? Absolutely!
Would I go back to the Clarion Hotel Sudbury? Absolutely. Despite the breakfast blunder and the sauna scare, it was a good experience. The staff were friendly, the amenities were decent (especially those pools!), and the location? Perfect for exploring Northern Ontario.
My Unforgettable Northern Ontario Escape! at the Clarion Hotel Sudbury – Book Now!
Tired of the same old vacation routines? Craving adventure? The Clarion Hotel Sudbury is your perfect Northern Ontario escape!
- Unwind & Recharge: Dive into our refreshing outdoor pool with a stunning view, or melt away your stress in our luxurious spa.
- Fuel Your Adventures: Start your day with a delicious breakfast (though maybe skip the room service!), and refuel with our diverse dining options.
- Stay Connected (and Comfortable): Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms, and relax in our well-appointed, air-conditioned rooms, with all the amenities you need.
- Safety First: We're committed to your well-being with enhanced cleaning protocols and 24-hour security.
- Explore Northern Ontario: Ideally located for exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience! Book your stay at the Clarion Hotel Sudbury today and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Click Here to Book Your Escape! [Insert Booking Link Here]
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Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your average, meticulously crafted travel itinerary. This is…well, this is my brain on a trip to the Clarion Hotel in Sudbury. And trust me, it's gonna get a little messy.
Clarion Hotel Sudbury: A Descent into… Reality (with a healthy dose of chaos)
Day 1: Arrival - The Promise (and the inevitable letdown)
1:00 PM: The Great Canadian Drive-In… To Sudbury! Okay, so, the drive started optimistic. Sun glinting off the lake (okay, okay, maybe just a really big pond), the radio playing exactly what I wanted to hear. Then, about an hour in, the kids started saying, "Are we there yet?" Before we even reached the halfway point. Honestly? I'm pretty sure I aged five years during that car ride. Anyway, we finally pull up to the Clarion. It looks…like a hotel. A slightly… tired-looking hotel. But hey, the picture online had people with smiles on their faces, so, you know, hope.
1:45 PM: Check-in Chaos. The front desk clerk? Bless her heart, she was trying. But my reservation? Apparently, it had vanished into the digital ether. Cue the internal groan. Eventually, after some frantic clicking and a slightly exasperated sigh from me (okay, maybe a loud sigh), they found it. Room keys in hand! Victory! (and a little bit of relief that my vacation hasn't been completely ruined.)
2:15 PM - Room Reveal: The "Wow" Factor… Followed by the "Oh." The room. This is where things got interesting. The online pictures? Definitely used a filter. The room was…fine. Clean, yes. Modern? Not exactly. The view? A parking lot. (I swear, the camera angle on the website must have been taken from a hot air balloon.) I will always remember the distinct scent of… well, I’m not sure what it was, but it was definitely “hotel-adjacent.” Then I saw the mini-fridge. Empty. "The tragedy," I thought, "of no cold beer or soda to quench one's thirst."
3:00 PM - The Pool! (Hope Springs Eternal…and Then Dries Up a Little) The kids had heard "pool," so we headed down. Anticipation! Pure, unadulterated, pre-chlorine-filled joy! The pool area… well, let's just say it was a little less "tropical paradise" and a little more "indoor public pool circa 1987." The water was kind of … lukewarm. But, hey, the kids were splashing, shrieking, and, well, happy. And that's what really matters, right? Right? (I'm starting to doubt my own internal monologue).
6:00 PM: Dinner Debacle (and a Lesson in Resilience). We decided to eat dinner at the hotel restaurant. I'm pretty sure I'm still mentally scarred. The menu was… ambitious, in a "trying too hard" kind of way. I ended up getting the pasta, which was… edible. The side salad? Looked like a prisoner of war camp had been asked to design it. My husband's steak? Let's not go there. The kids? They were happier with the breadsticks, which, admittedly, were pretty amazing. The server? Sweet, overworked, and definitely in need of a vacation. Still, in the end, the food was on my table. That's all that matters.
8:00 PM: The "Sleep is a Myth" Ritual. Kids are finally exhausted from the pool. Finally. Get them to bed, and then, the glorious peace of the hotel room… which is shattered by the incessant chattering of the AC unit and the endless stomping of the people upstairs. I swear, are they doing the tap dance? It's the same dance every night. This might be hell.
9:00 PM: Netflix &… Regret. Finally, silence! So, I collapsed on the bed, flicked on the TV, and got sucked down a Netflix rabbit hole. Midnight, I realized I'd watched three episodes of something I didn't even really care about. Sleep? Ha!
Day 2: Sudbury Adventures (and the slow descent into madness)
8:00 AM: Breakfast. The Hunger Games of the Buffet. My first thought? Where is that coffee? My second thought? Is everyone in this hotel also starving? The breakfast buffet was a free-for-all! Scrambled eggs that may or may not have been real eggs, a sad array of pastries, and the ever-present coffee fountain (which, thankfully, was working). It was the kind of breakfast that leaves you vaguely dissatisfied and questioning all your life choices.
9:00 AM: Science North. A glimmer of hope! Okay, Science North? Actually cool. Really cool. The kids had a blast, and I even learned a thing or two about… well, something. The science centre? Was the highlight of the trip so far. Truly.
12:00 PM: Lunch and the Great Search For Edible Food. Lunch at a diner. The service was slow, and the food was okay.
2:00 PM: The Big Nickel and the Mine Tour. A bit of Geology… and Groundhog Day. The 'Big Nickel'! It's a nickel, but, you know, BIG. It was fun, and the mine tour was genuinely interesting. You know, being underground and all. And then, there was the museum… (more on this later, I promise)
5:00 PM: Hotel Room Redemption? … Not quite. Back at the hotel. The kids are, once again, bouncing off the walls. I could hear it in the other room! I feel like the floor isn't always touching the floor here. I try to calm down.
6:00 PM: The Dinner Dilemma: Round Two. Back at the hotel for dinner. Pasta again. This time a different shape. My husband decided to get the chicken. The kids want the breadsticks. At least they are consistent.
7:30PM: Post Dinner Activities, or what? The kids are back in the pool. I decide to head to the gym. I was too tired to do it, so I didn't.
8:30PM: The Verdict. I'm still wondering if there are ghosts in the building.
Day 3: Departure (and the sweet, sweet promise of… home?)
8:00 AM: The Last Breakfast… May God Have Mercy on My Soul. The buffet. Again. But this time… the coffee was colder. And there was only the faintest smell of stale bacon.
9:00 AM: The Final Push. Kids are eager to leave. I'm even more eager. We load up the car, a slight sense of triumph swelling within.
10:00 AM: Check-out & The Great Escape. The front desk clerk is a different person, bless her heart. Check-out is thankfully easy. I vow to never do this again.
10:15 AM: The Long Drive…Back Home. We hit the road. The kids fall asleep, and I’m left to my own devices. I start thinking about the trip. I wasn't so bad after all. I was surprised. The Clarion Hotel Sudbury? Certainly not perfect. But it was an experience. It was real. And, you know what? I think I’d actually go back… maybe. Probably not.
Post-Trip Reflection: The Big Nickel and the Museum. The Big Nickel was big. The museum. It reminded me of a dusty old attic, filled with artifacts. There was also a collection of things. Honestly, the museum was a bizarre mix of history, geology, and… random things. It was all so very… Sudbury. And in its own weird way, it was kind of endearing. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most flawed, the most imperfect, experiences are the ones that stick with you the longest.
Clarion Hotel Sudbury: Your Northern Ontario Adventure! (Okay, Maybe)
So, is this Clarion Hotel actually *good*? Like, worth the drive up north?
Alright, let's be real. "Good" is a highly subjective term, right? And Sudbury... well, it's Sudbury. But the Clarion? I've stayed there a few times. Here’s the deal: It's... *serviceable*. Don't go expecting the Ritz. Do expect a comfy bed, because after a long day battling black flies (they *will* get you), a comfy bed is the holy grail. Is it worth the drive? Depends. Are you dying to see the Big Nickel? Do you need a place that's…well, there? Then yeah, maybe. Think of it as a basecamp. A decent *basecamp*.
Okay, fine, lemme tell you about the *one* time I stayed there during some kind of mining convention. I swear, every hallway smelled faintly of stale beer and desperation. I saw a guy trying to wrestle a vending machine. It was… an experience. But hey, the bed *was* comfy.
What's the deal with the breakfast? That's crucial, right?
Breakfast, ah, the cornerstone of any good hotel experience. This *can* be a mixed bag. They usually have the standard continental options: stale-ish muffins, some kind of processed fruit, and that coffee that tastes like it’s been sitting in a warming tray since the Mesozoic era. BUT! (And it’s a big BUT) sometimes they have a waffle maker. And when that waffle maker is running? That’s your salvation. Grab those bad boys. Load them up with… well, whatever *looks* edible. It's hit or miss honestly. One time, the bacon was suspiciously… *plastic*. I may have shed a single, salty tear. But other times, it's been surprisingly decent.
Is there a pool? Because a pool can make or break a weekend getaway, you know?
Yes. There is a pool. It's… a pool. It's indoors. It probably smells faintly of chlorine and questionable decisions. I haven't actually *swum* in it. Mostly because I'm terrified of the thought of what might be lurking in the depths after a long day of travelers, miners and convention-goers. But hey, it's there! I've seen kids splashing around in it, which is usually a good sign, I guess. Be warned, though… it's not the Four Seasons pool. Lower those expectations. Way lower.
Okay, what about the rooms? Are they… clean? I have standards. (Sort of.)
Cleanliness is a *spectrum*, right? Okay, let me be candid. They're generally… passable. I've never encountered anything truly horrifying, like, say, a rogue colony of whatever those things are that live under your bed. But you might find a stray hair or two that isn't yours. And the lighting… oh, the lighting. It fluctuates between "dimly lit prison cell" and "fluorescent interrogation room." Pack a flashlight. Seriously. Check under the covers, just in case. (I always do. I'm just… cautious, okay?) The beds are usually okay. Not the most luxurious, but they'll do the job. Expect that kind of slightly musty hotel smell. You know, the one that's a blend of cleaning products and… something else you can't quite identify. It's a northern Ontario staple.
Is there parking? And is it free? Because parking fees are the bane of my existence.
Yes, there is parking. And yes, it's usually free. Which is a win! It's a big plus. Sometimes, depending on what's going on in Sudbury, it might be a *little* crowded, but I've never had a massive issue with finding a spot. Just be aware. Consider arriving early. Or, you know, taking the bus. No, just kidding. Drive. Everyone drives in Sudbury. It's a fact of life. Think of all the snow in winter, you wouldn't want to take the bus.
What are the best things to do nearby? I need some suggestions.
Okay, first things first: the Big Nickel. You *have* to see the Big Nickel. It's… a big nickel. Then, there's Science North – actually pretty cool, even for adults. And the Dynamic Earth, where you can go *underground* and pretend you're a miner! (Without the actual mining work. Thank god.) Downtown Sudbury has some decent restaurants, a few bars, and enough to entertain you for a couple of days. It's not exactly a bustling metropolis, mind you. Hiking is an option. The Kivi Park is good. And, hey, you're in Northern Ontario! Embrace the ruggedness. Drive around. See some trees. Marvel at the vastness. Just… be prepared for long drives. Sudbury is a big place. And the drive *home* is often longer than you think!
Are there good restaurants nearby? I need recommendations!
Alright, the food scene. It's improving, I'll give it that. For a solid, classic meal, try (I am not getting paid for this) "Respect is Burning". For something a little more fancy, there's... well, research. The internet is your friend here. There are some chain restaurants (you know the drill), but I highly recommend trying something local. And okay, be warned – sometimes, the service can be… leisurely. Patience is a virtue in Northern Ontario. Don't expect to be rushed. Embrace the slower pace of life. Order another drink. Enjoy the moment. Remember... you're on *vacation*.
Is the staff friendly though? That's important.
Honestly? The staff can be a real mixed bag, depends. Some are super friendly and helpful, always smiling, and making you feel welcome. They'll gladly give you the lowdown on the local spots, help you with directions, and even toss in a good-natured joke or two. You get that sense of genuine Northern hospitality. It's great. And honestly, it makes a HUGE difference. BUT...others...well, it's like they've seen it all. And maybe, just maybe, they have. The wear and tear on their faces could be from anything, probably, from an endless stream of mining conventions, the long winters, or the sheer exhaustion of dealing with the usual hotel antics.
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