Escape to Detroit: Novi's BEST Hampton Inn Awaits!
Escape to Detroit: Novi's BEST Hampton Inn Awaits! (Or Does It?) – A Brutally Honest Review
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Hampton Inn in Novi, Michigan, and I'm not afraid to get my feet wet. Forget the sanitized corporate jargon; this is real talk. After a recent… experience… in the area (let’s just say it involved a very spirited pickleball tournament and a questionable karaoke performance), I needed a place to crash. And, well, the Hampton Inn in Novi seemed to be the logical, if slightly uninspired, choice.
So, first impressions? Let's be honest, it's a Hampton Inn. You know the drill. You've got the predictable beige, the slightly worn-but-clean aesthetic, and the vague promise of "comfort and convenience." And… they mostly deliver. That’s the truth. You're not going to be blown away, but you're probably not going to be horrified, either. This isn't the Four Seasons, people!
The Good Stuff (The Perks that Keep You Sane):
- Accessibility: I didn't personally need it, but the hotel says it has facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator is a lifesaver when you're lugging luggage (or yourself) up after too many Coney dogs. (Accessibility) Check!
- Internet, Glorious Internet: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! Praise be! And, according to the listing I found, also available in all rooms, or it says, which is a big plus. I, ahem, needed to upload some… photos… from the pickleball tournament. Don't judge. (Internet, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet access – wireless, Available in all rooms) The speed was acceptable, though the signal strength in the far corners of my room was a tad… spotty.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, this is where I was actually impressed. Post-pandemic, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and the Hampton Inn seems to get it. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, and the rooms felt clean. They brag about anti-viral cleaning products and daily disinfection in common areas. I didn't see them going down the walls with Lysol, but the place had a general air of cleanliness. (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Staff trained in safety protocol, Rooms sanitized between stays) A+.
- The Breakfast (More on that later…): The breakfast is… well, it's Hampton Inn breakfast. The typical, I'd say (Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast). But hey, at least there's usually something edible.
The Stuff That Made Me Scrunch Up My Nose (The "Meh" Moments):
- The Pool (Maybe Skip?): There is a swimming pool (Swimming pool [outdoor]). A pool with a view? Nope. Just a… pool. Inside. It was functional. It didn’t scream “luxury.” The pool wasn't one of those that was designed to be a view. It was just a pool, and that’s not really something to be excited about.
- The "Fitness Center" (Use with Caution): They have a fitness center (Fitness center, Gym/fitness). It’s tiny. Three treadmills, a weight machine that looked like it was salvaged from a 1980s gym, and a lonely elliptical. If you’re really serious about your workout, pack your running shoes and hit the Detroit Riverwalk instead.
- The "Restaurants" Nearby (Prepare for disappointment, or the adventure!): Ah, yes, dining, drinking, and snacking (Dining, drinking, and snacking, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Restaurants, Snack bar). The hotel itself doesn't offer anything particularly exciting. There are, as always, standard options. I’m not going to pretend I had a fancy meal here, but the hotel itself doesn’t have much to offer. The description I found lists the food service, but it doesn't say they have one. The surrounding area, however, does have an array of chain restaurants. The descriptions I found don’t offer much. I tried the bar across the street – let's just say the ambiance wasn't exactly "cosmopolitan."
- The Lack of Soul: This sounds harsh, but it's true. It's a Hampton Inn. There's a certain… generic-ness to it all. It lacks the charm and character of a local boutique hotel. You're not going to stumble upon a hidden gem here. You're getting exactly what you expect.
The Breakfast Experience – A Comedy of Errors (and Questionable Bacon):
Okay, remember when I said the breakfast was "mostly edible?" Yeah… let’s delve a little deeper. I am not going to skip this part of the review.
The first morning, I was pumped. There was a waffle iron! I love a good waffle. I approached it with the enthusiasm of a small child. I poured the batter, waited patiently (or as patiently as one can while waiting for a waffle at 7 AM), and… nothing. The waffle refused to cook. It was like it was mocking me. After a solid 10 minutes of futility, I gave up. I ate a bagel.
The second day, I tried the bacon. Shiny, rubbery, and… questionable. I'm not going to lie, I'm not sure if it had been cooked at all, or if it was perhaps just… kissed by heat.
The third morning, I just grabbed a banana and some lukewarm coffee and called it a day. The breakfast situation was a microcosm of the entire Hampton Inn experience: functional, but not exactly inspiring. (Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast)
The Room: My Humble Abode (and its imperfections):
My room (Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens) was… standard. It had a comfortable bed, a decent-sized TV, and a desk I could pretend to work at. The air conditioning worked, which was a lifesaver given the Michigan humidity. The bathroom was clean, although the toiletries were generic. The blackout curtains did their job, which was a plus.
Now, here's where things get… interesting. Despite the “soundproofing” (Soundproofing), I could vividly hear the sounds of the… ahem… amorous activities of my neighbors. Apparently, they were enjoying their stay even more than I was. Let's just say, my sleep was a bit… interrupted.
The Services & Conveniences (The Good, The Bad, and The Bland):
The hotel offers a laundry list of services (Daily housekeeping, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Luggage storage, Concierge, Cash withdrawal, Dry cleaning, Business facilities, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Meetings, Meeting/banquet facilities, Safety deposit boxes). The staff were friendly enough, although I wouldn’t say they went above and beyond. The front desk seemed to function, but I didn’t have a real need for anything special.
- Parking: Free parking (Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site])! Always a win.
- Cashless Payment: They take cards (Cashless payment service), which is convenient.
- Other services: Well, you won't get any fancy amenities here, so I'd lower your expectations here.
The Verdict: Should You Stay Here?
Okay, so here’s the deal: The Hampton Inn in Novi is… fine. It’s a safe, clean, and functional option. It's a good place to rest your head if you're in town for a conference, a sporting event, or, let's be honest, a slightly embarrassing karaoke competition.
Here's who it's for: Anyone who wants a clean, reliable room at a reasonable price. Business travelers. Families looking for a no-frills stay. People who value internet access (and free Wi-Fi!) above all else.
Here's who it's not for: Luxury travelers. People who demand a gourmet breakfast. Those seeking a unique or particularly memorable experience. Romance seekers. People who are easily annoyed by the sounds of their neighbors having… a good time.
Final Thoughts:
The Hampton Inn in Novi is the reliable
Escape to Wine Country: Hampton Inn & Suites Buellton Your Perfect Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into a weekend at the Hampton Inn in Novi, Michigan, and let's just say, it's gonna be a journey. Prepare for a bumpy ride, because, let's be honest, that's life.
Friday Afternoon: Arrival & Existential Dread in the Lobby (The Hotel Tango Begins)
- 2:00 PM: Officially arrive at the Hampton Inn. The lobby hits you with a blast of air conditioning that could freeze a woolly mammoth. Seriously, are we in a hotel or the Arctic Circle? First impressions: clean, generic, and…completely, utterly predictable. My internal monologue instantly kicks in: “Another hotel room. Another beige expanse. Another fleeting moment of…where am I going with my life?” Good start!
- 2:15 PM: Check-in. Smiling front desk person (bless their heart). The room assignment? Room 327. Sounds promising. Until I see the tiny elevator. “Will I be able to survive in it?”.
- 2:30 PM: Room reconnaissance. Okay, it's…fine. Standard beige walls, two queen beds (thank goodness, room to move!), and a TV I probably won’t even turn on. Immediately my suitcase explodes, vomiting clothes everywhere.
- 3:00 PM: The Great Unpacking. Attempt. Fail. Decided to leave stuff. Get that out of the way. Start to get hungry.
Friday Evening: The Quest for Grub & Dinner (and possibly a mental breakdown in a parking lot)
- 6:00 PM: HUNGER STRIKE ALERT! Time to venture into the wild. Consult Yelp or Google Maps. The choices. Oh, the choices! I end up…in a chain restaurant, because, let's be real, I'm not feeling adventurous yet.
- 6:45 PM: Dinner at the chain restaurant. The bread basket? Glorious. The salad? Sad and limp. The service? Patchy. But hey, I’m fed! My stomach grumbles and rumbles and I ask for seconds.
- 8:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Netflix and chill? More like Netflix and existential dread. I get a message from my friend, who can't make it. The feeling is now despair.
Saturday: Exploring Novi & Hitting Rock Bottom
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the Hampton Inn with very low expectations. The waffles are…waffle-y. The coffee? Weak. This is the kind of breakfast you just…endure.
- 9:00 AM: decide to leave for a local art store.
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at the store. Not feeling impressed. Leave store. Feeling regret.
- 11:00 AM: Lunch. Now I am hungry again. After some googling, end up at a small, local establishment. The food? Surprisingly fantastic. I am a changed man.
- 1:00 PM: Afternoon: Some Shopping. Find a cool bookstore.
- 3:00 PM: I take a nap. I have had enough.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I still feel tired. Decide to have a pizza delivered to my room.
Sunday: The Great Escape & Existential Reflection (Or, Leaving the Hotel)
- 7:00 AM: Alarm blares. Ugh. Time to face the music (or, you know, the complimentary continental breakfast). Repeat waffle experience.
- 8:00 AM: Checkout. Quick, efficient. Barely any interaction with the front desk. I like it.
- 8:30 AM: Final thoughts in the car. I didn't make any huge discoveries about myself, or change my life. But I got out. And that, I suppose, is something.
Post Trip Reflections:
Yeah, the Hampton Inn was…a Hampton Inn. Nothing groundbreaking. Nothing to write home about. But it was clean, the staff were nice, and the AC was a lifesaver. Novi? A decent little town. Did I fall in love with it? Nope. Did I find myself? Probably not. Did I eat some pretty good pizza in my hotel room while scrolling through my phone? Absolutely. And you know what? Sometimes, that's enough. This wasn’t a destination; it was a necessary escape, a gentle nudge out of my routine. And honestly, for the price of an internet connection and some decent pizza, that’s pretty darn good. Now where's my next adventure?
Toronto Markham's BEST Hotel? Hilton Garden Inn Review!
Is this REALLY the BEST Hampton Inn in Novi? Like, REALLY REALLY?
Okay, alright, let's be real, *nothing* is ever truly the "BEST" in the world, right? It's a subjective mess. But is it *good*? Yeah. It's a solid, reliable, perfectly acceptable Hampton Inn. Look, I've stayed in places that… well, let's just say I wouldn't use their towels to polish my car. This one? Clean. Breakfast? Standard Hampton Inn buffet. The location? Convenient. Is it going to change your life? Probably not. But after a long drive (or, you know, a particularly stressful day wrangling kids/clients/that cat that thinks it's a ninja), its a safe haven. It's like that reliable friend who always shows up with pizza. Not gourmet pizza, mind you, but pizza nonetheless. You *know* the score.
What's the deal with the breakfast? Is it worth getting up for? (Because, you know, sleep.)
Alright, the breakfast. This is where things get… nuanced. Look, I'm a breakfast person. I *love* a good breakfast. This is not a "good" breakfast, per se, in the gourmet sense. It's a *functional* breakfast. Waffles? They’re there, and they're waaaaay better than they used to be, now with the magical "make your own" waffle machine. Scrambled eggs? Probably from a carton, but hey, protein is protein. The coffee? Let’s just say it’s the fuel that gets you to the next stop – which might be a REAL coffee shop.
Here’s the truth: if you're a hardcore breakfast aficionado, you'll be disappointed. If you’re a human being with a limited budget and a desperate need to get some food in your belly before a day of… whatever you're doing, it's passable. And sometimes, passable is perfectly good. I'd say get there early for the waffles to avoid the line. Seriously, people go HAM on those things. I saw a guy load up like 10, looked at me, and winked! I almost died laughing!
Is the pool open? I'm picturing myself lounging by the poolside.
Let me tell you a cautionary tale about hotel pools... I arrive. I see the pool. Beautiful, right? Sparkling water, maybe a waterfall feature, some cute kids splashed around in it with giggles. But as it turned out, my visit was NOT a pool visit. It was a “pool-out-of-order-due-to-technical-difficulties” visit. And then there was THAT time I went and all the kids were playing with balls...and there was NO ONE around to supervise...and...well...you get the picture. The pool at this Hampton Inn? It's *usually* open. Check the website *before* you arrive. Don't take my word for it. Trust me on this one. My hopes were dashed just weeks before. Call and confirm! Trust me!
What about the location? Is it actually "Novi's BEST?" (I'm a cynical traveler).
Alright, "Novi's BEST." Let's unpack this loaded phrase. It's close to the highway, which is a HUGE win for getting to and from Detroit and the surrounding areas. You're talking shopping, restaurants – your basic suburban ecosystem. Nothing truly thrilling. Is it THE BEST? Probably not. But the location is a solid basecamp. Easy to get to, easy to get around. I once tried to find a specific sushi restaurant, and by the time I gave up, I could see I'd driven past that Hampton Inn three times. And that's where it's at: you arrive, you’re there quickly... It's a practical choice, not a revolutionary one. It isn't a scenic wonderland. I mean, I saw a Chick-fil-A *right there* once. Sold.
Anything else a potential guest should know? (Like, secret insider tips?)
Oh, you want the *real* dirt? Okay, listen up:
- **Parking:** It's free! (Always a pleasant surprise.) Get there late and it might get a little crowded.
- **The Fitness Center:** It's there. I've walked past it. It has the equipment you need, if you're into that type of thing. I prefer the comfy couch in the room, personally.
- **The Staff:** Generally friendly. They're working in a hotel, so you know, they're dealing with *people*. I've had good experiences. They're not robots. Sometimes I see kids running down the halls and they're still nice.
- **The Wi-Fi:** It works. Hooray.
- **The Pet Policy:** Check it *before* you bring Fido. Don’t want any surprises.
What about the rooms? Are they clean?
This is what matters. I always check the bed. The actual bed. Like, I flip the duvet – I did that once. I did NOT like what I saw. Yikes. Okay, anyway, the Hampton Inn I've stayed at is clean. The beds are comfortable enough for a decent night's sleep. I've never seen any… "interesting" things lurking… under the comforter. (Knock on wood!) The bathrooms are clean. The towels are… well, they are towels. Adequate. You get what you expect and want. So, to answer your question directly: Yes, the rooms are acceptably clean.
Is there anything *bad* about this Hampton Inn? Like, REALLY bad?
Okay, let's be honest. *Everything* has flaws. Perfection is boring. In this specific location? Hmmmm. One time, the elevator was out. That was a pain when you're on the top floor with a suitcase. It happens. Parking could get tight, especially if there's a convention in town. And, okay, the decor isn't exactly cutting-edge design. It is exactly what it is. But honestly? I’m being nitpicky. It's a place to sleep, and it does that job reliably. No major disasters. No bedbugs (as far as I know...but don't quote me on that!). No truly soul-crushing experiences. It's a Hampton Inn. You know what you're getting. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. It's not going to win any awards, but it's not going to ruin your tripBoutique Inns
