Complimentary Continental Breakfasts, Fitness Facilities, Affordable Rates and Great Service
There’s an old expression, “the more things change, the more they stay the same”, and that is certainly proving itself to be true with Sault Ste. Marie’s dedicated accommodations industry.
A few years ago I wrote an article about the various amenities offered by hotels in Sault Ste. Marie. This year I was asked to do a follow up and what I found was exciting proof that our community is not content to stand still when it comes to ensuring tourists and travellers have excellent accommodation options. Many older hotels have completely renovated themselves, and even more options that go “above and beyond” are now available to travellers.
THE SLEEP INN - Renewed & Modern
When you think Sleep Inn do you think modern, urban luxury? Until now, many traveller have associated the chain with affordable, but not necessarily luxurious lodging. However, billing it’s changes as a “modern, complete, sleek renewal”, the Sleep Inn has changed the game for travellers looking for upscale lodging at a great price point. Everything about the hotel has been changed, including walls, floors, furnishings on the interior and even brand new stucco on the outside of the building. The Sleep Inn’s new boutique feel includes double-size walk in showers in every room, hot breakfasts, exercise room, sauna and more. Please note that accessible suites for handicapped travellers do have tubs. The Sleep Inn is located right downtown, walking distance from many attractions including the boardwalk, library, the Art Gallery of Algoma, the Bushplane Heritage Museum, and many more. It is also the closest hotel to Algoma University, and it’s location on Bay St. means it’s easy to quickly drive anywhere in town. The Sleep Inn is an excellent choice for anyone for travellers who are looking to have their expectations exceeded!
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS - Renovated & Modern with Yesteryear’s Class
When talking about the renovations and appointments that constitute the Holiday Inn Express, it’s almost easier to talk about what wasn’t changed, rather than what was. The classic hotel was renovated right down to the bricks that originally built the Empire Hotel in the 1960s, which was once part of a unique chain Northern Ontario hotels. Every manner of modern convenience and luxury has been poured into this classic hotel frame; from the enormous chic waterwall that greets guests in the front lobby, to the openness of the wheelchair-accessible suites, or to the convenience of a 24 hour lounge where guests can enjoy secure Internet, have a breakfast or snack, or just get out of their rooms to watch TV. Everything is brand new in this hotel, and nowhere is this more apparent that the pool area, which showcases modern design elements while guests can enjoy a swim, hot tub, sauna, or look out at the landscaped courtyard.
MICROTEL - Opening in 2014
Sault Ste. Marie’s newest hotel, Microtel by Wyndham, is a concept pioneered in the Philippines that targets the mid-market traveller. With a back-to-basics approach and a focus on providing consistently clean, comfortable, and secure accommodations at affordable rates, Sault Ste. Marie’s Microtel will be a brand new construction, in concert with the rules of the Microtel brand and showcase. The hotel will also feature guest laundry, a complimentary hot buffet breakfast, free WIFI in each room, full HD Channels on flat screen TVs, a fitness centre overlooking the lounge pool, complimentary conference room with PS4 Gaming, Internet café with copy and fax facilities , outdoor breakfast area and more. They will also be partnering with over 20 dining and retail stores to provide discounts to guests by simply showing their room key. If freshness and newness are what you’re looking for, then be sure to check out the Microtel.
SUPER 8 HOTEL - Location, Value & Options
Renovated in 2013, and well reviewed on Trip Advisor, the Super 8’s location on Great Northern Road makes it central, providing easy access to both local attractions and major thoroughfares. Each one of the hotel’s 68 spacious guest rooms has a refrigerator, as well as complimentary wired and wireless Internet access, and cable programming entertainment. You may find yourself relaxing by the fireplace in the lobby enjoying free WIFI and refreshments while the kids gather in the common room with PS3 gaming System. Be sure to take advantage of the properties fitness facility, and deluxe complimentary continental breakfast including Waffles and French Toast! Weather you are bringing your furry friend who just may receive a treat on check-in or using your extended shopping and restaurant package simply by showing your room key at various locations, it's sure to be more than a room; an experience packed with value!
I have travelled extensively in Ontario, and one thing I have learned is that not all cities are equal in terms of what their accommodations industry is offering. Sault Ste. Marie has been consistently outdoing itself for many years in terms of how much is offered for your money, and it would appear that this is not about to change any time soon.
Visit the first story written by Craig West: "High Expectations: Find Out What's New In The Soo! " to read more about other accommodation upgrades in SSM!