Canton's Hidden Gem: McKinley Grand Hotel - Unforgettable Stay!
Canton’s Secret: The McKinley Grand Hotel – Was It Really Unforgettable?! (Spoiler: Mostly Yes!)
Okay, so Canton, Ohio. Never thought I'd be writing a gushing review about it, but here we are. And the subject? The McKinley Grand Hotel. The name alone screams "Old Hollywood Glamour," doesn’t it? And you know what? They largely delivered. Mostly.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. This is crucial, and I'm happy to report they mostly nailed it. The hotel itself is wheelchair accessible, with elevators (thank GOD, because this place is massive). BUT, and here's the tiny hiccup, while the public areas felt pretty navigable, the in-room accessibility wasn't super clear. The website was a little vague about specific room modifications, which made me nervous for a friend who was traveling with me. We called ahead, clarified, and everything was alright, but be sure to call and confirm your specific needs if you're relying on these features.
On-Site Grub & Gulping: Restaurants, Lounges, and the Endless Buffet!
Alright, let's talk sustenance! The McKinley Grand has several options, and I'm happy to report they are…well, diverse.
- The Buffet (Breakfast, of course!): Oh boy, the buffet. It's a classic, and I'm a sucker for a good buffet. They had everything you could want, from your standard Western fare (eggs, bacon, pancakes – the usual suspects) to some intriguing Asian options. I dove headfirst into the pastries, though, and probably consumed a year's worth of calories in one sitting. (Opinionated shout-out: The croissants need some work. A little too fluffy.) They had your Asian breakfast options that I did not try.
- Restaurants, Plural!: They boast a few restaurants on-site. I only tried one, an a la carte place serving both Asian and Western cuisine. I had some kind of bizarre fusion dish that was…interesting. Let's just say the presentation was better than the actual flavor. (Quirky observation: My date was a little disgusted. This is not the place to impress!) The bar was well-stocked, and happy hour was…well, happy. They also offered room service and even a small snack bar for late-night cravings.
- Poolside Bar: Because who doesn't love sipping a cocktail by the pool? They had this, and it was a lifesaver after a long day of exploring. (Which, by the way, Canton has some cool museums. Who knew?)
Relaxation Station: Spas, Pools, and the Pursuit of Bliss
This is where the McKinley Grand REALLY shines.
- Pools for Days! There's an outdoor swimming pool, and it's gorgeous, especially with the view. We spent hours lounging there, soaking up the sun. (Emotional reaction: Pure bliss!) They also have an indoor pool (which, honestly, I didn't use because I was too busy at the outdoor one).
- The Spa: My Confession Okay, so here’s where things get embarrassing, but hey, full disclosure, right? I'm a spa person. I love spas. And the McKinley Grand's spa? Chef's kiss! They have everything. A sauna, a steam room, a foot bath – the works! I went for a massage (obviously), and it was divine. I fell asleep. I snore. I'm mortified. But the massage was so good that I have no regrets. They also offer body scrubs and wraps. Consider me a convert!
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, Mostly…
In the current climate, safety is paramount. I'm happy to report that the McKinley Grand took it seriously.
- Going the Extra Mile: They provided hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff were trained in safety protocols. They had daily disinfection in common areas. They used anti-viral cleaning products. They even included individually-wrapped food options. I mean, they were thorough!
- Room Sanitization – Opt Out or In?: I appreciated the option to opt-out of room sanitization. I actually didn't know this was a thing?!
- Safe Dining: Safe dining setup and sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
Dining, Actually Drinking, and Snacking:
I've already talked food, but there's more! Just to reiterate:
- Variety is the spice of life (and the McKinley Grand): They have all sorts of options:
- A la carte in the restaurant.
- Asian breakfast.
- A bar.
- Breakfast buffet.
- Coffee/tea in the restaurant.
- Coffee shop.
- Desserts in the restaurant. (I did try those, and they did not disappoint.)
- International cuisine.
- Poolside bar.
- Room service (24-hour!).
- Vegetarian options.
- Western cuisine.
- Things I Didn't Try: The soup and salad options. (Regret alert!)
Services and Conveniences: More Than Just a Bed!
They offer a ton of other helpful services.
- Essential Extras:
- Concierge (super helpful!).
- Daily housekeeping.
- Dry cleaning.
- Laundry service.
- Luggage storage.
- Business/Event Stuff: They have meeting rooms and facilities for events, like seminars, and even a business center.
- But the best part? Free parking!
For the Kids (and Babysitting!)
- Family-friendly!
- Babysitting services available.
- Kids meals available.
Getting Around: What a Pain, Mostly
- Parking: Free car park! (Hallelujah!)
- Airport Shuttle: Available (huge plus!).
- Taxi Service: Also, available.
- Bicycle Parking: Available (if you're brave enough to bike around Canton!).
What's in the Room, Baby?!
Okay, so the rooms themselves. They are well-appointed, with a classic, comfortable feel.
- The Essentials:
- Air conditioning (thank GOD).
- Coffee/tea maker.
- Complimentary tea.
- Free bottled water.
- Hair dryer.
- In-room safe.
- Mini bar.
- Non-smoking rooms.
- Private bathroom.
- Refrigerator.
- Satellite/cable channels.
- Seating area.
- Shower.
- Soundproofing.
- Telephone,
- Toiletries.
- Wake-up service.
- Wi-Fi (free!).
- Window that opens.
- The Luxuries:
- Bathrobes and slippers (fancy!).
- Blackout curtains (crucial for sleeping late!).
- Extra-long bed.
- Ironing facilities.
- Laptop workspace.
The Verdict: Almost Unforgettable!
Look, the McKinley Grand isn't perfect. No hotel is. But it offers a ton, especially in the relaxation department. The spa alone is worth the trip! The service was generally excellent, the rooms were comfortable, and the food, while a bit hit-or-miss, had enough variety to satisfy most cravings.
My only real gripes? The slightly vague accessibility information and a few lackluster food choices. But overall, for a weekend getaway to Canton, Ohio? It's a solid choice. (Final emotional reaction: I'd go back!)
SEO and Metadata Optimized Review:
- Title: McKinley Grand Hotel Review: Canton's Hidden Gem?
- Keywords: McKinley Grand Hotel, Canton Ohio, hotel review, spa, pool, accessibility, restaurant, buffet, luxury hotel, Ohio travel, things to do Canton, weekend getaway, hotel with spa, wheelchair accessible hotel
- Meta Description: Honest and humorous review of the McKinley Grand Hotel in Canton, OH. Discussing accessibility, amenities (spa! pool!), dining, and more. Find out if it's the perfect getaway!
- H1: Canton’s Secret: The McKinley Grand Hotel – Was It Really Unforgettable?! (Spoiler: Mostly Yes!)
- H2: Accessibility – A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
- H2: On-Site Grub & Gulping: Restaurants, Lounges, and the Endless Buffet!
- H2: Relaxation Station: Spas, Pools, and the Pursuit of Bliss.
- H2: Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe, Mostly…
- H2: Dining, Actually Drinking, and Snacking:
- H2: Services and Conveniences: More Than Just a Bed!
- H2: For the Kids (and Babysitting!)
- H2: Getting Around: What a Pain, Mostly
- **H
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the magnificent – cough – McKinley Grand Hotel of Canton, Ohio. This isn't your meticulously curated Instagram itinerary; this is a messy, real-life exploration, complete with questionable choices and the soul-crushing weight of deciding what to wear each freakin' day (seriously, the packing is a whole thing!).
Day 1: Arrival, Astonishment, and the Ghosts of Presidents (Maybe?)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival and the Lobby Shuffle: Landed, bleary-eyed, in Canton. The McKinley Grand is… well, it's grand. In a slightly, shall we say, tired kind of way. Think faded elegance with a healthy dose of "remember when?" The lobby, with its chandeliers and what used to be plush armchairs, feels like it's seen some things. Took me a while to find the desk, and I swear, I think the bellhop was a mannequin. He didn't blink. Also the first impression, the staff were very friendly and helpful.
- 1:30 PM - Room Revelation: Unpacked, but the room has a strange aroma. Probably from my luggage. The room, it turned out, was not exactly what the photos promised. The bathroom… well, let's just say it would give a horror movie director a run for their money. The bedspread? A vibrant tapestry of questionable history. But hey, at least the TV works, which is vital.
- 2:00 PM - Canton Tour (More or Less): Decided to be brave and explore the city. Drove through downtown, got lost, and ended up in a parking lot. Decided to skip the historical sites. The tour was a bust. Canton, I apologize, I wasn't in the mood.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (and the Existential Dread): Now for the true test. The hotel restaurant… the menu was a mishmash of choices. I picked the chicken pesto, the only thing I wasn't sure would immediately make me sick. The ambiance was eerily quiet. The chicken was… edible. But the silence… it felt like I was dining in a ghost town. I swear I saw a spectral waiter refill my water glass. It was probably my imagination… but it made me feel more alone. Finished the meal and went up to the room, and contemplated the meaning of life in the dim light of the lamps.
- 8:00 PM - Bedtime, With a Side of Psychic Visions (Maybe): The sheets felt like sandpaper. Spent the rest of the night wondering if the McKinley Grand was haunted. I started to imagine someone stood in the corner of the room.
- 11:00 PM - Sleep: Finally passed out, hopefully without any presidential visitations.
Day 2: McKinley Presidential Libary and Museum and a Bit of Retail Therapy (Or Therapy Therapy)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast of Champions (or Mediocrity): Another breakfast. The buffet, bless its heart, was trying. The coffee was strong, in a "could strip paint" kind of way. The pastries looked vaguely familiar, as if they were leftovers from a previous century. Didn't matter, ate them.
- 10:00 AM - Presidential Immersion Therapy: McKinley Presidential Library and Museum. And honestly? It's actually pretty cool. The exhibits… well, they’re surprisingly comprehensive. Turns out McKinley was way more fascinating than my high school history class let on. The museum made the trip worth it.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch and Philosophical Dilemma: Lunch at a local diner. Decided to eat something I thought I would enjoy in reality. The diner had "that" vibe, that homey feel. But I was still thinking of the ghosts.
- 3:00 PM - Therapeutic Shopping Spree: The shops were nothing special, but a little retail therapy made me feel better. Bought a souvenir or two.
- 5:00 PM - Back to the Hotel, Back to the Void: Reflected on my choices. Contemplated ordering room service.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at a Local restaurant: Found a nice restaurant, ate some fish, and got to feel less alone.
- 9:00 PM - Nightcap (and the Ghosts' Uninvited Guest Appearances?): Sat in a hotel bar, and ordered a cocktail. Contemplated the meaning of life. The ghosts were there.
Day 3: Departure and Existential Farewell
- 9:00 AM - Quick Breakfast (Avoid the Pastries): Back in the breakfast area. Another day, another bland meal.
- 10:00 AM - Final Check-Out and Sad Goodbye: Left the hotel. The McKinley Grand, it was an experience, and not always a great one. It was an experience. Farewell.
- 11:00 AM- Back to Reality: Drove back home. Was this it? What was the point?
- 12:00 PM - Reflecting and Conclusion: Back home, I'm left with a feeling of… something. Did I enjoy the experience? Did I grow? No idea. But now I know I have seen Canton in a way, and that, in itself, I'd say, is a victory.
So, there you have it. The McKinley Grand Hotel: it's not for the faint of heart, or for anyone who demands pristine perfection. But it is a slice of life, a quirky reminder that sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones that are hilariously imperfect. Would I recommend it? Well, that depends. Do you like ghosts, questionable plumbing, and a healthy dose of existential dread? Then maybe, just maybe… pack your bags. And bring a flashlight.
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McKinley Grand Hotel - The Unfiltered Truth: FAQs (and a Bit of My Rambling)
Is the McKinley Grand REALLY as grand as everyone says? (Honestly, spill the tea!)
Okay, so "grand" is subjective, right? And let's be real, this place has seen some stuff. It's not like walking into Versailles, okay? But, and this is a big but, there's a vibe. A certain... decaying elegance? The lobby? It *screams* history. High ceilings, maybe some peeling plaster (depending on the day, I swear it changes), and a definite scent of old books and ambition. It's kind of magical, in a slightly dusty, "been through a war" kind of way. I spent, like, a solid twenty minutes just staring at the chandelier one time, completely captivated. Was it pristine? Absolutely not. Did it still sparkle? Absolutely. Grand? Maybe. Memorable? Hell yes.
What's the deal with the rooms? Are they actually comfortable, or just photogenic on Instagram?
Alright, let's be blunt. The rooms? They vary. Some are bigger, some are smaller. Some have amazing views, some… well, they face the parking lot (I’ve been there). Comfort level? Depends on your standards. The beds are generally fine. Not *heavenly* cloud-beds, but perfectly serviceable. Cleanliness? Usually good, but I once found a rogue jelly bean under the nightstand. A *single* jelly bean. It wasn’t like a major infestation, but it did make me question my life choices for a moment. So, yeah, they're comfortable enough, and they're definitely not *bad*. Don't expect perfection. That's part of the charm. Or, you know, just pack some Clorox wipes if you're a germaphobe. No judgment.
The McKinley Grand's reputation for being "haunted" – is it true? Did you, like, *see* anything?
Okay, full disclosure: I'm a total chicken. I want to believe in ghosts, but I mostly just get jumpy when a door creaks. So, did I see a spectral apparition? No. Did I hear a disembodied giggle echoing down the hallway? Also no. BUT... the atmosphere is undeniably… *charged*. You know? Like, you can feel it. The staff? Some of them swear to things. Whispers in the elevator, cold spots… I had a room on the fourth floor, and let me tell you, the silence at night? Intense. So, is it haunted? I don't know. But I'm not ruling it out. And if I *had* seen something? I'd probably have screamed and run away. So, there's that. But definitely bring a friend. Or a priest.
The food at the hotel restaurant? Is it worth it, or should I just sneak some pizza in?
Alright, this one is crucial. The restaurant (forgot the name, honestly... sorry, McKinley!). Here's the scoop: it's… inconsistent. Sometimes the food is *amazing*. Seriously, like, chef-kiss-worthy. Other times? Well, let's just say I've had better microwaved dinners. The service can also be a crapshoot. One time, the waiter was fantastic, super friendly, and the food came out lightning fast. The next? Crickets. Took forever, and the mashed potatoes were questionable. My advice? Check reviews before you go. If they're raving about something specific on the menu, go for it. If not... maybe order pizza. No shame. (And make sure you tip the pizza delivery guy well. They're the real heroes.)
Best thing about staying at the McKinley Grand? What's the *one* thing you remember most?
Okay, here we go. The *best* thing? Honestly, it’s the feeling. The history. The fact that you're walking where people have walked for over a century. The *one* thing I remember most? Okay, get this: I was in the bar one night, nursing a drink (a very stiff one, because the ghost thing was getting to me), and there was an *insanely* old gentleman holding court. He looked like he'd been there since the building opened. He started telling me stories. Glorious, rambling, probably-mostly-made-up stories about the hotel, about Canton, about... everything. He called me "kid." It was... magical. It was that moment. Sitting there, listening to this man tell tall tales, feeling the weight of history, the creaks of the old building around me… That’s what I remember. Pure gold. I'd go back for that experience alone.
Should I stay at the McKinley Grand, or find somewhere "nicer"? Convince me!
"Nicer?" Look, if you want sterile perfection, go stay at a chain hotel. You'll get your perfect fluffy pillows and your perfectly predictable experience. But if you want something *unique*? Something that whispers stories? Something that feels… real? Then, yes. Stay at the McKinley Grand. It has flaws. It's quirky. It's not always the smoothest ride. But it’s *alive*. It's got soul. It’s Canton, baby. It’s a memory you'll actually *have*. You might even hear a ghost! (Just kidding… maybe). Seriously though, go. Grab a drink at the bar, wander the hallways, and let the Grand tell you its stories. Just… maybe pack some earplugs. Just in case. And a flashlight. And a really good book. And maybe that priest… you know, just in case. ;)
What's the biggest downside, and is it a dealbreaker?
Okay, the biggest downside? The inconsistency. The food can be hit or miss. The service can be… slow. They seem to be short-staffed sometimes. And the place, well, it's aging. Things break. Paint peels. You understand? But is it a dealbreaker? For me? No. Because the good outweighs the bad. But if you're the type who gets easily frustrated, or needs everything to be *perfect*? Maybe it's not for you. However, consider this: Perfection is boring. Imperfection? That's where the stories are. That's where the memories are made. So, yeah, embrace the wobbly table, the slightly dusty corners, and the mystery of the unexplained noises in the night. It's all part of the charm. Trust me on this one. Just bring some comfortable shoes to explore within the city.
How's the parking situation? Do I need to battle for a space?
The parking? Okay, I can't lie. It's *not* the best. It's a bit of a free-for-all. There's a lot,Top Places To Stay
McKinley Grand Hotel Canton (OH) United States
McKinley Grand Hotel Canton (OH) United States
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