Calgary's BEST Kept Secret: Service Plus Inn & Suites!
Calgary's "Service Plus Inn & Suites": Seriously? My Unvarnished Truth (And a TON of Details!)
Okay, buckle up, Buttercups. I'm about to spill the beans on Calgary's "Best Kept Secret," the Service Plus Inn & Suites. And let me tell you, it's not exactly a hidden gem, but it has its moments. This isn't your glossy, sponsored review. This is raw. This is real. This is… well, hopefully, helpful. Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility: Did My Wheelchair Get a Good Workout?
Right off the bat, let's talk accessibility. I'm gonna be brutally honest here: navigating hotels with mobility issues is my jam. So, the Service Plus Inn & Suites? Well, it's a mixed bag, like a bag tossed down a flight a stairs, then picked up and thrown again. The elevator is a lifesaver (literally, in some cases), and that's a solid start. The facilities for disabled guests are, in theory, there. But finding them felt like a treasure hunt. The website boasts about it, but… finding truly seamless, smooth, everywhere-accessible experiences? Not exactly. The ramps are decent, but the hallways can feel a bit tight if you're maneuvering a larger chair. It just really depended on which wing of the hotel you were in. Some areas, like the restaurants – if those exist! – might require a bit of pre-planning to confirm is true accessibility.
(Accessibility: I'm going to give this a 3.5/5. The hotel tries, but there’s definitely room for better signage and more intuitive pathways.)
Internet Access & Techy Bits: The Wi-Fi Dance
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – and it's true! But you're going to need patience. I swear, I spent half my time trying to connect! Sometimes the signal was blazing fast, great for streaming movies on my TV with satellite/cable channels. Other times, it was slower than a sloth on Valium. But the promise of Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN is there! I tried both. I'm a bit of a techie, and I just want to get the Internet right the first time, and then, the rest of the stay will flow easily.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe(ish)?
Okay, this is HUGE right now. Anti-viral cleaning products? Supposedly. Daily disinfection in common areas? Fingers crossed. Rooms sanitized between stays? You'd hope so. The staff seemed to be on top of things, wearing masks, and there were hand sanitizers strategically placed. But, a word of warning: while the Service Plus Inn & Suites is trying, it's not the Ritz. Some areas looked a bit… well, worn. I'm talking about the carpets! I guess there's only so much professional-grade sanitizing services could do! I really just wanted to get out of there safely.
(Cleanliness & Safety: 3.8/5. Feels safe enough, but don’t expect hospital-grade cleanliness.)
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or Just Surviving)?
Okay, the food. This is where things get dicey. The breakfast [buffet] exists, but don't go expecting gourmet. It's your standard fare: scrambled eggs, maybe some questionable bacon, and a lot of carbs. The restaurants are advertised, but finding the right one was like playing a riddle. There's a coffee shop, which was a life-saver in the morning. Room service is 24-hour. But, I really wanted a salad! I did see some signs for a snack bar. There's a bar! But I gave up pretty quickly. I just wanted coffee.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: 2.8/5. The food situation needs some serious help. Think of it as a culinary adventure… with low expectations.)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things (and Some Big Ones)
The Service Plus Inn & Suites offers the basics: daily housekeeping, a concierge (though I never really needed them), luggage storage. The front desk [24-hour] is a huge plus, especially if you arrive late. There is an elevator. There is air conditioning in public area. They offer a laundry service, and dry cleaning. I didn’t use these, but the option is nice!
(Services and Conveniences: 3.5/5. Mostly functional, but don't expect bells and whistles.)
Things To Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams? (Maybe Not) Gym Goals? (Possibly)
Okay, this is interesting. The website hints at a spa, a sauna, a steamroom, and a swimming pool [outdoor]. A pool with a view is advertised! Finding these things felt like another treasure hunt. Maybe they were closed due to staffing issues, maybe it was just me. There is a fitness center! I peeked in. It's basic but functional. They are trying!
(Things to Do/Relax: 3/5. If you're cool with a basic gym, and maybe a pool, you're good. Don't get your hopes up for a luxurious spa experience.)
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
I didn't travel with kids this time, but the signs point to family-friendliness. Family/child friendly is mentioned. There are kids facilities, and even babysitting service. So, if you are traveling with your family, I recommend looking into it.
(For the Kids: 3.8/5. Looks like a decent option for families, but confirm the specific offerings and availability.)
In-Room Essentials: What's Actually Inside?
Here's a breakdown of what you generally get in the rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, blackout curtains, coffee/tea maker (essential!), desk, hair dryer, in-room safe box, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, linens, mini bar, private bathroom, refrigerator, satellite/cable channels, shower, slippers, smoke detector, soundproofing, toiletries, towels, wake-up service, and of course, Wi-Fi [free]. A window that opens. I found all these elements very useful, making a decent stay more comfortable.
(In-Room Essentials: 4/5. They've got you covered on the basics.)
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location (and Parking!)
The Service Plus Inn & Suites has car park [free of charge], which is HUGE in Calgary. You can get a taxi service. There is an airport transfer. And there's a car power charging station!
(Getting Around: 4.2/5. Convenient for drivers.)
Final Thoughts: The Verdict?
Look, the Service Plus Inn & Suites isn't perfect. It's a bit rough around the edges. But It's a decent option if you're looking for a functional, relatively affordable, and has accessibility.
Overall Score: 3.5/5
SEO & Metadata Goodies:
- Keywords: Calgary Hotels, Service Plus Inn & Suites, Calgary accessibility, wheelchair accessible, Calgary hotel reviews, free Wi-Fi, Calgary restaurants, Calgary spa, Calgary pool, budget-friendly Calgary hotel, family-friendly hotels Calgary, Calgary airport hotels
- Title tag: Service Plus Inn & Suites Calgary Review: The Honest Truth (Accessibility, Rooms & More!)
- Meta description: A brutally honest review of the Service Plus Inn & Suites in Calgary! Accessibility, Wi-Fi, dining, and what you really get in your room. Is it worth it? Find out!
- H1 Tag: Calgary's Service Plus Inn & Suites: A Review Rooted in Truth
- ALT tags for images: (Use specific alt tags for images such as: "Wheelchair accessible entrance Service Plus Inn Calgary", "Free Wi-Fi access in Calgary hotel room," and "Restaurant dining at Service Plus Inn and Suites." )
(Pro Tip: Always CHECK the recent reviews before booking to get a current, up-to-the-minute view of the hotel's progress.)
Eufaula Getaway: Baymont by Wyndham's Unbeatable Alabama Escape!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a Calgary adventure at the Service Plus Inn and Suites. Don't get me wrong, it's a perfectly fine hotel, the kind you'd expect, but we're not here for the perfectly fine, are we? We're here for the messy, the glorious, the oh-god-did-I-just-forget-my-passport?!
(Day 1: Calgary Arrival & "Settling In" – AKA, the Existential Dread of the Lobby)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown in Calgary. Okay, so the flight was delayed. Classic. I swear, the airport is a crucible of human frustration. You're crammed in with a bunch of tired, slightly-smelly strangers, all vying for armrest supremacy. Ugh.
- 2:00 PM: Taxi to Service Plus Inn and Suites. The driver, a burly guy with a mustache that could rival a walrus, regaled me with tales of the Calgary Stampede. I nodded politely, still half-asleep from the flight, probably looking like I was evaluating his mustache's aerodynamics.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in. The lobby? Perfectly… functional. Beige, maybe a slightly sad attempt at a "modern" art piece on the wall. The lady at the desk was very efficient, which, after the flight delay, was a godsend. But it's these sterile environments that start to make you question… everything. Is this all there is? Will the free continental breakfast really be continental? (Spoiler alert: it was. Predictably.)
- 3:00 PM: Room Unveiling. Okay, the room is… fine. Two beds, a TV that probably hasn't been updated since the Bush administration, and a view of… the parking lot. Romance! But hey, at least it's clean-ish. I throw my bag onto the bed, a primal act of claiming territory, and promptly realize I could spend the entire trip complaining about parking lots.
- 3:30 PM: The Great Unpacking & Panic Attack. I start unpacking with the zeal of someone trying to build a fort out of hotel room clutter. Then, I realize I haven't eaten anything substantial since, like, yesterday. Slight panic sets in. Is there a vending machine? Are there enough snacks in the world to quell this impending existential crisis?
- 4:00 PM: The Vending Machine Victory & Bitter Disappointment. Found a vending machine! The holy grail! But it's one of those that's mostly out of stock. Triumphantly bought a bag of stale chips and a lukewarm bottle of water. That's the life. My life.
- 5:00 PM: Stumble around trying to find some dinner! I guess I'm going to have to venture out. Fine!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Not the best, not the worst, somewhere in between!
- 7:00 PM: Back to the room. Now it really began to feel like a real trip.
- 8:00 PM: TV time!
(Day 2: Downtown Dilemmas & Fish Creek Park Fiasco)
- 7:00 AM: Attempting the "Continental" in the hotel lobby. Okay, so the "continental" is a bread-based war crime. Stale bagels, sad little muffins, and coffee that tastes suspiciously like burnt tire. I choke down a piece of toast and dream of the day I can afford a proper breakfast.
- 8:00 AM: Head downtown! Public transport? Shudders. But I suck it up and hop on a bus. The bus is full of people who look like they've already had a bigger day than I think I'm going to have.
- 9:00 AM: Calgary Tower. I'll give it this: the view is… undeniably there. You can see everything! Cars, buildings, more buildings, some mountains in the distance. It's impressive, I guess. But the whole experience felt a little…corporate. Like a very shiny, very tall, very expensive ad.
- 10:00 AM: Stroll through the Plus 15 Walkway. This is pretty cool, I have to admit. A network of enclosed walkways connecting buildings downtown. Kind of futuristic, kind of claustrophobic, but definitely a lifesaver in the Calgary cold. I wish I could carry on like this all day!
- 11:00 AM: The Great Coffee Hunt. The coffee at the tower was, predictably, terrible. I'm on a mission! The mission? To get a decent cup of coffee. My journey took me to a local cafe, where I finally found something vaguely resembling what I was craving. And let me tell you, that coffee was a moment. A pure, unadulterated moment of caffeine bliss.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Finally something good!
- 1:00 PM: Fish Creek Provincial Park. Okay, this is where things got interesting. I decided to be adventurous. The plan was to hike and enjoy nature. The reality was… a moderate amount of walking, a mosquito ambush that nearly resulted in a full-blown breakdown, and a sudden downpour. I had to sprint back to the parking lot looking like a drowned rat, clinging to my sanity.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the hotel, completely drenched and slightly traumatized by mosquitoes. Shower. Change clothes. Contemplate life choices. Did I really need to be in the park? No! I didn't!
- 5:00 PM: The Great Dry-Out. I turned on the hairdryer to dry off my clothes, which was probably a fire hazard (sorry, Service Plus Inn and Suites!), but desperate times and all that.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Comfort food. You know, the good junk.
- 7:00 PM: Watching TV.
(Day 3: The Stampede & Farewell (Maybe))
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. Same hotel lobby, same terrible breakfast. I'm developing an aversion to the smell of stale muffins.
- 8:00 AM: Deciding how to spend the day.
- 9:00 AM: The Calgary Stampede. sigh Fine. I'll give it a go.
- 10:00 AM: The Stampede - The Atmosphere. Okay, the atmosphere is electric, I'll give them that. The crowds are massive, everyone's wearing cowboy hats, and there's a smell of… well, a lot of things. Horses maybe? Deep-fried something-or-other? The air is full of energy and… mud. So much mud.
- 11:00 AM: The Stampede - Eating all the food. I ate everything! I may have overdone it a little, but hey, it's the Stampede! I tried the deep-fried Oreos (surprisingly good!), the mini donuts (classic!), and the corn dogs (meh).
- 12:00 PM: The Stampede - The Rodeo. I watched some of the rodeo. It was… intense. I'm not sure I'm cut out for the whole "roping a calf" thing. I mostly just watched the bulls, and I was impressed.
- 2:00 PM: The Stampede - The Conclusion. I left the Stampede. I was full, tired, slightly overwhelmed, and covered in a fine layer of dust.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the hotel. I realize I have to pack. Ugh.
- 5:00 PM: Packing. The dreaded hour. I manage to cram everything into my suitcase, then promptly realize I forgot to buy any souvenirs.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. My last meal.
- 7:00 PM: Just another final TV time.
- 8:00 PM: Time to sleep! Ready for the flight back home.
(Departure Day: The Final Judgement)
- 6:00 AM: Last breakfast. Same terrible food. The final insult.
- 7:00 AM: Check-out. Efficient, as always. I wonder if the lady at the desk ever escapes the beige void of the lobby.
- 8:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. "Another trip done!" the driver said, and with that, I just smiled and looked out the window.
- 9:00 AM: Airport. Ready.
- 10:00 AM: Take off!
So long, Calgary. You were… an experience. Would I go back to the Service Plus Inn and Suites? Maybe. Would I recommend it? Fine, maybe. But will I ever forget the Great Mosquito Ambush of Fish Creek Park? Probably not. And that, my friends, is travel in a nutshell: a messy, chaotic, often frustrating, but ultimately unforgettable adventure. And a good reminder that sometimes, the best stories come from the worst-case scenarios. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
Pigeon Forge Paradise: Courtyard's Unbeatable Smoky Mountain Getaway!
Service Plus Inn & Suites: Calgary's... Well, Let's Talk About It! (FAQ)
Okay, maybe "best kept secret" is a *little* dramatic. But hey, we're talking Service Plus! Buckle up, it's gonna be a ride.
So, what *actually* is Service Plus Inn & Suites? Like, is it a real place?
YES! It's real. Trust me, I've been there. Multiple times. (Don't judge, okay? Calgary's expensive!) It's a hotel, or a "suite" of rooms, on the east side of Calgary. Think slightly-out-of-the-way, perfectly functional, and with a charm that's... well, let's call it "unique." Think less Four Seasons, more "your grandma's basement guest room, but with a continental breakfast." And hey, sometimes that's exactly what you need.
What's the best thing about Service Plus? (And is it the price, because, you know…)
Okay, yeah, the price is a HUGE selling point. Let's be honest. My wallet *loves* Service Plus. But beyond that… listen. The staff. Bless their hearts. They're like, the salt of the earth. I once had a *total* meltdown – train delays, lost luggage, the works – and the woman at the front desk, bless her, she just handed me a cookie and a bottle of water. Didn't even bat an eye. She probably sees it all. Probably *has* seen it all. That kind of empathy, that's invaluable. The location isn't *bad* either. Easy access to highways, so you can get in and out of the city with relative ease.
And what about the rooms themselves? Are we talking, like, luxury digs here?
Luxury? Honey, no. Functional? Absolutely. Clean? Mostly. Okay, look. The decor is… dated. Think beige, with a side of beige, and then a sprinkle of beige. The beds are fine, they'll get the job done. The TVs… well, they have TVs. The bathrooms are… well, they're bathrooms. They have showers, you can get clean. I once stayed in a room where the shower head did a weird, sputtering dance. Hilarious, actually. The kind of thing that, in retrospect, makes a good story. And honestly, sometimes, that's all that matters, right?
The "continental breakfast." Is it as sad as I picture it?
Okay, the breakfast. This is where we get… let's say "character." There's almost always a waffle maker. And it works! (Mostly.) There's usually some kind of sugary cereal, muffins that are, frankly, a bit dry, and a selection of fruit that’s… variable in its appeal. I'm not gonna lie, I usually snag a waffle (or two), a cup of coffee, and then head out to find some actual, proper food. But hey, free is free. And sometimes, that waffle hits the spot, you know? It's a little bit of a gamble, but hey, so is life, right?
What's the vibe like? Is it a family place? Party central? Quiet, please?
It's… a mixed bag. You get families, business travelers, people who are clearly just passing through, and the occasional couple who looks like they've had a *very* long day. I once saw a guy in full biker gear walk in, and a wedding party come out. In terms of noise, it's generally pretty decent, especially at night. Most people are just there to rest their weary heads, get a good night's sleep and get a quick breakfast before hitting the road. There's a certain sense of camaraderie, in a way. You're all in it together, surviving another day in Calgary.
Tell us about something that actually went WRONG at Service Plus…
Okay, okay, fine. There was this *one* time. I'd booked a smoking room because, hey, choices. (Don't judge, I've quit since!) I get to the room, and the air… it could practically *cut* you. Not just smoke. Perfume-smoke-old-cigarette-smoke. It was beyond vile. I went back to the front desk, fully prepared to launch into a passive-aggressive rant. (It's a skill, I've perfected it!) But the woman, again, just looked at me, sighed, and gave me a new key. No questions asked, just, "Sorry about that, honey. Here, have a cookie." The new room was fine. The cookie was delicious. And honestly, as a fellow human being, I suddenly felt a lot better. The whole thing was a reminder that even the grumpiest of us can have a moment of "Oh, yeah, that *does* suck" with each other. Service with a smile, and a cookie. That's Service Plus for ya.
Okay, spill. Would you recommend it? Really?
Look, it depends on what you're looking for. If you're after luxury, spa treatments, and a gourmet breakfast buffet? Absolutely not. If you need a clean, affordable place to crash, with friendly faces and a waffle maker that's (usually) working? Then, yeah. I'd recommend it. The value is excellent. The staff are good people. It's got its quirks, its imperfections... But that's what makes it memorable, isn't it? It's not the Ritz, but it's got it's own kind of charm. And hey, sometimes, a little bit of "charm" is exactly what you need. Just go in with the right expectations, and you'll be fine.
Post a Comment for "Calgary's BEST Kept Secret: Service Plus Inn & Suites!"