Ann Arbor's BEST Hotel Near U of M: Holiday Inn & Suites!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ann Arbor, supposedly the place near the University of Michigan. And I’m not gonna lie, hotels…they can be a minefield. But hopefully, this helps. (And let me just say, if you're looking for clinical, perfectly-formatted, robot-written bla-bla, you're in the wrong place. I'm keeping it real.)
Ann Arbor's Hidden Gem? A Deep Dive into the Holiday Inn & Suites
First things first: Location, Location, Location. It's near the U of M, which is a huge win. Traffic in Ann Arbor can be…well, let's just say I've seen snails move faster. (And that, folks, is a life hack!) So, if you're visiting for a game, a graduation, or just to soak up the academic vibe (and maybe snag a coffee at a place where everyone pretends to be brilliant), this is your starting point.
Accessibility – the Nitty Gritty and the Nice Touches:
- Accessibility is a big deal: They've got facilities for disabled guests, which is critical. Also, I saw ELEVATOR! I can't tell you how often elevators are somehow missed in the "accessible" section. Good.
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, good solid “yes”. I peeked at the website, and it looks promising.
- Important points: Things like grab bars in accessible bathrooms, wider doorways and they're ticking the boxes.
- The little things: The website mentions…well, they don't mention much about the DETAILS. The hotel seems to be making a commitment.
Online Access and the Digital World:
- Internet Access: It is essential! You need it for work, scrolling, and more. Wi-Fi is in all rooms (praise be!), and they also have LAN access. This is a crucial win for the serious internet users.
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms: Ding, ding, ding! Huge thumbs up.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Double thumbs up.
Relaxation, Recreation, and a Dab of Pampering (But Don't Get Your Hopes Too High, Folks!)
- Fitness First: A fitness center! Always a plus if you want to torture yourself (or, you know, health reasons). What's better than a workout after a long day (or a long night!).
- Swimming Pool (Outdoor): They have one! This is a huge yes (provided the weather cooperates…duh). Bonus points if the pool has a view (they don't mention it on the website, but it's Ann Arbor, so who know?).
- Spa/Sauna: Nope, Not here, BUT, this is a Holiday Inn, not the Ritz.
- I’m not seeing a massage, steam room, or spa: Ok, listen, keep your expectations in check. It's not a full-blown resort. It’s a Holiday Inn.
Cleanliness and Safety – Let's Talk About the Pandemic (Sigh)
- They are doing things right: Anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas. Individually-wrapped food options. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. Staff trained in safety protocols.
- Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available. This is actually a neat way to be eco-friendly is you are comfortable.
- Cashless Payment Service, Hand Sanitizer, and Doctor/nurse on call: They seem to be taking safety seriously.
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas: Good, good.
- You can potentially opt out of Room sanitization (if you’re into saving the planet). Nice touch.
Food, Glorious Food (Or, Let's See What We're Working With!)
- Restaurants: Yes! Plural! This is a good sign.
- Breakfast (Buffet): They do breakfast . I usually live off the continental breakfast. Free coffee is my love language!
- Room Service (24-Hour): Oh, yes. This is a necessity. Late-night cravings officially handled!
- Dining options like A la carte, Buffet, Coffee/tea, Desserts, and International Cuisine are listed! I'm intrigued.
- Poolside Bar, Snack Bar, Coffee Shop and happy hour: Seems like a pretty convenient place for people watching.
- Asian cuisine restaurants and a Vegetarian restaurant: This is quite diverse!
- Breakfast Takeaway Service and Alternative Meal Arrangement: Seems useful.
Services and Conveniences – Stuff That Makes Life Easier (Hopefully)
- Air Conditioning in Public Areas: Thank the heavens. I’m a sweaty betty.
- Concierge: Helpful. Maybe they know all the cool spots.
- Dry Cleaning/Laundry Service/Ironing Service: Gotta love it.
- Luggage Storage: Useful.
- Business Facilities, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Meetings: This place is also work-friendly too.
- Convenience Store and Gift/Souvenir Shop: Nice, because you always need something you didn’t plan.
- Currency Exchange: A useful feature to have on hand.
- Daily Housekeeping: My least favorite chore in the world.
- Elevator: Bless!
- Safe Deposit Boxes: Good for feeling a little less paranoid about your valuables.
- You can potentially hold Events: This could be useful.
- Bicycle Parking, Car Park (Free of Charge), Car Park (On-Site): Important! Parking in Ann Arbor can be…an experience. A free car park is a huge win.
- Valet Parking: Is provided!
For the Kids (Because We All Need a Break)
- Family/Child Friendly: This is a good sign for the parents out there.
- Babysitting Service: Sweet relief!
Accessibility – Getting Around
- Airport Transfer, Taxi Service: Useful. Because, public transport? In Ann Arbor?…Good luck.
Your Room – What You're Actually Living In
- All rooms: Air conditioning. An alarm clock. Bathrobes. Bathroom phone (really?!). Bathtub. Blackout curtains (Yes, please!) Closet. Coffee/tea maker. Complimentary tea. Daily housekeeping. Desk. Extra-long bed. Free bottled water. Hair dryer. High floor. In-room safe box. 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 (oh, joy). 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.
The Unsung Hero – The Little Details (And They Matter!):
- Soundproof Rooms: Crucial!
- Smoke Alarms/Smoke detector/Fire Extinguisher: Safety first!
- Exterior Corridor: Not my favorite, but it depends on the view.
The Anecdote Corner:
Okay, here’s a story. I was once stuck in a hotel that swore it had "free WiFi." Turns out, it was free in the lobby…only. And the lobby was basically a soulless, freezing wasteland miles from my room. Let's just say I developed an unhealthy relationship with the hotel staff. The point is, reliable WiFi is EVERYTHING. So, make sure the WiFi situation is actually reliable. I mean, you can't even get a decent coffee these days without needing the internet.
SEO Optimization (Because, You Know, I Have To…):
- Keywords: "Ann Arbor Hotel," "University of Michigan," "Holiday Inn," "Accommodation," "Accessible Hotel," "Free Wifi," "Pool," "Fitness Center," "Business Travel," "Family Friendly," "Near U of M" – you get the idea. I've sprinkled these throughout.
The Verdict?
This Holiday Inn & Suites looks like a solid contender. It caters to a wide range of needs, from the business traveler to the family on vacation. The location is a massive draw, especially if you’re U of M-bound. While it's not a luxury resort, it seems to offer everything you'd need for a comfortable and convenient stay. And let's be real, sometimes a good, reliable hotel is all you need. (And the free WiFi? That's a deal-breaker if you ask me.)
Now, The Tempting Offer:
Tired of Hotel Roulette? Book Your Ann Arbor Getaway with Confidence!
Stay at Ann Arbor's Best Hotel Near U of M – The Holiday Inn & Suites!
Here's what you get:
- Prime Location: Steps from the University of Michigan (avoiding that soul-crushing traffic!)
- **Free Lightning
Alright, buckle up, Buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is the raw, unfiltered, probably-slightly-caffeinated account of my Ann Arbor adventure, specifically holed up at the Holiday Inn & Suites near the University of Michigan. Prepare for the emotional rollercoaster!
Day 1: Arrival & Utter Discombobulation (Because Travel, Duh)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival! … or, attempted arrival. Let's just say the GPS on my phone, bless its little digital heart, thought "University" and "Ann Arbor" were merely suggestions. Ended up doing a scenic tour of residential streets, admiring the perfectly manicured lawns and wondering if anyone actually lives in these houses… probably not, they're too darn perfect. Finally, finally found the Holiday Inn. Check-in was smooth, which was a welcome relief. The lobby? Surprisingly…beige. Like, REALLY beige. Is beige the official color of mid-level hotels? Asking for a friend (it's me).
- 1:30 PM - Room Inspection & Initial Panic. My room was… fine. Clean, definitely. But the view? Overlooking the parking lot. Sigh. First world problems, right? Then I sat on the bed, and realized, oh my god, I forgot my charger. The sheer, utter, existential dread that washed over me was biblical. How am I supposed to survive in this digital age without a fully charged phone?! Luckily, the front desk lady, a saint in disguise, pointed me towards a store within walking distance (thank god for the pre-trip map that showed me the entire area).
- 2:30 PM - Charger Acquisition & Bliss. Found a charger! Victory! Wandered around the little shop, over-stimulated by the sheer variety of… things. Ended up buying a weirdly shaped stress ball shaped like a brain. I should have bought more.
- 3:00 PM - A Swim? Maybe? The indoor pool was… well, it was there. Looked a little chlorinated for my taste. Decided against it. Did my laundry in the hotel.
- 4:00 PM - The Search for Real Food. Okay, let's get real: hotel food is…hotel food. So, I ventured out. Found a cute little diner, Fleetwood Diner, a local joint with big portions, a slightly grumpy waitress and a menu that was a love letter to carbs. Ordered a giant plate of something and devoured it with the gusto of a starving wolf. The wait was a little long, but the food was worth it.
- 6:00 PM - Re-Entry into the Beige Zone and Planning Fall-Out. Back in the safety of the hotel room, I started to plan the next day. But my brain was fried. Couldn't focus. So, I watched some TV and started a book.
- 8:00 PM - The Great Sock Discovery. Realized I was missing one sock. Where does one sock go? Is it a conspiracy? (The world may never know.)
- 9:00 PM - Sleep
Day 2: University Exploration & Emotional Ups and Downs
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet Blues. Ah, the hotel breakfast buffet. The usual suspects: rubbery eggs, suspiciously beige bacon, and lukewarm coffee. Fueling the day, though, I must admit.
- 9:30 AM - The University of Michigan & the "Wow" Moment. Okay, THIS was the highlight. Wandered around the campus, which is stunning. The architecture is gorgeous. I almost took a wrong turn into a lecture hall. The sheer energy of the place was intoxicating. I stood on the steps of the Law Quad, and just… "Wow". (See, stream-of-consciousness works). I'm not a student, but I felt a vicarious thrill just being there.
- 11:00 AM - Lost in the Stacks (Literally). Decided to explore the University library. Got lost. Badly. Surrounded by books, I felt both exhilarated and completely overwhelmed. Found a random, dusty corner and pretended to be a scholar for a bit. (Don't judge.)
- 1:00 PM - Lunch & the "Almost Had It" Burger. Found a place called Blimpy Burger - legendary. The line was almost out the door. Ordered a burger, and they called my name…. but they ran out of buns! I was ready to cry.
- 2:00 PM - The Arb & My Existential Crisis. Headed to the Nichols Arboretum ("The Arb"). The trees! The trails! The peace! It was all incredibly lovely, until I had an existential crisis about the meaning of life, the fleeting nature of time, and whether I should have brought a bottle of water.
- 4:00 PM - The "Oh, My God, That's Expensive" Souvenir Hunt. Found a university store and was seduced by all the beautiful things. Realized a single t-shirt cost more than my entire grocery bill for the week. Sigh.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner, the Pizza Dilemma. I was craving pizza, but oh, the choice! Should I order in? Go out? I could barely make a decision. Ended up getting a pizza from a chain.
- 9:00 PM - That One Terrible Commercial & Sleep.
Day 3: Departure & the lingering feeling of "Did I actually sleep?"
- 8:00 AM - The Final Breakfast Buffet Raid. Back to the lukewarm coffee and questioning the color of the bacon. I had a quick chat with the front desk lady. Turns out she's a HUGE fan of the Ann Arbor campus!
- 9:00 AM - Packing (aka, the chaotic scramble). Packing is where the messiness really shines. Stuff everywhere. Where did I put my shoes? The charger! (Again!).
- 10:00 AM - Check-Out & the Farewell to Beige. The exit was quick. Said goodbye to the beige lobby, which, surprisingly, I had come to know.
- 10:30 AM - The Drive Home (And the Realization That Ann Arbor Was… Pretty Great?). The drive back was long, but something shifted in me. I left feeling like I had experienced a bit of everything. I had a whole new reason to love the college system, some great food, and lots of random thoughts.
- 12:00 PM - Home.
- 12:30 PM - Wash the Laundry.
- 1:00 PM - Nap
Overall Assessment:
The Holiday Inn was… fine. The hotel was there. Ann Arbor? Surprisingly wonderful. The food? Hits and misses. My emotional state? A rollercoaster. Would I do it again? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing two chargers, extra socks, and a stronger resolve to resist the allure of overpriced university merch. And I'm definitely doing a day-trip to get lunch. I have to get that burger!
**Madrid Airport Hotel: Unbeatable Deals & Luxury Await!**
Ann Arbor's Holiday Inn & Suites: The REAL Rundown (Let's Be Honest)
Is this truly Ann Arbor's "best" hotel near U of M? (And, like, what does "best" even *mean*?)
Okay, "best" is subjective, right? Depends. Are you looking for absolute luxury with a butler and a private helipad? Probably not. Is it comfy, convenient, and reliably decent? Yeah, I'd lean towards "best-ish" in that context. The Holiday Inn & Suites on Jackson is *definitely* in a great location for the University of Michigan. Walking distance for most of the campus, and if you don't want to walk the bus is easy. Plus, it's got all the basics covered: free breakfast (more on that later…), a pool (always a plus, especially if you have kids), and parking (a godsend in Ann Arbor!). Don't expect the Ritz, but do expect something you can count on. I'd say it's consistently a solid choice.
That Breakfast - Is it worth getting out of bed for? (And WHY do hotel breakfasts always smell so... weird?)
Ah, the crucial question. The free breakfast. Listen, it's…free. Let's be clear. It's not gourmet. It's not going to win any awards. But it’s there. And sometimes, when you're hungover from celebrating a Wolverines win at the game (or, you know, a Tuesday), it's the ONLY thing standing between you and complete misery.
The usual suspects are present: scrambled eggs (questionable texture, sometimes…), the sausage patties (which might, or might not, resemble actual meat), the cereal (because, hey, fiber!), the waffles (which you can customize with a variety of…syrups. Don’t get your hopes up.), and the ever-present, mysteriously lukewarm coffee. And yes, the *smell*. That generic hotel breakfast aroma. It's a unique blend of processed food dreams and the ghosts of past guests. I just… I just accept it now. I dose myself with the coffee, grab a waffle, and try to channel my inner zen master. It works… sometimes.
What about the Rooms? Clean? Comfortable? (And, you know, are there bedbugs?)
Okay, the rooms. They’re… fine. They're generally clean, though I've had some *ahem*… questionable experiences with the bathrooms. I'm not going to lie. The water pressure can be a bit… pathetic. And the towels, sometimes, feel like they’ve been around since the Reagan administration. But the beds *are* usually comfortable, and the rooms themselves are okay.
Bedbugs? Ugh. I've never *personally* encountered them there, thank goodness. But I can't guarantee anything. Hotel reviews are a constant source of anxiety, aren't they? Just, you know, do the usual checks when you arrive: pull back the sheets, look around the seams and headboards… You'll be fine. Probably. Okay, I'm sorry. I'm making it worse, aren't I? Deep breaths. Most likely no bedbugs. Just…check.
Is the Pool Worth It? (Especially for Someone Who's, You Know, Not a Great Swimmer?)
YES! (Well, *mostly* yes.) The pool is a solid perk. After a long day, what's not to like about a quick dip? It’s clean enough, and if you're there during the off-season, you might even get it to yourself. But, here’s the REAL story from my last stay... My kids absolutely LOVED it. They practically lived in the pool. Splashing, screaming (sorry, other guests!), having a field day. They had me a bit stressed, keeping an eye on them, while my partner was at the game. And the chlorine smell? Yeah, it's strong. Like, "my hair will smell like pool for the next three days" strong. But you know what? Seeing their joy? Totally worth it. So, yeah, it's a win. Just bring your goggles (and maybe a good book to escape the chaos).
Is Parking a Nightmare? (Because, Ann Arbor…)
Parking in Ann Arbor is… well, let's just say it's a character-building experience. The good news? The Holiday Inn has its own parking lot. It's not enormous, and during big events you *might* have to circle a few times. But it's *there*. Unlike downtown, where you'd be battling for street parking for hours. I would definitely pay extra for that convenience! So yes the parking situation is great, you just have to be patient.
What about the Staff? Are they helpful? Friendly? Or just…existing?
The staff can be hit or miss, just like anywhere. I've encountered some truly lovely people, who went above and beyond to help (like, once, they found my lost phone, the HEROES!). And I've had… less memorable interactions. Generally, though, they're efficient and polite. The front desk seems to be at least trying! And in the grand scheme of things, the staff are fine.
Any Restaurants/Bars Nearby? (Because, after a long day of Wolverines-ing, I need sustenance…)
You're in luck. The Holiday Inn is surrounded by a decent selection of restaurants. It's not a gourmet paradise, but there's something for everyone. Loads of fast-food, a few nicer sit-down places, and a couple of decent bars. (If you're up for a short walk, you can check out one of the local breweries. Well worth it!) Definitely check online for recent reviews, as things change. But you won't starve, I promise. I'd recommend exploring for yourself though.
Would you Stay Here Again? (The Ultimate Question…)
Honestly? Yeah, probably. It's the best balance of convenience, price, and reliability for visiting the University of Michigan. It’s not perfect, but it works. And honestly, sometimes, "works" is all you need. Maybe I'll bring my earplugs for the potential pool party and a bottle of wine to drown out the breakfast smell. But yeah, for a short trip to Ann Arbor, especially if you're focused on the campus scene, it's a solid choice. Just go in with realistic expectations, and you'll be fine. And who knows, you might even have fun. Go Blue!
