Houghton's BEST Kept Secret: Quality Inn & Suites Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Houghton's BEST (and Maybe Slightly Secret) Quality Inn & Suites: A Review That Won't Sugarcoat It (But You'll Still Wanna Go!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I've just spent a weekend wrestling with the legend that is Houghton's Quality Inn & Suites. The reviews are a mixed bag, the location is… well, Houghton, and the promise of a "best kept secret" had me intrigued. Did I find treasure? Did I find a dumpster fire? Let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions & Location, Location, Location (More like… Location, Consideration?)
Houghton, Michigan. Let's just say it's not exactly Miami. This Quality Inn is nestled a bit away but still close to the heart of the Keweenaw Peninsula. If you're a nature nut, a snowmobiling fiend, or just someone who digs a bit of Up-North charm, this is your playground. If you’re expecting a bustling city vibe? You're in the wrong place. The location is super convenient for, well, everything Houghton offers: hiking, waterfalls, and of course, the Copper Harbor Brewery (more on that later… drool).
Accessibility & Safety: A Mixed Bag, Honestly…
Right off the bat, I'm going to praise their commitment to safety. They've got a ton of safety features, including CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and security [24-hour]. You feel… secure. Too secure, maybe? It's a solid start.
Accessibility: Now, let's be real honest. Not perfect. While there are facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, the website doesn't scream "totally accessible". Always call ahead and be specific about your needs. The staff seemed friendly and accommodating when I chatted with them, so I'm hoping for the best.
Cleanliness is Paramount: This is where they really shine. They are obsessed with cleanliness. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hot water linen and laundry washing, rooms sanitized between stays, the whole shebang. Let's be frank, I’m in the camp of “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” So, yeah, I was happy to see this. It made me feel safe and comfortable.
Rooms: Cozy, Functional, and… Slightly Dated Charm
Okay, let’s be real. The rooms? Clean as a whistle, as I mentioned. They are definitely functional. I am not going to lie to you, the decor is… well, dated. Think beige, brown, and… more beige. However, the air conditioning blasted, the bed was comfy, and the blackout curtains were a godsend for those late-night Netflix binges.
- What I Loved: The free Wi-Fi worked flawlessly (Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!), the complimentary tea and coffee was a lovely touch, and the fridge was perfect for stashing my leftover pasties. The desk was actually a good size, which is rare these days.
- Room specifics: We're talking: Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes (score!), Bathroom phone, Bathtub (some rooms), Closet, Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, 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, Window that opens.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast… Let's Talk About Breakfast.
The breakfast situation? Ahem. It's your standard breakfast [buffet] – think continental with some hot options. Pretty standard. But I loved the Asian breakfast! The coffee situation could use some help (bring extra creamer!).
- They Also Have: Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop.
- Dining: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Pool, Spa, and Relaxation (Where the Mystery Lies…)
Here is where the "secret" part comes in. The swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting, and while the pool with view was nice, it was not exactly a "view".
- Potential Treasures: They mention a Spa/sauna, but information is scarce online. I saw no sign or indication of either, but be sure to call ahead and ask… it might be the best-kept secret about this place! They do have a Fitness center, if you feel like working off that pasty.
- Other Amenities: Massages appear to be available!
Services, Conveniences, and the "Little Things"
This is where the Quality Inn really surprised me. They thought of everything. 24-hour front desk, concierge service, daily housekeeping, laundry service, luggage storage, and a gift/souvenir shop are all available. Even cash withdrawal! It's the little things that make a difference.
- Contactless Check-in/Out - always a big plus in today's world!
- Essential condiments - small things, that make it a home away from home.
- Business Facilities - They even have Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Seminars - A good choice if on a business trip.
For the Kids The hotel provides Babysitting service! How nice is that.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Unless You're on a Unicorn)
Parking is free and abundant (Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]). This isn't exactly a walk-everywhere kind of town, so having a car is essential. But if you're flying, they offer an Airport transfer! And they do have a Taxi service.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and My Overall Verdict
Okay, let's be brutally, honest, and open. This isn't the Four Seasons. It's a solid, clean, and well-equipped Quality Inn. It's not fancy. The decor is not from this century. But the staff are friendly, the location is great for exploring, and the cleanliness is top-notch.
If you're looking for:
- A super-luxury stay with a lot of bells and whistles: Look elsewhere.
- A no-frills, comfortable, and clean base camp for your Houghton adventures: You've found it.
My rating? 4 out of 5 stars. It's not perfect, but it's honest and offers enough for most travelers.
The Offer You Absolutely Won't Be Able to Resist:
Houghton & Keweenaw Adventure Package! Book Your Stay at Houghton's Quality Inn & Suites and Get:
- 20% Off your room!
- Free upgrades on rooms
- Exclusive Local Discount Card: Score deals at the Copper Harbor Brewing Company, local shops, and attractions.
- Complimentary Breakfast: Fuel your explorations with the buffet.
- Guaranteed Cleanliness: Rest easy knowing your room is sanitized to the max!
But hurry! This offer is only valid for reservations made in the next 72 hours! Don't miss out on your chance to discover Houghton's best-kept secret (and get a great deal while you're at it!). Click here to book your adventure!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning 3-Bedroom Beachfront Home in Italy!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, TripAdvisor-approved travel log. This is a Quality Inn & Suites in Houghton, Michigan, through the eyes of yours truly, and let me tell you, it's gonna be a bumpy, glorious ride.
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for the "Cozy Factor" (Spoiler: It's Elusive)
1:00 PM - ARRIVAL: Houghton Hell-o! – The drive in was… well, it was a drive. Picture endless stretches of highway punctuated by gas stations that looked like they’d seen better decades. Finally, we pull up to the hallowed grounds of the Quality Inn & Suites. Now, the online photos? Let’s just say reality has a slightly less vibrant filter. The lobby is… functional. Smells faintly of chlorine and… something vaguely floral that’s trying way too hard to mask other, potentially less appealing odors.
- First Thoughts: Okay, okay. We're here. Deep breaths. Let's hope the room isn't haunted. Or, worse, smells haunted.
1:30 PM - THE ROOM: A Mildly Disappointing Odyssey – My heart sank a little (okay, a LOT) when I saw the room. The bedspread looked like it was rescued from a garage sale in 1987, and the artwork on the wall – a generic landscape – felt deeply, profoundly underwhelming. I mean, come on, Houghton. You're surrounded by stunning natural beauty! Give me a picture of a majestic copper mine! A roaring waterfall! Anything besides beige!
- Quirky Observation: Found a mysterious crumb on the nightstand. Debating whether to investigate or pretend it doesn’t exist. Decided to leave it for the housekeeper. Passive-aggressive hotel housekeeping, here I come!
- Emotional Reaction: Briefly considered turning around and driving back home. The pull of my own familiar, slightly messy, but honestly clean bedroom was STRONG.
2:00 PM – THE POOL: Chlorine Dreams and Disappointment - I had planned to take advantage of the pool. The kids got all excited about it. But the pool closed early because something was wrong with the chlorine and safety. It was a punch in the guts. No refreshing dip for me.
2:30 PM - Dinner and Drinks at the Library Restaurant: Okay, I was really looking forward to this one. "Library Bar" sounded great. We got there and it wasn't too crowded, but it lacked the comfortable ambiance I was really looking for. The food was fine, the service was okay. But nothing to run home about. I ordered a burger and fries which were pretty sad. I'll pass on this one.
7:00 PM - Unpacking and Existential Dread: – Alright, unpacked. Clothes strewn, the usual chaos. This is when the real travel feelings hit. That weird sense of displacement. The little feeling of being an imposter in a strange place. This might sound over the top, but the utter banality of the hotel room magnified the strangeness and the feeling of not knowing where I was.
- Rambling Thought: Am I really going to spend the next few days cooped up here? Will I ever achieve true relaxation? Will I ever find a decent cup of coffee? (Important questions, people!)
8:00 PM - The Great TV Remote Conundrum: – The TV remote. The eternal struggle. Took me a solid 10 minutes to figure out how to change the channel. The buttons were like tiny, hostile goblins. Finally, victory! Then I promptly fell asleep halfway through a documentary about… something. Probably about beavers building dams. (I'm not judging; beavers are incredible).
Day 2: Mining, Mother Nature, and a Near-Disaster with a Pasty
9:00 AM - The "Complimentary" Breakfast: A Battle for Survival – The free breakfast buffet? Let's be real: it's a war zone. The waffles were suspiciously pale, the scrambled eggs looked suspiciously… plastic-y. I opted for a dry bagel and choked it down with a lukewarm cup of coffee that tasted suspiciously like dishwater. The staff was clearly also exhausted.
- Opinionated Language: "Complimentary breakfast" is a flat-out LIE. Call it "Survival Breakfast," then I'll give you credit for honesty.
- Emotional Reaction: Resisted the urge to cry. Focused on getting a decent meal as a personal challenge.
10:00 AM - A Visit to the Quincy Mine: Copper Dreams and Dust Bunnies – Okay, this was actually pretty cool. The Quincy Mine is a real, actual, historical mine. The tour guide was a grizzled, amazing guy with a deep, throaty voice and a wealth of stories. The sheer scale of the mine… the darkness… the feeling of history… it's all very humbling.
- Doubling Down on Experience: Got really into the Quincy Mine tour. I was fascinated by the stories of the miners, their lives, the danger. Spent an extra hour just poking around.
- Honest Moment: Definitely got a little claustrophobic in one of the tunnels. Had to take a few deep breaths and remind myself I wasn’t going to be trapped underground forever.
1:00 PM - The Pasty Incident: – Okay, so here’s the thing about pasties. They're a local delicacy, a sort of handheld pie filled with meat and veggies. They're supposed to be amazing. I bought one from a roadside stand. The aroma was intoxicating. I took a bite… and nearly choked. The crust was rock-hard, the filling was… something. I almost broke a tooth. The worst experience of the trip.
- Emotional Reaction: I was devastated. All those expectations, shattered by a single, poorly-baked pie. I actually considered writing a strongly-worded letter to the pasty provider.
2:00 PM - Staring at Lake Superior: – I wandered down to the shores of Lake Superior, needing to reset. The lake is massive, wild, and beautiful, even in the slightly overcast light. Sat on a rock and just… stared.
- Spontaneous Observation: The lake is so vast, it makes you feel utterly insignificant – in a good way.
4:00 PM - Looking for a good meal: - After the pasty incident, I was still hungry. I was too tired to look for a good meal. I ended up getting some pizza from a chain restaurant. It was good but not great, exactly what I needed after a crappy day.
7:00 PM - The Hotel Room Strikes Back: – Back at the Quality Inn. The beige assault continues. Another night of channel-surfing, and the feeling of being mildly trapped started to creep in again.
Day 3: The Escape (Finally!) and the Tiny Flicker of Hope
9:00 AM - One Last Breakfast: A Desperate Plea for Something Edible – I knew what was coming. I walked into the "breakfast" area, and I just stared at the pale bread, the suspicious eggs, and decided to skip it entirely. I just skipped it entirely.
- Opinionated Language: I now believe the "Complimentary Breakfast" is some kind of elaborate social experiment designed to test the limits of human endurance.
9:30 AM - Packing and Preparing to Leave: - The hotel will go down in history as a reminder that there is a level below average. This trip was a reminder that my life could and would be so much better, in a more comfortable hotel.
10:00 AM - The Ride Home (The Glorious Escape!) – The car was packed. The bags were stowed. And as I drove away, a strange thing happened. A tiny, almost imperceptible feeling of… gratitude? Maybe. For the experience itself, even the less-than-stellar parts. Houghton, Michigan, you were a mixed bag. Would I do it again? Maybe. But next time, I’m bringing my own pillow. Definitely my own pillow.
- Final Thought: Okay, this wasn’t a perfect trip. But it was real. It was messy, it was slightly disappointing at times, but it was mine. And sometimes, that's what matters most.
Okay, spill the beans! What *is* this "best kept secret" about the Quality Inn & Suites in Houghton? I'm practically drooling with anticipation!
Ugh, alright, alright! The secret? People are UNDERESTIMATING this place. Seriously. The Quality Inn Houghton isn't some five-star resort, let's be real. But for the price, the location, and the downright *charm* sometimes... it's a hidden gem. It's like the scrappy underdog of Houghton lodging. You *think* you want the fancy digs, but trust me, you'll be happier here. It's the kind of place where you can wear your flannel and not feel judged! (Because, let's be honest, it's Houghton.)
Charm, huh? What kind of charm are we talking? Like, dusty doilies charm? Or more... "unexpectedly clean" charm?
Okay, full disclosure: it’s *not* a perfectly Instagrammable place. There's definitely a hint of "lived-in" charm. Think slightly outdated decor – maybe a floral print sofa from the Reagan era, or a bedside lamp that looks like it was pilfered from a roadside antique shop. But the unexpected part is the cleanliness! Seriously, the staff works HARD. I’ve NEVER had a dirty room. And the beds? Surprisingly comfortable! Slept like a log after a long day snowshoeing, and that, my friends, is gold. Plus, sometimes, the staff will actually chat with you, which is nice.
Let's cut to the chase: The Breakfast. Is it the usual sad-looking continental breakfast parade of stale bagels and questionable fruit?
Okay, brace yourself. It’s not Michelin-star breakfast, but it's BETTER than the usual motel fare. They *usually* have waffles! And sometimes, actual sausage! And the coffee is (usually) hot and drinkable. I've endured some truly bleak hotel breakfasts in my time, so the fact that this one isn't actively offensive is already a win. Plus, it gives you fuel for your Copper Country adventures. Plus, there often is a cheerful lady working at the counter who greets everyone with a warm smile.
What about the location? Is it actually convenient for exploring Houghton and the Keweenaw?
This is the BIG selling point! The location is fantastic! It's super close to everything. You can walk to restaurants, bars... heck, you can practically *roll* to the Portage Lift Bridge if you've had one too many pasties. You're minutes from Michigan Tech, which, if you're visiting students, is a HUGE deal. And the drive up to Copper Harbor? Easy peasy. Seriously, you're perfectly positioned to explore the whole Keweenaw Peninsula. It's like your home base for all things UP!
Tell me about the staff. Are they friendly, or do they seem like they'd rather be anywhere else? I've encountered some... interesting hotel staff in my travels.
Okay, this is where it gets personal. I've dealt with some real characters in the hotel business. Thankfully, the staff here are generally lovely. Not saccharine-sweet but genuine and helpful. I remember one time, my room key wasn't working, and the front desk lady, bless her heart, fixed it with a smile and a "Sorry 'bout that, dear." They remember faces! They're not perfect, and they maybe have bad days too, but they're trying, and that means a lot to me. Plus, if you get to know them they will often offer insight into what they enjoy in the area.
What about the pool? I NEED to know: is the pool actually usable, or is it the murky, lukewarm disappointment you find in so many hotels?
Okay, okay, pool report. This is where I have a confession. I’m not much of a pool person! BUT, and this is a big "but"... I've peaked in a couple of times, and it always *looks* clean. Families seem happy in there. The temperature seems reasonable. Your mileage may vary depending on your pool preferences. I’m more likely to be found hiking, so I trust the reviews I read about it from other people. It *is* an indoor pool, so you have that going for you, especially if the weather is being unpleasant, which it often is in the UP! (I'd definitely recommend it for kids, or just a quick dip after a long day.)
Okay, let's get real: What's the catch? What's the ONE thing that might make someone NOT want to stay here? Give me the unvarnished truth!
Alright, here it is. The building, while well-maintained, isn’t brand new. The decor is a bit dated. If you're expecting sleek, modern minimalism, you're in the wrong place. It's not a "luxury" experience. Also, sometimes parking can be a bit tight, especially during peak season. It's a minor inconvenience, really, but I'm being honest. Some might find the noise from the hallway or nearby rooms to be an issue, so if you’re a light sleeper, pack earplugs (anyway!). The "catch" is that it's not perfect, but the value proposition is *off the charts*! It's comfortable, clean, and you're there to experience the Keweenaw, not the hotel room. Honestly, it's a small price to pay for a good location and a decent, quiet night's sleep. My biggest complaint is that not all the rooms are as well insulated against hallway noise, but I've never had an issue in a few stays.
What's the craziest thing that's ever happened to you at the Quality Inn Houghton? Spill the tea! (Or, you know, the coffee.)
Okay, buckle up. Prepare yourself for a story. It's not *that* crazy, but it's memorable. One winter, I was there during a blizzard. A *major* blizzard. Roads were closing. Flights were getting cancelled. I was stranded... and I was thrilled! The hotel was basically a snow fort. The staff was amazing – they were running around helping people, making sure everyone had what they needed. And then, the power went out. For like... eight hours. Disaster, you'd think! But no. The staff lit candles. We all gathered in the lobby. Someone had a guitar. We told stories. It was the most unexpected, heartwarming experience. We all bonded over shared misery, and it was actually a blast. That's when the magic of the Quality Inn Houghton really shined: It's more than just a place to sleep; it's a place where you might actually *connect* with people, even if it's just because a blizzard brought you together. That, to me, is worth way more than a fancy hotel room. It’s that kind of place.
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