Cranbrook's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn & Conference Centre Review (You WON'T Believe This!)
Cranbrook's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn & Conference Centre Review (You WON'T Believe This!) - My Cranbrook Confessions!
Alright, settle in, 'cause I'm about to spill the beans on Cranbrook's (allegedly) best-kept secret: the Days Inn & Conference Centre. And let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. Buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your average hotel review. This is a journey.
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- Meta Description: My honest review of the Days Inn & Conference Centre in Cranbrook, BC! From the surprisingly comfy beds to the, ahem, interesting breakfast buffet. Accessibility, amenities, and those little quirks that make a stay memorable (or utterly bonkers!). Get the real scoop!
(Accessibility - And My Semi-Failed Attempt at Being a Good Person)
Okay, let's start with something important: Accessibility. Now, I'm not disabled, but I ALWAYS try to think about it because… well, it’s just the right thing to do, isn't it? The Days Inn appears to cater to accessible needs. They advertise facilities for disabled guests. There’s an elevator, which is a huge win. But frankly, I didn't have a chance to deeply investigate the specifics so take it with a grain of salt. They say they're accessible, but whether that translates to actually usability for someone with mobility issues is something I can't personally vouch for. I should've asked someone, should've investigated further, but, I got distracted. Blame the breakfast buffet. More on that later…
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - OH. MY. GOODNESS.)
This is where things get… interesting. They've got on-site restaurants. Plural! Restaurants!! "They" offer up options for alternative meal arrangement. I'll be honest, I saw “buffet in restaurant” and my heart skipped a beat. I'm talking a full-on, carbs-galore, protein-piled, breakfast buffet. I'm not usually a breakfast buffet person, but hey, when in Cranbrook!
I went in… I saw… and I conquered. Okay, maybe "conquered" is too strong. Let's say I attempted to conquer. The scrambled eggs were… okay. The sausages possessed a concerning shade of grey. But listen, there were waffles. Glorious, golden waffles. And a whole vat of syrup. This is where my real confession happens: I am obsessed with waffles. I can’t resist them. They called out to me, their sugary siren song… I, as a normal human, was helpless. I went back for seconds (and maybe thirds?).
They also had a little coffee shop area, which was a godsend. Essential condiments? Check. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Check! Needed that caffeine. Later on, there's a bar. Never made it.
(Cleanliness and Safety - Is It Actually Clean?)
Now, in this post-pandemic world, cleanliness is everything. The Days Inn boasts a whole slew of safety measures. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Allegedly, check. I didn't see anyone wielding a fogger of doom, but the lobby did feel clean, so that's a good start. Room sanitization opt-out available? That’s good to know! I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so I appreciated the efforts.
(Internet & Internet - It's the 21st Century, People!)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! I repeat FREE WI-FI! This is a must-have these days. I had no issues streaming my favorite shows. The internet access (LAN) - good. Internet services? No complaints. It's all a blur of YouTube and Netflix, if I'm honest. Wi-Fi in public areas? I forgot to check - I was busy eating waffles.
(Rooms, Glorious Rooms, and a Few Oddities)
The room itself was… decent. Standard motel fare, really. Clean (phew!). The bed was surprisingly comfy. It actually had the kind of squishy factor that made it hard to get out of bed in the morning. There was a coffee/tea maker (essential!), a fridge, and a TV. The air conditioning was a blessing. The blackout curtains were a game-changer. They helped because, the sun in British Columbia is brutal! And the bed? Oh, the bed… I could’ve stayed in that bed for a week.
The "extra long bed" was a godsend for a slightly vertically challenged individual, such as myself.
Now, here’s where things get a bit odd. I am a sucker for hotel TV. The on-demand movies offered a pretty decent selection – a perfect excuse for some lazy afternoon viewing. But also… there was the decor. The room decorations? Let’s just say they were… eclectic. Think dated floral prints and some art that I think was a painting. It felt almost retro. Not necessarily bad, just… quirky. And what was with the giant mirror on the wall? I'm not sure, but I kinda liked it.
(Things to Do (Or Not), and Ways to Relax (Mostly Inside))
Okay, listen… This isn’t the Four Seasons. You’re not coming here for the spa. They have a fitness center. I saw it. It looked… functional. I didn’t go. I chose waffles. No body scrub (thank goodness - that sounds messy). There’s a swimming pool (outdoor). I didn’t try it. I was too busy with my waffle crusade. So, if you’re looking for a resort-style experience, this ain’t it.
(Services and Conveniences - The Little Things)
The Days Inn offers all the basics: Daily housekeeping was good, the staff were friendly and helpful, they had luggage storage, a 24-hour front desk, a convenience store, and a laundry service. Nothing spectacular, but all the essentials were present. The "cash withdrawal" bit in the list above is interesting because I can't remember seeing an attached ATM machine. I'm probably wrong.
(For The Kids (And the Kid in All of Us))
Family/child friendly? Yep. I saw plenty of families. Whether that's a "good thing" depends on your personal tolerance for small humans when trying to eat waffles.
(Getting Around - Cranbrook's Landscape of Convenience)
Car park [free of charge]? Yes! Blessedly, yes. That's HUGE in Cranbrook. The airport transfer, I didn't use. But it's an option!
(The Verdict - And a Final Plea for Waffles)
Okay, so… is the Days Inn & Conference Centre Cranbrook's “best kept secret”? Maybe not. But is it a decent, affordable, relatively comfortable place to stay? Absolutely. It's not perfect. There are definitely quirks, like the slightly questionable art and the buffet's… memorable offerings. But the staff were nice, the room was clean, the bed was comfy, and the waffles… oh, the waffles. They haunt me. So, maybe just maybe, they've got something good going on here.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Waffles. (And a bonus point for the free Wi-Fi.)
Would I go back? Absolutely. Just… maybe I'll pace myself on the waffles next time. And perhaps explore those restaurants more, and, for the love of all that is holy, finally check out the pool.
And, Days Inn, if you're reading this… send me a waffle voucher. Please.
Redondo Beach Getaway: Your Dream LA Stay at Residence Inn!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is a "Days Inn & Conference Centre by Wyndham Cranbrook (BC) Canada: A Soul-Crushing Attempt at a Vacation" itinerary. Let's do this, and let's hope I survive.
Day 1: Arrival & The Crushing Realization
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival & Check-In Blues:
- Expected: Smooth sailing. Greeted with a warm smile, the keycard glides flawlessly, and I'm whisked away to a pristine room.
- Reality: Uh, no. Arrive. Truck stops and mountain views greet me at the end of a long day, I pull up to the Days Inn, and the first thing I see is a guy wrestling a rogue shopping cart. A bad omen? Possibly. Check-in is a flurry of paperwork and a slightly bored-looking receptionist with a nametag that seems suspiciously fresh. The keycard. Doesn't. Work. Twice. Finally, get into the room, and I find it a lot less 'pristine' and a lot more… generic motel room.
- Emotion: Mildly perturbed. Is this the beginning of the end? Is this what adulthood looks like in Canada?
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Room reconnaissance and bathroom appraisal:
- Expected: The room and especially the bathroom seem clean, functional, and provide everything needed for an enjoyable time in BC.
- Reality: Everything seems mostly clean. The sink has a slow drain, and the 'hair dryer' is more like a puff of warm air. I can hear the highway in the distance. I am going to need earplugs.
- Emotion: Slight disappointment, but still holding onto hope.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Cranbrook Exploration (Operation: Find Coffee & Dignity)
- Expected: Charming small-town vibes, friendly locals, a quirky coffee shop with expertly crafted lattes.
- Reality: Cranbrook is, well, Cranbrook. Finding things is a bit harder than expected, and I am feeling hungry. I eventually find a Tim Horton's. The coffee is the required fuel and the doughnuts hit the spot!
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Disappointment at first - the town is very spread out, and I'm pretty sure my GPS is lying to me. Elation at coffee, then a sudden crash when I realize I've eaten three doughnuts. Existential dread sets in. Do I buy more donuts? Is this my life now?
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Dinner Disaster (Potential)
- Expected: Finding a nice meal where I can get everything I need.
- Reality: The place I wanted to go is closed, so I go to the other place I can find. It turns out, it is not as easy to find a place to eat as I thought.
- Emotion: Hungry and frustrated!
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Evening of Self-Reflection (aka, Watching Bad TV)
- Expected: A quiet evening, maybe read a book, reflect on the day.
- Reality: The TV in my room has more static than channels. I end up aimlessly flipping through channels, eventually landing on some mindless reality show. Eat some chips and ice cream.
- Emotion: Regret. So. Much. Regret.
Day 2: Adventures… and Maybe Regret
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast & The Buffet of Despair
- Expected: A free continental breakfast that is good, fueling for a day of fun.
- Reality: A depressing buffet. The coffee is lukewarm. The 'fruit' looks like it’s been sitting out since the last ice age. I load up on carbs. Can't go wrong with carbs (right?).
- Emotion: Apathy mixed with a touch of "I'm not sure I can eat another sad-looking piece of toast."
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Kimberley's Peak (An Actual Mountain?)
- Expected: A scenic drive and a short hike.
- Reality: Kimberley, BC. It's a cute little town with a surprisingly authentic Bavarian-themed vibe. I wander around, take some photos, and then… the hike. It was longer and steeper than I anticipated. My legs scream in protest. Halfway up, I'm convinced I’m going to die. I push through. Got some sweet pictures!
- Emotion: Mostly physical pain. Also, a fleeting sense of accomplishment. Followed by the crushing knowledge that I have to hike DOWN.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch in Kimberley (Or, Where Did All the Food Go?)
- Expected: Delicious food.
- Reality: I am starving after the hike. I find a small place. I order food. The food is all gone and they have to get more. I wait. I am hangry!
- Emotion: Anger at my stomach, and then at the lack of food options.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The 'Things to Do' That Weren't Actually Done
- Expected: Visit some museums.
- Reality: "Okay, let's hit up the museum!" I get there, "Sorry, we are closed." I check the next museum "Closed." The disappointment is hitting me.
- Emotion: The crushing disappointment you feel when the things you expected to do… didn't happen. At least I drove around a lot.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the Hotel and the Siren Song of TV
- Expected: Relaxing in the room and watching TV.
- Reality: I was wrong initially. There is not relaxing. I watch some of the TV, and then I watch something else.
- Emotion: I have no hope I can have a great trip.
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner and the Great Escape (Maybe)
- Expected: A final dinner out.
- Reality: I choose a restaurant. The food is okay. I think about packing up and heading home.
- Emotion: Regret. And wanting to go home.
Day 3: Departure & The Bitter Truth
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast & Goodbye, Buffets
- Expected: A swift breakfast.
- Reality: The same lukewarm coffee and questionable fruit. I grab a muffin and run
- Emotion: Relief.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Packing Up (Or, The Art of the Quick Getaway)
- Expected: Packing organized.
- Reality: Everything is a mess. I just stuff everything where I can. I don't care!
- Emotion: Rush.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Check Out & Escape!
- Expected: A quick and easy checkout.
- Reality: The keycard doesn't work! I try to be nice, but it is clear I have been defeated.
- Emotion: Done.
11:00 AM - Onward: The Drive Home & The Aftermath
- Expected: Reflecting.
- Reality: On the road. The trip was not as good as I hoped.
- Emotion: Well, on the road. At least the trip is over.
Cranbrook's BEST Kept Secret: Days Inn & Conference Centre - You WON'T Believe This! (FAQ - Prepare Yourself!)
Okay, listen up, because I'm about to blow your mind. Or at least, I'm going to *attempt* to share my experience with Cranbrook's Days Inn & Conference Centre. "Secret" might be a stretch... but let's just say, it's an experience. This isn't your typical hotel review, folks. We're going in DEEP. Get ready.
Alright, "secret" was mostly clickbait. Though, let's be honest, unless you're a frequent visitor to Cranbrook, or maybe a travelling salesman with a *very* specific penchant for budget-friendly lodgings, you might not have this place on your radar. Hidden passages and rogue llamas? Sadly, no (though that would make for a much better review, wouldn't it?). MORE like under-advertised is really what it is.
Okay, picture this: Step back in time to... the early 2000s? Maybe late 90s? The décor leans very heavily into "functional" and "slightly worn," shall we say. Think floral bedspreads attempting a comeback (they kinda do it here), and a general air of "we've seen some things." But you know what? There's a certain comfort in that slightly-weathered charm. It's not trying to be fancy, and in a way, that's refreshing. It's Cranbrook. It's *real*. (Plus, the elevators are a whole different vibe - I'll get to that later.)
Honestly? The rooms are... decent. Clean enough. The bathrooms were generally acceptable (always a plus!). The *real* test is the carpet, let's be honest. One time, I dropped a french fry (don't judge, I was tired!) and I swear it bonded with the floor. That's not a good sign. Thankfully, the carpet usually held up really well. The beds... well, they're beds. Not cloud-like, but they do the job. And hey, the AC worked! A huge win in a summer heatwave. (Sometimes...).
Breakfast... ah, the buffet. This is where things get *interesting*. I've seen it glorious: waffles, eggs, bacon, a whole panoply of sugary cereals. Then, I've seen it... less glorious. Like, the fruit salad was suspiciously pre-packaged. The coffee was... let's just say it *existed*. It's a gamble every morning, a roll of the dice. But, hey! FREE breakfast is FREE breakfast, right? Just temper your expectations. Also, it closes at 9:30. Make sure you budget for the breakfast rush or you will be *very* sad.
Okay, yeah, the conference facilities. They're... functional. The rooms are what you'd expect: tables, chairs, a projector, and a vague smell of stale coffee and ambition. They can accommodate a decent-sized group, but don't expect sprawling ballrooms, because this is Cranbrook. I attended a trade show there a few times. Good lighting, and an adequate amount of power plugs. It gets the job done. Plus, the conference attendees tend to be friendly.
Okay, buckle up. The elevator situation deserves its OWN FAQ. Firstly, there's *one* elevator. One! And let me tell you, it has a personality. Sometimes it's lightning-fast. Other times... well, it's a slow, agonizing crawl that feels like it takes an eternity. It makes odd noises. You might find yourself questioning the structural integrity of the entire building. I always held my breath... Just remember, if you're easily claustrophobic, or are in a hurry, take the stairs. I’ve been stuck in it for what felt like hours. (It was probably 5 minutes, but still!). It eventually got me where I needed to go. But the elevator? It's a *character*. It is THE character of the Days Inn.
Value? YES! For the price, it's hard to beat. If you're on a budget, or just looking for a place to crash without breaking the bank, the Days Inn is a solid choice. Would I stay there again? Hmm... Honestly, probably! I mean, the elevator alone is worth the experience (maybe). It's not a luxury resort, but it's comfortable. And it's Cranbrook. It's real. And sometimes, that's all you need. Just… lower your expectations, bring some hand sanitizer, and be prepared for a wild ride with that elevator! You might even meet a fellow traveler who has a story of their own. Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation. You might find you have something in common.
Honestly? The single biggest negative is that the elevator is unreliable.Escape To Inns
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