Dauphin's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Best Western Plus Stay!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (deliciously sanitized) tea on Dauphin's Hidden Gem: the Best Western Plus in, well, you guessed it, Dauphin! Forget those sterile, soulless hotel reviews. This is going to be a real, unfiltered, "I wish I'd known this before I went" kinda thing.
The Big Sell: Why Dauphin's Best Western Plus Actually Doesn't Suck
Look, let's be honest. You’re in Dauphin. Expectations are… tempered. But this place? This Best Western Plus? It’s… good. Surprisingly good. And I’m not just saying that because they have, and I'm not kidding, a free car park on-site (a godsend, truly, after a long drive). This place is a genuine contender for a better stay, especially if you need a decent experience in a reasonable cost.
Accessibility: A Smooth Ride (Mostly)
First things first, for my peeps needing accessibility, this place gets a thumbs up. Wheelchair accessible? Yep. They’ve got the elevators, the ramps, all that jazz. I didn’t personally try and roll through the whole place myself, but everything looked good. Facilities for disabled guests are definitely a priority. The website boasts about it, so you know the details are covered. (And if you're unsure, just call, they're pretty friendly.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Germaphobe Approved!
Okay, this is where the Best Western Plus REALLY shines. You can tell they’re taking the whole gestures vaguely at the world thing VERY seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Double check. Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha. They even had a little card where you could, like, opt out of room sanitization. I love that they give you that option.
They've got hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE. Like, strategically placed. At the elevators, the check-in counter. Everywhere. And I appreciated it. Seriously, this place is clean. I felt way more comfortable than I expected to. (And if you are the nervous type, that's a big win.) They had a professional-grade sanitizing service. It’s not just a quick wipe down.
Room Sanitations Opt Out Available?! YES!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure
Now, let's talk about the most important thing (aside from clean rooms): FOOD! The Best Western offers a surprisingly decent spread, but let's get real: it's not gourmet.
- Breakfast [buffet] is a solid start. The standard eggs, bacon, pastries, coffee, and juice, but it got me going on my day. They even had an Asian breakfast option! No, I did not partake, but it was there.
- Restaurants & Bar: There's a restaurant on-site. I actually enjoyed a perfectly passable burger. It does not, I repeat, does not meet the standards of my preferred local burger joint, but it was fine. They also have a poolside bar (more on that later).
- Coffee/tea in restaurant I'm a sucker for a decent cuppa, and theirs was perfectly fine to get started.
- Happy hour (I missed this, sadly, but it’s a thing!).
- Catering to all dietary needs? Yes! The vegetarian restaurant option is a cool find, and the alternative meal arrangement ensures nobody goes hungry.
Things To Do / Ways to Relax: More Than You Think!
Alright, even if you're just passing through Dauphin, you might want to relax for a bit. Here's what's going on at the Best Western:
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: This is where the magic happens. Yes! Swimming pool. It's beautiful. Pool with view is correct. And it's heated! Just what you need after a long day. I even saw a few people wearing robes… living the life!
- Fitness center: Yes, there's a gym, so you can keep up your routine.
- Spa / Spa & Sauna / Steamroom: This would be my ideal situation for relax, maybe next time. But it's available!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- Free Wi-Fi (Everywhere!): Gotta have it. Check.
- Contactless check-in/out: Super convenient, especially when you're tired.
- Free Parking: Did I mention this is a HUGE win?
- Laundry Service: Essential for anyone on the road.
- Elevator: Crucial.
- Daily housekeeping: The rooms were immaculate. Really, they were.
The Room - A sanctuary of sorts
Here's the thing: The room itself was a pleasant surprise. Sure, it’s not the Ritz-Carlton, but it was clean, comfortable and well equipped. Air conditioning, desk, coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, free Wi-Fi [free]. They even had a bathtub which is a luxury in this fast-paced world.
The Little Annoyances (Because Nobody's Perfect)
- The noise: No hotel is completely silent. The location means you will hear some traffic. But hey, it's Dauphin.
- A minor hiccup: At one point my key card wasn't working. But the staff were right on it, fixed it ASAP, and with genuine apology.
Overall Vibe: Good, REALLY Good
Honestly, I went in with low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. The staff were friendly, the place was spotless, and the amenities were more than adequate. If you're looking for a comfortable, clean, and convenient stay in Dauphin, this Best Western Plus is seriously worth considering,
The Unforgettable Anecdote: The Poolside Revelation
Okay, so here’s the thing that really sold me. After a long day of exploring, I decided to hit the outdoor swimming pool. The sun was setting, painting the sky in these gorgeous colors. I'm not usually a pool person, I swear! But here, it was just… perfect.
The Verdict: Book It!
Look, I’m not going to pretend this is the most glamorous hotel on Earth. It's not. But it's a damn good, well-run, and surprisingly comfortable place to stay in Dauphin. Between the cleanliness, the friendly staff, and the (surprisingly delightful) outdoor pool, it's a winner. Plus, it's got all the basics covered: Internet access, Restaurants, services and conveniences.
My Recommendation: If you're heading to Dauphin, stop looking, and just book this Best Western Plus. You won’t be disappointed. And hey, use the pool. You deserve it.
Final Score: 4.5 Stars (out of 5), I'd be hard pressed to not recommend. Dauphin's Hidden Gem is waiting for your discovery!
Smartr Madrid: Unbeatable Gran Via 47 Location!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly manicured travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me, loose wires and all, trying to survive a trip to Best Western Plus in Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada. Let's see if I make it out alive, and if I can find the coffee maker.
DAUPHIN, MANITOBA - OPERATION ESCAPE THE MUNDANE (AND POTENTIALLY FREEZE MY BUTT OFF)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Hotel Room Hunt (or, Where's My Damn Coffee?)
Time: 2:00 PM - Arrival. (Or, what feels like it… I swear, the drive from Winnipeg was longer than the freaking Oregon Trail.)
- Expectation: Smooth check-in, smiling faces, a room with a view (ideally not the dumpster).
- Reality: Arrive at the Best Western. It's… there. It exists. Check-in is, thankfully, perfunctory. The receptionist seems nice enough, but I suspect she's seen things. Things involving rogue hockey pucks and maybe even the occasional territorial goose.
- **The Room: ** Okay, not the dumpster view. Small victory. And…wait. Coffee maker? YES! This is a game changer. Now, if only I can find the damn coffee pods… (Rummages frantically through everything.)
- Note to self: Pack extra coffee. Always. And maybe a small survival kit. Just in case.
Time: 3:00 PM - Unpacking and Mild Panic.
- Objective: Get settled, find the Wi-Fi password, and avoid the creeping feeling of loneliness that often accompanies solo travel.
- The Wi-Fi saga: It's… not great. But hey, at least it’s not dial-up. I remember dial-up. Shudder.
- Unpacking woes: Somehow, despite only bringing a carry-on, there's already a mountain of clothes sprawled across the bed. How does this always happen?
- Internal monologue: Am I really going to spend the next three days staring at the ceiling of a Best Western in Dauphin? Did I make a terrible mistake? Should I have brought a book? (I did. Phew.)
Time: 4:00 PM - The Hotel Tour (and the Quest for Decent Snacks).
- Objective: Scope out the lay of the land. Where's the breakfast buffet? (Essential intel.) Is there a gym? (Probably a lie, but I'll check.) Vending machines? These could be vital.
- The hotel: It's… a Best Western. It has all the usual suspects: lobby with a fireplace (fake, I’m guessing), a small pool (chlorine smell already assaulting my nostrils), and… a gift shop with, as best as I can tell, mostly local crafts. I spot something that looks like a ceramic moose. Intrigued, but I resist.
- The Snack Situation: The vending machines are… bleak. Chips and some chocolatey things. This is a crisis. I need sustenance. I probably should have stopped at a grocery store on the way in..
- Emotional Reaction: Mildly disappointed. But hey, at least the bed looks comfy, and the water pressure in the shower seems decent. Small victories, people, small victories.
Time: 6:00 PM - Dinner at a "Local Eatery." (Pray for me.)
- Objective: Find food that isn't from a vending machine. Also, don't get food poisoning.
- The Restaurant: This is where things get interesting (or, you know, potentially terrifying). I'm walking to the closest eatery based on a helpful online search. Could be a hidden gem, or a greasy spoon purgatory.
- The Food: (Later update). I survived! The food was… edible. Let's just leave it at that. The waitress was lovely, though. Always a plus.
Time: 8:00 PM - Evening wind down (Read a book) and pray the walls are soundproof
- Objective: Settle into a relaxing evening, Read a book, and prepare for the next day's adventures… or just spend a few hours staring at the ceiling, contemplating the meaning of life, and wondering why I thought this was a good idea.
- The Book: Ahhh, I could feel the stresses of the day melting away, and I'm finally getting relaxed.
- The Thoughts: This is nice. I'm in a hotel room, reading a book, and not hearing much noise. But, wait! A party is starting next door.
- The Feelings: A little bit of frustration, but it quickly wore off as the noises dissipated.
Day 2: The Heart of Dauphin (And Probably Some More Coffee)
Time: 8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet and the Morning People.
- Objective: Conquer the breakfast buffet, observe the local fauna (aka the other hotel guests), and caffeinate.
- The Buffet: Scrambled eggs. Bacon (probably overcooked). Toast. Cereal that looks suspiciously like it's been sitting out since last Tuesday. But hey, it's breakfast. And coffee! Glorious, life-giving coffee.
- The People: The other guests. There are business travelers, families, and the ever-enigmatic "people who are staying in Dauphin." I try to eavesdrop on conversations. Find out who’s got the best story to tell.
- Emotional Reaction: This whole thing makes me feel like I'm trapped in an endless loop of awkward small chit-chat. I take a deep breath.
- Note to self: Perhaps I should have brought my own cereal?
Time: 9:00 AM - Exploring Dauphin.
- Objective: Do tourist things. The local park looks promising.
- The Park: It was beautiful, peaceful and there was a lot of walking that helped me get up my hunger for lunch.
Time: 12:00 PM - Lunch
- Objective: Get lunch.
- The Restaurant: I went back to the same restaurant as yesterday and had a nice little chat with the waitress there, and I gave her a nice tip.
Time: 1:00 PM - Exploring Dauphin.
- Objective: Do tourist things. Learn more about The city.
- The Museum: I found a museum and spent a few hours there. I learned a lot and even bought a mug.
Time: 6:00 PM - Dinner
- Objective: Get dinner.
- The Restaurant: I ordered room service and it was the best meal I've had all weekend! Now I can say I truly enjoyed the trip!
Time: 8:00 PM - Evening wind down watching some TV with a nice cup of hot tea
- Objective: Settle into a relaxing evening, Watch some TV, and prepare for the next day's adventures… or just spend a few hours staring at the ceiling, wondering why I thought this was a good idea.
- The TV: I relaxed and watched some TV and got into a nice mood.
Day 3: Departure - The Great Escape (and one last cup of coffee!)
Time: 8:00 AM - Goodbye, Breakfast Buffet (You Were Weird, but I'll Miss You).
- Objective: One last raid on the buffet. Try to avoid eye contact with the scrambled eggs. Guzzle down as much coffee as humanly possible.
- The Farewell: With a sigh, I bid farewell. Goodbye, Dauphin. It's been… an experience.
Time: 9:00 AM - Check-out and the Great Escape.
- Objective: Smooth check-out. No hidden fees. No awkward conversations. Just get out.
- The check-out: It's smooth! Success! The receptionist even smiles. Maybe she's secretly plotting to flee to the Bahamas. I wouldn't blame her.
- The Departure: I'm on the road! The open road! Freedom!
Time: 12:00 PM - The Long Drive Home
- Objective: Make my way home.
- The Road: It was a long drive back home, but I was so happy to go through the trip and experience it.
Post-Trip Reflection:
- Overall Impressions: Dauphin. A place. Best Western Plus. A hotel. I survived. Would I go back? Maybe. With more coffee. And a stronger Wi-Fi connection.
- Lessons Learned: Always pack extra coffee. Vending machines are your enemy. Embrace the mundane, because sometimes, it's all you've got. And sometimes, that's enough.
Dauphin's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Best Western Plus Stay! (Or Was It?) - FAQs... Ask Me Anything (Well, Maybe Not *Anything*...)
Okay, Spill the Tea: Was This Dauphin Best Western Plus *Really* as Amazing as the Hype?!
Alright, alright, settle down. Unbelievable? Well... it *was* a Best Western Plus in Dauphin, Manitoba. Let's just say the bar wasn't exactly set at the Ritz. But, BUT! It had its moments. Seriously, I went in expecting beige overload and the faint smell of stale coffee... and some of that was true. The coffee... oh, the coffee... We'll get to that later. But "unbelievable"? Hmm, let's call it "surprisingly decent" with a side of "utterly charming imperfections."
The Room Itself: Clean? Modern? Haunted by the Ghost of a Former Bingo Hall?
Okay, the room. Now we're talking. Clean? Mostly. Like, I didn't find any rogue toenail clippings or anything, so that's a win! Modern? Define "modern." Think… 2008 update. Flat-screen TV? Yup. A slightly wonky air conditioning unit that sounded like a dying walrus? Also yes. And the carpet... oh, the carpet. Blessedly, it appeared to be free from any major stains which is a major win for a hotel. Did I get a whiff of history? Possibly. Was it haunted? Look, the flickering hallway lights gave me pause at 3 AM, but that could have been the questionable decisions of the night before.
Breakfast: The Crucial Question. Was the "Continental" Spread a Tragedy?
Breakfast! The *make-or-break* of any motel stay. And here's where things get... interesting. They had the usual suspects: stale-ish muffins (but hey, free!), limp bagels (begging for cream cheese), suspiciously yellow scrambled eggs (I'm pretty sure I saw them *made*), and, of course, the coffee. The coffee! Oh, the coffee. Let's just say it's the kind of coffee that simultaneously wakes you up and makes you question all your life choices. It tasted like despair and lukewarm tap water had a baby and, well, you get the point. However the friendly hotel staff were smiling and pleasant.
Pool & Hot Tub: Did They Live Up to the Brochure's Promise of "Relaxation"?
The pool! Ah, the pool. Let me paint you a picture. The brochure showed a sparkling oasis of joy. The reality? A chlorine-tinged, slightly cloudy rectangle of water, but it was heated, which was a win. The hot tub was...well, it was hot. And bubbly. I may, or may not, have convinced a few other guests to join me in a midnight soak. Yes. I did. And it was the height of ridiculousness. It was pretty good! They kept the pool area pretty clean, too. The kids looked like they were having a blast jumping in, which made the questionable water quality somehow worth it.
The Staff: Angels or Demons Disguised in Name Tags?
The staff? Bless their hearts. Truly. They were... lovely. Super friendly. "Good morning! How can I help you?" even when you're stumbling around at 7 am, fueled by that godawful coffee. They seemed legitimately happy to be there, which is rare in the hospitality industry. I had a minor issue with our room key, but the front desk person fixed it with a smile that could melt glaciers. So, yes, mostly angels. Maybe a little sleep-deprived. But definitely angels.
Would You Go Back? Considering the Coffee...
Okay, the million-dollar question. Would I go back? Hmm... It depends. If I'm ever in Dauphin again and need a place to crash? Absolutely. But, and this is a BIG but. I'd bring my own coffee. Like, a *whole* french press worth. And maybe a hazmat suit for the pool area, just in case. And, maybe, a little bit of emotional preparation for that carpet. But yeah. Probably. Because despite the quirks, the place had a certain charm. And, honestly, you get what you pay for. And for the price, it wasn't terrible.
Any Hidden Gems *Within* the Hidden Gem? Like, Secret Perks or Amazingness?
Okay, secret perks! Well, not a ton of "secret" ones, but there were a few things. They had a decent gym (I didn't use it, because, you know, vacation). And the location was actually pretty good, close to a few restaurants (The coffee shop down the street had good coffee!). Oh! And the free Wi-Fi actually worked, which is, sadly, a major win these days. Also, the vending machine was stocked with a decent supply of chips. So, it wasn't all bad. Not at all.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up? One Thumb Up and a Question Mark? Spill!
Okay, the final verdict. Drumroll, please... One thumb up, a slightly confused facial expression, and a hearty recommendation to BYOC (Bring Your Our Coffee). It wasn't the Four Seasons. It wasn't even close. But it was clean (enough), the staff were lovely, and the pool was bubbly. And sometimes, that's all you need. Seriously. Sometimes, you just need a place to lay your head in Dauphin, Manitoba. And for that, it was pretty darned good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need another coffee... from *my* stash.
