Sherwood Park's BEST Kept Secret: Four Points by Sheraton Unveiled!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Sherwood Park's "BEST Kept Secret": The Four Points by Sheraton. Now, I've stayed in a lot of hotels. Seriously, I've practically lived in them. So, take my word for it, this ain't your average cookie-cutter experience. Let's break it down, shall we? (And yes, I'm judging everything.)
Accessibility: A Solid Start (Thank Goodness!)
Okay, first things first. This is important. Accessibility. And, thankfully, the Four Points seems to get it. Check-in was pretty breezy – no fumbling with complicated systems. (Contactless check-in/out is a blessing for those of us who hate awkward small talk). Plus, they have elevator access, which is HUGE. No lugging suitcases up five flights of stairs for this old lady. They've got facilities for disabled guests, which is always a win in my book.
The Internet: Wi-Fi - The Modern-Day Lifeline!
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Hallelujah! Seriously, that's essential. And it wasn't the dial-up nightmare of yore. Fast, reliable, and good enough to stream my guilty pleasure: Real Housewives.
Rooms: The Real Deal (Mostly)
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (who even uses these anymore?), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, 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, 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.
- Quirks of the Room:
- The lighting was a bit…harsh. That’s a personal preference (I prefer softly lit rooms), but some might find it a bit too clinical.
- The closet space was decent, but I could have used a few more hangers. I swear, I packed my entire wardrobe.
- Loved the blackout curtains – a MUST for sleeping in!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun (And Sometimes, the Floundering)
The Four Points shines here. The list of options is extensive, and it caters to all tastes.
- Restaurants: a la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, 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.
- My Experience (The Buffet Drama): The breakfast buffet was… a thing. Okay, the scrambled eggs were a little sad (overcooked, like a forgotten promise), but the bacon? Crisp perfection. And oh, the pastries! I may or may not have eaten an entire croissant. I'm not judging you if you judge me.
- Happy Hour: Yes! (Need I say more?) The bar area was cozy, and the cocktails were strong enough to forget you have a million emails to answer. Bonus points for the friendly bartenders.
- Snack Bar: Perfect for those midnight cravings.
Things to Do: Relaxing and Recharging
- Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
- The Pool: The outdoor pool was… lovely! The view was good, the water was inviting.
- Fitness Center: It wasn't the Ritz, but it did the trick. More than enough to work off that extra croissant.
Cleanliness and Safety: The New Normal (And It's Good!)
They understood the importance of cleanliness. You could feel it.
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
- Hand sanitizer was everywhere. Which is a good thing!
Services and Conveniences: Perks, Perks, Perks!
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center,
- Laundry Service THANK YOU! I tend to spill everything on myself.
- The Staff: Every staff member I encountered was friendly and helpful and tried their best, which definitely enhanced the experience.
For The Kids:
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- Good news for parents!
Getting Around:
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking.
- Car park [free of charge]: A huge win for any seasoned traveler on a budget.
The BIG Conclusion (Drumroll, Please!)
Four Points by Sheraton in Sherwood Park? It's a solid choice. Not perfect, but definitely good. Clean, comfortable, and with enough bells and whistles to keep you entertained. It's got a certain dependable charm.
(Final Verdict: 4.2 out of 5 stars!)
The Offer: Your Escape Starts NOW!
Tired of the same old routine? Craving a little escape?
Book your stay at the Four Points by Sheraton in Sherwood Park now and receive:
- 15% Off Your Stay: Use code "SECRETESCAPE" at checkout.
- Complimentary Breakfast for Two: Fuel up for your day (and maybe sneak a few extra pastries!).
- Early Check-In/Late Check-Out (Based on Availability): Because you deserve to relax, not rush.
- Exclusive Access to the Pool and Fitness Center: Because self-care is important.
- Valid for stays until [Date - usually a few months out].
Don't miss out on Sherwood Park's BEST Kept Secret! Book your getaway today!
Indonesian Paradise: Your Private Plunge Pool Awaits (Luxury 1BR!)
Okay, buckle up Buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is… my travel itinerary. And trust me, it's going to be a ride. We're talking Four Points by Sheraton in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Expectations? Mediocre hotel, potential boredom. Hopes? Find a decent coffee and maybe, just maybe, stumble upon something unexpected. Let's dive. Day 1: Arrival and Initial Let-Down (Maybe?)
1:00 PM - Arrival, Check-in Nightmare (and the Smell of Chlorine): Ugh, gotta love the airport. I swear, every time I fly I feel like I’m being herded. And the baggage claim? It’s always a game of “find your suitcase in a sea of identical black rectangles.” Success! (Eventually) So, I ARRIVE at Four Points, Sherwood Park… after a twenty-minute drive feeling like I’ve driven through the surface of the moon. The receptionist sounded lovely on the phone, but now, she’s got this weird, overly chirpy voice, like she's mainlining happiness pills. Check-in? Took longer than it should, because of course, the computer system decided to take a nap. Seriously, who designs these things? Also, the lobby smells overwhelmingly of… chlorine? Like I've wandered into a never-used swimming pool. Not the most welcoming scent, I gotta be honest.
1:45 PM - Room Reconnaissance and Existential Dread: Okay, room. Standard. Nothing jumps out and screams “luxury!” It does scream “beige.” There's a single, sad-looking desk lamp and the air conditioning is already trying to fight the humidity, I can tell. Bed looks clean, which is the most important thing. I'm wrestling with a profound sense of… "Is this it?" Am I really here? At a Four Points in Sherwood Park? Is this my destiny?
- Quirky Observation: They've got one of those little coffee makers that look perpetually grumpy. Like, it’s judging my life choices.
2:30 PM - Coffee Quest, aka the Great Caffeine Hunt (and a Glitch): Alright, let's get some coffee. Needed! But the little coffee maker upstairs… well it's just not up to snuff. So the quest begins!! A quick google search yielded the hotel coffee shop, "The Lobby Cafe," which is almost as exciting as it sounds. I get there, buzzing with the caffeine need. It's closed. Closed? At two-thirty in the afternoon? Really?! Okay, deep breaths. Plan B. I'll walk, even though the parking lot outside looks like the moon, again. I stumble into a local coffee shop, called "The Broken Bean" and this tiny place is thriving. They're all laughing and friendly, the coffee is strong, the pastries look amazing and all the local gossips are congregated here.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure, unadulterated relief. That coffee tasted like liquid gold.
4:00 PM - Poolside Misadventures (Or, Why You Should Always Bring a Towel): Okay, the pool. I’m not usually a pool person, but I saw a photo and convinced myself I "deserved" a swim. First, I had a tough time seeing the way. I'm not sure why, but the directions were vague. I get there and realize, duh, I didn't bring a towel. There's a sign claiming towels are at reception. I haul my drenched self back. The receptionist looks at me with a mixture of pity and amusement. Seriously, I am a total cliché. I find the towel, go back, and the pool is… fine. Typical hotel pool. Slightly chlorinated, kids splashing. But you know what? It works. I just wanted to float. And I did. It was… actually kind of pleasant.
- Anecdote: Almost slipped on the wet tiles. Almost. My dignity barely survived.
- Rambling Moment: I started thinking about how hotel pools are just… existential. Everyone's just floating in the same water, wondering if they should spend more money on things, or buy more groceries. Like, what are we doing here?
6:00 PM – Dinner Debacle (and the Unexpected Burger Brilliance): I decided to be adventurous and try the hotel restaurant, "Gather." Mistake. The ambiance? Let's say "clinical". The menu? Mostly predictable. I ordered a salad. A sad salad. Like, a salad that was actively weeping about its existence. I was annoyed and probably making some really bad faces.
- The Burger Revelation: On a whim, I ordered a burger from room service. And… holy moly. It was amazing. Perfectly cooked patty, the bun was soft. The fries were crispy. It was a moment. A burger epiphany.
- Emotional Reaction: From the salad to the burger? I literally felt the shift from "why am I here?" to "Well, this is pleasant."
7:30 PM - Evening Wind-Down and the Netflix Abyss: More time for Netflix. The air conditioning unit is still in a cold war with the humidity. Overall, it's fine.
Day 2: Sherwood Park Adventures (Or, Lack Thereof)
8:00 AM - Quest for Breakfast, Part Deux (and a Local Delight): Okay, the hotel breakfast buffet. I'm bracing myself. The options are… well, there are options. Scrambled eggs that resemble a yellow, gelatinous mass. Sausage that seems to have died sometime last week. The coffee machine is not doing well.
- The Local Gem: Headed back out to "The Broken Bean". The coffee is great, and the pastry is divine. This time, their staff recommends a nearby bakery. I take the advice.
- Anecdote: I’m realizing I’m building a small mental map of Sherwood Park, coffee shop by coffee shop. I feel oddly… proud.
10:00 AM - The Great Shopping Expedition (or, Why Retail Therapy Always Fails): I decided to try the local shopping. I always think shopping will fix things. It never does. The mall was… a mall. Standard stores. A few aggressive sales people. I wandered aimlessly for an hour, feeling increasingly uninspired and like my feet were melting.
- Quirky Observation: I saw a woman wearing a shirt that said, "Powered by Coffee and Sarcasm." I almost high-fived her.
12:00 PM - Lunch Mishap and Contemplation: The restaurant I chose was not what I was hoping for. Food was average, service even more so, and I was left to my own devices.
- Rambling Moment: As I ate alone at an oversized table, I started contemplating the meaning of life, the universe, and everything (or at least, the point of this trip).
2:00 PM - Poolside Redemption and the "Just Be" Moment: Back to the pool, because… why not? I grabbed a book, and it was… quiet. Just the sound of the pool and the occasional splash. No deep thoughts. No grand revelations. Just… being. Bliss.
4:00 PM - The Room-service Burger: An Encore?: You know, I really want that burger again. I'm not even ashamed.
6:00 PM - Dinner (Maybe Just Another Burger): I'm back to my room, and I now have an undeniable craving for the burger.
Day 3: The Escape
8:00 AM - Departure. Finally: Checkout went surprisingly well. No computer glitches! I was out of there, freedom bound and ready to face whatever the next destination has in store.
9:00 AM - Final Thoughts: So, Four Points, Sherwood Park? Not exactly a life-altering experience. But, did I survive? Yes. Was the burger fantastic? Absolutely. Did I find a good coffee shop? YES! Is that more than I hoped for at the start? Definitely. So, I'm giving this trip, a solid… C+. It was… adequate. And that, my friends, is sometimes all you can ask for.
…And that, my friends, is my honest and slightly unhinged trip itinerary. Hopefully, it gave you a laugh, a sigh, and perhaps a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasure of a really good burger. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need another coffee. I hope you enjoyed the adventure!
Rosenflora Hotel Germany: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Sherwood Park's BEST Kept Secret: Four Points by Sheraton Unveiled! (Finally!) ... Or, You Know, Maybe Not?
Is Four Points by Sheraton Sherwood Park REALLY a secret? Because I feel like I've seen it...
Okay, okay, "secret" might be a *slight* exaggeration. Let's be honest, my kids used to bike past it every single day on their way to the splash park. They'd point and say, "Hey, it's the place with the... you know... the thing." And that was it. No passionate proclamations of hidden gems. But the *feeling* of it being a secret... well, that's accurate. It's not plastered all over Instagram, you know? It just... exists. Quietly. Kinda like a friendly, vaguely-remembered uncle who makes a killer BBQ (more on that later, maybe?). So, yeah, maybe "underrated" or "underappreciated" is a better term. And honestly? I'm okay with that. Keeps the riff-raff out. (Just kidding... mostly.)
Alright, spill the beans! What's the big draw? Why are you so hyped?
Okay, drumroll, please... *deep breath* ... it's the *atmosphere*, people! And, no, I'm not just talking about the air conditioning (although, let's be real, that's HUGE in the summer). Seriously, it's genuinely comfortable. It's not trying *too* hard to be fancy. It's got that classic, reliable, slightly-worn-around-the-edges feel that I actually *adore*. Think cozy sweaters and a well-loved copy of *Pride and Prejudice* (yes, I'm dating myself). And the staff? Seriously, they're fantastic. They actually *seem* happy to be there, which is a rare and precious commodity these days, am I right? One time, I totally forgot my phone charger. Panicked, of course. The front desk person, bless their heart, *actually* had a spare. Saved. My. Life. (Okay, maybe overreacting a tad... but still!)
The rooms! What are the rooms like? Spill the tea!
Okay, rooms. They're *good*. Not mind-blowing, luxury penthouse suites, but solid and dependable. Clean, spacious enough, comfortable beds (important!), and, crucially, the *blackout curtains* actually work. A HUGE win, especially if you're a light sleeper like me (and my husband, who snores like a lumberjack). They've got the usual amenities – coffee maker (praise be!), a mini-fridge, a functional bathroom. Nothing earth-shattering, but everything you need... and everything *works*. This is gold in the hotel world, believe me. One slight imperfection? The wallpaper in one room (this was years ago, mind you) had a tiny bit of peeling near the corner. Yeah, that really bothered me. I mean, it was *teeny*, but it was there! I'm probably being *way* too critical, aren't I?
You mentioned "BBQ." Is there a restaurant? Tell me about the food!
Okay, let's talk food... and this is where things get... *interesting*. Yes, there's a restaurant! It's called The Keg. And, in a bold move, this feels like it might even take a leap for the more popular hotel location. See, every other hotel has a standard, "blah" breakfast buffet. This one is decent. The usual suspects - eggs, bacon, the "meh" hash browns. But then one day, the chef was there. Which changed *everything*. I'll be honest, their burgers are pretty darn good. So if you're just going to want to walk around, it really is the choice location.
Is there a pool? My kids demand a pool!
Yes, blessedly, there's a pool. And a hot tub. And a *kiddie* pool! Which is a lifesaver if, like *my* kids, yours are obsessed with water. Honestly, it's the one thing that makes a stay truly kid-friendly. The pool area isn't gigantic, but it's clean, well-maintained, and not usually *too* crowded. One time, my son, bless his heart, decided to use the pool as a substitute for his toilet. The lifeguards were surprisingly calm. It was the most mortifying moment of my life, but even *they* seemed to understand. And the kids? Loved it. Of course, they did. Little devils.
Anything else that makes it special? Besides the pool and the pool of pee... uh, never mind.
Okay, let's try and forget the aforementioned swimming pool incident (shudders). Here's a less... messy pro: The location! It's right in the heart of everything, meaning you can do a *ton* without having to drive. This is a huge win! Parks, shops, restaurants, the movie theater, all within walking distance (or a quick five-minute drive). It's super convenient and super easy. And, oh! This is important! The parking situation is always good. No circling the block for 20 minutes, desperately looking for a spot. A small thing, maybe, but when you're dragging luggage and screaming kids, it makes all the difference. Basically, it's easy, it's comfortable, and it's reliable. And, for a frazzled parent, that's pretty much paradise. It's not perfect. Not by a long shot. But that's exactly why I love it. It's real. It's human. And it's my little, slightly-secret, escape.
Okay, okay, you've sold me. But let's be real, are there any downsides?
Alright, alright, let's get real for a second. Nothing's perfect. Perfection is boring. Some things to be mindful of: Sometimes, you can hear the occasional bit of noise from the hallway. It's not constant, but it's there. The gym is... small. Like, "two treadmills and a sad elliptical" small. But let's be honest, am I really going to hit the gym on a staycation? No. No, I'm not. It has *some* drawbacks, just like any other place. And hey, while it's not perfect, and while I'm sure there are better locations with grand features, it has its place. And that's what matters.
