Detroit Novi Hotel: Orchard Hill Place's BEST Extended Stay Deal!
Okay, Buckle Up Buttercups! My Brain-Dump Review of the Detroit Novi Hotel: Orchard Hill Place's "BEST Extended Stay Deal!" (aka, Let's Figure Out If This Place Is Worth a Damn)
Alright, folks, let's be honest. I'm not a robot and this ain't some sterile Forbes write-up. We're diving DEEP on the Detroit Novi Hotel: Orchard Hill Place, specifically their supposed "BEST Extended Stay Deal!" because, let’s face it, who actually enjoys extended stays? Me? No… I thrive on it. I live for it. I'm a homebody with a serious wanderlust problem, so I kinda know what I'm looking for. Let's see if this place gets it.
First Impressions and Overall Vibe (The Good, the Bad, and the "Hmm…")
Finding a hotel, any hotel, that screams "Extended Stay!" without instantly making you feel like you've signed up for solitary confinement is a challenge. This isn't a luxurious resort, folks, this isn't the Ritz. But it's not a roach motel either (hopefully!). The Detroit Novi Hotel: Orchard Hill Place, from the pictures, looks… decent. Clean lines, not a lot of clutter. The exterior reminds me of a slightly upscale office building. That's not bad, necessarily. It means it aims for professional, which is a good starting point for longer stays. My initial reaction? "Okay, this could work."
(Accessibility - Let's Get Real!)
Wheelchair Accessibility: This is crucial. My Aunt Carol uses a wheelchair, and a hotel that's even slightly inaccessible is a deal-breaker. Luckily the brochure mentioned it! A lot of hotels claim to be accessible and then you get there and it's like navigating a mountain goat path. So, on paper, this looks promising.
Facilities: This is a MUST. It'll be good for those who have mobility issues.
Other things I feel is important, and is mentioned in the hotel's features, is for the disabled guests. This will be useful for the guests.
(Cleanliness & Safety - Seriously, This Is the Most Important Thing Right Now)
Okay, let's cut to the chase: 2024 has the global pandemic, and I don't want to catch a cold. Cleanliness is paramount. I'm allergic to mold and dust bunnies. We're talking full-blown sneezing fits and watery eyes kind of allergic. So, I'm scrutinizing this section HARD.
"Anti-viral Cleaning Products": Okay, good start. Sounds reassuring. Fingers crossed they actually USE them.
"Daily Disinfection in Common Areas": Excellent. This is what I want to hear. Constant cleaning. Constant vigilence.
"Rooms Sanitized Between Stays": Another win. No mystery germs left from the previous occupants.
"Room Sanitization Opt-Out Available": I love this. Gives guests flexibility.
"Staff Trained in Safety Protocol": This is crucial. You need a team that understand all the cleaning protocols.
"Hand Sanitizer": Everywhere? Hopefully.
"Hot Water Linen and Laundry Washing": Standard, but vital.
"Hygiene Certification": If legit, this earns serious points.
"Sanitized Kitchen and Tableware Items": Vital for extended stays.
"Safe dining setup": Another huge bonus, because I don't want to be cramped.
"CCTV in common areas": Good for deterring unwanted guests.
"Security [24-hour]": Also, good for safety.
So far, so good! I'm cautiously optimistic. The promise of cleanliness is there. Now, the execution is what matters. I'm ready to check out the reviews for any horror stories.
(The Room Itself: What Can You Actually Expect for Extended Stay? The Clutter Factor)
Now, let's talk about the actual living space. Extended stays need comfort and functionality.
- "Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone, bathtub, blackout curtains, 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." That's a lot. Let's break it down, because, frankly, even I'm overwhelmed.
- Essentials: Air conditioning, free Wi-Fi (absolutely essential for me!), a desk, a comfortable bed, a mini-fridge, a coffee maker, and sufficient storage are absolute must-haves. The "extra long bed" is a nice touch for taller folks (or people who just like to sprawl).
- Nice-to-Haves: I dig the complimentary tea ("complimentary tea"), bathrobes (lazy mornings, yes!), and the laptop workspace. Blackout curtains are a godsend for sleep.
- Red Flags: "On-demand movies" are nice, but do they charge for them? And let's hope the “safe/security feature” is secure.
- Important Factors: The "window that opens" is going to be important. I actually would like to explore the outside world.
Cleanliness again: Daily housekeeping will be another plus with the air conditioning.
Internet Access, and all the Frills!
"Internet access – LAN", "Internet access – wireless": The "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" is listed twice, so I'm guessing it means the hotel is good with connectivity, so that's a huge win.
"Internet": Just want the access to the internet.
"Internet services": Anything to keep the connections consistent, so great!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because, Let's Face It, We ALL Get the Munchies)
- Breakfast? The Holy Grail: "Breakfast [buffet]" is a MUST for extended stays. I do not want to hunt for breakfast every single day. "Breakfast in room", if available, is perfect for lazy mornings. "Breakfast takeaway service" is also good, even if it's to take to your room.
- Restaurant, Bar, and Coffee Shop: The presence of a "Bar," "Coffee shop," and "Restaurants" suggests a reasonable selection. The fact that the "Restaurant" offers Western, International and Asian cuisine (and, yes, "Vegetarian restaurant") is great! The "Poolside bar" is a bonus.
- Convenience: "Room service [24-hour]," "Snack bar," and "Coffee/tea in restaurant" will make a world of difference during a long stay. I love the "Bottle of water", this is just what I want.
Things To Do (aka, How to Avoid Going Stir-Crazy)
- Relaxation Stations: "Pool with view," "Sauna," "Spa," "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom," "Swimming pool," and "Swimming pool [outdoor]"? YES! I'm a pool person. The "Fitness center" is another plus (though I sometimes struggle to get myself to actually use it).
- Other Options: "Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage" all add variety.
- Nearby attractions: I'm going to be staying for a while, and I don't know how excited I am to stay indoors!
Services and Conveniences (The Nitty-Gritty Stuff that Matters)
- Logistics: "Laundry service," "Dry cleaning," "Cash withdrawal," "Currency exchange," "Luggage storage," "Concierge," "Concierge" are all SUPER helpful.
- Business Needs: "Business facilities," "Meeting/banquet facilities," "Meeting stationery," "Xerox/fax in business center" suggest it's geared towards business travelers. I'm not one, but hey, it's all good.
- Extra Touches: "Gift/souvenir shop" is a nice touch. "Convenience store" is a MUST for late-night snack runs. "Car park [free of charge]" is essential (I don't want to pay extra).
- "Facilities for disabled guests": Important for families.
(For the Kids - What if You're Dragging the Whole Crew? It's Great!)
- "Babysitting service", "Family/child friendly", "Kids facilities," "Kids meal" are all definite positives.
**(Getting Around and Other Practical
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive into the gloriously imperfect mess that is my Extend Stay America adventure in Novi, Michigan. Forget those pristine itineraries you see online – this is the real deal, warts and all. Prepare for a ride…
Day 1: Arrival – The "Oh God, I Forgot My Toothbrush" Tango
- 14:00: Arrive at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW). The airport is…well, it's an airport. Nothing spectacular, nothing awful. Just a soul-crushing expanse of overpriced caffeine options and the constant hum of departing jets that makes you secretly hope one of them is going anywhere but here.
- 14:45: Rental car pickup. Let me tell you, dealing with rental car agencies is a test of human patience rivaled only by assembling IKEA furniture. I was promised a “compact SUV,” but received some sedan that looked suspiciously like the lovechild of a Corolla and a toaster oven. Fine. Whatever. It gets me there.
- 15:30: Drive to Extended Stay America – Novi – Orchard Hill Place. Google Maps, God bless her algorithmic heart, guides me. Though, I swear, she's got a sadistic sense of humor. Every now and then, she decides to reroute me through a residential area where the speed limit is slower than a snail on Ambien.
- 16:00: Check-in. The front desk clerk, bless her soul, looks like she's seen things. Probably dealt with some truly special characters in this place. I get my key card, take it, and stride confidently towards the room.
- 16:15: Room reveal. Okay. It's… functional. Sterile, almost. The kitchenette looks like it hasn't been updated since the Clinton administration. I throw my luggage down and then, the realization: I forgot my toothbrush. My god, the toothbrush, the ultimate travel sin. It’s a disaster! Commence frantic inner monologue: “Do I go back out? CVS is probably a good distance away. Do I use my finger? No, no. Never. But what if I get to the checkout with my stuff and that cashier is super nice and then I can't talk because I realized that my teeth are yellow and my breath smells like a dumpster? Ahhhhhh!”
- 17:00: Raid the vending machine. Desperate times call for desperate measures. I am not proud to report that I consumed a bag of stale pretzels, some suspiciously green-looking sugar wafers, and a can of Mountain Dew that could probably power a small car. Regret settles in.
- 18:00: Dinner. I decide to be a grown-up adult and order some takeout. I order take out from a local pizza place, and it's surprisingly decent, if a tad greasy. I fall asleep to an episode of Forensic Files.
Day 2: Exploring Novi – The "I Found a Gem (and a Parking Ticket)" Saga
- 08:00: Wake up. (Sadly, the toothbrush situation persists.) I contemplate the existential dread of a long day without proper oral hygiene. I need to go shopping. And find a toothbrush. And some sort of decent coffee.
- 09:00: Breakfast in the kitchenette! Because I am an adult, I make instant oatmeal. It's sad.
- 10:00: Venture out to Twelve Oaks Mall. This place is immense. Seriously, it could house a small village. I find a CVS. I also find a toothbrush. Victory! I buy a travel-sized toothpaste. Suddenly, I feel like I can take on the world. Which, I will, because the world now has a fresh taste of mint.
- 12:00: Lunch at a food court. Mall food courts are a mixed bag. I'm in the mood for anything but the usual chain fare. I choose something spicy.
- 13:00: Return to the Extended Stay. Rest. Because you know, the "functional" room has a bed. I take a nap and find that the sun is glaring through the thin curtains.
- 16:00: I decide to make a stop to a local park. I pick up some snacks, some drinks, and spend a few hours feeling the breeze. It’s nice, I need it.
- 18:00: Dinner. I eat leftovers. Because that is what adults do.
- 19:00: Watching TV. Another episode of Forensic Files. Because who needs a social life when you have cold cases and the endless search for truth?
Day 3: Detroit Day Trip – The "Motor City Mayhem" Edition
- 08:00: Start the day, still armed with my toothbrush. This is progress! Drive into Detroit, which is… well, it's Detroit. The city has this raw energy, this history etched into every building, every street. It's both beautiful and heartbreaking. I find something compelling about it.
- 09:00: Visit the Henry Ford Museum. This place is AMAZING. Seriously, get ready to be blown away. I spend hours there. From the Rosa Parks bus to the Dymaxion House, The Ford Museum is like a time machine. The sheer volume of artifacts is overwhelming, and you feel the weight of history on your shoulders. I get lost wandering through the exhibits. I could write an entire essay on the sheer brilliance of this museum.
- 12:00: Lunch. I ate at the museum cafe.
- 14:00: Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts. The DIA is world-class. The Diego Rivera murals are breathtaking. I find myself lost in the beauty.
- 16:00: Drive back to Novi. I feel exhausted, exhilarated, and completely overwhelmed by what I saw in Detroit.
- 18:00: Dinner. I settle for a bowl of instant noodles.
- 19:00: Bed. I am out.
Day 4: Departure – The "Is This Really My Life?" Reflection
- 07:00: Wake up. Pack up my things. The room is now messier than when I came in. (Hey, I'm on vacation, okay?)
- 08:00: Head to the airport.
- 09:00: Security.
- 10:00: Boarding.
- 11:00: Take-off. Looking out the window, I reflect. Extended Stay America was… an experience. Not glamorous, not luxurious, but it got the job done. I survived, got a toothbrush, ate a surprising amount of bad food, and saw some incredible things. And you know, that's what travel is all about, right? The messy, imperfect, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding journey.
- 12:00: Flight home.
- 13:00: Land and head home.
And that, my friends, is my Extended Stay America experience in Michigan. It wasn't perfect. It wasn't always pretty. But it was mine. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go floss.
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Alright, Alright, Alright... Let's Talk Detroit Novi Hotel: Orchard Hill Place - The Extended Stay Hustle!
So, what's the *actual* deal with this "BEST Extended Stay Deal"? Is it just marketing fluff?
Okay, real talk. "Best" is subjective, right? But honestly? It's pretty darn good. I stayed there for like, two months last year. Long story short, a pipes burst at *my* place (classic, right?), and I needed somewhere fast, and *affordable*. This place? Checked both boxes. They've got decent sized rooms, a kitchenette (microwave, fridge, the essentials – no oven though, which was a *minor* tragedy for my pizza cravings), and it's *way* cheaper than most hotels in the area, especially for a long-term stay. Think of it as… well, less "luxury stay," more "adulting survivial kit," which I greatly needed.
What kind of rooms does it have? Is it cramped?
Cramped? Well, it's no mansion, but I wouldn't say crammed. They're designed for, y'know, *living*. They have different room types, from studios to suites. I opted for the suite, which I appreciated. It had a separate area for the bed and a lil' sofa. It wasn’t *spacious*, but I could actually *breathe* and not feel like I was living in a shoebox. Plus, a proper closet is a HUGE win when you're living out of a suitcase.
Tell me about the kitchenettes. Are they actually *usable*? I like to cook.
Okay, this is important. "Kitchenette" might be stretching it a *little*. It's more like a "microwave/fridge/sink situation." The microwave is your *best friend*. I did a lot of microwaved dinners, I won't lie. The fridge is decent enough for storing leftovers and your precious cold beverages. The sink is fine, nothing fancy. You probably won't be rustling up gourmet meals, but you can survive. I actually *did* manage to bake a cake once. Don’t ask. Long story short-it was a disaster, (and I can't stress enough - no oven) - so maybe temper your expectations if you're a foodie.
What about the amenities? Is there a gym, pool, free breakfast?
Nope. No gym, no pool, no free breakfast buffet. It's more of a "grab-a-coffee-and-go" kind of vibe. They have laundry facilities, which is a lifesaver when you're staying for a while. There's also, I think, a little business center with a printer. Honestly, I barely used any of the amenities. I was more focused on surviving my broken-pipe situation. The *lack* of a pool, however… missed opportunity, if I'm being honest. Summer in Michigan? A pool would have been *delightful*.
Is it close to anything interesting? Restaurants, shopping, etc.?
Okay, again, this is where it kinda shines. It's in Novi. Novi is basically a giant mall with restaurants scattered around. You're close to Twelve Oaks Mall, which is HUGE. Literally everything you need is within a five-minute drive. Target, Kroger, Chipotle, whatever your heart desires. Food is good, but it is *so* easy to fall into the "eat out every night" trap, so watch that credit card! And if you’re into that, you should go to Tios, it's the best Mexican food you'll ever have!
What's the parking situation like?
Parking? Easy peasy. Plenty of free parking. Seriously, no drama there. You'll have no problem finding a spot, unlike some other hotels I've stayed in where you're circling the block for an hour. A definite plus!
Is it noisy? I'm a light sleeper.
Hmm. This one is a bit of a mixed bag. It depends! It's a hotel, so you're going to hear *some* noise. Sometimes you’ll hear the doors slamming, people talking in the hallways. But, overall, it wasn’t *horrendous*. I did, however, experience the dreaded late-night party from the room upstairs – seriously, you could hear EVERYTHING - they were blasting music until 3 AM. But thankfully, that was an isolated incident. I recommend bringing earplugs, just in case. Better safe than sleep-deprived.
What about pets? Are they allowed?
I'm pretty sure they are PET FRIENDLY! I think I saw a dog or two. Check the hotel website, though, to confirm. And *definitely* check on any extra fees. Because, you know... *money*. My experience was with my own pipes bursting but my friends loved it for their pets, and I wish I had my own!
Okay, but what was the *worst* part of staying there? Be honest!
Okay, okay. Don’t judge! The worst part… this is going to sound super whingy, but… the lack of natural light in my room. The windows were small, and I was on the ground floor, which meant it felt perpetually gloomy. This is *crucial* to my well-being. I *need* sunshine. I’d spend my mornings at a coffee shop just to get some vitamin D. It's a minor complaint, I know, but it gradually wore me down. If you’re sensitive to that kind of thing, request a room on a higher floor. Seriously, psychological warfare.
And the *best* part? Really hit me with it!
The best part... without a doubt, was the *staff*. Honestly, they saved my sanity. They were unfailingly kind, helpful, and patient, especially when I was probably being a total mess (thanks a lot, broken pipes!). They were super accommodating. I mean, I lost my keys once, locked my self out while I was half asleep... they just smiled and got me a new one, no questions asked. They took pride in the hotel, and are what made it feel like a home... or something resembling one. Really, they’re the heroes. That, and the priceHotelicity
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