DoubleTree Delight: St. Paul's Hidden Gem Hotel?
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the, uh, delights of the DoubleTree Delight: St. Paul's Hidden Gem Hotel? (And yes, that question mark is as confusing as my love life). This ain't gonna be your typical, pristine review. We're getting real. Think less "perfectly pressed sheets" and more "real-life chaos with a splash of surprisingly decent coffee."
First Impressions (or, the Accessibility Abyss?)
Alright, let's rip the Band-Aid off: Accessibility. They say they've got facilities for disabled guests. Keyword: say. I didn't personally test every nook and cranny with a wheelchair, so take this with a grain of salt, but always, always ask detailed questions before booking. Front desk folks, be prepared! Give specifics, like if the elevator is wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair, and if it goes to the pool area, restaurant, spa.
(Rambling Interlude: Hotel Elevators and My Existential Dread)
Elevators. They're either a magical portal to your floor, or a slow, soul-crushing trek of awkward silence. I have this weird fear of being trapped in an elevator with a mime. Pure, unadulterated terror. Anyway… DoubleTree Delight's lift game needs a once over more than just the vague "facilities for disabled guests."
The Digital Deluge: Internet, Glorious Internet!
Woohoo! Free Wi-Fi in ALL rooms! Praise the digital gods! And good news, this wasn't some dial-up nightmare. Streaming? Check. Video calls to my bewildered dog? Check. The internet felt snappy (which is a huge win) even using Internet [LAN] if that's your preference. In short, the Internet services were up to snuff.
You get Wi-Fi in public areas too, by the way. So if you're one of those people who feels compelled to Instagram your every move, you're covered.
(Anecdote Alert: My Online Obsession)
I once spent a weekend in a hotel with dodgy Wi-Fi. I may have had a complete meltdown and almost threw my laptop out the window. It’s a serious addiction. That’s why the Wi-Fi here was a huge selling point for me.
Relaxation Station: Spas, Saunas, and the Seduction of Serenity
Okay, let's talk spa and the, let's be honest, the potential for feeling like a pampered queen. Deep breath. They offer a Body scrub and a Body wrap, a Fitness center, a Foot bath, a Gym/fitness, Massage, a Pool with view, Sauna, Spa/sauna, and a Steamroom. The Swimming pool (outdoor) is there. (Yes! Not just some sad, lonely, indoor splash zone. Get out and catch some rays!).
(The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Massage)
I got a massage. (Full disclosure: I'm a sucker for a good massage). It was… good. Not life-altering, but definitely a "ahhh, yes" moment. The spa area itself was pretty clean, calm and relaxing after a long day. Cleanliness and Safety: The Post-Pandemic Paranoia
This is the era of rampant hand sanitizer and existential dread, right? DoubleTree Delight seems to have gotten the memo. They're touting Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer available, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter (thank the gods!), Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Sterilizing equipment. Okay, wow, that's a lot of checks. It's reassuring to see, even if it's also a little… overwhelming?
I honestly don't know how they are but seeing the commitment in that area is truly comforting.
(Inner Monologue: The Perpetual Fear of Germs)
Look, I'm not a germaphobe, but I do appreciate not catching the plague. So yeah, the hygiene stuff gets a thumbs up from me. Plus, and this is a big one, you can request Room sanitization opt-out if you’re feeling like a rebel.
Food, Glorious Food! (Or, The Buffet Blues and 24-Hour Room Service)
Right, sustenance. Dining, drinking, and snacking. A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet]. Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, 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, and Western breakfast.
(Confession: I'm a Buffet Snob)
I love a buffet. Seriously. BUT, a bad buffet is a soul-crushing experience. The one here was… decent. Not the worst I've seen. Not the best. The coffee, however, was pretty good.
The Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver when you're battling jet lag or just want to hide under the covers with a pizza. The Bottle of water was a welcome sight in the room. They also had a Snack bar.
Services and Conveniences: The Extras That Make a Difference
Beyond the basics, DoubleTree Delight offers a respectable array of Services and conveniences. There is Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, Terrace.
(An Unnecessary Rant: Doormen and Disappearing Tips)
Doormen are awesome. They open doors! But have you ever given a tip, and then been left with a sinking feeling that it didn't make it into the right hands? It’s a hotel mystery!
Inside Your Room (AKA My Personal Sanctuary)
The Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
(My Room: A Tale of Two Halves)
The room was, thankfully, soundproof. I had the best night of sleep ever thanks to those Blackout curtains and was extremely pleased the Wi-Fi [free] delivered. The air conditioning worked like a charm, which is crucial in the summer. I loved the Reading light but they could have added a bit more in the way of décor.
Things for the Kiddos
They boast Babysitting service and are supposedly Family/child friendly, with Kids meal. (Though, again, I'm not a parent, so your mileage may vary).
(A Note About "Kids"—This is Where I'm Out)
I love kids from afar. From a very far distance. So, I can't really speak to the kid-friendliness. Sorry!
Getting Around (AKA Freedom!)
They offer Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, and Taxi service.
(Urban Survival: My Parking Panic)
Parking in the city can be a nightmare. Having on-site parking, and free parking, is a huge win.
Other considerations.
Exterior corridor, Front desk [24-hour], and Non-smoking rooms.
The Real Verdict
DoubleTree Delight: St. Paul's Hidden Gem Hotel? is… alright. It is not perfect. It has some rough edges (ahem, accessibility). But the cleanliness, the decent Wi-Fi, the 24-hour room service, the nice location, and the spa… all of that
Seoul's Galaxy Gangnam Zen Tower 3: Unbelievable Views & Luxury Await!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's rigid travel itinerary. We're doing this DoubleTree St. Paul East thang, and frankly, I'm already judging the pool situation based on online photos. Let's see if this whole thing is gonna be a blissful staycation, or a glorified minivan convention.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Cookie Conundrum
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at the DoubleTree (supposedly). "Supposedly" because knowing my track record, I'll probably circle the parking lot three times, muttering about bad GPS and a sudden existential crisis about the color of the hotel's exterior. Seriously, what is "beige with a hint of… hopeful?"
- 1:15 PM - The Cookie! The Moment of Truth. Okay, this is it. The legendary DoubleTree cookie. My entire mood hinges on this. Is it warm? Chewy? Chocolate-chip perfection? If this cookie disappoints, I'm officially filing complaints about false advertising. Emotional rollercoaster, commence!
- 1:30 PM - Check-in, and the Battle Against the Room. I’m praying for a room that doesn't smell of stale air freshener and despair. I've already mentally prepared for a lengthy debate with the front desk clerk about the lack of a decent view (even if it's just of a brick wall).
- 2:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance and Immediate Disappointment (Possibly). I'll scope out the room, assess the bed's firmness, the quality of the TV remote (because, priorities), and the overall feng shui. If the bed springs are suspicious, I'm trading it in for something else (which might be a couch).
- 2:30 PM - Poolside Pilgrimage (If I'm feeling brave). Time to face the music, or rather, the questionable chlorine scent of the indoor pool. Will it be packed with screaming kids? Will I accidentally splash someone with my "stylish" swimming goggles? Stay tuned…
- 3:30 PM - Unpacking and Settling In (or, the Art of Procrastination). Okay, fine, I guess I should actually unpack. But first, I need to strategically place myself in the most comfortable chair, surrounded by snacks and useless phone apps.
- 5:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Joint (hopefully not too local). Researching restaurants near the hotel usually involves a lot of Yelp reviews (because I have trust issues). I'm hoping for a place with decent food, reasonable prices, and minimal screaming children (again, trust issues).
- 7:00 PM - Back to the Room: TV Time and Existential Dread. Is there a decent channel selection? Will I spend the next few hours endlessly scrolling through streaming apps, feeling slightly empty inside? The suspense is killing me.
- 9:00 PM - Lights out (or, at least, pretend to be). Sleep is essential for emotional recovery after a tough day of hotel-related adventures.
Day 2: Exploring St. Paul (or, Mostly Staying In)
- 8:00 AM - Wake Up, Coffee, and the Eternal Breakfast Debate. Should i get the free breakfast that comes with the room or find a separate place? We'll see how lazy I feel.
- 9:00 AM - Actual exploration, because I should probably do something. The itinerary says to go somewhere in St Paul. Let's check out the Science Museum of Minnesota.
- 11:00 AM: Science Museum of Minnesota. I'll likely find that most of the exhibits are designed for children, which means I'll have to awkwardly pretend to be fascinated while secretly judging every other adult there. I'll probably feel inferior next to all the smart people exploring the place.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch (And Regretting That Overpriced Museum Gift Shop Purchase). I'll probably cave and buy an overpriced souvenir at the museum gift shop anyway, immediately regretting the impulse later.
- 2:00 PM - The Great Library of St. Paul (if I feel ambitious). I'm not a huge library person, but who knows, it might be aesthetically pleasing.
- 4:00 PM - Return to the Hotel and Immediate Bedtime. The day has been long. I can't handle anything else.
- 6:00 PM - Room service and an episode of [insert guilty pleasure show here]. Comfort food, delivered directly to my door, while I revel in the blissful solitude of my hotel room. This is the life.
- 8:00 PM - Lights Out (For Real This Time). The end.
Day 3: Departure and Cookie Farewell
- 9:00 AM - Check Out (Praying I Haven't Left Anything Behind). Searching every nook and cranny.
- 9:30 AM - One Final Cookie Run (Essential). Gotta make sure I didn't dream it. This is the make-or-break moment, the final judgment of my DoubleTree experience.
- 10:00 AM - Farewell (or, Until Next Time, DoubleTree). Leaving (hopefully feeling slightly refreshed and less emotionally scarred).
This is just a rough draft, people. Expect detours, meltdowns, and possibly a complete re-evaluation of my life choices. After all, life's too short for boring itineraries. And hopefully, the cookies were worth it.
Malacca City View Minimalist Home: Free WiFi & Stunning Views!
DoubleTree Delight: St. Paul - Your Questions (and My Answers!)
So, is the DoubleTree St. Paul REALLY a hidden gem? The word "hidden" always makes me side-eye...
Okay, okay, "hidden gem" is a loaded term. It makes me think of those overly-filtered Instagram posts, right? But honestly? Yeah, I kind of think it *is*. It’s not like, the *most* amazing hotel in the world, but it’s got this… vibe. Like, it's quietly competent, you know? It's not trying *too* hard. And in a world of aggressively trendy hotels, that's kind of refreshing. Plus, the location… well, we'll get to that. So, yeah, "hidden gem" might be a stretch, more like a "solid, reliable, and sometimes surprisingly delightful" find.
That cookie. The DoubleTree cookie. Is the hype real? Because honestly, I'm skeptical about free cookies.
Oh. My. GOD. The cookie. Alright, let’s be clear, I’m not a cookie snob. I’ll happily scarf down a Chips Ahoy! But this… this cookie... It's a *gateway* cookie, people! Warm, gooey, that perfect balance of crisp and chewy. I almost cried when I got mine. (Don't judge, jet lag is a powerful thing!). Okay, so, *is* the hype real? YES. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. I actually *factored* the cookie into my decision-making process. Which, looking back, is a bit pathetic, but also… justified.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually *convenient* for things? I hate wasting time on transport.
Okay, here's the thing. The location… it's not *right* downtown in the thick of it, but that’s actually a *good* thing, at least for me. It’s close to the Xcel Energy Center (hello, concerts!), the Science Museum (a surprisingly fun afternoon!), and a bunch of decent restaurants within walking distance. I walked everywhere, which is amazing 'cause I'm lazy. And, the BEST part? The airport is EASY to get to. Not like, New York or Chicago airport easy. I mean *actual* effortless airport access. I’m gonna say it was, like, a 20 minute cab ride, tops? Pure bliss. No soul-crushing airport commutes. Sold me right there.
Okay, but seriously, tell me about the *rooms*. Are they clean? Up-to-date? Like, are we talking about a 1980s time capsule situation?
Alright, I'll be honest. The rooms are… fine. They’re not *new*. There's no marble in the bathroom, no fancy smart TVs. My room, yes, was clean, and that’s honestly the MOST important thing. It had the basic amenities you need. The bed was comfortable, thank GOD. After my flight, all I wanted to do was collapse. Oh. And I can remember the bathroom. It was clean. And it was functional. Nothing special, but nothing atrocious beyond one slightly wonky showerhead that sprayed water everywhere, which I was, thankfully, able to control with a little jiggle. It felt like a place that's been around a while but is well-cared for. I've stayed in worse. Much, much, worse. So, yeah, thumbs up for clean and functional. Don't expect *luxury*, but expect a decent night's sleep and a non-moldy shower. And, frankly, after a long day, that's all I care about.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Because a grumpy concierge can ruin a whole trip.
Okay, staff. This is where the DoubleTree really shines. They're genuinely nice. Like, refreshingly *un-jaded* nice. I checked in late, super frazzled, thanks to flight delays, and the woman at the front desk was an absolute *angel*. Genuinely smile! Gave me the cookie with a huge grin! She made my grumpy self feel so much better with a simple 'Welcome! Hope you enjoy your stay!' She also gave me a few good suggestions for dinner (the restaurant across the street was great!). And that's the kind of thing you remember. It may sound silly, but it makes a difference. I can't stand fake smiles. This felt… real. And that's hugely important to me. It’s a good feeling.
Is there a gym? And if so, is it any good, or just a sad collection of dusty treadmills?
Ugh, the gym. Okay, to be perfectly honest, I didn't *personally* visit the gym. (Shame, I know, but I'm on vacation, dang it!). HOWEVER, I did peek in on my way to getting more coffee (coffee is a *necessity*!). It seemed… adequate. A few treadmills, some weights. Not the most amazing gym I've ever seen, but it looked clean and functional. If you're a serious gym rat, you might be disappointed. If you're like me, and the idea of exercise on vacation makes you want to lie down, it's probably perfectly fine. As long as there's coffee, I don't care.
Parking? Is it a nightmare? I HATE paying a fortune for parking.
Parking! Okay, I drove. (I know, I know. Public transport… I'm trying!) Parking at the DoubleTree was… well, it was *there*. It wasn't free, but it wasn't highway robbery, either. It was convenient, right on site, and I appreciated that. Because honestly, I can't deal with circling the block for hours looking for a parking spot after a long drive! Plus, I'm perpetually paranoid about people dinging my car. So, yes, the parking was a win, and the price was reasonable. It's a solid checkmark in the 'yes, I recommend it' column for me.
Food! What about the food? Breakfast? Is it the standard hotel buffet of questionable scrambled eggs?
Alright, the food. This is where things get a bit… I didn't have breakfast here. I just did not fancy it. But I *did* have room service! (Yes, I'm that person. Don’t judge me!). It was fine. Honestly, it was what you'd expect. I ordered a burger. It arrived quickly. It filled a hole. It wasn't life-altering, but it did the job. Basically, if you're looking for gourmet dining, maybe step outside. But for a quick, convenient, and not-awful bite? Room service is a win. The menu was pretty standard, they've got a good selection of things on offer, including the burger I had. Nothing to rave aboutWeb Hotel Search Site
