Escape to Blainville: Days Inn's Unbeatable Quebec Getaway!
Escape to Blainville: Days Inn - My Quebec Getaway That Almost Wasn't (But Totally Was!)
Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is a confession wrapped in a recommendation, seasoned with a healthy dose of Quebecois charm and questionable decision-making. Let's get this straight: I went to Blainville, Quebec, expecting… well, I didn't quite know what to expect. I’d just booked the Days Inn on a whim, thinking, "Hey, cheap and cheerful! Gotta love a Days Inn!" It turned out to be a lot more than I bargained for, in the best possible way.
Accessibility: Score! (Mostly) The official description says "Facilities for disabled guests," which is a good start. I'm not personally reliant on those facilities, but I poked around. Elevators? Check. Wide hallways? Yep. Signs in Braille? Didn't spot those, but the overall impression was good. They’re definitely thinking about it, which is a win in my book.
Cleanliness and Safety: Obsessively Clean (Seriously, It Was a Bit Much) Listen, I’m a germophobe, and even I was impressed. Days Inn Blainville takes "clean" to another planet. We’re talking:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yep.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Like, the whole place got blasted every day.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere. I felt like I was in a sanitizing wonderland.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Okay, this is good. Makes you feel like you have a choice.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Duh.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: You could tell. They were masked, and they kept their distance.
- Sterilizing equipment: Probable. They were not messing around.
This level of cleanliness made me feel safe, which is a BIG thing these days. I loved that they were serious about it, even if it felt a little… intense. The whole "safety/security feature" thing made me feel safe. There was CCTV at the front and outside, and security 24/7.
Rooms: My Tiny, Safe, and Surprisingly Comfy Fortress
Okay, the room wasn't huge. (Okay, it was a standard hotel room.) But man, was it comfortable. And clean! Seriously, the cleanliness was a major selling point. But the features were fine too!
- Air conditioning: Essential in a Quebec summer.
- Blackout curtains: Needed for those late-night, "oops, I've watched too much TV" moments.
- Coffee/tea maker: Thank the heavens. I need my caffeine fix.
- Free Wi-Fi: Naturally.
- Hair dryer: A necessity.
- Non-smoking rooms: Always a win for this non-smoker.
- Private bathroom: Obviously.
- Satellite/cable channels: Lots of options to enjoy.
- Seating area: Kind of cozy, but worked.
- Smoke detector: Good.
- Wake-up service: Never used it. Always set my phone alarm.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes, always.
- Window that opens: Fresh air, FTW!
And that bed? Seriously comfy. I slept like a log.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Unexpected Culinary Adventure (Kind Of)
Okay, the food scene… wasn't exactly Michelin-star level, but for a Days Inn, it was surprisingly good.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Standard fare. But the croissants were delicious. Seriously, I ate way too many. (And probably gained five pounds.)
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Essential.
- Coffee shop: Handy. I took advantage.
- Snack bar: For when you're feeling munchy.
Things to Do in Blainville (And Why You Might Not Want to Leave the Hotel)
Honestly? Blainville itself isn't exactly a bustling metropolis. But there are some hidden gems and a lot of nature.
- Fitness center: Okay, I lied. I didn’t go. Judge me. But it was there!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Beautiful! I actually did swim, and there was a "pool with a view" so that was fab!
Services and Conveniences: Above and Beyond (Seriously)
- Cash withdrawal: Helpful.
- Daily housekeeping: Room was spotless.
- Elevator: Essential.
- Ironing service: Nice.
- Laundry service: Saved me.
- Luggage storage: Convenient.
- Car park [free of charge]: Big win.
- Concierge: Helpful and very nice.
The Big "Why You Should Book" Pitch
Okay, so, here’s the deal: Escape to Blainville: Days Inn's Unbeatable Quebec Getaway! is a steal. For the price, you get a clean, comfortable, and safe home base to explore Quebec. Plus, the staff is incredibly friendly, like genuinely nice people. It’s not the Ritz-Carlton, but for a relaxing, stress-free getaway, you can't beat it. And really, who needs a five-star hotel when you're busy actually experiencing Quebec?
My Honest-to-Goodness Anecdote
Look, the real highlight of my stay wasn't the fancy amenities or the breathtaking views (though the pool was super nice). It was a moment of accidental connection at breakfast. I was struggling to open a particularly stubborn jam packet (because I was too busy staring at those glorious croissants), and an elderly gentleman, probably a local, came over, smiled, and effortlessly opened it for me. No English, just a shared gesture, and a moment of kindness. That, my friends, is what makes a trip. That is what made Days Inn Blainville an experience for me. It’s the little things!
Bottom Line:
If you're looking for a clean, safe, and reasonably priced escape to explore Blainville and surrounding areas, book it. Do yourself a favor and get the heck out of your routine for a minute. This is definitely a spot to find some peace - or at least, a chance to overeat on delicious croissants. 10/10 would recommend.
Escape to Paradise: Go Around B&B, Hualien's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, corporate-speak travel itinerary. This is a vibe. We're hitting up the Days Inn & Conference Centre by Wyndham Blainville in bl**dy Blainville, Quebec. Let's just pray the coffee machine works.
Days Inn & Conference Centre by Wyndham Blainville: A Messy, Honest Expedition – Get Ready to Feel Things
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (And a Questionable Pool)
- 1:00 PM: Land at Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL). Okay, smooth landing. But this is the part where I remember I HATE packing. Did I pack enough socks? Probably not. Did I pack my sanity? Jury's still out. Grabbed a greasy poutine at the airport – gotta acclimatize, right? Felt a flicker of hope for this trip.
- 2:30 PM: Rental car pickup. Praying the GPS doesn’t send me into a lake (it's happened). The drive to Blainville? Uneventful. Beautiful Quebec countryside, though. A little too…pretty, maybe? Too much idyllic green makes me suspect a secret conspiracy.
- 3:30 PM: Check-in at the Days Inn. The lobby? Standard motel-y. Beige, slightly musty, but hey, the air conditioning works. The front desk guy was…unremarkable. Efficient, but I felt like I interrupted something. (Probably his Netflix binge.) My room? Let’s just say I’ve stayed in cleaner hospital rooms.
- 4:00 PM: Room Inspection. Okay, bedspread? Questionable. Bathroom? Surprisingly clean, which is a win. Now, the real question: The Pool. I peeked in. The water looked…well, it looked like it had seen things. And I swear I saw a rogue chlorine tablet floating like a tiny, blue, plastic iceberg. No thanks. Definitely skipping the swim.
- 5:00 PM: Unpack. Fail. I need like, a week to unpack properly. My suitcase exploded on the bed. Already regretting bringing that sequined top. Should've brought more comfortable shoes.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Wandered aimlessly, found a St-Hubert restaurant. Classic Quebecois comfort food. The rotisserie chicken? A glorious symphony of crispy skin and juicy meat. I could eat this every day, and a side of coleslaw. And, okay, they served wine. The first sip? Pure bliss.
- 7:30 PM: Back to the hotel. The quiet of the room is a sharp contrast to the chaos of the day. I’m left feeling a bit…flat. Maybe the pool got to me. Or maybe the journey from my anxieties. Or maybe I'm just tired.
- 8:00 PM: I can't find the TV remote. (Curse you, hotel rooms!) Start feeling those travel anxieties again. Did I lock the car? Did I forget to turn off the…the…thing? This is where I start to overthink.
- 9:00 PM: Found the remote! Watched some mindless TV. Then, the craving hits: a walk. This is where I walked around the hotel, and found that the parking lot was full.
- 10:00 PM: Sleep. Or attempt to sleep. The air conditioner is humming for sure. It’s a low thrum, but it's enough to keep the quiet from seeping in.
Day 2: Culture Shock (And a Quest for Coffee)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up due to a random loud noise. The light through the window is harsh. Curse you, Quebec sunshine! First things first: COFFEE. The in-room coffee maker? A disaster. Brewed a murky, lukewarm concoction that tasted vaguely of dirt. This is a tragedy. I need caffeine, now.
- 7:30 AM: The hotel restaurant (if you can even call it that) is a joke. I ordered a croissant. It was…stale. I ordered some eggs. They came out rubbery. I considered running out to a Tim Hortons.
- 8:00 AM: Explored the area a bit. This is where I found a nice little bakery, just outside the hotel. Thank god! Bought a delicious, buttery croissant and real coffee. It's the little wins, people.
- 9:00 AM: I’m going to go get some fresh air. I walked around, and found myself feeling really disconnected from all this. I feel like I’m missing the point of this trip.
- 10:00 AM: Okay, let's get down to business - visiting the local tourist attractions. I decided to try it. I am getting bored.
- 11:00 AM: Lunch. I walked for a while, and found myself in a very nice restaurant. It seemed full of locals. I ordered something I didn’t understand, but the waiter was super friendly. It was delicious. Best meal so far.
- 12:00 PM: Continued touring. The whole area is so green. I’m tired of being tired. The humidity is high. I feel like I’m sweating through my clothes.
- 1:00 PM: I had a nap, and I feel better.
- 2:00 PM: I have a meeting. I have no idea where I am, or how to get there. I got lost.
- 3:00 PM: Meeting was great, though. I finally feel like I’m alive again.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I feel drained.
- 5:00 PM: I took a bath and ordered takeout.
- 6:00 PM: The food arrived. This is the moment I crave: a good meal, and a relaxing evening.
- 7:00 PM: I’m going to take a walk.
- 8:00 PM: I’m going to try to sleep. I don’t know if I will.
Day 3: Departure (and a Glimmer of Hope)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up feeling…surprisingly okay. Might be the coffee. The sun is still glaring. Still dreading packing.
- 8:00 AM: Another attempt at the hotel breakfast. Nope. Went back to the bakery, got a croissant. I'm starting to feel an affinity for this place.
- 9:00 AM: Okay, final packing. I've decided to just throw everything in the bag, and sort it out later.
- 10:00 AM: Check-out. Found the front desk guy again. He seemed…slightly less indifferent. Maybe he got some sleep.
- 10:30 AM: One last look at the pool. Still looks…questionable. But, I did see a group of kids playing in it earlier. Maybe it's not so bad? Maybe I misjudged it.
- 11:00 AM: Drive back to the airport. The drive felt shorter this time. Maybe because I'm used to the scenery. Or maybe because I know I'm heading home.
- 12:00 PM: Drop off the rental car. Praying I didn't scratch it.
- 1:00 PM: Airport security. Ugh.
- 2:00 PM: Boarding.
- 3:00 PM: This is where I am writing this. I’m feeling exhausted, and maybe a little bit refreshed. Maybe this trip wasn't a complete disaster. Maybe…Blainville wasn't so bad after all. Okay, maybe I didn't "love" it. But it was…an experience. And now I can go home.
Final Thoughts:
This trip was messy, imperfect, and full of moments that made me want to run screaming into the woods. But hey, isn't that life? I'll probably never come back to Blainville. But for a couple of days, it made me feel something. And isn’t that what travel is all about? Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find a washing machine and a very large bottle of wine.
Escape to Idaho's Gem: Unbeatable Deals at Super 8 by Wyndham Nampa!
Escape to Blainville: Days Inn's Unbeatable Quebec Getaway? (Let's Be Real)
Okay, so... "Unbeatable Quebec Getaway"? What's the *deal* with Blainville, anyway? Sounds... suburban.
Alright, look, Blainville isn't exactly the Old Montreal, okay? Picture this: a whole lotta cul-de-sacs, meticulously manicured lawns, and the faint scent of... well, mostly just fresh-cut grass. It's not gritty, it's not glamorous. It's... functional. Think of it as the *launchpad* to the good stuff. The *real* Quebec. You're close enough to Montreal to hit up all the big sites (and the poutine, oh god, the poutine!), but far enough to, you know, *breathe* without dodging tourists every five seconds. Days Inn, by the way, kind of *is* the definition of "functional." Clean, comfy, and has a pool. Important life things.
Is the Days Inn in Blainville *actually* a good deal? I'm on a budget, people!
Okay, budget travelers, listen up. Compared to downtown Montreal hotels? Absolutely. It's a steal. You'll be paying a fraction of the price. I remember this *one* time, I was booking *last minute* (because, you know, poor planning is my specialty), and seeing the price difference... it was practically a miracle. Enough left over for, like, *three* extra orders of fries. (Priorities!) BUT, and this is a big but, don't expect the Ritz. It's a Days Inn. Think reliable, not luxurious. You're paying for a bed, a shower, and a safe place to park your car. Which, honestly, is often all I need. And free breakfast? Bless you, Days Inn, bless you.
The free breakfast... is it actually *good*? Because hotel breakfasts can be tragic.
Okay, let's be brutally honest here. Hotel breakfasts *often* fall into the category of "meh." This one? It's... serviceable. The usual suspects are there: the waffles (which you *must* try, they're surprisingly good!), the instant oatmeal (you know, the kind where you accidentally *pour* in too much water?), the sad little pastries wrapped in plastic (always a gamble!). The coffee? Well, it'll wake you up. Let's just say it's not gonna win any awards. But hey! It's *free*. And it's enough to fuel your Quebec adventures. I usually load up on a waffle, a banana, and then sneak away with a couple of those little yogurt cups for the road. (Don't judge me!)
What's the *best* thing about staying at the Days Inn in Blainville?
Okay, this is where I get all mushy and sentimental. For me, it's the *escape*. Seriously. Coming from the hustle and bustle of everyday life (which, for me, is mostly answering emails and trying to remember where I parked my car), a trip, even to a suburban Quebec hotel, is *everything*. You're *somewhere else*. You can (in theory) turn off your phone (I fail at this frequently, admittedly). You can sit by the pool (when it's open, which, let's be real, sometimes depends on the season) and just... *breathe*. The feeling of actually getting away, even if it's just for a long weekend, is pure gold. And let's be real, the *worst* thing that can happen, in my experience, is the elevator stops between floors, but thankfully, it did not happen at Days Inns in my experience.
Any tips for making the most of a trip to Montreal from Blainville?
Okay, strap in, because Montreal deserves *all* the tips. First, plan your route! The traffic getting into Montreal can be... a *nightmare*. Check Google Maps *religiously* before you leave. Second, pack comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a *lot* of walking. Third: embrace the food! Poutine (duh!), bagels, smoked meat, the works. Don't be afraid to try something new. I had this incredible Montreal-style bagel, years ago, that I still dream about. The one on Saint-Viateur Street, if you're wondering, it's a *must*. Fourth: learn a few basic French phrases. "Bonjour," "merci," "s'il vous plaît." Even if your pronunciation is *terrible* (mine is), the locals will appreciate the effort. Fifth: don't be afraid to get lost. Montreal has amazing hidden gems. Last, and most important: make sure you get the *best parking spot* near your hotel. Because the last thing you need is to waste 2 hours on parking your car in Canada, trust me.
Are there any downsides to staying in Blainville?
Well, obviously, you're not *in* Montreal. That drive, depending on traffic, *can* be a drag. And Blainville itself... it's not exactly bursting with nightlife. If you're looking to party till dawn, this ain't the place for you. You'll be driving to Montreal. The other thing? You might encounter some... interesting characters. That feeling of 'maybe I should check my car is still where I parked' can linger, if you are not use to less 'safe' environments. Let's just say, on one particular trip (oh-so-many years ago) , I found *someone's* very enthusiastic pet rooster outside my door at 6:00 AM. And that's not the hotel's fault, but it's the kind of thing that *can* happen. So, bring earplugs. And maybe a good sense of humor. Also, I'd be remiss not to mention the occasional rogue golf-ball. Blainville is golf country, so watch out!
What if I have questions the FAQ didn't cover?
Oh, good question! Look, feel free to bug me; well, not *me*, the hotel, I guess. Call the front desk or check the Days Inn website. Or, you know, just wing it! Part of the fun is discovery. And honestly, even *if* things go wrong (and they sometimes do, trust me), those usually make the best stories. So, pack your bags, embrace the adventure, and don't forget to grab that extra waffle. Bonne chance!
