Regina's Royal Escape: The Hotel Saskatchewan Awaits!
Regina's Royal Escape: The Hotel Saskatchewan Awaits! - My Unvarnished Take (Plus, a Trip-Planning Brain Dump)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at The Hotel Saskatchewan, and I'm loaded with opinions. This isn't your sanitized, PR-approved review. This is me, warts and all, spilling the (Earl Grey, naturally) tea. And folks, it's a messy tea party.
First Impressions: Majestic! (Okay, and Slightly Confusing)
Pulling up to the Hotel Saskatchewan is like stepping into a historical movie set. Seriously, it's GORGEOUS. The architecture is jaw-dropping, the doormen (yes, plural!) are ridiculously professional. But then… the check-in. Look, I’m not a fan of anything that takes longer than ordering a pizza. While they do have Contactless check-in/out, I’m old school, I want that human interaction. The process felt a tad… formal. A tiny bit stuffy, even.
Rooms: Regal Comfort, with a Side of…"Need More Outlets!"
My room (a “classic queen” – I’m not fancy, okay?) was undeniably lovely. Available in all rooms: Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Double-check! (And thank GOD, because I NEED my Instagram fix.) The bed was ridiculously comfortable (Extra long bed made this tall girl happy!), and the Blackout curtains were a godsend, letting me sleep like a pampered, royal… whatever. They also had a Desk, Laptop workspace, it's perfect because lets face it, who doesn't bring their job with them everywhere? And hey, the Bathrobes were a nice touch (I lived in them!). The Bathroom itself was spotless, with all the Toiletries you'd expect. BUT and this is a BIG but, I needed MORE OUTLETS! One lone outlet near the bed? Seriously? I need to power my phone, my tablet, my e-reader, my travel-sized curling iron… the list goes on!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag.
Facilities for disabled guests: are listed, but honestly, I didn’t dig deep enough to give a definitive answer. I saw Elevator access, so that's a bonus.
Dining and Drinking: From Formal to… Well, Disappointing.
Okay, let's get real. Restaurants are the most hit-or-miss part of the Hotel Saskatchewan experience. The A la carte in restaurant did have a pretty fantastic Western cuisine, but the atmosphere could be rather formal, which is not always the vibe. The Buffet in restaurant Breakfast [buffet] was a standard affair, with a decent selection, but nothing that set my tastebuds on fire.
The, Poolside bar, while listed, was a letdown. The pool and bar were great, but the drinks…let's just say they weren't exactly craft cocktails.
Spa and Relaxation: Ahhh, Finally Some Bliss!
The Spa, Spa/sauna, and Swimming pool were a highlight. The Pool with view definitely has a beautiful view, and the Sauna and Steamroom were excellent for unwinding. There's also a Gym/fitness center, if you're into that sort of torture. I opted for the Massage, and it was heavenly! Seriously, Body wrap and Body scrub are a must if you want to feel pampered.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Protected
Huge kudos to the hotel for their rigorous Cleanliness and safety protocols. Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff Trained in safety protocol made me feel genuinely secure. The Rooms sanitized between stays and the emphasis on Physical distancing of at least 1 meter were reassuring.
Things to Do: Beyond the Walls
Things to do, ways to relax in Regina are extensive. The hotel is close enough to some attractions, as well.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the Complimentary
Concierge was incredibly helpful! The Daily housekeeping was flawless. The Laundry service came in handy (thank you, wine spills!). Cash withdrawal was available for whatever you need. But seriously, the Convenience store felt a little overpriced.
My Honest Opinion: Is it Worth It?
Look, the Hotel Saskatchewan is a gorgeous, historic hotel. It's a Regina landmark, and the charm is undeniable. The Spa experience, the comfortable rooms, and the overall sense of elegance were fantastic.
But, and this is a big but, it sometimes feels a little too formal. My ideal vacation has a healthy dose of relaxation and a tiny bit of chaos. So, it depends on what you are looking for.
My Offer: Escape to Regina and Experience the Royal Treatment!
Alright, here's the pitch. Book your stay at The Hotel Saskatchewan right now (use this discount code: ROYALRELAX) and get:
- A complimentary bottle of champagne upon arrival to kickstart your royal escape.
- A special upgrade to a room with a view, subject to availability.
- Free access to the spa facilities for the first day of your stay.
- Free meals for children Under 12 with purchase of a full adult meal.
Why book right now? Because you deserve a little bit of luxury, a little bit of history, and a whole lot of relaxation. Seriously, you will feel so much better. Don't just take my word for it, go and make your own Royal memories in Regina!
Van Ha Hotel: Your Ho Chi Minh City Oasis Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy reality of a stay at The Hotel Saskatchewan, Autograph Collection in Regina. Forget those pristine, perfectly-formatted itineraries. This is real life. This is my weekend.
Friday - Arrival & Attempted Sophistication (Spoiler: Fails Spectacularly!)
- 3:00 PM - Arrival & Jaw Drop: "Good Lord," I muttered as I stepped into the lobby. The Hotel Saskatchewan. They weren't kidding about the "Autograph Collection" – this place screams old-world charm meets modern glamour. Marble floors, chandeliers the size of small cars… I immediately felt underdressed in my travel-worn jeans. (Note to self: Pack actual fancy clothes next time.)
- Anecdote: The check-in was… slow. Apparently, I had a slight issue with my credit card (something about exceeding my “fun fund” this month - whoops!). The poor receptionist, bless her heart, had to deal with my mortified fumbling as I tried to sort it out. Embarrassing, but she remained incredibly polite. True Canadian grit!
- 3:45 PM - The Room – My Kingdom for a View: Okay, the room. Decent, even. But the view? Facing the parking garage. Not exactly postcard material. (Deep sigh). I briefly considered demanding a room with a better view, but frankly, my social anxiety got the better of me. Fine. I'd focus on the luxurious bed and pretend I didn’t see the Honda parked below.
- 4:30 PM - A Pretend "Afternoon Tea" & the Great Scone Crisis: Trying to embrace the hotel's posh vibe, I decided to do a little afternoon tea. The menu said "scones with clotted cream and jam". Sounded so civilised. What I wasn’t expecting, was the scone to be nearly brick-like. I swear, I could have built a small retaining wall with this thing. The clotted cream? Delicious. The jam? Delightful. But the scone? A monument to culinary disappointment. I choked it down, fighting back tears, and then ate a whole pot of tea.
- 6:00 PM - Drinks at The Circa 27 Lounge - Finally, Some Sanity: I needed a drink. Badly. The Circa 27 Lounge beckoned. The decor - a dark, cozy, clubby vibe. The cocktail menu promised salvation! I ordered a "Saskatchewan Sunrise" (or something equally patriotic). It was actually pretty good. Maybe the scone trauma was receding.
- 7:30 PM - Dinner at the Hotel's Restaurant - A Rollercoaster of Expectations: I decided to be brave and try the hotel restaurant. The menu looked promising, but the service… well, let's just say it was efficient. My steak was cooked perfectly, which, in my fragile mental state, was a small miracle. The waiter, however, gave off a vibe of being perpetually annoyed with the clientele.
- Quirky Observation: I saw a couple on a date. The guy kept checking his phone. At one point, the woman playfully slapped his arm. I swear, the look on his face was the same as the one I get when my cat demands a second serving of tuna.
Saturday - Cultural Clashes & Dessert-Fueled Redemption
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast - The Redemption Arc of the Scone: I bravely ordered a scone again. It was even worse than the first one. I nearly threw it. I just looked at it, and took a half of a bite, then crumbled in a rage and ate the butter straight. My mood was immediately restored, and I knew the world would be OKAY.
- 10:00 AM - Exploring Regina (Or, My Attempted Embrace of Culture): I decided to venture out. My goal: to actually see some of Regina. My initial plan was to find the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, which I failed at. Turns out, I'm directionally challenged. I ended up wandering around a suburban mall, buying a donut and getting totally lost again. I eventually found the museum, only to discover it was closed for renovations.
- Emotional Reaction: Utter and complete disappointment. My grand ambitions of "exploring" Regina evaporated faster than my resolve to avoid the hotel scone.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch at an Ugly Diner (But the Food was Amazing): I was starving. I stumbled into a diner. The decor was… well, let's call it "utilitarian". But the burger? Perfection. It was a greasy, beautiful, heart-attack-inducing masterpiece.
- 2:30 PM - Back to the Hotel, Dessert Recon: After my cultural failure, I needed a win. I decided to embark on a serious dessert quest. I visited the hotel's patisserie, and, oh my sweet Lord, the little cakes! The macarons! The artistry! I got a coffee and a small assortment of pastries and brought them back to my room, and ate them in bed.
- Doubling Down: This dessert session wasn’t just a treat; it became my focus. I savored every bite, every texture, every crumb. This was my escape, my solace. The parking garage? Gone. The bad scones? Forgotten. This was pure, unadulterated joy.
- 4:00 PM - The Spa - Finally, Bliss: I booked myself a massage. Ahhhh. Heaven. I'm convinced that a decent massage can cure almost everything. I drifted into a state of near-sleep.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Somewhere in the City: After some deliberation, I found a place that wasn't a chain restaurant (and that wasn't the hotel, because of the waiter), and had a nice dinner, and felt like I earned it, after all my failures and victories.
Sunday - Departure & The Great Scone Question (Yes, I Ate It Again!)
- 9:00 AM - The Final Scone Confrontation: Against my better judgment, I ordered the scone again. This time, I went in with a different mindset. I approached it as a challenge. I ate it. Still awful.
- 10:00 AM - Check Out & the Sad Goodbye: Sadly, it was time to leave. Check-out was thankfully uneventful. As I drove away, I thought about The Hotel Saskatchewan. It was beautiful, flawed, and completely memorable. Would I recommend it? Absolutely… with a warning.
- Opinionated Language: Embrace the old-world charm, the luxurious beds, and definitely the massage. But approach the scones with caution. And maybe pack your own view-enhancing binoculars.
- 11:00 AM - Departure: Goodbye, Regina! See you next time, you old-fashioned place.
Final Verdict:
The Hotel Saskatchewan… it's not perfect. But it's got character. And, despite the scone, I'd go back. Maybe next time, I'll request a room with a view of something other than a parking garage. And maybe, just maybe, I'll bring my own scones. Ha!
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Okay, spill the tea: Is the Hotel Saskatchewan *really* worth the HYPE?!
Ugh, *that* question. Look, the Hotel Saskatchewan – it's a Regina institution. I'd been hearing the hype since I was, like, a tiny plague of a toddler. My Grandma Ethel practically *lived* there for afternoon tea. So, expectations? Sky high. Reality? A bit… complicated.
Here's the thing: It's not *flawless*. My initial reaction? "Woah." You walk in and BAM! Grand lobby, chandeliers that could fund a small country, and a faint whiff of… well, history. Old money, I guess? But then… you notice the slightly worn carpet. The elevator that could use a speed upgrade. And oh, the air conditioning! It's either freezing you to death or, in my case, making you feel like you're back in Saskatchewan in August, which is a special kind of hell.
So, yes, the hype is… partially justified. The history? Unquestionably cool. The service? Generally excellent, though I did have one waiter who seemed to exclusively communicate in grunts, which was… interesting. But perfect? Nah. More like charmingly flawed, like a handsome rogue with a questionable past. You know? You're drawn in, despite yourself.
What's the *absolute* best thing about staying there? Don't be shy!
Okay, okay, fine. I'll gush. It’s probably the STORIES. Seriously. The place is practically dripping with them. I’m a sucker for that, you know? I’m talking about the ghosts, the legends, the… oh god, the *stories*. Forget about the perfectly pressed sheets. Forget about the (slightly dodgy) Wi-Fi. It's the feeling you get when you're wandering the halls late at night, maybe after a couple of glasses of wine, and imagining who's walked those same hallways before you. Royalty, movie stars, politicians… the building just *humming* with their echoes.
My personal highlight? The ballroom. It's breathtaking. Huge, ornate, and allegedly haunted by the ghost of a bride who was jilted at the altar. I heard this story from one of the bellhops, a guy named Kevin who claimed to see her, like, *all the time*. He'd roll his eyes and tell you that she just… *wanders*. I even saw a few people dancing there when I dropped in for a drink. Talk about atmosphere!
I just… I love the feeling. You are part of something… big. You're walking among the shades of giants. Okay, maybe I'm being a bit dramatic, but that ballroom... oh, god... It's magical and I will fight anyone who says otherwise.
Let's talk about ROOMS! Any tips on what to ask for?
Okay, room-wise. First, forget trying to get a "cheap" room. This ain't a Motel 6, people! You're paying for the *experience*, remember?
My advice? Upgrade. Always. Ask for a room facing the front of the hotel. That view of Victoria Park? Gorgeous. Seriously, you can sit there with coffee and people-watch, and feel like you’re in a movie. Plus, you're more likely to catch the occasional parade or event in the park. Much more interesting than a view of the parking lot, believe me. That parking lot? It’s just a parking lot. It's not special.
Also, if you are at all concerned about noise, request a room away from the elevators. Trust me on this one. I was once right beside them and the constant *ding, ding, ding* was driving me bananas. I was starting to bark back at folks. Plus, try to snag a room with a king-sized bed if you can. It's just a… more luxurious experience. You deserve it. Treat yourself!
Food and Drink: Culinary delights or…meh?
Truth time. The food can be… a mixed bag. The dining room is VERY formal. Sometimes, a bit *too* formal. I once spilled red wine down my fancy dress trying to be impressive. In front of a judge. Mortifying. The food was fine, but the whole experience felt… a little stuffy.
The bar, though? That's where it's at. It's got that old-school, cozy feel. They mix a mean martini and the bar snacks are decent. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a late-night nightcap. Ask for the bartender, I think his name was Barry. Great guy, knows every cocktail under the sun and also the perfect person to spill the local gossip to. He also seems to know all the staff secrets, which makes for very entertaining listening.
But the afternoon tea? YES. Do it. Absolutely. Even if you don't *like* tea (I'm a coffee person myself), go for the experience. Scones, finger sandwiches, little cakes… it's a delicious, decadent, delightful way to spend an afternoon, even if your pinky naturally sticks out while drinking tea.
Any Horror Stories? Dish the dirt!
Okay, fine. One. The Wi-Fi. Seriously, the Wi-Fi is a constant source of frustration. It's slow, it’s unreliable, and it occasionally drops out completely, often at the WORST possible moment. Trying to video conference with my boss while the internet is at 300 baud? Not ideal. You’d think after all these years, they'd fix this. But no. So, pack a good entertainment back-up. Perhaps a book, or an old-fashioned card game. At least, they'll get you away from the screen and actually enjoying your surroundings!
Overall, would you recommend it? Be honest!
Here's the deal: The Hotel Saskatchewan is a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it kind of place. It’s not perfect. It has its quirks, its flaws, its… questionable air conditioning. But here's the thing: I *do* love it.
It’s a place with a soul. It's steeped in history, full of stories, and it offers a unique experience you won't find anywhere else. Even with the dodgy WiFi and the slightly-down-at-the-heels aesthetic, I'd go back in a heartbeat. Because it’s *real*, you know? And sometimes, reality, with all its messiness, is the best thing. So, yes. Go. Experience it. And tell me what *you* think. I'm dying to hear.
