Holiday Inn Express Sault Ste Marie by IHG

Chris’s welcome at the Holiday Inn Express Sault Ste Marie turned a frightening night into the best part of our trip. We’d set out with my family on a road trip to Toronto, far too confident because we’re used to flying. Fog slowed the drive way down, and we hadn’t received the yellow fog advisory. My sister found it by checking the local forecast the next day. I could barely see the road, it was late and dark, and I kept worrying about moose. Then my data ran out, so my sister had to stop streaming and vlogging. We were scared and exhausted, and the hotel we’d originally booked had treated us so badly that we had no backup plan. I found the Holiday Inn while looking through nearby listings. At about 2:30 a.m. on May 25, I called to ask if we could check in. Chris, working the night shift, sounded genuinely happy to have us. He was just as warm and upbeat when we arrived, and his energy helped us shake off some of the stress. Our stay was short, but it became the highlight of the whole trip. We also got talking about Dr. Who, which we both love, and I loved seeing his actual movie prop. The room was clean, and breakfast was delicious, with options that worked for dietary restrictions. I have celiac disease and am lactose intolerant, so I’d brought food along, but it was lovely to find things I could actually eat and enjoy. We stayed at another Holiday Inn in Toronto afterward, but Sault Ste Marie was still my favorite. My parents keep talking about Chris and how good the service was. Even if I had to choose between a night in Toronto and a night here, I’d pick Sault Ste Marie. After the awful drive and how the first hotel treated us like pariahs, Chris’s welcoming, radiant personality made a huge difference. The next morning we had a good breakfast, packed up my Jeep, and everyone was feeling positive. Then I got a phone call with really great news. This place must be lucky, lol. I can attest to it! I’m so grateful to the staff, especially Chris.