Sault Ste. Marie's BEST Kept Secret: Trunk Road Motel (ON)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the – drumroll – Trunk Road Motel in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario! And let me tell you, this place? It’s not the Ritz, but it’s got a certain je ne sais quoi… that makes it a seriously underrated gem. Consider this less a review, and more a rambling love letter (with occasional side-eyes) to a motel that might just surprise you.
First Impressions (and My Immediate Knee-Jerk Reaction):
Okay, so the first thing that hits you about the Trunk Road Motel is…it's on Trunk Road. Duh. It's not going to win any awards for curb appeal. The exterior is…functional. Think solid, rectangular, and maybe a little… nostalgic? (That’s a polite way of saying it looks like it hasn’t been updated since the last time disco was cool.) But honestly, who am I to judge? I'm all about a good dive.
Accessibility:
Now, I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I'm ALWAYS thinking about accessibility. And I gotta say, Trunk Road seems to be doing its best. They’ve got facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator is a huge bonus for anyone with mobility issues. Plus, with the front desk open 24 hours, help is always close. Check-in/out [express] is a blessing for those of us who hate waiting.
(This isn’t a perfect world folks, so I'd call the motel directly and check what they really offer for these features. Always double-check! I'm just a critic here.)
Cleanliness and Safety: My OCD-Fueled Assessment
- Okay, let’s talk sanitation. That's huge in this post-COVID world. They boast anti-viral cleaning products and professional-grade sanitizing services. Rooms sanitized between stays is a must for me. They also seem to have their act together with daily disinfection in common areas And they also use individually-wrapped food options.
- Rooms Sanitization Opt-Out Available? That's the dream!
- Staff trained in safety protocol – Big thumbs up!
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside the property, security [24-hour] and smoke alarms? Okay. I am more relaxed now. I can sleep.
The Room: My Temporary Kingdom (and Potential Source of Anxiety):
Okay, the rooms. They’re… comfortable. (There’s a recurring theme here, isn't there?) You've got your air conditioning (essential in a northern summer), Wi-Fi [free] (hallelujah!), and a coffee/tea maker. They even have a hair dryer, perfect if you're looking to pretend you're in a Pantene commercial (or, you know, just dry your hair).
- The Bed and Linens. I remember that I need to remind myself that I can't always order those expensive sheets.
- The Bathroom. Let me tell you, there is nothing in the world quite like being able to take a shower with an additional toilet when there is 3 of your kids in the same room.
You also get: Bathrobes, Complimentary Tea, Desk, Extra Long Bed, Free Bottled Water, In-room safe box, Interconnecting rooms, Laptop workspace, Mini Bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Window.
One small gripe: the lighting. Can someone PLEASE tell me why motel rooms always have such dreary overhead lighting? I like my light. Not enough.
Food, Glorious – Maybe Questionable – Food:
- Breakfast [buffet]( I always crave a breakfast) - I can't imagine what it's like.
- Restaurants, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop. Do they really have all these or they are just showing off?
(Rambling Thought Alert: I really, truly need to know if they serve a solid cup of coffee. I NEED that.)
The "To-Do" List (or, What the Heck to Do in Sault Ste. Marie):
Okay, let's be real, the Trunk Road Motel isn't exactly the center of the universe when it comes to activities. But, its located on Trunk Road. Sault Ste. Marie is a pretty awesome place, and the Trunk Road Motel offers:
- Airport Transfer
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car park [on-site]
- Taxi service
Services and Conveniences: The Unexpected Perks:
Look, I’m not going to lie, I didn't expect much in terms of services. But Trunk Road Motel surprised me! Daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and even a convenience store! I am never surprised about how important a convenience store is. Plus, they have laundry service! Huge win! I am not sure, but they may also be running a car power charging station. Oh, and the ability to contactless check-in/out is a lifesaver.
The Downside (Because Nothing’s Perfect):
Okay, let's talk about the things Trunk Road Motel isn’t:
- A Spa Getaway. No pool with view, no sauna, no spa. If you’re expecting luxury, look elsewhere.
- A Romantic Retreat. No couple's room, and the proposal spot is… well, I haven’t seen it, but I'm guessing it's not the Eiffel Tower.
The Anecdote (That Will Make or Break You):
One time, I stayed at a fancy hotel, and the room service took an hour and a half to deliver a lukewarm hamburger. The next day, I stayed at a place VERY similar to this. And I was happy. Why? Because I felt at home.
The Verdict (My Honest Opinion):
Look, the Trunk Road Motel isn't glamorous. It isn’t luxurious. But it’s real. It’s comfortable. And for the price? It’s a steal.
My Final, Completely Biased Recommendation:
If you're looking for a no-frills, clean, and convenient place to crash in Sault Ste. Marie, the Trunk Road Motel is your guy. It's a solid choice for a road trip stopover, a place to explore the area, or just a place to escape the everyday chaos.
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The Offer (Because, You Know, Business):
Tired of overpriced hotels? Craving a stress-free Sault Ste. Marie stay?
Book your stay at the Trunk Road Motel today and receive:
- Guaranteed clean and sanitized room.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms to keep your connected.
- Easy access to all the Sault Ste. Marie attractions.
- Free parking.
- 24-hour front desk assistance.
Don't just take my word for it - experience the best-kept secret of Sault Ste. Marie!
Book Now! (And don't expect the Ritz, but enjoy!)
Cinere Resort Paradise: Your Dreamy Studio Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is the Trunk Road Motel & Me itinerary, and trust me, it’s gonna be a… experience. Prepare for a healthy dose of reality mixed with a pinch of chaos and a whole lotta "wait, what?"
Destination: The Trunk Road Motel, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (aka The Soo, eh?)
Duration: 3 Days/2 Nights (ish… depends how much Tim Hortons I need)
Theme: Soul-Searching (and Maybe Finding a Decent Coffee)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (With Optional Poutine)
- 1:00 PM: Land in The Soo. Okay, "land" is generous. Stepped off the tiny plane feeling like a slightly nauseous penguin who'd just won the lottery of stale air. My existential dread kicks in immediately. Why, oh WHY, did I choose a motel literally on the highway? (Insert internal monologue: "Cheap, that's why. And that's the beginning of a very bad idea…")
- 1:30 PM: Check into the Trunk Road. The exterior… well, it's got character. By "character," I mean "lived-in." The reception area smells vaguely of chlorine and regret. The receptionist, bless her heart, had the kind of weary smile that says, "Honey, I've seen things." She hands me a key that’s basically a medieval weapon.
- 2:00 PM: Unpack the motel room. The room is what you'd expect. Think '70s motel aesthetic, but with slightly dustier surfaces. The air conditioning is… optimistic. The bedspread has more history than I do. (Side note: I immediately check under the mattress. Always a good habit.)
- 2:30 PM: Bathroom inspection. The water pressure is abysmal, but the shower curtain proudly displays some seriously artistic mildew. You know, avant-garde mildew. I decide to save the shower for a time when I am less afraid.
- 3:00 PM: The Quest for Sustenance. The motel's "continental breakfast" is a joke. I need real food. Poutine. I. Need. Poutine. Armed with a Yelp review, I head out to a local diner.
- 3:30 PM: Diner Disappointment. The poutine was… okay. Not the life-affirming experience I was hoping for. It probably would have been better if I took a shower! But the waitress was super nice and reminded me of my dear aunt, so I overtipped.
- 4:30 PM: Motel Room Contemplation. Stare out the window at the endless highway. Think about life, the universe, and whether I remembered to pack deodorant. Contemplate getting a new shower curtain, and how I'd attach it when there's no pressure in the shower.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner and the Night Shift. I venture out again for a proper meal. This one includes some form of delicious meat. The night is quiet, punctuated only by the occasional truck engine rumble and the distant howl of a lonely coyote. (Okay, maybe it was just a dog, but it felt more dramatic.) I consider the motel's potential plot location in a horror film… then realize I'm already living it.
Day 2: The Soo Showdown & The Waterfall of Dreams (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast Fail. The "continental breakfast" is still a joke. This time, I skip it and opt for the greasy spoon down the road. This is probably the best of the entire trip.
- 9:00 AM: Exploring The Soo. Okay, I'm no historian. But I wander around the historic area, trying to absorb some of the local culture. Visit the Soo Locks. They're… locks. Kind of impressive, in a "really big engineering feat" kind of way.
- 11:00 AM: The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. Surprisingly good. (I am not a plane person, but this place is interesting.) I learn about bush planes and the important role they played in Canadian history and I leave with a vague sense of Canadian pride.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. A simple sandwich at a local deli. The cafe owner is a sweet old lady who is clearly used to tourists.
- 2:00 PM: The Waterfall of Dreams (aka SAULT STE. MARIE'S WATERFALLS, BRIDAL VEIL FALLS) The brochure promised magic. I got… damp rocks, a few mosquitos, and the distinct feeling I was walking into a scene from a horror movie. But the waterfall itself? Pretty. Okay, very pretty. Definitely worth the mosquito bites. I stay a little longer, just to feel something.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Motel. The oppressive humidity, the faint odor of… something… and the constant highway drone are starting to get to me.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: The Dark Side of the Trunk Road. This is the "doubling down" moment. I decide to take a long, long, extremely long walk. My goal? To reach the city. As I reached the border of the city I started feeling uneasy. I kept walking just to see what was on the other side, passing abandoned structures, and dilapidated houses. In my heart, I knew something bad was going to happen. Maybe it's because I am a city person, but there was a menacing atmosphere, but I kept going, passing through the darkest and scariest places in the city. I became the protagonist of a horror movie and the Trunk Road Motel, the setting. When I got to the other side I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. I'm back in the light… and I will never leave the Trunk Road until it is time to go home.
- 8:00 PM: The only option: pizza. I order some from a local place. The pizza is surprisingly good, and I eat the entire thing in blissful solitude in my questionable, but ultimately, okay motel room. I contemplate: is it possible to fall in love with a motel?
Day 3: Departure & The Aftermath
- 8:00 AM: Officially give up on the free continental breakfast. The coffee is the color of dishwater, and I'd rather not add to the suffering.
- 9:00 AM: Final motel room inspection. I leave a tip for the cleaning staff, because honestly? They deserve a medal.
- 9:30 AM: Check Out. The weary receptionist gives me a knowing smile. "Enjoyed your stay?" she asks. "Definitely an… experience," I reply.
- 10:00 AM: Head to the airport. The plane takes off. I look down at the tiny town of Sault Ste. Marie, and I felt, well, nothing.
- 12:00 PM: Back to real life. But something has shifted. Maybe it's the existential dread. Maybe it's the poutine. Maybe it's the general weirdness. Whatever it is, I'm… changed. Or maybe just sleep-deprived. Either way, the Trunk Road Motel… you'll never be forgotten. And I might just need therapy.
Post-Trip Reflections:
- Would I go back? Maybe. Probably not. Okay, probably yes. But only if I forget everything I just wrote.
- Best part? The unexpected moments. The good people, the moments of quiet contemplation, the damn waterfall.
- Worst part? The shower. And the highway noise. And the slightly depressing feeling.
- Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (would recommend for the truly desperate, or for anyone in need of a weird, cathartic experience).
- Final thought: Sometimes, you just need a good, slightly terrible motel room to find yourself. Or at least question your life choices.
Trunk Road Motel: Unfiltered FAQ - Because Let's Be Honest, It's a Ride!
Okay, spill the beans. What IS the Trunk Road Motel, REALLY?
Alright, buckle up buttercup. The Trunk Road Motel, nestled just outside Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario? It's… well, it's an experience. Picture this: a roadside motel that's seen a *few* winters (and maybe a summer or two, depending on how generous you're feeling). It's not the Ritz. It's not even a Holiday Inn Express. It’s… *charmingly*… used. Think sturdy, like that old armchair your grandma swore by. It’s about memories, stories, and maybe a little bit of…dust. But hey, that dust? That’s character!
Is it… clean? (Be honest, people need to know.)
Look, clean is subjective, right? I *will* say, I've stayed in places that looked like a bomb went off after a herd of squirrels threw a party. (You know the type.) The Trunk Road Motel? It's… respectable. Sheets? Generally, present and accounted for. Bathroom? Functional. Don't expect surgical operating room levels of cleanliness, but I've never encountered a rodent convention. And that, my friends, is a WIN in my book. Honestly, sometimes I feel more comfortable in a place with a little "lived-in" feel. Gives it soul, you know?
What's the *vibe*? Is it creepy?
Creepy? Nah. Weirdly… comforting? Maybe. It's the kind of place where the guy at the front desk has probably heard it all. You might run into a trucker with a well-worn cowboy hat, a family on their way to visit grandma, or a couple escaping reality. The clientele is a mixed bag. Some are locals, some are road-trippers, some are… well, you get the picture. It's a microcosm of life, really. But creepy? No. Unless you call the slightly-too-loud humming of the mini-fridge creepy. (Okay, maybe sometimes the mini-fridge is indeed a little creepy.)
The Rooms: What Are They Like? Spill!
Alright, let's face it: the rooms aren't going to win any design awards. They're… functional. Think practical. The decor? Let's call it "vintage." (Translation: it hasn't been updated since the late 80s/early 90s. Possibly earlier. I'm guessing.) You'll have a bed (probably comfy enough after a long drive), a TV (probably old-school, but hey, maybe you'll find something good on!), and a bathroom. Hot water? Pray it's a good water pressure day. The shower experience? Could be amazing. Could be a trickle. Part of the adventure, I say!
Any recommendations for food nearby? Because honestly, I'm starving.
Okay, listen up! This is a *crucial* question. The Trunk Road Motel isn’t exactly in the heart of a foodie paradise. Your options are limited, but not entirely dire. There's a gas station with snacks, a couple of fast-food joints a short drive away (if you can handle the drive), and maybe, *maybe* a local diner if you're lucky. Plan ahead and pack some food. I learned this the hard way. Once, I arrived late, exhausted, and just wanted a snack. My choices were a questionable bag of chips and a vending machine that looked like it was from a museum. Lesson learned: bring your own provisions! Or plan a quick run to a grocery store before check-in. It's a strategic move, trust me.
Okay, so the price... How much am I looking at?
Ah, the sweet, sweet sound of affordable travel! The Trunk Road Motel is… budget-friendly. Let's just say it won't break the bank. You can get sleep and shelter for way less than those fancy chain hotels. This is its big win. You will get a bed and a roof over your head without spending a fortune. Now, the cleanliness might be… less shiny, but hey, you're saving money! Think of it as paying for the experience, not just the room.
Is there anything... special? Any hidden gems?
Hidden gems? Hmm. The biggest gem is the *feeling* of the place. The quiet. The simplicity. Maybe it's the slightly wonky door that sticks a bit (adds character, right?). Maybe it's the fact you're away from the noise and bright lights. Definitely, it's a place to *breathe*. If you're lucky, the owner will strike up a conversation and tell you some stories. He’s got tales, believe me. And if you're *really* lucky, you'll find a vintage ashtray in the room (don’t smoke, of course, but they’re… historical!). The real hidden gem? The chance to unplug and be a little bit… off the beaten path. Forget the cookie-cutter hotels. This is real, even if it's a little rough around the edges.
My Trunk Road Motel Story (The One Where I Almost Died - Dramatic Flair)
Okay, so I almost didn't make it out alive! Just kidding…mostly. One time, I was staying there, driving through on a cross-country trip. It was late, and I was exhausted. The room was… the room. The AC was struggling, the TV was fuzzy, and I just wanted to sleep. Now, they don’t always have the best internet. I wasn't paying attention. I get into bed and, suddenly, the *loudest* noise! I leaped out of bed, heart hammering in my chest, convinced a rabid badger had somehow infiltrated the motel. Turns out? It was the ancient air conditioner. It was making *that* much noise! I spent a good hour trying to figure out how to turn it off (the remote was… missing). I was close to calling the front desk (who probably would've just laughed). Finally, defeated, I managed to wrestle the thing to silence and crashed. Moral of the story? Always pack earplugs. And maybe bring a spare remote.
The Staff? Helpful or… eccentric?
The staff? They're… there. That's the best way to put it. They are generally not the warmest and fuzziest, this isn't the Four Seasons. They are there to serve a purpose. They are often working hard. They are not necessarily going to bend over backwards. But they are not rude, either. They are the staff. They're a vital piece ofRest Nest Hotels
