LAST UPDATED: JUNE 30, 2021 | BY: KIMBERLY EVANS
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As I drove downtown, taking in the beauty of the Meewasin Park + the South Saskatchewan River, their was an inexplicable excitement in the air. Was it the way the birds chirped or the river sparkled or perhaps, just maybe it was the anticipation of knowing my Staycation at the Holiday Inn Downtown Saskatoon was just around the corner. I’m always looking for ways to create a life of joy. We’ve spent a lot of time finding ways to celebrate at home during the pandemic, so the idea of changing my scenery and staying at the Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown was making my heart leap!
What is the purpose of a staycation?!
A staycation allows you to spend time relaxing, working, exploring your city while close to home, but with a change of scenery and a fresh perspective. Life is so full. Even during this past year, it has been a new kind of full schedule. Did we eliminate nearly everything extracurricular our of our day to day lives?! We sure did! Then why does life still feel like there are never enough hours in a day to accomplish what we want to accomplish, to connect with who we want to connect with and most of all to just be. This is exactly what I have been feeling. I know (after many times of not listening to what I needed soon enough) that I need to take care of myself, change my scenery and take care of myself. My staycation at the Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown was exactly what I needed to recharge. (Keep reading for an exclusive offer for a Staycation of your own!)
I arrived at the Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown early in the morning to check in. (Because they are amazing like that, if they have availability, they allow early check in. ) and from the moment I arrived, their incredible team was ready to take care of me. They offer complimentary parking in their heated above ground parkade that is directly attached to the hotel by elevator.
The Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown is not only in a convenient and accessible location making walking downtown a breeze, they have some really unique features that they informed me right as I checked in. They have a selection of guitars displayed behind their front desk that hotel guests can borrow to play in their room or if a leisurely bike ride downtown is more your style, they have partnered up with the DTWN YXE Bike program to offer FREE Bike Rentals, anything was possible.
What I noticed from the moment of arrival was how impeccably clean and well kept the hotel was. As a mama with a daughter with Cystic Fibrosis, I am always hyper-aware of my surroundings and possible factors that would not be desirable for Cassidy, especially during a pandemic, but this place was clearly set at a very high standard. They work closely with a team of medical experts to to develop guidance and resources for their hotel and incorporating appropriate measures to enhance guest confidence and trust in their cleanliness, hygiene and safety practices in this new environment. Their IHG cleaning standards were above and beyond and really helped me rest easy! They have a variety of different room options at the hotel that all include mini kitchenette stations with microwave, fridge and coffee which add so much to the experience. Excited to start my day, I took the elevator up to my room and held my breath as I opened the door.
Excited to start my day, I took the elevator up to my room and held my breath as I opened the door…..to The Penthouse Suite on the 11th floor.
These sky suites offer include a kitchen with sink and full sized appliances, desk/work station, a baby grand piano or billiards table, fireplace, seating, bathtub, shower, king bed in a separate bedroom and an impeccable view of downtown Saskatoon.
Time to get to work! The convenient work station (with extra plug ins) so that I could have everything I needed for a productive day connected! I even recorded a podcast virtually from the hotel.
Lunch time! I popped down to the lobby to pick up a fresh lunch in the lobby Marketplace 24. With chef created salads, wraps, sandwiches and fresh veggies, there were even hot dishes that you could heat up in your room. There were so many quick, easy and delicious options that I could take back upstairs to my room to keep my day going.
I had such a productive afternoon on a few meetings, finishing up some work for client projects and took some time to do some fall business planning for myself. Quick trip to the marketplace again (it was like having the best fully stocked kitchen pantry at my finger tips) to pick out an afternoon snack that doesn’t rhyme with salad before going for a walk by the river downtown to clear my head and take in the picturesque view and some fresh air.
The Hub Restaurant & Lounge in the Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown is the focal point of the hotel. With its vibrant colors and unique lounge furniture it is an easy place to relax, eat, drink and have fun. This has often been a place where I’ve met up with friends for Happy Hour before heading to a show or concert at TCU Place across the street. It’s great for watching the hustle and bustle of downtown out the window. Their menu caters to tasty comfort food and delicious beverages.
I decided to take my supper to go with a sunset view from my suite.
I was able to relax and unwind and fall asleep in the most comfortable bed…..
and wake up to this VIEW!!
…and wake up to this VIEW!!
And is there anything better than going out for breakfast?! I usually just make myself a shake for breakfast because it is quick, easy and fills me up until lunch, but nothing beats a classic hot breakfast! I popped down to The Hub Restaurant with my pen and a journal and enjoyed a relaxing coffee and hot breakfast while watching the city start to bustle downtown. It was the perfect start to the day!
I was able to fit in some work, relaxing and a quick swim with my girls who popped over to say hi. (They missed me!!) Is this separation anxiety after being locked in a house together for a year?! This mama will take anytime with them that I can get!
This Staycation at the Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown could not have been planned for a better time. I’m refreshed, rejuvenated, experienced something new and am feeling so much more energized to tackle all the things. If you want to book your Holiday Inn Saskatoon Downtown Staycation, get an exclusive 10% off discount when you email amarv@prhotels.ca with the subject line: Holiday Inn Staycation to book your stay and tell them Kimberly sent you. You will be welcomed into good company! Pop over to KimberlyJoy_Evans on Instagram to check out the Hilight Reel of my Stay!
Cheers to Celebrating Simple Life!