Mom's Kid-Free Staycation at the Holiday Inn Downtown!
Motherhood is a whirlwind of love, joy, and unending responsibilities. As moms, we cherish every moment with our children, but let's be honest, sometimes a break is a much-needed luxury. As a mom, it's easy to lose oneself in the constant juggle of caring for little ones, managing household chores, and maintaining a career. Picture this: a peaceful retreat in your city, free from the constant "Mom, I need..." or "Mom, look at this!" As a mom to four littles, I was needing a much-needed break. So, what did I do? I booked myself a Staycation weekend at the Holiday Inn Downtown! I thought this was the perfect hotel because I'm in the heart of downtown, close to all the fantastic restaurants and across the Midtown Plaza to shop; I had big plans being in the heart of downtown Saskatoon!
On Friday night, I decided to hang out in my room and order room service. The Holiday Inn has a restaurant right in the hotel, The Hub, which is super convenient, and the menu has a variety of items to order. I ordered Chicken Alfredo and a Caesar Salad; it was delicious! It was a treat to eat a hot meal in peace and not have to cook! I, of course, ordered dessert and enjoyed it later in the evening. For the rest of the night, I enjoyed a hot bubble bath, binged some trash TV and played Mario (I brought my Nintendo along; what can I say? I'm a gamer!)
Saturday morning, I slept in. Oh, what a delight that was. I don't remember the last time I wasn't woken up to "I'm hungry, or can we watch TV." I enjoyed a coffee in bed while scrolling my phone (the room had a Keurig so that I could have unlimited coffee ?). I ordered room service again from The Hub to enjoy breakfast in bed. I had French toast, bacon, fruit, and a hot coffee (again... HOT!) Breakfast in bed was magical, especially with the large windows looking out onto downtown.
One of the best parts of my staycation was not having a schedule to follow. I decided to head to the pool and soak in the hot tub. The Holiday Inn has a pool, hot tub, and a gym. The hot tub was nice and deep, and the pool temperatures were perfect. I was lucky to have the pool to myself; what a way to relax! I peeked in the fitness centre, which has various equipment for everyone!
After an afternoon of napping, gaming and relaxing, I decided to get dressed and head down to the bar for a drink and appetizer! The Hub is available for in-dining for most meals of the day, and the bar, located right next to the restaurant, is open from late afternoon into the evening. I decided to have the Dill Pickle Caesar that features Lucky Bastard Dill Pickle Vodka! I love a good Caesar, and this one didn't disappoint. I ordered a glass of red wine with the Spinach Dip, which was tasty! The vibe of the bar hotel was very warm and inviting. The staff was extremely friendly, and I had excellent service (the entire hotel staff was super helpful and welcoming!) I spent the remainder of the evening in my room relaxing. I ordered a later supper; this time, I ordered pizza from Una Pizza. It was a great nightcap before I went to bed.
Before I checked out on Sunday, I went down to The Hub for breakfast. They had a breakfast buffet, or you could order off the menu. The buffet had pancakes, an omelet station, hashbrowns, cereals and more! If you are in a hurry, they have a Hub Café and 24/7 Market to get coffee, quick breakfast, and snacks!
Remember at the start of this blog when I said I would experience being at the heart of downtown? Well, once I started to relax, I couldn't bring myself to get out and about; it was just too cozy! But what I want to highlight about the hotel is how convenient of a spot it is for your trip to Saskatoon. The hotel is a prime location whether you attend a show at TCU Place or plan a shopping trip to Midtown, it is literally across the street!
This staycation surpassed all my expectations, giving me precisely what I needed and more. As a mother, I strongly advocate indulging in a staycation—it's rejuvenating. If a staycation isn't feasible due to budget constraints or other reasons, consider planning an alternative. It's crucial for moms to prioritize self-care to nurture the best versions of themselves. Always remember, you're doing great as a mom!
Bailie Knowles
Bailie grew up in a small town but was always a “city girl” at heart. Saskatoon is now home to her and her family. Her household is a bustling one, filled with her loving husband, four wonderful children, and their beloved furry companion. Bailie works as a Marketing & Communications Coordinator with Discover Saskatoon. She loves getting out into the community with her family and taking in all of Saskatoon's events and attractions. Her family loves to discover new parks, try new restaurants and breweries, and attend Rattler Game. Follow along with her family adventures @bailie.knowles on Instagram!