Pedro, Ohio: Iron Ridge Campground in Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area / Wayne National Forest

 May 2024, weekdays - weekend, 4 nights, campsite 18

We originally thought we would stay in Hocking Hills campground on our way home this trip; however, when I saw the rates at that campground are now $36 to $50 a night, we changed our plans. We liked the hiking in Hocking Hills when we stayed there in 2016; however, most of the campsites are pretty close together. We had been lucky that year to get a semi-private site at a reasonable rate.

I happened upon Wayne National Forest as I was searching national forests in Ohio, and then we chose Iron Ridge Campground in Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area. 

Campsite 18 in Iron Ridge Campground Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
Camper barely visible on right [below] when approaching from the entrance

Iron Ridge Campground, site 18

We reserved site 18 online about 6 months in advance. The cost with our senior pass was $14.50 a night. This campground has power, water hookup, and a dump station. We proceeded directly to our site when we arrived, as there is no staff in the campground. There was a reserved tag on our site.

Campsite 18 in Iron Ridge Campground Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Campsite 18 is one of the more private sites in the first section of the campground. After you pass sites 18 and 22, the road continues up a steep hill to a second loop. We were able to back directly into our site when we arrived; however, we needed to drive up the hill to turn around the day we departed. Site 18 has a slight incline uphill, and it was level side to side.

Visitor vehicles parked in tent sites 19 - 21 in Iron Ridge Campground Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

New York City: Moynihan Hall lounge and Amtrak to Toledo

February 2023

View of New York from Manhattan cruise terminal

Our cruise ship arrived at the Manhattan terminal and was ready for passengers to disembark before 8:00 AM. Our Amtrak ride was not until 3:40 PM, so we took our time disembarking, and then walked to Moynihan Train Hall. The walk was 1½ miles, which was not difficult even with our luggage. 

I am sharing info about the train station, and just a bit about the train ride in this post. You can find additional information about the train ride in my previous post about our train ride from Toledo to New York City.

Moynihan Train Hall in New York City

Metropolitan lounge, baggage check, and boarding in Moynihan Train Hall

The following passengers have access to the lounge in New York City: Amtrak Guest Rewards members with Select Plus or Select Executive status, Amtrak Guest Rewards station lounge pass holders, and passengers with first class or private room tickets. A roomette is a private room, so we had access to the lounge. Fortunately, there was not a time limit for how long we could be in the lounge, because we arrived before noon. 

Metropolitan Lounge in Moynihan Train Hall 

Once we checked in at the lounge, we were able to come and go, if we did not want to remain in the lounge the entire time. We had entered Moynihan Hall from 9th Street, so we saw Metropolitan Lounge before the baggage check area. Once inside the lounge, we observed an escalator from the lounge to the boarding area, which is also where the checked baggage counter is located. We were able to use the lounge escalator to access baggage check, and check our bags several hours before our trip. The agent in the lounge told us we could check our bags 24 hours ahead of time, if we wanted. When we first purchased our coach seats (before upgrading to a roomette), I had tried to find this information on Amtrak's website without success. I even called the train station to ask how far in advance we could check our bags, and I never reached a person. I left two messages, and no one ever called me back. It is great to know that bag check is available early, for passengers who want to explore the city until departure. 

We were a bit concerned about the weight of our larger bag, since it had weighed 49 lbs. on our trip out. There is a scale on the customer side of the counter to check bag weight and size (like the photo I shared in the Toledo station); however, it was not working. The person who took our bag did not seem to care; he merely hoisted the bag right over the working scale without weighing it, and then provided tags.

Looking toward balcony seating and boarding area from Metropolitan Lounge in Moynihan Train Hall

Amtrak: Roomette on Lake Shore Limited from Toledo to New York City

January 2023, 16-hour [actually 18-hour] Amtrak ride from Toledo 

View from Lake Shore Limited Car 4812 Roomette 1

Ticket purchase and Toledo station

We initially purchased coach seats online, and then upgraded to a roomette via telephone a few weeks before our trip when Amtrak was running a Buy 1 Get 1 special. The Amtrak representative had told me we did not need to pay the balance due until the day of our travel, and she had said we could pay the balance online. After we completed the upgrade process, I could not find our trip online [to view or to pay the balance]. I ended up calling back to pay the balance right away because we wanted to be able to view the trip details. I presume the trip needs to be booked online in order to pay the balance online, although this is not what we were told. This was our first experience upgrading and booking a roomette, so I had chosen to call. In the future, I think I would just complete everything online. After we paid in full, we received an email confirmation, which showed we had been assigned a roomette in car 4812. Apparently, the Amtrak system does not update throughout, because in the days leading up to our trip, we received several emails with upgrade offers for a roomette or sleeper car. This was a bit alarming before I double-checked the Amtrak website to confirm that our upgraded booking was in fact there. 

Baggage policy sign in Toledo station

Although we live in Michigan, we chose Toledo, Ohio for our starting point because this station has baggage check, and it is open 24 hours. The station is a mile from the Hilton Garden Inn downtown where we had stayed the night before. The agent in Toledo was helpful and professional. He clearly explained where to board the train when it arrived, at the far right end. When the train arrived in Toledo, there were about 10 passengers waiting to board in coach, and we were the only roomette passengers to board at this station.

Lake Shore Limited Car 4812 Roomette 1

Roomette #1 in car 4812

We were in room #1, and we were the only passengers in our car for most of our ride. Although this car was not a remodeled newer style, we had a great experience concerning our room. It was comfortable and quiet. The bed was made up when we entered at 3 AM. Four pillows and wrapped blankets were provided, along with two bottles of water. The photos above are what the room looked like when we arrived.

View from Lake Shore Limited Car 4812 Roomette 1

Toledo, Ohio: Hilton Garden Inn Downtown

January 2023, Sunday, one-night, two queen bed river view guestroom #1009

View from guestroom 1009 in Hilton Garden Inn Toledo, Ohio

Arrival and diamond perks

We booked this hotel because we wanted a hotel close to the Amtrak station where we were departing at 3:15 AM. Our plan was to sleep a few hours not too far away, and then have a short drive to the station. About a week before departure, we changed our reservation to a pre-pay rate. We do not usually book pre-pay rates; however, the rate was more than $20 less, so we decided to go for it. I did not check-in on the app, because the only rooms showing had connecting room doors. I called the hotel to ask for help with a room assignment. The agent sounded like she was going to assign me a room on the 15th floor without a connecting room door; however, when I looked on the app after this call, the guestroom I was assigned had a connecting room door. 

When we arrived, I experienced the worst hotel arrival experience ever. The two front desk agents did not know anything about the guestrooms, and then I was assigned a room on the 10th floor that might have a connecting room door. They merely said that if I did not like the room I could come back to the front desk. I was not welcomed when I arrived, and I received no acknowledgment for being a loyal member. I received two bottles of water after I inquired about diamond member waters at the end of the interaction. When I had inquired about a room without a connecting door, I mentioned that we wanted a quiet room because we were going to be sleeping early and then departing around 2:30 AM, yet, the only hotel feature the agent told me about was breakfast in the morning at 6:00 AM. I had also told her we wanted only one room key when she asked how many we wanted, and she gave me two keys. 😲 Wow, great listening skills. 

Guestroom 1009 in Hilton Garden Inn downtown Toledo, Ohio

Miamisburg, Ohio: Staybridge Suites

January 2024, weekday, one night

Arrival and platinum perks

I reserved a king studio suite, and received an upgrade to a one-bedroom suite before I arrived. I saw this update online the day before. During check-in, the agent asked which platinum amenity I wanted. I chose points, and they posted to my account that day.

Staybridge Suites guestroom 310 in Miamisburg, Ohio

King one-bedroom suite #310

This guestroom was clean, comfortable, and well soundproofed. The living area was comfortable and spacious. We even received a package of microwave popcorn with the kitchen amenities. All extended stay properties used to provide popcorn; however, it has been a few years since I have received this.

Bedroom and view in guestroom 310 Staybridge Suites, Miamisburg, Ohio

Warren, Ohio: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Youngstown North (Warren/Niles)

Weekday, one night, king guestroom #331

Fountain in outside courtyard in Holiday Inn Express & Suites Youngstown N (Warren/Niles)

Arrival and platinum perks

We received a great welcome and platinum perks at this hotel: upgraded room, bottled water, and snacks. 

King guestroom 331

Unfortunately, I did not take any photos of the guestroom. It was the usual Holiday Inn Express type room, except that it was by far, one of the cleanest, quietest, and most comfortable rooms I have ever had.

Whirlpool tub in Holiday Inn Express & Suites Youngstown N (Warren/Niles)

Florence, Kentucky: Staybridge Suites Cincinatti South

August 2023, weeknight, one night, king studio suite #302

King studio #302 in Staybridge Suites Cincinnati South

Arrival and platinum perks

We received no welcome or status recognition at this hotel. In fact, our room had not even been preassigned when we arrived after check-in time. The 500 platinum points automatically posted to my account after check-in.

King studio #302 in Staybridge Suites Cincinnati South

Troy, Ohio: Holiday Inn Express, Greenville Falls, Moeller Brew Barn

August 2022, weekdays, 2-nights

View from guestroom 333 in Holiday Inn Express Troy, Ohio

Holiday Inn Express, king guestroom 333

This is an extended guestroom near the center of the hall, overlooking the hotel entrance. 

King guestroom 333 in Holiday Inn Express Troy, Ohio

The guestroom was comfortable, spacious, and clean. 

King guestroom 333 in Holiday Inn Express Troy, Ohio

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Brecksville, Ohio

May 2022, Weekend and weekday

This park is along the route we took to West Virginia with easy access from I-80. We had initially planned to stop on only one day; however, our plans changed due to construction at the falls. Our original plan was to visit Boston Mill Visitor Center and Brandywine Falls by car, and then hike Ledges Trail on the way to our nearby hotel. When we arrived, we learned the parking lot at Brandywine Falls was under construction, and that the only way to get to the falls was a 5-mile hike (roundtrip). We did not have enough time to hike both areas, so we hiked Ledges Trail the first day, and then stopped again on our return to hike to the falls.

Cuyahoga River behind Boston Mill Visitor Center

Boston Mill Visitor Center

The visitor center was open when we stopped on Sunday afternoon; however, it was not open when we stopped in the afternoon on a weekday. It was fully staffed on Sunday, and employees were very helpful. There is no charge to enter the visitor center, or to hike the trails.

Ledges Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ledges Trail

It is quite easy to hike this entire trail, although many people walked to just the main viewing spots. It is a beautiful hike. The entire loop was less than 3 miles.

Ledges Trail in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Overlook near picnic area below

Maumee, Ohio: Home2Suites by Hilton Maumee-Toledo

 May 2022, 2 queen beds guestroom 417

Diamond perks and check-in

I had reserved a king guestroom; however, there were no king guestrooms available on the top floor when I checked in, so I chose a queen guestroom instead. I spoke with someone at the hotel before arrival and when I arrived to make sure. The front desk agent handed me two bottles of water when I arrived.

Guestroom 417 in Home2Suites by Hilton Maumee, Ohio

Guestroom 417

We loved this guestroom. It was comfortable, clean, and well soundproofed. During our arrival check-in, the front desk agent had mentioned that sometimes this side of the building is loud with the UPS hub activity from the building behind the hotel. We did not think the noise from the facility was loud or bothersome at all. Possibly, the noise is louder on lower floors.

Guestroom 417 in Home2Suites by Hilton Maumee, Ohio

The guestroom was spacious, and contained all needed kitchen supplies. There was a divider curtain between the sleeping area and the seating area.

Bathroom in guestroom 417 in Home2Suites by Hilton Maumee, Ohio

The bathroom shower was nice, and the towels were good quality.

Breakfast buffet in Home2Suites by Hilton Maumee, Ohio

Stow, Ohio: Courtyard by Marriott Akron Stow - near Cuyahoga National Park

May 2022, weekend, one night, king balcony guestroom 412

View from king guestroom 412 in Courtyard Marriott in Stow, Ohio

Arrival and gold perks

The entrance at this hotel was a bit scary/nasty when we arrived, and I should have taken a photo. The trashcan was filthy and full. The entrance mat was incredibly dirty/covered with debris. I had checked in via the app, and did not receive notification that my room was ready before we arrived after check-in time Sunday evening. The agent appeared to be assigning the guestroom after I gave him my name. He did not say anything, so when it looked like he was about ready to code the key, I asked him if he was giving us a room on the top floor, and if we could have an upgrade to a room with a balcony. He said a balcony room is not an upgrade, and that this could be requested. Odd, that there is no way to choose a balcony room when making the reservation. He then assigned us an odd numbered room with a balcony on the top floor. It was not the end room, and I do not recall for sure if it was 403 or 405.

Above: View from king guestroom 412 in Courtyard Marriott in Stow, Ohio
Below: Guestroom diagram on back of the door in king guestroom 412 

Guestroom 403 or 405, and 412

Odd numbered rooms in this hotel are on the expressway side of the hotel, and the sliding glass doors are not very soundproof. It was very noisy in the odd-numbered guestroom that we entered, first. I called the front desk agent from the phone in the guestroom to ask if there was a room available on the other side of the building. He checked, and then said he would meet us at room 412. It was great that we did not need to go back down the elevator to get new keys; however, I did not understand why we had not been assigned a guestroom on the obviously better side of the building to begin with. One thing I have loved about Marriotts during my years of travel, is that they usually assign elite members guestrooms in preferred locations. Not only are the even numbered rooms better because of the traffic noise; they also have a better view. Both guestrooms we were assigned had connecting room doors.

Guestroom 412 in Courtyard Marriott in Stow, Ohio
Connecting room door on left

Guestroom 412 was spacious and comfortable. It contained a curved sofa, king size bed, spacious work area, small fridge, and microwave. The two chairs and small table on the balcony looked clean, and the seating was comfortable. There was a screen in the balcony doorway, so we were able to sleep with the door open to the fresh air.

Guestroom 412 in Courtyard Marriott in Stow, Ohio
Hairs and dirt on desk chair below