Clare County, Michigan: Mud Lake State Forest Campground

June 2024, weekdays, 2 nights, campsite 5

We arrived at this campground from the southwest. The roads after M-66 are dirt; the distance on dirt roads was just under 5 miles when we arrived at the campground. When we left, we traveled southeast on M-115, and the distance on dirt roads traveling that direction was about the same.

 

Lake view from campsite 5 in Mud Lake State Forest

This is a state forest campground with 8 campsites. It has a fresh water hand pump, an outhouse, and a dirt boat ramp. The self-registration cost was $20 per night at the time of our stay. We arrived on a Thursday afternoon, and the park was empty except for one vehicle at the boat ramp.

Campsite 5 in Mud Lake State Forest Campground

Campsite 5 and more

Campsites 5 and 6 are the only sites with a view of the lake. Although the view from campsite 6 is more open than it is from site 5, we chose site 5, as it is a larger campsite with a bit more privacy. The campsite on the other side of site 6 (I do not recall if it was 7 or 8) is a private site on the lake side; however, the lake is not visible from that campsite, as it is not as close to the water. Campsite 3 is also a great site, in terms of privacy and space. The site is open in the back and overlooks the meadow.

Campsite 5 in Mud Lake State Forest Campground
Below: looking toward site 6

We were glad that campsite 4 was empty during our stay, as the fire pit on that campsite is on the edge, close to our lot. The drive/parking area for campsite 4 is a ways away, next to trees on the other edge of the lot.

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

Indialantic, Florida: DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront

 February 2022, weekdays, 3-nights

Sunrise from our bedroom balcony DoubleTree Melbourne Beach suite 913

We had an amazing stay at this hotel booked totally with points. The service was great, the guestroom was comfortable, and the food was amazing. The hotel is located between the Atlantic Ocean and intercostal waterway. We enjoyed ocean sunrises from our bedroom balcony, and sunsets over the waterway from the table in the living room.

Sunset from living room area in DoubleTree Melbourne Beach suite 913

Arrival, check-in, diamond perks

We arrived quite early before check-in time, and opted to wait for a top floor guestroom. We walked on the beach, and settled in at the pool area, expecting to wait a few hours for our room. We were surprised when we received a text before noon telling us our room was ready. I received two bottles of water, and $30 per day food and beverage credit. There are only three types of guestrooms at this property, unless they have hidden rooms, so there was no opportunity for an upgrade.

View out the front of suite 913 DoubleTree Melbourne Beach

King guestroom 913

This room is set up almost exactly like an Embassy Suites. The entrance door opened into a spacious room with a small table and 2 chairs, and a sofa with left arm facing chaise. A flatscreen TV, small fridge, microwave, and beverage items (coffee/ice bucket) were on the large countertop/armoire across from the sofa. I do not have pictures of this area; the photos on the hotel website match this guestroom.

Shower in suite 913 DoubleTree Melbourne Beach

The bathroom was located between the living room and the bedroom. The large vanity was along the hallway area on the right, and the shower and toilet room were on the left. Several good quality towels and washcloths were provided, along with bath amenities. There was a door that could be closed to the bathroom, and one for the bedroom.