Open Mike Night- Living the Good Life At the H Hotel

Mike Budziakowski

Coming to Midland as a Canadian export, there were a number of lifestyle changes I needed to make to adapt to my now beloved small-town American way of life. And no, those changes didn’t involve moving from an igloo to a dorm room or trading in my huskies for a Volkswagon Golf, which seem to be recurring misconceptions.  In fact, it was the complete opposite.  Coming from Toronto, one of Canada’s largest metropolitan centers, I showed up to Midland and was at once humbled by its quaint and intimate atmosphere.  I fell in love immediately.  Midland is the Juliet to my Romeo, sans the tragic ending.  I hope. 

But as a city boy I will always have a place in my heart for the lavish excesses that only a big city can offer.  Even the crisp smell of polluted air brings a tear to my eyes—both because of my love for it and the fact that it burns a little.  But I soon found that Midland has some big-city characteristics hidden behind its small-town charm.  It’s little wonder, then, what with the opening of the new H Hotel, here in Midland, I packed up a weekend’s worth of clean clothes and checked into suite 302. Surely as a writer assigned to enlighten my readers with the newest and best that Midland has to offer it was my responsibility—nay, my duty—as lifestyle columnist to deliver you my unbiased account.  Before we move on I would like to thank Northwood University for picking up the tab. They are not aware of it yet, but the bill is in the mail.

Part of the Dolce family of hotels and resorts, the H, located at 111 West Main Street, offers all the luxuries that you would expect from any upscale hotel chain.  Boasting an indoor lap pool & whirlpool, a fitness center, two massage rooms, nearby fitness trails, and tennis and golf facilities, the H undoubtedly has given Midland something to talk about. The rooms were immaculate, and the detailed and opulent furniture was of considerable quality. Having stayed at various hotel chains during my travels through both Europe and North America I was astonished at the quality and comfort that this hotel offered.

Certainly my experience was not limited to my room, and a proper stay would not have been complete without a stop at the lobby bar after a taste of what H’s premier restaurant, The Table, had to offer.  Five Diamond and Four Star-certified, Chef Anthony Demes leads a team of culinary professionals who have contributed to The Table’s well-deserved reputation.  Now, at the risk of ruining an otherwise flawless critique, I have to concede that the Salmon was a little on the dry side and tasted of freshly woven sneakers.  However, whatever disparagement that may have arisen from dinner was soon forgotten as I sat at the lobby bar and treated myself to a beer.  Rather, I treated myself to a few beers (surprised?) and was astonished at the selection and variety that the H had to offer.  From common domestics to unusual and rare imports, the selection was reminiscent of my travels to the Bier Gartens of Prague.  Ah, Prague… Remind me to regale you with my tale of a night spent aboard a buoy on the River Vltava with a woman named Oksana, where we debated the dynastic origins of the House of Hapsburg while heavy bass-beats from the Karlovy Lane Dance Club misted low across the water like the fading voice of some forgotten inamorata. But I digress…

Club l enthusiast or not, this bar offers an incredible selection for all beer drinkers.  Of course, if your tastes lie in the realm of wine or spirits you will have little trouble quenching whatever thirst you may have, as the H boasts an incredible variety of wine in a large, climate-controlled wine cellar.  The night ended (slightly hazily) in perhaps the most comfortable bed I have yet to sleep in.   Luxurious feather bedding and down blankets and pillows truly accentuate the comfort for which the Dolce Hotel group is renowned for.  It is without reservation that I highly recommend the H; even for one night to unwind and kick back. Its ideal location, big-city amenities, and small-town charm make it a place everyone should visit.

I look forward to my return….but in the meantime I have a homework assignment for you—do Madonna’s children have last names? 

Until next time, wink.

Open Mike Night

Mike Budziakowski

I know what you’re thinking.  For the record, no, I am not attempting to change my direction in life and become a columnist—nor a writer or blogger, for that matter. Instead I’m grasping the opportunity to break away from the mold and exercise, even if for a limited amount of time, both sides of my brain. 

For the past ten months, I’ve had to endure the monotonous daily grind as an MBA candidate.  I’m not saying that it hasn’t been worth the $50,000 to receive a sheet of paper that bestows credibility to my personal set of self-proclaimed skills.  Actually, in that respect it has.  I’ve been auspiciously exposed to a wide array of interesting characters, cultures, and backgrounds.  For this reason I wanted to express my gratitude by writing the lifestyle section of this newspaper.

I don’t want to come off as pompous, but on a bi-weekly basis I will be your voice in today’s fashion, entertainment, and a guide in self-expression.  With limited experience, I will attempt to utilize my personal intuition to recreate and describe my encounters and observations around our joyful little town of Midland.  With a population of just over 41,000, Midland provides many cultural opportunities in fields ranging from music and theatre to science and the arts. Stop laughing—it really does.  With big heavyweights like Dow Chemical and Dow Corning calling Midland home, it’s no wonder that this town has transformed into one of the most desired living locations in Michigan. Stop laughing—I’m serious.

I’m going to dip myself into the local cuisines, eateries, and social festivals and events so that I may truly experience everything that there is to offer in this community and its beautiful surroundings.  I will look into the latest fashion trends and faux pas so that all my readers will have the opportunity to get a straight guy’s *cough, cough* point of view.  Probably not a good idea to go shopping immediately after reading my articles; you may get a cramp. Let it sink in before taking my advice. Not all of us can pull off capris. 

Let me be your petri dish. I want to leave this town pregnant with all the joys and wonders it has to offer.  Before I master business I will master Midland, and you will be taken for a ride only Keanu Reeves can appreciate. Buckle up; its open Mike night. Until next time, wink.