This weekend, my family and I did something new. We were offered the opportunity to have a staycation at Sandman Signature Saskatoon South. Although we didn’t leave our beautiful city, we were able to go to a brand new hotel, and not worry about anything. Usually if a staycation involves not leaving my home, and exploring the city, I will always find something else to do. Relaxing isn’t easy in your own home. That being said, relaxing isn’t easy with a toddler.
For those that know me well, you know I LOVE hotel stays. I’ve loved them since I was young. I even have a one night birthday hotel stay all by myself once a year. My son loves hotels just as much as I do (especially if they have a pool and hot tub), so it was great to be able to share this experience with my family. I love my alone time, but I love making memories with my family even more.
The best part about this staycation is that we were all able to go. I was grateful my beautiful pup was included in our fun. We picked a weekend that my partner was home. He’s working two weeks away from home at a time so I was happy we could do some relaxing when he came back. My son was happy enough about his dad coming home – add in a hotel stay, and he was ecstatic!
Before I get into our two-night stay, a little about the Sandman Signature Saskatoon South Hotel. They have just opened, and it’s such a beautiful hotel. Right now, they have an Opening Celebration Rage starting at $109 from now until December 31, 2020.
We drove to Ontario this summer to visit family (before Ontario was shut down again – and as a side note we did come back Covid-free), and I think it’s safe to say every hotel we stayed at on the trip cost more, and were not nearly as nice.
Sandman Signature Hotels also have a Sandman PureClean Program to ensure you will feel safe and know you are staying in a place that is clean. It’s the year of Covid, and it is a comfort to feel safe away from home. They have a sanitized check-in, touchless express check-out, hand sanitation stations throughout the hotel, new cleaning products certified to kill viruses, and so many more amazing precautions to give you peace of mind.
Sandman Signature Saskatoon South has a fitness centre, a pool and whirlpool, free parking, and free Wi-fi. They also have a Denny’s attached to the hotel, and soon they will be opening Chop Steakhouse & Bar. It is truly a beautiful hotel, and it makes you feel like you are home – without having to worry about your to-do list.
The Lobby 
The Lobby 
The Lobby 
Lobby 
Easy Express Checkout 
Our room 
Our Room 
Part of the bathroom. It also had a deep tub, and two sinks. 
Kitchen with everything we could ask for. 
Swimming Pool 
Fitness Centre 
This will be Chop Steakhouse and Bar 
Artwork outside Denny’s 
The first of two restaurants.
We arrived on Friday night. The check-in was quick and easy, and we were thrilled to see the beautiful room. We booked a pool time, and relaxed. To keep safe, the pool only allows six people in at once, and you have to book ahead. It’s a super easy process, and kind of nice to have it to ourselves. We ended our night with a movie and pizza.
A’s favourite part is pushing the cart. 
Timed family photo for the win. 
Pool time 
Hot Tub Time 
Waiting for Pizza 
A’s pull out bed, and all his stuffies. 
He’s so happy to be at this dog friendly hotel that he decided the entire bed was his. His plan failed.
Our second day was busy. We took a quick day trip because when you’re vacationing with a preschooler- even during a staycation – you need to explore. We spent the morning relaxing. We went to the pool, and had breakfast and lunch in the hotel (thanks to the kitchenette). After lunch, we decided to explore two amazing places that are really close to the hotel. They are about five minutes outside of Saskatoon. We went to Crossmount Cider Company. If you’ve never been, you should try it out! They make their own cider, and they are dog and kid friendly. After that we went for a walk at a place called Cranberry Flats Conservation Area. It has beautiful trails, and of course the Fall colours are the best. It was great to get out and do two activities with our dog. We came back and went swimming one more time, and went to Denny’s for supper. Denny’s has taken all the precautions for Covid, and we felt very safe. The staff were so nice and very attentive.
Early morning dog walk around the hotel. In my Moose PJs. 
I took time to write and reflect every morning. 
Hot tub! 
Jumping to his dad.
Crossmount Cider
Cheesecake in a jar. 
Trying out the delicious cider. 
So happy to be included 
Cheers 
Walk around the pond. 
Walk around the pond 
Walk around the pond
Cranberry Flats
Reading all the books. 
Chips, wine, and a book. Perfect way to relax. 
Doggo was tired as well. 
More hot tubbing. 
Loving the Kid’s menu at Denny’s. 
Both of them asleep by 8.
And our last morning was spent trying to convince my kid it was time to leave. He wanted to stay. I slept in, we packed, and then we went for breakfast at Denny’s. We headed home after that – and I’ve been slowly working on this blog post since then.
We got A this cup and egg toy. He loves it. 
Birthday pancakes. 
So delicious!
We had such a great time. Believe me when I say how grateful I am for this staycation, and the opportunity to go. Thanks to Sandman Signature Hotels! I can’t wait for another visit. I also can’t wait to dine at Chop. The best part about this opportunity is that I get to give away a two-day stay to somebody else. Check out my Instagram @thewritingmommalife account for details. I’m so excited to give somebody else a well deserved holiday.
I recently heard the phrase “attitude of gratitude” and I loved it. My 40s will be an attitude of gratitude, and this staycation was an amazing start.
©ErinLeahMcCrea All photos I share on my blogs are my own, please Ask Me For Permission Before Using Them
Writing Momma Life 