There’s a home away from home on Lansing’s west side. And it’s a place big enough to house most any extended family through 149 guest rooms, a pool, restaurant and attentive staff.

The Days Inn on West Saginaw Highway is the perfect place for a family getaway, business travel, mid-size convention or a special event. Now in its first year of operation under the Days Inn flag, the full-service hotel provides a range of amenities and services expected by today’s traveler.

“We pride ourselves on our personal touch,” says Su Griffin, director of sales and catering. “We don’t just put things on paper and walk away. We’re there with guests, every step of the way.”

An old steady

A Lansing standby for several decades, the atrium-style, three-story property has changed ownership several times, but benefits from team continuity.

“A lot of our staff has been here for a long time,” says Griffin who marks her sixth anniversary with the former Best Western, then an independent property. “Our chef has been here for 15, our laundry director for 20. We also have a lot of other staff who have worked here a while.”

The Days Inn employs about 40 people under the leadership of new General Manager Anil Modi. That staff includes kitchen, servers and others affiliated with Roxy’s, the property’s on-site restaurant and night club.

That collective experience level, Griffin says, gives staff the know-how to provide hospitality at its best.

“A lot of places are finding they need to get back to that personal touch,” says Griffin. “We don’t need to because we’ve always done that.”

Griffin and her staff provide meticulous attention when organizing and appointing weddings, banquets, convention business and family-focused events. Holidays, too, provide a solid opportunity for the Days Inn to roll out the red carpet for its best asset: the guest.

“December is always a great month to stay with us,” says Griffin. “It’s a nice place for family gatherings, and for our family-oriented New Year’s party, too.”

The property’s domed atrium with an adjacent pool is particularly attractive for large groups that want a block of rooms around a public area. Lots of people, she says, plan family get-togethers around Christmas, while others block occasional weekends throughout the year.

“You have tables and chair, pool tables, game rooms and the pool,” she says. “You can come directly from your guest room to meet others, and have plenty of space to play under the sun.”

The Days Inn also plans to host the annual New Year’s Eve party that got its start under the property’s previous ownership. A DJ and karaoke will set the ambiance for mixing and mingling, while movies will run in large, theater style meeting rooms. Guests, too, are welcome to bring in food to ring in the New Year, then enjoy a full complimentary breakfast in the banquet room on New Year’s Day.

“It’s very family-oriented,” says Griffin, pointing out that many guests come in groups, and book up to a dozen or more rooms. “Many of our guests are from Greater Lansing, but we do have people who travel two to three hours to get here.”

All in the family

While able to bring a professional touch to any informal gathering, the Days Inn also offers mid-sized wedding parties, social or business events, and special accommodations associated with funerals.

Guests can reserve banquet rooms for weddings, as well as for funeral gatherings, with staff taking time to decorate rooms and ancillary spaces, if needed. The property, too, can provide food and beverage—all homemade and fresh--under the careful watch of an experienced chef and kitchen staff.

For Griffin, it’s all about helping families stay within budget, and about taking away the worries. People visiting for funerals are not charged for the use of banquet rooms, and can receive discounted rates for guest rooms.

“We take a very personal touch, and try not to make things so automated,” says Griffin. “I always call people so we can talk and just make sure we have things correct.”

While family-focused, the Days Inn prides itself on providing a business-conducive environment for corporate travelers during the week. Amenities include wireless Internet, laundry and valet service, in-room coffee makers, airport shuttle, safe deposit boxes, a fitness center and sauna, and Roxy’s—the property’s on-site restaurant and bar.

“Business and conventioneers are among our main customers,” says Griffin. “We can provide food and beverage services, all their meeting space and guest rooms, and a comfortable place for them to gather after hours.”

Among upcoming conventioneers are groups and associations comprised of the military, the Masons, snowmobilers, pool players, and Harley aficionados.

“It’s a long day, but it’s a lot of fun,” says Griffin of her job. “And at the end of it all, you feel like you were part of it all, like you’re part of the family. You’re not just hired help.”

Author: Ann Kammerer
Photography: Terri Shaver