It's a nice hotel and they do try to upgrade Plats, even when busy. The food options are excellent within the hotel and there are several excellent choices (including a superb pub) within steps of the hotel. The fitness facilities are a little 'blah' and some of the floors could use an upgrade in decor, though you'll like it overall.

Saskatoon is nothing at all like Gary, though it certainly does have some rough areas north of downtown. For one thing, Saskatoon is enjoying a major resource-based boom at the moment, which has lifted the whole city. From my pained recollections of my last visit, Gary hasn't boomed in any noticeable way since the 1920s.

The hotel itself is near several of the major bridges and trail systems, making for some great (and safe) walks or runs. I stay in the area often and can assure you that there is nothing to worry about that you wouldn't see in any city of 200,000 or so.

Early December...hmmm...well, hey, it's a dry cold! Yeah, that's it...