| rev:text
| - If you're a Illini fan you just might want to stay here. This hotel is located about a quarter of a mile away from where they play football and their basketball arena is a mere stones throw away. Granted, if this is during basketball and football season, this closeness might be a good or a bad thing depending on what you are here for, I could see it being a massive traffic nightmare to be honest. It opened in August '08 so it still has that brand new smell when I stayed here this past weekend.
It has some really nice features, flat screens tvs, a very green environmental vibe going on, extremely friendly and over the top helpful customer service. One night when a friend and I went out to a bar and left our cars at the hotel, we asked about getting a cab. The front desk manager informed us it would be fairly expensive and told us he would drive us to the bar. Um.. okay. Always smiling and willing to help. They have cards that you can leave on the bed if you don't want or need your bed linens changed in an effort to save some energy on cleaning them over and over again. I like that. Also their light bulbs are energy efficient. The alarm clock in the rooms have a feature in which you can dock your ipod and wake up to it or play it like speakers. The room was great, comfortable and quiet. Prices were fairly affordable, but then again, I am also slightly comparing to Chicago prices.
There are a few things that can be tweaked though. In their fitness center, perhaps towels or something to wipe down when someone gets sweaty. It would be nice to have some stability balls, and a little more equipment. I am being picky but it was pretty bare bones in there. And I know they want to be a little greener, perhaps having a water fountain in or by they gym. Maybe there was one and I didn't see it. They do provide water bottles of Aquafina, but I think the water fountain would cut down on the use of plastic. Also, some recycling bins around the hotel and gym to recycle those bottles would be great too.
For a first time visit to the town, I definitely would recommend staying here, however, do make sure when you do, check on when the games are being played, the traffic and congestion might interfere with your plans.
|