Rating hotels is pretty difficult for me. You really have to be almost completely perfect to get a 4-star rating from me. Unfortunately, I don't want to spend a lot of money on a hotel, either, so I rarely find anything greater than a 3-star regardless.
This place, though? Man. I realize I was here on business, so I wasn't paying for it. I was here with 2 other colleagues, one of whom suggested this place over other hotels in the area. Not sure why. Seems like there were mostly business-types staying in this place, so hopefully, if you're reading this, and you're going to spend some money, check out one of the other hotels in the area.
THE ROOM/FACILITIES: The place is in need of a renovation. The room overall was all right. There's some kind of pipe sticking out of the wall to the right of the shower at about floor level. Probably leftover from a previous reno. The place is full of brick, which is probably the best local construction material, but I felt like I was staying in a prison.
The workout facilities are pretty great. Clean. New looking. Treadmills have video screens and iPod hookups. Weights are good (although there are no 20 lb weights. They go right from 10 to 25), and there are some new mats for doing sit-ups. There are also elliptical machines, and a bike, I believe.
They got a pool. But my kids went into the pool, and my son's blue swim shirt is now grey and they ended up with a chlorine-burn skin rash that has lasted at least 3 days. Who's checking this?
My family does laundry halfway through the week on long trips so we don't have to carry a wardrobe with us. The laundry room is located in the underground garage. This week, the door was obscured with a red, stretch, Hummer limousine. Oh yes, lest I forget, there are TONS of limousines parked in the underground parking (which costs extra. You can park outside for free) lot. Not sure what that's all about. There are also stacks of extra old dining room furniture partly organized on one side of the garage.
Breakfast was actually pretty good. Seems like they alternate between, eggs\bacon\pancakes and eggs\link sausage\hash browns. A variety of cold cereal, yogurt, oatmeal, bread and some danishes. I'd give the breakfast 4 stars.
The Wifi? Don't plan on getting any work done.
Had to get my room card "recharged" 2 times during 5 days. They said they were replacing this system.
The carpet that's sticking up on the ends of each elevator floor sums it up nicely: it's good enough to get by, but overall, ain't too happening.
QUIRKS: Upon arrival, I went to the person standing at the middle of the counter. She directed me to the person to her right, who directed me to the fellow on her left. A manager showed up and started complaining about something. I found it sort of off-putting. Seems like a happy place to work.
One morning, the hostess brought us tea. One of my colleagues is from the UK. We told her, we didn't order any tea. She said there was another person in our party who did, but all three of us were there. She later came and moved the tea.
Finally, note to the guest who looked like Eddie Vedder: The washing machine shows you how much time is left. Make a note of it and come back to get your clothes out in a timely manner. No one wants to handle your laundry.