Description:
I’ve often read that it pays to be loyal to a hotel chain or airline, but until recently, I was skeptical that the benefits would outweigh the possible higher price or narrowed choices. But after my most recent stay at this Hilton property, I’m beginning to understand what all the buzz is about. Upon checking in, my mother and I were told we’d been upgraded from a one- to two-bedroom suite.
Sweet!
Of course, it may have been because we arrived late, but I like to think that my having booked at Hilton properties twice in the previous month had something to do with it. Even without the upgrade, this type of "extended stay" facility is just the ticket when you’re in touring mode, more intent on seeing local sights than looking for a unique place to stay. What you get in terms of reliable quality and convenience more than compensates for the predictable (and some might contend boring) nature of these chain hotels.
Sometimes, predictable is good, especially when you’re bone tired and not in the mood to figure out a new place.
The staff was quite helpful, giving me excellent directions over the phone from Longwood Gardens to the hotel when I called at around 9:30pm the night we checked in. Our late arrival proved no problem.
This was the first Homewood Suite I’d stayed in, and it was as nice as I’d hoped. The two-bedroom suite was amazingly spacious; the master bathroom alone was practically the size of some hotel rooms I’ve stayed in. One bedroom featured a king-size bed, while the other had two double beds. Both rooms had their own bathrooms, stocked with the usual Neutrogena products.
There was virtually everything a reasonable person could want in the suite, right down to an iron already filled with distilled water, with one notable exception: no luggage stands. No matter; the top of the large dresser worked well. After a late-night snack of complimentary microwave popcorn, we turned in. The bed was a little softer than I’m used to, but I slept well and woke without a backache (my usual experience with a soft mattress), so I’d give the bed a thumbs-up.
A complimentary breakfast is offered until 9am Monday to Friday and until 10am on weekends. I just made it downstairs in time to sample a ready-made cheese omelet, fresh fruit, and sausage, taking a tray back up to the room for my Mom.
Truth to tell, my only regret was that we didn’t have time to lounge around and enjoy our attractive and spacious suite a little longer. I can see coming back here, though, with my husband for a weekend escape sometime.
As for loyalty to a hotel chain, I’m an easy sell. A few more stays like this (and a few more upgrades), and I’ll be a firm believer. We’ll be staying in another Homewood Suites this upcoming winter, in New Orleans, and I’m looking forward to it.
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