We stayed four nights: two weeknights and two weekend nights. This is important because the hotel charges twice as much for weeknights as on weekends, and the character of the place changes. Weeknights are for business travelers, as the place is in the heart of Tech Center. Weekends are for tourists and special events. I found the hotel calm on weeknights, but a little noisy on weekends, when the less-than-$100 rate attracts larger family groups. There was some type of party on Saturday night, and the music was audible throughout the hotel. Fortunately, the music was turned down at 11pm.
The location is very good, in a clean, well-developed area of Tech Center. Beware the fringes of Tech Center (i.e., where the Embassy Suites is located), as those areas are a little under-developed. There are a couple of suburban strip malls and several very good restaurants within walking distance (Il Fornaio, Mortons, etc). The adjacent Ya-Ya's Bistro was a surprising hit with my family. The Belleview light rail station is close by, sort of a long walk but certainly within the range of the hotel's free shuttle.
The rooms feel large, and have been recently renovated in a modern style. The flat panel TV is stunning, huge (42"?) and dominates the room. There is a desk and fridge, too. The sectional sofa is nice, but the bathroom (tub/shower + toilet) is very small. The sink is open to the room, something I don't care for, but opinions vary. The closet is small and the room lacks hooks and other details. The double beds are a tight squeeze, and the open layout does not allow for any privacy. For families, I think a closed-off sleeping area would be more practical. For solo business travelers, the layout is appealing.
I didn't try to order any hot food downstairs in the lobby. The free continental breakfast was fine: fresh fruit, cereal, toasts/bagels, juices and good coffee. Nearby, the Original Pancake House is locally famous for breakfast.
The staff was friendly and accommodating. The fitness room is small, with no weight machines, but the treadmills had nice individual TV screens. I didn't try the indoor pool.
