“Super clean and efficient. That’s the problem…”
Stayed for a 2-night stopover on the way farther south. This is a serviceable lodging, a short enough drive from I95 for convenience and far enough to get away from the road noise. The hotel, about 4-years old seems spanking brand new and is so clean, And that's where I quibble…
The architect and interior designer seem to have lost their way. Hotels of this type are not known for having warm interiors, but the interior of this facility uses such hard materials throughout that it made me feel like being in a hospital. The lobby had copious amounts of stainless steel and faux wood paneling. The ultra-brightly lit elevators – also stainless steal and faux wood -- are at least 20 degrees cooler than the hallways and lobby. Passengers are subject to a loud buzz for each passing floor and must breathe the strong scent of a stick-on air freshener, strong enough to fight odors in a 400 square-foot room. Thankfully there are only 4 floors. Why an air freshener in an elevator ?
The elevator doors open into an unmarked narrow off-shoot of the main hallway, leaving the impression that you may have arrived in a basement storage room. The hallway rugs, are obviously new and clean, but feel paper thin. The room entryway greets you with more faux wood flooring. The bathroom is white on white on white. Not a splotch of color. And the tiniest towel hooks are as far from the shower as possible. A stall shower with a swinging instead of sliding door guarantees floor flooding. The bathroom door itself, with a nautical porthole, is a behemoth on massive sliding hinges. The hardware looks downright prison-like.
The rooms are at least 2-feet too narrow. A giant 8-foot high credenza serves as TV stand, clothing armoire and slide-out desktop. Unfortunately, the closet is not deep and the side facing hangers are awkward. With the desktop opened, the chair jams up against the bed. The closet door opens practically against the bed. One forlorn abstract picture sits in a dark corner.
I selected Starwood because of its reputation and my experience with their comfortable beds. Unfortunately, this one was hard, like the rest of the hotel. The mattress gives about 2-inches then promptly runs into a solid base. I always get a queezy feeling when waking up in the morning and finding that the fitted bottom sheet came loose leaving you laying on the actual mattress. Try not to imagine who else slept here. A king bed needs king sheets.
On the positive, the staff is very pleasant and helpful and the cooked breakfast was reasonably tasty. Fixtures throughout were high quality. And the hotel is set far back from the road making every room rather quiet.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
January 28, 2013
Dear Doocue,
I must have to admit, I am somewhat confused by your review. Our hotel is so well maintained and clean after four years of operation that it is a point of dissatisfaction?
Our design does not follow a hospital, but rather, a contemporary and modern design with simple lines and a color pallet that proves our cleanliness.
Cleanliness and a warm staff are two of the most appreciated items when it comes to our average business traveler. As your review states, our rooms are built for cleanliness, and space efficiency. Our bathroom doors slide, leaving extra room in the entry way. Our desk rolls under the TV nook, our closets use a uniquely designed hanging direction to make every inch count. Waste not, want not.
You describe our fixtures as high quality, yet prison-like. We appreciate your input and review; however, I think contemporary style just may not be your "cup of tea".
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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