Visit Aruba: One Happy Island!
Imagine a warm breeze, a sandy beach and water so intensely blue. Are you thinking what I am thinking? I am thinking about Aruba. I spent years living in Hawaii and I grew to...
Years ago, for about ten minutes, I worked in the consulting industry right after college. They put us up in what they called an extended-stay hotel. At that time, I came to associate extended stays with run-down hotels that barely had any staff working. This is what I have thought for years.
When I was first contacted by Residence Inn, I was curious. I had not stayed in an extended-stay hotel since that one experience and I know that very often, as a travel writer, there is much more to a hotel than meets the eye. I was excited to take a fresh look at this concept.
There are things that I am very particular about when I stay in any hotel. I have to have a very comfortable bed, nice towels and friendly staff. I also need to be able to buy a Diet Coke whenever I want one.
Residence Inn features more than 600 all-suite properties in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Costa Rica and is a pioneer in the extended-stay hotel segment, being the first to serve the needs of business travelers seeking apartment-style accommodations for longer stays. Residence Inn’s mission is to help travelers thrive on long stays. Combining upscale style and functionality, suites are spacious, allowing travelers the ability to maintain balance while on the road.
Featuring full kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas in every room, Residence Inn offer guests flexibility and options that fit their routine. The associates’ personalized service and attention to detail help guests feel welcomed and appreciated. Connectivity to home and office, health and fitness options, comfortable public areas to socialize or relax make Residence Inn the ideal choice for both business and leisure guests.
The Residence Inn by Marriott Atlanta Downtown is nestled right in the heart of downtown Atlanta. I walked in to the hotel and was immediately taken aback by the beauty and history of this 160 suite hotel (20 floors).
This did not feel or look like an extended stay hotel. At least not one I had been at.
Check in was fast and easy. The employee was personable, friendly and addressed me by name. I was already swayed. I sat down in the lobby to wait for the rest of my party and just loved the feel. There was a family reunion going on and although the hotel was almost at capacity, it did not feel especially busy and I never had to wait for an elevator.
My room was well stocked and really perfect. Since the suites are larger than traditional hotel rooms, (they offer studio, one- and two-bedroom suites with separate living, working, eating and sleeping areas) I was able to have a separate work space plus a large kitchen. The work space and kitchen were large with ample room.
I found a plush mattress, crisp linens, custom comforters and piles of pillows. My had free Wi-Fi and free high-speed internet access at the work space.
One of the cool things about Residence Inn Atlanta is that you can start your day off with a complimentary daily hot breakfast. Additionally, you have the option to make your own meals in a full-sized, fully-equipped kitchen. This kitchen includes cooking utensils, flatware and China as well as a full-size refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, dishwasher and cooktop. Moreover, ovens also available in select locations.
Many of the hotels offer complimentary evening barbecues and social hours. This location has specialty nights like lasagne night and many other themed evenings. Most locations offer on-site fitness centers plus pools and/or whirlpools (not in this location but available in some locations). Many hotels offer meeting room space.
Parking is available for $25 per night.
To me, this hotel and indeed all of Residence Inn's are worth a second look. I had unfairly judged all extended stay hotels based on just one stay. While the two hotels that I stayed at may have been in the same category, there was nothing similar about them at all.
The hotel met all of my criteria. The employees went above and beyond in every instance. They genuinely seemed happy to be there.
This hotel is the perfect location for a stay in downtown Atlanta.
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This looks like a really nice place,. I think its nice that a hotel can offer so much versatility for every ones needs. I don’t travel much there for don’t stay in hotels much, but this place sounds great for an extended stay.
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