Hotel: Westgate Inn, Coudersport, PA

City: Coudersport, PA
Chain: N/A
Property: Westgate Inn
Address: 307 ROUTE 6 WEST, COUDERSPORT, PA 16915
Phone Number: (814) 274-0400

Check Out: August 2013 ($99)

This part of the country doesn't have a lot of options for hotels and restaurants; what its dense with is state parks, great drives through wooded valleys, and the occasional little hamlet every 10 miles or so along route 6 in northern Pennsylvania.  Coudersport is in the middle of Potter County, PA, self-proclaimed "God's Country", and is a small town of population 2700.  The Westgate Inn is on the west side of Coudersport.

The facility is very clean, and the staff working here were very nice (as was true for everyone we met in this part of the country).  The decor was somewhat sparse, but the rooms had plenty of space and were comfortable.

No food services, although they do have a breakfast buffet in the morning.  There are a few dining options nearby, mostly diner food.  Of most concern, very few things are open on Sunday, and not many dining options on Monday, so plan appropriately.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
• Dining: 0
• Bar: 0 
• Internet: 1 (free for Hilton Honor)
• Wireless in Common Areas: 1
• Work Space, Power: 1
• Shower: 1
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
• Common Areas: 1

Total: 7





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Hotel: Holiday Inn, St. Paul NE Lake Elmo, MN

City: Lake Elmo, MN
Chain: Hilton
Property: Holiday Inn St. Paul NE Lake Elmo
Address: 8511 Hudson Blvd, Lake Elmo, MN
Phone Number: 651-714-8068

Check Out: April 2013

Not quite sure why across the street its "oakdale".

The hotel has changed from when I stayed there - it was an independent hotel prior to its being a Holiday Inn.  Clean, smallish exercise room, but a nice running path across the highway up past a golf course.  Restaurant attached to the hotel that was OK.

Very close to 3M main campus and easy Interstate access to the airport, probably about a 35 minute drive or so with no traffic.  Staff was super nice and helpful, which is a requirement to live in Minnesota.







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Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn St. Paul/Oakdale

City: Oakdale, MN
Chain: Hilton
Property: Hilton Garden Inn St. Paul/Oakdale
Address: 420 Inwood Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota, 55128, USA
Phone Number: 651-735-4100

Check Out: August 2013 ($120, corporate rate)

The basic Hilton Garden Inn experience, similar to Marriott Courtyard.  This facility seemed somewhat new or recently refinished.  Everything was very clean and stylish - the main lobby was a relatively tall, glass space with seating areas, dining areas.  There was also space outside for people to hang out, it was occupied when we came in (and this was rather late - 10PM-ish) with people sitting around having a smoke or a beer or something.

Very close to 3M main campus and easy Interstate access to the airport, probably about a 35 minute drive or so with no traffic.  Staff was super nice and helpful, which is a requirement to live in Minnesota.


Rating:

• Safety: 1
• Dining: 1
• Bar: .5 (you can get a beer in the lobby store)
• Internet: 1 (free for Hilton Honor)
• Wireless in Common Areas: 1
• Work Space, Power: 1
• Shower: 1
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
• Common Areas: 1

Total: .5





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Hotel: Hilton Oceanside, Ocean City, MD

City: Ocean City, MD
Chain: Hilton
Property: Hilton Suites Ocean City Oceanfront
Address: 3200 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842
Phone Number: 410.289.6444

Check Out: May 2012 ($220)

Most Ocean City Maryland hotels are pretty beat.  They were built in the 60s and 70s and are constantly abused by the heavy family traffic this east coast beach town gets each year.  There is a lot of more upscale housing of the condo variety, and a few newer hotels.  This property is a newer Hilton property, located at the 32nd street latitude on the beach, which is a little past the end of the boardwalk.  This part of town is more waterslide and pizza joint-centric (Ocean City gets quieter as you move north), but this specific hotel was super nice (relatively) and we were there in the off season so very quiet.

Ocean City in May is low key enough that people can fish and walk their dogs on the beach, while warm enough for shorts and flip-flops, and most of the places are open.  We went down for a long weekend with no particular plans, but had a great room with a balcony on the corner (an upgrade from normal).

The hotel had some inside parking which was great as it was a little rainy when we got there.  There is a large pool area outside with two pools and outside eating and drinking (all closed pre-season when we were there), and an inside pool and exercise room.  There was bar and restaurant action, although we only used the bar and went elsewhere to eat.  Room service one day - very good as typical for full service Hiltons.

We liked the room a lot.  Suite style, with a living/dining area inside the door, pretty full service kitchen with real refrigerator and dishwasher, stocked with the basics for cooking and eating.  Bathroom was large with a multi-headed shower that was pretty nice, and a separate Jacuzzi tub.  Balcony off the bedroom overlooking the beach.

Staff was super nice and helpful.  Concierge service helped navigate dining in the area (we hadn't been to the MD beaches in quite a while).

Rating:

• Safety: 1
• Dining: 1
• Bar: 1
• Internet: 1 (free for Hilton Honor)
• Wireless in Common Areas: 1
• Work Space, Power: 1
• Shower: 1
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
• Common Areas: 1, plus 1 point for beach

Total: 10





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Hotel: Doubletree Milwaukee Downtown

City: Milwaukee, WI
Chain: Doubletree (Hilton)
Property: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Milwaukee City Center
Address: 611 West Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone Number: 414.273.2950

Check Out: March 2011 ($120)

Right downtown, easy walking to much of the downtown area.

Nice, not real high end but very clean, full service hotel that is at a reasonable price point for business travel. Gave me a hot cookie when I checked in. Hilton Honors gold status put me on the top floor.

Room was clean, comfortable, but surprisingly noisy for 10th floor. Seemed like constant police activity up and down the street. Good internet, Hilton hotel so Hilton Honors perks apply. Used the hotel dining room for breakfast ; buffet that was so so, but that's typical (big tray of eggs, potatoes, etc.).

Staff was nice, helpful.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: 1
  
• Bar: 1
  
• Internet: 1 (free for Hilton Honor)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 1
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 1
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1 (Ditto)
  
• Common Areas: 1 (Ditto)
  

Total: 9





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Hotel: SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Philadelphia Plymouth Meeting

City: Plymouth Meeting, PA
Chain: SpringHill Suites (Marriott)
Property: SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Philadelphia Plymouth Meeting
Address: 430 Plymouth Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Phone Number: 610.940.0400

Check Out: March 2011 ($120)

Very close to PA turnpike entrance in Plymouth Meeting, PA, northwest of Philadelphia. Central to airport via Blue Route, King of Prussia, Conshohocken.

Compare to Hampton Inn; low frills hotel targeted at business travelers with included breakfast, workspace in rooms. "Suite" in the title should be used lightly in this hotel, there are walls to break up the room in to separate work area, bedroom, and bathroom, but no doors and the TV swivels to turn between "living" and "bed" areas.

However, the room was clean, comfortable. Internet access not included. Small exercise room and pool. Small kitchen area in the room with microwave and refrigerator. For a diversion, Plymouth Meeting Mall is across the street.

Staff was nice.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: .5 (did not use)
  
• Bar: 0
  
• Internet: 0 (for a fee)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 0
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 1
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1 (Ditto)
  
• Common Areas: 1 (Ditto)
  

Total: 5.5



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Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport South-Burlingame

City: San Francisco, CA (Airport)
Chain: Hampton Inn (Hilton)
Property: Hampton Inn & Suites San Francisco Airport South-Burlingame
Address: 1755 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame, California, USA 94010
Phone Number: 650-697-5736

Check Out: November 2010

Just south of the airport; you can even enjoy the planes coming and going right out your window if you're lucky!

This is your basic Hampton Inn experience (which is not a bad thing), one exit away from SFO. It is near the water, across the street from a large Marriott which is right on the water. The Marriott actually makes this Hampton Inn a much more attractive place to stay than normal. While the free breakfast is nice, after breakfast there is no food at Hampton Inn. However, with a big full service Marriott right across the street you can go there for a drink or dinner.

This is not close to downtown, however, but it is convenient to the airport.




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Hotel: Residence Inn by Marriott Pittsburgh University/Medical Center

City: Pittsburgh, PA
Chain: Marriott
Property: Residence Inn by Marriott Pittsburgh University/Medical Center
Address: 3896 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Phone Number: 412 621 2299

Check Out: August 2010

High on a hill (like everything else in Pittsburgh). Large rooms, free breakfast deal. Typical Marriott experience.



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Hotel: Hampton Inn Phoenixville, PA

City: Phoenixville, PA
Chain: Hilton
Property: Hampton Inn Phoenixville
Address: 100 Cresson Blvd, Phoenixville, PA
Phone Number: 610 676 0900

Check Out: July 2010

Right off the highway (422) in the Valley Forge area.

Basic Hampton Inn experience.

Stayed in a "suite" room which had a small kitchenette. Separate doors for the sleeping area and corner building location made it quieter for sleeping.

The AC units almost wake the dead when they kick in. Didn't disturb, but creates problems setting the TV volume as it cycles on and off.

Somewhat sparsely decorated for the amount of space. Shower head was wonderfully up at the 7 ft level.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: .25 (breakfast only)
  
• Bar: 0
  
• Internet: 1
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 1
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 1
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: .5 (bed OK, AC loud)
  
• Common Areas: 1
  

Total: 6.75

Last Visit: June 2010 ($130)


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Hotel: Rochester Marriott Mayo Clinic Area

City: Rochester, Minnesota
Chain: Marriott
Property: Rochester Marriott Mayo Clinic Area
Address: 101 First Avenue SW, Rochester, Minnesota 55902
Phone Number:507-280-6000

Check Out: June 2010

Right in the middle of town, a block from the main Mayo Clinic building.

Full service restaurant, full bar, although not a lot of space for this. There are a number of places to shop and eat right across the street at a variety of price points. A large Barnes & Nobel across the street in an old movie theater as well.

The staff was super nice all the way around, which you expect because the people from Minnesota are super nice because that's the way they are up there. Rooms were pretty large and in good shape, no hassles getting there or getting in and out.

The building is connected to many other buildings through both overhead pedestrian bridges (enclosed) and underground hallways with shopping, coffee shops, etc.

Exercise space, including an enclosed pool and patio area (small), and typical hotel equipment (lots of treadmills and bikes, full set of dumbbells, Life Cycle weight/pulley system (a nice one), and a few leg machines. A little better than average.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: 1
  
• Bar: 1
  
• Internet: 1 (free, with Gold Status)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 1
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 0 (low shower head)
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1 (Ditto)
  
• Common Areas: 1 (Ditto)
  

Total: 8

Last Visit: June 2010 ($130)


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Hotel: Sheraton Cerritos, CA

City: Cerritos, California
Chain: Sheraton
Property: Sheraton Cerritos Hotel
Address: 12725 Center Court Drive Cerritos, California 90703
Phone Number: (562) 809-1500

Check Out: June 2010

A fairly nice hotel for me to stay in on business. Full service, bar, restaurant, some kind of fancy internet hangout just off the lobby that was so full of fountains that you could hardly hear anything.

Located in Orange County, so it had the standard issue fountain out front with nicely planted palm trees and other tropical plants. The weather was off-the-hook great (by Washington DC standards) so it was nice to walk around, although like a lot of other southern CA office parks there really wasn’t any place to walk to and it was pretty deserted outside the people in the hotel.

There was an outside pool (not used, larger than many hotel pools), the exercise room had several nice treadmills, a full set of dumbbells up to 50 lb., and a lame Life-Fitness brand dual cable thing that seemed to be built for someone 4 ft, 10 inches in height.

Food was OK, not great. Breakfast buffet in the morning, free for someone with gold status.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: 1
  
• Bar: 1
  
• Internet: 1 (free, with Gold Status)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 1
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 0 (low shower head)
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1 (Ditto)
  
• Common Areas: 1 (Ditto)
  

Total: 8

Last Visit: June 2010 ($150)


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Hotel: Montage Spa, Laguna Beach, CA

City: Laguna Beach, California
Chain: Not a Chain
Property: http://www.montagelagunabeach.com
Address: 30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA‎
Phone Number: (949) 715-6000

Check Out: April 2010

A crazy over-the-top nice resort sitting on top of a cliff on the specific ocean in southern California.

I was there for business reasons, and we got there very late at night, so really couldn't tell what it looked like on check-in. But, the next morning my room was sitting on top of a cliff looking out over the ocean. Perfectly manicured lawns, tropical plantings, a million people to help out with service, luxurious well appointed rooms, etc. etc. Of course, also accompanied with 25 dollar breakfasts and other :you get what you pay for" types of things. Not a criticism - in my experience it was worth it - but these types of surroundings don't come cheap.

And, I was there on business so not a lot of time to enjoy it. When not in a meeting, most likely using the laptop to try and stay on top of things. Fortunately, I was there on east coast time so I had a few hours in the morning to be outside with few people around.

There was an exercise room that was very nice, with a lot of treadmills and machines, Precor resistance machines, a full set of dumbbells. Didn't open until 6 AM, but there is a nice path along the cliff and down to the beach, so no need for the treadmills.

Very tropical plans, and types of birds I'm not familiar with that made very interesting noises. The birds were aggressive (not overly) on outside dining. Kind of funny, actually.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: 1 (but pricey)
  
• Bar: 1 (ditto)
  
• Internet: 0 (wi-fi available, but $15 a day.)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: .5 (you have to pay)
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 1 (unbelievably nice, actually)
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1 (Ditto)
  
• Common Areas: 2 (Ditto)
  

Total: 8.5

(note, my scoring system gives a severe penalty for paid for Internet. If you don't care about this, the place is a 10).

Last Visit: April 2010 ($350?)


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Hotel: Marriott Norwalk (CA)

City: Norwalk, California
Chain: Marriott
Property: Marriott Norwalk
Address: 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk, California 90650
Phone Number: 562-863-5555

Check Out: Febrary 2010

A full service Marriott conveniently off I-605 south of LA in the town of Norwalk. Full bar and restaurant, outdoor pool, business center, etc. Mostly a business travelers' hotel, not really near any of the attractions you might associate with the LA area. But, the hotel was clean, seemed recently remodeled so not beat up, and the staff was uniformly courteous and attentive in all my interaction.

Had an exercise room, although pretty small with two treadmills and two universal type weight machines. You can run outside, the parking lot has a "road" around it where you can stay on the property. Outside pool in a little courtyard. Food and bar were good, though. Would stay again, but not on vacation.

Rating:

• Safety: 1 (not the best neighborhood, but an isolated property)
  
• Dining: 1
  
• Bar: 1
  
• Internet: 1
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: .5 (you have to pay)
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 1
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: .5 (good bed, weak AC)
  
• Common Areas: 1
  

Total: 8

Last Visit: February 2010 ($149)


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Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn, Indianapolis South

City: Indianapolis, Indiana (Greenwood)
Chain: Hilton
Property: Hilton Garden Inn, Indianapolis South/Greenwood
Address: 5255 Noggle Way, Indianapolis, IN 46237
Phone Number: 317.888.4812

Check Out: November 2009



South of the city off the beltway.

Place was so new you could still smell paint and carpet. Lobby is nice and spacious, staff were courteousNo mini-bar, nice bathroom. Lobby had a breakfast dining option.

Rating:

• Safety: 1 (in the middle of nowhere)
  
• Dining: 1
  
• Bar: 1
  
• Internet: 1
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 1
  
• Work Space, Power: 1 (enough outlets)
  
• Shower: 1
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
  
• Common Areas: 1
  

Total: 9

Last Visit: November 2009 ($129)



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Hotel: Hyatt Regency DFW

City: Grapevine, TX
Chain: Hyatt
Property: Hyatt Regency, DFW
Address: International Drive, DFW Airport, TX 75261
Phone Number: 972.453.1234

Check Out: April 2009



Right at the airport with commanding views of ground operations.

Lobby is nice and spacious, staff were extremely courteous and attentive, room was stylish and clean. Bed was extremely comfortable, which seems to be a corporate goal. No mini-bar, nice bathroom with an extremely decadent shower head.

Plenty of outlets for the desk and recharging batteries. Several dining options, including a kind-of-sports-bar. Seared tuna was good, breakfast buffet was good.

In room internet was a little pricey, but not needed with cell cards. Gift shop had the batteries and snacks I needed, although no copy of the Washington Post in the morning (a mixed blessing). Big TV in the room, lots of channels but all I watched was football and Harry Potter on Disney channel.


Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: 1
  
• Bar: 1
  
• Internet: .5 (not free)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 0
  
• Work Space, Power: 1 (enough outlets)
  
• Shower: 1
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
  
• Common Areas: 1
  

Total: 7.5

Directions: DFW Terminal C

Last Visit: September 2009 ($109)



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Hotel: Marriott Residence Inn Long Beach

City: Long Beach, California
Chain: Marriott
Property: Marriott Residence Inn - Long Beach
Address: 4111 E Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone Number: (562) 595-0909

Check Out: April 2009



Typical Residence Inn experience (which means good things as well as bad things). Right off the 405, very close to Long Beach airport. Some remodeling was going on while I was there. The rooms are more like studio apartments than hotels, and they do a happy hour each night and free breakfast like Hampton Inn.


Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: 0.5 (breakfast only)
  
• Bar: 0
  
• Internet: 1 (free, wired)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 0 (I think)
  
• Work Space, Power: 0.5 (power was not convenient to desks/tables)
  
• Shower: 1
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
  
• Common Areas: 1
  

Total: 6

Directions: Off I-5 south of Disneyland exits (College Drive?)

Last Visit: August 2008 ($150)


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Hotel: Hampton Inn Downingtown/Exton

City: Exton, PA
Chain: Hampton Inn (Hilton)
Property: Hampton Inn Downington/Exton
Address: 4 North Pottstown Pike, Lionville, PA 19341
Phone Number: (610) 363-5555

Check Out: 2009, 2011



(Comments reflect room 232)

Typical Hampton Inn experience, clear, good cost point, easy check in and check out, limited services but free Internet and parking. Very close to PA Turnpike Downingtown/Exton exit, not too far from Valley Forge/King of Prussia.

Bathroom was a bit small, would have been nice to have the external vanity/sink area. Closet was kind of small, and had clothes rod mounted facing out which makes it very hard to hang clothing in there.

Good lighting, in room refrigerator and microwave. Might have made the best hot tea in room yet (although that's a low bar).


Rating:

• Safety: 1 (in the middle of nowhere)
  
• Dining: .5 Breakfast only (on lower end of Hampton experience)
  
• Bar: 0, beer for sale though
  
• Internet: 1 (free)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 1
  
• Work Space, Power: .5 (limited power)
  
• Shower: .5 (Shower head at shoulder height)
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: .5 (Loud AC)
  
• Common Areas: 1
  

Total: 6

Directions:

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Last Visit: 2011, $110

Hotel: Hampton Inn Dayton-Airport

City: Dayton, Ohio
Chain: Hampton Inn (Hilton)
Property: Hampton Inn & Suites Dayton-Airport
Address: 180 Rockridge Road, Englewood, Ohio 45322
Phone Number: (937) 832-3333
Map:

Check Out: August 2008



Typical Hampton Inn experience (which is positive - clean, internet, free breakfast).

Staff was extremely nice and friendly, as is typical for the Dayton area, and especially appreciated when arriving very late from delayed travel. Near the airport, but not as close as you'd think.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: 1 (breakfast only, buffet)
  
• Bar: 0
  
• Internet: 1
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 0
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 1
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
  
• Common Areas: 1
  

Total: 7

Directions:
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Last Visit: August 2008 ($120)

Hotel: DoubleTree Hotel Anaheim/Orange County

City: Orange, California (Orange County)
Chain: DoubleTree
Property: DoubleTree Hotel Anaheim/Orange County
Address: 100 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868
Phone Number: (714) 634-4500

Check Out: August 2008



Nice hotel, although proximity to Disneyland makes it cater to tourists more than business. A little noisy in the halls at night, etc.

Right off interstate 5, easy to get to.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: 1
  
• Bar: 1 (untested)
  
• Internet: 1 (not free, available throughout hotel)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 1
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 0 (came out the wall around 6 foot)
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
  
• Common Areas: 1
  

Total: 8

Directions: Off I-5 south of Disneyland exits (College Drive?)

Last Visit: August 2008 ($150)

Hotel: Westin DFW Airport

City: Irving, Texas
Chain: Westin (Starwood)
Property: Westin DFW Airport Hotel
Address: 4545 W. John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, Texas 75063
Phone Number: (972) 929-4500

Check Out: August 2008



Hotel is a very nice business class hotel. Unexpected was the noise level in the hallway for a hotel in this price range in the middle of the week - drunken conversation in the hall around 1 AM, little kids yelling in the hallway around 6 AM.

Room was nice and comfortable. Flat panel television mounted on the wall with an extremely low res signal coming into it (so what's the point) and a remote with dead batteries. Other than that, very clean, nice staff, very comfortable bed, mini-bar in the room, and plenty of plugs for charging batteries.

Wireless Internet signal weak in rooms at the end of the hall - wired Internet did not work.

Rating:

• Safety: 1
  
• Dining: 1 (several choices, breakfast buffet a little overpriced for what it was but coffee was good)
  
• Bar: 1 (untested)
  
• Internet: 1 (not free, weak signal)
  
• Wireless in Common Areas: 0
  
• Work Space, Power: 1
  
• Shower: 1
  
• Air Conditioning, Bed: 1
  
• Common Areas: 1
  

Total: 8

Directions: Near DFW

Last Visit: August 2008 ($unknown - company paid but I think around $170)