Monday, January 22, 2024

Toledo, Ohio: Hilton Garden Inn Downtown

January 2023, Sunday, one-night, two queen bed river view guestroom #1009


View from guestroom 1009 in Hilton Garden Inn Toledo, Ohio


Arrival and diamond perks

We booked this hotel because we wanted a hotel close to the Amtrak station where we were departing at 3:15 AM. Our plan was to sleep a few hours not too far away, and then have a short drive to the station. About a week before departure, we changed our reservation to a pre-pay rate. We do not usually book pre-pay rates; however, the rate was more than $20 less, so we decided to go for it. I did not check-in on the app, because the only rooms showing had connecting room doors. I called the hotel to ask for help with a room assignment. The agent sounded like she was going to assign me a room on the 15th floor without a connecting room door; however, when I looked on the app after this call, the guestroom I was assigned had a connecting room door. 


When we arrived, I experienced the worst hotel arrival experience ever. The two front desk agents did not know anything about the guestrooms, and then I was assigned a room on the 10th floor that might have a connecting room door. They merely said that if I did not like the room I could come back to the front desk. I was not welcomed when I arrived, and I received no acknowledgment for being a loyal member. I received two bottles of water after I inquired about diamond member waters at the end of the interaction. When I had inquired about a room without a connecting door, I mentioned that we wanted a quiet room because we were going to be sleeping early and then departing around 2:30 AM, yet, the only hotel feature the agent told me about was breakfast in the morning at 6:00 AM. I had also told her we wanted only one room key when she asked how many we wanted, and she gave me two keys. 😲 Wow, great listening skills. 


Guestroom 1009 in Hilton Garden Inn downtown Toledo, Ohio

Monday, January 15, 2024

Miamisburg, Ohio: Staybridge Suites

January 2024, weekday, one night


Arrival and platinum perks

I reserved a king studio suite, and received an upgrade to a one-bedroom suite before I arrived. I saw this update online the day before. During check-in, the agent asked which platinum amenity I wanted. I chose points, and they posted to my account that day.

Staybridge Suites guestroom 310 in Miamisburg, Ohio

King one-bedroom suite #310

This guestroom was clean, comfortable, and well soundproofed. The living area was comfortable and spacious. We even received a package of microwave popcorn with the kitchen amenities. All extended stay properties used to provide popcorn; however, it has been a few years since I have received this.

Bedroom and view in guestroom 310 Staybridge Suites, Miamisburg, Ohio

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Berea, Kentucky: Holiday Inn Express

January 2024, Sunday & Monday, two nights


Arrival and platinum perks

Check-in was easy, and my bonus points posted to my account right away. I had reserved a suite when I made the reservation, as the cost was reasonable.

Holiday Inn Express guestroom 309 in Berea, Kentucky


King bed suite #309

This suite is spacious, although I wonder if it is really any larger than a basic guestroom. Looking at the guestroom diagram and external building photos, it looks like the guestrooms are all the same size (other than one wider room shown on the diagram near the elevator).

Holiday Inn Express guestroom 309 in Berea, Kentucky