Rhonda Bracey: At Random

I’d never stayed at a Hampton Inn chain before, so even though it was the most expensive of a list I had found on hotels.com, I decided to give it a try. And I’m glad I did.

Firstly, Hampton Inns and Suites are part of the Hilton chain, so I was able to get my stay added to my Hilton Honors card — and I didn’t even need my card! The desk clerk looked me up and found me almost immediately and credited the points.

The room was spacious, with a big bathroom, 2 big beds (I only needed one, but they didn’t have any Kings available), free WiFi, and free breakfast. But it was more than that, as it needed to be to justify the extra dollars it was charging.

Here are some of the little things they did that would make me stay there again:

• On checking in, the clerk handed me a free packet of pretzels and an icy cold bottle of water (hotels often charge $3 each for these in the room)
• The clerk also told me that between 5 and 7 pm free soup and crackers would be available in the breakfast area. I went down and it was a bit more than just soup and crackers! There was a hearty minestrone soup, crackers, juice, and a plate of raw veges and a ranch-style dip (crudites). And you could have as much as you wanted. More than enough for dinner for me, especially after all I’d eaten the past two weeks and all the not-so-healthy food I’d eaten in Memphis! That saved about $20, which I would’ve had to spend had I stayed at a cheaper hotel.
• Breakfast was a bit more than the usual ‘continental’ crap you often get — sugar, sugar and more sugar. They had a variety of yoghurts, oatmeal, packet cereals, various breads, bagels and muffins, make-your-own waffles, hard-boiled eggs, AND cheese or Denver omelettes and a spicy sausage. Again, you could have as much or as little as you liked and you helped yourself. There was also a variety of juices, and various coffees and teas.
• The bed and pillows and comforter were SUPER comfortable, and the shower was an excellent temperature and pressure.
• There was a fitness room and an indoor pool, neither of which I used, but I did wander down and look at them 😉

So, while this hotel was around $110 compared to others at around $80, I reckon I got an extra $30 worth of dinner and snacks/water, as well as a quality room. Well worth it.

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