This isn’t your grandfather’s DoubleTree. The DoubleTree Hotel Tallahassee is more like a boutique hotel and less like a national chain. The whimsical decor — which includes ornate chandeliers, tapestry and wall mirrors that look like hand mirrors — will remind you of “Beauty and the Beast.” Up on the rooftop, the swimming pool area evokes “Alice and Wonderland.”

Past the fairytales, this is a newly updated hotel with all the necessities your family will need: comfortable guestrooms, an onsite restaurant, free Wi-Fi and easy access to all there is to see and do in Florida’s capital city; in fact, the DoubleTree Hotel Tallahasseee is only two blocks from the State Capitol Building and Challenger Learning Center. And yes, the brand’s signature warm chocolate chip cookies are served here, too.

Editor’s Note: As of 2017, the hotel has plans to add an additional floor, where a new restaurant will be housed. The new dining venue is expected to debut as early as 2018.

Most of the hotel's guestrooms and suites have been completely revamped. All accommodations are equipped with mini-fridges and coffeemakers, as well as free Wi-Fi. Most units have shower/tub combos in the bathrooms, as well. And a major bonus for families is that one third of the hotel's rooms can connect for big groups or those who want added privacy.

Cribs are available free of charge; air mattresses are available for a fee.

Guestrooms
Each guestroom has one king or two queen beds. Due to space limitations, air mattresses cannot be added to rooms with two queen beds.

Suites
Suites have one king bed, as well as a living area with a sleeper sofa.

Rooftop Pool
We love the rooftop pool -- not just because it's a rooftop pool overlooking Tallahassee, but also because it's situated in an atmosphere that reminds us of "Alice in Wonderland." The pool loungers are located on AstroTurf and behind them are mirrors. The pool is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. It is not heated (because it doesn't need to be) and it's 4 feet at its deepest.

Jacob's On The Plaza
Jacob's On The Plaza serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual, kid-friendly atmosphere at the hotel. Breakfast is especially popular with families and includes both an extensive buffet and a la carte options; there's also a buffet at lunchtime.

Highchairs and a kids' menu are available; the kids' menu includes grilled cheese, chicken fingers, peanut butter and jelly and the like, as well as kids' pricing for the breakfast buffet.

Jacob's is open 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.

Lounge
Upon entering the hotel, you'll find the lounge with a small cafe that serves Starbucks coffee and light fare, such as breakfast pastries, sandwiches and salads. It opens at 6:30 a.m. daily, closing at 4 on weekdays and 2 p.m. on weekends.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is free to all guests of the hotel.

Fitness Center
The hotel has a small fitness center with cardio machines and an impressive selection of free weights. It's open 24 hours; key cards are required for access.

Business Center
There's a small business center next to the lobby.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in time is 3 p.m.; check-out is noon.

Parking
Self-parking is available in a garage behind the hotel; the cost is $12 per day. Valet parking is available for $15.

The Art of Smart Timing
The best time to visit the DoubleTree Hotel Tallahassee is the fall, late-winter or spring. You'll find cheaper rates in the summer, but the weather won't be as agreeable.

Getting There
Tallahassee Municipal Airport is the closest airport, about 20 minutes from the DoubleTree Hotel Tallahassee. Flight services are limited since it's a tiny airport with just one terminal. It's likely you'll have a connecting flight from Jacksonville or Atlanta.

Getting Around
It's easy to walk out the door and around downtown Tallahassee, with several attractions and restaurants nearby. You can also catch the free trolley near the hotel.

For Mom and Dad
Head to the bar at Jacob's on the Plaza for a nightcap.