Typically when I travel with my wife we try to stay at more upscale properties, because we consider that part of the vacation experience. When traveling by myself, or when traveling unexpectedly, I looking for more value oriented places to stay. Both were the case in this instance, because I was traveling to the bereavement ceremony for a dear friend he died very suddenly without notice. I picked the Staybridge Suites because it is newer (and I LOVE new properties) and the price was right.

On the positive side, I will say that when I opened the door to my room I was pleasantly surprised. It was a King Suite, and it was quite nice – definitely meeting expectations and perhaps exceeding them a bit. Overall the property is pretty nice, being relatively new.

I will also say that everyone I dealt with at the property was quite nice, in a friendly southern sort of way. Everyone just seemed pretty friendly, which was good considering the circumstances I was traveling under.

That said, I was really frustrated with a couple of occurrences, the sort of thing reminds me of why I pay extra to stay at 4 and 5 star properties when planning my travel.

Saturday morning, when going through my routine, I discovered something I hadn’t noticed when arriving late the night before – the toilet was broken. When I was departing for the morning on a Saturday, I called down to the front desk and asked that it be looked after while I was gone, as well as if my room could be clean by the chamber maid. I was told this would not be a problem.

I returned 4 hours later, opened the door, and discovered my room had not been touched. I then went straight into bathroom, having strong need to use the facilities, which was followed by learning the toilet had not been fixed. Now I’ve got a dirty room and a full toilet bowl that won’t flush. Not exactly upscale hoteling. I called to the front desk who offered apologizes (great), but what I really needed was my toilet fixed. The gentleman who came after some time was nice enough, and the fix was perfect (in fact, how did it get to be in that condition in the first place? The maids didn’t report to engineering that the handle was failing apart??), but still, you know? Why did it take to too calls and my being inconvenienced? Later when I went out for early dinner I again asked about getting the room cleaned, and it was fine when I returned.

In summary, nice property, nice people. Perhaps my experience was an exception. Would stay again if I had need to and the price was again right, but I could have lived without the aggravation.

we were traveling with a dog and had stayed in some less than desirable places. then we walked into the staybridge suites, it is fantastic: pet friendly, great kitchenette, new beds, sitting room, but the best part of the stay (and i know this sounds weird) but the brand of shampoo and lotion that was provided was glorious. i even spoke with the sales managers about who their supplier was. I have the info and have already ordered from amazon. if you are ever in this area, make it a priority to stay at this hotel!