Hotels

I’m not sure if Kentucky is technically considered Southern, but my stay at the Doubletree Suites in Lexington, Kentucky sure felt like southern hospitality at its finest.

I was nervous about the accommodations because I was staying with two other girlfriends and we’d chosen this hotel, in part, because it was one of the least expensive options in town.

My concerns were almost immediately put to rest when I walked into the lobby.

The lobby of the Doubletree Suites is a beautiful indoor courtyard, flanked on four sides by the guest rooms rising up above.  A fountain, gazebo, and seating areas that looked like they belonged in a stately library contributed to an elegant and charming ambiance.  I half expected a gentleman in a waistcoat to offer to escort me to the elevator.

Each staff member I met during my stay added to the welcoming feeling.  The receptionist checked us in quickly with both competence and graciousness.  The housekeeping staff beamed each morning when they showed up with extra towels and coffee packets.  The concierge charmed my girlfriends and I with his drawl and his eagerness to guide our daily activities.  The entire staff went above and beyond to take care of a friend of mine who had her luggage lost by the airline.

But the stand out, for me, was the in house tech support who helped us access the wireless internet when we couldn’t get our laptops to play nice with their servers.  The only thing that could have made the stay better would have been free wireless internet.

Aside from the extraordinary customer service, the accommodations I actually paid for far exceeded my expectations.  The suites at the Doubletree are set up with a bedroom and bathroom and a separate, if rather small, living area.  The living area consisted of a mini-fridge, writing desk, arm chair and fold out couch.

Between the two rooms and the generously sized bathroom, three women found ample space to spread out and primp without feeling like we were climbing all over one another.

The Doubletree Suites in Lexington is a great location for a girlfriend getaway or romantic weekend.  It wouldn’t be my first recommendation for business or family travel because of the lack of free internet and continental breakfast.  I would be especially nervous about bringing small children after witnessing a wedding that was held in the hotel lobby on Saturday morning.  However, this hotel is ideal for adults looking for a relaxing vacation at a reasonable price.