I am sitting in a really run-down room at a very nice hotel (the Doubletree) in, of all places, Charlottesville, Virginia. Setting aside for the moment why I am in Charlottesville, Virginia, let us just say that this room has stained and bubbling wallpaper and chipped, scratched, and just beyond belief 1960’s “Federal”-style furniture. We won’t even talk about the bedspread, because, well, until I figure out why I can’t e-mail myself photos from my phone, description alone wouldn’t suffice. This room would be an embarrassment in a Motel 6 (I would imagine), much less a Doubletree.
I can only surmise that they don’t give a shit because the hotel is undergoing renovation and perhaps it will live up to the name sometime in the future. Or maybe the nicer rooms are on the non-smoking floors? What else I don’t get is, why don’t they have a freaking ATM in the lobby? I’m told it was removed because of the renovation. But then why – I actually asked skinny bitch (restaurant manager?) surveying the lobby – if the renovations at present affect the operation of an ATM, is the hotel capable of operating at all? After all, the wireless internet functions just fine (this blurb is proof). This place sort of shares a parking lot with the SAM’s Club next door, and I shouldn’t have to tell you that spaces are scarcer ‘ n hens teeth. I’m betting that’s how a traditionally cheap-ass group like this scored group rates at $89.00/night at a Doubletree.
And while I’m at it – and I feel justified being an HHonors member and all that – why does Hilton Hotels not supply their housekeeping departments with Febreze? Look. I’m a smoker. I like the comfort of being able to smoke in my hotel room whenever I want. OK? But I hate the place to smell like a stale ashtray. I am a civilized person, whatever you care to believe about my personal choices and habits. YOO HOO! HILTON! WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY! IT’S CALLED FEBREZE AND I SHOULDN’T HAVE TO PACK MY OWN BOTTLE OF IT WHENEVER I TRAVEL!
OK. Got that out of my system. For now. I’ll leave the mystery of why I’m here till maybe tomorrow….
Fab! I’m up to PG!
