A good night’s sleep

I can’t count the number of hotels I have stayed while traveling on business during my long career. The hotels have ranged from cheap motels to five star properties. My expectations of hotels are modest: clean and odor-free rooms; comfortable beds; and rooms that are quiet. If these basic expectations are not met no amount of amenities or service matters.

Sunday afternoon I checked into the Crowne Plaza hotel in suburban Columbus, Ohio, for the convention of the American Institute of Organbuilders. In many ways it is an average hotel. But, what a surprise I have had with the core amenities I require. First, the hotel is a total non-smoking zone, with a $250 fine for any room that must be “de-smoked” if someone violates the rule. Second, all rooms have king-sized and very comfortable beds.

The biggest surprise was to find the club floor, where I’m staying, to be designated as a “quiet zone”. A sign opposite the elevators announces: “Welcome to the quiet zone. Please be considerate to other guests. Our promise to guests staying in this area is to extend the following courtesies: No housekeeping or maintenance activities between 9:00 PM and 10:00 AM; No children, leisure groups, marching bands, or circus animals will be assigned  to this area. We ask you to do your part in keeping noise to a minimum by: Keep your TV and radio at a low volume; Ensure guest room doors do not slam; No loud singing in the shower.”

My encounters with the staff have been brief, but friendly and cordial. The hotel does offer some interesting amenities such as an indoor/outdoor pool and a walking trail around a pond.

I do hope other hotels start following the lead of the Columbus Crowne Plaza in providing the basics for a refreshing night’s sleep.

Thank you Crowne Plaza.

Will Limkemann