I just spent a week at the Doubletree Riverfront in Lowell, Mass., and I could not have had a better stay.

I was in town for a workshop/convention, and we had a reduced rate of $109/night. I do not know their normal rate.

The hotel is right in downtown Lowell, which was actually better than I had remembered it. They have done a nice job of revitalizing the town, and the hotel is right in the heart of the downtown area. It is an easy walk to the downtown businesses, and not far from the nightlife.

The property is nine floors tall, with most of the suites are on the ninth floor. On the backside, the rooms face the locks and canals of the Merrimack River. On the front, you get a great view of the front parking lot. I had a queen-sized bed that can sleep two. The room was very clean and rather large. I had a full-sized sofa, which I am told folds out for another bed. There was also a desk with a lamp, and all phones offered a dataport.

Make sure to have all business needs taken care of before getting to the hotel. The business center is a joke. The copier there is horrible, and they had to actually make copies for me in their executive offices. They do not have access to the internet, so make sure to bring your laptop. They do not have business supplies, either. There is a Staples about a 15 minute drive away.

The bathrooms were on the small side, and the water pressure was hit-and-miss. Shower at non-peak times, and you had good water pressure. Shower during peak usage times and the pressure was not so good.

There are three small elevators. Each fits about six people, without luggage. However, because the property is only nine floors high, the elevators generally are quick to return to the ground floor.

The hotel staff could not have been nicer. They really took good care of the 150 or so conventioneers. I had no problems at all. A real nice touch when you check in is that they give you two freshly baked cookies.

Additionally, there is a pool, hot tub, small workout room and a sauna. All are open until 10pm, and there are no lifeguards. It is not a problem, unless you leave your children unattended. The water in the pool goes from three feet to five feet.

Parking is free. There is a small lot in the front of the property, and an adjacent garage for overflow. The lot is free as long as you get the hotel to validate your ticket.



Recommended: Yes