Inn Residence, or Brief Trip, A Nice Place All Around
Written: Jan 11 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Very clean, nice kitchen, modern and fully decorated look, location.
Cons: Separate buildings, highway noise if your room faces it.
The Bottom Line: A great extended stay hotel that gives you as much as a regular hotel with the addition of a kitchen for about the same price.
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| customeright's Full Review: Residence Inn by Marriott Gaithersburg Washingtoni... |
With only a couple days notice for an upcoming meeting in Maryland, I quickly matched my travel itinerary from Florida with that of a colleague. Normally, that's taking a gamble, but in this case, it was a pleasant surprise. He booked at the Residence Inn at Washingtonian Center (on Washingtonian Blvd.near Washington'ian' DC), and I just may have to trust his judgment again in the future.
Not Inn Residence
Although my recent trip to Gaithersburg was only for a few days, our travel agency somehow found that this Residence Inn, an extended stay hotel with a kitchenette, was slightly cheaper. Now, it wasn't a lot cheaper, just a about $5 less than the nearest competitor. But unlike the competition in the area which offers only a basic hotel room with single king or two queen beds, for the rate at Residence, I had a full studio, with all the amenities you could ask for.
The Room
Either newly remodeled, or just well maintained, the single studio room was immaculate when I walked in. A modern, sort of coffee-house Italian feel was the first impression I had from the place. At the entrance was an area of tile-impersonating dark fake stone flooring, running about 10 feet from the entrance into the kitchen. For the rest of the room, was a relatively plush carpeting with a bit of a busy pattern.
Within the living room space was a standard hotel desk with phone, lamp, and internet hard-wire connection. Next to the desk was a quasi art-deco, maroon sofa, that resembles a chaise lounge although it isn't, it's a sofa. Then you had your standard little coffee table, an upholstered chair and foot rest, and an old-style picture tube television (probably about 27") that could swivel from the living room to the bed area. On the wall opposite the couch, there was also a small skinny dining table, with place and chairs for two.
There were also two large windows, and to the right was another room space containing the bed, bathroom sink, closet, and bathroom area.
Bed/Bathroom
The bed area contained a standard queen, behind which was a floor-to-ceiling wall-mounted wood
grain headboard with dual lights. The bed felt like most of the Marriott beds I've slept in, which is to say that they are very comfortable. (The only exception I've found in the Marriott chain is Towne Place Suites, which had terrible beds the last time I stayed at one in Orlando in 6 months ago).
The bathroom area next to the bed 'room' had a single sink, under-mounted in the faux marble (but nice) counter top. It also had a large mirror. In front of the sink was a mirrored sliding door closet. The bathroom beyond that was also pretty typical of most hotels.
The Kitchen
Other than the nice decorating and the comfortable bed, another noteworthy thing about this studio room was the kitchen. While I have lodged in other extended stay places, none of them had stainless steel fronted appliances, and a large under-mounted sink embedded in a very nice faux marble counter top (same counter as bathroom). This kitchen did have that however. It had a medium double-door stainless GE fridge, microwave, and small washer and dryer. It also had what was probably the smallest glass-top stove I've ever seen.
Additionally, the kitchen is stocked with a small amount of silverware, a basket strainer, measuring cup, and a few pots and pans, plates, cups, and glasses. Overall, it was a very nice little kitchen, and the nicest I've seen in an extended stay in this price range.
Other Amenities
Outside the room, the hotel offers a small workout area in the main building with treadmills and machines. There is a also a pool (closed for winter while I was there), and a small basketball court.
Inside the lobby building they have a lounge area with fireplace and big flat tv. This is also where the modest buffet-style breakfast is served every morning. Breakfast included all the standard fair such as yogurt, cereal, and pastries, as well as hot eggs, pancakes, coffee and assorted drinks, and a do-it-yourself waffle station.
The Location
Located within about two blocks of the upscale Washingtonian square, the hotel is within walking distance of a very popular market and restaurant area. At the 'square' (it's more of a semi-circle), surrounding a medium sized lake is a boardwalk and jogging path that encircles the water. On one side are restaurants including Red Rock Canyon, Joe's Crab Shack, and a few other flavors such as Mexican and Thai. The area also has a large movie theater, and a short street with shops including a Target store.
The Cons
Besides not being able to find syrup for my pancakes the first morning (they were hiding them), the only complaints I have about the hotel are minor. The main one is just for the winter months. The hotel is separated into a number of buildings. So in the winter, when it's raining and cold (as it was when I was there), it's not much fun to walk outside to the lobby.
Also, although it's a positive that the hotel is actually close to a major highway, I-270, if you're on the side of one of the buildings facing the highway, the noise is quite noticeable. The fan of the a/c unit is just enough to drown this out however.
Summary
In general, the Residence Inn Gaithersburg, is a nice place, with very nice rooms, decent price (for the area) and plenty of amenities both in the room (kitchen) and at the hotel. For the extended stay traveler, there is even a calendar of events such as BBQ dinners, and cocktails with the Manager most nights of the week. While I couldn't necessarily see myself living in the 1 bedroom suite permanently, for stays ranging from 1 night to maybe even a couple of months, this hotel is a great option.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
customeright
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Member: Alan
Location: Orlando, FL, USA
Reviews written: 71
Trusted by: 16 members
About Me:
Consultant by day, reviewer by night, but one thing I know: the customer's right!
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