Looking for a fun experience that’s not going to “break the bank?” Stay at the Best Western Plaza by the Green, located in Kent, Washington. With a Real Traveler rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 83 reviews from across the web, this hotel is Highly Recommended!

The only hotel to be located on a golf course in King County, the Best Western Plaza by the Green is sure to delight both corporate and leisure travelers. Recently renovated and designed by an international design team, the hotel has an updated feel. Every room at the hotel is equipped with a refrigerator, MP3 player capabilities, a coffee maker, and wireless internet connection. You will also really enjoy their continental breakfast, which is described as being “more hearty than most standard continental breakfasts.” Whether eating eggs or snacking on some fruit, the continental breakfast gives guest more options. Within five minutes walking distance, guests can also find three restaurants, one of which is conveniently open 24 hours.

Most recently, during their quality assurance inspection, Best Western Plaza by the Green, received a perfect score in housekeeping. Mark Horace, Marketing and Sales Manager at the Hotel, explains that staff members take pride in their work. One satisfied guest comments, “The hotel is clean and well maintained, tastefully decorated, spacious rooms with a good bed and work area; free WiFi; elegant bathroom with nice soaps, thick towels, and an excellent shower head.”

Any time a guest needs something at the front desk, Mr. Horace as well as the General Manager are happy to stop what they are doing to provide any extra assistance. Horace elaborates, “It’s not one department’s job, but everyone’s job” to help guests at the hotel. In order to learn more about their guests, the hotel sponsors a Manager’s Reception every Tuesday night, in which the General Manager and other staff members from the hotel pour beer and wine for guests. This allows for staff to mingle with guests and find out what visitors like or dislike about their stay. By making such efforts to interact with guests, the Best Western Plaza by the Green demonstrates its commitment to customer satisfaction.

If you’re looking for a “superior lodging expereince through cleanliness, location, and exceptional service,” the Best Western Plaza by the Green is the place for you.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

Looking for a new and exciting place to stay? Check out the Delta King Hotel in Sacramento, California. With a Real Traveler rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 86 reviews from across the web, the Delta King Hotel is highly recommended!

Director of Sales and Catering for the hotel, Marie Cicogni interacts with customers on a daily basis and works to build relationships with them. Cicogni explains that the hotel is actually a 1929 paddle boat that sunk in the San Francisco Bay, and was resurrected in 1985. Now moored in Old Sacrament, on the Sacramento River, guests will love staying at this unique hotel. The hotel is family owned and such an enivornment allows guests to feel as though they are apart of the hotel family. Described as having the “flavor of being on a riverboat,” the Delta King Hotel attracts leisure as well as government and corporate travelers. With 44 rooms, 11,000 square feet of meeting space with 9 meeting rooms, and a large outdoor deck for social gatherings, this hotel is not your typical “box hotel,” and is “slightly larger than your typical bed and breakfast.” One guest comments, “We loved staying on the Delta King boat, and would definately recommend it to friends.”

Located two blocks from a major shopping center, museums, dinning, and the downtown Sacramento nightlife, guests don’t have to worry about driving; simply dock your belongings at the hotel! In addition, you will love attending the Suspects Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre. This interactive show is sure to delight! If you are traveling with a large group, the Theatre can be closed and your group can enjoy a custom tailored murder mystery! If this isn’t your cup of tea, try the Delta King Wine School, or grab a bite to eat at the Delta Bar & Grill. One guest describes their stay, “Scheduled here by a Client, The Delta King is a Unique Hotel in an Interesting Location.”

For those looking for a “home away from home” the Delta King Hotel is the perfect place to stay. Cicogni ellaborates, “We are really the most unique, fun, and memorable experience in the whole region!” Check out the hotel for yourself and see what fun adventures await you on the Sacramento River!

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

This blog is based on an interview with Dina Nishioka, of Hotel Lucia, located in Portland, Oregon.

Real Travelers have rated Hotel Lucia a 4.1 out of 5, from 129 reviews across the web. So what makes Hotel Lucia one of Portland’s top hotels? Hotel Lucia strives to stay one step ahead of its guests’ needs. With a mantra of “Delivering Calm,” staff members at the Hotel are given the ability to make high-level decisions in order to keep guests satisfied. By empowering the staff to do whatever is necessary, guests enjoy a hassle-free environment, which is only appropriate when away on business travel or on vacation! This policy is exemplified all throughout the hotel. One frequent guest at the hotel is known to travel all over the world. Staff at the hotel know he has a sweet spot for Milky Way candy bars, and deliver a Milky Way to the guest’s room every time he visits. This kind gesture lets the guest know that, not only is he welcomed at the hotel, but he is remembered by hotel staff. One guest describes staff at the Hotel Lucia as, “Very helpful and friendly staff, quick to respond to requests. A sophisticated, small hotel that offers personable service and excellent location as its hallmark.”

Visitors to Hotel Lucia also delight in the hotel’s art collection. With such a relaxing auora, Hotel Lucia allows guests to unwind, re-energize, and rejuvenate. Dina Niskioka, Public Relations and Branding Director at the hotel explains that larger hotels include art as part of the background. However, at Hotel Lucia, “art is integrated into the guest experience,” as guests can enjoy original pieces of art and admire the photography of Pulitzer-Prize winning David Hume Kennerly.

Do you struggle to get comfortable when sleeping away from home? Are you tired of traveling with your pillow? Hotel Lucia offers the creative “Pillow Menu” in which guests can choose from seven different types of pillows. Whether in need of a body pillow, reading pillow, or looking to rest your head on a soft, medium, or firm pillow–the hotel offers a plethora of pillows for you to chose from. Traveling in a hurry and forget to pack your ipod? No need to worry, you can borrow an ipod from the hotel. Each ipod has been pre-programed by genre of music so you’ll surely find something you like. Finally, guests can also choose from the “Spiritual Menu.” Rather than providing hotel rooms with only a Bible, guests can choose various books of faith, including the Torah and the Koran to name a few. Understanding that all guests have different needs, the Hotel Lucia goes above and beyond to make sure that you’ll enjoy every aspect of your stay.

Where, “Art is the experience with personalized customer service making every guest feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for”–the Hotel Lucia is the perfect place to rest up in Portland.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

The Hotel Napoleon received a Real Traveler rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 44 hotel reviews. Roberto Cioce, General Manager of the hotel helps us to understand what makes the Hotel Napoleon a highly recommended hotel on Real Travel.

Since 1962, the Hotel Napoleon has been a family operated hotel. Cioce explains that since the hotel is entering its 4th generation of family members, guests “can find all the ‘traditional’ services of a true 4 star hotel.” With expert staff members, guests are sure to receive all the assistance they need to make their stay a pleasant one. Upon entering the hotel, guests can appreciate the large lounges and authentic artwork. In addition, hotel rooms face internal courtyards, which makes for a quiet stay in the bustling city of Rome. Cioce describes, “the furnishing of the rooms is antique style, upholstery and tapestry, made with elegant fabrics with soft colors, giving the rooms the warm welcoming of the ‘old fashioned’ feeling.”

Another added bonus: the hotel is just ten meters from the metro station. Taking you to the Vatican Museum, San Pietro, the Sistine Chapel, Castel Sant’Angelo, the Spanish Steps, and Piazza Barberini –there is a plethora of places to visit right off the metro. One guest comments, “Located literally right next to the Metro station it is very conveniently located for quick access to the whole city.” Also, guests might enjoy the ever popular Rione Monti with plenty of the “trendiest” bars and pubs.

To Roberto Cioce, providing excellent customer service at the hotel is a common and “usual” occurrence. In one instance the porter, Mr. Guglielmo Stirati, was in the process of cleaning a hotel room when he noticed a diamond stone that must have fallen out of the guest’s ring. Informing the Concierge, the hotel attempted to contact the couple however they were already on their flight back to the United States. Thanks to the thoughtful efforts of Mr. Stirati, the hotel received a letter from the Italian Tourist Office of New York recognizing them for their excellent service.

Described as a hotel that “is suitable for all those people who travel looking for a real experience of the country and the people they are visiting,” the Hotel Napoleon is the perfect place for couples and families with children.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

Family owned and operated for four generations, the Hotel Monteleone has received a Real Traveler rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 792 reviews from across the web.

Guests staying at this hotel enjoy its boutique atmosphere. After completing a 70 million dollar remodel in 2004 the hotel now has beautiful raised ceilings, upscale amenities, granite and marble bathrooms, and a roof-top swimming pool. Many also like to visit the luxurious Aria Spa. A rather unique aspect–the hotel is both a literary and historical landmark. With only three literary landmarks in all of the United States, this hotel has housed authors such as Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Anne Rice and Richard Ford–many of these authors have actually included the hotel in their works. Guest also enjoy visiting the “Carosoul Bar” made famous by Ernest Hemmingway’s writings.

Family owned and operated, the hotel is proud to say that many of its staff members have worked there for 25 years, some have even provided as many as 40 to 50 years of service. In particularly special cases, staff members have known guests since they were children visiting the hotel with their parents. With years of experience, staff at the hotel are known for their excellent hospitality services. Whether it is helping a guest who has misplaced their wallet, fixing a flat tire, or taking a guest’s dog for a walk, the staff is always happy to lend a helping hand. One happy traveler comments, “The attention to detail, the professionalism of the staff, and the overall feel of the hotel itself couldn’t be better.”

Overlooking the Mississippi River and the French Quarter, the hotel receives a 5 out of 5 stars for its prime location. One guest comments, “This hotel is the best—it is located a block from the French Quarters.” Close enough to the fun of New Orleans, but far enough from the noise, guests love all the action in the surrounding neighborhood. Described as a place for leisure travelers, Hotel Monteleone is also a great place for business travelers. With 24,000 square feet of meeting space and 25 meeting rooms, many business travelers bring their spouse along for an extended leisurely stay at the hotel. The hotel also offers a “Girlfriend’s Getaway” which includes the Tale of Cocktails tour around famous New Orleans bars and the “Romantic Interlude” package complete with champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a three-course dinner at The Hunt Room Grill and breakfast at Brennan’s.

For those looking for a piece a literary history, combined with the luxurious amenities in the the heart of New Orleans, the Hotel Monteleone is the place to be.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

With a Real Traveler rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 20 reviews, the Doubletree Guest Suites Cincinnati greatly exceeds guests’ expectations.

David Sundermann, General Manager of the hotel, explains that it is the staff that makes the hotel so wonderful. With the lowest turnover rate out of all the hotels operated by their management company, this hotel boasts of its outstanding and committed staff. In 2008 and 2009, the Doubletree Cincinnati landed among the top 10 Doubletree hotels for customer service. In addition, the hotel also received the Doubletree Pride Award in 2009, as it was in the top 5% of Doubletree hotels. Staff members who exemplify the spirit of hospitality have also receieved the Rose Award from the Regional Tourism Association of Ohio. In one instance, a family staying at the hotel had lost their child’s blanket. Frantically, the family retraced all of their steps, going back to several of the Ohio attractions they had visited. However, the family returned to the hotel empty handed. Upon hearing this story, one staff member got off of work and retraced the family’s steps. Fortunately, she found the blanket in a pile of snow by one of the attractions the family had visited. The caring staff member brought the blanket home, washed it, and brought it back to the hotel for the little boy. Thanks to the thoughtful actions of the staff, the little boy could rest soundly knowing he had his blanket. Such extraordinary efforts demonstrate that staff at the Doubletree Cincinnati are more than deserving of the awards they have received.

Attracting a corporate crowd during the week, and leisure travelers on the the weekend, the Doubletree Cincinnati is centrally located between I-71 and I-75. Close to local attractions such as Kings Island and the Tennis Master’s Championship and within proximity to the Blue Ash business quarter– the hotel is the perfect choice for those doing business or traveling for fun. Real Travelers rated the hotel rooms a 4.9 out of 5. With 152 suites, guests can choose between two-room suites or three-room suites–perfect for larger groups of travelers. One guest comments, “We stayed in a two room suite which allowed separate sleeping space for parents and kids and tv in both rooms.” Those traveling with kids will also enjoy the “Family Night Out” package. Watch a movie in your hotel room with the kids –complete with pizza, popcorn, boardgames, and breakfast!

Whether traveling for business or enjoying some family time, the Doubletree Cininnatti has the perfect location and superior service to make your trip a success!

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

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The Westin Kierland Resort and Spa received a Real Traveler rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 107 reviews from across the web. Highly recommended by Real Travel, this hotel is a great fit for business and leisure travelers.

A newer Resort to the Phoenix area, the Westin Kierland is designed to have an older feel with modern amenities. Filled with the history and culture of Arizona, guests can embark on a full walking tour around the hotel. With the help of official state historian, Marshal Trimble, guests can familiarize themselves with Arizona’s rich past. Stephanie Dowling, Director of Public Relations at the Resort, explains that Scottish immigrants were responsible for helping to develop Arizona’s railroad system. To honor these immigrants, a bag pipe is played at the Resort, for one hour at sunset every day. In addition, adults can enjoy scotch tasting on saturday nights, and kids can have fun with “Scotty” the mascot.

In the heart of new Scottsdale, next door to two high end shopping malls, the Westing Kierland boasts of an award-winning golf course and a fabulous spa. The designated “Chief of Fun Officer” is there to make sure kids enjoy their stay too! This year round, award-winning program offers entertainment for kids of all age levels. Some popular activities include: Animal Yoga, Digital Kid’s Zone, and Kids in the Kitchen. The “Chief of Fun officer” also helps to decorate hotel rooms for those traveling with children. These decorations include bathtub art for the kids, as well as towel design animals. One guest comments, “It appeared that resort staff did an excellent job keeping the families busy, which in turn created a lot of peace and quiet for adults.” Staff members at the hotel are empowered to do whatever it takes to ensure that guests are satisfied with their stay.

With a variety of unique guest packages, there is something for everyone at the Westin Kierland. The most popular package is the “Babymoon” package, in which couples take a second honeymoon before their baby arrives. This package partners with the local shopping centers, includes in-room ice cream sundaes, and a couple’s massage.

Enjoy excellent customer service and endless amenities at the Westin Kierland, where Arizona’s past is pleasantly portrayed in the present.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

With a Real Traveler rating of 4 out of 5 based on 894 reviews, the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill is a highly recommended hotel on Real Travel. After interviewing Tammy Hagin, Director of Public Relations at the hotel, I can’t help but be amazed by the hotel’s commitment, not only to its customers, but to the environment as well.

Only two and a half blocks away from Capital Hill and the National Mall, the Hyatt Regency is an ideal hotel for business and leisure travelers alike. Upon entering the hotel, visitors will be amazed by the beauty of its atrium, and those with time to spare enjoy sitting in the lounge and people watching–as this hotel has a “high buzz atmosphere” with plenty of political activity taking place. For those who want to feel as though they are part of the action, the lobby is a great place to sight Congressmen.

Guests will also love the 37 inch flat screen television in their room. For those looking to venture out of their rooms, the hotel’s 8,000 square foot fitness center is the place to be! One of the largest hotel fitness centers in the area, guests can relax in the sauna, or taking a dip in the pool.

Going above and beyond, the Hyatt Regency is one of two Green Seal Certified hotels in Washington D.C. After renovating the hotel in 2008, designers took extra steps to make the hotel environmentally friendly. From low flush toilets, water-saving shower heads, an advanced chiller system, to kitchen composting –this hotel goes the extra mile to when it comes to caring for the environment.

Customer service at the hotel received 4.2 out of 5 stars. If guests have a problem at the hotel, they are encourage to express their dissatisfaction, as hotel staff has been given the authority to make decisions on a higher level. In one instance, a guest at the hotel had asthma problems and had requested that his room be free from feather products and deodorizing sprays. When hotel staff found out that this guest was going to be visiting another Hyatt hotel in another location, they called the other Hyatt to inform them of the guest’s needs ahead of time. By giving guests a more personalized service, visitors “feel as though they are the only guest at the hotel.” One guest comments, “Very friendly staff willing to answer any questions you have and help make your stay plesant.”

For those looking for a “high-energy hotel environment, in one of the most powerful cities”–the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill is the place for you!

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

Newly renovated in 2009, Days Inn of Elk Grove, Illinois has received a Real Traveler rating of 3.6 out of 5 from 67 reviews across the web.

The Days Inn is the perfect place for budget travelers who are looking for a quality stay. Jodie Moore, Sales Manager at the hotel, interacts with guests on a daily basis and build relationships in order to ensure that guests’ expectations are exceeded. She elaborates, “The old saying that you get what you pay for isn’t always true.” Moore explains that the words “budget hotel” and “economy hotel” aren’t to be viewed as “bad words.” Instead, guests at the Days Inn Elk Grove get more than their money’s worth. Described as having a warm and sunny atmosphere, the hotel is a great fit for those who don’t want to break their budget. With complimentary breakfast, free wi-fi internet, and coffee service 24 hours a day, the hotel strives to accomodate low budget travelers. One guest describes the hotel as “Super clean, spacious, comfortable rooms, nice breakfast, and excellent customer service.”

Those traveling with pets will be pleased to hear about the “Pets Package” as the hotel wishes to “include everyone in the family whether they have fur or not.” From toys and treats to food and water bowls, as well as a guide to the area’s dog parks, this package is perfect for pet-lovers!

Continuing its commitment to its customers, the Days Inn Elk Grove makes an effort to get to know their guests, as each guest is treated as a person, “not a confirmation number.” One example of outstanding customer service occured last November. One guest, who had an extended stay at the hotel, struck up a friendship with the front desk clerk, Mary. When Mary realized that the guest had no where to go for Thanksgiving dinner, she invited the guest to her family’s home to share in their Thanksgiving festivities. Going out of her way to make a guest feel like family, Mary is a prime example of superior customer service at the Days Inn Elk Grove.

For those looking for a hotel that won’t break the bank, and goes above and beyond the old adage of “getting what you pay for,” the Days Inn Elk Grove is the perfect choice.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen

With a Real Traveler rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 158 reviews from across the web, the Embassy Suites LAX North is a highly recommended hotel on Real Travel.

Centered around a beautiful atrium, the hotel provides a magnificent garden setting complete with a waterfall and pond. The sound of the waterfall trickling down creates a rather serene hotel atmosphere amongst the busy world of Los Angeles. Chris Danison, E-Commerce Manager for the hotel, describes it best as “Guests can relax in the atrium while listening to soft music or the soothing sounds of the waterfall, or can conduct business in the many convenient places to sit. Lunch and dinner can be served in the atrium as well. However, the atrium is truly alive in the mornings when we serve our complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast. Our chefs cook omelets to order, as well as many other breakfast staples. Evenings in the atrium are also enjoyable, as we host our Manager’s Reception, featuring complimentary munchies and cocktails.” Clearly, the Embassy Suites exceeds expectations when it comes to creating a welcoming atmosphere and social environment for guest to enjoy.

With super spacious rooms, this hotel is a great match for business, family, and leisure travelers. Each room is a two bedroom suite with a living area and sleeping area. In addition, each living space has its own sleeper sofa, perfect for accommodating larger groups of people.

Besides complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails, guests also take advantage of the free airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day. Hotel rooms are equipped with high speed internet access and pay-per-view movies are available to guests as well. One satisfied guest comments, “Excellant service from staff, restaurant is very pleasing to the taste buds, shuttle service is superb.”

When it comes to hospitality, the Embassy Suites LAX North receives high marks. Chris explains, “We are in the business of customer service, and we are here to make sure our guests are taken care of and happy. It all starts at the front desk where each guest is welcomed with a smile. This warmth of hospitality lives in the entire staff. If you don’t see something you like in the restaurant, our Executive Chef, Juan Cruz, will put something together that is to your liking. Our Catering Manager, Katherine Ko, recently burnt the midnight oil preparing for an onsite wedding, knowing that this day was extra special for the bride and groom.” Not afraid to go the extra mile, hotel staff puts great effort into making guests feel right at home.

Described as a “spacious, all-suite hotel located near LAX Airport and central to all that Los Angeles has to offer,” the Embassy Suites LAX North is sure to satisfy any kind of traveler.

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Source: Teresa Nielsen