Newly renovated in the spring of 2009, the Howard Johnson Inn and Suites in Newark, Delaware has received a 3.2 out of 5 based on 97 reviews from across the web. A recommended hotel on RealTravel.com, this hotel is conveniently located just a quarter of a mile from the University of Delaware, about thirty minutes from Dover Down Raceway and Slots, and only five minutes from the Delaware Park Race Track and Casino.

What exactly does this hotel offer? Guests can take advantage of the complimentary business center, deluxe complimentary breakfast –complete with belgian waffles, and hard boiled eggs, as well as a delightful breakfast room with a 40 inch plasma flat screen and even a fitness center. In town for business? The hotel’s conference center has three banquet rooms and two meeting rooms–great for social functions.

Kirsten Bradley, Director of Sales at the Howard Johnson Inn and Suites Newark, tells us “the number one compliment we receive is that we have the friendliest staff.” Just last week, a staff member went out of their way to help a guest who had broken his car key in the ignition. The staff member took the guest to a local hardware shop so he could make a copy of the key. Such kind acts seem very common at this hotel. One happy guest remarks, “We genuinely enjoyed our stay and felt that the staff was able and willing to give us directions, information, and pointers for the area.”

Whether in town for leisure or sports travel, the Howard Johnson Inn and Suites in Newark, Delaware exclaims, “economically, we’re the most comfortable hotel in the area!”

Bookmark to:

Source: Teresa Nielsen

Real Travelers recommend staying at the Safi Royal Luxury Centro and the Safi Royal Luxury Valle. The hotels, respectively rated a 4.4 and 4.7 out of 5 based on reviews from across the web, are sure to delight those visiting the city of Monterrey– Mexico’s industrial capital.

Family owned and managed, these European style hotels offer guests “high speed wireless internet, Ultra Comfort beds, coffee maker, and a double vanity area among other luxury amenities.” One of the owners, Roberto Safi, offers some insight as to what makes these hotels so unique. Safi explains “Our attentive staff treats our guests as family. This is what makes our hotels truly unique. Since we are a chain of only two hotels, we have a closer relationship with our staff and therefore with our guests. We differ from the rest of the big hotel chains, for being an adaptable hotel that works in a dynamic way, always looking for ways to innovate and exceed our guests’ needs.” Recently, while a family was staying at one of the hotels, a little boy wished to express his gratitude toward the hotel staff by drawing pictures of Alvaro, the bellman, and Andrea, the front desk clerk. Another satisfied guest seems to agree with the little boy–this guest writes, “The service was awesome, all the employees were very kind and nice.”

Accommodating business travelers during the week, and families on the weekends, these hotels are “strategically located in the most important areas of the city.” One guest comments that the Safi Royal Luxury Hotel Centro is a “Moderate sized hotel with spacious guest rooms, excellent service, nice pool and center courtyard, clean and attractive.” Located near the Macroplaza, Santa Lucia River Walk, Barrio Antiguo, and Bishop’s Palace, this hotel is the place to stay when visiting these local attractions. For those interested in shopping, stay at the Safi Royal Luxury Valle–which is located across the street from Monterrey’s largest shopping center.

If you’re looking for a hotel that is “Always beyond your expectations,” consider the Safi Royal Luxury Centro and the Safi Royal Luxury Valle.

Bookmark to:

Source: Teresa Nielsen

With its small boutique style, the Best Western Hospitality House has won the approval of many Real Travelers. Rated a 4.5 out of 5 from reviews across the web, this hotel is Recommended on RealTravel.com.

Situated in an old, pre-war apartment building, the Best Western Hospitality house offers large apartments as hotel rooms. With eleven foot ceilings, oak floors, and a spacious kitchen equipped with all the necessary utensils, guests will find they have more than enough room! A one bedroom at the hotel is 800 square feet, and for those opting for more space, the two bedroom is 1100 square feet. Such large accommodations make life easy for those traveling with family. This hotel is also great for business travelers as it offers plenty of room for entertaining clients in the separate living room. The deluxe complimentary breakfast is sure to please–providing breakfast favorites such as waffles, muffins, and bagels. One guest comments, “The rooms look like apartment rooms. I liked the feel of having my own living room and dining room table to sit and relax.”

Ideally situated within walking distance from Times Square, the hotel offers a a calm and quiet atmosphere for guests. In addition, it is close to the Grand Central Station, making it easy for visitors to get around. General Manager, Robert Gaeta, explains that staff at the hotel are excellent when it comes to helping customers explore New York, as many of them have worked at the hotel for a long period of time. According to Gaeta, staff like to “share their New York” and help travelers find the best off-beat places, as everyone at the hotel is “very well versed on the city.” Gaeta and his staff make great efforts to make sure “guests aren’t feeling processed” and simply checking in and out of the hotel. Rather, those working at the hotel take time to get to know the customers on a first name basis.

For those looking for a “home away from home in New York,” the Best Western Hospitality House lives up to its name!

Bookmark to:

Source: Teresa Nielsen

Real Travelers rate the Courtyard by Marriott in Atlantic City a 4.4 out of 5 based on 218 reviews.

As you walk into the hotel, you will be amazed by the beauty of its white marble lobby, gorgeous chandeliers, and two-story fireplace. Not your typical Courtyard by Marriott, the hotel boasts of its “casual, comfortable elegance.” One satisfied guest comments, “This hotel seems brand new and has a nice style to it.”

Within walking distance of ninety percent of the main Atlantic City attractions, the Courtyard by Marriott Atlantic city offers a family-friendly environment, as it is a non-gaming resort. Located just one block off the beach, and within close distance to the famous Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum, the hotel is a great place for leisure travelers as well.

Deneen White, Director of Sales and Marketing, explains that all of the staff at the hotel take part in Marriott guest service training classes. Gathering feedback from its guests every week, the hotel takes guests comments into careful consideration. Through personal interaction with hotel staff, guests feel welcome and well taken care of, as even the General Manager is happy to help you carry your luggage, or give you directions to a nearby attraction! Another guest comments, “Beautiful room, very clean and incredibly helpful staff.”

The Courtyard by Marriott Atlantic City is the perfect place for those in search of a “homey” and “comfortable” hotel.

Bookmark to:

Source: Teresa Nielsen

Real Travelers highly recommend the Hyatt Dulles. With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 348 reviews from across the web, this hotel is “refreshing and elegant.”

The Hyatt Dulles is conveniently located just 7.5 miles from the airport, and is described as a “contemporary, modern hotel.” Housed in the “Office Park,” the hotel is surrounded by a green space, and guests can enjoy the peace and quiet–as you cannot hear planes flying over head. One guest comments, “Useful location for travelers who rent a car from Dallas International Airport.” The hotel is made of 52 “pure suites,” which have undergone deep cleaning treatments, making the rooms allergy-friendly. One guest describes their rooms, “The room was like a mini apartment, the bed was super comfortable, the bathroom was beautiful, the mini kitchen was equipped with everything.”

With transient, independent travelers, the hotel serves as home for many business travelers. Currently under renovation, the hotel’s Executive Business Center, is adding another 10,000 square feet to the center. Guests also take advantage of the complimentary shuttle, which takes them to the town center, and to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Hungry? Grab a bite at the hotel’s “Elements on Level One,” which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You may also enjoy a trip to the Reston Town Center. For great entertainment and shopping, the Reston Town Center is only 5 miles away. If you find yourself in a hurry, use PDA and Express Check-in to save yourself some time.

Described as “one stop shop–price for rooms, meals, and business needs,” the Hyatt Dulles is a great place for those in search of a hassle-free hotel stay.

Bookmark to:

Source: Teresa Nielsen

Real Travelers rate the Doubletree Hotel Washington D.C. Crystal City a 4.0 out of 5 based on 451 reviews from across the web.

Rather than paying a higher rate for a Washington D.C. hotel, guests can stay at the Doubletree Crystal City, which is the closest Virginia hotel to Washington D.C. Kevin Feldman, Director of Group Sales at the Hotel, helps us to understand why this hotel has received such high ratings. With a diverse and committed staff, the hotel provides excellent service to its visitors. Most recently, during the epic snowstorm, staff at the hotel were allowed to stay over at the hotel. This ensured that staff would be on call at the hotel to assist guests, as well as prevented staff from dealing with a nearly impossible commute. By thinking ahead, the hotel was able to prepare for the storm, and meet customers’ needs.

A hotel for all types of travelers, the Doubletree Crystal City houses corporate, government, leisure, and group travelers. Guests who opt to stay in the North Tower of the hotel can enjoy its beautiful views. The South Tower consists of deluxe suites, which include outdoor balconies, as well as separate living and sleeping areas. Guests will also love the recently renovated, full fitness room, which is one of the largest in the area. On the fifteenth floor, guests can take a dip in the brand new indoor swimming pool. After you’ve dried off, head over to the revolving Skydome Lounge, and take in the breathtaking panoramic view of Washington D.C.

Within walking distance from the Pentagon and the Fashion Centre Mall at Pentagon City, visitors will have no problem taking advantage of the hotel’s prime location! Described as “the perfectly located property for government, business, leisure, and group travelers–with a staff that strives to satisfy every guest, every time” the Doubletree Hotel Washington D.C. Crystal City has something for everyone.

Bookmark to:

Source: Teresa Nielsen

Real Travelers rate The Inn at the Market a 4.7 out of 5 based on 167 reviews. Located in Seattle, Washington, this hotel is the only hotel to be located in Pike Place Market—one of the reasons it received a 5 out of 5 for its location score.

Director of Sales and Marketing at the hotel, Troy Thrall, explains that everyone works together, as the Inn at the Market is a smaller hotel. Whether it’s opening doors for visitors or guiding guests on a tour of the hotel, staff are always there to help out, which explains why the hotel has a 50% rate of return for its guests. Even when the hotel is completely booked, Thrall explains “it doesn’t feel like a hotel” as guests still feel as though they have the hotel all to themselves. The hotel has 70 rooms in total, some of which offer the city view, and others offer views of the water, in which guests can open their floor-to-ceiling windows and take in the fresh air. For those who do not have a water view, they can enjoy the views from the hotel’s floor deck. Dubbed as “Quintessentially Seattle” the hotel is independently, locally owned, located within three and a half blocks from Seattle’s most popular destinations, including the fishmongers as well as the first Starbucks.

For those who prefer “smaller properties, food, and are into the arts,” the Inn at the Market is made for you! Staff go out of their way to make sure everyone is treated like VIP, as Thrall puts it, “the hotel is staffed for guests, not staffed for finance.” In other words, staff at the hotel are there to provide assistance to the guests, their number one priority. In addition to excellent service, guestst will also love the “Catch & Relax Getaway Package” in which guests at the hotel can visit the Pike Place Market, pick out their own fish, and try to catch the fish when the fishmonger throws it!

An “urban oasis of scerene hospitality,” the Inn at the Market is sure to excite every type of traveler!

Bookmark to:

Source: Teresa Nielsen

Real Travelers rate the Inn at False Creek a 3.5 out of 5 based on 51 reviews from across the web. Located in Vancouver, just one block from Granville Street’s restauants and bars, guests can take advantage of its location and amenities!

Jamie Dumont, Sales Coordinator for the Inn at False Creek, describes the hotel as “welcoming, comfortable, and moderately priced.” With a newly renovated lobby, redecorated rooms, and two new elevators, the hotel takes pride in its consistent upgrades, as it strives to keep the hotel up-to-date for its customers. This 30 year old hotel boasts of a low staff turnover rate, in fact, those who work at the hotel have been there anywhere from 5 to 20 years. Therefore, this staff is of great help to visitors, as they know Vancouver very well and can help guests plan their travel routes, and discover all that Vancouver has to offer. Especially now–with the Olympics taking place, the staff is extra busy working with guests and helping them to navigate the city’s bus routes.

While staying at the hotel, guests like to take advantage of the on-site restaurant, The Creekside Lounge. In addition, the hotel has 24 hour check-in, which means someone is always there to provide assistance. In additions, guests can enjoy the outdoor pool, which is a rareity in Vancouver. Traveling for business? The hotel has meeting rooms, as well as a board room.

A “welcoming and comfortable place, that people have come for years and years,” the Inn at False Creek provides guests with a quiet and quality stay.

Bookmark to:

Source: Teresa Nielsen

Real Travelers love the Embassy Suites Valencia! With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 37 reviews from across the web, this hotel knows how to keep visitors coming back!

Described as a “Beverly Hills boutique hotel,” the Embassy Suites Valencia is not your typical Embassy Suites. Laurel Ingle, Sales and Catering Manager at the hotel, explains this hotel is “colorful and tranquil, with a personal feel.” Great for business and family travel, the hotel rooms are actually two-roomed suites, with separate living and sleeping areas. One satisfied visitor comments, “Decor, cleanliness, had bedroom and living room plus room in bath for makeup case. The room felt like you were in your own professionally decorated flat.” Guests will also enjoy a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast in the morning, as well as a Manager’s Reception every evening, complete with cocktails and light appetizers. In addition, visitors like to dine at the hotel’s The Grove restaurant and the “Proudly Brewed” Starbucks cafe.

Always with a “Yes!” attitude, the family of staff at the hotel are willing to “bend over backwards to make guests comfortable,” and work toward developing lasting relationships with customers. In one instance, a guest was staying at the hotel for two months while she underwent chemo therapy. Recognizing that this was a difficult time for the guest, staff arranged a shuttle to and from the hospital, as well as brought the guest her favorite types of food and beverages. On her last day of treatment, staff presented the guest with a platter and a congratulations card, as this guest had truly become part of the Embassy Suites family during her stay. On another occasion, during an all day power outage, staff at the hotel went out, purchased board games, and organized a family day in which kids and parents could play games in the lobby by lantern light! Such instances demonstrate what Ingle describes as “thinking outside of the box” in order to ensure that guests enjoy their stay, no matter what the circumstances.

For those in search of balance between a “home away from home, and the excitement of being away from home,” the Embassy Suites Valencia is the place for you!

Bookmark to:

Source: Teresa Nielsen

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.

Bookmark to:

Source: Teresa Nielsen