What I Look for in a Hotel

Walking out of my very fine hotel room in the Grand Hyatt — part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.

The last few days have had me in east Florida, central Saskatewan, Dallas, and Lubbock, Texas.  I am in serious need of a descent hill.  When I checked out of the Grand Hyatt, which is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, and one of the swankier places I’ve stayed in.  Very modern, roomie, flat screen TV, marble desk, scandanavian lamps, and cool minimalist (but comfortable) furniture.  In contrast, I stayed at the Saskatoon Inn, while in Saskatchewan, and its lack of amenities (such as a bed lamp, clock, sufficient light…) was a topic of conversation at the conference.  But when I walked out of the Grand Hyatt, it occured to me that I really wasn’t that much more satisfied with that experience than Saskatoon.

So what does bring me satisfaction when mostly I rarely look further desk and computer, either working or watching Netflix.  Two features make the difference, I’ve concluded.

  • A descent desk chair.
  • A place to walk and watch.

The desk chair is obvious.  But I need to explain the walking a bit. 

I’m not talking about a tread mill.  I don’t use them.  I do not abid them.  It’s the Jetsons.  I’m not knocking people who use them.  It’s just a personal preference, that when I’m walking, it’s to get somewhere and/or to see something — and the memorable hotels, for me, or situated someplace where I can take a long walk.

Usually, they are in town or in the city, so I can walk out the door and explore.  Philladelphia, New York, Chicago, Vancouver and especially San Francisco are perfect for this.  But less grand cities work just as well, such as Fort Worth, Madison, Portland (both), New Orleans, and Columbus.

I’m not sure why I’m writing this here, except that sometimes I feel a need to escape the work mode, switch off, and smell the roses.  Now, off to the airport in about an hour, bound for ICE in Illinois.

Take a walk!

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7 thoughts on “What I Look for in a Hotel”

  1. Mr. Warlick

    My how you have traveled. I’m not going to lie, traveling is one of my favorite things to do and I am slightly jealous of all that you have done! I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, and one of the many wonderful things we are doing in a one of my classes is following a teachers blog that is assigned to us!!! You, my good sir, were the lucky winner, and get the fabulous prize of having me follow your blog for a few weeks! I must say, I am a fan of the treadmill, when it comes to working out, but when the stresses of life get to me I turn to a nice long walk as well. There is something so incredible about strolling around an area, and taking in all of the scenery, breathing in the fresh air, and making note to what is going on around you. I think I come up with some of my best ideas and always do my greatest thinking when I’m on a long walk! As far as computer chairs go, I vote that all computer labs, get nice comfortable chairs for us college students who are putting in so many long hours. It would be nice to be comfortable while spending so much time on a computer!!!

  2. I know where you’re coming from, Dave.

    It’s slightly different from me – I’m not jetsetting and staying in hotels, but I have recently found myself in a situation where I’m spending more time on the computer. So what am I also doing more of? Running.

    Fortunately, I live near the sea so I can run there and back, or along the beach. It’s different every day and never ceases to amaze and inspire me. 🙂

  3. Hey Dave are you OK? I’m a little concerned. Do you need a vacation? I hope you aren’t starting to talk to your hotel walls.

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