Home Away from Home: A Review of Best Western

Hotels, motels, inns, your best friend's attic- every vacation needs temporary living quarters. Some people are more discerning than others when it comes to where to spend the night while traveling - others aren't. The most basic requirements for a hotel tend to be security, comfort, and price range. Despite this, some people ignore the second condition. There are those that only care about a place that's safe and cheap, but not necessarily comfortable. This is a mistake that really needs to be rectified. Not too long ago, I had the pleasure of staying at my favorite hotel while on vacation with my family. After some consideration, I felt it only right that I share my experience as a review. The place? My hometown- Memphis, Tennessee. The hotel? Best Western.

Twice a year my family and I escape away from the stresses and headaches of daily life to a relaxing day on the other side of the city. Once in late spring and once in late summer, we depart to eat good food, take in the sights, and spend time together. This joyful excursion culminates in a night away from home at a Best Western on the other end of the city. Since our first visit this nice hotel we've made it our final destination for each of these trips.

During our annual family vacation, usually sometime in mid-summer, we remain loyal to the Best Western name when outside the city. Our visit to Mammoth Cave? Stayed at a Best Western. Our trip to Shiloh? Best Western again. Our Pittsburgh trip? Well, there wasn't a Best Western around- but if there was, we would have been there! Just what inspired this brand loyalty and honored tradition?

The quality of the rooms are the first to come to mind. Throughout our many nights spent in a Best Western room, we've never had an unacceptable room. The carpet, beds, bathroom, and living space are always spotless and freshly scented. The available internet is fast and reliable as is the television service. The furniture is comfortable, the little 'den area' especially. It's a fantastic place for relaxing and getting a great night's sleep. The room comes with an effective heater & air conditioner, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. There's simply no place in the room that doesn't make a great place to lounge,

Outside the room, things are also great. It features a small gym on the first floor that offers all sorts of exercise equipment. After spending some time with the treadmill or the weights, you can enjoy some ice cold water from the water cooler. However, it is what can be found just a few steps away from the gym door that's always been the highlight of the Best Western- the swimming pool. Large, but not too large- deep, but not too deep. It's perfect for anyone that just wants to escape the heat and not worry about their children or younger relatives drowning. Many a late night swim has my family benefited from thanks to that pool.

With candy and soda machines freshly stocked, highly affordable prices, and excellent service in addition to everything above- it's a great destination for anyone in need of quality living quarters. Best Western will continue to receive our business as long as it keeps this high level of quality. We've been to the Holiday Inn and the Day's Inn, but we'll be sticking Best Western, thanks.