Ideas for Romantic Getaways: The Marriott Hotel in Charleston, West Virginia

My 7 year wedding anniversary was on April 14, 2007. I had looked foreword to this for sometime. I had looked at different hotels in the Charleston, West Virginia area and was most impressed with the Marriott.

I made my reservation and requested the Romantic Getaway Package which included: One bottle of wine, a free in room movie, and free parking. The girl on the phone was very polite and told me that the hotel featured a jacuzzi and heated pool. They have recently upgraded their bedding package as well.

Day of anniversary- I could not wait I had been looking foreword to this for ever it seemed. When arriving at the hotel I instantly felt comfortable and the atmosphere was classy and relaxing. We checked in and received our room key. Room 818 it sounded good to me. The hotel was brightly lit and had beautiful pictures hanging on the wall. The elevator did not have music and I was glad. When we got to our floor it only took us a moment to find our room. When entering the room the bed caught my eye the 4 huge pillows looked so inviting and plump and upon closer inspection I realized that it was feather down all the way. The whole bed was feather down it was very luxurious looking. So I forced myself off the bed and went to the bathroom when you enter the bathroom area there is an entry way with sink, hairdryer and a little wooden tray. On the tray there is a shoe shine rag, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap and facial soap. The manufacture is bath and body works and the fragrance was orange ginger. I smelled it of course and loved it instantly. The closet in this entry was complete with hangers and ironing board. Further into the area there is a door with the bathroom. The bathroom is pretty common bath and shower combo with the towels and toilet.

Then there is the bedroom, and I have already described the wonderful bed. The bed sits in the center of the room and the television is right across from it, but the Television stand is cherry wood and georgus it looks like an amoire and when you open it it has a TV stand. It also provides a keyboard for Internet access. It really is lovely. Then on the left of the room sits a writing table with mirror and coffee maker. There is coffee and tea available to choose from along with pens and paper. There is also a menu for room service. The table is also a beautiful cherry wood and the chair is quite comfortable. We noticed that along the wall there was an edge sticking out. My husband being the nosey person that he is went over and pulled on it a little bit it was a full sized bed that was closed in the wall, it was the coolest thing we had ever had the chance to see. I'm sure that there are those of you out there that have seen a bed come out of a wall, but we never have so it was quite exciting for us. We noticed a balcony and walked over, but quickly noticed a sign that stated no entrance to balcony. My husband was disappointed, but at eight floors up I was actually glad.

We decided to check out the hotel restaurant the "White Water Grille". When entering the restaurant we were immediately relaxed, they have a large bar with soft lighting all around that instantly makes you feel at home. The staff was very friendly and polite and we were waited on immediately. We both ordered the steak medium rare and wine to drink. The menu had a wide variety of items to choose from I was actually quite impressed and the prices were reasonable as well. After our orders were taken we were brought a basket of delicious rolls and gourmet crackers. I thought the crackers were an excellent touch. Plus the cinnamon butter was to die for. My husband and I settled in for a wait we figured that since it was a Saturday we would have to wait for our meals. To our surprise and pleasure 12 minutes later our entrees came to our table. I thought it was a mistake" the waitress was bringing us someone else's order". It was our order hot ready and delicious. I can honestly say that other that fast food I have never received food that fast from a dine in restaurant.

My husband and I were stuffed the dinner was excellent, We then decided to check out the pool/jacuzzi. I could not wait to swim this evening was wonderful and relaxing, plus we had started in on the bottle of wine in our room and we had permanent smiles on our faces. The pool was on the third floor which was good, I vaguely had a vision of having to walk through the lobby in wet clothes after swimming. The pool is located by the weight room and let me tell you the weight room is massive. We quickly chugged our glass of wine( the sign said no glass by the pool). The pool was 3-5 feet deep and was pretty big, but the biggest pleasure for us was the big jacuzzi located to the left of the pool and it was large enough for about 8 people. We sunk in to the jacuzzi and totally relaxed. Then we decided to go over to the pool and give it a try. I expected the pool to feel cold because we had just been in the jacuzzi, but it was not the pool temperature was very warm and relaxing too. There were towels provided pool side and every 10-15 minutes a gentleman came in and took out the wet towels and provided fresh dry ones. The area was very clean and even though the pool was pretty full, but then again it was Saturday night and a lot of family's were staying at the hotel. We definitely were having a wonderful anniversary. The combination of good food, great wine and a relaxing jacuzzi had its effect on us. It was time to head to the room.

The last treat for the evening was the bed it was waiting when we got back to the room, it was sitting there like a shrine and I could not wait to sink down into those plump feather down pillows. Just one word can I use to describe the bedding experience " Heaven", and then the lights went out.