Arrival:
I had difficulty entering the property from Evans Mill Road into the hotel parking lot. D.O.T. workers had blocked the driveway with orange cones and a u-turn had to be made in order to enter the lot. Once on the property, however, well manicured landscaping was observed and the grounds were free of debris. The parking areas were designated with freshly painted markings and was easily navigated. Two dedicated handicap spaces were available on the immediate left of the front entrance and three dedicated handicap spaces along with a long ramp were available on the immediate right. Ample space was available for wheelchairs access, large vans with side lift gates and individuals needing additional room to enter and exit vehicles.
Check-In:
As I approached the front entrance, the door swung open and Charles Penner, enthusiastically greeted me, offering a big smile and a warm welcome to Microtel Inn. He provided an escort to the front desk and offered assistance. The reservation was located and payment method established. He handed me a card noting the room number that he had written on the outside of the envelope. Mr. Penner extended wishes for a great stay and insisted that I contact him should they have any questions or concerns.
Guest Room:
I walked a few feet towards the elevator and proceeded to the third floor. The elevator buttons were large and easily reached by someone in a wheelchair. The guest room was located only three doors down the corridor from the elevator.
The door to the guest suite was easily accessed with the key card and opened to the right, allowing plenty of room to maneuver into the room. The entry door had two viewers placed at different heights and as the door was closed I observed an evacuation map, but did not see a hotel rate card or additional information stating check out times.
The guest suite offered ample square footage with a colorfully appointed seating area: a sofa and large coffee/dining table, affording plenty of room to maneuver around dining/sleeping/working areas. A coordinating closet, dresser and cabinets lined one side of the wall with a large television placed on top of the closet, tilted appropriately. A refrigerator and microwave oven were available and placed low enough for easy access along with a coffeemaker and supplies. A desk with overhead light, computer ports and telecommunication jacks was available next to a window seat, both low enough for moving into from a seated position. Curtains at the window seat were easily opened and closed with loop-ended handles. Switches were conveniently located all over the room to operate the plentiful lights that were perfectly placed. The queen size bed was firm and recently turned and offered a handy side table with phone and notepad.
Bathroom:
The guest suite offered a large bathroom with non-skid tile, an easily gripped bench seat and an extra wide and deep sink with a wrapped drainage assembly. The mirror over the sink was tilted perfectly to allow viewing from a seated position and the extra wide door opened outward and offered easy turning hardware and lock. Ample space in the bathroom afforded free movement and turning to access the sink, toilet and tub. The toilet was at an appropriate height and security rails were conveniently mounted and easily reached. The tub offered a non-skid texture; an easily managed showerhead that could be removed and used by hand and three security bars were available, mounted at varying heights.
Public Areas:
The guest suite was located only three doors from the elevator and directly next to the vending and ice area, minimizing fatigue. The lobby was large enough for many people to gather and dining/meeting tables and chairs were available for guests to congregate. All areas were well tended and recently cleaned. Mr. Penner escorted me to one of the meeting rooms, explaining the reservation and fee process.
Overall Impression:
The ADA suite made the hotel experience much more convenient, enjoyable and safe with the features and amenities afforded. The hotel management and staff were accommodating, focused and professional, offering an efficient and excellent presentation of Microtel Inn and Suites.
