For Mother's Day, my husband surprised me with an overnight stay at the Courtyard Marriott in historic Frederick, Maryland.
This area is one of my favorite local places for a day trip.
We've stayed at dozens of Marriotts over the years and have been pretty happy with their brand of mid-priced select service hotels like the Courtyard.
I'm a big fan of their new lobby configuration that they've been rolling out to Courtyards since 2008.
NEW-STYLE LOBBY The open layout of the area is laid back and inviting.
The modern decor, mixed with the use of plants and a water sculpture set the tone for the space.
These elements balance well with the technology you see floating around in the form of the 42+ inch "Go Board", the computer stations, and the flat screen televisions.
Cozy booths, called "pods", have personal televisions in them, ideal for remote control tyrants.
Besides the pods, there are several other seating options in the Bistro dining area: high-top cafe style seating against an elongated linear table, standard table seating, and bar seating.
The Bistro serves Starbucks, drinks, and a tasty selection of appetizers and desserts.
My hot-wing connoisseur of an 8 year-old happily devoured his half dozen wings and I relaxed with a lemon pound cake buried beneath a mound of strawberries and whip cream.
The lobby area has a few options where you can either surf the internet, watch television, or tuck yourself away with a book.
Adjacent to the far side of the lobby, just outside, is exterior seating complete with a fire pit, great for meeting other guests or listening to someone serenade the flames.
We had the "pleasure" of listening to a guitar player that night practicing his craft.
OTHER AMENITIES Standard to the hotel and nothing overly impressive, you'll find the pool, hot tub, and 24-hour exercise room, also on the main floor.
One thing that I must point out that did impress me was how well of a job the cleaning crew did keeping the hotel spotless, smelling fresh, and well-stocked with towels in the pool and exercise areas.
When the latter detail is ignored, as I've seen in other hotels, it drives me insane.
THE ROOMS From the earthy colors of the linen wallpaper, to the nature photography in our room, to the plush bedding, the atmosphere was relaxing.
The air conditioning unit had its moments, churning loudly at its cycling points but it's the only criticism that I have of the hotel.
In all, a stay at the Courtyard Marriott Frederick makes for a peaceful getaway on Mother's Day or any day, if you're in the area.
This area is one of my favorite local places for a day trip.
We've stayed at dozens of Marriotts over the years and have been pretty happy with their brand of mid-priced select service hotels like the Courtyard.
I'm a big fan of their new lobby configuration that they've been rolling out to Courtyards since 2008.
NEW-STYLE LOBBY The open layout of the area is laid back and inviting.
The modern decor, mixed with the use of plants and a water sculpture set the tone for the space.
These elements balance well with the technology you see floating around in the form of the 42+ inch "Go Board", the computer stations, and the flat screen televisions.
Cozy booths, called "pods", have personal televisions in them, ideal for remote control tyrants.
Besides the pods, there are several other seating options in the Bistro dining area: high-top cafe style seating against an elongated linear table, standard table seating, and bar seating.
The Bistro serves Starbucks, drinks, and a tasty selection of appetizers and desserts.
My hot-wing connoisseur of an 8 year-old happily devoured his half dozen wings and I relaxed with a lemon pound cake buried beneath a mound of strawberries and whip cream.
The lobby area has a few options where you can either surf the internet, watch television, or tuck yourself away with a book.
Adjacent to the far side of the lobby, just outside, is exterior seating complete with a fire pit, great for meeting other guests or listening to someone serenade the flames.
We had the "pleasure" of listening to a guitar player that night practicing his craft.
OTHER AMENITIES Standard to the hotel and nothing overly impressive, you'll find the pool, hot tub, and 24-hour exercise room, also on the main floor.
One thing that I must point out that did impress me was how well of a job the cleaning crew did keeping the hotel spotless, smelling fresh, and well-stocked with towels in the pool and exercise areas.
When the latter detail is ignored, as I've seen in other hotels, it drives me insane.
THE ROOMS From the earthy colors of the linen wallpaper, to the nature photography in our room, to the plush bedding, the atmosphere was relaxing.
The air conditioning unit had its moments, churning loudly at its cycling points but it's the only criticism that I have of the hotel.
In all, a stay at the Courtyard Marriott Frederick makes for a peaceful getaway on Mother's Day or any day, if you're in the area.
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