Well. Well. This past weekend I stayed at My Favorite Dysfunctional Courtyard and I think it is time for me to change their nickname. Perhaps a more positive name is in order like My Favorite Improved Courtyard. Alright kinda dorky, but I need to give this hotel a better name because I think they have finally pulled it together.
Kudos to this Courtyard for updating their shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, face soap and bath soap to Paul Mitchell products. Love the citrus smell! The earlier soap was awful. While I’m not familiar with the previous brand of toothpaste and mouthwash, the front desk staff was excited with their new Colgate and Scope.
By the check in desk was large white square plate holding complimentary bags of mixed nuts and dried berries. Inside the clear bag was a nice note that read, “Did you know May is National Strawberry Month? We are “berry nuts” to have you with us and hope you enjoy the special treat.” Very thoughtful!
Here’s a picture of the bag minus the food. My kids ate the snack before I could snap a picture.
A few more points from my Courtyard hotel stay:
- Same staff at front desk. No more high turnover and crabby employees?
- Staff knew how to properly process a gift card. Will I long for the days of lost gift cards or when they ask me come to back in a couple of hours when someone knows how to apply a gift card.
- Staff remembers my favorite room – top floor, end of hall, view away from the parking lot.
- Male front desk staff was very tidy and diligent about cleaning the coffee area.
- No holes in the balcony screen
- Breakfast staff actually brought my family and I silverware. I still have to get my coffee and juice for the kids, but she’s making progress.
- Plenty of towels in the pool area
- Housekeeping didn’t knock a zillion times to clean our room at 9am
- Exercise room had towels and weights. The room could be cooler – 81 degrees was a tad warm.
Note to Hotel Managers: This hotel is older and does not have an updated lobby, but good customer service will help offset these areas. Moreover, simple and thoughtful complimentary snacks will generate goodwill with guests. If you combine these factors, guests will feel appreciated and more loyal feeling they are not just a source of income. I am actually looking forward to a return visit at the end of July and beginning of August.
