We asked our staff “What’s a particularly memorable hotel you’ve enjoyed? What made it special?” Check out our favorite check-ins in this month’s Staff Sound-Off.
Kim and I love the Beausite Park Hotel in Wengen, Switzerland. We were there once as part of a group and fell in love with its elegant simplicity. A Swiss family, the Leemanns, own it and make a point of personally greeting their guests throughout their stays. They serve a wonderful breakfast each morning and post a dinner menu for the evening, which is included in the room plan. Evening mealtimes are filled with travelers from across Europe and the world, and everyone seems at ease. We took our sons back there several years later as teens and put them on their best behavior.
— Mac Lacy, publisher
It’s kind of random, but I loved the Marriott in downtown Indianapolis when I went there a few times as a kid. We would go for University of Kentucky basketball games, and I remember thinking it was so awesome because of the decor and how big it was. Now I know a lot of hotels are also that big, but at the time, I thought it was massive.
— Kyle Anderson, director of advertising sales
The Brown Palace in Denver, Colorado, was the most memorable hotel for me. I enjoy staying at historic hotels and have stayed at many, but the beauty of its lobby and the treatment by the staff left an imprint on me.
— Donia Simmons, creative director
A few years ago, during a trip down the coast to celebrate my husband’s 30th birthday, we stayed in the Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia. Everything about the hotel was a wonderful experience. The ambiance and food were just what you’d expect from a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, but what really made it special was the beautiful surroundings and the hospitality. The level of service made our stay carefree so we could focus on enjoying our time in Savannah.
— Ashley Ricks, graphic design & circulation
I’ve been fortunate to stay in many memorable hotels over the years, but one of my favorites was in the mountains of northern Mexico. The property had been converted from a monastery to a small inn, and the entire place still exuded a sense of peace. The historic architecture, understated furnishings and fresh mountain air put me at ease and filled me with serenity. I was only there for one night, but I wish I could have stayed a week.
— Brian Jewell, VP & executive editor
