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The Old Name Actually, they don't call it Greystone Hotel anymore. Hampton Inn took over about 10 years ago and did a lovely job renovating. So I should be nicer and not hide their name when I'm shooting pictures.
But I take pride in staying at non-chain hotels. So I ignored the words on the blue awnings and focused the camera on the ornate carving above the main entrance. Then and Now The rooftop sign and old cars make it clear which is the vintage postcard.
My photo shows that little has changed with the exterior, since the hotel was built in 1927. An Empty Lobby Don and I arrived on a Sunday afternoon last January. I guess that's why the place was so empty.  This downtown Hampton Inn was catering to business guests, so I guess Sundays in winter are often quiet. Not Much Business for the Business Hotel This certainly didn't look like your typical business hotel. The iron work, chandeliers, columns and ceiling design probably lured other kinds of travelers back in the day.  There was no restaurant or lounge, but there seemed to be an attempt to bring some travelers together with a bar height, community table near a TV. But the only person enjoying that little area was the desk clerk who was stealing peeks at the football game. Heading Up We checked in and lugged our baggage into one of these fine old elevators and headed to the 9th floor.  We were tired on the last evening of our 2 week road trip. Welcome The little sign beside our door made me smile.
Every room had its own vintage photo from old Montgomery. I loved the pic of the Snow Cap Creamy Root Beer shop. A Good Deal We weren't exactly in New York City, but Montgomery is the capital of Alabama and our location was pretty good.  I was surprised we could have a room as nice as this, for about $100. River View And through old glass and funny diamond screens we could actually see the river and the old Union Station.
This wasn't a bad hotel for a chain. Walking About We cranked on the heat in our chilly room and headed out to see what was nearby.
Commerce Street was pretty empty, but there were some great historic buildings to see as we walked towards the river. Cold After wandering, we were ready to kick back and enjoy the last night of our trip. I headed down the hall with the ice bucket, while Don messed with the sluggish thermostat.
After numerous calls and some help from the valet guy, (since the maintenance man had left) we asked for a new room. New Room We headed down to the lobby and tore our desk guy away from the football game. He  gave us a key to another room. We lugged our bags and our drippy ice bucket to floor 8. A Lovely Suite We spent some time in our second room but the heater was clearly not coming on.  We headed to the desk and our clerk walked us up to the room at the top of the stairs on the left. (I left the ice bucket behind) The suite was quite grand with a bar and large lounging area. It was a mighty nice upgrade and I shivered to Don that maybe it would be okay, even if it was cold. But the desk clerk agreed with us. The heat was not working. Final Room Our last room was not a suite, but it was more spacious than the first and we could hear the heater kick on.  We stayed and ordered pizza and enjoyed our warmth! Morning There was only one person joining us for the complimentary breakfast in the morning. My photo looks like a typical breakfast area in any nice chain hotel.
But honestly, the spread of breakfast in the adjoining room was a nice surprise. They had the typical stuff, but everything was fresh and chilled or just from the oven hot, like the little cheesy English muffins I loved. And all were served up in clever little containers and holders and pitchers that seemed above and beyond. Must hand it to them for not slacking off with so few customers. What's Notable? I will remember how sturdy this old building looked. The big blocky structure was more impressive close up.
I will remember the inside as clean, modern and cold... at least for a while. But my best memory will be of when we went to check out and were told our stay was free. We left just as workers arrived to deal with the heat issues.
Okay, I said I didn't like chains, but sometimes they do have more reason to keep their customers happy. Free hotel on our last night! That's a good deal!
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Ninety Notable
Nights My New Year's Resolution for 2014 was to start documenting some of the memorable overnights I've had in some very odd and curious motels and hotels. Like the adventures in my Dining Blog, I have learned to enjoy the surprises that happen when you step out of the comfort zone, far away from the well-known chains. I began with a few entries recalling my very first home away from home memories from my youth. Then, I started sharing about some of the quirky and unforgettable motels, hotels and inns that my husband and I have discovered in recent years. The best part about this challenge was making some lists with Don and getting on the road in search of new overnight adventures. I gave myself a 2-year goal to write up 90 stories and the goal was met. Now we just keep on adding! Archives
March 2025
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