For the past five days the Watertown Hotel in the University district of Seattle, has been my office away from my office. It's not the first time I've stayed here. It won't be my last.
And, I'll come back even though they don't offer wireless in their rooms ( usually a deal-breaker for me). Yes, they offer free high speed via an Ethernet connection, but not having wireless means I am tied to the desk when I would rather have the flexibility to sit on the couch, chair, or work in bed.
Still the pluses of this hotel outweigh this huge negative. When the Watertown says its unique, it delivers -- and that is something that as a business traveler,I not only appreciate, I want to support and reward.
Of all their interesting amenities, the most intriguing are the guest carts.Absolutely free, you can request a 'themed cart' for your use during your stay.I'd recommend requesting one when you make your reservations but you can also request at cart after you arrive. Beware, they are popular.
So what can you get? There's the Art Cart which includes colored pencils, an intro to Art book, glue stick, calligraphy set, souvenir beret and more.
A Baby on Board Cart which includes a rubber ducky, socket protectors, tear-free shampoo and diaper bags.
The Games Cart which includes a deck of cards, board games like cranium, Yahtzee, trivial pursuit , Scrabble and Monopoly.
The Library Cart . As it is billed,
" We'll give you an assortment of 20 books or so. If you start one that you don't finish, just trade a book that you've already read, and well consider it all square!! "
The Movie Cart -- complete with a 20' flat screen TV and DVD Player. you can bring your own movie but of course the front desk as a collection.
There's a grumpy cart, a spa cart, a relaxation cart and a party cart that offers up a bartending book, CD player, Various CDs, corkscrew, a jar of olives, a jar of onions , toothpicks and beverage napkins.
While I didn't get a cart this trip, I have carted before and they are absolutely wonderful.
Of course its not the carts themselves that has captured my imagination, it's the fact that the hotel has these carts. They are just a little thing --but its a huge thing that sets this hotel apart, and allows it to say with authenticity that it is a unique urban hotel.( Did I mention that it is also reasonably priced?)
In a business sector where homogenization seems to reign--can you really tell the difference when you stay at a Hampton Inn or a Courtyard by Marriott ? ( other then the points you earn for a free stay)-- it is absolutely refreshing to stay some place that feels different.
Sometimes earning reward points is not enough of a motivation. Sometimes supporting a business that wants to break through the clutter is reason enough. The free wine tasting, fitness center and microwave in the room doesn't hurt either.
Now, if they would just get that wireless cart
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