by Jamie Blais

Created on: June 30, 2008   Last Updated: July 01, 2008

Pulling in, it looks much like a motel, a concrete block, but you are immediately aware of its great location. It's just off Texas Avenue, the main street of College Station, with all the stores and restaurants you could desire within sight. It is the closest hotel to the South side of Texas A&M University campus, the side containing Kyle Field and the Traditions Golf Course. All of this is in walking distance, if you can stand the heat!

The hotel rates being as reasonable as they are, you do not expect too much, but as soon as you walk through the huge wooden double doors into the atrium you glimpse what feels like a secret garden. Wisteria enshrouds the picture-perfect arbor, little lanterns swing from its wooden rafters, a BBQ peeks from a hedgerow, next to a topiary dolphin in sight of another, a flamingo. Well-established trees shade sensitively placed benches and the lawn is lush and green. Nature plays to the tune of a fountain and un-intrusive, wordless music.

When you can tear yourself from all of this you notice the Reception area to your left. Your first impression is the scent and you see that this comes from various lit candles smoothing out the harshness of the front desk. Amid the candles, a smiling receptionist greeted me. Check-in was both swift and informative, with me being assured that if there was anything I needed I knew where to come! Part of the information included an hour of complimentary wine and nibbles every evening in the front desk area. I would be back!

All of the rooms are centered around the courtyard which includes the arbor area and a Grecian-style pool. The hotel is mainly frequented by extended stay guests and visiting professors of A&M University so the noise factor is not an issue. There is no traffic noise despite our proximity to busy Texas Avenue. Each suite' has its own well thought out kitchen including hob, convection oven and large refrigerator. The single rooms come in two styles, a studio or a one-bedroom. They are the same size and price but are distinguished by a wall separating the living area from the bed in the one-bedroom. The studio feels roomier but the one-bedroom is nice if the children are staying as the sofa turns into a sofa bed. There are also two-bedroom suites available, boasting the same facilities. The 49 rooms are on two floors, extended-stay guests being primarily housed upstairs.

The hotel offers free wireless internet throughout, HBO, a small but well-equipped fitness room, a laundry room containing

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