No sniffles here

I don't have a lot to report about the Hampton Inn in San Angelo, Texas. It was pretty average as Hamptons go. The room did seem small by hotel standards, but I think it was just my perception. I'm a little spoiled by the upgrades I get with Holiday Inns.

When the facial tissues ran out though, it occurred to me that I have a perfect record. I don't think I've ever stayed in a hotel that the facial tissues in the bathroom didn't run out. No, really. You know how the hotel tissues are designed so that when you get to a certain amount from the bottom the tissues are beige instead of white? Well every single time I am in a hotel the obligatory beige one pops up. Once you see that one, it's over. You better not get a cold.

I'm still trying to get used to the Hilton chain. It's not their fault that I have the magic tissue gene. But Hamptons have those do-it-yourself waffles makers in their breakfast area. That makes it all okay.

Only one thing I can wine about

The Hampton Inn Jackson-North in Jackson, Mississippi was very nice as far as hotels go. The desk clerk was very pleasant, the room was comfortable, and I had a wonderful view overlooking the Chili's Restaurant.

The hotel even had a manager's reception featuring Crawfish Etouffee and several types of beer. I don't drink beer.

I know I'm not the only non-beer drinker to stay in the hotel. I think they should have offered other options, too. At the very least, they could have served wine. It doesn't cost that much, and it would've made me happy.

It was nice to have the reception though. I always like hotels that go that extra mile to make customers feel important. But - I never saw the manager during the manager's reception, and there were only two other people at the reception besides me. Maybe the rest of the hotel guests went next door to Chili's for a glass of wine.

A Grand Welcome

When I arrived at the Hampton Inn Detroit Metro Airport in Detroit, Michigan, there was a huge party in the lobby.

I jokingly asked the desk clerk if the party was in my honor because I had recently started staying at Hilton properties from Holiday Inn. The clerk laughed and we talked about my reasons for switching. After our conversation she upgraded me to a lovely suite!

It turns out the party wasn't for me though.

The hotel was celebrating it's grand opening. It was nice to be there and I enjoyed the reception. The appetizers were excellent and I met the hotel manager. They definitely pulled out all the stops to impress the media and other local celebrities. I had to wonder if they do that at every Hampton opening.

There's only one reason I won't stay a whole lot at Hampton Inns. When I travel I like to stay in full-service hotels so I don't have to get out and drive after dark in strange cities if I can help it. Hampton Inn's don't have restaurants. They have very nice breakfast buffets, but I don't usually do breakfast so that isn't a draw for me.

There were no restaurants near this new hotel, so oddly enough I ended up at the Crowne Plaza next door for dinner - the very hotel I would have been in had I stayed with Holiday Inn on this trip. It kind of reminded me of a line from one of my favorite Eagles songs... You can check out but you can never leave.

It'll be our little secret.

Shhh. Don't tell anyone, but I stayed at a Hilton property. It was the Hampton Inn in Madison Heights, Michigan.

So what was it like? It felt a bit like I imagine it must feel when someone is cheating on a spouse. I felt like I was going to get caught.

But I was determined that I would go into this experience with an open mind. I would not compare. No I wouldn't. But I did.

It ended up not as the greatest hotel experience I've ever had, but it certainly wasn't the worst. (That distinction belongs to the Holiday Inn in Columbus, Georgia.) This hotel held its own in the challenging department. The light bulb was burnt out over the desk, the phone didn't work, and the air conditioner had a horrible rattle - thank goodness for earplugs!

The staff in the hotel were wonderful, friendly, and certainly knew about customer service. That counts a lot in my hotel rating system.

By far the best part of the stay was the breakfast. For comparison purposes (I know I said I wouldn't compare but I lied) the Hampton Inn is the equivalent of a Holiday Inn Express. I have stayed in a lot of Holiday Inn Express properties. So many, in fact, that when I smell the "famous cinnamon rolls" I want to run in the other direction. There was not a cinnamon roll in site at the Hampton. It was so nice to have new options! Waffles, fresh fruit, breakfast potatoes. I liked it.

Does all this mean I'm going to switch? I don't know, but I will certainly not rule out an occasional stay. I've been with Holiday Inn a long time, and familiarity is comfort. But I think I can handle a thrill every now and then.

Shhh. It'll be our little secret.