Welcome back to Virginia. This is a new hotel for me, when I’ve been to Lynchburg before, I’ve stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn. That HGI is shares a parking lot with this Homewood. I was scheduled to be in town for 4 nights. I figured the extra space would be nice, especially because of COVID, I’m still eating delivery and take out. Due to changes in my schedule, I ended up staying just a single night.
I’ve flown to this part of the world before, GSP-ATL-ROA Delta Trip Report, But this trip I decided to just drive, so no flight report included. That ended up working out in my favor with my changing schedule. Anyway, I saw this hotel being built a about 18 months ago, so it’s pretty new. For mid market hotels, newer is usually my preference. I don’t stay in many Homewoods, they tend to be older properties, so when I saw this new one, in a good location and for a good price, I booked it.
I arrived after dark, I’ve been staying at a lot of Hilton hotels lately. I really like the in app check in process and digital key. I don’t have to visit a lobby, I get to pick my own room, and it’s fast. I cannot believe other hotel brands haven’t started doing this.
With the digital key in the app, I let myself into the stair well. I started doing this because of COVID, but I’m going to keep doing it, I like it.
Into the nice bright stair well. Because I usually don’t stay in huge cities, the hotels I say at mostly are not high-rise buildings, taking 2-3 flights of stairs isn’t a big deal.
This hotel was very quiet, I didn’t see another person the whole time I was there. This hallway is very clean, a good start.
First view into the room and I’m pleased. Lots of space, bright colors, plenty of light. I find hotel are very funny. It’s not particularly interesting yet someone must create it. I’m sure it’s a graphic artist who’s tasked with creating art that isn’t exciting. Not sure how I’d feel about that.
There is a small kitchen with a full size fridge, dishwasher, cook top, and microwave. If I was staying here for more than a single night I’d be glad to see that. I’d especially like the real plate ware. Eating from takeout containers get’s very old. A little civility of a plate and glass goes a long way. Even if it’s just takeout, I like a real plate.
Small sitting area. I had my dinner here while I watched TV. Very boring. The couch does pullout for more sleeping space. The TV is on a swivel so that you can watch from the couch area or turn it and watch in bed.
Ok, here’s where things took a little turn. The bathroom was nice and new. However it wasn’t very clean. I was surprised, but there were several areas that clearly needed to be wiped down as they were dirty.
The bed was large and comfortable with plenty of power on both sides. I like having an alarm clock, I don’t use it’s alarm features, but it’s nice to have something to look at if I wake up in the night.
Final Thoughts
This hotel was new, quiet, and large. Sounds perfect right? But honestly it was a little dirty and I just don’t think I’d pick this hotel over the Hilton Garden Inn that’s across the parking lot. The HGI is cleaner and just as nice. The Homewood does have the kitchen, so that’s one advantage, but beyond that I’m just not sure. All in all, I’d stay here again, but only if the HGI was sold out or very expensive.