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The Emmeline-Charleston, SC

Post COVID REVIEW

After a long hiatus and one pandemic, we are back at it. Traveling the country (and hopefully soon the world). We have been masking up, sanitizing and encountering these new hotels. Located in historic downtown Charleston with proximity to the market, the Emmeline Hotel is a great new find. Masking restrictions are lifted for guests although the staff (for the most part) wears theirs when interacting. This place has a great hipster vibe for the world traveler.

For the Business/Professional: 5/5 points

Charging is quite convenient throughout the lobby. My mainstay spot was on the second floor lofted area. Their coffee shop (while not part of the lobby) offers charging stations at every seat. Music can get a little loud, but its a nice jazzy funk that’s good to work with. Free wifi, no login required. Didn’t find a business center but as we are doing more cloud computing, I don’t find this as necessary. This would be a great spot to meet up with out of town people to have a nice meeting.

For the Socialite: 5/5 points

This is an airy, light welcoming atmosphere. Its a little warm in the afternoon when the doors are open for the valets and guests popping in and out from the market. But still a great place to linger. There is ample outdoor space to enjoy the good weather as well. This could easily accommodate a group of 6-8. Any larger would be a bit much for seating. For groups of 6-8 there are little nooks to grab a seat around a table to chat. NO happy hour, but not a deal breaker. The in hotel restaurant has a walk up cocktail window. Brilliant.

Family: 2/5 points

Not a lot of kids running around, but there isn’t much for them to do. Nothing breakable, but it seems much more of a child free vibe. No televisions, but no room to run and play. If you have a few well behaved children, it might be a tolerable spot. Lots of spring breakers/graduates/bachelorette parties going down

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The Ritz Carlton Charlotte, NC

We have stayed here a million times in the last 10 years. This Ritz Carlton in Charlotte opened in 2009 has been a staple to downtown Charlotte. Despite our many visits, this has been the first time we explored the gym and pool which are probably the best gym of any of the hotels we have stayed at. It is on the the 15th floor and not hidden in the basement. (Hewing, I’m calling you out here) The pool is nearby, but indoors. Great for when the weather is warm. More situated for lap swimming than socializing. As I’m more of a lap swim kind of person, I approve whole heartedly.

Unfortunately for the Ritz Charlotte, they fall short in the Lobby category. We love the hotel, the service is impeccable, the rooms are amazing, but the lobby is decidedly meh. There. I said it. See below for the analysis.

For the Business/Professional:

  • Outlets: can you recharge conveniently? NO! There are no outlets in the lobby OR the bar area which is an unauthorized stretch. Come pre-charged.
  • Noise Level: Background music is nice, but are the acoustics too distracting? Noise level is minimal. You can talk without feeling like you have to lean in which in the COVID era makes everyone uncomfortable.
  • Wifi: Most hotels offer it for a fee. Are you able to log on without logging in? There is a fee unless you are staying there. And even if you are, its $10 unless you have a premium membership or are given an access code. We are platinum elite and didn’t get an access code. So pay attention while clicking.
  • Beverages: Are coffee and water available? Free or for purchase? No coffee, no tea. But after the run, one of the most excellent valets offered us cold water. There is a coffee shop down the street (2 blocks) called Coco and the director which fills in. It is attached to the Mariott hotel (see separate review or pics on Instagram)
  • Amenities: Is there access to a printer or business center for printing or computing beyond the mobile type? Didn’t check this trip…..
  • Could you meet up with out of town clients for a business meeting or an interview? Not really. Its dim and intimate. Can’t imagine doing business in this lobby.

For the Socialite:

  • Natural Light: Nope. Dark and emotive. Good for romance or mood.
  • Food and Drink: Is it in close proximity to available cocktails, snacks or an easy transition to a meal? The lobby is next to the K lounge which is their bar. Easy access to some incredible cocktails. Jalapeño margarita with salted rim? Yes please.
  • Size of Group: Is it good for couples or can it accommodate a large group? Groups of 4 max.
  • Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: Is it nice in all seasons or does it shine in the middle of winter? It is cozy in winter with the fireplace. Good mood setting overall, but no outdoor space.
  • Entertainment: Is there live music? A jazz band or the local teenager with a guitar? No live music. It has some good tunes on their playlist but not memorable.
  • Is there a lobby happy hour? Nope. Buy on your own dime. Kimpton and the Alfond crush it here. (at least PRE-COVID).

Family:

  • Clientele: Are there spring breakers coming out of the wood work or does the hotel cater to a more diverse group where children would not be exposed to guests who are partying. No spring breakers here. Pretty chill and zen. Adults only.
  • Is the area safe for small children. Safe, but not fun.
  • Does the lobby boast beautiful but expensive and fragile decor (art, vases, glass etc) that would be at risk from small rowdy hands. There is art, but not much at reachable level. There is not much of an area for kids to get lost or run amok. Mostly adults seen at this venue. Not that its anti kids, but if I was 7-13 I would probably be BORED!!!
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The Hermitage, Nashville, TN

The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville is one of my favorite hotels in the US. We have stayed here several times on our cross country treks. At a recent work conference I decided not to stay at the convention center and opted for my favorite resting place. The service is fantastic and the Lobby is superb! I even talked a co-worker into joining me and now they are also a fan.

  1. Social: Score 4
  2. Business/Professional Score: 5
  3. Family: Score 4

OVERALL SCORE: 13/15

For the Business/Professional:

  • Outlets: can you recharge conveniently? There are several locations on the upper level to plug in and get work done. Being on the upper level of the lobby also gives you a great view of the comings and goings below.
  • Noise Level: There is the usual hustle and bustle of a busy lobby but the overall background noise doesn’t distract from being able to get work done.
  • Wifi: There is wifi in the lobby.
  • Beverages:  There is coffee in the mornings for free at the in hotel restaurant downstairs.
  • Amenities:  I didn’t find any need for using a business center during this visit. Sorry y’all!
  • Could you meet up with out of town clients for a business meeting or an interview? This lobby has a lot of little nooks and crannies that you could meet with a small group and have a meeting.

For the Socialite:

  • Natural Light: Overall this lobby is a little dark. In the mornings on the upper level there is some natural light that comes in but the historic decor is a little heavy. I find the heaviness comfortable and cosy.
  • Food and Drink: Is it in close proximity to available cocktails, snacks or an easy transition to a meal? The whiskey bar downstairs has a great selection of drinks. Try a whiskey flight if you can’t select just one. The hotel itself is within walking distance of several nice restaurants.
  • Size of Group: Is it good for couples or can it accommodate a large group? Maximum group size would be 6-8 on some of the area couches. Anything more would have to commandeer several seating areas. The lobby is large however and you could spread out.
  • Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: Is it nice in all seasons or does it shine in the middle of winter? No outdoor space. Just indoor.
  • Entertainment: Is there live music? A jazz band or the local teenager with a guitar? During my stay there was no live music available. But its Nashville. Less than a mile down the road you can find an excellent open mic night.
  • Is there a lobby happy hour? No happy hour.

Family:

  • Clientele: It is a mature crowd that enjoys the Hermitage. While there are children and younger people around, they are usually well behaved. No spring breakers here. There was a loud wedding party one evening, but overall not too rambunctious.
  • Is the area safe for small children:  Very safe. I wouldn’t recommend letting them run amok, but there isn’t much trouble to get into in the lobby.
  • Is there room for kids to run around and play games:  There are tables for board games in the lobby. Ask the front hotel staff for checkers or chess.
  • Are there games or televisions for entertainment: No televisions in the lobby. If you want stats on your favorite sports team you must retreat to your room or head to the bar.
  • Does the lobby boast beautiful but expensive and fragile decor (art, vases, glass etc) that would be at risk from small rowdy hands. Most of the decor is sturdy. Most toddlers are able to find SOMETHING that they could possibly destroy, but the Hermitage has been in business a while. They have minimized what can be destroyed.
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The Scoring System

We are both scientists at heart. No prose to describe these lobbies for you (ok a little prose) but we to perform an objective analysis.  Every lobby is different. If you want to sit and read a book the Fontainebleu on Friday night is not the place. However if you want to people watch and grab a slightly overpriced cocktail then it is the place to go. So we offer you some details metrics that we think are important. We have narrowed it down to three broad categories:

  1. Social
  2. Business/Professional
  3. Family

Each one will get a score on a scale from 1 to 5. Several factors are considered in each category and are listed below.

For the Business/Professional:

  • Outlets: can you recharge conveniently?
  • Noise Level: Background music is nice, but are the acoustics too distracting?
  • Wifi: Most hotels offer it for a fee. Are you able to log on without logging in?
  • Beverages: Are coffee and water available? Free or for purchase?
  • Amenities: Is there access to a printer or business center for printing or computing beyond the mobile type?
  • Could you meet up with out of town clients for a business meeting or an interview?

For the Socialite:

  • Natural Light:
  • Food and Drink: Is it in close proximity to available cocktails, snacks or an easy transition to a meal?
  • Size of Group: Is it good for couples or can it accommodate a large group?
  • Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: Is it nice in all seasons or does it shine in the middle of winter?
  • Entertainment: Is there live music? A jazz band or the local teenager with a guitar?
  • Is there a lobby happy hour?

Family:

    • Clientele: Are there spring breakers coming out of the wood work or does the hotel cater to a more diverse group where children would not be exposed to guests who are partying
    • Is the area safe for small children
    • Is there room for kids to run around and play games
    • Are there games or televisions for entertainment
    • Does the lobby boast beautiful but expensive and fragile decor (art, vases, glass etc) that would be at risk from small rowdy hands.
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The Alfond Inn Winter Park, FL

Alfond Inn
Social: Score 5/5
  • Large L shaped lobby with lots of natural light. It has space for multiple groups of people throughout the center and around the periphery
  • How large and small can you accommodate: Multiple tables for groups is 4-8 around the periphery, in the center and even outside
  • Indoor and outdoor seating: yes, with a small area for kicking or throwing a ball or tossing a frisbee
  • Natural Light: mostly large windows with a lot of natural light during the day
  • Beverages: free water throughout the day and coffee in the morning
  • Food and drink: bar and restaurant adjacent and connected to the lobby
  • Free food and drink: wine and cheese daily for an hour free to guests if the hotel, must show hotel key to participate
  • Noise level for conversation: moderate
  • Entertainment: great environment to spend time with a family or group of friends
Family: 4/5, not as secure for young ones running around, but lots of room to accommodate a larger gathering.
  • Space for families: Large L shaped space with sitting areas for 1-10 around the periphery and through the center of the lobby
  • Games: no obvious available board or card games, but plenty of available space and outlets
  • Open space: there is plenty of open space outside the back of the hotel to throw, kick or catch a ball or for other outdoor type of family activities
  • Outlets: Plenty of outlets around the periphery
  • Tables and chairs: there are several sitting areas around the periphery and the center along with outlets around the periphery for games
  • Safety: if you have little ones that need to be attended to closely, they will need to be watched. There are multiple exit points

 

Business: 5/5 The Alfond Inn received full marks for all business/professional categories.

  • Outlets: There are outlets around most seating areas. If you are in the center of the large room, you may not have access to one, but with minimal maneuvering you could find a great spot.
  • Noise Level: Workable. Currently listening to Gymnopedie. If you don’t like classical piano you may not care for this spot, but it isn’t too loud that you couldn’t rock it out on your own headphones,
  • Wifi: Free WiFi. Enough said.
  • Beverages: There is a cold water dispenser in the lobby and coffee in the mornings. If you need a substantive breakfast, the associated restaurant is accommodating.
  • Amenities: They do have a business center in the middle of their lobby floor plan close to the action. I almost like it better than my home office.
  • Could you meet up with out of town clients for a business meeting or an interview? Absolutely. There are smartly coordinate seating areas to have a comfortable chat with a colleague at any time of day.

Bottom Line: Would definitely recommend.

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Hello world!

Hello all and welcome to The Lobby Snob where we analyze and discuss the pros and cons of hotel lobbies around the world. Stay tuned as we start our first review after a trip through Florida.