Teaching in Charleston, WV, this week, I stayed at the Charleston House, a Holiday Inn.
The king-size bed was the most remarkable part of the hotel room. It was quite comfortable for not being a pillow top.
Even though the hotel underwent a fairly successful renovation, there were little annoyances when it came to technology. The power outlets were behind the TV, in the corner near the window, and behind the bed — none near the desk. Two six-way power strips hid at the corners between the bed and the wall, and they didn’t accommodate a cell phone charger.
The wireless internet didn’t connect. The wired Ethernet was handled by a black box that sat next to the phone. While the Ethernet cable from the box to the laptop was provided, a phone cable between the phone and the black box was missing, and I had to provide my own. While it worked, the speed was great, but it was out for long periods of time three out of the four nights I stayed.
The TV had surprisingly few channels: ABCCBSNBCFOX, TBSTNT, CNN, CNBC/MSNBC, PBS, HBO, ESPN/2/CL/NEWS, TWC, Discovery, Disney, and Cartoon Network. That was it. The TV also promised the ability to view my account, but that feature didn’t work.
The bathroom was quite cramped, nearly not allowing enough room to get around the door to close it. The shower had very good heat and pressure, despite my staying on the 11th floor.
The restaurant and room service furnished decent food. I wanted to order fish and chips, but the menu said there was only one fillet in the fish and chips. They had cut down the number of fillets (2) but kept the price at $13.95. Ouch.
While most Holiday Inns make one go into the restaurant for breakfast, this hotel had a small plate of fruit danishes one could grab and go.
The room literature advertised a free membership to Capitol Fitness. Most hotels only have such an arrangement when they don’t have a fitness room. I suited up to go to Capitol, but on the way out I walked right by…the fitness room. The elliptical functioned perfectly. The fitness room also had a bike, a treadmill, free weights, and two TVs.
Access to the hotel is a bit tricky. The front of the hotel is on a one-way street, Kanawha Blvd, and there’s not much parking there. The hotel does have a parking garage with an entrance on Laidley Street, and you’re likely better off parking in the garage.
The staff was friendly and professional, and they would occasionally leave trinkets such as candles or honey because I’m a Priority Club member. $85 isn’t a bad price for a downtown hotel stay, but I would be open to checking out other hotels in the area.
Similar Posts:
- Hotel Report: Holiday Inn Denver Airport
- Hotel Report: Holiday Inn Select, Strongsville, OH
- Hotel Report: Best Western Tower West Lodge, Gillette
Show on map 
