A Little Extra D.C. Love from Springhill Suites

Last week I got on another plane for a quick trip to D.C. with Springhill Suites. I hadn’t stayed in one of their hotels before and I was looking forward to learning more about them while enjoying some of the “little extras” that D.C. has to offer.

SpringHill Suites Marriott offers more than 300 hotels in the U.S. and Canada, designed to provide both business and leisure travelers more from every trip. SpringHill Suites guests can expect modern amenities, stylish spaces and signature “little extras” that add up to big, long-lasting impressions. And boy did the Springhill Suites Alexandria Old Town do just that! The hotel is modern and sleek but makes you feel right at home the minute you walk in. The lobby is full of comfy places to sit and relax, watch tv, or take advantage of the free Wi-Fi. They also have outdoor spaces to enjoy breakfast or a cup of coffee from the 24-hour coffee station. I must admit that they served up some of the best hotel coffee that I’ve had in awhile. I usually pack my own (Barnie’s BREWSTICKS of course) but forgot mine on this trip. So when I arrived in D.C. a little more tired than I planned, I grabbed a cup of coffee to help me get through the afternoon and it was really good.

The suites have everything that you could want whether you are on business or there for fun. It was like walking into your own little apartment. Each modern suite has:

• sectional couch
• desk area with 2 plus
• TV that is viewable from the bed or couch
• kitchenette with microwave, fridge, and coffee maker
• king sized bed (in mine at least)
• bedside/desk lamps with 2 outlets each
• separate shower/sink and toilet – big open glass shower

In addition to all of the “normal” suite amenities there are the “little extras” that Springhill Suites is becoming known for. In your suite you might find bath and spa products by Paul Mitchell, treats such as Chupa-Chup Lollipops (how fun is that), wine by The Infinite Monkey Theorem, and even adult coloring books and pencils!  SpringHill Suites Marriott recently announced a new relationship with CakeLove, a renowned DC bakery whipping-up signature “CakeLove in a Jar.” This collaboration is an example of how the SpringHill Suites brand is catering to modern business and leisure travelers by providing signature “little extras” with every stay.

Oh oh – did I mention the amazing fitness center?! As a runner I immediately start thinking about running when I head to a new city. Is there a running path by the hotel? Can I get to a park to run in? Well none of this mattered much since when I arrived to the hotel it was cold and raining. Thankfully they had a really nice fitness center. Lots of hotels advertise a fitness center but then you walk in and there is one treadmill, one elliptical, and maybe a weight bench. But not this one! There were multiple pieces of cardio equipment, exercise balls, a weight machine, free weights, and tons of space. A couple of the people on the tour commented on how much they enjoyed the fitness center.

Our first night at the hotel we were treated to a wonderful evening of food and fun, complete with a hands-on baking demo with Warren Brown – the founder and creator of CakeLove. It was so much fun getting to chat with Warren and then learn all about pie, which is actually his favorite thing to bake. I must tell you a secret though… I MAY have eaten a CakeLove in a Jar before dinner! There was one in my room and I just couldn’t help myself. What better way to get through the rainy afternoon than coffee, coloring, and CakeLove in a Jar?

Anyhow, back to our demo. We learned out to make these adorable little hand pies and I admit that it was easier than I thought. I spoke with Warren some about my pie-phobia and thanks to his helpful tips I might just try my hand at making some pies for the holidays.

Dinner consisted of D.C. food truck favorite and a mac-n-cheese bar. Yes, you read that right, a mac-n-cheese bar. I was in heaven! Two types of noodles, two types of cheese sauce, and all sorts of yummy toppings. I think for my next birthday party I am totally going to have a mac-n-cheese bar.

For dessert with had a CakeLove in a Jar wine pairing. We got to try three of their most popular flavors paired with some amazing champagne, red wine, and port. My favorite was the salted caramel CakeLove in a Jar paired with port. Yum yum yum. I may have stashed the other two flavors to eat later on 🙂

The rest of the evening was spent out on the town in downtown D.C. but I will get back to that later (in another post)…

When I got up the next morning I was starving. We’d been out late and the cake from dessert had finally worn off. I went downstairs to meet up with our group and grab some breakfast before the day’s activities. They had quite the spread! They had lots to choose from including a lot of healthy options. They had oatmeal with lots of toppings, fresh fruit, hard boiled eggs, cereal, scrambled eggs (with spinach, salsa & cheese to top it with), sausage, bagels, pastries, and muffins. They also had tea, coffee, and a couple juice choices. Even the pickiest of eaters could find something on their breakfast spread (that is included in your room rate). Breakfast is served in the lobby area so there are plenty of places to sit including the outdoor area. They have wi-fi access in the lobby so you can even get some work done or check in on Facebook while you get your day started.

I really enjoyed my first stay at Springhill Suites and I’ll definitely be looking for them when I book future trips. I know you aren’t supposed to spend a lot of time in your room when you are vacationing, but its really nice to know that I can get a nice suite without having to spend a lot of money.

*Disclosure: I was an invited guest of Springhill Suites and was treated to a complimentary trip. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.