By J.D. Chi
Located just off I-95 in an area filled with the headquarters of Fortune 500 companies and close to several universities, the Best Western Black Rock Inn offers a complimentary breakfast, hard-wired Internet access in guest rooms, personal coffee makers and mini-fridges, a workout center and a business center. The hotel is pet friendly (for a fee) and has guest rooms and suites.
Wows and Woes
Crisp triple-sheeting on the beds was an unexpected luxury.
Breakfast includes hot dishes, like pancakes and oatmeal.
Guest rooms are on the small side.
Housekeeping starts early and may wake you up.
Insider Tips
Selected as one of the best hotels in the Best Western chain for 2009, the service at this hotel is above average. The state-of-the-art workout room is only lightly used, so take advantage. Despite the Connecticut address, the hotel is only an hour outside New York City and is an excellent halfway point for business travelers traversing the New York-Boston corridor or for parents with students at area universities.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
We stopped at this hotel on a fall foliage tour and were really surprised at the level of quality. After getting a good dinner recommendation at the front desk, we snuggled under the down comforter (who would have thought?), opened the window a crack to let the chilly air in and watched a ballgame.
Bottom Line
More than you'd expect from a two-star property, this hotel is a gem. Nice prices and great service make up for the small rooms.
Resources
About the Author:
J.D. Chi is a professional journalist who has covered sports for more than 20 years at newspapers all over the United States. She has covered major golf tournaments and the NFL as well as travel and health topics. Chi received her Bachelor of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University and is working toward a master's degree in journalism.
