By Ellen Kendall
Lake Guntersville, Alabama
The Holiday Inn Lake Guntersville in Guntersville, Alabama, is located at the lake's edge. The grounds have grills for barbecuing, a pool, a playground for children, changing stations, boardwalk and piers for swimming and fishing, and boat launches. All 100 rooms have free Internet, a microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator. Each room also has two speaker phones, personal climate controls and irons with ironing boards. A bar and restaurant overlook the lake.
Wows and Woes
Wows
Covered seating on the pier protects you against sunburn.
All of the staff is friendly.
Woes
Parking for boats is limited, and maneuverability around the boat parking lot is tough.
Heavy traffic creates loud noise that filters into the rooms on the highway side of the hotel.
Insider Tips
Pay more and get a room facing the lake. If you want to save money, take advantage of the Holiday Inn policy of free meals for children under 12 when they eat with an adult in the restaurant. Go to Lake Guntersville State Park's Pinecrest Dining Room and choose the buffet on Friday and Saturday nights or for Sunday Brunch. The restaurant is beautiful, and the prime rib is excellent.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
I used to go to Guntersville every winter to view the bald eagles at the state park. I usually stayed at the park but decided to try the Holiday Inn. I was just settling down for the night when I heard a group of teenagers speaking loudly outside. The breakfast wait was interminable the next morning. Though the service at the hotel is very good, I will not stay there again.
Bottom Line
This hotel has many things in its favor, such as the outdoor amenities and the courtesy of the staff.
Resources
About the Author:
Ellen Kendall has 15 years of writing and editing experience. Her travel and insurance articles have appeared in national magazines. Her book contributions include biographies and multi-cultural and Holocaust lesson plans. She has previously served as a real estate broker and interior designer and taught ESL in Korea and at Duke.
Photo Credits:
Courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/hotroderguy/
