#SonOfJae
By Jae-Ha Kim
jaehakim.com
August 10, 2020
When we are spending the night in Springfield, Ill., we almost always stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott Springfield South. But we opted for the Spring Hills Suites this time, because I got a better deal. (More on that later.)
The two hotels are both run by Marriott and are very similar in style and layout. This hotel is nice and clean, with all the amenities you need (free wifi, a coffeemaker, mini-fridge to store drinks that we purchased at a store before we left home).
Marriott hotels are famous for their comfortable beds and this was no different. You will get a good night’s sleep, for sure. For families traveling together, the roomy layout is a bonus. Our room had two queen size beds and a little sitting area, which comes in handy for eating takeaway meals or watching TV.
We swam laps in the indoor pool to cool off after a long day of sightseeing, showered, and then went out to pick up our carryout dinner.
This was our first overnight stay at a hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic and we were a bit nervous, to tell the truth. If we hadn’t gone to visit a relative (socially distanced, masked and outside) to make sure he was doing well, we wouldn’t have gone. However, the hotel wasn’t overbooked, everyone kept at least six-feet apart from each other (and wore masks in the common areas) and we felt safe.
But me being me, I did bring my own disinfectant wipes to clean the surfaces (doorknobs, remote controls etc.) … just in case.
The hotel touts its location as being close to SCHEELS, which is walkable from our hotel. I had never heard of this store before, so we went to check it out. I’m still kicking myself that I didn’t purchase the Nike running shorts I saw there. Oh well. Next time.
Photo courtesy: Springhill Suites Springfield
Just the facts: SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springfield Southwest, 3921 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield, IL 62711 (217-789-0000). We usually stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott Springfield South when we are in this area. Why’d we stay at the Spring Hill instead? Honestly? Because I could use less of our accumulated Marriott Bonvoy points (12,500 vs. 15,000). Our rooms at both hotels were very similar.
Where to eat: We got carryout from Little Saigon and ate supper in our hotel room.
From their website:
Travel in style at SpringHill Suites by Marriott®, the all-suite hotel that seamlessly blends design and functionality offering the modern amenities you need to stay refreshed and focused – all at an affordable price. Spacious suites and a vibrant lobby offer flexible spaces perfect for working, meeting or relaxing. Our Market is open 24/7 for snacks and necessities. Enjoy our complimentary new breakfast with fresh choices for a customized start to your day – like eggs with local salsa or Greek yogurt and oatmeal complete with a toppings bar for a variety of options. If you’re in town to work, we offer a business center, as well as a small boardroom venue. We also make it easy to stay in shape during your stay, thanks to an indoor pool and 24-hour fitness center. Finally, our prime location is just minutes away from SCHEELS, The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, State Capitol, the Dana-Thomas House and so much more. Plan your visit to Springfield today!
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