Best Western Plus Loveland Inn

I was pleasantly surprised by the breakfast. There was more than the usual continental spread: scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, waffles from the handy waffle maker, a yogurt machine, and all the fixings. The women preparing it were really wonderfully nice.

The room was clean but dated, and the bed felt like concrete. If you prefer a softer mattress, this isn't the place. Breakfast was okay, but by 8:30 there were only a few bagels and one muffin left. There was cereal too, though the milk was sitting in carafes without refrigeration and had warmed up by the time we got to it. Getting here was awkward. It's on one side of a divided highway, and if you come off I-25 you have to make a U-turn. When we arrived at 3 p.m., there was just one car in the lot and the property looked deserted. Around 7:30 that evening, there were only about five cars. Check-in was easy, but the place still felt abandoned. From the front desk, you cross a large breakfast seating area; the lights were off, which added to that feeling. There are no elevators, but only about six stairs to reach the first floor, which is below ground, and the second floor above the main level. I booked through hotels.com, where the incidental hold was listed as $25. It turned out to be $100, more than the one-night room cost. It was pending return to my card on checkout day, so it wasn't a big deal, but the amount seemed odd. I wouldn't recommend staying here.

Our room was spacious, clean, and well kept, with a huge shower. There were plenty of dishes, though a few more kitchen tools, like a pot holder, would've been useful. Staff were accommodating. The main areas looked tired and due for an update, but they were clean. The gym was small, probably not big enough for more than three people at a time. The stairs to our room might be difficult for some, but they were fine for us. The location is handy for I-25 and Hwy 34. The drawback is that when you exit, you can only turn right, so you have to cross I-25 to make a U-turn if you want to go left. For the price, it was a decent hotel.

I really like the Loveland Gem. The Kennedy suite has two bedrooms and bathrooms, a long entryway, an in-room steam room and Jacuzzi Tub, a fully equipped kitchen, and an office area. Amanda at the front desk was friendly, helpful, and knew her customer service. I got frustrated over something she couldn't control, and she managed to calm me down before I even realized it. Anyway, I'll be back!