Doubletree Hotel Lowell

As a student, getting to class was the biggest drawback. The ICC was apart from the main campus, and the shuttle system wasn’t great. Even when I left plenty early, the buses made me late often enough that I started driving toward the end of the semester and paying for hourly parking. The garage was right next door, though, so I didn’t have to walk far in summer heat or winter cold. I lived here when the University still used the ICC as dorms, and the building made a great dorm. My fourth-floor room had a lovely city and skyline view. The rooms were spacious, with solid climate control and large, comfortable beds. The bathrooms had full-size tub-showers, lots of counter space, and room under the sink for laundry baskets. The dining hall on site was cozy and convenient, with enough variety that I could usually find something good to eat. I wish the University could still use it as student housing. If they get the building back for dorms, I’d definitely live here again.

Victoria was fantastic throughout our visit. We had a problem with Priceline, and she sorted it out quickly while being incredibly kind. Our first-floor room was very clean and opened through a sliding door to a small patio overlooking the river. The hotel itself is beautiful. Breakfast is complimentary, with bagels, danish, yogurt, fruit, and Starbucks coffee and tea. You can eat in a large dining room with river-view windows or in a space with a fireplace and comfortable chairs. We’ll definitely stay again.

The free continental breakfast and comfortable beds make this a decent value, but the rooms need work. There was no refrigerator, the bathroom lighting was dim, the hair dryer felt sticky, and a room for four had only two bath towels. I was also disappointed that there were no recycling bins anywhere in the building.

It felt more like a conference and event venue than a hotel. The bathroom water didn’t work except in the shower, and breakfast amounted to a bagel, an apple, and some coffee. We had to ask for spoons and sugar because everything was empty. If you’re only there to sleep, the room is clean and fine. Phone service was excellent.