Hotel SpringHill Suites by Marriott Roanoke (Roanoke, USA)

Rooms, like the rest of the hotel, are clean, sleek and well equipped. If a fault arises, staff are quick off the mark to rectify the situation and as a last resort, they'll arrange a no-quibble room transfer.

Always smiling, always pleasant and approachable; the onset of a large influx of party guests doesn't crack the smiling veneer and everyone is in their allocated rooms before they know it! Food here, including breakfast, is good quality with plenty of choice.

Starbucks and the Carillon Virginia Technical Medical Center are easily walkable and there are paths and cycle tracks to enjoy. Crystal Springs is also close by with some restaurants that are well worth a visit and Tinnell's, is a must visit, period grocery store.

The surrounding area is like no man's land, desolate, unwelcoming and more than a bit scary. Plus, the car park isn't well lit.

Surely hotels know the number of registered guests and are able to plan breakfast quantities accordingly. Instead, they are caught on the hop, so guests arriving after the initial rush are faced with: no crockery, no cutlery and only a hint of what might have been on offer had they arrived 20 minutes earlier.

Because of the unappealing neighborhood, there's little incentive to venture out at night. On the other hand, staying in the hotel brings its own problems, many of which revolve around the small numbers of staff who work like crazy trying to keep up. The small bar is packed out, as is the dining area attached. Room service is on a wing and a prayer, with meals probably delivered by the maintenance guy.