In a busy central location, one block from the superior Marriott, this restyled, homegrown chain hotel operates comfortably a half rung below its neighbor, offering stylish common areas and accommodations, and rates that are well below the average in the city.
Built in the late 1960s, this sleek 22-story high-rise offers dramatic vistas from the top ten floors. The revamped lobby is a slimmed down version of its former self, a polished marble-trimmed hall with natural wood accents and warm earth-toned hues.
Locals flock to the adjacent streetside bar, which has a warm inviting open layout, wood trim and a generous daily happy hour. All meals are served in the casual cafe with a theater kitchen. Dinner is offered in a sleek contemporary bistro; the trim sophisticated decor here reflects the city's stance as a cosmopolitan center. The menu offers fresh seafood, and the regional wine list is excellent.
On-site recreation is relegated to the small, resurfaced rooftop pool, but guests need only ask to receive free passes to a local health club. The impressive meeting facilities cater for up to 200 delegates and are equipped with state-of-the-art 
audiovisual equipment and wireless Internet access. Business services are available, and parking is covered. Pets are not permitted.
Though smaller than those at the Marriott, the guest rooms here show more attention to detail, each decorated with a Ralph Lauren palate, quality furniture and plush carpeting. The firm mattresses are triple-sheeted, and guests choose their pillows from a menu. TVs, safes, irons, ironing boards, minibars and thermostats are standard.
The heart of the rooms are their well-designed work spaces with dual-line phones, data ports, voice mail, high-speed Internet access and task lighting. Baths may be average in size, but their fixtures are first-rate. All provide hair dryers and toiletries. A small number of smoking rooms are available and there is one handicap-accessible room. Room service never stops.
The staff makes the extra effort to get the job done. This hotel has the wherewithal to move up into the ranks if management continues to upgrade.
