I visited the Anatole, based on recommendations from friends in the industry. First, it's a beautiful property, with an equally beautiful campus. The hotel is is decorated like a museum. Rooms are spacious and clean, housekeeping is very much on point! Location is convenient if you decide to drive your own vehicle as you can hit any major point in the city inside of 10 minutes. Staff were very courteous and friendly. Now for my negatives. It's expensive unless you know someone who works at the Hilton, or your company is paying for it. The room fees should include, but don't - parking and wireless internet!!!! REALLY???!?!?!? I can go up the street to the Homewood Suites, and get WiFi, free parking and free breakfast. I refuse to pay $17 a night parking, and $13 a day internet. Thankfully, you can go to the Media Cafe and get online for free, if you like $15 burgers, and $8 beers. Hotel prices for food just absolutely suck, but I guess thats the city. Self parking was another major annoyance. When I leave the hotel, I want to get in my car and GO! At the Anatole, you have to check out of your parking space with the attendant everytime you come and go, and it's a complete hassle. SMU has the automated parking garage, which I cant understand why the hotel doesn't have. Leaving should be as simple as swiping your room key, and up goes the gate. I seriously hated feeling like a prisoner everytime I had to go somewhere. At the rate these rooms sell for, what, no fridge either??? Yes, you are supplied with a stocked bar, but getting a fridge to keep your own snacks will cost you $15 more per night. was I comfortable, yes! did I feel safe, yes! Would I stay there again - HELL NO! staying elsewhere would have saved me easily $400 for the week. I highly recommend finding another hotel to stay at, unless you enjoy the full service and having your wallet drained for everything other hotels include for free.
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