When hotels seems more familiar than home…

Courtyard by Marriott in Illinois

Doubletree Hilton in California

Springhill Suites by Marriott in Minnesota

Courtyard by Marriott in California

Springhill Suites by Marriott in Alaska

Springhill Suites by Marriott in New York

Fairfield Inn by Marriott in New York

There was a time when I spent a weekend sleeping in my own bed. However, it hasn’t been recent.

You may have noticed a trend. Because even when you travel a lot for work, there is something reassuring about knowing the layout of your hotel room in the dark. Of knowing what the bed (should) feel like. What the towels and shampoo and coffee will feel, smell, and taste like.

Even in the constant state of change there is consistency for me. However there is also a sense of impersonality. The pictures hanging on the walls are “local” or “themed” to “personalize” the experience. But nothing can be as personal as the warm purring bodies of four-legged friends trying to climb on your face so you will wake up and feed them. Or the steady snore of your best friend laying next to you dreaming.

I bring things with me that remind me of home. Things that might seem strange or out of place, but provide visual, tactile, sensory memories of the family I leave each weekend. It makes the travel a little less difficult. And personalizes my foreign but familiar weekend abode.