John T.
Yelp
After a rocky start, The Alexander came through in a huge way. If more hotels were like this one, many more business travelers would be rested, contented and loyal for life. A hotel can be dressed to the nines but without great leadership, it's just a building. What sets The Alexander apart is its leadership.
I drove from Nashville to Indianapolis on an overcast, chilly early winter Monday. Even though the drive was no where near the longest I've trekked, I was still tired and anxious to relax once I checked in. I parked in the adjoining garage (cheaper than valet and directly accessible to the hotel via the third floor) and walked in. First impression: very nice. The modern/cool art aesthetic sets a mood and the lush colors and tactile art/decor lends a lot to guests feeling immediately at home. After a quick and pleasant check in, I made my way to my room. I noticed that it was pretty chilly but I chalked that up to the heat having not been on. After two hours and no change in the 65/66 degree room, I called down to the front desk. The gentleman was apologetic and sent a maintenance man to come to my room. After a short while of trying to fix the problem, the maintenance man suggested I moved to another room. I didn't have a lot of bags, so it wasn't a big deal. Room #2, however, had a similar heat issue. The HVAC unit only blew cold air and the longer we (the maintenance man, myself and the guest services supervisor) stayed in the room, the colder it got. The supervisor, Lynsey, realized that the room wasn't suitable, so I moved to another room. Unfortunately, room #3 hadn't been serviced. The bathroom wasn't clean and the sheets were unchanged from the previous guest. I was embarrassed to call the front desk but I did so anyway. The front desk sent someone to the room to change the sheets but I received a call from Lynsey who was extremely apologetic. She mentioned that she was going to find another room that was 100% clean and had no heat issues.
At this point, I wasn't even angry. I was a bit embarrassed for being 'that guy' but each room had a problem. I was encouraged, though, that Lynsey took the matter seriously and was so kind and patient. Never once did I feel like a bother. I'd been in previous hotel snafus where the management couldn't care less and were anything but hospitable. I stood around Room #3 for a while when Lynsey came by and said my new room was ready. It was ready but I wasn't. Y'all, Lynsey put me in the/a Presidential Suite! When I tell you my jaw dropped to the floor... I couldn't believe it. I opened the door to the room and I could have cried and screamed (in joy). I was tired, hungry (by now it was close to 10 pm and the room saga had been going on for a few hours) and a little chilly but I was so appreciative. Lynsey said that *she* was appreciative of my patience and civility in the awkward situation and she wanted to thank *me*. This doesn't happen. Even at prestigious properties, things like this don't happen. I wanted to hug her but I needed to keep it professional. I shook her hand and thanked her abundantly. I'll never forget her kindness and concern for me as a guest of her hotel. Over the years, I've been lucky to stay at some great properties. Rarely have I received service like this -- even when things have gone horribly wrong. It's true that people always remember the way you made them feel. Lynsey made me feel heard, valued and wanted. I can't thank her enough. It's the people that make a business, folks. The people.
It goes without saying (and I am trying to wrap this up) but the Suite was incredible. I felt like a celebrity. It was almost 1500 square feet, boasted a kitchen with drink-stocked fridge, a dining room (with gorgeous table), a living room (with city views), huge couch, throw blankets, mini desk, half bath, separate entrance, huge master bedroom, large writer's desk, plush chair, incredible bed, deep closets with robe, one of the largest bathrooms I've ever seen in a hotel with professional lighting, walk-in shower with two heads, soaking tub with mission controls, and a huge window for gazing out into the city. I never wanted to leave my room. Not once. Not ever. Obviously, the accommodations were stunning and the best of the best. Anything less than 5 stars is insane. But I have to go back to the true star of this experience being Lynsey Priller. The Alexander has a gem in her and she sets the bar for matching the venue with service/experience. There are many high-end hotel properties out there. There aren't nearly as many that are staffed with professionals who are about their guests and the property. The Lynsey's of the world make the difference. Always.