Family of 4 (2 adults and 2 children aged 8 & 10) stayed at the Hampton Inn in Lawrence en route to San Antonio, TX. Really just wanted a Hilton property for a quick overnight and then head on our way to the next stop (HHonors members).

The hotel was well off the Kansas Turnpike (I-70), but still reasonably easy to locate. Fast food, pharmacy and other typical services were not immediately close to the property, but again easily locate-able and not at all inconvenient to make a short drive to them for dinner, allergy meds, fuel up the car, etc. Seems like it would be a nice location if you want something a mile or two from the University!

Front desk staff (Jason) greeted us warmly and was very helpful when I asked about the area dining options and Walgreens location. Definitely took his time to ensure my questions were answered rather than rushing right to the next person waiting to check-in. Check out the next morning also was completed with a smile and efficiency.

We arrived late enough that by the time we had eaten, there was not time for the boys to use the pool, but we did check it out and it seemed nice and relatively clean. Water was a comfortable temperature to a quick finger-dip test and didn't smell overly strong of chlorine nor did it seem cloudy.

I was able to use the fitness room (1 elliptical, 1 treadmill and 1 recumbant bike) and it's very small and cramped, but the equipment is still in good shape and held up to this 215lb man running on the elliptical for 40 minutes hard just fine. I checked out the neighborhood the following morning and there would've been a nice running route headed west from the front of the hotel along the busy main road (6th Street?). I should mention that guests at this hotel can use a local health club free of charge if they're ok with heading up the street a ways with their room key and ID to gain free entrance. Nice perk if the on-premise option is either in-use or inadequate for your needs.

The room itself was very nice and the entire lobby and floor we were on (third floor) seemed almost new; probably recently updated based on some prior reviews. Everything felt like good quality and the tv's were flat panel, which I hadn't seen at a Hampton recently. The king-sized bed slept very well with good but not uncomfortable firmness (I usually toss and turn all night the first night on a hotel bed due to having a comfy foam mattress at home). The boys didn't have any complaints about the sofa bed, either. The wife claims the pillows were a bit flat, for those of you that place high value on pillow quality or size/fluffiness in a hotel room.

The complimentary breakfast was very nice - the family enjoyed waffles, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, while I downed fresh orange/grapefruit/pineapple mix with coffee and yogurt (and snuck in a little breakfast sausage, too!).

All in all a surprisingly nice stay and I would definitely go out of my way to stay at the Lawrence Hampton Inn again if I need to stay close-by. Two thumbs up from me!