I must start by saying that I check TripAdvisor even when I am considering a trip. So far, I have found most of the information to be accurate regarding the properties, services, locations, etc. With that, I take you to Tupelo.

I am responsible for booking hotels for my church organization's events. Once I was notified that we were returning to Tupelo for a special service and a meeting, I went to work, hoping to get a great deal on the hotel we used previously. Unfortunately, the hotel had the space, but the rates for January were too high. I immediately checked out the property via their website, and then I came to Trip Advisor to check out the reviews. I read through about 5 reviews, and all of them had great things to say - not just about the condition of the property, but the service of the hotel staff. After reading those reviews, I submitted an RFP for 3 properties, including this one.

Well, all of the properties got back to me, but per guidance from one of my "bosses", I went back to the hotel that we previously used, and asked if they could come down a little bit more on the rate - and they couldn't. I was a little nervous about pushing the Hampton Inn, since all I had to go by were reviews, and I had actually never stayed on the property. Don't get me wrong, I trust TripAdvisor to the fullest, and have never experienced anything but good things based off the reviews found here. So, I pushed to book the hotel - not only was the rate INCREDIBLY low (within our budget), but the offerings of breakfast, and the fact that there is a fridge and microwave in every room sealed the deal. Talk about being able to save some money!

Let me start by saying that besides the condition of a property, the most important thing for me when dealing with any business is good customer service. The staff at this hotel have it down pat - and not just because they are in the South. Even with the RFP, the General Manager, Chad got right back to me when I had questions or needed clarification on something. I think most of the time, they responded within minutes via email, as I requested. They were even gracious enough to change our cut off date for reservations - I asked for an additional week, and Chad gacve us an additionlal 2 weeks. They even honored last minute reservations - ON THE DAY OF! I love them!

I was the first guest to check in - and boy, was it easy. The only "issue" that surfaced at check-in, is the fact that my mom had to use the bathroom, and when she asked if there was one in the lobby, the front desk attendant said no...although we saw a men's room and just figured that there should have been a women's room...no big deal. Even when we got to our room, there was an issue with the toilet. I called to the front desk, and she stated that we could move, and gave us the option of selecting a room that was near where we were...great save (from the bathroom incident). We picked the room right next door, and all was well.

The hotel is located on a main road, but it is quiet, and EXTREMELY safe - you need a key to access the buidlings as well as your room - 24 hours. Even at night, we felt very safe walking from the front lobby to our building in the rear. The rooms were very comfortable - we had a double room and the space was more than adequate for 3 people. Everything was clean and fresh, even the fridge!

I know firsthand, that even though breakfast might come with your hotel rate, it isn't always a good breakfast. The breakfast at this location was great! There were standard daily items, like fruit and cereal and waffles. However, the best part about the breakfast was that the hot items actually changed up - the first day was eggs with ham (I think) on a bagel top, and bacon. Another day was scrambled eggs and sausage patties. The last day was cheese omelettes and turkey sausage - something you don't see on too many hotel breakfast menus!

While I am on breakfast - let me tell you about Miss Liz! She is such a sweetheart! Again, I cannot tell you enough, how GREAT the staff is at this hotel. The first day at breakfast, she welcomed us, as though she had known us for ages. She was just as pleasant and helpful as she wanted to be. She even went so far as to to assist some of my guests with making waffles. She keeps that breakfast area CLEAN and stocked, so you never have to ask for a thing! The food was always hot and fresh, and my guests enjoyed all of it!

Monday, while we were having breakfast, I overheard someone say good morning to the GM, so I got up and went to introduce myself. Chad was great, and told me for about the 5th time, if we need anything to make our stay more enjoyable, to let him know - he meant it.

I think the biggest suprise came on Tuesday, after my guests had been in meetings all day long. Although they all enjoyed a hearty lunch, they were thrilled to return to the hotel to find the manager's reception taking place. Yes, they enjoyed the snacks, however, one of my guests commented on how Chad came out and told everyone that if they needed anything to make their stay more enjoyable, let him know. I think that made them love the staff, and the property even more.

I had to leave a day earlier than everyone else, but as I surveyed my guests at breakfast, during lunch, and in general conversation, they all stated that they REALLY enjoyed the accomodations and the staff. As a matter of fact, my family reunion might be booking at the Hampton Inn...

Thank you SO MUCH, Chad and staff...you made me look great!