I just completed an overnight stay at this hotel using a FFN as it is near to my parents and I would be unable to use it due to my schedule and I concluded that earning 3,500 bonus points (Diamond bonus and closed lounge bonus) was at least somce consolation.

First, Diamonds are not charged the $10 parking fee -- they know in advance from your profile if you are a Diamond and it should never appear on your bill. This is true of a paid stay, as well, I have been told.

Second, I was advised that although the lounge will be closed on weekends this summer, it will be open during the weekdays -- apparently, this is a departure from last summer when the lounge was closed for 2 -3 months straight and this change is likely due to an improving business envirionment.

I have been told that the lounge only has cold items, but that it does offer lox and bagels as well as some smoked meat and cheese in the morning, in addition to the usual cold items such as cereal and pastries.

The buffet breakfast voucher for 2 that is given to Diamonds in lieu of lounge closure covers tax and tip, by the way.

Although the rooms are not new, I had a new flat panel TV in my room on the Regency club floor --comp upgrade due to my status -- and the bed was new, as well. Even though the room was not new, it was extremely clean and therefore, it was fine for a short term stay.

My only problem with the room was that the room never cooled sufficiently for me -- I like the room very cold and it just did not cool off to my satisfaction.

I liked the gym as it has relatively new equipment. In addition, the gym is larger than one might imagine as there is a corridor leading to a second room where the weight equipment is -- the initial room -- which leads to the small indoor pool -- houses the aerobic equipment such as lifecycles and treadmills.

Location is great and the lobby is beautiful as has been noted -- you could do far worse than staying here and if the lounge is closed on the weekend, a Diamond could be 3,500 points richer.