Just stayed Jan. 2-3 at the EVEN Hotel in Rockville, Md. Overall, not bad for <$100 on a weekend night, but could use minor service polishing.
Check in was late Friday night, front desk reception was pleasant (youngish male) and thanked me for being Platinum, but had to be asked for breakfast vouchers. Upon entry of room (they have NO odd-numbered rooms, like the hotel's name says: EVEN only, I guess), plenty of room to stash luggage and gear, TV turns on to workout video (excellent variety of choices, from 10-minute quick sets to 50-minute calorie burners), and a free water bottle (translucent orange, with the EVEN logo on it) on offer. Not bad.
In the AM, took advantage of free breakfast and drink vouchers - excellent menu on offer, and my companion loved the fresh-squeezed orange juice station. Lots of entertaining books (from local hikes to a Batman encyclopedia!) to peruse while eating. The breakfast area attendant was a very professional and enthusiastic young man, who served the ordered dishes perfectly. Definitely a plus for service in the morning, when the coffee hasn't sunk in yet! A front desk attendant dressed in Underarmour provided work out tips (i.e. she suggested we use the staircase) and was apologetic when asked about non-existent pool facilities.
Afterwards, checked out gym (on the side, there's an empty table tennis room featuring an A/V rack with no other equipment) so instead worked out in room, and took several jogs up the staircase (great for cardio!) to get warmed up and feel the burn in the legs.
Went to nearby REI and checked out some nice gear, and ended wandering around on account of rain. A parking pass was issued at check in, for the top floors of the parking garage nearby (and incorporated with an apartment complex next door) but I got lucky and parked right out front in little island with only 2-3 spots.
Check out wasn't painful, although the check out clerk was slow, and out of the three or four friendly FD employees I encountered, she was definitely older and not dressed like a "sporty" EVEN welcome person, and even needed extra explanation of check out procedures.
As I left, I ensured I got a cup of "refreshing" water from the entryway water dispensers. They were indeed refreshing. If I were ever in the area again, I'd consider staying again if the price remained the same. There's talk that two more EVEN hotels were opening up in the NYC area - good news for traveling business folks who want to stay in shape!
-AD