Until a couple years ago, I stayed at a certain RI 5 nights a month. Then, I had so many unresolved issues with Housekeeping in 1 week, that I abandoned ship. I took my business to Hilton properties and was happy.

For whatever reason, Marriott renewed my silver status for this year and I decided to requalify for next, having HH Diamond well in the bag already. The first 8 nights have been ok. In fact, 2 nights at the Marriott in Huntsville were superb. The other 6 were spent at a couple Courtyards and a Springhill. Nothing to write home about, but expectations were met.

This week, I decided to secure the final 2 nights and ended up at the RI that drove me away 2 years ago. There's a new GM, but after the first night I remember why I bailed.

1. The smells: There is a cultural cross section staying here. The smells in the hallway at dinner time were bizarre. I had to put a towel across the crack under the door to keep them out.

2. The noise: My room faced the courtyard. There is a gazebo under my window. Last night it rained and a rowdy crowd congregated in the gazebo. The noise did not abate until past 11:00.

3. Everything else. Breakfast is weak. The snack was chilidogs and salad. The pillows are hard. The internet is wired.

If I need a suite with a kitchen, I'm going back to Homewood Suites. Residence Inns are for people who need to stay there. Not me. Only way I'll renew Marriott status again next year will be at Marriotts!