My wife, daughter, and I stayed at the Residence Inn Flagstaff this past weekend. I was cashing in some points and the DW decided she wanted to show the kidlette the Grand Canyon. To make it a true outing, we took Amtrak's Southwest Chief from Albuquerque to Flagstaff. Nice train and enjoyable journey.

I was more than pleased with the service provided by the hotel. To kick off a great experience, RI actually sent and paid for a taxi when we arrived too late for the shuttle to pick us up at the train station. Our time between getting off the train and getting picked up wasn't more than ten minutes. Just enough time for Mrs. Nachtswerg to use the facilities and for the Lil' Nachtswerg (LN) to sponge something out of the vending machine out of her stepdad.

Once at the hotel, we were cheefully greeted and given our room. It was a basic studio with a queen and sofa bed combo. LN loves pull-out beds, so she was thrilled! Unfortunately, the bedding pack in the closet was missing a fitted sheet, but Jessica, the front desk clerk, was quick to fix that with not only a fitted sheet, but a second bedding pack!

We did breakfast at the RI both Saturday and Sunday. It was the usual RI full breakfast (eggs, meat, waffles, etc), but what made it great was the staff kept everything filled and fresh. Also, both ladies who maintained the area worked each table, checking on the guests multiple times.

Beyond the great service and attention, RI is doing a little 'for-the-kids' drawing on a daily basis. My daughter won on Saturday and was given her pick from a huge basket of toys. We're not talking the standard happy-meal items, but items that I'd estimate to run from $5 to $10. She was one very thrilled child with her new Doodle Pad Deluxe.

Everything about this property was top notch, but it was the people that took it to the next level. If you're driving through the area on I40, you won't be unhappy with a stop at the Flagstaff Residence Inn.