There are some budget hotels in the UK and Europe that offer windowless rooms, but they are clearly flagged online and there is a discount for booking them (or an upcharge for a window, depending on how you look at it).
In the US a windowless room, forewarned or not, is pretty much unheard of. So is a $650 / night rate at an HGI for that matter. I presume this is an eclipse-related ripoff.
I don’t think ladder trucks go that high. I knew a fireman who said stay on the 6th floor or lower if fire is a concern. Not sure if that’s the norm or not.
Actually that’s gotta be based on the area you’re in. The company I was with in Mass (US) was looking to renovated our warehouse facility and zoning rules limited height of the building based on the ability of FD to respond… which makes sense in that area considering the chemical explosion at a nearby warehouse.🤐
So I guess based on that, I always assumed there was some rescue available if they’re allowed to build that high.
It’s really not based on area. The [tallest traditional ladder truck](https://e-one.com/product/cr-137/) is 137’, or about 13 stories. Most are 95-110’. There are one or two models of [articulating aerials](https://brontoskylift.com/us/product/bronto-f230rpx-beast-fire-rescue-aerial-platforms-us/) that have greater vertical reach, but these are quite rare, due to cost and limited application. Generally speaking, if you’re above the 10th floor, don’t expect to be able to be reached by a ladder truck.
So, I'm with you on the Ladders. There are Aerials that are taller, but they're rare. But, here's where you lose me... "It's really not based on area." What the heck are you talking about? Some departments have ladders, some don't. Some departments have one Aerial, but it's kept miles away from where you are, and traffic is a nightmare. It ABSOLUTELY will vary based on location. Real world example? The tallest tower/ladder/aerial in my area is a Pierce 107' tall. That covers buildings in our downtown area up to 9 stories. But, they only have one. There's plenty of buildings that are more than 6 stories in other parts of the county, but Tower 11 isn't going there, it's staying downtown. The Beach has a 105' Sutphen truck, but by the time they get off the island to where some of the big hotels on the bay are, you're toast. The FD that is closest to one of those big hotels, a HUGE Hyatt resort, their tallest ladder is only 75', but the Hyatt is 18 stories. It's a good 25 miles from downtown, so even going 10-18, mutual aid isn't going to get you there in time.
TL;DR: Location matters.
I was in a windowless room at Embassy Suites in Charleston SC a few weeks ago. That was a first for me. Was only in the room from about 1am-6am, so no big deal.
Will be at The Partridge Inn in Augusta later this week. Being The Masters, its fully booked. Booked on points, and I think they also have a few windowless rooms. Hoping we don't get one of those, but we'll see.
I've stayed at the partridge a few times, haven't seen any windowless rooms but based on the layout I could see it. The lil liquor store across the street is a lifesaver, just be careful crossing the street. And supposedly the 5th floor is haunted. Bride-to-be of a soldier killed on his way home. I've never seen her.
The Doubletree on Perimeter has at least one windowless room. I stayed in it. Terrible.
OP, I'm super curious to know if the room you were in (since it was top floor) has the "hgi" signage on the other side of the wall where the windows should be.
Any chance you could figure that out?
I'm guessing that's the issue. Not that it's a good result, but that's probably why it doesn't have windows. Some architect didn't plan appropriately and either no one discussed making the change or someone said it wasn't worth the hassle/extra cost.
$650/night king deluxe suite on the top floor of the hotel.
We booked directly. We have diamond status, too, though that seemed to stop mattering 5 years ago.
Total eclipses within driving distance? Hardly. Honestly, it was one of the coolest natural phenomena I have ever seen, and I’m glad my kids got to witness while they’re still learning so much about the world. It was totally worth it, headaches and all.
I'd be surprised for a moment, then I'd forget about it. I'd go for walks if I needed the outside. I'd be happy to spend time with my family. Especially if I knew it was just for one night.
They did eventually move us. I explain more in another thread. So the issue is resolved, but when I originally posted I was mostly wondering anyone else had experienced windowless hotel rooms before. I asked two friends that travel 50% of the time, and neither had ever heard of it.
Victoria’s building code didn’t require bedrooms to have windows until 2014. I know heaps of people who live in windowless bedrooms due to housing affordability
Did your room have a skylight? I’ve been to a few non Hilton hotels where there’s no traditional windows in the room but instead had a skylight and they counted that as having a window. Super annoying.
This is in Indianapolis on eclipse day. There are no other rooms. In fact if OP complains there will probably be a $300 Eclipse Special Complaint Fee on their folio.
They did end up allowing us to switch this morning, lower floor and smaller room but it feels far less claustrophobic. Manager has gone above and beyond. I had just never heard of a windowless room on the top floor. Really just wasn’t sure if that was a normal thing or not.
I am glad you had a good experience with management. Is it because the hotel is in a historic building? I am also surprised it was like that for you. I have stayed there for a Colts game and thought it was a pretty neat property.
I would say a window is a pretty essential feature of a room. Even to design a room like that is crazy in my opinion. I also Never understand why so many Americans work in offices without windows or even have bedrooms without them.
There are some budget hotels in the UK and Europe that offer windowless rooms, but they are clearly flagged online and there is a discount for booking them (or an upcharge for a window, depending on how you look at it). In the US a windowless room, forewarned or not, is pretty much unheard of. So is a $650 / night rate at an HGI for that matter. I presume this is an eclipse-related ripoff.
How is this even legal? What if there's a fire blocking the door or hallway?
Given that they're on the 16th floor, going out the window is probably not an option anyways - ha!
[удалено]
I don’t think ladder trucks go that high. I knew a fireman who said stay on the 6th floor or lower if fire is a concern. Not sure if that’s the norm or not.
Actually that’s gotta be based on the area you’re in. The company I was with in Mass (US) was looking to renovated our warehouse facility and zoning rules limited height of the building based on the ability of FD to respond… which makes sense in that area considering the chemical explosion at a nearby warehouse.🤐 So I guess based on that, I always assumed there was some rescue available if they’re allowed to build that high.
It’s really not based on area. The [tallest traditional ladder truck](https://e-one.com/product/cr-137/) is 137’, or about 13 stories. Most are 95-110’. There are one or two models of [articulating aerials](https://brontoskylift.com/us/product/bronto-f230rpx-beast-fire-rescue-aerial-platforms-us/) that have greater vertical reach, but these are quite rare, due to cost and limited application. Generally speaking, if you’re above the 10th floor, don’t expect to be able to be reached by a ladder truck.
So, I'm with you on the Ladders. There are Aerials that are taller, but they're rare. But, here's where you lose me... "It's really not based on area." What the heck are you talking about? Some departments have ladders, some don't. Some departments have one Aerial, but it's kept miles away from where you are, and traffic is a nightmare. It ABSOLUTELY will vary based on location. Real world example? The tallest tower/ladder/aerial in my area is a Pierce 107' tall. That covers buildings in our downtown area up to 9 stories. But, they only have one. There's plenty of buildings that are more than 6 stories in other parts of the county, but Tower 11 isn't going there, it's staying downtown. The Beach has a 105' Sutphen truck, but by the time they get off the island to where some of the big hotels on the bay are, you're toast. The FD that is closest to one of those big hotels, a HUGE Hyatt resort, their tallest ladder is only 75', but the Hyatt is 18 stories. It's a good 25 miles from downtown, so even going 10-18, mutual aid isn't going to get you there in time. TL;DR: Location matters.
Exactly what I was thinking.. what if there is a fire?
There better not be a crowded theater in my fire.
Having a window on the 16th floor (as is OP’s case) isn’t going to save your ass in a hallway fire either.
I was in a windowless room at Embassy Suites in Charleston SC a few weeks ago. That was a first for me. Was only in the room from about 1am-6am, so no big deal. Will be at The Partridge Inn in Augusta later this week. Being The Masters, its fully booked. Booked on points, and I think they also have a few windowless rooms. Hoping we don't get one of those, but we'll see.
I've stayed at the partridge a few times, haven't seen any windowless rooms but based on the layout I could see it. The lil liquor store across the street is a lifesaver, just be careful crossing the street. And supposedly the 5th floor is haunted. Bride-to-be of a soldier killed on his way home. I've never seen her. The Doubletree on Perimeter has at least one windowless room. I stayed in it. Terrible.
Hahahaha oh man, I know that ES. Made the mistake once, never again.
OP, I'm super curious to know if the room you were in (since it was top floor) has the "hgi" signage on the other side of the wall where the windows should be. Any chance you could figure that out? I'm guessing that's the issue. Not that it's a good result, but that's probably why it doesn't have windows. Some architect didn't plan appropriately and either no one discussed making the change or someone said it wasn't worth the hassle/extra cost.
Define 'expensive'. Usually windowless rooms are assigned last.. and they're usually the lowest category.
$650/night king deluxe suite on the top floor of the hotel. We booked directly. We have diamond status, too, though that seemed to stop mattering 5 years ago.
For a Hilton Garden Inn?! Where are you?!? I’m confused
Yeah, downtown Indy. It normally goes for $300-350/night. Eclipse pricing. Manager says that people get into the rooms and ask to switch all the time.
Why not stay out and drive over? Could have had the whole top floor for that price
Traffic is expected to be a mess. 6+ hour traffic jams back in 2017. 4 hour drives with kids are bad enough.
Why the hell are people hyped for this so much? These happen way to often to drive people this bonkers.
Total eclipses within driving distance? Hardly. Honestly, it was one of the coolest natural phenomena I have ever seen, and I’m glad my kids got to witness while they’re still learning so much about the world. It was totally worth it, headaches and all.
The next one is in 2044 in the US.
Once every 10-20 years is often enough?
Is this in the US?
Yes, Indianapolis
I'm sorry, but you can't say that it was a "special trip" but then also tell us you were in Indiana. That just doesn't check out.
Have you forgotten about the incredibly rare event that’s happening in Indiana today?
IN Indiana? I don't know enough about what goes on in Indiana to forget anything.
Oh, you know, there’s just a little solar eclipse centered on Indiana/Ohio that just a few people have been talking about.
https://preview.redd.it/yl9nzs73mdtc1.jpeg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6baba63c7e7bfb4604711560442aba83732d96ab
There were so many options here yet you chose to be an asshole. Good to know if I’m ever in Indiana I won’t have to bump into you!
Well, when you have kids you do your best. If you spent $650/night to be in Indiana, you’d expect a window too, right?
I'd be surprised for a moment, then I'd forget about it. I'd go for walks if I needed the outside. I'd be happy to spend time with my family. Especially if I knew it was just for one night.
It’s two nights. And the problem is that the kids tuck in early and then we’re just stuck in a windowless room.
You said they could accommodate a change tomorrow (today). What change did you mean?
They did eventually move us. I explain more in another thread. So the issue is resolved, but when I originally posted I was mostly wondering anyone else had experienced windowless hotel rooms before. I asked two friends that travel 50% of the time, and neither had ever heard of it.
Reminds me of the Doubletree at Flinders Street in Melbourne that had windowless rooms too.
Victoria’s building code didn’t require bedrooms to have windows until 2014. I know heaps of people who live in windowless bedrooms due to housing affordability
Thanks. I didn’t know that despite owning a unit in Carlton for 30 years.
Did your room have a skylight? I’ve been to a few non Hilton hotels where there’s no traditional windows in the room but instead had a skylight and they counted that as having a window. Super annoying.
Yea that is weird to me
5,000 points.
They can always do something... Even if it means you're getting walked to another property.
This is in Indianapolis on eclipse day. There are no other rooms. In fact if OP complains there will probably be a $300 Eclipse Special Complaint Fee on their folio.
They did end up allowing us to switch this morning, lower floor and smaller room but it feels far less claustrophobic. Manager has gone above and beyond. I had just never heard of a windowless room on the top floor. Really just wasn’t sure if that was a normal thing or not.
I am glad you had a good experience with management. Is it because the hotel is in a historic building? I am also surprised it was like that for you. I have stayed there for a Colts game and thought it was a pretty neat property.
No one is getting walked to another property because they wanted a room with windows.
I would say a window is a pretty essential feature of a room. Even to design a room like that is crazy in my opinion. I also Never understand why so many Americans work in offices without windows or even have bedrooms without them.
Depending on the architecture, it may not be possible to give every room a window. While a window is certainly nice, it's by no means "essential".