Choice Hotels er...Comfort Inn steps up!

Countdown - 34 days

Great news to share GVA fans! Scott Smith, General Manager of the Comfort Inn in DeForest, Wisconsin was the first hotel to respond to my request for the 'donation' of a night's stay!

Thank you Mr. Smith!

For those of you following along closely, I had approached Choice Hotels International months ago, trying to get the entire trip "sponsored" by them. It just made great sense, they have like 11 hotel brands (Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, Mainstay Suites, Suburban, Econolodge, Rodeway Inn and Ascend) and there's nearly a Choice Hotel brand in every town I'm overnighting in (with the exception of Hyder, Alaska/Stewart, BC). Unfortunately, the overall group said 'no'. Because it made so much sense to have just one hospitality sponsor, I was a little amazed at the negative response. But I can understand that the group can't just act on behalf of every hotel in their chain, every time.

To the rescue is Mr. Smith at Comfort Inn, in DeForest, Wisconsin. (Click the hotel name to see more about the hotel.) I just took a quick glance at the official website for this hotel, and it really looks fantastic. I have no idea how old the building is, but it looks well maintained. I flipped on over to TripAdvisor.com (one of my favorite places to read reviews from bitter, ungrateful people) and wouldn't you know it ... they are ranked #1 for hotels in DeForest from customer reviews! In fact, the only negative item there had already been corrected and addressed by...(drumroll please)...you guessed it, Mr. Scott Smith himself!

Looks like everything is coming up roses at the moment!

Thanks again Mr. Smith! Hopefully, others in your industry will follow suit and help out as much as you have!

It goes without saying (but I'm going to say it anyway, because I'm verbose like that)...
If ever in the Madison, Wisconsin area (which is only a scant 30 miles or so from the Wisconsin Dells), be sure to stay at the Comfort Inn in De Forest, Wisconsin. When you do, tell 'em Gordo sent you!