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Saturday, June 11, 2011

The Crash Pad Experience

The Crash Pad meshes very well with the community spirit that we've become used to in the trail running village. As I walked through the door I was welcomed with a smile and called by name by Dan, Max and Katie. They introduced me to Ruben who is staying here as well. He's a Chickamauga, Ga native here for a mini stay-cation. Alan was here as well, he's the live in manager...the staff is all cool. Alan is a super cool guy and will be very helpful to the guests, as well as all the other staff and owners!

At check in I got my key card, a quick tour, and all my linens set up in the room. The building is very secure and the key cards allow you entrance to the building from the outside and into the sleeping areas. After bringing in a few items I went out to visit friends.

Upon returning it was very quiet and although I worried a tad about waking anyone up, I realized if privacy is what folks were looking for they would get a private room, or they would probably have noise canceling headphones on. I made my way into my private room. There is air conditioning and the temp is perfect, but if you like it even cooler there are ceiling fans and a smaller fan on the wall that makes a nice white noise sound. Sheets, pillowcases,blanket, towels, and washcloths are all given to you at check in. My bed was about the most comfortable I've slept in ever. When I saw Ruben this morning he said the same thing...he had slept the best he had in a long time. 

Upon waking I was preparing for a run, and needed a quick breakfast. I was prepared with bagels until Dan mentioned he was headed to Niedlovs bakery and asked if anyone wanted anything. The words cinnamon roll no quicker left his mouth than I was up on my feet following him and Alan 100 steps to snag one. Yummy! The kitchen is fully stocked with coffee mugs, glasses, dishes, commercial coffee maker, and plenty of counter space to share with other guests. I would have to say that the wake up meet and greet was my favorite part. We returned from Niedlovs to the lobby and all ate and drank coffee together...everyone getting ready for different tasks. Another guest, Dan, was working on a guide book about mountain climbing for Rocktown Ga, Ruben was off to enjoy a morning yoga session, I was off to Lookout Mtn for a group run. No slackers here today, until I returned...and now I'm totally chillin. :)

When I returned from the run I came in to find my room clean, the cleaning staff working on bathrooms and kitchen, and a nice quiet environment in which 3 of us are sitting here in the lobby working. Ruben shared his lunch with me, Dan gave me permission to give any tours if any friends want to stop by, and  I sat down to type out this review... I have nothing but positive things to say about the experience! I felt very safe and welcome here. You are footsteps away from many cool restaurants, and all the indoor and outdoor :) attractions that our fair city has to offer. The South Side rocks anyway...and these guys turned up the volume with a hip, artistic, clean, classy, uncommon hostel. I will be back, no doubt about it.