Jim and I have spent some time in corporate housing and extended stay hotels. I know what I want in these places and most corporate places are not very nice to live in for more than a week.
It was me cooking on two burners and a microwave two weeks ago at the Mariott Residence Inn. Hey, I’m a cook. I figured out my strengths and weaknesses and came up with spaghetti and meatballs.
With what I know from experience there’s either a book in the works or an idea that may lead to a business. So, here goes.
I looked at many places in our area in the eight days we were at the hotel. But let’s back up to the search. We’re in a unique environment as to rent for six months in Salt Lake City one has a student apartment for $700/mo. or a five bedroom home that may be gorgeous or a frat house atmosphere with a troll living in the locked basement (I’m not kidding, been there).
What we have is a ski resort area. We were coming in end-of-season so taking the burden off an owner who would normally have no tenants in the summer months. I say summer as if it is imminent. We haven’t even hit spring yet. More snow later this week.
After visiting a number of places, we walked into this one two weeks ago during a blizzard, parking in the courtyard as there was no indication of parking spaces across the street because of the snow. We entered a knotty alder door, at least 9′ high into a flagstone hallway and were met by the property manager.
Things I Like:
The setting and views, looking at the mountains and being right next to a nature preserve. We’ve changed sounds from motor vehicle traffic to birds and frogs.
Having more open space and a guest room, in case we have weekend visitors.
The kitchen is fantastic. Plates are really too big to fit in the dishwasher but everything is nicely done with granite countertops and Moen faucets and Maytag and Jenn-Air appliances.
A fireplace. When we walked in the thermostat was set at 65 degrees. I try to keep it at 68 degrees and sometimes light the fireplace for 15-20 minutes when I’m working.
The furnishings and pictures on the walls are very nice. The only thing wrong with them is they’re not ours. This is not our home and we know it. I brought one photo with us, a small framed wedding photo in a frame given to me by my mother-in-law on my first visit to them. Even then, first gal Jim ever brought to the farm, she wanted me to preserve our memories. Jim’s father showed up at the airport with two dozen red roses. So, as you can see we’ve made the place our own with just one 5″X5″ photo on an end table. That will tell you how homey this place is!
Even though it’s a one car garage we get to break down our boxes and store them, as well as buy larger amounts of paper products without bringing them inside.
There is an attention to detail here. Beautiful flooring and cabinets, wall colors, and everything else that comes with a furnished home.
The coolest thing here is the Sandhill cranes that are only here in the spring. I saw four of them fly off this morning, and when I took ballet classes for numerous years I never looked nearly that beautiful flying through the air.
The Downside:
A path about eight feet away. I don’t mind runners, walkers, kite-flyers, dogs et al passing by but Zoe feels the need to protect and herd. Our solution, since her airline and house crates are in storage, is to get another crate, bed and water bowl and enforce the regular rules that include a treat. That makes all three of us comfortable and I like not having to drive her everywhere with me.
That’s it for now. After another downpour the sun is trying to come out and birds are back and I’m going to get our mail and groceries. Cheers! Dee
Cooking with Dee 