One block east of Lake Champlain with good views from upper floors, this hotel is a drab, seven-story, concrete hotel that competes well with the Sheraton.
This hotel draws those who want to be within walking distance of shops, coffeehouses and lakeside fun. It is popular with air crews, and towering stone fireplace and lobby sitting areas make them feel right at home.
Renovations have added more New England charm to this commercial kingpin. The new bar and upscale grill are framed by rich paneling and views of the lake. An indoor pool and whirlpool are complimented by a revamped exercise room with expansive views of the lake and mountains.
Locally produced Ben and Jerry's ice cream is in the gift shop. Church Street Marketplace, an atmospheric indoor-outdoor shopping area is adjacent, and meeting space for 700 features up-to-date electronics. Garage parking is reasonable at $5.50 a day with in/out privileges. Airport transfers are still free.
Renovations have brought the rooms here to a high level with rich fall colors bringing warmth to the expansive rooms. Lakeview rooms have larger windows but even city-view rooms are bright and cheerful.
Each unit features top-quality furnishings, signature Serenity pillow-top beds, air conditioning, 27-inch TVs, a pair of cordless phones with voice mail and data ports, high-speed Internet access (for a fee), decent 
work desks with ergonomic Herman Miller desk chairs, and mirrored closets sporting irons and ironing boards. Coffeemakers, spa-branded toiletries and hair dryers wait in the tiled baths. Some rooms add dressing areas.
Room service stops at 11 pm; housekeeping and maintenance keeps the new digs in tiptop shape. All of the rooms are smoke-free, none are pet friendly and a few are wheelchair accessible.
This hotel no longer lacks the warm, inviting facilities found at the Sheraton and with its convenient in-town location has the advantage.
