"People only see what they are prepared to see." Emerson said that. My stay at the First Interstate…read moreInn couldn't be more perfectly encapsulated by this high minded ideal.
At the surface, the FII, located in historic Douglas, Wyoming, seems a bit stagnant. She may not have the all the bells and whistles that its competitors have- such as the continental breakfast at the Courtyard by Marriott, the 24 hour fitness center at the Holiday Inn, the rainfall shower at the 4 seasons, or the crêpe chef at the Ritz Carlton.
However, what the FII lacks in superficial amenities, she makes up for in hospitality, novelty, and functionality.
The moment I booked a standard 2 queen suite at the FII, I was quickly welcomed by a phone call from the reception team confirming my reservation. The professionalism and character of the staff gave me a strong sense of security in my booking. But it did not stop there. Upon the day of arrival, after an unprecedented delay in travels, I received a call from the head receptionist on her personal line, to ensure the safety and well being of our party. I was overcome with emotion. The sincerity in her voice reminded me of my late childhood best friend, who recently left my hometown for a sales position in Knoxville. Arriving in the wee hours of the night, the reception team embraced us weary travelers and gave us everything we needed to recharge our batteries so that we may continue our voyage west on the 'morrow.
If you value the convenience of modern architecture, the rustic feel of the FII may leave you perplexed or perhaps even lost. However, if you fancy an escape from the cookie cutter structure sold to the masses, you might be drawn to the humble undertones the FII possesses. The integrity of the FII is apparent in its refusal to bend the knee to Corporate America's environmentally ignorant exploitation of single use plastic room keys. When I inserted the brass key into the mahogany door and first stepped into my personal nook for the night, I was flushed with the pleasant aroma that embodies Room 15. The untrained eye might neglect the elegantly synchronized blend of Native American and Western style decor. The interior design team, clearly well versed in the works of ancient Lakohtan signatures as well as trading posts constructed by the earliest European fur trappers, welds the two cultures in a way that is singular, yet harmonious. The fusion of heritages gives the visitor an appreciation of the rich history that is the bedrock of Douglas, Wyoming.
The simple pleasures offered by the FII personify the humble endearments of the Inn, like a warm hug from Grandma. The executive self valet parking is a treasure in and of itself. Being able to park directly in front of your door personalizes the experience ten fold. In addition, being within shouting distance of American classics such as Domino's, Taco John's, and Pizza Hut (WingStreet) provides a convenience like no other. A brief 1.2 mile round trip hike to and fro Pizza Hut was all that it took so I may enjoy my boneless asian zest wings and mozzarella dunkers in the comfort of room 15. After a wholesome night of shuteye on a traditional box spring mattress layered in American made low thread count sheets, I was gently awoken by the in house alarm clock. A quick rinse, where the water gently dribbled out of the shower head, was parlayed into a screaming hot dark roast, which I believed to be the house blend, brewed by the Personal Hamilton Coffee Maker equipped in every room. Alas, I was ready to attack the day.
If I could select one word to encompass my experience at the FII, it would be family. As I sat in my car before departure, I found myself in a trance of self reflection. In a world full of hatred and uncertainty, I found refuge in the FII. The divine energies of trust, passion, and integrity exemplified by the FII reminded me that the world can be a kind and accepting place if you let it. Suddenly, I wasn't scared anymore. I was finally apart of something bigger than myself.
