Homewood Suites: Providing Comfort and Kindness
by Courtney Caldwell

This past July, I made travel plans to visit my mother in Rhode Island, who spent the last few years of her life in a nursing home with Alzheimer’s. As the sunset of her life approached it became more apparent how short life really is, something we recognize, it seems, when it’s too late.

Although she was 91 and had lived a long and giving life, each visit was laced with anxiety and fear that it would be our last. In advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, she had lost her speech and struggled with recognition of those she loved. But in spite of that, every time I showed up, her eyes sparkled and her smile lit the room as if a ray of sunshine had suddenly peered through a crack. It was clear she still possessed a small spark of lucidity giving me hope that each visit made a difference.

Like many business trips or travel to see family, I usually try to kill two birds with one stone by testing new press cars or staying at a new hotel to learn more about its services and amenities. This information is of great value to our readers as travel is a large part of what they do but even more importantly for their personal safety when staying on unfamiliar turf, especially for women.

Many of you may have read my reviews on the Embassy Suites, a national chain of relatively inexpensive suite hotels that provide a large number of services and amenities, and a lot of bang for the buck. In many ways they’ve become my home away from home in some states. What I like most is that you always know what to expect, and no surprises with new-fangled gadgetry to figure out.

A comfortable and cozy lobby provides a wel-coming atmosphere to guests.

Knowing that suite hotels are on the rise with both business and family travelers, I decided that instead of seeking out a four-star hotel I would explore the Homewood Suites to see what they had to offer. Although owned by the same company as the Embassy Suites, I was curious to see what the differences were, if any, or if they were the same hotel dressed up in a different suit.

I called the general manager of Warwick Homewood Suites to arrange a three-day stay. He was very courteous and receptive to an article on the property so he made the arrangements for my visit. I was scheduled to arrive on July 3 and depart on July 6. All was going according to plan.

On June 26, almost a week before my intended trip, my sister, who had been my mother’s primary caregiver, called to say that ‘mom was not doing well so you should come home now.’ My sister never calls unless something is wrong so when I saw her name on my cell phone I braced for the worst.

“How bad is it?” I asked.

“It’s pretty bad. Mom’s in a morphine coma and they don’t think she’ll make it through the weekend,” she replied.

I had missed my father’s passing by a day in 2002, which left me riddled with guilt and remorse. I made a promise to myself that when my mother’s time came, I would move heaven and earth to be with her. I needed her to know she was not alone on her final journey, and to let her know how much she was loved and appreciated for all that she did, something I regret not saying more often when young and rebellious.

When the call came I had just arrived at Chrysler’s 2009 all-new model preview, which was about an hour away from home. I ran, not walked, to my car and immediately started making calls to Northwest Airlines and to the Homewood Suites. What you may not know is that most airlines offer bereavement fares or allow you to change an existing flight in the event of a medical emergency without charging you a change fee. My mind raced with all the travel plans and business meetings that needed to be changed or cancelled. The Northwest agent graciously worked with me to change my existing flight to the next morning, June 27, at no charge. She remained calm and accommodating every step of the way, which kept me focused.

I suddenly found myself thinking about the desperate call Todd Beamer made from Flight 93 on September 11, 2001, when he reached a Verizon agent coincidently named Lisa, his wife’s name. Todd realized he was facing his last moments so he asked Lisa to pray with him. Together, they said the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ and in doing so helped keep him calm and focused on the mission to take back hijacked Flight 93. While I was not living that same terrifying moment of those on that flight, I knew these were my mother’s last moments, which made the world around me look like a kaleidoscope. Everything seemed so fractured. Like Verizon agent Lisa, the Northwest agent kept me calm and focused. I found myself deeply grateful for her professional training and kindness in handling situations like this. Not knowing how much time my mother had, she assured me that the flight could be changed as often as necessary and that a charge would not be incurred.

Homewood Suites Warwick, R.I.

“Lou, I’ve had a sudden change of plans,” I told the Homewood Suites manager. "My mother suddenly has taken a turn for the worse and I need to come in tomorrow instead of next week.”

I expected the chances to be slim to none that he would be able to accommodate me as June and July are huge wedding months plus one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.

“No problem, Courtney, we’ll have a room set up for you upon your arrival tomorrow,” he offered along with his condolences.

 “Unfortunately, I don’t know how long I’ll be staying because I need to stay until, if or when, my mother’s passes,” I added.

“Don’t worry about a thing, Courtney,” he said. “You can stay with us for as long as you need to.”

That night, I lay in bed wide awake staring at the ceiling anxiously waiting morning. The minutes passed like hours; in painfully slow motion. Finally, as daylight broke I leapt out of bed, threw on my sweats and headed for the airport. Once in Rhode Island, I made a beeline for the nursing home. There, I found my sister sitting by my mother’s bedside, her demeanor stoic and strong but clear in her eyes that the end was near. I sat on my mother’s bed and held her hand, gently stroking her bare arm, sharing with her how much she meant to me and how grateful and proud I was to be her daughter.

Now the hours passed like minutes, time slipping away at what seemed like warp speed. I didn’t realize how much I had to say, but there never seemed to be a shortage of words or memories to share. I prayed for her to open her eyes just one last time and brighten the room with her beautiful smile but I was warned that wouldn’t happen and not to get my hopes up; it was only a matter of time before she passed. It saddened me deeply that we didn’t have one last goodbye, one last word, one last I love you.

Homewood Suites rooms are both spacious and accommodating.

As night fell, the caregivers suggested we all leave to get some rest. “Rest?” I thought. “How the hell can you rest during this momentous event?” I wondered. The next best thing I could do was to at least check into the Homewood Suites but feared that my suspended state of surrealism would offend the general manager who had so generously extended my stay. How would I be able to muster up gratitude, a polite smile, and a brave front when I was consumed with so much fear and sadness? Upon arrival, Lou graciously greeted me with a warm welcome and asked for nothing in return. Instead, he assisted with check in and intuitively knew that what I needed most at the moment was time alone.

When I opened the door to the suite, it appeared like a large studio apartment, and this is one of their smaller suites. After a brief scan of the room I knew I would need or want for nothing. The living room area was large and accommodating with plenty of room for guests, including a sofa bed. A separate desk with lamp and wireless Internet provided ample room to layout laptop and labor for those there on business. For me, my laptop was a welcomed distraction from the deep sense of sorrow and uncertainty I was feeling. The distraction, as it turned out, was nothing more than a small bandage on a large wound.

Across the room there sprawled a king size bed with nightstands on each side. It seemed to dwarf the open bedroom area. Two large windows welcomed an abundance of sunlight which lit the entire suite slightly skewed by white sheer curtains. If this were an apartment I would have rented it.

Homewood Suites in-room kitchens offer more than just the basics.

What blew me away the most though was the kitchen area… this was no kitchenette. It had a full-size refrigerator, a 2-burner stove, full-size microwave above the stove, large dishwasher, toaster, garbage disposal, all the plates, glasses and silverware you could need, and counter space galore. And unlike most hotel or suite rooms where the desk usually doubles for a dining table, this suite had its own table with two chairs. ‘Are you kidding?’ I asked myself. ‘I could easily live here,’ I thought. I knew at that moment that no matter how long my visit it would be comfortable. I couldn’t have found a better place to stay. A large part of the stress that gripped my heart and soul had been lifted. The Homewood Suites had all the comforts of home.

The uncertainty of not knowing when my mother would breathe her last breath loomed like a dark nefarious cloud. I feared not being with her when she passed. It felt as if someone had injected a syringe full of adrenaline into my veins. As I emptied my suitcase and robotically hung things in the large sliding-door closet the mish-mash of clothing that I packed made no sense to my usual sensible world. Not one to wear shorts or sleeveless shirts I found amongst the mix a pair of cut-off sweats and an old tank top.

Rest of any kind seemed elusive but I tried anyway. The large king bed engulfed my small 5-foot frame, comforting my aching spirit; as if swaddling my very essence and whispering all would be well. It made me think of Lily Tomlin’s 6-year-old Edith Anne character in the oversized rocking chair that she so humorously portrayed during Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In in the early 70s.

Comfortable, quality mattresses are just one of many luxuries for guests to enjoy.

The comfort of the mattress was far superior to that of the brand new King Koil I had just purchased for home. Having a bad back for most of my adult life due to a series of sports injuries, comfort in hotel beds is rare, even when loaded on Aleve. This bed was different. As I lay there, mind racing, the comfort of the bed seemed to envelope all the pain, both physical and emotional. The over abundance of energy seemed to dissipate into thin air as I succumbed to the warmth of the room and the healing energy of the mattress. Much to my surprise, the sandman paid a visit and off I drifted into the abyss of the night.

The next day was a typical hot and humid New England scorcher, one of the reasons that sent me packing to southern California in 1981, where the heat is more arid and less intrusive.

At morning’s light, I hastily threw on the cut off sweats and tank top that I never wear. It’s amazing how one’s pride in appearance quickly vanishes in times like this. Nothing seemed to matter except being with my mother for every minute she still had. Raised in old school ways, she had always been a woman of exceptional pride about her appearance, instilling stringent dress etiquette and the importance of personal appearance into her three daughters. Although raised in a modest middle-class lifestyle she worked hard to ensure we went into the world with proper manners and propriety. My two older sisters faired well at these tasks and seemed to welcome the knowledge and training. I, the youngest, the tomboy, the rebel, the one who loved making mud pies more than apple pies, resisted every step of the way.

Courtney's mom, Rita, celebrates her 80th birthday.

With all that resistance, resentment followed. I didn’t want to learn the piano, walk perfectly straight, or wear white gloves to job interviews. I preferred dark, dirty overalls to white, frilly dresses, and learning a stick shift instead of which fork to use. Now, sitting by her bedside I found myself thanking her for all she had done, for never giving up and allowing me the best of both worlds. Although, had she opened her eyes at that moment and seen my unmade face and unkempt attire, she would have died of embarrassment, never mind Alzheimer’s.

I sat on her bed for hours talking to her, reminding her of all she bestowed on others and reciting her favorite passage… ‘have you had a kindness shown, pass it on.’ It somehow had more meaning than ever before. She had spent her entire adult life helping others who were less fortunate giving her heart and soul to so many that it would be impossible to enumerate today. All we know is that she touched many lives with her kindness and generosity. My daughter is blessed with this same quality, who is always quick to remind me that “it skips a generation.” Nothing like a smart-ass kid to make you laugh during what is otherwise a very dark moment.

I left my mother’s side only once to make a trip to the grocery store to stock the full kitchen in my suite. The beauty of having every appliance was not just that I could stay on my own dietary schedule and make my own meals, but also that I didn’t have to spend time away from my mother in restaurants or poison my body with fast food just to hasten my return. Her mantra had always been, ‘If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.’

Although she lay in bed for days in a morphine-induced coma I never gave up hope that she might hear my voice so I never stopped talking to her. When my back ached from the hours sitting on the bed I then knelt on the floor by her bed and said the Lord's Prayer with her. Late Saturday morning, my words must have resonated beyond the depths of her diseased brain.  At first I felt her hand squeeze mine but thought it was an involuntary spasm. But as I stared into her lifeless face, her eyelids fluttered as if trying to force them open. Excited, I called to her, “Mom, mom, can you hear me?” She struggled harder clearly fighting the morphine and then, for a few brief moments opened her big blue eyes, clearly recognizing my face, smiling the smile I had known all my life. With every ounce of strength left in her, she forced her frail 91-year-old arms upward off her bed wrapping them around my neck and pulling me close to her chest with a big hug. Although she couldn’t speak coherent words and her voice weak from lack of water she uttered I love you with the melody of how the words would sound if they had been a tune. My prayers had been answered. She knew she was surrounded by those she loved as she began her journey to the other side. A few minutes later, she lapsed back into the coma and passed away two days later.

Her passing was peaceful and her funeral beautiful and well attended by the hundreds of people whose lives she touched with her generous gift in helping others. Nonetheless, although expected and ‘braced for the worse’, even welcomed to release her from her depths of darkness, it was much harder than I thought it would be. I’ll never hear her voice again, or have the chance to make her laugh, or just pick up the phone to say "hi mom, how are you?" But, I do have wonderful memories and that precious moment when she opened her eyes for the very last time and knew that I was there for her, the one she worked the hardest on.

After the funeral, when things began to start making sense again, I finally reached out to Lou, the general manager of the Homewood Suites. It had been nearly a week since I arrived and not much attention had been given to the original purpose of my visit; a review of the hotel. In the midst of all the chaos and confusion, the days had become one long blur. Lou, nonetheless remained supportive and understanding, and even sent a beautiful floral wreath to the funeral home that simply said ‘Mother.’ 

After this most important chapter in my life came to a close I wondered what she would have wanted for me next. ‘Stay healthy, stand up straight and hard work pays off,’ she’d always say. With those words ringing in my head I forged on and finally arranged to meet with Lou for an official tour of the Homewood Suites. By now, I had been there so long it already felt like home.

The lobby at the Homewood Suites offers a cozy feel with a large fireplace.

The Warwick Homewood Suites is close to Rhode Island's main airport, right off the I-95 corridor for easy access and offers plenty of free, self-parking. Although close to the freeway and airport, it’s amazingly quiet. Upon entry, you’re greeted with a large lodge-like environment complete with fireplace and hearth, which is undoubtedly quite inviting on cold winter days. No matter what the weather though, the Homewood Suites has an indoor heated pool and hot tub, which are open from 6 a.m. to midnight. Children need adult supervision at all times.

On warmer days, there’s an outdoor patio, gazebo, and barbeque pit on the property’s backside, which can be reserved for special parties. While I was there they had just received a brand new shipment of patio furniture complete with umbrellas to stave off Rhode Island's hot summer sun. There’s also a ‘sport court’ available which includes hoops, tennis court, volleyball court, even a pass-back net for those who don’t have a tennis partner. The sport court is open from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The large recreation area outside offers a tennis court, gazebo and BBQ pit.

If in-room dining is not your thing or you just need a change of pace the Homewood Suites offers extensive breakfast choices and nightly buffets with both hot and cold meals. Each day presents a new theme, which can be found on a menu taped on your in-room refrigerator, making it convenient to choose which nights you prefer to dine in the lodge. The warm, friendly ski lodge atmosphere offers cozy couches and dining tables spread throughout. During the dinner hour, beer, wine and other standard beverages are offered and included in your room rate.

Lou also gave me a tour of other suites, some of which were as large as a spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment. The generous real estate in these larger suites placed the two bedrooms on opposite ends to maximize mutual privacy. Each bedroom also has its own bath. These suites have full-size kitchens with dining tables that seat up to six. There’s ample cupboard and counter space to even cook a full Thanksgiving dinner and entertain a group of family and friends.

The Homewood Suites is ideal for those who may be at one of life’s many intersections such as a divorce, or foreclosure, or just needing a change of pace.

For health-conscious travelers, there’s a well-equipped, state of the art gym which includes treadmills, stationary bikes, rubberized dumbbells and bench, an elliptical machine, health balls and hand towels, a TV and CD player. The gym is open from 6 a.m. to midnight and is guest key access only.

Rates are very reasonable, especially considering all the appliances and amenities that are included, such as full breakfast and dinner buffets, wine and beer, pool and gym, wireless Internet and parking, and use of sport court. The king and queen rates start at $129 plus tax per night with a four night commitment. Two bedroom suites start at $149 a night if you can believe that. For those who plan on staying for a month or longer, the Homewood Suites offers a discount to $99 per night.

The Homewood Suites large indoor pool area is a perfect place for family fun.

The Homewood Suites provides a wonderful alternative to having visiting family and friends underfoot and fighting over the bathroom. Everyone’s privacy is ensured and flared tempers averted. Keep in mind; should you recommend the Homewood to those visiting, especially around the holidays, Rhode Island residents are tax exempt by state law so you may want to consider reserving under your name if you live there. For other Homewood Suites around the country, you’ll need to check out their tax rules as this tax exempt status may not apply in all states.

There are three floors at the Warwick Homewood Suites all of which are easily accessible by elevator or stairs. There’s a full laundry room on the third floor, a well-equipped business center on the first, as well as a small but well-stocked convenience store with all the right necessities by the front desk. Should you need more than their store offers, most markets and malls are nearby.

Another thing that captured my attention about these Hilton-owned properties is that they’re environmentally compliant using energy efficient lighting in all their rooms.

For those who are mobility-challenged, there are several suites available with all amenities conveniently lowered for easy access from a wheelchair. And for those who still smoke, the Homewood Suites even offers eight smoking suites all on the same floor. Let’s put it this way, there’s not much they don’t offer. It would be very easy to live in one of these suites quite comfortably for an extended period of time.

As dazed and confused as I was on the day I arrived at the Warwick Homewood Suites, there was an immediate sense of comfort emanating from its walls. If one could feel comfort under such circumstances, just imagine how welcoming it would feel to arrive for a joyous occasion like a family reunion or to celebrate a successful business deal.

When I visit Rhode Island, I have an open invitation from a number of relatives to stay at their home, with my own bedroom and bath. However, after my stay at the Warwick Homewood, I have no doubt that the next time I return my new home away from home will be the Homewood Suites.