E-mail
Print
Hotels provide luxurious student housing
Students turned away from RiverView find other options
By Rebecca Kontowicz
When the fall 2007 opening date for the new RiverView Residence Hall was pushed back to the spring 2008 semester, students were left to seek out their own living arrangements.
While some students resorted to commuting or living off campus, a few made a rather unique decision by choosing to abide in two nearby hotels.
Four students currently reside in the Astor Hotel, according to Rooms Division Manager Kevin Mattingly. Lisa Gulbord, front office manager for the Comfort Inn and Suites, stated that there is a student spending the semester in the Downtown Lakeshore location as well.
The cost for those staying in the Astor hotel is $1200 a month, says Mattingly. The Comfort Inn and Suites is a bit more expensive at $1600 a month. A full semester at either hotel more than doubles the price of staying in university housing, according to the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s housing website.
University Housing Director Scott Speak said that when the department was unable to accommodate “over 3,000 applicants” requesting housing, he chose to send out a generic letter informing students of the other options available to them.
According to Emily Johnson, a first year transfer student from Minneapolis, the Astor Hotel was highly recommended by the school. Johnson moved into the Astor on Sept. 1 and has enjoyed her time there so far.
Johnson has made the basic, single bed hotel room, which the four students staying in the Astor will be residing in, “feel like home” by decorating it with her own comforter, two extra lights and by covering the walls with posters and pictures.
Living in a hotel has its perks, according to Johnson. “Maid service is nice,” she exclaimed. Rooms come with wireless Internet, cable, a microwave and fridge, says Mattingly. Students are also provided with a key to a hospitality room where they’ll find a stove, full fridge and couch. A coin operated laundry room is located in both hotels.
The hotel staff has done its best to accommodate its guests and has been very helpful, says Johnson. A printer is available for homework assignments and guests are able to use an on-site beauty salon and fitness center at the Astor.
A complimentary continental breakfast is offered to those staying in both hotels. As for lunch and dinner, a Metro Mart is conveniently located near the Astor. Johnson has been purchasing food from the store and using the stove in the hospitality room to cook. Johnson stated she also enjoys dining out at a close by Panera Bread and Chipotle.
Those residing in the Astor Hotel and the Comfort Inn and Suites have different options for transportation to and from their new homes. With the university only two miles away, Mattingly stated that one student is biking while the weather permits. Others have a nearby bus stop to take advantage of or the hotel’s shuttle service.
While Johnson does have the option of housing in RiverView next semester, she has enjoyed her stay at the Astor Hotel so much that she is saving up to live there for the remainder of the school year and possibly the next as well. “Hotels are a good option. I would definitely recommend the Astor to other students. It has been a very positive experience,” she said.
> Comments