In July I had the opportunity to stay at the esteemed BUILDING 7-73 at the Camp Ripley Cantonment. Fodor’s recently wrote about this hotel, “BUILDING 7-73 is hands down the 4th best facility in AREA 7.” I heartily agree! Of the 5 hotel facilities in AREA 7, BUILDING 7-73 is situated 4th most distant from the Education Center and Contract Dining Facility. That puts it closer than BUILDING 7-74. That shorter walking distance to local amenities was really convenient during my stay.
ROOM
BUILDING 7-73 features one type of room called “maid service room,” meaning there is room service. To save on building materials and utilities, each pair of guest rooms have a shared bathroom between them. My room contained a bed, desk, and sink. I was also pleasantly surprised to find a small, corner-mounted color TV, a microwave, and a mini-fridge.
Decorative bed cover was a nice touch. Ample clothing and equipment storage was provided in the armoire (visible far right).
AMENITIES
Each room comes equipped with a 4 cup coffee maker. Fresh GOVERNMENT COFFEE is provided daily. At either end of the hallway in BUILDING 7-73 there is a large microwave with a built in pizza oven. One picnic table is provided outside each hotel facility in AREA 7.
DINING
There are several nearby dining choices on and off base. The closest and most convenient is the Education Center and Contract Dining Facility, located just south of the hotel, in AREA 6.
OVERALL
- AMENITIES: ACCEPTABLE
- FURNISHINGS: ACCEPTABLE
- BED COMFORT: ACCEPTABLE
- BATHROOM: ACCEPTABLE
- GROUNDS & PUBLIC AREAS: ACCEPTABLE
Thank you for reading my review.
In all seriousness, this “hotel” suited my needs just fine. I was there a few days for training at work. My employer covered the cost, which I think was only around $20/night. As much as I playfully mock the furnishing and amenities, these buildings are a huge upgrade from the tin shed bunkhouses that previous generation stayed in at Camp Ripley. Interactions I had with military personnel while on base were generally positive; and I want to take this opportunity to thank all members of the United States Armed Forces for their service!