The Blake hotel is a work in progress.  It is, overall, a cheaply made 1970's hotel in the process of being renovated into a modern hipster hotel on a budget.  When the renovation is someday complete it will probably be very nice but for now I rate it \"adequate\".\n\nI stayed here for $99/night, so that makes me more lenient towards the Blake's shortcomings than I would be if it hadn't been so affordable.   I'd stay here again if I got that kind of deal.\n\nThe Good: very spacious rooms.   Firm beds (I like mine firm).  Nice views.  Friendly staff.  1/2 mile walk to the main downtown corridor on Tryon street. Good conference facilities.\n\nThe Bad: staff are nice but amazingly disorganized and very very slow.  Many things (thermostats, electrical wiring, plumbing) are not upgraded.  Can't turn on the shower without standing underneath it.  \n\nAs for the restaurant/bar at the Blake: don't.  Just don't.  It's not worth it.