Be careful about opening that box of worms.

At an old airline of mine they did just what you are asking and next thing you know every overnight was walking distance from a mall and little else. We lost some great downtown hotels with pools on the roof and amazing areas.

I understand that a lot of flight attendants don't feel safe walking around by themselves and would prefer that, but one size doesn't fit all.

Dragging through a 36 hour layover in Columbus OH in a giant parking lot next to a suburban mall is painful when you used to stay 15 minutes from campus and next to a brewpub and a great breakfast spot.

I'd leave well enough alone on this one, but either way I hope it works out for you. With all the internet information available these days a downtown layover can jump into a great visit with 10 minutes of searching and a 5 minute cab ride... but if your hotel is on the outskirts that may not be the case.