The reviews to date are accurate, this is a wonderful property, conveniently located in-town. The website pictures are accurate as well (to view hotel room descriptions and pictures one will need to go to 'reservations'). The hotel renovation was beautifully done; it is fresh, open, charming and inviting. The spa/gym is new, well done, save that there are no locks on the bathroom doors in the women's locker room and the door to the common pool opens directly into the women's locker room, just in front of the shower. The hotel is a bit gerrymandered, could access our 4th room room from one elevator to the 3rd floor and from another elevator to the 4th floor. A bit Alice in Wonderland, however, this is an old home with an addition - falling down the rabbit hole is part of its charm. Our room was a studio (king) - the hotel's smallest room. The room was perfect for a 2 evening stay, where we spent most of the day out and about. While the room (412) faced the small patio, parking lot, tree tops and historic homes, this didn't pose an issue as our room was sunny and quiet. The bed was comfortable and the shower large with excellent water pressure. The room tends to be warm, so thankfully all the windows opened (even in February). Our only issue was with some suspect reservation practices. We had called ahead to ensure that a room was available for Thursday evening; we were assured a studio king for $159/night would be available (we did not make formal reservations in case of weather). When we walked-in we received the room promised, however, we decided to stay another night. We were initially told that the studio we booked was only available that evening, however, Loft Suites were available for $329/night the remaining evening(s). We requested to view the Loft Suites, while they were lovely (311 was a bit dark, 302 was brighter with private access to the roof top deck), we could not personally justify double the rate. When we went to discuss the room situation, we noted that we would of course prefer to stay in the studio room both evenings . . . miraculously the room became available. Certainly someone may have canceled within the last few minutes or perhaps the front desk manager was wrong in her original understanding. However, we had a similar situation when making Valentine dinner reservations. We were told that the only table for 2 was available in the Conservatory (not the main dining room); only to be seated in the same room with a family with an infant (no other tables were occupied). Not to disrupt our dinner, nor theirs, we requested (quietly) to be seated in the main dining room. This took several minutes, only to be seated in a dining room where certainly the 2 tops were occupied, but there were several 4 tops (easily converted to 2 tops) that remained open all evening. Why would you seat 2 adults for a special dinner next to a family of 6 with an infant? We appreciate that the hotel was hoping for walk-in dinner guests, but bird in the hand during quiet season? This is truly a beautiful hotel, however, the staff could be a bit more observant of their guests. They were painfully looking out for their own bottom line. This is not meant to discourage anyone from staying at this beautiful hotel, simply stay vigilant. Also, this is not to say that we did not receive excellent service during our stay. Patrick was wonderful, assisting us with our room as well as arranging our daily activities. Once seated in the dining room, we received excellent service.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
Absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, An Amazing Honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older Travellers, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers, tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young Singles, pet owners, Families with Small Children, Families with Teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Museums / Cultural / Historical sites, Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine, Shopping, Spa, Sporting event, Concerts / Music festival
Management Response
VandMgr, Manager
(Management representative)
10 Mar 2008
As the guest services and reservations manager at the property I would like to make clear that we under no circumstances operate with "suspect reservation practices". I am the manager mentioned in the review and in complete honesty simply made a mistake when I was quoting availability for these guests and believed the room type they were looking into to not be available ( Having been pulled to the desk while I was in the middle of other things, I mistakenly thought it was Friday when it was Thursday - oops!).
In no way is it common for myself or hotel staff to misquote availability as we strive to provide a superior experience to all of our guests.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC