Mar R.
Yelp
Note: my initial impression did not take into consideration the efforts of the front desk staff that went above and beyond what I regard as great service. One lady in particular at the front desk was sweet enough to remember my mentioning that I was looking for the hospital that I was born in, and she looked it up, printed a map, and left a message to my room. She also wanted to check in on whether the room was any better than the first room I was given. Not only was she sincere in trying to help me, but I felt she really went out of her way, and thereby single-handedly brought the rating up a couple stars higher; such quality service CANNOT be ignored. Fairmont, you need to update your decor to remain in keeping with your competitors, but you certainly hire great people! And I DO believe I'd come back, because I've met some wonderful people out here!
Here's the original review, for which I gave only 1 star:
"Being San Franciscan, I had certain expectations for staying at the Fairmont--anybody have any mental images of the Fairmont in San Francisco? I chose this hotel because of its reputation and high standards. Further, it had some pretty high reviews online, so when I got here and saw the 70's furnishings, the fake wood shelves behind the front desk, the fingerprint-laden, unpolished, scratched elevator doors, and the cheap furniture in the room, I wondered if we were at the right place. The first room I was offered on the 12th floor was stain-ridden! However, the front-desk staff was VERY courteous and friendly, and not only gave us another room, but helped me find certain locations tied to my being born in Winnipeg.
On the first night, an unseen "neighbor" left empty pizza boxes and beer bottles next to my door, AND the icemaker on my floor didn't work. At this point, my expectations were greatly diminished. Where EXACTLY were the high standards for this place?!
Finally, the descriptions of the hotel being within walking distance to the Forks as well as other traveler's sites was misleading; rather than being outside the door, even perhaps a couple of blocks away, the Forks was a good 12-15 minute walk. By the time I realized this, it was too late to hail a cab as there were none to be found.
This was far too ghetto-licious for the price. I would certainly try another hotel before coming back to this one, if I EVER find myself in Winnipeg again."