cory V.
Google
The hotel itself is nice, and we enjoyed being right on the boardwalk. However, the service we experienced at the onsite restaurant the night we arrived was extremely disappointing and not reflective of the quality we expected.
When we entered the restaurant area, no one greeted us. We waited approximately 20 minutes without any acknowledgment, despite multiple servers walking past our table. We eventually approached staff twice to ask for a server. We even overheard one server ask another if she would take our table, and she declined. The server who ultimately helped us appeared frustrated to do so.
Throughout the meal, we found ourselves performing basic service tasks: retrieving our own menus and silverware, ordering appetizers immediately just to expedite the process, and even cleaning up a spilled drink ourselves without any assistance. I had to ask the bar for extra towels. There was no check-back after appetizers or entrees, no beverage refills offered, and no inquiry about dessert. At the end, we stacked our plates to make clearing easier, yet still waited another 20 minutes before we could request our bill. We also overheard the table next to us expressing their own dissatisfaction and requesting a manager, who never arrived.
As business owners who have both worked in the service industry, we understand that busy nights happen and things don’t always run perfectly. Even though it really didn’t seem that busy. In this case, there was not even an attempt at basic hospitality. No greeting, no communication, and no effort to provide an acceptable level of service. Despite the experience, we still left a $100 tip on a $125 bill in hopes of making the situation a little brighter and encouraging a different perspective toward families with young children.
Later that evening, I noticed the bathroom door in our room had security film installed very poorly. Obvious seams and rough cuts around the hardware. As owners of a company that specializes in tint and security film, the workmanship stood out as below standard and gave the impression that a low-cost provider was chosen. It made me wonder what flaws professionals in other trades might notice throughout the property.
On a positive note, breakfast the following morning was a better experience. One server went above and beyond by bringing a small bin of toys when one of our daughters was having a meltdown. Each child got to choose a toy, which completely turned their mood around. The service at breakfast was attentive and aligned with the kind of hospitality we expect at this level of hotel. We were grateful for that and tipped accordingly. Still not a blow your mind 5-star experience, but much better. Keep up the you bin idea!
Lastly, $40 for self-parking felt excessive. Especially given the overall experience.
We truly hope this feedback is helpful. There are many strengths to this property, but consistency in service, especially at the restaurant, is an area that needs significant improvement. Seems like a poor management problem. I’d maybe give this hotel one more try, but more than likely pick a different one the next time we’re in the area.