D. Michelle D.
Yelp
This is not a 4 star hotel in its current state. The lobby looks nice and gets you all excited...just to be disappointed.
Rooms: Five night stay -- three rooms. The first room was not cleaned properly whatsoever. The sheets were stained. What made me look? The beds were sloppily made, sheets not tucked, etc. Phew. Like the cleaning staff knows better! The bathroom had multiple areas of filth to where I don't trust they did anything but wipe it down with some disinfectant wipes and replace the towels. It was giving lipstick on a pig. I called the front desk on the most antiquated, dingy looking phones, and they changed us to a new room.
For the record, I arrived early and they did allow me early check in since rooms were available. When I went to the desk to get a new room, I told them if it's best to wait until normal check in time to get a clean, acceptable room -- I'd rather wait. The front desk staff was accommodating, very kind. We got a new room in the Quarter Tower and all seemed fine (not great but fine enough). Oh wait, the TV didn't work. Called the front desk, again, and they send up an engineer and he noticed the cords were disconnected, so he did his troubleshooting and got it up and running. I mean...they charge a $65 a day hold for incidentals and don't inspect the room after people check out to see if it maintains the standards?
Anyhow, day 3, on Christmas morning, we slept in, attempted to take showers to start our day -- and no hot water. Come on! Call the front desk again and asked to speak to the manager. Daniel was immediately understanding of my frustrations and offered solid resolution. I had to switch rooms again. Note, seems they were aware there was a water heater issue with that unit. Rather than have another engineer to come fix something they should have already fixed, we packed up and moved to the River Tower.
The River Tower, is on the side facing the river, unless you get stuck on the side facing the courtyard. Lucky me, I was facing the courtyard, but with it being a corner room, I could get a slight glimpse of the river since I had windows on two sides. Daniel made sure to mention this room was larger, which kinda makes it an upgrade right? Well, one thing noticeably not that great for the extra square feet (dead space)...no mirror in this room aside from the bathroom; and the bathroom ceiling is super low. Like so low that if you're 6'0 or taller you would probably bump your head in the step in tub while showering. I'm 5'8 and if I extend my arm to put on a shirt, I'm hitting the ceiling which is POP OUT TILE!
Sigh. This is by no means a luxury room. I've stayed in nicer inns/motels.
MClub: As mentioned, Daniel was accommodating upon hearing about my experience and offered me access to the MClub Lounge the remainder of our stay. It has been the highlight of our stay here. For breakfast you have access to the restaurant's buffet that includes an omelette station, beignets, bacon, grits, oatmeal, charcuterie, fruit -- a lot of GREAT breakfast options! I was impressed. And most important...the staff put a SMILE on your face. They are attentive and have great energy. The omelette station cook needs a tip jar because I've watched her make three omelettes while taking new orders, all while smiling, and making the omelettes to perfection. She is good!
Staff: The staff is ultimately why I gave each star. They do exude southern hospitality for sure. From the concierge, to the MClub staff, to Daniel the manager -- all aiming to please. I appreciate that.
Lobby: A cool bar and plenty of seating with TVs grace the lobby. It gets popping down there! And we happen to be here during the Sugar Bowl so the decor went from Christmas to Univ of Texas banners since they are staying here. Pretty cool.
Overall, the staff compensated for the lackluster rooms. I thought I read in other reviews that this hotel had been renovated, but the front desk said they will be undergoing renovations. They definitely need it! That said, would I stay here again? Probably not. But, you live and learn.
Note: Because I was accommodated for the poor rooms, I choose not to upload the pictures that support the lack of cleanliness and other issues.