SpaAddict K.
Yelp
I think the true test of a good hotel is, 1) would you come back, and 2) if someone you know asks for a hotel recommendation, would you recommend this place? In Pantage's case, I cannot say yes to either.
When a hotel raises your expectations and represents itself to be a 4 star hotel, I think it's reasonable to expect a 4 star experience. But, well, it just wasn't 4 stars for me.
First of all, this place nickels and dimes you. It's $12 extra for internet access in your room (in this day and age!). It's $3.00 minimum to use the internet at their business center, and then they charge you $0.50 per minute thereafter. (Yeah, if you hop on really quick and check your e-mail, you might end up spending like $4.00.) Bottled water is not complimentary. The list goes on and on. I've received more generosity and hospitality at a Motel 6.
Second of all, maybe we just had really bad luck with the front door staff, but they weren't very friendly to us. We asked for directions to a local university (the ONLY university within a 5 mile radius), and got a downright hostile response ("Where's that?!? I don't know what you are talking about...") Good lord, we're from out of town - shouldn't you know where the local landmarks are? After that, we stuck with asking for directions with cabbies, and the doorman, who was a nice guy.
To be fair, the sheets were very clean. I liked the hardwood floors. But our room just was not "4 stars"... overall, the room was okay, but little details were not good... the vents in the bathroom above were rusty, the furniture was scruffed up, the paint was definitely peeling here and there... and I agree with the below reviewer, the water took a long time to warm up.
This place is very central, and the rates are okay for that part of town. So if you want some place central, this is a decent place.
But, ultimately, you gotta compare apples to apples. In other words, I'm not comparing this place to a Best Western - I'm comparing it to OTHER 4 star boutique hotels in major cities around the world. My reaction to Pantages is a surprise even to me because I'm pretty easily impressed (look at my other reviews, I'm handing out 4 star/5 star reviews everywhere I go!), but I just can't do it here.