Zac B.
Yelp
Not unpleasant, but definitely did not live up to the reputation or expectations. Here's our experience from our weekend getaway.
We checked in about an hour early and were pleased our room was ready. We had dinner plans so had been looking forward to drinks and "light bites" (featured on the Inn's web site) served in the bar while we killed a few hours. When we got to the bar we where informed they were not serving ANY food except the full brunch. Our only option was to spend $90 each on brunch (keep in mind dinner was just a few hours away). We asked if there was room service... "yes." We headed to the room and called room service. And again are told "no service because we are serving brunch."
Bottom line, we scoured the hotel looking for any food options. Nothing. Except the $90 brunch.
Fine. We decided to hit the gym. Pretty modest... "paramount" machines, some dumbbells but nothing above 50lbs, a few treadmills. Not great but enough to get some exercise.
Dinner at Fresh Salt was very good, but the service was incredibly slow. It was close to 30 minutes from when we sat down until our drinks and appetizer arrived. The food itself was delicious - the sriracha calamari was crisp, sweet and a bit spicy. Really perfect. Our waitress was not great... friendly, but not in any way helpful. For instance, we asked how the grilled octopus is, and she said she "tried it once and it was ok, tastes like chicken." Any octopus that actually tasted like chicken would be horrible... but reasoning that she was just not great at waitressing, we ordered the octopus anyhow and it was very good. Smokey, tender, excellent flavor (and it did not taste at all like chicken). The tuna tartar triangles and both salads we ordered were likewise excellent.
Our room (a junior suite) was very nice, decorated with a nice old-world nautical motif, spacious. Wonderful view of the marina and water too. The bathroom was very large with a nice jacuzzi tub (although only one sink, oddly enough given how large it was). Cute little balcony too. Unfortunately while the bed was very cozy, something must be off with it because we both woke up with strange back pain. I think there is just no support - feels great but you basically sink into it like a hammock.
Room service is staggeringly expensive. Didn't use it much, but my small pot of coffee and tiny (but very tasty) Greek yogurt parfait came to $30. Most expensive half cup of yogurt I've ever purchased.
We booked for a "spa getaway," so we're eager to explore the facilities. Alas, there really aren't any to speak of - the only jacuzzi and sauna is shared with the hotel so... full of kids and crowded. The spa itself consists of massage rooms, pedicure, and a small sitting lounge. The services were very good though - two excellent 80 minute massages (Swedish and deep tissue) followed by pedicures. Quite enjoyed it.
Otherwise, sad to see all the outdoor venues were closed. I was looking forward to sitting outside by the firepit or enjoying a drink waterside - but apparently those areas are not open (no explanation).
So bottom line: it's no Four Seasons, and the spa is really not a spa (just a massage/pedicure facility). Don't expect a lot of services (things seem to close often and early). But the stay was nice and the room really delightful. And the fare at Fresh Salt is delicious. Just be prepared to pay $5.95 per each shrimp in your shrimp cocktail.