Meg M.
Yelp
I'm not even upset about the whole experience. To be honest, aside from the fact that we spent $800 - I can totally find the humor in the situation.
To start off, this is absolutely the "catfish" of hotels. Tarrytown House Estate touts itself as a four star, luxury experience on its website but in reality has a more "trailer park/Motel 6" vibe and the lack of attention to detail is astounding. They mask it VERY well online.
Red flag #1 : Check in - the first thing I noticed was old, wet rags sopping up a leak from the drink cooler in the lobby. These would remain there all weekend. During check in, the receptionist hand drew us a map trying to explain where everything on site was (which was a nice gesture, but very confusing and I felt like we were about to go on a treasure hunt). If I'm getting VERY picky, the nice gentleman who was there greeting us/opening the door was also texting and standing in the way when we went to leave - not a problem for me personally, but also not what you would expect at a "luxury" hotel.
We found our way to our room in "the Atrium" - a wide open area of rooms with wonderfully gaudy jungle wallpaper.
Red flag #2 : Pee Room - our first room was, well, unacceptable. You walked in and it felt like being in a cave - it was dark, the blinds were all pulled, and it was damp and smelled musty. The rug felt moist and as if it hadn't been washed in decades. We made the mistake of laying on the bed and my side of the bed SMELLED. LIKE. URINE. There was one pillow in particular which was damp and reeked. Immediately we called to switch rooms and were told "sure, we will move you next door".
Our new room was much better cleanliness wise, but still very outdated.
Red flag #3 : Whoever did the electrical work must have been either indulging in the leaky beverage cooler contents or had a severe case of vertigo because absolutely nothing in this hotel was hung straight. Light switches, chandeliers, faucets - everything was askew.
As we drifted off to sleep, we were glad to note that at least someone was enjoying Pee Room - our bed was shaking rhythmically through the thin walls as someone broke their stinky, damp hotel room in. To each their own. I also shudder because there is no way that that room had been thoroughly cleaned between when we left and when they checked in.
Red flag #4 : The next day, we attempted to use some of the on site amenities. When booking, it was listed that there was a hot tub on site. We searched around, nothing. Eventually we called the front desk and asked if there was a hot tub on site and the receptionist told us "No?", as if we were ridiculous for even asking. We didn't bother with the pool as it was full of kids, despite there being a sign that stated "Adults Only".
On our way back from dinner in Yonkers, we walked through the lobby. There was a table of gift bags that said "one per room, please". Should we have inferred that it was for a wedding the next day? Perhaps. But when we asked the receptionist she sternly informed us that they weren't for us. No problem! (The dirty drink cooler towels were still there).
Red flag #5 : The next morning, it was apparent that there had been a reception of some sort out on the patio. I note this because there were loads of half empty glasses of wine and beer cans all over the set tables, as if no one cleaned it up that night.
I will say, on our way in we saw a herd of four beautiful deer grazing on the lawn, which was nice. It was kind of like seeing Mickey Mouse at Disneyland.
Red flag #6 : My fiancé got charged almost a week later again for the price of the room. He called and it was fixed without issue...but...why? Not four star hotel behavior.
Overall, we had a great weekend because the surrounding towns are beautiful and NYC is a stones throw away. The Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow Farmers Market was a must see. It's really sad that this hotel is run so poorly - with the beautiful grounds and historic buildings it really has such potential. Management is sloppy, to put it nicely.
Tarrytown House Estate was the pits. Won't be back.