April G.
Yelp
I didn't understand why the quality between Portland and Kirkland Heathman hotels was different while touting the same amenities. They are run by different companies. While staying at The Heathman Hotel chain since 2012, I loved the service; but, I think I may avoid this one until they fix things with the staff.
SUITES
Terrace Suite was my first stay after overseeing a meeting for work. It was nice, the room has a vast wraparound deck but I couldn't enjoy breakfast out there as they don't offer breakfasts. I had to check out early to get breakfast elsewhere. The double-sided fireplace was a nice touch but didn't work. At that time the staff was stellar for the all-day business event, for providing catering and my staff check-in process.
THE CLASSIC ROOMS
The Classic Rooms have adequate space, but the amenities aren't like the suites or have been removed as a service altogether.
THE AMENITIES
*There used to be snacks in the room, but not anymore.
*In-room coffee - The hotel had french press coffee in each room, wonderfully grounded roast beans, and hot water pots to make the most delicious coffee. Now it's become pods coffee, and it seems a massive detriment to the environment.
*On one visit a great staff member found a press and water pot in their storage for us. We asked for the items when booking the next trip, but they could not accommodate us with the request.
*The bathroom toiletries have changed, they are still nicer than some hotels.
*Bikes used to be available to borrow for day trips. Kirkland no longer has this.
THE FURRY FRIENDS PROGRAM
I have traveled with my dog on 10 or more occasions. My mother and her dog have joined us on 4-5 trips. The policy states it's $30 per dog so it's an additional $60 on the bill. Amenities online show - you receive a dog bone, a dog bed, and dog food and water dishes in the room. I have never seen this amenity.
THE STASH REWARDS PROGRAM
I never received points even though I was a member. I tried chasing it down but received no follow-through from customer service or staff at booking, check-in/out.
CHECK-IN
*Check-in is messy. The area is very tiny and is not adequately staffed. There are only two computers. You would think that the hotel would care that you are waiting in a queue, buth patrons for the hotel and restaurant utilize the same doors, and it's a traffic nightmare of carts, people, with no room.
*You have to use valet, and there isn't much space to do a load / unload, and it is rushed. Usually, you have to then wait to have staff escort you to your car to get the rest of your luggage. Which takes time as the staff is dealing with the free valet offered to restaurant patrons.
HEARTH RESTAURANT
*There is a parking garage across the street for MINIMAL CHARGE yet restaurant patrons get free valet at the hotel. Hotel patrons are charged $25 PER DAY in addition to their $400 room.
*Hearth restaurant has always been spot on with food and quality. The menu has changed from its higher-end to a pub fare. They still have seafood offerings at around $40 and a steak under $50. A pizza and a beer are under $30. In my last few stays, I found they have the best Margherita pizza and sweet potato fries!
*There is a brunch on Sunday - folio for two meals - dinner of $33 and breakfast of $6, I was charged $61.04 in Hotel F&B Charges, Restaurant Food Delivery Fees, and F&B taxes. I know I could avoid these fees by going to the restaurant, but why if I'm less than 100 feet away and want to stay in my PJ's?
THE STAFF AND MANAGEMENT
Staff reflects managements. The last two trips were so bad, I did fill out the after-stay survey. Managers response below. (I don't complain unless something is REALLY bad.) I thought that things would be different but my second trip but, no.
ONLY THE INITIAL ISSUE OF EACH STAY IS LISTED
*1st visit - a large event in town that I was not there for. I asked to be far from the elevator in my reservation. Staff was upset I arrived 30 min. early and put me in a room directly outside the elevator. She even stated if I had waited until 5 she MIGHT HAVE accommodated. Check-in is at 4.
*2nd visit - early check-in request. I was hung up on after she stated "we are fully booked, and we cannot accommodate requests like this." THEY WERE NOT FULLY BOOKED
Management did not apologize for the specific items or offer to make anything right. His email - Thank you for choosing The Heathman Hotel - Kirkland on your recent visit. We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you again.
I had a chance to review the recently completed survey and was concerned to hear about your experience with our hotel. We strive to accommodate all of our guests and their needs, and I was disappointed to hear about the problems you encountered.
Thank you again for your feedback we truly appreciate knowing about our guest's experiences so we can celebrate our success and work towards even better service in the future. We hope to see you again soon."