I have to be honest: when I first saw the neighborhood this hotel was in (we arrived at night), I didn't feel very comfortable, not very safe even. This feeling proved to be absolutely unnecessary as we didn't even see something that came close to a threatening situation.
However, even if it turned out to be a safe place, it's not the best location for exploring either. Granted it's right next to the subway, which makes ALL the difference, but there's really nothing of any interest you can reach by foot. It's so far up north, it's even hard to get a pizza delivered.
I wasn't really impressed by the room. The queen bed (I would preferred a king) is not a very good sleep. Room wasn't very clean overall, especially the dishes, glasses, cutlery, ... were all not washed properly with lipstick stains and food still encrusted on the sides. Even though it's theoretically possible to cook your own dinner, the kitchen is way too small and badly equipped to actually make something other than just warming up something.
With regards to the breakfast, again, not impressed. My wife is on a gluten-free diet, and I mentioned this during my reservation at hotels.com, but there wasn't anything for her (Marilyn later mailed she didn't get this info from hotels.com). But even not considering the gluten thing, getting breakfast once for 5 nights, seems kinda.. stretching it. By the 3rd day all the fruit (which was actually quite great to get), is either eaten or not very fresh anymore. Also: you only get bread once, just make sure not to let it spoil (although as it was industrially made bread, it probably wouldn't spoil for months). Finally: who drinks "distillated" water? isn't that just used for appliances, we got a gallon of it in our fridge.
And a final remark. Communicating with Marilyn was challenging. She didn't answer my emails for days, even with regards with how to get my keys, she didn't respond. She did however answer her phone immediately, so I guess she's just not a big computer-person.
Although I've read many great thing about this place, I just didn't see Marilyn as very welcoming. We stayed for 5 nights, but I've never seen her. I wasn't until the very last day I realized she lives downstairs, but by then our taxi was waiting. I understand she might not have time to talk to every guest, but still... you kinda expect a more personal approach from a B&B.
All in all, it was an interesting experience, and it made me do things outside my comfort zone. But the far off location, bad beds, not very good breakfast and not very welcoming atmosphere makes that I won't be going back the Allie's Inn anytime soon. read more