La Playa Hotel is a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Our room had amazing ocean views and was spotlessly clean. The staff went above and beyond, making us feel truly welcome. Highlights: Stunning location Comfortable, well-appointed rooms Exceptional service Delicious breakfast (try the croissants!) Nice touches like Verve Coffee and welcome champagne Whether you're here for a romantic getaway or exploring Carmel, La Playa Hotel is an excellent choice. We'll definitely be back! Pros: Beautiful views, great service, perfect location Cons: None - we loved every minute! read more

La Playa has my heart! The new renovation preserved the old charm while making incredible upgrades to the rooms. The in-room bars are at a level I've never seen before! I love the whimsy and creativity, from the historical welcome letter to the special golden key left in my room to discover a personal locker at Bud's Bar for a night cap! La Playa is wonderful for business meetings, families, and couples get aways. The Carmel sea fills the soul, but again La Playa has my heart! read more

One of the best hotels in Carmel. Many rooms have ocean views which is rare in Carmel. Close to beach and easy walk to downtown. Rooms are nicely decorated. They also have an SUV shuttle that takes you back forth to downtown if you need it. Great buffet breakfast! Cook to order eggs and omelets as well as waffles. I would recommend it to anyone that can afford it. read more

As we arrived we were surprised with a free upgraded to an amazing room with the most beautiful ocean view. We were celebrating our 35th wedding anniversary. In the room a very nice bottle of champagne and a beautiful note welcomed us. The staff in this hotel is incredible. J, Brenda, and others were so welcoming, kind and genuinely welcoming! We were very impressed. Now, the hotel is beautiful, charming, cozy and elegant! Fireplaces throughout, a library with board games, fireplace varanda with ocean views, manicured garden. Super comfortable bed, large bathroom and my favorite Lê Labo products everywhere. 2 blocks from the beach, a few blocks from downtown, absolutely the best location. Breakfast is amazing! Free cocktails Friday and Saturday night! Nightly warm chocolate chip cookies! I can't say enough about my wonderful weekend at La Playa! What a great find! We will be back soon! read more

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Given this place was recently renovated, I was surprised to the lack of thought that went into the interior design of the rooms. First, we wanted to book a suite but then had to downgrade because the suite was on the fourth floor with no elevator and one of us was in a wheelchair. The rooms are small. There is no counter space on the bathroom to put toiletries. There's no space to lay out our luggage. The Staff and service were not the greatest. Each time we asked for something, they tell you there is an additional charge. When they say there is free happy hour each day, they hide the drinks behind the reception area. The ADA rooms are also super small and not great for someone traveling in a wheelchair. Honestly, this place is overpriced. Not recommended and will not be back. read more

This hotel is aesthetically pleasing with the recent renovations. It is such a vibe that you'll love being there. The breakfast was amazing, there are coffee, mimosas, OJ, mimosas, GF muffins, potato dish, chia seed yogurt, other yogurts, fresh fruits, salsa, avocado wrapped eggs, 3 kinds of breads, butter, croissants...etc. There are to be made waffles and omelets, outside the buffet breakfast. There are two sitting area but I think if it gets packed you can move to the Garden Room. There are fireplaces lit up during the day and night for chilly areas. I couldn't believe there was a fresh fruit bowl in the lobby area. Initially I thought it was a decor; there were grapes, mandarins, oranges, and green apples. I couldn't resist and took two mandarins, I wasn't sure if I could take it. XD The con is having to ask for the WiFi information and parking. I didn't know where the parking was because it was in the back and had forgotten to ask. There's no map available for breakfast, you just follow everyone and the smell. Overall, I would definitely stay again in the future. Don't forget about the late night cookies starting at 7:30 pm-9pm. I think you can take as many as you'd like. read more

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The aesthetic, breakfast, and vibes were perfect. I will definitely come back in the future read more

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Literally the perfect little hotel to stay at in Carmel! The hotel / grounds are amazing and the breakfast included in your stay is such a nice touch and was a perfect way to start the day each morning. It's so close to the beach and downtown so all very walkable. 100/10. Definitely will be back! read more

La Playa Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Carmel, California

Had a phenomenal experience here at la playa, it's a beautiful hotel property that blends gorgeous artsy elements from the past and modern decor; nothing feels dated and every thing is just understated elegance. The entire staff is incredibly helpful and courteous- kudos to the management too! Location is wonderful- a short walk takes you to all the shopping and dining spots in town but la playa is sitsuated in a quiet residential area close to the ocean. It's an amazing restorative experience to be here and I would love to come back again! read more

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Went to La Playa to celebrate my 61st birthday. I had celebrated my 21st birthday there, having my first ever martini. I also worked at La Playa as a Pastry Chef in the '90's. The music was wonderful. The other guests were great, but I have never felt so uncelebrated at any other establishment as I did at the La Playa Hotel. I had such great memories of being there in the past as both a guest and employee. If I were to use one word to sum up my experience at Bud's, it would be regretful. Will not return. read more

I had a very poor experience staying at this hotel. The property is close to beach and well designed but it is difficult to recommend this place. First off all the parking is a disaster and it is impossible to find anything close by near the hotel. At check in - I had to ask for different things like internet access, hotel amenities etc. The worst part is restaurant service - the service at the evening restaurant is very poor. The service is non existent here and the bar staff is very rude. Seeing all the negative reviews of the restaurant staff it is clear that the hotel management has no interest in fixing this. I will not return here or recommend this hotel to my friends read more

I can't pick the right adjectives...let's go with, quaint, beautiful (gardens, building, interior) with an abundance of friendly staff everywhere. Feels like a charming Mediterranean getaway fitting the European feel of wonderful Carmel by the Sea. Spent a rainy weekend celebrating our 30th anniversary at the place we got married. The front desk staff made us feel welcomed, management had upgraded our room to the same suite we stayed in on our wedding night (how freaking nice was that!?!?!) and had a bottle of champagne on ice and a fruit basket ready in our room. The rain would have been a bummer if we weren't at La Playa! The covered and heated outdoor patio overlooking the gardens at Bud's was a great place to eat, drink and just be at peace. Oh and the afternoon free Sangria bar and evening chocolate chip cookies (to die for cookies btw) were very nice..especially in Carmel where the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes staying put is the best option. 6/5* and we'll celebrate our anniversary at La Playa again! Oh! And the included breakfast buffet at Bud's was luxurious, unique in selection and the best included hotel breakfast we've ever experienced! Definitely don't sleep in and miss breakfasts at La Playa! read more

La Playa Hotel - Great welcome with sparkling wine by the fireplace in our room. - Hotels Near Me - Carmel, California

We spent three great nights here. Friendly staff. Rooms recently updated and the beds super comfy Breakfast is included. Delicious breakfast buffet. Lots of yummy choices. A free glass of wine in the late afternoon and delicious chocolate chip cookies at bedtime. Very nice, close to downtown Carmel and the beach. They have a free house car to take you and pick you up after dinner Only one small glitch was the food at the bar, Buds, was subpar from the rest of the hotel Give this place a try. It's great read more

If I have one vice, it's traveling. Not just traveling, but traveling well. There's no Four Seasons in Carmel. The closest Ritz Carlton is Half Moon Bay...and if you want a room at the St Regis, you'll have to travel to San Francisco. But...if you want to stay at a boutique style hotel in Carmel that is world class, stay at La Playa Carmel. My wife and I are repeat visitors. We had an opportunity to stay in one of their remodeled rooms this past weekend. Exquisite. Understated elegance. Clean not sterile, but clean. There was firm comfortable bed wrapped in crisp linens. The room had a bit of a Great Gatsby feel to it but updated. In my mind, we got the best of both worlds. The perfect blend of vintage glamour and modern luxury. Think Beverly Hills Hotel. The location of the property is perfect. Down by the ocean and "just" a few steps away from the hustle and bustle of Ocean Avenue...as well as the noise. Don't feel like walking? Michael will be right there to shuttle you in to town. Pick you up as well! Even if you get lost and have no idea where you are like yours truly! From check in to check out the service was impeccable. More importantly, it's sincere and genuine. These people seem to love their job and it shows up on the gigantic smiles on their faces. The grounds are magnificent. It was as if the hotel was resurrected right in the middle of a giant meadow filled with the most exotic colorful flowers on planet earth. It's just gorgeous. Tranquil. The pool is even heated. You feel like breakfast? They've got you covered there as well. The breakfast buffet, which is included in your stay, was fresh and plentiful. Do you want a custom omelette at the omelette station? Done. How about a waffle hot off the iron? Do you want fresh fruit with that? Hot syrup? Or how about your choice of pastries? Bacon? Potatoes? The list goes on... I think you get the picture! In a word, Delicious. Brett runs the show there. He's the general manager. I have been fortunate enough to have a few interactions with him. He seems to be very proud of his "home"...and it's a home he wants you to enjoy and stay a while. To meet the other "family members" that are there to make your time that much more enjoyable...and boy do they. So do yourself a favor. Run on over to Brett's home, a.k.a. La Playa Carmel. Hang out with the family members and stay a while. It's like that Eagles song, Hotel California... "You can check-out any time you like" "But you can never leave!" ...and that would be ok. Well done Brett & staff. See you next month! JR read more

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La Playa offers one of the most important things I look for when spending precious time away from home: location, location, and more location. Everything is walkable from this hotel, including all the gorgeous Pacific Ocean you'd ever want to feast your eyes on. Morning beach walks, dog friendly beaches, and friendly local residents stroll the picturesque sands underneath the cliffs of the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course. And it's a good thing you've got access to so much; sleepy little Carmel by the Sea is a town that takes it quiet time seriously. Late night snackers will find themselves out of luck with little to no hotel food and beverage options and a hotel bar staff eagerly sending "last call" out by 10:30 pm. It was disappointing to feel rushed through our first cocktail and encounter bartenders so obviously eager to close up for the night. Not the most welcoming spirit of service or hospitality when you need to negotiate your way through service of a single cocktail before hearing the words you can't stay long enough to enjoy it. Aside from lack of access to cocktails or finding yourself late night hungry, all else will sufficiently meet your needs - you'll have access to impeccable, well kept grounds, a hospitable front desk tram, clean (however dated) rooms with your basic amenities, and WiFi which you'll desperately need in the absence of cell signal in this area. Along with our stay as guests of La Playa, we attended a VERY memorable wedding event here, which the hotel staff handled beautifully. New friends and memories of a lifetime were made here! **Insider tip: forego the extra $$$ spend on an ocean view room and ask for a garden facing view in rooms 103-105 under the restaurant balcony. (If it's open, get room 103 for the in shower windows; you'll love the hot-shower/ocean breeze combo!). Ocean view rooms are all upstairs and none have balconies to sit on, but the garden rooms give you quick street level access to walk down to the sea and also have enormous patios to take a seat, sip a wine, and nosh on appetizers alfresco. read more

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*Was never contacted by La Playa Management as Jessica N. promised:(. Such a beautiful, lovely Hotel! Gorgeous and classically understated in a residential neighborhood of Carmel just blocks from the ocean! Someday I am going to stay here as a hotel guest. But probably not unless my sister moves to Cleveland :-) because she lives close and spoils me rotten). Decided to stop here today for a drink and a view of the ocean! Since it was a Monday and people are back from vacation and kids in school figured it might be a pretty chill place to hangout. Truth be told I had been on my way to Hyatt Carmel Highland Inn for a glass of bubbly and their million dollar ocean view! However, I took a short detour to visit Carmel Mission Inn because I love it so much. Maybe it was divine intervention :-) but all of a sudden La Playa popped into my mind. Trying to keep the positive up front, bartender, Brian, was fantastic! However he had no help and I had to schlep back and forth from the out door terrace to get drinks. That is so not cool for such an upscale hotel. I was shocked. Such a beautiful day on the terrace in a very comfy chair watching the ocean and the clouds! And me being my own wait person and receiving no 20 % tip for which I felt I was worthy LOL)). Four drinks and a delicious quesadilla appetizer later...and a $70 bill... which one would certainly expect at a high end resort. But what one would not expect is shuttling one's own drinks from the bar to the patio and visa versa! I feel like the management really needs to up their game with customer service! Until then I will probably just drive a couple more miles to Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn for champagne and oysters! By the way, I have a wonderful review for Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn if you ever find yourself in Carmel!:). In closing I want to say it is absolutely unforgivable management allows this type of customer service, either through lack of staffing and/or poor training, at a high end resort such as this. P.s. And of course I tipped Brian! read more

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Everything about this hotel was top notch. The location, ambiance, and service were all amazing. I will recommend it for all future travelers. read more

Labor Day weekend: I received a phone call 10 am the day of my reservation. Bags packed keys in hand they tell me they have had a reservation system glitch and double booked the hotel. After asking, only offering a voucher for another weekend. Unapologetic and not working to secure me other accommodations. So much for decades of loyalty. This heads up should have come much earlier with more assistance and comps. Very disappointing especially from this iconic hotel. read more

Bar food service is weak and uninteresting. Weak menu with odd combinations of food which are strange and disappointing. read more

Wow, what a wonderful experience!!! The customer service here is absolutely top notch. Kathleen at the front desk was an absolute gem and everyone at breakfast was over the top kind and accommodating. We chatted with Claudia at breakfast and she was one of the sweetest people we have ever met. This hotel definitely goes to extra mile to win your heart with complimentary full breakfast in the morning, sangria or wine every afternoon, and chocolate chip cookies in the evening. The breakfast itself is out of this world as well, mimosas, espresso bar, pastries, breakfast burritos, avocado toast, plus hot made to order waffles and eggs any way. Superb! The rooms were recently remodeled, clean, chic, and cozy with thoughtful finishing touches. Their grounds are lush and well maintained with stretches of beautifully manicured gardens and vibrant flowers. They are a block and a half from the beach and less than a 10 minute walk to all the downtown bustle. They also have a complimentary shuttle if that is too far for you! Such an incredible hotel we will without a doubt be returning. read more

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Awesome hotel, awesome staff, warm & cozy! We had a girl's trip to Carmel & stayed at the LaPlaya! Let's get started with our 5 star review. Upon arrival we were greeted with a fabulous bottle of champagne by Hesus, thank you! Our lovely patio waitress, Brenda went over & beyond to accommodate us! Michael our driver was the BEST - took us everywhere with smiles and grace! H'euse, our waiter on the fire patio got us all of our exotic latte's, cappuccino's, Greek yogurt out of the kitchen with such a positive vibe! THANKING ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR KINDNESS & WELCOME WE LOVED OUR STAY AND WILL BE BACK! THANK YOU! Sandra Tricamo, Sandy Choate, Madi Brown & Lynn Andrews! read more

La Playa Hotel - Yoga on the Carmel by the Sea Beach - Hotels Near Me - Carmel, California

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This place is magical....more review and pictures to come, too busy enjoying it. The beauty, the scents, the sounds, the proximity to the ocean, the service....it truly is a gem. read more

Hi Rachel, As of today there has not been one person trying to contact me about what happened, and as I read down the list of reviews this happened to multiple people over the past weekend. If u don't want to respond truthfully here I can go to the other social media outlets I have and post my thoughts about the way we were treated. Bottom line, it's just terrible customer service. You ruined our weekend and it looks like you did the same to many others. read more

Booked a garden view room, and was sent a message at 8pm the night prior to check in that they oversold the hotel and could not accommodate us. No offer to help or sort it out, just left out to dry. read more

La Playa Hotel - Hotels Near Me - Carmel, California

We loved our stay at La Playa, everyone was amazing. The grounds are beautiful and something out of a garden book, the staff was top notch and completely took care of any needs we had. Alan helped us a few times and was the most amazing person here, assisting us with reservations and anything we needed, greeting us with a smile. In fact, everyone there greeted us with a smile and said hi. Jorge was our server at the amazing free breakfast and always took care of anything we needed to eat or drink. He always made sure we had a full mimosa and hot coffee. Miguel ran the waffle and omelette counter very efficiently, always with a smile. I can't say enough about the most relaxing and beautiful hotel in Carmel. The bar reminds me of a Gatsby-era dark and intimate setting with very tasty libations. They even have a dime time where, at the bartender's discretion for 10 minutes, you can get a drink for a dime. Let's talk about the walkabouts; great location as it's close to the beach yet near all the shops. There's also a swimming pool for those who want to swim. We were lucky enough to catch a beautiful wedding at the site. Very well done, La Playa. Can't wait to see you guys soon! Oh, and thanks to Chi for loading our luggage! read more

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Staff and management are super nice and really do a good job making you feel welcome! The rooms are a bit older but not horrible, we had an ocean view room and it was great waking up to the ocean! The complimentary breakfast was actually really good as well which was the cherry on top. You are walking distance from the ocean and also the little downtown area with a bunch of shops so the location is great! There were only 2 cons during my stay there, the walls are VERY VERY thin, as in we could hear every single word that was being said upstairs, I knew more about that lady's life than I could ever care about and secondly during covid A LOT of folks were not adhering to the mask rules posted around the hotel, I would say almost 40% of the folks there were not wearing masks and I did not see any sort of enforcement. Aside from these two things it was a great stay and I was very happy! read more

I did a road trip up the coast and this was my favorite stay by far!!! The hotel is stunning, and the bar is beyond beautiful. They have sangaria in the afternoons, and the FREE champagne breakfast was incredible. On this trip I've stayed at 4 hotels that offer "breakfast", but this is the real deal. So many options. Best part is you're only 2 blocks from amazing art galleries, tons of shops, and restaurants. Perfect location!! Best hotel in my 7 days trip!!!! read more

Old school Carmel charm, La Playa Carmel is big and one of the oldest in the area. Therefore, no big parking lot, no elevator, no air conditioning, but big on style, comfort and views. Included is a huge breakfast buffet overlooking the ocean. Our room was very large, direct views of the ocean and sunsets, sunrises, beautiful. Short walk into main shopping area, very convenient. The weather was perfect when we were there, wondered what it would be like in the heat of summer or a cold winter day, without A.C. Nice three night stay, very solid front desk support, beautiful classic bar downstairs. Wonderful. read more

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My lovely wife surprised me with a trip to beautiful Carmel By The Sea - a paradise for couples in love - to reflect and celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, JR. Michael, the LeBron James of the hotel (he does it all), greeted us at our car, put us in VIP parking (directly in front); carried our bags to our luxury suite; and made himself available to take care of everything - wine, sangria, y todo - Michael is why we would return. All was going great, until the crack of dawn on day two - when, out of nowhere the property was overrun by the loudest, most obnoxious, misbehaved children, this man has ever seen. Why, in the name of Padre Junipero Serra do parents think it is a good idea to turn their misfits loose on tax-paying citizens? Why is it acceptable for these malcontents to scream at all hours of the day and night? When did it become socially acceptable for parents to allow their kids to scream in public? The unruly precious ones scream for attention, when happy or sad, sulking, tired, not getting their way, excited, to get the food or drink they want. They scream at the pool or gym, in parking lots, restaurants, churches, libraries, airplanes! Recently, my special celebration lunch at a high-end restaurant was spoiled by a trio of short screamers. I removed my kids from even McDonalds if that behaviour broke out. Scream, you go out to the car under my arm. What's to be done? Stare, say something, scream louder at the kid or the parents? Would it be okay if I were to constantly kick the back of your seat on an airplane, because I've had one too many glasses of Veuve Clicquot? read more

La Playa Hotel - The Discerning Latino - Hotels Near Me - Carmel, California

Wow!! Best Hotel experience ever. Arrived during Sangria hour at 4:30, which is served in the lobby. Made myself at home watching the sunset. Then walked around Carmel as the sun went down. It's perfectly safe and everyone is walking around in the dark, no need to drive. We got food 7 min away in the shopping plaza of Monterey. Breakfast was chorizo breakfast burritos, yogurt + granola, fruit, tea/coffee/ mimosas, and cheese + craisins; all served on a takeout tray from Buds Bar. The beach is so close! You can feel the history in this place, so homey. Thanks to Erica, the front desk lady, we had many trips to the lobby for sangria and the nightly cookies (served warm!!). If I could relive the weekend, I would! I would love to go back sometime. Tips: There are no elevators so be ready to climb some stairs. read more

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On of the best places we have stayed. Very friendly staff and accommodations were incredible. Breakfast was one of the best and the people working took care of you and always smiled at you read more

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Lovely hotel great service, nice views, warm pool, excellent breakfast. The only reason I don't give it a 5 star review is that they have the history of the hotel wrong. It says that the original owner Angela Ghirardelli Christensen died swimming off the coast of Carmel but it was her niece Alida Ghirardelli . They need to update their staff and take down the photo in the hallway that says Angela died tragically. She in fact lived into her 70's... they are perpetuating wrong information. read more

Beyond beautiful property located 2 blocks from the beach. Formerly a mansion has been converted to a LUXURY HOTEL. We checked it out, and had drinks at rooftop lounge. Beyond lovely is a understatement. read more

La Playa Hotel - Classic Vodka Martini - Hotels Near Me - Carmel, California

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This hotel is superb. We have been coming here for my bday for the past three years and we are never going to go to another hotel in Carmel. La Playa is THE best hotel in Carmel. I kind of wish it could remain a little hidden gem, but they truly deserve to get all the recognition and business they have!! It has the old charm, but with a modern and elevated twist. It has history, it has good food (dare i say THE best champagne breakfast I've ever had in the US since living here for 7 years), good drinks, amazing atmosphere. The rooms are cozy and everything is curated to the last small detail. I absolutely love it. I wish I could live here ahahah! The staff is also amazing and super friendly. It is in a central location but also not in the middle of the city where it gets crowded during the weekend, you can still walk to all the shops and the beach but without the traffic you get when you're right on Ocean Ave. I can't wait for my bday next year to go back!!!!!!!!! read more

Wow !!!! Alll I have to say . When I booked online through Hotwire I didn't choose per say that specific hotel, but I was happily surprised when it showed up on my website. On arrival we weren't greeted in a friendly way, more so that we booked 3rd party and that's not really a way to do at this snoby place it was more of why would you do that you're really not saving anything, even though we payed Hotwire we were additionally paying $260 in all that showed up on creditcard . After we called back to ask why they said they would remove it - but didn't!!! Then I check back on their website later on and see that they have a price match guarantee they would honor. Not for us .. if the hotel thinks that their exclusivity is so special than please don't advertise yourself on other websites to get booked by a cheaper rate . If you don't needed the money you would not do that . On top of that I felt embarrassed about it and it wasted enjoyable, because he put us on the loudest part of the hotel, where the neighbors dog barked constantly. Just unfriendly and farty old timey. read more

My husband and I came to Carmel for a long weekend. We stayed at La Playa Carmel and loved it!! The hotel is old (in the way that it is full of history) and has been very well maintained and upgraded. The gardens are amazing! Each morning there is a continental breakfast. We ate at the hotel all three mornings because the food was so good! In the evenings there is complimentary sangria and warm chocolate cookies!! The front desk staff were so kind and welcoming. We absolutely loved our stay in Carmel. The hotel is on the far end of the Main Street but the walk is not so bad plus there is a complimentary car that will come pick you up if you desire. The ocean view from the hotel is so nice to! read more

La Playa Hotel - La Playa Carmel - Hotels Near Me - Carmel, California

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The whole experience from check-in to check-out was nothing less than five star service. Food and drinks were amazing. Ambience and overall cleanliness of the rooms and building are worthy of praise We will definitely come back! read more

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Pet owners, make sure you read the fine print! No dogs over 40 lbs, and quite a discriminatory policy of "no pit bulls and pit bull mixes". I guess antiquated hotel, antiquated dog policy, especially with a $250 pet price tag per stay? Looked like a nice place, but I will unfortunately have to take my $700 / night somewhere else. read more

The ambiance is lovely but the bar waitress and bartender are terrible. After waiting a long time in the bar area we went and got our own drinks to the bar area. We asked for some appetizers and the bar waitress reacted like we were bothering her. Great place but needs new friendly help. read more

Do not go if the bartender with tattoos is working. Aguyar is his name I think. he's rude and obnoxious and picks up glasses by the rims, spreading germs. This is very dangerous as sick people still go out and if he doesn't wash his hands other people will get sick, really sick. his behavior at New Years eve was the worst I have seen in years, pushing passed people and telling them to move without asking politely if he can get by. Its a shame as I like this hotel and the bar scene. My wife and I will not be back read more