Greetings! Let me start by saying that I'm a secret shopper who evaluates luxury hotels and coaches…read morecustomer service professionals, including front desk associates and reservation agents. While I understand this isn't a five-star luxury property, exceptional customer service should be the standard in any hospitality setting.
We chose this hotel because we were told it had been recently renovated, and its location--just five minutes from our destination--made it an easy choice.
Upon arrival, the lobby was completely empty, so check-in should have been a smooth and welcoming experience. We were greeted by Kia. She was polite, but her demeanor lacked the warmth and hospitality I expect from someone who is the first point of contact for guests. I understand everyone has off days, but in the hospitality industry, making guests feel welcome is a fundamental part of the job.
The lobby and overall aesthetics were clean and nicely updated, so I have no complaints there.
During check-in, we asked if complimentary room upgrades were available. Kia confirmed that the hotel does offer upgrades, but after checking the system, she simply said she couldn't provide one. No explanation was offered. I asked if the hotel was fully booked for the weekend, hoping that would explain it, but instead I was met with a blank stare and no response.
We also requested a late checkout, and once again she looked in the system and simply said she couldn't accommodate it. Had she explained that the hotel was at capacity or that there was another reason, we would have completely understood. Instead, the interaction felt dismissive and left us feeling like our questions were an inconvenience.
Fortunately, our experience later that evening was much different. After returning from being out all day, we asked the night auditor about a late checkout, and she immediately accommodated our request. She was friendly, pleasant, and genuinely eager to help. That interaction demonstrated exactly the kind of hospitality we had hoped to receive from the beginning.
As for the room, it was fine. It was clean, which I always appreciate, but the bed wasn't especially comfortable, and the pillows left much to be desired. Since we were only staying one night, it was manageable.
Unfortunately, the biggest issue came overnight. We returned to the hotel around 1:30 a.m. and finally settled in around 2:00. At approximately 7:00 a.m., we were jolted awake by the hotel's fire alarm. Anyone who has experienced a hotel fire alarm knows just how loud and startling they are--which, of course, they should be if there's an actual emergency.
As it turned out, the alarm had been triggered because someone burned a waffle in the breakfast area. Yes, a burnt waffle. Four fire trucks responded, which at least reassured us that the local fire department responds quickly in the event of a real emergency.
After that unexpected wake-up call, all I wanted was a hot cup of regular coffee. Unfortunately, the breakfast area only had decaffeinated coffee available. For a hotel serving breakfast, not having caffeinated coffee was surprising and disappointing. After a night of limited sleep and an early-morning fire alarm, that was the final straw for me.
When we checked out, Kia was back at the front desk. She appeared somewhat surprised that we were checking out later than the standard time, but her demeanor remained unchanged. Again, she wasn't rude--just not particularly welcoming or engaging.
Overall, this hotel wasn't terrible. It was clean, conveniently located, and appeared to be recently renovated. However, hospitality is about more than updated furnishings. Friendly, attentive, and communicative customer service can make up for many shortcomings, and unfortunately, that was the hotel's biggest weakness during our stay. Thankfully, the excellent service from the night auditor showed that the level of hospitality I was looking for does exist at this property. I only wish that same experience had started the moment we walked through the front door.