We were in San Diego recently for a wedding. The Empress Hotel was on the Bride and Groom's list of suggestions for places to stay. After dealing with the crazy traffic from the airport, we finally reached our destination. The hotel is an older building situated perfectly in La Jolla. The beach, shops and many restaurants are within walking distance. We parked in the structure across the street, easy and straight-forward and not too expensive. Our room was comfy and clean. It seems that the room has been renovated recently, since the bathroom shower's grout and caulking looked fresh, not mildew like you'd see in other places. The A/C worked nicely and the cable's channel selection was acceptable. The 'Continental Breakfast' is pretty much a bust. We saw some boiled eggs, minimal fruit and a small amount of pastries to choose from. Not to forget the VERY strong coffee in the self-serve thermoses. I suggest you take a small walk to find restaurants with Great menus to choose from. Nightly they have entertainment in the bar/restaurant located on the first floor. We had several family members gathered here from all over the country and thought this would be a cool place to catch up on things. WELL, the music was quite loud, the entertainer had a great voice and played several instruments, but, we could not even compete with him, so we started to sing along. It was a hoot, when he heard us singing, he turned up the volume. We had a great laugh and good time sipping several cocktails as the night went on. Our enjoyable stay at the Empress Hotel helped make our family wedding event even more memorable. read more

Every summer, my musician brother comes from Chicago to play in the La Jolla Summerfest so my family takes this opportunity to spend a week or so in this lovely town. Through trial and error over the years, we've discovered that this is the ideal hotel for my parents to stay at because: * It's super close to the music festival * It's in the heart of the town, so you can walk everywhere * The rooms have nice amenities, including a free breakfast * The price range is rather reasonable, considering the high median price of hotels in the area The hotel front desk people are always friendly and helpful, have a basket of apples full at all times, and do logical things like check ID when I'm trying to get a key to my parents' room when they are out. There is a restaurant (Manhattan of La Jolla) with live music adjacent to the lobby, and it's always busy in the evenings. The business center - basically a room with 2 computers and a printer - is conveniently accessible 24/7, and there's a kitchen and gym in the lower lobby that guests can use anytime (La Jolla Sports Club is across the street, and Summerfest participants are given free passes). The rooms have safes, mini refrigerators, toiletries (including a glass jar of cotton balls and Q-Tips and a shower cap), coffee makers, hair dryers, etc. - and the mattresses, multiple pillows and linens are comfy and soothing. My parents are particularly fond of their surprisingly comprehensive all you can eat breakfast (included in the room rate). In addition to the usual "continental breakfast" fare (GOOD coffee, tea, hot chocolate, juices, cold and hot cereals, toast, bagels, sweet rolls, make your own waffle station with butter and syrup, muffins, fruit), they also have yogurt, peeled hard-boiled eggs, and even little individual-serve peanut butter with the butter and cream cheese and jam that is available. For $250-ish per room per night, it's not a cheap hotel - but there are lesser quality rooms in the neighborhood going for the same rate so if you consider the hearty breakfast that's available each morning, it's a good deal. An even better deal can be had if you are part of the Summerfest and therefore can get the $169-ish per night rate! The only thing that is challenging is the parking situation: they charge for it ($13 per day, including ins and outs, valet only) or you can hope for a spot on the street and remember to move your car before 9am in the morning (because all the parking is one hour max between 8am and 6pm). However the challenging parking is the same all over this town, so I can't fault the hotel for that. All in all, this is a nice place to stay - and super convenient for walking to every single fun thing in town! read more

Empress Hotel La Jolla - Shoe shiner - in each hallway, next to the elevator - Hotels Near Me - La Jolla, California

Stayed for the 1st time the end of Feb, 2022.. The room rates were quite hight ($325 per night) for this time of year but i wanted a clean, well appointed and great location property. I must say the service was NOT woth the $$$ at all...NO ONE cleaned our room nor were there ANY services available.... The room was dated and needed updating thus should not expect a "premium" price on an outdated product... read more

The hotel is clean enough and nice enough, the bed was comfortable, but it has one huge flaw that is simply unforgivable: The door between the bathroom and the bedroom is SLATTED. It's like wooden blinds that aren't even closed all the way. Steam, light, SMELLS, and SOUNDS, all travel right through the door as if it wasn't even there. Why even have a bathroom door if it offers none of the things that bathroom doors are used for? What kind of person chooses slatted open doors to put on all the bathroom doors in a hotel building? Either someone who doesn't poop or someone who likes hearing it and smelling it. Enjoy the delightful smells and sounds of everything your co habitants do in there. Next time I'll find a hotel that has actual doors on the bathrooms that provide actual privacy. read more

This use to be one of my favorite hotels but the new owners have let it get run down and dirty. I asked for maid service and the assistant manager argued With me and as I walked away made a rude comment. The room was dirty when we arrived and the same dirt and debris was being n the carpet five days later when we checked out. And did I mention the cockroaches? I use to bring tour groups through there but never again! Goodbye Empress Hotel. I'm done me with you. read more

The room was clean, veryyy comfortable bed and pillows and the staff were SO helpful! We especially needed help with handing out welcome bags to our guests for our wedding and they went above and beyond to make the process seem less. Restaurant is excellent and location is unbeatable. Definitely recommend! read more

Free cookies in the lobby for guests. Front desk staff was very helpful with restaurant recommendations. The room was clean. Walking distance to many restaurants and shops and Seal Cove. Complimentary continental breakfast. read more

I've been waiting for a second to write this review. I decided to stay here after walking past a few times and seeing how close the location was to the beach and restaurants. I found a good deal and booked ASAP. There was a place to park your car take your things to your room and the option of car valet. I decided to drive down the street and was still helped with my bags. Facilities: really clean and room service for my wine. They have a "turn down" time when they come fluff your pillows and give you chocolate. I wish I was joking. Price: really affordable considering it's La Jolla. I've paid more for less than. Would I recommend to a friend ? Yes Would I return ? Heck yes I won't stay anywhere else. The only complaint I would have is the work our facilities but there's about five yoga studios near by and most do first time free read more

This is a great hotel. It's my home away from home. The staff goes extra mile. Breakfasts are great with lots of variety and the coffee is strong. Love it. It is also very clean and spacious. I have medical treatment in La Jolla and it's my home away from home! read more

Don't stay here...This hotel will not offer maid service you have to ask to change your sheets or towels by yourself while you stay here so be prepared and they won't clean your garbage!! No one will come into your room for service Thy have no trash cans to take your garage out. Second time staying here for a short vacation. Location is why would only stay here. 2 star would of give it but here is why they have old soft mushy smelly polyester sheets the beds horrible - sinkable, mush soft old pillows that smell like cheap non down and cheap old -gross worn soiled carpets in rooms and entire hotel stained and smelly- No drinking water bottles even are offers in room. Constant comet disgusting tea no herbal tea- they abs no coffee offer maker 4 packets gross tea and a pile paper cups packs in room. The AC is noisy and does not work well it can be heard all night hey problem never cleaned the vents- AC barely comes out so you need to open your windows. You can hear guests from room below, side by side paper thin walls!!They moved my room by the elevator and could hear the people in and out in the halls and the maid go in and out of all night starting at 5am till 10pm. The windows barley open so you can't get fresh air they are the old windows sliders and open a crack 2 inches on each side. We heard at 5am woken by the maids out in the hallway every night. Stayed here 3 nights. Smelly dirty carpets in the hallways the elevator was dirty and furniture was filthy and tattered. I felt the place was not disinfected and clean. Do not walk on the carpets if you stay here without socks or shoes you are risking getting something or Covid. No food in the hotel the resturant opens from Wednesday to Sunday from 5-9pm and is old Italian expensive food no room serviced offered. in room- NO amenities- only dispensers soap in shower. Shower has old tile no bathtub and needs upgraded shower door and the shower door does not stay shut. Toliet needs upgraded plumbing does not flush properly. if you want water they tell you to go get it from the vending machine!!!! $189.00 a night $24.00 for parking self parking a night seriously!!Marshmallow Beds. This hotel property has not been remodeled in over 15 years and what is more gross is that they had a whole year during COVid to clean and upgrade and none of that happened. We Used the stairs the entire time because the elevator was slow and filthy only used once to check in and check out! No one is ever at the front desk behind inside a plexiglass station. Front Desk told us at checkin you won't have any no maid service! no water in room no food in hotel offered no mini bar. Once you check in-all other hotels have maid service now FYI-The furniture coffee table same from 5 years or 10 years old furniture was sticky not clean. beaten, moldy windows from the sea air from 1970's decor. The rooms were not disinfected before you stay so had to put down towels on the tables and chairs. At this point we realized this is the only hotel not doing maid service or offering and amenities food water. No pool FYI! If you want to stay in La Jolla defiantly find a cleaner upgraded hotels as this hotel had not been upgraded in 15 plus years! The lobby is uninviting with 1970's old furniture and tile The entire hotel needs painting, new carpets, inside and needs upgraded asap inside and the rooms need upgraded new beds new furniture and outlets-ASAP. WiFi you have to log into every couple hours kicks you off! Would not return again unless it was remodeled upgraded and cleaned and ripped out all the carpets and had food and maid service available. Don't wast your $$$. read more

Kind service, clean rooms, great location! The bathroom was clean and fairly large for the room. Staff was very knowledgable and recommended great seafood restaurants around the village. Great stay and glad to have booked this hotel! read more

We have had a beyond fabulous experience at Empress! After a building fire at home, we have been on extended stay at Empress Hotel during the remodel. John, Spencer, Sara, Seamus and the whole crew have been exceptionally accommodating and cool to our family (my husband, doggie and kitty). The Empress policy "Pets welcome, kids on a leash" is perfect for us! Of course,all well behaved pets. The hotel accommodations are a classy, yet modern remodel of a historic hotel, with all the right upgrades and finishes...even a grand piano in our room! We highly recommend staying here and will be sure our friends and family stay when they visit read more

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Nice hotel near the ocean with plenty of Restaurants and shops within walking distance. NO pool or workout room, just a decent size room with Fridge, microwave, safe, and good shower. The only downside is parking. Street parking during the day is limited to 1 or 2 hours, Valet parking is $28 a day (plus tips!). We were good most of the day, so it was not an issue for us. May be hard to find street parking at high season though.... read more

We came down from Davis and we were looking for some quality beach fun times. The staff (shamus?) was very helpful and gave us a bunch of great tips on where to go and where the good beach spots were. The best part was the beach gear (chairs, towels, umbrella) they lent out. Made a huge difference! The room was nice. The location was perfect for walk out the door and explore. Breakfast was simple and easy on a pleasant patio. Parking was surprisingly easy to manage a free spot (though you have to move it after 8 am). Definitely will stay here again next time we are in the area. read more

This hotel was booked for me and I am so glad that it was. The location is amazing at just a few blocks from the main street in La Jolla and the beach. Living the dang dream! On top of its amazing location, the staff were super helpful and kind during my entire stay. They even upgraded my room to a King room so that I could check in an hour or so early (which was much needed after a long day of travel). They were equally as accommodating with everything I needed after that as well. They offer a HUGE continental breakfast during your stay here. They have the typical spread of waffles, cereal, tons of pastries, juice, coffee, etc etc. Definitely nothing to complain about and there is a really wide selection of stuff. Definitely would stay here again if I came down to La Jolla! read more

Should you expect more from a room that was total $361 per night???? No bottled water in room, had to pay for it at the desk Second floor facing busy street Room backed up to the elevator ...need I say more Poor WiFi Second day room was not cleaned. Found out you had to request for it. I did at 4PM and they said it was too late. No breakfast and they blame it on Covid. Been to other hotels recently where they served breakfast. read more

Down in San Diego area for a couple of days. Chose Empress Hotel as close to UCSD for my appointments. Very pleased. Room is good. Quiet. Shower is really nice and rest of bathroom is good as well. Comfortable bed and very nice furniture for the room. Windows open so I can get fresh air at night. Short walk to ocean to view seals and watch sunset. Early morning walk around area finds local coffee house that opens at 4:30am. Easy walk to restaurants, CVS and Vons, coffee houses and tourist gift items. Would definitely stay here again if/when I'm down here. read more

Wonderful place to stay.We stayed for our 5 year anniversary and my husband set up the jacuzzi suite with champagne and chocolates.. and rose petals on bed..so beautiful.All the staff was great,everything was easy and accessible.We will be back..maybe even bring the kiddos next time.You can tell employees get treated well there because the staff is happy and attentive.Thanks for the hospitality read more

Empress Hotel La Jolla - Our beautiful room - Hotels Near Me - La Jolla, California

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We got there right about 2pm on a Wednesday and were able to check in right away. We didn't have a view, but we spent such little time in the room during our trip, it didn't matter. It's nice they have a fridge and microwave to use at no extra cost, too. The only problem we encountered was the A/C. It was really hot this week, and we wanted a super chilled room (we also run very hot when we sleep). The AC has the power of naturally exhaling through your nose, and the change in temperature/fan speed on the thermostat had no effect. The front desk had a fan brought to our room, and that significantly helped! Less than 5 minute walk to Shell Beach, several coffee shops, and little restaurants, this was a great location. read more

If I can give 0 I would the costumer service is horrible and unprofessional the stuff especially the security in the pool teardrop another level very bored and nothing else to do just bought a customer I'm just at the hotel for no reason the only positive thing about this hotel is the guest nothing else read more

Spent the day with my friend here while she was staying and I cannot wait to stay here myself. The rooms were comfortable and spacious. Plenty of closet space for all her things. We enjoyed a meal downstairs and I was very impressed not only by the food but the service as well. Gorgeous hotel and close to the beach and shops. I'm considering having my wedding reception here as the garden room would be perfect for this! 5 stars all the way! read more

Fun little hotel. Weird vibe walking through hallways because out was a retirement home before hotel. Love the velvety walls in the lobby. Great location top walk around la jolla, or down to the beach. Rooms are getting renovated to look nice, but there were some issues with the construction (e.g. broken shower soap racks, unsealed light fixture above the shower). Stayed there because it was convenient and cheaper than other hotels in the area. If looking for a cheap leaveto stay in La Jolla, check it out. read more

Empress Hotel La Jolla - Nicely renovated room, high ceilings, comfortable bed. - Hotels Near Me - La Jolla, California

We greatly enjoyed our stay at the Empress Hotel! The hotel was clean, charming and perfectly located. We were able to walk to the beach, shops and tons of great restaurants. The woman who checked us in on Friday was so welcoming and warm, great first impression for our weekend stay. We will be back, hopefully soon! And they have the cutest patio for outdoor dining with their on site restaurant. read more

My wife and I stayed at the Empress boutique-style hotel the night before our Torrey Pines beach wedding in order to spend time together and get away from the hub bub of family and friends stress. 1) The valet over-night parking, while expensive like all spots in La Jolla, was exactly what we needed to spare us the worry of finding parking and getting more stressed. 2) The concierge/check-in was extremely kind and upgraded our room for free to the top floor away from the loud elevator area. She also wished us luck and happiness for our BIG day. 3) Our room was comfortable, spacious, and had a much better vibe than a regular hotel room. We quickly dropped and organized our stuff (including my wedding dress and her outfit) and walked right down to the restaurant in the lobby for a very late dinner. 4) Things close early in La Jolla, so we had slim pickings without having to drive somewhere, but the albeit expensive restaurant, The Manhattan, in the lobby was just what we needed. (I'll write a separate review) 5) The windows in the hallways were kept open and we thoroughly enjoyed the sound of the seagulls and smelling the salty air both at night and in the morning. 6) The bed was super cozy and so were the pillows. 7) Just like when we came in, the front desk was extremely kind and wished us the best for our big day. In all, The Empress isn't a hotel we would normally stay at, this was a sort of splurge for our wedding even. But it did not disappoint. If you are looking to stay somewhere for a nice getaway, Empress is definitely your place. read more

We booked this vacation as a last minute quick getaway to celebrate my daughters birthday. From the moment we walked through the doors to the second we left, we were greeted with constant smiles and hellos. They made awesome accommodations and upgraded our room upon learning it was my daughters birthday. Our dog was welcomed with open arms and they provided bowls and treats for his stay. The attached restaurant was amazing and decently priced for the Italian cuisine. My daughter wanted it for every meal. We have found our new home when we travel back to the San Diego area!! read more

Extreme friendly staff, clean hotel, comfy beds. I had messed up my reservation and came here one week earlier than my reservation!!ugh...can you believe it? They had rooms available and switched the dates without any hassle. They even upgraded my room to the best rooms with the same price. I think at the end, what matters the most when you're traveling or dining out, is the hospitality of the people that serve you. You've been awesome! Thank you. I'll be back again read more

This place is super classy. Nice place and the house keepers are super chill. House keepers fix up your room, and give you chocolates, my house keeper gave me extra chocolates! The breakfast here is legit, waffles, pastries, yogurt, cheese/crackers/meats, the basic continental stuff. You can eat as much as you want, buffet style. Parking is hard to find around this hotel, might as well go thru the valet, which covers you for a full day. The fitness center, is DEFINITELY NOT a fitness center! It is one, multiple purpose machine, in a little room. Glad I have 24 hour, because I was able to go to the one a couple blocks down. There is also a restaurant/bar here where people perform and have a good time. Apples are also in the lobby if you get hungry. read more

Favorite Getaway! Superior service, luxurious room, excellent location! Save on parking ... street/meter parking is not enforced on weekends (double check with front desk when you check-in). Complimentary breakfast is delightful. We love the location, literally a few minutes walk to La Jolla Cove, Bobboi Gelato, many shopping and dining spots. Orangetheory is around the corner, as well as another 1/2 dozen fitness studios. read more

We came here for our honeymoon and had an amazing experience. Beautiful hotel and very comfortable bed! The staff was wonderful especially Seamus ( I hope i spelled his name correctly)! He helped us with all our needs and even put us in their best room when he found out it was our honeymoon. He went the extra mile and made our stay even more special. Also there are tablets in the room that you can use to request your car from valet, to order room service, food, everything! All with a touch of a button. So convenient when you're in a hurry. I would recommend this hotel to every one! read more

I stayed at the Empress Hotel for just one night with my husband. I won the one-night stay as part of a charity raffle. The stay included valet parking and continental breakfast in the morning. The hotel is in a great location within La Jolla. Sparkcycle is right across the street if you spin. The Cottage is down the block for brunch. The Lot is in the next block for dinner and a movie. We walked to dinner at a Thai restaurant recommended to us by the gentleman at the front desk -- Ryan. Dinner was lovely. After dinner we enjoyed some comedy at the Comedy Store (also within walking distance to the hotel). Ryan was extremely helpful -- he had tons of recommendations for restaurants and things to do. Our room was lovely. There were chocolates on the pillow. Robes and slippers in the bathroom. In the morning we noticed we also had a view of the ocean from our room! The decor is beach-y and beautiful. My two cons -- there was a weird smell in the building. I kept smelling smoke or something that smelled like smoke. We didn't have the windows open so I'm not sure where that was coming from. Also, the bathroom door has slots in it so it is not as private as one might like there bathroom experience to be. The continental breakfast was decent. There was yogurt, cheese & meats, boiled eggs, bagels, muffins, waffles, coffee, and tea! There was a little patio off the courtyard that looked really cute but we didn't venture out there because it was still a little chilly. All in all we had a great stay and would certainly stay there again for a mini break. :) read more

Not the fanciest hotel but location was fantastic and the staff were friendly. Room was clean and exactly what we needed. I would definitely stay there again. The restaurant downstairs was okay but worth a try if you need an Italian meal in La Jolla! If you are willing to travel for Italian Enoteco Adriano in PB is pretty awesome. read more

The heart and soul of this hotel is a dedicated staff! Seamus, Larry, Sarah, Tita, Ryan, Antonio are the heart of a staff who see to every detail are handled explicitly. From the moment you arrive until the time you leave; everything is handled and your stay is beyond your expectations. You are in age center of LaJolla near all the shops; and right by the cove. It is a gem and one that is not to be missed! read more

I am actually here now and I had to write this review before I forget. I was in Room #507 and it was nice but had a horrible food smell (I'm guessing from the kitchen). I thought I would be able to stand it, but after an hour I couldn't take it anymore. I was here for my birthday with my family and it was really ruining my experience in La Jolla. I called the guest services and they were able to switch my room. Ahhhhh, I can breathe fresh air again. I was so happy and so appreciative for this and it made my night 100% better. Thank you very much Giovanni for making our mini family vacation comfortable, it really made it from 1 star to 5 star! read more

I read on yelp that the staff Shamus is great and when we went, he really was great and helpful. It was my first time going to La Jolla with my family and I had such a great time. I will definitely be back. All the other hotels around looked more worn out and tired. But the empress hotel was very welcoming and clean. The staff was great. This hotel is walking distance from the beach. There are so many restaurants around! I can't wait to go back. read more

The front-desk was very friendly. My friend was getting married down the street at the Cuvier Club so the hotel location was very convenient. My friend had 3 rooms booked: 2 double queen rooms and the spa suite. The spa suite was huge! It had a separate living room space with a coffeemaker, a tv, wet bar, mini fridge, and microwave. The bedroom had a Jacuzzi that was a few steps from the actual bed. The shower was very spa-like. Loved the toiletries also. Mouthwash and toothpaste/toothbrush, typical bath stuff, vanity kit, shoe mit. The beds were very soft...felt like a cloud. The standard double queen rooms have a microwave, mini fridge, and coffeemaker also. A tad smaller but we were still able to get a rollaway bed in there. Overall, loved the hotel. read more

Empress Hotel La Jolla - Bedroom for the spa suite. Forgot to take pics of th3 bathroom and Living area :| - Hotels Near Me - La Jolla, California

It was my first time here for a mini getaway weekend. I really enjoyed the stay with my husband and daughter. The gentlemen with glasses (forgot to get his name) was very friendly at the front desk. They have play pen available for no charge. The continental breakfast was as expected but can be better. What I really like about the hotel is the semi outdoor patio for breakfast. I think what's missing is a pool and hot tub! The location was great. Will definitely come back if I ever decide to visit La Jolla. They will charge for parking which is pricey so we did street parking. Just make sure you move it in the morning. read more

Other than the location, this place is boosvilleUSA. $200 is steep for mediocre service and accommodations. The French lady who takes the reservations is sweet but I felt like I had to repeat myself 20 million times during our conversation. Then there's the lack of cuteness and "sort of" valet and bag holding area. Nope and nope. I came, I slept, I left. I suggest you do the same, but elsewhere. read more

I'm a fan. Such a great boutique hotel with such a fantastic restaurant, Manhattans is old school, similar to Tracton's but better food and nicer. There are only 5 floors here and they have big jaccuzzi tubs, some ocean views, clean and beachy. Nice beds, couches, tv's. Feels like a one bedroom apt. A fitness room, a laundry space if you need to wash clothes. Apples are gratis if you need a snack as you arrive from a walk. Valet parking available. If you are lucky, you may find street parking but there is only 2 hour max. read more

Slightly less than perfectly adequate. ...especially for $200/night. Let's start with the positives, eh? -Located right in the middle of all of your La Jolla needs. - Thumbs up! -Overnight valet only $13 - Thumbs up! (Especially compared to the $35 in the Gaslamp) -Decently comfy beds. -Pretty good sized rooms too. -Free continental breakfast on a lovely... well... semi-lovely patio. Negatives? -Service. It's not that the service is bad necessarily, it's just not exactly efficient. All of the service people are nice enough, it just seems like they don't all know what they're supposed to do, how they're supposed to valet a car, or how they're supposed to take a reservation over the phone in less than 20 minutes. -No baths. Just a stand up shower thing. I don't always take a bath at hotels, but I'm not a fan of the just shower setup. -Old TVs. -Old Clocks. -Old Carpet. -Old sloooooow elevators. -Old everything. read more

I wandered into here yesterday afternoon since I was early for a meeting across the street. I am getting married over Labor Day weekend and thought I'd do some price checking on the hotel rooms as well as see how big they are. I was greeted by Seamus, and told him my situation: I need a large room, enough to accommodate 10-11 people for getting ready, close to my venue, and in a certain price range. He showed me three different rooms: the Spa Suite, the Superior King, and the Superior Double Queen. All the rooms were clean, beautiful, and spacious. I really enjoyed the Spa Suite and the Superior King. The couch in the Superior King folded out into a queen size bed which was a huge plus! Once he was finished with the tour, we went over dates and prices and he recommended that I get in touch with the sales manager Jean. I contacted Jean today and told her my situation and she helped me work a group deal since I'll have other wedding guests staying in the same hotel. The process was so easy and I'm so thankful! Wedding planning is stressful enough, and the fact that she was so accommodating, especially on such sort notice- totally impressed me! I ended up cancelling my original booking at the Estancia La Jolla and made reservations for the Empress instead. I spread the word around to my wedding party and guests and they will be booking here as well. Thank you again Seamus and Jean for your wonderful hospitality and excellent customer service. I can't wait to get ready on my big day here! read more