Disappointing Experience at the Driftwood Room - October 5
I…read morehesitated before leaving this review because I have fond memories of the Driftwood Room and Hotel deLuxe. I lived just a block away during my years in Portland and recently returned to the city, hoping to revisit a place that was once part of my life. I'll actually be returning to Portland next week, so I wanted to stop in, support the hotel, and recapture a little of that nostalgia.
Unfortunately, my experience on October 5 was disappointing.
The Driftwood Room was extremely busy, with what appeared to be nearly 30 guests inside, yet there was only one bartender working behind the bar. There also appeared to be a soccer match letting out nearby, bringing even more people into the area and adding to the crowd. One bartender was left trying to manage an overwhelming volume of guests while drinks and food orders continued to come through.
As someone who works in the service industry, I genuinely felt bad for the bartender. They continued serving guests despite the pressure, but the staffing situation was simply unacceptable for a hotel bar experiencing that level of business. Your employees deserve the support and staffing necessary to do their jobs properly, and guests deserve service that doesn't leave one person trying to manage an entire packed bar alone. How does a hotel allow this to happen on such a busy evening?
The other disappointment was the price. I ordered a gin Bee's Knees, which ended up being the most expensive cocktail I purchased during my evening out. At $18, it was noticeably more expensive than comparable cocktails I had elsewhere that night, where I paid $12 at Teardrop Lounge, Nines Hotel.
At that price point, I expect an experience that feels worth it, and unfortunately, the overall visit fell short.
What makes this particularly disappointing is that I returned with genuine affection for the Driftwood Room and the memories I associate with Portland. I wanted to support the establishment, not criticize it. Instead, I left with an impression that was far removed from the experience I remembered.
I will be back in Portland, and I hope the Driftwood Room can once again be a place I enjoy visiting. But management needs to take a serious look at staffing levels, especially during major events and busy evenings. You cannot expect one bartender to adequately serve a bar packed with nearly 30 people without providing additional support.
This review isn't intended to take anything away from the bartender, who appeared to be doing their best under difficult circumstances. My criticism is directed at management and the decisions that left them in that position.
I wanted to love my return visit. Sadly, I left disappointed. Please do better for your guests, your employees, and the reputation of a bar that holds fond memories for people who have lived in and loved Portland.
