Since I didn't need to be at my conference in Virginia Beach until Monday, I figured I'd spend a couple of days in the Kiptopeke area to get some fishing in. The choices were camping or staying at a hotel. I didn't feel like loading my car up with camping, fishing and trade-show stuff, so I checked Yelp for reviews. Sunset Resort didn't have anything available, but the Kiptopeke Inn had plenty of rooms open and was comparably priced.
The rooms face outside, and my first impression was, hey this is where Earl (My Name is Earl) lives! The room had an identical set up.
Tip: Be sure to fully close your curtains or what happens in your room is there for all to see.
Nothing special about the room other than there is no bedside clock. I had my cell phone, but it is always nice to wake up, roll over and see the time without having to pick your phone up.
There is a microwave and a fridge in there. Flat screen TV, although it is satellite TV, so the channels are limited and some are kinda fuzzy. No plates, napkins or utensils in the room.
The pool looked nice, I didn't swim, but it was nicely lit at night.
So why the two stars? Well, first of all, this is a $70 per night hotel. I paid (with fees and taxes) ~$150.
The breakfast buffet is woeful. Several mini bagels, a few pastries, some mini muffins in plastic and not much else. Yeah, there was coffee and juice, but the cups aren't much bigger than shot glasses.
I overheard some other guests say the hotel wasn't ready for prime time and that they had no hot water in their shower. At least mine was ok!
After I was out fishing all day, I came back to take a shower and found although my bed was made, they hadn't replenished the tiny shampoos. After my shower I went down to the front desk to get one so I would be able to wash my hair in the morning. They were out of them (which is probably why they didn't resupply my room).
To their credit, I found two shampoo containers outside of my room in the morning.
So, overall, if this had been a $70 per night place, 4 stars, because my expectations would have been in line with the price (value). But given how short they fell compared to a Marriott at the same price, there is work to be done. I wouldn't dream of staying here again at the current price. read more