Finding this place was really easy, it's right by the river. The main reason that we chose this hotel was because it was dog friendly. When we were checking in it seemed like we were hit with problem after problem, which was a terrible welcoming after our long drive. The initial meeting made the rest of our stay at River View Lodge very uncomfortable... let me tell you about it.
We had 2 rooms reserved, both rooms having 2 queen sized beds. The woman in the front office franticly told us that Room 10 had plumbing problems so we couldn't go in. Because of Room 10 being unavailable she informed us that we would be receiving 3 rooms, we were accepting, but very confused as to what was happening. I'm assuming Room 10 had a double bed so in return she gave us two rooms with single beds in it, I figured that much out after we saw all 3 rooms. If the issue was presented to us differently we could have taken 1 room with a double bed and 1 room with a single bed, but that's already done and over with.
Once that situation was settled we informed her that we have a small dog with us. Her face filled with frustration and she started shaking her head, "I don't do dogs." We explained to her how the website says they are dog friendly and that there is a sign right next to us saying, "$20 pet fee." Her response was that she is going to change it, everything is going down, "after this last week, I don't do dogs." I told her that my dog is 6lbs and won't be a bother, but she said, "I don't care if it's a 6lb dog or a 50lb dog, I don't do dogs." We were about ready to leave and asked where else we could go. She then said we can stay with our dog, but not to tell anyone, "after 13 years of allowing dogs" blah blah blah. I felt like whatever incident happened last week, she was taking out her frustration on me. NOT COOL. I paid the $20 fee, and signed the pet rule paper. When she took us to our rooms she pointed out the doggy bags... they seemed to be still dog friendly.
Proper steps need to be taken when transitioning to new policies before disputing with your guests. Step 1, change your advertising and allow time for the public to adhere, don't get mad at me because I couldn't read your mind and traveled with my dog.
Another thing to add, when giving us the tour the woman told us how the place is 100 years old. Using that fun fact almost as an excuse. Being 100 years old is no excuse for having bad mattresses and dusty, out dated décor. 1 star for the free room, and 1 star for the breakfast which consisted of good coffee, instant oatmeal, packaged pastries, and assorted fruit. Won't be coming back here again, I'm sticking with Airbnb next time. read more