Just a little B-Dat getaway last February, Superb Owl weekend. As an IHG member, I booked online…read moreand paid AAA price to take advantage of a points promotion for 2 night stays. The special noted to management included that it was a Birthday getaway and something on the high floor, away from elevators and quiet would be appreciated. I know there are no guarantees for what room you get, but other properties, in the past, have at least read these notes and left a message of Happy Birthday for us at check-in. She have even put a handwritten note in the room.
When we arrived here, Ricky greeted us at check-in and set to get us settled. I inquired about the room and asked him if my Platinum Rewards upgrade had been assigned. He hesitated and said described the room I booked. Hmmm.... I went to the room assigned and oh - no, no, NO - it simply would not do. Immediately there was a moldy odor and the room was dark and I found dust in a couple of common areas which made me think it had been awhile since this room was occupied. We walked out on the balcony and saw we were on the back part of the parking lot and it was deserted. I guess they DID read the "quiet" request after all.
We returned to the lobby and I expressed my dismay. Ricky agreed, it is a pretty dark area, but he didn't think anything else was ready. No problem! You know we're here, we want to get some lunch, we'll head to the outlets on the hill and give you time to prep a room you would proudly put your mother in, Ricky. He smiled a knowing smile and said, 'Got it. Ok, I've got your cell on file, I'll text you when its ready.' 'Do you think that might be before 5pm?' 'Ummm...it should be.' Well, yes, it SHOULD be....
We went to the outlet, had some lunch and did some shopping. We were tired and in need of a nap before dinner. Our drive was 2 hours to the hotel, now another 2.5 hours on our feet and we were DONE! But no text yet. We decided to head back.
The look on his face told me he forgot either: 1) to text or 2) to ask the room to get made up or 3) to make sure it was ready or 4) who we were. It was definitely 1, with some 3 and a pinch of 4. Then recognition set in and he was off like a rabbit 'Scuse me a sec.' He came back in a couple of minutes, walking quickly to the check-in desk saying, 'Your room is now ready and its on the 3rd floor, closer toward the front.' 'Would you let your mother stay in this room?' 'Yes I would!' Great.
Yes, Ricky took care of business! This room was what I was hoping for and we walked out to the balcony just in time to see the sunset. Later, on our way back out, I thanked him and told him I appreciated him handling my request and that the room was very nice. 'Great! Yeah that room is for our members, so we tend to hold those back or allow late check-out.' I was in a good mood for dinner, so I just smiled and walked out to the awaiting Lyft. Had Ricky missed that I was a member? Curious, but no, my Welcome Points and all others were accounted for a few days after my stay as per usual.
The next day we arose for HIExpress cinnamon rolls - YUM! Additionally, on this day, the breakfast fare was scrambled eggs, turkey sausage and buttermilk biscuits. We had brunch plans, so a couple of cinnamon rolls, a hot chocolate - or was it, 2? - and we were back in our room, enjoying the NW view from our balcony whilst planning our day.
All-in-all, I would stay here again. The staff was friendly, the area was central for our needs, shopping, relaxing, wandering around, brunch at the pier and a quick Lyft to Main Street for dinner and a nice stroll. The room was comfy, clean and fresh smelling. I would not oppose my mother staying here. Cheers! "CC"