SERVICE & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 ok
An elegant, luminous, & sophisticated vibe in dazzling full force. The grounds & architecture were more beautiful than digital pictures could ever replicate.
Our check-in, also positive, was as swift as it was pleasant, facilitated by very well-dressed staff.
The lobby and throughout the property radiated w/a jovial atmosphere, adding to the overall ambiance.
However, the small elevators and poor signage can be quite challenging to navigate, especially for those with mobility issues. Additionally, the phone service had persistent issues, including poor call clarity, volume, and inconsistent button programming.
No late checkout... ever 💔.
Valet $35/night
ROOM [Deluxe King; Raincross Queen] -- 👍 good
The experience between room types varies HEAVILY. It's truly a lotto, for better or worse. Overall we enjoyed the functionality & design elements, including:
Operable windows
high ceilings
generous amounts of storage & free space
cute carpet patterns
high-quality seating made from buttery smooth leathers
& a strong AC system
Weak lighting (throughout property, ironically) & poor outlet distribution were my only complaints.
💡If you're on the fence between a Deluxe King or Raincross Queen, the latter is worth the up-charge & whatever fees are attached! 🙂↕️
BED [King; Queen] -- 👍 great
Exceptional sleeping arrangements.
The headboard was stunning, complemented by lux, high thread-count sheets.
Mattress quality felt extra premium; same for the lofty lush soft pillows.
Amazing...
BATH -- 👎 ok
Unsatisfying...
While the spacious vanity and new fixtures serve their purpose well, there were several maintenance & quality issues here.
Black mold was visible on the windows and grout lines were unsightly.
The bathrobes weren't comfortable, and the water pressure was weak. The mass-produced Gilchrest bath products were a disappointment, and the lack of adequate hooks for towels and clothing creates unnecessary inconvenience.
(It's weird not seeing the spa/beauty product line more integrated into the stay...)
TV SOLUTION/ACTIVITIES -- 👍 ok
Entertainment centered around a 42" LG display. The programming was oddly inaccurate & the remote was annoying to use, but it proved to be a robust TV solution with quality cable & movies.
Spa services require dedicated effort to schedule & prices are high. As an overall experience, we enjoyed the care & accouterments. There just wasn't enough pressure applied during the massage.
⚠️ The Museum has been closed for nearly a half year; this isn't obvious & is still advertised on sites like Google maps 😞.
WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 poor
WiFi access & availability was confusing. When we DID connect, it was nearly unusable.
The heavy packet loss, lack of coverage, & insecure connections were a massive pain felt each day of our stay.
--Performance--
Video streaming - bad
Online gaming - average
Video chatting - average
--Nerd Stats--
1-3 Mbps download
1-10 Mbps upload
0.1% packet loss
48 ms latency
34 ms jitter
FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 ok
DoorDash friendly.
Refreshments were abundant, thanks to the complementary water bottles, variety in mini-bar snacks ($10/item), & the strawberries + champagne provided after our massage 💆♀️.
Per the menu, their kitchen accommodates dietary restrictions, but any attempt to obtain clear information about ingredients and preparations proved impossible.
Restaurant employees we spoke to were generally unknowledgeable + unwilling to ask the chef questions on our behalf.
It's so difficult to spend money on food here 🤷♂️.
in-room:
❌ microwave
✅/❌ mini-fridge (small)
✅ coffee/tea
❌ wet-bar
✅ mini-bar
⚠️Fridges aren't provided by default in some room types
NOISE -- 👎 poor
Acoustics were terribad...
Noise pollution is a significant weakness of this property due to a lack of investment in soundproofing. We consistently dealt with loud table conversations, dragging chairs, planes overhead, revving motor cycles & car alarms... Oof.
However, some ambient sounds added charm to the experience, like tweeting birds, bell chimes, and tasteful dance music.
LOCATION -- 👍 great
This property's location serves as a cultural hub, surrounded by Hispanic museums, historical landmarks, and fun local performers.
Dense in diverse dining options spanning from BBQ to birria ramen, steakhouses to authentic Mexican cuisine. There was so much to do & see making it worth breaking from the usual staycation rhythm.
RECOMMENDATION
Final Price: $326.58/night
Was it worth it? Yes
Best part: Views
A "one and done" experience banking on historical charm unfortunately. The previous award-winning management's absence is noticeable.
It's worth experiencing once for the unique architecture and activities, but service standards have much room for improvement.
The gap feels too wide to warrant a repeat.
Lukewarm recommendation for the experience.
3/5 ⭐️
@mrstaycation
