Mr. Staycation

Mr. Staycation

Documenting hotel world records.
Hotel guest room & suites raw videos
Written Reviews: www.MrStaycation.com
Ask me anything about hotels!

Пікірлер

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycationСағат бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 great The receptionist James really made our day! He was entertaining & everything else a great representative should be: Compassionate, enthusiastic, original, & personable. The cleaning staff however, were extremely rude & not well-trained in contrast. Free 1hr Late checkout offered. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 great Accommodating, Feature Rich, & incredibly clean! There's plenty of space to congregate or sip various food flavors of tea & coffee downstairs. The vibe felt very calming & the transitions were brilliant. ROOM -- 👎 poor turnover kzread.info/dash/bejne/jICuyqyqd9mWYtY.html This room was not a winner. Standard L-shape layout with good space (for a couple). There were just too many dead flies... The windows aren't functional so that made the situation more frustrating bc they seemed immortal. There was still plenty to appreciate about the design & function. The ergonomics of the workspace were awesome & the storage solution is really creative. BED -- 👍 Mostly positive experience. ⚠️ shins beware: they've picked a rather painful choice of base for a double queen layout⚠️ The rest of the bed composition was lush: soft Serta mattress, plush topper with proper support, & surplus of right-sized pillows! FWIW the base is made from nice high quality material, it's just too awkward to navigate in a Double. BATH -- 👍 great Clean & contemporary! We enjoyed the generous amount of countertop space & aesthetic of the vanity. The boxy walk-in shower was also a nice change of pace but the bath product experience stole the show! The dispensers are so intuitive & stress-free, unlike most other hotels & their "designer" toiletries. The lather was weak but the squeeze dispenser made that a non-issue. Towels here weren't memorable but they did the job. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 great "50 LG HDTV wall mount & a Pool! Streaming integrations & basic programming content available. A few premium channels like HBO are also enabled. For the more adventurous, there's also a pool onsite. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 Good Great reception (Verizon). Complimentary (unencrypted) WiFi with a conservative Quality of Service. Good enough for very light use. --Performance-- Video streaming - Good Online gaming - great Video chatting - good --Nerd Stats-- 2-23 Mbps download 3-15 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 30 ms latency 23 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 good DoorDash friendly! So much choice: There's a Meier across the street + a plethora of snacks for purchase in lobby. Full Breakfast served 7-10. I was very impressed by the condiment selection: apple butter, grape preserves, strawberry jam. The only thing missing was hot sauce.... The proteins were underwhelming (dry sausage; greasy bacon) but the fresh fruit & yogurt were delicious. There's a small mini fridge in room but NO COFEE maker like most hotels. There's unlimited free coffee available in lobby area which more than made up for the inconvenience. Water stations also present downstairs. NOISE -- 👎 ok Very thin walls & Heavy doors... Not the combination you want for a quiet stay; pray that your neighbors are self aware. LOCATION -- 👍 great Location is prime. We felt safe here. Good access to the freeway w/o intrusive traffic noises. Grocery store is also in walking distance. VERDICT Price: $196.34/night Was it with it: yes Best part: receptionist Checkin was my favorite of the year. I just wish the turnover wasn't so poor & the cleaning staff had better attitudes or more consistent training. FWIW this is still one of the best/better hotels that dayton has to offer. I'd try it again & would recommend it for the proximity. 3.5/5 ⭐️ @mrstaycation

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation2 сағат бұрын

    SERVICE & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 Awesome Butter smooth checkin process; professional, efficient & down to earth. The (jungle) theme is something circus & public spaces were fantastic: impeccably clean, immersive, & an expert use of color psychology -- the best of all BOYD gaming locations IMO. MVP employees: Brittany ROOM (Deluxe King) -- 👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/m4R_t5qMnpzJp9o.html Pictures online are lifeless & uninspired... But in-person: vibrant, clean, & comfortably contemporary! Very impressed by house keeping performing deep cleanings during the work week👏. Our view was great for the extra light, but obstructed by bird poop & bugs 🫤. Windows simply aren't washed regularly enough. The dedicated workspace was perfect for work & extra tabletop space. BED -- 👍 great Linens & mattress were in peak condition. Pillow build was spectacular. This was some of my best sleep in Las Vegas. BATH -- 👍 great Huge tub, huge vanity, & powerful water pressure! This should be the baseline for Vegas hotel shower plumbing IMO. Cons: Towels were extremely rough & worn... TV/ENT./ACTIVITIES -- 👍 Good This TV was abhorrent.. everything from the programming, to the remote. It's a fragile & draconian TV solution. But there's plenty to do in this family-friendly megaplex of a casino thx to: A movie theatre, pool, bowling hall, & slots galore! WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 bad Verizon service was super strong - Full bars 5G-uw!! WiFi was the status quo Boyd gaming configuration: weak, unencrypted, & overpriced. --Performance-- Video streaming - Good Online gaming - great Video chatting - great --Nerd Stats-- 2-5 Mbps download 4-18 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 14 ms latency 3 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great Not DoorDash friendly (very difficult in fact). Food courts offer a modest variety of convenience: Subway, McDonald's, Dunkin donuts, etc. Food service was much more personable here than at the Gold Coast casino. in-room: ❌ microwave ✅ mini-fridge (small) ❌ coffee ❌ tea ❌ wet-bar ❌ mini-bar NOISE -- 👎 Awful Thin walls, "Your worst nightmare, thin". We could hear bed frames moving, TVs, & conversations (talking-volume) in other units. LOCATION -- 👍 I felt safe, in general & as a minority here. Walmart across the street + other shopping centers in walking distance. Valet parking is not managed well; so chaotic and congested at random times. Tighten up! RECOMMENDATION & RATING Final price: $113.58/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: food & drink The first Boyd Gaming hotel I actually felt comfortable in, slept like a baby, & wanted to book again. Despite repulsive WiFi performance. Please tip the house keepers, they go above & beyond! 4.5/5 ⭐️ @mrstaycation

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation11 сағат бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 Friendly reception & a warm checkin experience. The checkin wasn't fast & tap payment didn't work, but the hospitality was solid. Consistent customer service in person & over the phone. Free early checkin & late checkout (1hr). Uncovered parking available on site. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 Visibly high cleaning standards & in great condition. I enjoyed the lounge area a lot: well-lit, spacious, & lots of utility. It's a great space for socializing around a huge flatscreen or enjoying a snack from their mini market. ROOM (guest room) -- 👍 kzread.inforvf3mQlZXKk Aromatic & clean! Your standard L-shape layout, with a swanky interior. The color palette was fun, vibrant, & easy to settle into. It worked really well with the choice of flooring. Rounded out with abundant natural + fluorescent light. Contemporary (magnetic) DnD signs are always preferred so I was glad to see they're following the trend. Cons: Limited storage space & dimensions, especially for a double; workspace was also small. BED -- 👎 Double Queen configuration. Sleep was rough... The support has all but disappeared from these mattresses, which becomes doubly uncomfortable when dealing with such thick toppers. Overdue for a refresh. BATH -- 👍 ok Small (not cramped) bath space featuring a large vanity & walk-in shower. Ventilation & water pressure were sufficient. The bath products (JR Watson) were surprisingly good! The texture reminded me of the Dove hospitality line. Cons: Towels were tattered & thin; Cleaning standards inside the shower were lacking (pink mold). TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 Gigantic 55" Samsung UHD 4k TV. Fixed wall mount kills the user experience but they offer a couple hundred premium channels, like HBO, etc. Streaming & App Remote integrations are also built in. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 No complaints on reception (Verizon). Complimentary WiFi, although unencrypted, was more than adequate for work. --Performance-- Video streaming - great Online gaming - great Video chatting - great --Nerd Stats-- 23-82 Mbps download 13-46 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 14 ms latency 5 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍DoorDash friendly! Status quo 6-9 breakfast offering & a mini market are available downstairs. The selection is ok, but pales in comparison to the gas station & Tim Hortons across the street. Small mini fridge provided but NO coffee bar in-room. Water station accessible on bottom floor. NOISE -- 👍 ok Quiet environment minus the pets. Walls are thin so bring noise cancelling headphones just in case. LOCATION -- 👍 Everything one needs within walking distance: fast food, gas, coffee, etc. The location felt safe enough. VERDICT Final Price: $138.48/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: Wifi Sleep wasn't great & there was a lot of barking at times. It's still a nice property & the staff were awesome. For a pet-friendly hotel in this area of Ohio, it's quite competitive. If you can tolerate the mattress, it's a great stay. 4/5 ⭐️ @mrstaycation

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation14 сағат бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👎 ok Early checkin available at no extra cost. Checkin speed wasn't fast and the customer service didn't make much of an impression. Phone service could be more timely & it takes a long time to service requests (towels). Uncovered parking is available onsite. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS 👎 poor The lobby is designed around an extravagant winding stairway. This is great eye-candy & a pleasant change of pace from riding an elevator, but the carpeted steps need more attention (crumbs, dirt, etc). ROOM -- 👎 bad kzread.infoJFWwdUIJSbg I never really settled into the room; there was a bit of an odor when we entered the room, lighting was dim & depressing inside while absurdly bright flood lights are installed against the bedside windows outside. The room was still functional: spacious for 2, plenty of seating, dedicated ergonomic workspace, ample storage space, working windows, etc. But cleaning standards (cobwebs, stains) & the drab atmosphere just didn't live up to the 3rd party reviews & pictures. AC (dated terminal installation) was noisy. BED -- 👎 bad We slept in a double queen configuration. The mattresses had great firmness & the bedding was decent. The pillows weren't at all supportive & lack density/body. The flood lights made sleep difficult if you're light sensitive & the curtain setup isn't a robust blackout design. BATH -- 👍 good Medium sized bathroom with combination shower-tub & Dove shower products + toiletries. It was clean enough & the water pressure was adequate. The exhaust is very loud. WI-FI, CELL SERVICE, TV, & ENTERTAINMENT -- Severely unmotivated to review or utilize any of these amenities due to the quality of the room. FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly. Microwave, medium mini fridge, & mini coffee bar available in-room. There's also complimentary popcorn! NOISE -- 👎 poor The parking lot commotion can become an irritant but everywhere else on the property was peaceful. RECOMMENDATION Price: $198.51/night Was it worth it: no Best part: ... Not what I envisioned for my first la Quinta, or maybe that's the status quo & I just wasn't aware. Either way, it wasn't comfortable & I don't see myself returning despite the enticing living-room tubs pictured online. 2/5 ⭐️ @mrstaycation

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation14 сағат бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 Efficient ❤️ Quick checkin w/o unnecessary paperwork ♻️ & a pleasant personality for reception. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 Gigantic lobby. Beautiful transitions; wide halls, fast elevators Laundry machines accessible on guest floors. ROOM -- 👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/e6x_y5WgepjZZ7w.html Perfect for a big group or an extended stay, thanks to the amount of closet + shelf storage. Offering plenty of seating options, stylish foot rests, & an ergonomic dedicated workspace. Functional windows were also a plus. Lighting is lackluster after peak hours & terminal AC was very frustrating: still powered on even when shutoff from wall thermostat (Defeats purpose of eco-mode?). BATHROOM -- 👍 Forward & Eco-friendly ♻️ Contemporary & stylish design, with a Smart vanity & a very attractive wash basin. Shower experience was favorable, although towels are on the smaller side. PURE bath products & toiletries were provided. Cleaning standards could be higher; corners cut around the chrome + rust on the shower caddies. BEDS -- 👍 So-so. Pillow count was the highlight of the setup. Despite being undersized, they provided decent loft. It was otherwise Lackluster due to the creaking spring mattress & stiff sheets. TV -- 👍 Multiple 50" FHD LG TV's! Remote & model fully compatible w/google TV devices. Fixed wall mount & swivel based. FOOD -- 👍 DoorDash friendly. Medium mini fridge, Keurig coffee, mini microwave (old school) provided in-room. Convenient food options in the surrounding area. There's also a mini market full of snacks & drinks downstairs. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 Excellent Verizon signal + impressive wifi speeds. --Performance-- Video streaming - Good Online gaming - average Video chatting - average --Nerd Stats-- 172-420 Mbps download 270-430 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 109 ms latency 51.4 ms jitter LOCATION & NOISE -- 👍 good The environment felt safe, although the surroundings were quite noisy. The floors do not dampen noise well, so heads up if you're heavy footed⚠️. Costco & a few other specialty stores are in walking distance. RATING & RECOMMENDATION Price: $99.89/night Was it worth it: Absolutely Best part: WiFi Amazing value add, in a good location, & competitively priced. I would stay here again & recommend it to fellow travelers. 4/5 ⭐️ @mrstaycation

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation2 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & TRANSITIONS -- 👎$28 early checkin fee before 2pm (overpriced & not worth it). Front desk is pleasant (better customer service than the lifeless Gold Coast Casino Hotel). So many elevator lifts but somehow still inconvenient & take ages to arrive... opening to grimly lit halls. The NOLA gimmick is cute in places, but mostly tacky. MVP employees: The hilarious valet boyz ✨ ROOM (strip view king) -- 👎 kzread.info/dash/bejne/i5d3rtdyidXAp6Q.html First impression: Dingy & dusty. Turnover was questionable bc this couch had a really 'stale' odor & the room just didn't _feel_ clean. Dimensions were comfortably spacious for two, with sufficient tabletop space & other furnishings to sit on. Strip view was lackluster. BED -- 👎 meh Pillows were unpleasant due to a weak fill & lopsided shape. Sheets had an awful texture and could use a real comforter. The Sealy mattress did not shine under the conditions... BATH -- 👎 Just plain weird. Why are hangers & the ice bucket setup in here??? Crazy. An unusual location to designate for storage, esp since there's no ventilation/exhaust. Aggressively mediocre alcove combination-shower otherwise. TV/ENTERTAINMENT/ACTIVITIES -- 👍 ok. Dated standard definition LG TV ft a small low quality display. A slightly worse TV solution than the Gold Coast. The gaming floor is where it's at though: tons and tons of slots surrounded by interesting gift shops & chain food. It also didn't reek of must & smoke 🙏 WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎As bad as their other casinos already covered. The BOYD Gaming buildings all equally suffer in this department. Nothing new to report. FOOD & DRINK -- 👎 Fridge is NOT included despite what any booking site suggests. It's a $33 fee. Room service menu is dense with entrees costing $15-24. It's odd that they serve a Philly Cheesesteak but 0 NOLA cuisines. Strange execution. Not the slightest bit allergen-friendly/aware so It's a pass anyway. in-room: ❌ microwave (mini) ❌ mini-fridge (small) ❌ coffee ❌ tea ❌ wet-bar ❌ mini-bar NOISE --👎 Far from soundproof. Slightly better acoustics than Gold Coast. LOCATION -- 👍 felt safe. Armed security on the casino floor & by elevators. No dedicated ride-share area so pickup can be difficult for new drivers. RATING/RECOMMENDATION Price: $91.98/night Was it with it: no. Best part: the valet. It's a clone of the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino, with a tacky & unnecessary gimmick. Would not return nor recommend. 3/5 ⭐️

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation2 күн бұрын

    CHECKIN & PROPERTY -- 👍 The staff were very hospitable, the checkin flow was just slower than average. No egregious fees for parking or early checkin. The lobby is more function than fashion yet still a major source of eye candy due to the European design. Transition spaces were calm & intimate, complemented by tasteful elevator music. Expertly curated wall-art was a nice touch & really heightens an already elevated experience. ROOM 👎 kzread.info-YkvxEP0GVw Initially favorable: Relaxing color scheme featuring gorgeous wallpapers; a decent view; lots of seating made with high-quality leather + a productive shared workspace setup. Dimensions were fair for a single guest party. After settling in, it proved to be a mediocre accommodation (or the status quo is just inherently low). The wear & cleanliness of the floor was unsightly. I twisted my ankle on the warped flooring on the first night. Physically & visually a rough experience for the feet. While the view was captivating during daylight, the bright lights & noise from the parking lot at night was stressful. It goes without saying that the walls are quite thin. The AC system is another loud noise source; at least it's performant. Storage isn't abundant nor ideal for the vertically challenged; optimized for a solo party. BED -- 👍 Positive sleep experience. Pillows were A+ quality. Sheets were decent & the mattress had balanced firmness. I regret not recording the brands from this one bc it sleeps good👌 BATH -- 👍 On the smaller side dimension-wise. The shower experience was mostly favorable: Strong water pressure, Grohe handheld shower, absorbent & hefty towels. Cons: Korres Toiletries felt dry & synthetic; reminiscent of yellow-orange industrial mass-produced handsoap. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍"50 wall mount TV featuring the typical Marriott Hotel TV solution. Picture quality was great but wasn't fully compatible with GoogleTV. Lots of convenient USB outlets built into the room. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 A rock and a hard place. The free Internet tier was a struggle & the premium offering is insanely overpriced @ 14.95. Cell coverage was strong enough for tethering luckily. --Performance-- Video streaming - bad Online gaming - poor Video chatting - poor --Nerd Stats-- 8-10 Mbps download 7-10 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 36 ms latency 70 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 DoorDash friendly + varying food options on site. European breakfast is quite pricey though @ $19.95. There's a huge mini-market of snacks ( cookies, chips, mints, etc) for purchase in lobby. Smart mini fridge & 2 complimentary water bottles in-room. LOCATION -- 👍 A high walkability score in a safe area. An abundance of stores & shops + access to public transit. RECOMMENDATION Price: $149.99/night Was it with it: yes Best part: location Visually a nice property due to its well-designed exterior & interior playing up the European aesthetic. Price gauging was offputting & upkeep of floors felt unsafe. Very lukewarm recommendation. I'm unsure if I'd stay here again. 3.5/5 ⭐️ @mrstaycation

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation2 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 great Exceedingly professional & efficient, plus they support Tap payment. Standard 1 hour late checkout offered (free). Laundry services available on the guest floors. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 great Impeccably clean, grand & inviting. The cushy seating, aromatic entryway, & spotless decor are standout. I felt at ease from the moment I entered the building & throughout the property-- excellent use of negative space & color psychology. ROOM -- 👍 great kzread.info/dash/bejne/nIikuJqjhr3Ol5M.html Spacious & well-appointed. Visibly high, consistent, cleaning standards from hall to room. The feature set was incredibly dense: strong lighting, comfortably spacious for 2, enjoyable view, dedicated workstation area, ample seating, & sufficient storage options. I wish the windows were functional, but no complaints otherwise. BED -- 👍 great Comfy~ The double Queen configuration proved to be very restful. Linens & pillow build didn't impress texture-wise, but they did the job & were clean. BATH -- 👍 ok Strong aesthetic; weaker on function. Medium size bathroom space with a stylish tile & textured wallpaper pairing. Despite how much I liked the design, functionally it wasn't my favorite: painful low toilet, small towels, broken fixtures, no shower liner, & the bath products (Nourish Spa) have a terrible lather. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👎 poor Bad... Tiny SD TV, serving spotty cable, operated by a universal remote with frustrating ergonomics. Luckily there is a Pool on-site. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 poor Verizon reception was notable low. WiFi was also inconsistent; Timeouts & buffer bloat started immediately after connecting. QoS is desperately in need of tuning as the network gets congested during periods of high use. Not the greatest experience for work but YMMV --Performance-- Video streaming - good Online gaming - great Video chatting - great --Nerd Stats-- 13-69 Mbps download 27-49 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 13 ms latency 7 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly. A VERY FULL breakfast with everything your heart could desire, offered from 7-10 & 6-930. They also host a Happy hour & dinner buffet! This was one of the best food service offerings I've witnessed in a long time. Rooms are equipped with mini microwave, small mini fridge, & instant coffee maker. NOISE -- 👍 great Quiet & peaceful. LOCATION -- 👍 great Safe + Good proximity to highway, stores, etc VERDICT Price: $149.80/night Was it with it: yes. Best part: amenities I really enjoyed this stay being my first time with this brand. TVs could use a refresh, but the price point, amenities, & vibe were perfect. I'd stay here again once the WiFi is improved but would still highly recommend it to anyone else if that's not a deal-breaker for you. More people should definitely try this location. 4.5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation2 күн бұрын

    SERVICE -- 👍 good Completely contactless checkin. Virtual concierge available. The SMS concierge checkout didn't work for me unfortunately. Elevators are a bit slow considering there are only a few floors but the music is good. ROOM -- 👍 A straightforward no-frills room with good cleaning standards. The wood & gold design is very stylish. The work desk is a bit tattered, but still very functional, despite lacking an ergonomic chair. Old school AC unit, was a little inconvenient. The floorboards are warped and create a lot of noise whenever moving about the room. Functional windows for fresh air. The electrical is in serious need of attention, the overhead light flickers on off very WILDLY for seconds at a time; there's either a short or the breaker is overloaded. BED -- Did not stay long enough to try the mattress. BATH -- 👍 Very clean & Well-maintained. Plant-based Le Labo Bath products provided. Rainfall shower. TV -- 👍Great entertainment system via 4k Apple TV (2nd gen) & contemporary Samsung TV. WI-FI -- 👍 De facto ~25 Mbps complementary hotel Wi-Fi. 25-29 Mbps download. 26-29 Mbps upload FOOD -- 👍 great Great minibar selection. Room service is also available. Noise -- 👍Short stay but no glaring issues during the few hours I was here. RATING & RECOMMENDATION Price: $102.00/night Was it with it: yes. Best part: design There were highly opinionated reviews on the smell/aroma here that made me apprehensive, but it wasn't as bad as described. The scent could be overwhelming to those with fragrance allergies but otherwise it's fine. I would stay here again & recommend it to other travelers looking for a convenient short term stay once the electrical is fixed. 4/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation2 күн бұрын

    PARKING -- 👍 ok Valet parking is quite expensive ($52/day) but there is flexibility on pricing for extended stays. CHECKIN -- 👍 ok Traditional payment methods accepted, no tap/electronic. Check-in speed was blazingly fast once the room became available. No additional fees for early check-in but our original booking still wasn't ready through 3pm. YMMV. SERVICE -- 👍 great Excellent customer service!!! Aaron was professional, personable, & very knowledgable about the location's history. Hospitality is well-understood here and is consistent + timely even over the phone. A clear step above the service I've experienced at neighboring hotels in this area (Sonesta & Marriott to name a few). ELEVATORS -- 👍 good Not the fastest, but spacious with multiple available. ROOM (suite) -- 👍 great The room was GLORIOUS & well-appointed. It could easily pass for a luxurious apartment living space. The stock and attention to detail is nothing short of amazing: blackout roman shades, calming textured wallpaper, bubble-design chandelier, steel coffee table, suede sofa, hardwood flooring, fun patterned rugs and tons of picturesque design features. Functionally, it's just as strong and equipped with: Smart AC system & outlets, antibacterial phone, large steel work desk, outdoor seating, a HUGE armoire, and full-size mirrors. The courtyard and patio space was also really serene! The lounge chairs are perfectly positioned for stargazing or aimlessly watching planes takeoff. Minus a few cosmetic details (water damage; a stained sette) & nitpicks (cigarette butt on patio) the execution was perfect! BED -- 👍 good The bedding was solid: premium sheets, cozy duvet, and soft feather-down pillows, but I recommend requesting additional foam down pillows if you prefer a denser profile. The mattress wasn't as supportive as I would've liked but it still provided a good nights sleep. The headboard is very functional, equipped with gold reading lights + motion sensitive night lights in the base. The nightstands have a very unique design and house plenty of outlets + usb ports for charging your devices while you sleep. BATH -- 👍 great Bathroom fixtures are incredible... Opulent walk-in rainfall shower, sleek washroom sinks, sliding doors with chic wallpaper themes, 30" deep standalone spa tub with hand shower, and the icing on the cake...: Cottonelle professional series TP [best hotel brand] for your rump. The towels are on the smaller side, but they get the job done. There is also a very comfy bathrobe hidden away in the armoire. Essential Elements bath products are provided for your convenience and they smell so good. TV -- 👍 great Luxe entertainment setup with 2 LG HD LCD TV's. One in the common area (65"!) and the other in the bedroom, both mounted with stationary configurations. Despite the lack of motion with the mounts, there are plenty of adjustable seating options in the unit, so it works out. Chromecast integration is available along with basic programming. The remote control situation can be a bit awkward due to the TVs being positioned parallel in the same direction, but it's easy enough to workaround. Wi-Fi -- 👎 poor The (unencrypted) wifi throughput was underwhelming and ultimately led to cutting our staycation/workcation short. QoS was good (no disconnects) & I can cope with the status quo 25 Mbps up/down, but the wifi performance just fell extremely short in that respect: Nerd Stats: 11-18 Mbps down 16-19 Mbps up 0% packet loss 18-80 ms latency 3-45 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 good Not DoorDash/UberEats friendly but the on-site restaurant provides room service & has a fairly deep menu. Entrées range $20-45 and the menu is labelled quite well for food allergy accommodations. I really enjoyed the Sea Bass entree & Roasted Pear ice cream. The room-service is a bit disorganized for a connected restaurant: the to-go containers weren't labelled (important for food allergies and/or those unfamiliar with the menu) or packaged properly with colder items on the bottom. The repurposed minibar fridge is very clever but not functional enough for our leftovers or drinks. NOISE -- 👍 ok Noise isolation between rooms is strong but sound leaks in pretty severely via the front door. The housekeeping carts & hallway conversation can be quite distracting and loud in that respect. Externally, there are some noisy aspects of this city that just can't be avoided: unhomed population, garbage collection, & motor-revving thru traffic. But the construction & orientation of this property does a great job at dampening the external noise. VERDICT Price: $195.41/night Was it with it: yes. Best part: hospitality Customer Service & accommodations that go above and beyond. The wifi could use an overhaul and was ultimately a dealbreaker due to the nature of our work, but it's a solid stay if you're here for leisure. I highly recommend checking this place out if you're in the mood for a memorable stay & appreciate an elevated design aesthetic. 4.5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation2 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 ok I was impressed by the exceptionally fast bell service here. The checkin experience wasn't as swift in comparison, but early checkin was free. Payment processing is a bit dated & could use more modernization to reduce contact surfaces + speed up the flow. Uncovered self Parking available on site. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS-- 👍 good There was an enticing view of the pool immediately visible from the lobby as we made our way to the room-- very nice! The decor is more functional than design heavy so the transitions fall flat immediately after & into the show old-school elevators (Plenty of space tho!) ROOM -- 👍 ok kzread.info/dash/bejne/i5uV2NJxlZTeaJM.html Generously spacious for 2, possibly 3, although storage accommodations were lacking (no luggage holder; no hanger). Otherwise the room was very strong on comfort & on function, particularly the abundant tabletop space, dedicated workspace, & soft cushions. Overall hotel stock is really pleasant. Design aesthetic & condition wasn't so great: paint & maintenance work was shoddy, lighting was imbalanced & meager, & window glass was dirty (Windows aren't functional btw). BED -- 👍 good An amazing mattress ... with an unfortunate pillow situation (another hotel cutting corners with the undersized sets+ weak poly fill ). I loved everything else about the setup: soft polyester sheets -- perfect for winter--, supportive Serta perfect sleeper mattress, & a relaxing, airy, plush topper 👌 BATH -- 👍 ok A Bathtub big enough for a pool party! Housebrand toiletries were provided & we really enjoyed them in the spa tub w/jets. The rest of the bathroom features were incredibly underwhelming. Dirty grout lines, slow heating water, patchy paint, & a single hook for all the towels (???). The toilet flush is also very weak, I highly recommended a few courtesy flushes anytime you use it. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👎 poor 40" HD LG This was painful due to the poor interoperability of their universal remote choice; it's so slow to register inputs that you're better off walking to the TV & manually changing channels... Luckily there are a ton in premium channels + an indoor Pool for entertainment. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 poor Frequent disconnects from wifi which was unencrypted & not travel router friendly. Thankfully we got great signal (Verizon) w/5G speeds. --Performance-- Video streaming - average Online gaming - average Video chatting - average --Nerd Stats-- 49-55 Mbps download 18-37 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 23 ms latency 2 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 ok DoorDash friendly. Breakfast offering 6-9 with delicious coffee in the lobby. Full size microwave, Medium mini fridge & coffee pot in room too. Their in-room coffee packets were not good 🤢. no water in the fitness center but there’s a table dispenser in the breakfast area NOISE -- 👎 poor Thin walls & loud staff can be very disruptive in the morning. Very peaceful otherwise. VERDICT Price: $127.00/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: spaciousness A very average experience but it's still a competitive offering. I think we just didn't hit the room lotto so I'd recommend it & potentially try it again. 3/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation2 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 great Remarkable concierge! Norma was an MVP employee & made this my favorite Sonesta checkin experience of the year (bay area Sonestas are underperforming heavily on this). Parking is available on site & they accept Tap payment. Other staff members were equally friendly-- they actually greet & smile! Room for improvement: It was a lengthier process than most hotels + required manual paperwork to complete. Early checkin also comes with a fee. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 ok The mini library near the elevators was a nice touch. Transitions need some work: guest floors had an odor, the carpet was stained, & all the sanitizing dispensers were empty. This building has seen some things; it's an adjustment for sure... ROOM -- 👍 ok kzread.info/dash/bejne/qndl17twcrHUgqQ.html Brown, brown, and MORE browns~ The color palette is uninspired & doesn't offset the heavily worn interior. Still, there a lot to appreciate. Strengths: lots of storage, open space, work desk, ergonomic seating, & adequate overhead lighting. There was a flight odor, but functional windows took care of that. The leather Recliner was also a treat. BED -- 👍 ok It did what it was supposed to. No lasting impressions & no complaints. BATH -- 👍 good A medium-sized bathroom, with a surplus of towels! They're a bit thin & on the smaller side, but the quantity makes up for it. The combination shower had excellent water pressure & bath products were pre stocked. Ventilation was also strong. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👎 poor Dated on the entertainment center, featuring a ~40" mounted Panasonic SD TV. I recommend catching up on your reading with a book from the library downstairs. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 poor Verizon coverage is bare minimum even when standing by the window in comical positions🫠; A struggle for remote work. --Performance-- Video streaming - average Online gaming - average Video chatting - average --Nerd Stats-- 5-15 Mbps download 4-19 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 16 ms latency 7 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly & very convenient with lots of variety. There's a mini market downstairs & a diner within walking distance. The kitchenette is also well-equipped with ample cookware & appliances. like a coffee pot & 2-burner stove. Despite the wear & tear, everything was functional. NOISE -- 👎 poor It was an extremely quiet environment, nicely tucked away from through-traffic. There was awfully loud ceiling work/maintenance during my stay which was really unpleasant. LOCATION -- 👍 good Lots of access within walking distance to shops, restaurants, & transit. VERDICT Price: $121.85/night Was it worth it: not today Best part: hospitality What they lack in luster, they make up for in sincerity. The building is overdue for modernization & from what I can tell they are actively working on it. It's a decent stay if you're optimizing for function. Looking forward to a renovation here🙏. 3.5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation2 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👎 poor 2 for 2 so far Chicago 💔. Unimpressed by the in-person experience & the $30 early checkin fee. The reservation system is inefficient & error-prone; despite paying for the reservation days in advanced & receiving a confirmation email; my room was never assigned... Lots of paperwork & an expensive self-park. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 intriguing & eclectic. The lobby is massive & I love the visuals. The aesthetic is unique, accompanied by some tasteful muzak. Transitions are a bit unpolished & narrow, with a single, slow~~~, elevator. ROOM -- 👍 clean & sufficient kzread.info/dash/bejne/Ypafu6mCn9fcedo.html It took some more effort to get the right room (management & training are a bit lacking). This room had its quirks but accommodations were good-enough despite: dated AC controls, a single light-switch for all light sources, broken closet door, stiff seating options. The experience was overall positive due to the amount of storage, generous dimensions, functional windows, & ergonomic workspace. BED -- 👍 great King configuration I love the Beauty Rest Hospitality line. These mattresses are simply amazing. Very impressed with the quality of sheets (Wynrest linens: 200ct 60/40), pillows (weighty fiber fill), toppers (cloud soft), & duvet. Perfectly restful sleep every night! BATH -- 👍 Small... with an elevated design The high quality tile create a nice aesthetic, anchored by a gorgeous pedestal sink. High cleaning standards were on display & functionally it was a great washroom. The toilet was just horrible in terms of height, flush, comfort. Trussardi toiletries provided. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 good No corners cut on the feature-rich wall mount housing a "50 Samsung LCD FHD TV. The TV solution was very robust offering: movies for purchase, pre-installed Chromecast, cable programming, & miscellaneous electronic services. The Universal Remote is just dated & performance lags. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 "You get what you pay for " Even for "free" this was embarrassingly slow 🤕. QoS is tight but the throughput is just too low for work or multitasking. Cell reception (Verizon) was also so-so, even on upper floors. --Nerd Stats-- 1-7 Mbps download 3-4 Mbps upload 0 % packet loss 30 ms latency 51 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly. Rooms with microwave & medium mini fridge come at a premium. The cost is worth it, especially if you'll be storing leftovers from all the great restaurants nearby. Ice machines accessible on floor. $6 Fiji water in-room for your convenience 💸 NOISE -- 👍 good Lots of the typical city noises outside & doors inside do not block sound well. It's moderately quiet & peaceful inside the building, although I wouldn't recommend any rooms by a supply closet. LOCATION -- 👍 great Trader Joe's!!!! 😍 VERDICT Price: $100.94/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: location I enjoyed this property despite the WiFi situation. Not great for remote work but it's still solid: competitively priced, in a good location, with kind staff; just a bit inefficient. 4/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE -- 👎 poor The hospitality & customer service training is probably the strongest I've seen on this island & possibly all of Hawaii. When combined with the picturesque location, it's clear to see why this hotel would have won multiple travel awards over the years. Unfortunately, the experience fell apart significantly after check-in for me: There's a documented no-smoking policy but they were unwilling to investigate or resolve complaints for us, along with other issues that made this accommodation unenjoyable. ROOM -- 👎kzread.info/dash/bejne/n2yTpcaPltOTY7Q.html I booked through a third party so this may just be the least-effort room appointed for those integrations, or the property management is largely in decline. YMMV. The room was generally not well-maintained: cracks in the ceiling-paint, corrosion on the fire sprinklers (!), peeling baseboards & wallpaper, dead bugs INSIDE the thermostat & bathroom light fixtures... BATH -- 👎poor The ceramic tile is beautiful but very dirty & poorly kept, grout lines included. Our bathroom had the most black mold I've seen during these last few weeks in Hawaii. Not just in poorly-lit corners of the shower, but also in the grout (walls & floors), in-between the wallpaper, & on the walls. The shower is very small (4"x4"?) so it's puzzling on how the cleaning standards can be so low, inside & out. It was discomforting to look at peeling wallpaper the entire time & worry about what surfaces in the showers were safe to touch. WI-FI -- 👎Low-tier performance. --Nerd Stats-- 6-14 Mbps download 10-14 Mbps upload 60 ms latency FOOD & DRINK -- 👎poor experience The restaurant & room service situation is incredibly confusing. The QR code on the restaurant flyer points to an outdated & incomplete menu. Room service & restaurant numbers weren't working on the phone. NOISE -- 👎 poor Pipes were clanging in the early morning (1am). Thin walls didn't help with the loud neighbors smoking & blasting music. RECOMMENDATION Price: $122.49/night Was it worth it: no Best part: view LOTS of feedback to give so I didn't get to enjoy this location as much as I anticipated. I originally planned to extend my stay & try a larger room, but upkeep + other issues (restaurant, smoking guests, noise), dissuaded us. Very disappointing & would not recommend (especially room 923). 3/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    Skipping my usual format because I was really impressed by this place! It's witty, well-designed, & overall just fun. Great execution on theme with incredibly fast Wi-Fi, & a (literal) overload of amenities. This was my 60th hotel stay last tease year (@mrstaycation) & it's the first time I could visibly & tangibly experience how the resort fees are being used-- A++ on transparency. I disliked the layout of my room (especially the long path from the work desk to the bathroom) & the TV is smaller than the norm but I think there are renovations underway as well. Highly recommend this one! WI-FI Download: 165.42 Mbit/s Upload: 151.48 Mbit/s

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 ok Slow checkin speed but early checkin is available for free. Accepted forms of payment include tap/electronic (+ credit/debit) which helps speed up the process. The employee that handled our checkin had a lifeless demeanor & didn't give me much to work with, so there's not much I can say about customer service. Bell service was slow (requesting towels). LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 ok Clean & streamlined lobby, unlike the elevators which are small & too slow for a property with even 3 floors. Corridors were clean but tight; shuffling past a cleaning cart while carrying your luggage can be awkward/annoying. ROOM -- 👍 good kzread.infoOYz0gcTLFp8?feature=shared My first impression was positive. The bright color scheme + spacious design created a positive mood & I felt comfortable settling into the room. There's obvious signs of wear/age (tattered shades, wallpaper stains, windows overdue for a wash) but the condition was more than tolerable. Overall feature set is strong: functional windows with abundant natural light, generous dedicated workspace w/ergonomic chair, convenient wall hooks, clean carpet, & ample storage. Cons: Terminal AC unit is loud & the lack of recycling receptacles is a disappointment 💔. BED -- 👍 ok We slept in a single king configuration. I liked with the pillow selection: weighty with good texture. The mattress wasn't my cup of tea. It lacked firmness & back support. The bedding wasn't noteworthy either but it was clean & fresh. BATH -- 👍 good Small bathroom with sleek tiling & stone sink. The shower head has a few extra spray patterns but the shower configuration is otherwise status quo: combination alcove tub, 3-piece (Dove) bath set, & curtain divider. Be prepared for the low toilet with obnoxiously loud flush. Water pressure was strong throughout. Cons: Towels are on the smaller side, No door stop installed for bathroom door (strange). TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 great ~50" Samsung TV on a premium mount with rotation & extension. Great for watching TV from the various seating options. Ports are easily accessible for connecting a Google TV / Chromecast if you decide not to use the DirectTV remote & set top box. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION 👍 Encrypted WiFi! Very pleased with the security & performance. Verizon service was also strong & reliable enough in this area for hotspots. --WiFi Nerd Stats-- 4-41 Mbps down 9-50 Mbps up 1.30% packet loss 21 ms latency 44.5 ms jitter --Performance-- Video streaming - good Online gaming - great Video chatting - good FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly. Microwave, mini fridge, & coffee bar in the room. Free breakfast & a snack shop are available downstairs. NOISE -- 👎 poor Housekeepers' chatter is louder than the planes taking off nearby! The parking lot & highway traffic can be noisy too. Combined with the loud plumbing & loud AC, this place is anything but peaceful. LOCATION -- 👍 ok Just your typical cluster of hotels in an airport city. Felt safe enough. VERDICT Price: $227.72/night Was it worth it: no Best part: wifi It's a very noisy space & not for the obvious reasons. If you're noise-sensitivity, I don't recommend this property. Otherwise, it's a fair low-end airport hotel. 3-3.5/5 ⭐️

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 Great Beautifully ornate & opulent decor. Check-in was as swift as their elevators. ROOM (walkthrough) -- 👍 Good A fusion of minimal curved + sharp textures, contemporary furnishings, & wood patterns. This suite felt smaller than the norm. Functionally it was still strong: smart AC system, bluetooth electronics, energy efficient LEDs, & flooded with natural light. The rolling desk-chair had great lumbar support. The actual desk is a bit odd, sacrificing functional table space for an irregular aesthetic. Some of the contractor work is noticeably shoddy: sealant gaps in floor, holes in ceiling, etc. BED -- 👍 great The bed was wonderful: a sturdy wood slat bed frame with plenty of pillows, supporting a firm, brand new, mattress. Linens (Manchester Mills) were clean & in good condition. USB/USB-C ports are also built into the headboard! TV -- 👍 ok Smart Samsung TV without casting or app support (minus KZread). Display quality and channel selection were fair. The wall mount was a good attempt, but there's no swivel, tilt, or extension so watching from the bench, couch, or desk (anywhere but the bed) is strenuous on the neck & eyes. WI-FI -- 👎 bad Public/free Wi-Fi is abysmal (frequent disconnects). A 'premium' offering is available for $15 CAD, which is overpriced. Cell reception wasn't great, even on the top floor. BATH -- 👎 ok Aesthetically pleasing glossy tile & a walk-in rain shower. The bathrobe, as well as the slippers, were very soft & light. Popular Rituals bath products were pre-stocked in the shower (we like!). Cleaning standards in bathroom were too inconsistent; the shower head & corners were spotty with pink Serratia stains (we don't like!). FOOD & DRINK -- 👎 poor NOT DoorDash friendly. No in-room dining & a lack of restaurant accommodations for food allergies & dietary restrictions. A coffee bar setup is available in-room at least. NOISE -- 👍 great Noise levels were quiet & peaceful inside but the trucks outside were quite noisy. RATING & RECOMMENDATION Price: $233.77/night Was it worth it: no Best part: decor LOTS of marketing & emphasis on the recent renovation. Despite the marketing hype, it's considerably underwhelming. When compared to other 4* hotels downtown, it's simply not competitive nor a standout once you leave the grandiose lobby. While the prices are certainly 4*, the remote work & staycation experience is a 3* at best due to large gaps in hospitality (recommendations, bell-service, knowledge of area, experience, etc). BUT the staff are friendly, eager to help & always professional. Overall it was an 'ok' staycay but I wouldn't recommend it in the current state and won't be returning. 3.5/5⭐️

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 ok Free early checkin & uncovered parking is available. Tap payment also works here. Checkin was a bit slow (manual paperwork) but the representative was exceptional; warm, polite, & very personable. It's strange to waste this much paper for 1 initial & 1 signature, even when not parking a vehicle. Free 1hr late checkout by request. Phone service wasn't the friendliest & they were slow to service requests (still waiting on those towels...). LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 great Unique & large multi-function lobby. Very clean with an elevated look & good transitions. Lower # rooms will be a bit of a walk from the front desk, luckily the corridors are clean & wide. ROOM -- 👍 great kzread.info/dash/bejne/m6CcxLGFnKerkZs.htmlfeature=shared Contemporary design with high-ceilings, high-quality tile & functional windows. The stock is well-chosen & not hollow or cheap like competing hotels for this niche. Great lighting, high quality ergonomics, & exceptionally clean. Cons: AC wasn't the most performant or quiet; walls are very thin; & too few waste receptacles for a suite of this size. BED -- 👍 great Heavenly mattress & pillows. Their sheets were average but they did the job (breathable, clean, soft-enough). BATH -- 👍 great Spotless & obnoxiously luxurious. The shower was nice but the whirlpool tub stole the show! A picture is worth a thousand so just give it a look: instagram.com/p/Cx0oW9xrLJ-/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Cons: The Pharmacopia bar soap gets completely destroyed by the tub jets. A different brand or shower gel would be a better fit here. Bring your own beauty brand bath supplies to maximize the tub experience. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 good 2 Mounted 50" Samsung HD TVs on poorly chosen fixed mounts. It's not easy to connect HDMI devices on this installation & it's a "miss" in the common area due to the abundant + dynamic seating options. But picture quality & programming selection were great. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 good Blown away by how fast the WiFi is here. It's perfect for every use case. Conversely, it's a dead zone for Verizon cell service inside the unit. --Performance-- Video streaming - GREAT Online gaming - GREAT Video chatting - GREAT --Nerd Stats-- 230-468 Mbps download 263-400 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 8 ms latency 4 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly location situated between multiple eateries! There's a lot of options directly on prem too including a cocktail lounge, restaurant, & full breakfast in the mornings. Prefer to cook? No problem! The kitchenette is generously stocked & functional enough to compete with the chef's onsite... Tl;dr Staying nourished with multiple food allergies wasn't a problem here! NOISE -- bad 👎 Painfully thin walls. Noise from the parking lot area can be intrusive depending on the crowd. Housekeeping is unavoidably noisy when rooms are being turned over. Book a high floor or bring noise cancelling headphones if you're noise-sensitive. LOCATION -- 👍 great Lots of convenience & good proximity for trips to Garden of the Gods VERDICT Price: $278.15/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: spa tub My first of many Executive Residency stays. I would absolutely return to this location despite the acoustics. It has plenty to offer & IMO is the best hotel in the area. Highly recommend. 5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 good The checkin took such a long time. I still enjoyed interacting with the staff; they were always warm, helpful, & sincere. The only bane is the $49 early checkin fee 🤕 (painful). The reception area itself is rather small & can feel congested with just a few parties waiting. Covered parking is accessible through an underground garage, while uncovered parking is out front. LOBBY & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 great The exterior is unassuming & minimalistic. Once inside though, the property has a remarkable vibe: professional elevated, quaint, & primed for R&R. Elevators are on the slower side, although this wasn't much of a problem bc walking through the property felt nice. ROOM -- 👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/mGigusuKh6idnLw.html This one was a real treat. A well-appointed room in every aspect, suitable for work, layover, or staycation. Generous on dimensions, storage, lighting, comfort, & tabletop space. The artwork was also pleasant. I was super excited about having a balcony; people watching while enjoying a light breeze is my favorite past time. The only weakness was AC performance. Vents are not effectively distributed so it's a struggle to warm up the unit. Work desk ergonomics weren't top-dollar but also weren't bad. BED -- 👍 great Awesome all-around!!! Luxuriously soft sheets to slide into and a balanced firmness mattress that was perfect for my back. The high quality pillow composition provided excellent neck support throughout the night. Covers were clean, cozy, & retained heat well. Great bedside tech utility for charging mobile devices too. A++ BATH -- 👍 great A formidable shower experience, big enough for 2. I enjoyed the water pressure, the quick heating temperatures, & sufficiently large towels. LATHER bath products were also a welcomed surprise; these feel great on the skin! There's a separate vanity just outside the bathroom which is convenient if staying with a working partner. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 great 55" LG WebOS 4k! Crazy premium TV AND mount solution on a beauty of a mount. The pool & shared spaces were so relaxing. And OMG, the light show from the jacuzzi was all kinds of hypnotic! WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 great Internet speed of dreams 😍. --Performance-- Video streaming - great Online gaming - great Video chatting - great --Nerd Stats-- 208-230 Mbps download 180-210 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 18 ms latency 2 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👎ok Extremely weak on this front. It's not DoorDash friendly. A light breakfast offering is served at the typical hours. Convenience snacks & drinks can be purchased in the reception area too. There's some sort of convoluted food-service-room-service arrangement but it's incredibly confusing.. It's not actually facilitated by the hotel. Not worth the trouble IMO considering there's a full kitchenette in-room. Grocery stores are walkable so it's a great time to invest in a few home cooked meals. The mini-fridge is just a tad small though, so plan accordingly NOISE -- 👍No complaints. LOCATION -- 👍Prime walkability for shops & overall felt safe. VERDICT Price: $142.89night Was it worth it: yes Best part: accommodations Amazing property with even better management. I can't rave enough about how unexpectedly rich these accommodations were. This may very well become my Sunnyvale goto. I would stay here again & HIGHLY recommend it. 5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 great The charming receptionist provided us with a free early checkin & good vibes ✊🏾. Duration of late checkout offered: 1 hour (also free). Uncovered self-parking available onsite. Tap pay is accepted & deposit is $100/night. Housekeeping is available upon request. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 great Very high cleaning standards on display here! Transitions are a bit tight, especially the elevator. 2 people (max) can ride at once, give or take luggage. FWIW it's in great condition, just small. ROOM (suite) -- 👍 great kzread.info/dash/bejne/eKWes6yppLHPXbQ.html The dimensions of the interior construction reveal the age of this building but it's been maintained perfectly. Our suite was clean and spacious (for 2+), featuring great lighting, functional windows, & a tranquil bridge view. Furnishings were top notch; comfortable seating, storage, & tabletop space were abundant. The dedicated workspace was very productive & one of my favorites; it reminded me of my university days. Cons: Terminal AC is a bit of a chore w/o a wall thermostat. BED -- 👍 good "Good-enough" sleep in our single queen. Sheets were breathable with average softness. Skimpy pillow count & wrong size, but the build was comfy. Supportive mattress, more soft than firm. Baseboard heater thermostat is conveniently located next to the bed (old-school). BATH -- 👎 ok Small space & small fixtures with just enough room to function. Redeeming features were the aesthetic tile mosaic & (combination) tub width. Pharmacopeia Toiletries are provided but the mashup is both a little & a lot...BYOB just to be safe. Cons: limited counter space; small towels; LOUD exhaust; low toilet Slippers provided but no bath robe 🤔. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👎 ok Various (Samsung, Panasonic) early 2000's ~30" Standard Definition flat panel TVs. Functional & well-maintained, just not competitive. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 great Carrier (Verizon) coverage wasn't great here & Wi-Fi is unencrypted 💔 -- but it's blazingly fast! --Performance-- Video streaming - GREAT Online gaming - GREAT Video chatting - GREAT --Nerd Stats-- 88-93 Mbps download 93-84 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 7 ms latency 2 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great Contactless Doordash delivery is supported, but if you're only here for a short while you won't need it! A generous amount of juices, water, & oatmeal are provided with the room-- very clutch! The Full kitchenette is fitted with a double-burner stove, full-size microwave, dishwasher, and fridge. Dishes & glassware was fully stocked and impeccably clean. NOISE -- 👍 ok It's a peaceful environment on the surface but the surrounding environment proved to be VERY noisy, and for reasons I didn't anticipate (thin walls). Skateboards, power tools / construction, leaf blowers-- you name it, they brought it! Better bring your NC headphones for this one... VERDICT Price: $118.40/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: cleanliness Older architecture & a noisier environment but in great condition and a good value for the price. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it. 4/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & TRANSITIONS -- 👎 poor The male receptionists is as hostile/ confrontational as other reviews mention (what is there to be upset about in such a beautiful building...). The actual lobby itself is grand & larger than life. Everything about it is mesmerizing (minus the awkward state the main entrance is currently in). Materials used really standout, creating a captivating vibe. Elevators were sufficiently fast & spacious. The hardwood floors on upper lentils were also a "WOW". ROOM (walkthrough) --👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/hYKDzMWNYdHRps4.html Everything about this room was dream-like, from the effervescent aroma to the pampered design & grandiose dimensions. A++ aromatics with bronze+black accents aplenty & a terrific modern (silent) AC system. The expert use of negative space, hardwood floors, & high ceilings made this room feel even more spacious than it was on paper. I really enjoyed my view; the windows were crystal clear & functional which made for some great people watching. The blackout drapes were also convenient when I felt like sleeping in. Storage felt makeshift & surprisingly limited, especially for the vertically challenged. BED -- 👍Sleeping arrangements that'll knock your socks off! 🤤 Arguably the most important thing for a wedding hotel & they nailed it. No complaints; not even a nitpick. BATH -- 👍There were a plethora of amenities to enjoy in this chic luxe loo, like the house-brand toiletries & a Dyson hair dryer! 🤩 The attention to detail was also next level, apparent in the vibrant purple marbling -- this isn't wallpaper folks -- suspended light fixtures, & high quality stone installations. The shower experience was invigorating: a walk-in glass rainfall shower paired with a POWERFUL hand shower. Their house-brand bath products were moisturizing & lather effortlessly. These were actually worth using + you get a loofa/sponge. Cons: My toilet did not work & the motion sensing lights aren't calibrated properly (inefficient + too sensitive). TV -- 👍A Massive 65” flat screen HDTV for your entertainment. Picture quality was amazing & the installation is cute. The aesthetic sacrifices a lot of function, making ports inaccessible for connecting external devices. Luckily a few streaming integrations are installed. WI-FI -- 👎This killed the stay for me... 2024's worst by a major margin, which is > 100+ stays. Cell service (Verizon) was also the PITS. The free WiFi isn't much better. --Performance-- Video streaming - bad Online gaming - bad Video chatting - bad --Nerd Stats-- 4-6 Mbps download 2-4 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 57 ms latency 85 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 ok DoorDash friendly. Ice cold water & other refreshments available in the lobby. Ice machines on the room floors deliver some of the smoothest ice you'll ever experience. The mini-bar was a joke: it's aggressively under stocked & too small for personal items. In the end, bed-side truffles made everything better. in-room: ❌ microwave ✅ mini-fridge (tiny) ✅ coffee ❌ tea ❌ wet-bar ✅ mini-bar NOISE & LOCATION -- 👍ok During the day it was perfect: peaceful & quiet. In the evening & early morning, the noise pollution was quite disruptive. Rooms even remotely close to the ice machine can be frustrating. Slamming doors echo thunderously through the halls too. The area felt safe & the security system presence was strong. Reasonable proximity to airport for not being an airport hotel. RATING Price: $154.58/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: design Whether you're here for an event or a layover, oversights on the wireless infrastructure make this a challenging stay. It's worth a look but plan accordingly. I wouldn't stay here again until that's improved (drastically) but recommend giving it a look if tech-unfriendly isn't a dealbreaker. 3.5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👎 ok I can't rave about customer service or checkin experience on this one unfortunately, but it wasn't terrible. Early checkin was free, with 1hr late checkout offered (also free). They collect a lot of information even when booking 3rd party & w/o a vehicle. Tap payment also wasn't working/available. Streamlining those two things would definitely speed up the process. Staff spent a lot of time distracted on phones or listening to music & unaware. Phone related service was also difficult. Half of our calls went unanswered & the room phones weren't fully functional. $75/n deposit LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 great A gorgeous interior & lounge space that more than makes up for the service wait. It was indisputably clean & the transitions were equally classy. Linger a while, it's worth it! ... but someone should definitely refill the empty sanitizers dispensers (couldn't find a single working unit). ROOM (guest room) -- 👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/omWMytuNgMK5ibA.html You can smell the clean! The entrance width was awkward but it opened up to a spacious room with a relaxing color palette. Perfect size for a couple & strong features: good lighting, entryway closet+ large dresser storage, functional windows, & adequate tabletop space. Overall, very functional. The carpet in this one is near end of life; not the best condition wrt stains. BED -- 👍Plush, intimate, & good sleep quality. The low base was a nice change, pilled high with throw pillows & blankets. Premium linens complement the mattress (Tempurpedic) very well. Pillows were equally comfortable and supportive. BATH -- 👍High-cleaning standards on display, designed with quality fixtures & attractive tiling. Its a smaller bathroom space with proportional fixtures, but not cramped, Standard streamline walk-in glass shower, featuring designer (Lockwood) bath products, Good water pressure & choice of shower head. 100% cotton Bathrobes available by request. They're a bit on the heavy side, which is nice on colder days. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 great The perfect staycation entertainment center: a LG 55" 4K UHD TV 🤩 Impeccable picture quality on these. Excellent choice of wall mount too, with enough tilt to view comfortably from every corner. Standard Marriott TV solution + basic programming for content. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 poor Premium WiFi will cost you $20/day which is egregiously overpriced. Its not fiber & the complimentary offering is "good enough" for light use. T-Mobile & Verizon carrier performance is great in this area so hotspot is also an option. --Performance-- Video streaming - average Online gaming - average Video chatting - average --Nerd Stats-- 9-11 Mbps download 8-11 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 9 ms latency 2 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍ok Not DoorDash friendly but the room service menu was allergen-friendly & very enticing. The flow to order room service was awkward (call front desk -> front desk calls restaurant -> restaurant calls you back), but the food was worth the hassle. The Tenderloin Diablo & Burger we tried were delicious: perfect temperature on the proteins & a masterful fry. Water, medium mini-fridge, & coffee available in-room. The repurposed mini fridge was painful to use due to the lock-mechanism. Such a clunky & odd user experience... NOISE -- 👍 Mostly Quiet... Indoor vacuuming can be a bit noisy, along with the usual sounds of Portland's downtown. VERDICT Price: $155.48/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: decor Aurora's (iPrefer) has the better 'Benson', but this one was nice, albeit quirky on hospitality delivery. The staff seemed to be low on morale or uninterested but there was one gentlemen that was engaging & seemed to care about our stay. His efforts made a great impression on us & we enjoyed our stay. I could see myself staying here again & would recommend it for the accommodations. 3.5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 great Fast & efficient! The gentleman rep was SWIFT & personable-- finally a good checkin experience in Chicago🙌 (third time's the charm)! Complimentary 1hr late checkout offered. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 great Perfect balance of function & grandeur. Cleaning standards really stood out while making my way through the interior. Elevated & vibrant best describes the aesthetic after exciting the (slow~) spacious elevators. The flow isn't as intuitive as it could be & the entrance is easily congested by guests. Still, this did not detract from the overall beauty. ROOM -- 👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/lWmjrpqKg9e3aKw.html Modern & familiar. The intimate vibe made this unit easy to settle into. Amazing furniture selection, accents, & function. Perfect for an extended stay or working couple. Underwhelming shared workspace due to a lack of ergonomic seating & features. Plenty of seating options throughout the room with convenient Side-tables for alternative working setups. BED -- 👍 great Quality setup. I was disappointed by the undersized pillows initially, but the fill was sufficiently dense & made up for it. Smooth poly-blend sheets, complimented by an environmentally friendly duvet, rounded-out the rest of the bedspread. Great back support provided by the Serta innerspring mattress too. Blissful sleep each night. BATH -- 👍 good Visually captivating from wallpaper to waste receptacle. The dimensions were huge & packed with functional amenities. I was impressed by the shower experience: a double-head setup offering soothing pressure, stable temps, & ample spray patterns. Gloss toiletries are meh, so BYOB products. Cleaning standards were inconsistent in the shower (mildew, calcium buildup, etc), while everywhere else they were exceptional -- cleaner grout lines than most hotels! TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 great Strong TV solution. High quality ~40" LG display on a swivel stand operated with a decent universal remote. Streaming apps, movies, & local cable are available, along with a Netflix integration. Easily accessible ports for a chromecast/google TV. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 ok Unencrypted & difficult to connect initially. Connectivity stabilized an hour later and was adequate for remote work. Cellular reception was the pits, even from 5 floors up. No more than 2 bars anywhere in the room. --Performance-- Video streaming - good Online gaming - great Video chatting - great --Nerd Stats-- 31-41 Mbps download 11-16 Mbps upload 0.4% packet loss 16 ms latency 4.41 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 ok NOT Doordash friendly ⚠ Light breakfast buffet (coffee, juice, dry food, fruit) service on each floor at, the traditional hours. Small mini fridge & K-cup coffee bar in room, but no microwave in this configuration. NOISE -- 👎 poor Construction was annoying & started @ 8am directly outside. Generally quiet inside with respectful cleintele/guests. LOCATION -- 👍 great Incredibly convenient for great food, views, & people watching. VERDICT Price: $109.00/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: location Minus a few one-offs, I was thoroughly impressed. I highly recommend this property & would stay here again. 5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & TRANSITIONS -- 👎 ok. A flashy entrance decorated with neon sports cars; the segue for a deflated & strangely boring lobby design. A stark juxtaposition, making the public spaces & flow feel like an after thought. Unlike the captivating high-priced engines, hospitality itself wasn't memorable. 1pm late checkout was wonderful though❤. MVP employees: N/A ROOM -- 👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/lZOpybitlcqqlZM.html ("Executive Studio Suite" on Expedia "King Suite" when booking direct) A resplendent pink -panache- vibe, illuminated by grand floor-to-ceiling windows. Their pink "haze" was awkward at first, but it's essential at night & creates crazy fun visuals. Suites are large, outfitted with substantial closet space & well-curated stock. Such functional & comfortable design details made for splendid ergonomics, whether sofa lounging or creating content in the dedicated workspace. Cleaning standards were good sans the vacuuming. BED -- 👍 ok. Linens were a mixed bag of "meh" & "oohlala" textures. Outer layers in this setup were uncomfortable but the bedsheets were magic: clean, breathable, & incredibly soft. The skimpy pillows were a disappointment, especially when trying to share the space. Sleep quality was good enough in the end. BATH -- 👍 great. High cleaning standards & remarkable staging of cute toiletries (⚠ con cuidado if you're allergic to almonds ⚠🫥). Functionally it's a win thanks to the generous dimensions & impressive vanity. Stylistically it's hampered by all the empty white space. The shower experience was refreshing, both literally & figuratively in that sense: a brooding (red) enclave walk-in design. Complemented by equally intense water pressure & fluffy absorbent towels A fun break from the status quo zero-entry showers around here. TV/ENT./ACTIVITIES -- 👎 bad In-room entertainment was weird & dysfunctional for an anti-casino hotel. 2x 50" mounted TVs, with remotes that simply didn't work; not with the set top box nor with the television. Changing channels requires manually pressing the cable box buttons. Even then the cable was spotty & occasionally lost service. To add insult to injury, there's a fine for connecting streaming/auxiliary devices. Maddening. Pool area is surprisingly small, like the Skyline casino hotel for comparison. It's a decent place to tan if you manage to secure a chair. A steady roster of entertainers are regularly booked, along with show vouchers being offered. The talents aren't the biggest names but it's something to do. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 bad Intolerable for work/real time use during peak hours + dead zones in the unit. I could barely complete a speed test; QoS & entire installation needs another revisit. --Performance-- Video streaming - average Online gaming - average Video chatting - average --Nerd Stats-- 8-27 Mbps download 9-15 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 23-104 ms latency 4-87 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👎 bad Yikes! Whomever I spoke to at the Chop Shop: this is not the craft for you... 🙅poorly trained and rude. A "lost my appetite" kind of vibe that devalues the heavy premium price of their steaks. The price point isn't worth it to begin with, so the custom service should exceed all expectations. Just an FYI... Restaurant experiences are not at all integrated into the stay, making them inconvenient & underutilized. in-room: ❌ microwave (mini) ✅ mini-fridge (small) ✅ coffee ❌ tea ❌ wet-bar ❌ mini-bar NOISE -- 👍 good. Acoustics hold up well even for rooms facing the street. Even ambulances blaring throughout the night were tolerable. LOCATION -- 👍 Up north a few miles from the strip & adamantly not a gaming hotel. In theory it's a great break from the congestion & ruckus. The rideshare/maps experience is very confusing for app workers, so prepare to navigate them. Security presence was strong & I felt safe here. Convenient free garage parking options near by. RECOMMENDATION & RATING Price: $72.95/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: price Architecturally a great property (formerly Lucky Dragon)... and that's about it. No personality of its own nor did it feel optimized for the non-casino demographic. It has immense potential & prices are super competitive. This location deserves a better rating, but doesn't appear to be quite there yet. I want to return & try more rooms but don't see that happening. Lukewarm rec. 3.5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 great Hospitality artisans, especially Francisco (I hope his name comes up during employee appreciation week🤞)! The doormen consistently greeted me with smiles & were exceedingly professional. They actually put in the effort to learn names, which was *chefs kiss*. $40 early checkin fee-- good grief 🤕. 12 pm complimentary late checkout. LOBBY & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 great Its a museum, hotel, & bar! The beat of 3 worlds blended into an elegant experience. Elevators are sufficiently fast & secure. They are in need of higher cleaning standards as an area of improvement. Public spaces become congested quickly during peak hours, but that's my only complaint about the orientation & flow. ROOMS (guest room, suite) -- 👍 great Loved it the moment I walked in; very "Mad Men" meets "Barbie" contemporary vibes. Large, well-appointed rooms & even larger suites, comfortably spacious for 2. Highlights: Copious amounts of storage, relaxing couches, functional windows, & exceedingly well-lit. Cons: The electrical work; light switch locations are unintuitive & outlet distribution is inadequate. BED -- 👍 great Sheets were lux, clean & breathable. Having numerous supportive pillows to snuggle with was a treat. Bedding Texture was more "average" on softness & the duvet was underwhelming. Mattress toppers were a bit too soft for me but the mattress itself still provided a good level of firmness. BATH -- 👍 great Brilliant design: contemporary with lots of gold accents & fixtures. Rejuvenating shower experience: responsive temperature control, designer bath products (Malin + Goetz), & moisturizing toiletries. Tile texture inside the shower was a fun break from the norm. On par with a spa experience. The water pressure doesn't disappoint either, although the shower head choice is so-so. Towels were absorbent & just the right size; so were the cozy bathrobes. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 great 40"+ HD Samsung TVs with high-quality mounts. The TV solution itself supports basic programming & streaming. Outlets are few and far in the room though, so 'd bring an extender if hoping to connect a Nintendo switch or Google TV, etc. Entertaining projections in the courtyard can be seen from the window during the evening--so cool! Museum exhibits on the bottom floor (artwork, sculptures, etc), a lounge, happy hours, & other sponsored activities. Regardless of how you travel or staycay, there's something here for everyone! WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 good Not the most robust nor encrypted. Still a decent value @ free. It's good enough for remote work, but clearly chokes with heavier multi tasking. --Performance-- Video streaming - average Online gaming - average Video chatting - average --Nerd Stats-- 15-19 Mbps download 14-39 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 4 ms latency 5 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great
20% OFF@ the on-site restaurant for first timers!! The menu could be improved for allergen/nutrition info, but the staff I spoke with seemed to be aware of food allergies. Room service delivery was always crazy fast! I tried the steamed snapper & a pineapple ginger refresher-- delicious! Their signature burger was tasty but I didn't like the portions. There's too much variance in calories, quantity, & pricing for the entrees. Refillable electrolyte water was an amenity I didn't know I needed. This demonstrates a great deal of compassion & consideration from the brand. Mini-fridge situ was confusing: the hotel no longer stocks these; so anything goes for what you find in this mini-bar-turned-fridge. Coffee in-room (espresso). NOISE -- 👍 ok Not the least bit sound proof bc of the doors. Housekeeping is heavily into the chisme, which can start really early in the morning. No complaints with the environment or the adjacent rooms. LOCATION -- 👍 great An EXTREMELY walkable location: Trader Joe's, a mall, & so much more! It felt safe enough for jogging & touring surrounding neighborhoods during the day. VERDICT Price: $150.71/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: hospitality Fell in love... My favorite boutique hotel of 2024. 5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 great Hospitality artisans, especially Francisco (I hope his name comes up during employee appreciation week🤞)! The doormen consistently greeted me with smiles & were exceedingly professional. They actually put in the effort to learn names, which was *chefs kiss*. $40 early checkin fee-- good grief 🤕. 12 pm complimentary late checkout. LOBBY & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 great Its a museum, hotel, & bar! The beat of 3 worlds blended into an elegant experience. Elevators are sufficiently fast & secure. They are in need of higher cleaning standards as an area of improvement. Public spaces become congested quickly during peak hours, but that's my only complaint about the orientation & flow. ROOMS (guest room, suite) -- 👍 great Loved it the moment I walked in; very "Mad Men" meets "Barbie" contemporary vibes. Large, well-appointed rooms & even larger suites, comfortably spacious for 2. Highlights: Copious amounts of storage, relaxing couches, functional windows, & exceedingly well-lit. Cons: The electrical work; light switch locations are unintuitive & outlet distribution is inadequate. BED -- 👍 great Sheets were lux, clean & breathable. Having numerous supportive pillows to snuggle with was a treat. Bedding Texture was more "average" on softness & the duvet was underwhelming. Mattress toppers were a bit too soft for me but the mattress itself still provided a good level of firmness. BATH -- 👍 great Brilliant design: contemporary with lots of gold accents & fixtures. Rejuvenating shower experience: responsive temperature control, designer bath products (Malin + Goetz), & moisturizing toiletries. Tile texture inside the shower was a fun break from the norm. On par with a spa experience. The water pressure doesn't disappoint either, although the shower head choice is so-so. Towels were absorbent & just the right size; so were the cozy bathrobes. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 great 40"+ HD Samsung TVs with high-quality mounts. The TV solution itself supports basic programming & streaming. Outlets are few and far in the room though, so 'd bring an extender if hoping to connect a Nintendo switch or Google TV, etc. Entertaining projections in the courtyard can be seen from the window during the evening--so cool! Museum exhibits on the bottom floor (artwork, sculptures, etc), a lounge, happy hours, & other sponsored activities. Regardless of how you travel or staycay, there's something here for everyone! WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 good Not the most robust nor encrypted. Still a decent value @ free. It's good enough for remote work, but clearly chokes with heavier multi tasking. --Performance-- Video streaming - average Online gaming - average Video chatting - average --Nerd Stats-- 15-19 Mbps download 14-39 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 4 ms latency 5 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great
20% OFF@ the on-site restaurant for first timers!! The menu could be improved for allergen/nutrition info, but the staff I spoke with seemed to be aware of food allergies. Room service delivery was always crazy fast! I tried the steamed snapper & a pineapple ginger refresher-- delicious! Their signature burger was tasty but I didn't like the portions. There's too much variance in calories, quantity, & pricing for the entrees. Refillable electrolyte water was an amenity I didn't know I needed. This demonstrates a great deal of compassion & consideration from the brand. Mini-fridge situ was confusing: the hotel no longer stocks these; so anything goes for what you find in this mini-bar-turned-fridge. Coffee in-room (espresso). NOISE -- 👍 ok Not the least bit sound proof bc of the doors. Housekeeping is heavily into the chisme, which can start really early in the morning. No complaints with the environment or the adjacent rooms. LOCATION -- 👍 great An EXTREMELY walkable location: Trader Joe's, a mall, & so much more! It felt safe enough for jogging & touring surrounding neighborhoods during the day. VERDICT Price: $150.71/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: hospitality Fell in love... My favorite boutique hotel of 2024. 5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 great Due to a delayed flight, I arrived in the middle of the night + had made a booking error... Not the best checkin circumstances. Thankfully this wasn't your typical skeleton crew; the staff went above & beyond to accommodate me. A great first impression by employees with no shortage of smiles or professionalism. Truly a level of hospitality that I've yet to find anywhere else in Portland. They're also pet friendly ($28/night) & offer covered parking ($25/night). Deposit is $50/night with support for tap pay. Late checkout is free. ROOM --👍 great kzread.info/dash/bejne/g6x_lpSSfrqaeJc.html Clean & comfortably spacious (for 2) with an elevated modern aesthetic. The room was well-appointed with an array of seating options, ample tabletop space & full size mirrors. Despite the age of this building the infrastructure was also impressive, delivering great lighting & stealthily quiet AC + functional windows. cons: limited storage; workspace chairs lack ergonomics BED -- 👍 great Drowning in pillows! The mattress was softer than I prefer but the support was decent. Linens were especially luxe & fresh, topped with a cozy duvet. A comfortable setup guaranteed to deliver quality sleep! The nightstands also provided good charging utility. BATH -- 👍 great A medium size bathroom that pulls no punches on tiling: a glossy marble flooring with a green mosaic shower. You don't see this everyday in the more accessible hotel spaces where grout & tiling receive 2nd-class treatment. The colors & finish felt very regal in this one. Beekman bath products were pre-stocked in the shower & the waters pressure was strong throughout. Towels were sufficiently hefty & their bathrobes have an amazing texture. Cons: smaller shower; limited counter space; bath products weren't fully stocked TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 ok Big (50") wall mounted Samsung FHD TV. No mobility from this mount, so best of luck connecting an HDMI device... The channel situation is also chaotic, but there's a cheat sheet available in-room to make sense of it all. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 great Cell towers are relatively close so expect tip-top cellular performance regardless of carrier. Complimentary WiFi is unencrypted... but the throughout was outstanding. --Performance-- Video streaming - good Online gaming - GREAT Video chatting - GREAT --Nerd Stats-- 36-46 Mbps download 47-48 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 11 ms latency 1 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great Contactless DoorDash delivery available. Onsite food offerings include a snack shop behind reception & a (costly) light breakfast available until 11. In-room kitchenette is equipped with microwave, small mini fridge, toaster & coffee bar. Glassware & dishes are also stocked & clean, ready for use! NOISE -- 👍 great It can get loud here & it's not the most sound proof of hotels but guests were polite/conscious enough during the 5 days I spent here LOCATION -- 👍 great Good proximity to Starbucks, Whole Foods, public transit & all the things. Felt safe. RATING Price: $123.40/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: hospitality It's classy but not stiff or dated & the employees are unbelievably nice (replaced-by-robots-nice). Combine that with the competitive pricing & staying here becomes a no-brainier. I highly recommend this location & look forward to returning for my next staycation! 5/5⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    CHECKIN & SERVICE -👍 great The front desk representative was very friendly, & swiftly handled our early checkin (No additional fees). Electronic/tap pay is accepted & uncovered parking is available onsite. There is also a virtual/SMS concierge service, which is convenient due to the distance of the units from the front desk. ROOM (suite) -- 👍 great The suites are relatively modern, spacious enough for at least 3, & have good lighting (functional windows for natural light + overhead fluorescent lights). Your workspace area is shared with the kitchenette (a bit awkward), but there are plenty of other seating options. BED -- 👍 great Very supportive king mattress with good firmness level. Linens were soft & clean. Pillows had a decent density. BATH -- 👎 poor The water pressure in the combination shower was very weak & temperature was unpredictable at times... On a positive note: the cleaning standards were high & the towels are on the larger side. WI-FI -- 👎 poor Free Wi-Fi isn't particularly robust, so plan accordingly: --Performance-- Video streaming - average Online gaming - average Video chatting - average --Nerd Stats-- 13-15 Mbps download 12-15 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 8.9 ms latency 24.4 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 good Not DoorDash/UberEats friendly, but the kitchenette is primed for all your basic needs, equipped with stove, full size microwave, fridge, dining ware & coffee bar. There is also breakfast served in the main lobby. NOISE -- 👎 poor The property as a whole can be quite noisy: Gardeners Leaf blowing, kids playing in parking lot, loud housekeeping staff. It's tolerable, just surprising given the vibe of the area. VERDICT Price: $211.70/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: kitchen Considering the price & location, it's still quite competitive even with the noise level & shower performance. I'd stay here again for the customer service & the fact that it's only steps away from my favorite pho restaurant. significant room for improvement (esp. WI-FI ) but overall a pleasant stay . 3.5/5⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    I was VERY excited to try this hotel & brand initially. This was staycation property #150 & with limited locations in the US, I had been looking forward to this reservation for months, since 2023. After spending 4 nights here, I can confidently say it's the worst hotel I've ever had the misfortune of doing business with. I really dislike negative & unproductive reviews but the overt racism & profiling I experienced here on consecutive days was utterly appalling. I was Interrogated multiple times by different staff -- including the head of security-- with statements such as "what are you doing here?" "Who is your employer?" "do you have a room?" "do you have a room key?" "can we see the key?" "I saw you limping but this entire (empty) area is reserved" This was embarrassing, degrading, & unprofessional on multiple levels for the immediate reasons. Additionally, I was here on business for a once-a-year company event with my coworkers. None of whom received this kind of treatment, all being fairer-skinned and/or non-black. Lastly, & most importantly, I sprained my ankle the week before this trip. I was determined to make this reservation, even if that meant walking with a limp... and it did. Despite being temporarily handicapped & limping through this 66 acre architecture with ZERO accessibility programs, I was still treated as the Big Black Threat. Not once did any of the personnel I interacted with offer to assist me in getting to my destination or advise on shorter routes. They were incredibly eager to escalate a situation and have me escorted out of the convention area -- an entire atrium I had to hobble through to meet my employer, receive a badge, & do the work I was assigned. The gaping lack of accessibility for such a huge architecture rivals the amount of abject hatred displayed. If you're a minority looking for a stress & racism free stay, please look elsewhere. We are not welcome here. If you're an employer considering this area for your next event: save your PoC employees the stress+trauma & avoid doing business with this venue.

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    Brief review due to the incredibly low cleaning & maintenance standards. ROOM This place is visibly falling apart; our toilet paper holder fell off the wall; broken surface lights above stove, walls scuffed & in need of new paint, brown window shades, stained coffee table... Then there's a word mix of new/refreshed furnishings midst the decay: polished mantle above fireplace; new leather loveseat. Extremely low cleaning standards: cigarette butt on deck, hair in blow dryer, Q-tip under bed. Nevertheless, it was comfortable & felt safe. BATH Good shower/tub combination; clean, no rust or pink mold. Wi-Fi Incredibly performant-- 250-340 Mbps down; 176Mbps up! TV Mounted 20" LG flat screen TVs of yesteryear with basic programming. No frills. KITCHEN Microwave screams bloody murder... but otherwise the kitchen is well-stocked & functional. The location & view is the real win here, but much room for improvement. If you can overlook the details, it's a nice stay. I won't be returning.

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👎 Not enthusiastic or personable, however they let me checkin early for free (win-win?). The process was fast & efficient too. Valet parking is steep @ $49.25 per night. LOBBY & TRANSITIONS -- 👎Underwhelming... More function than flash & every transition point could use some color, paint, & possibly a reno. Elevators were in "yikes!" condition. ROOM --👎poor kzread.info/dash/bejne/dW2OltyQqtW6kco.html An old-world modern decor, with generous dimensions for a large party or family. Lots of storage, seating, & amenities included in this room type. Pictures aren't "inaccurate" per se, they're just very embellished. They're not representative of the actual lighting, paint, & age. I found the room to be stuffy, giving me a headache almost immediately (likely allergens), with no reprieve since windows aren't functional. BED --👍 Clean, comfortable, & a mass of pillows! I was impressed with the quality & firmness level of the mattress. Sheets were satisfactory & sleep quality was excellent. BATH -- 👎 Underwhelming like most hotels. Cleaning standards were very inconsistent in this space. The shower experience was fair & wrapping up in a waffle texture bath robe afterwards was soothing. They provide a couple of random toiletries; something is better than nothing I guess. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 good 2x ~40" TVs w/Basic programming. No frills. Ports are accessible if you decide to connect a chromecast/Google TV. A record player is included in the room which was a nice touch. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 poor Cell service (Verizon) is the pits & WiFi is bare minimum. Not ideal for unscheduled work or multi tasking. --Performance-- Video streaming - average Online gaming - poor Video chatting - poor --Nerd Stats-- 11-12 Mbps download 11-17 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 17.1 ms latency 23.7 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 good Breakfast 7 - 10AM + a bar onsite. Also in the lobby is a mini-market with snacks & non-alcoholic drinks for purchase. In room amenities: ✅Small mini fridge ✅mini microwave. ✅wet bar ✅coffee The mini fridge made an unbearable high pitched noise & is not easy to disconnect. 🤕 NOISE -- 👎 ok Not bad but it's an old building with older construction materials for doors & walls. Sounds permeate oddly between rooms LOCATION -- 👍 great Convenient with a perfect walkability score. Food, casinos, stores are all just a few blocks away. There area itself felt self as well. VERDICT Price: $128.92/night Was it worth it: no Best part: location Not at all "barebones", but certainly "low effort" when it comes to upkeep & eye candy. Lots of potential and still competitively priced. I won't be returning but I would recommend this one for a large group on a budget. Great value. 3.5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 Friendly & easy-going employees. None of the junk early-checkin/resort fees either! A huge property with high cleaning standards, they don't slack on exterior around here. Even the neighboring businesses have lawns maintained to perfection. The catwalks are frustrating: impracticality narrow & uneven. Storing trash receptacles under the stairways was unsightly 👃 . Coin-operated laundry machines are available: $2 wash $1 dry. MVP employees: Kaitlin ROOM -- 👎 kzread.info/dash/bejne/g4B6zcuAlKjRnbQ.html A big bait-and-switch-misrepresented disappointment feeling upon walking into this one. ⚠The paint may be fresher than its competitor across the street, they're both motels.⚠ The dimensions for a double aren't functional for 2. It was a tight fit solo & flooring was heavily warped. Visually it looked clean at least. The dedicated workspace had commendable ergonomics, but outlets were few & far. Bring an extension cord if traveling with another/multiple gadgets. AC is so loud & requires running constantly in these 100+ temps. BED -- 👍 Decent sleep. Comforter/blanket textures were unpleasant to the touch. I still enjoyed the mattress, which provided the exact firmness I needed. Linens felt soft, clean. Pillow arrangement was satisfactory too: quantity was just right + the build was sufficiently dense. BATH -- 👎 The shower tiles are too beautiful for words! A GREAT distraction from the ceiling condition, cobwebs, & mineral buildup on the shower head. It's a small space that felt cramped doing more than 1 thing at a time in here. Lacoupe bath products appear to be stocked but were empty during my stay. Towels were in fair condition & large enough to wrap around. TV/ACTIVITIES -- 👍 Tightly mounted 42" Samsung TV. The remote is frustrating to use; channels are slow to change. Press too many buttons & it crashes altogether. It's impossible to reach the back ports for streaming/gaming. Their pool/spa was closed, a bummer on these 107 degree days. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 Painful wireless infrastructure. Not the usual quality from a Best Western. Hotspot is a necessity. --Performance-- Video streaming - bad Online gaming - bad Video chatting - bad --Nerd Stats-- 3-14 Mbps download 0.4-5 Mbps upload 10.5% packet loss 42 ms latency 452 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👎 DoorDash friendly. Breakfast variety was good: Waffles, proteins, pastries, cereals , & juice. The potatoes were undercooked & the meat was too greasy. Flavors were equally bland & unimpressive. Snacks & drinks are available for purchase from the lobby. Albertsons & some impressive coffee shops are within walking distance. in-room: ✅ microwave (mini) ✅ mini-fridge (medium) ❌ coffee ❌ tea ❌ wet-bar ❌ mini-bar NOISE -- 👍 Thin walls but it worked out to be a quiet stay. LOCATION -- 👍 Beautiful surroundings; it's a delightful city to stroll through. Nice variety of shops & restaurants in proximity. 10m from Hoover Dam (The thing you care about most). RECOMMENDATION & RATING Price: $112.99/night Was it worth it: no Best part: location Misrepresented as a hotel; the vibe, rooms, & architecture is a motel, regardless of how polished or quirky the property may appear. As a motel, it's overpriced but the location is a win. I don't see myself returning. Lukewarm recommendation. 3/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 good Checkin was slow as molasses (so much paperwork) ontop of the long wait for a room to become available. When early checkin IS available it will cost you $50 (a bit excessive). Valet parking cost $10/night. There are also resort fees: $10/night. Tap payment wasn't available. Front desk is very lively, helpful, & also multilingual. Not pet friendly. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 good The lobby is large but still felt congested due to some of the design decisions, orientation, & seating. It was also very clean. Elevators were slower than expected but are sufficiently spacious, with multiple functional lifts. The corridors were ornate & have a very pleasing color palate. ROOM (guest room & suite) -- 👍 great We tried the double queen guest room & a suite. We found both configurations to be comfortably spacious, with a high degree of cleanliness & ample storage for our extended stay. The design of the rooms is generally just really impressive with a lot to appreciate: high-ceilings, a myriad of seating options, great natural+overhead lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows, clear views across the city, blackout curtains ergonomic workspaces, & plush hotel stock. Nothing I can think to complain about... 😌 BED -- 👍 good The mattresses are more soft than firm, which I don't usually enjoy but the bedding was too good to protest. Soft, cozy, clean, & better than most brands with self-described "premium" bedding. One thing I didn't love was the choice of metal/aluminum base; just too noisy & atypical. BATH -- 👍 great Lavish & indulgent bathroom designs in guest rooms & suites, with some of the most impressive shower installations I've experienced in my last ~70 stays: high quality fixtures, tile, & accents all throughout. No pre-stocked shower sets (guest rooms) but there's a plethora of Whish toiletries provided for your convenience. The bath robes are also with the hassle of requesting. Yet It's not without a few flaws: towels are on the smaller side, the water pressure is a bit weak, & their OSFA slippers did not fit me (size 11) TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 ok 42" LG HD flatscreen on swivel base (guest room) or rotating entertainment center (suite). The entertainment setup in the suite was more fashionable than functional; not as accommodating as the guest room counterpart. Most of the built-in services didn't work & other integrations wouldn't connect. I wish they did less with the set top box because the apps are a hassle. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 great Complimentary WiFi is unencrypted but performs very well! Solid for work & streaming. Verizon cell service was adequate & reliable in the building/area. --Nerd Stats-- 56-81 Mbps download 36-46 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 9 ms latency 3 ms jitter --Performance-- Video streaming - good Online gaming - average Video chatting - good FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 good Starbucks is no longer on-property, which is disappointing but thankfully it's a DoorDash friendly location. Rooms are equipped with the status quo mini coffee bar & a medium mini fridge. There's a restaurant onsite but it's not particularly accommodating for multiple food allergies so we didn't partake in room service this time. If you're craving junk food, there's also a mini market in the lobby. NOISE -- 👍 great The sound proofing is solid. It doesn't completely dampen the city noise found in downtown LA (police, ambulance, etc) but it does a good enough job. LOCATION -- 👍 great Lots of convenience stores & restaurants are within walking distance. There's varying amounts of un-homed that roam in the vicinity but there's a consistent security presence nearby. VERDICT Price: $182.29/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: bath Despite the spa still being (indefinitely) closed, I enjoyed this property WAY more than I expected & extended my stay a number of times. It's a feature rich hotel with plenty of indulgences & I highly recommend it for your next staycation. 4.5/5 ⭐️

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 good Checkin was slow as molasses (so much paperwork) ontop of the long wait for a room to become available. When early checkin IS available it will cost you $50 (a bit excessive). Valet parking cost $10/night. There are also resort fees: $10/night. Tap payment wasn't available. Front desk is very lively, helpful, & also multilingual. Not pet friendly. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 good The lobby is large but still felt congested due to some of the design decisions, orientation, & seating. It was also very clean. Elevators were slower than expected but are sufficiently spacious, with multiple functional lifts. The corridors were ornate & have a very pleasing color palate. ROOM (guest room & suite) -- 👍 great We tried the double queen guest room & a suite. We found both configurations to be comfortably spacious, with a high degree of cleanliness & ample storage for our extended stay. The design of the rooms is generally just really impressive with a lot to appreciate: high-ceilings, a myriad of seating options, great natural+overhead lighting, floor-to-ceiling windows, clear views across the city, blackout curtains ergonomic workspaces, & plush hotel stock. Nothing I can think to complain about... 😌 BED -- 👍 good The mattresses are more soft than firm, which I don't usually enjoy but the bedding was too good to protest. Soft, cozy, clean, & better than most brands with self-described "premium" bedding. One thing I didn't love was the choice of metal/aluminum base; just too noisy & atypical. BATH -- 👍 great Lavish & indulgent bathroom designs in guest rooms & suites, with some of the most impressive shower installations I've experienced in my last ~70 stays: high quality fixtures, tile, & accents all throughout. No pre-stocked shower sets (guest rooms) but there's a plethora of Whish toiletries provided for your convenience. The bath robes are also with the hassle of requesting. Yet It's not without a few flaws: towels are on the smaller side, the water pressure is a bit weak, & their OSFA slippers did not fit me (size 11) TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 ok 42" LG HD flatscreen on swivel base (guest room) or rotating entertainment center (suite). The entertainment setup in the suite was more fashionable than functional; not as accommodating as the guest room counterpart. Most of the built-in services didn't work & other integrations wouldn't connect. I wish they did less with the set top box because the apps are a hassle. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 great Complimentary WiFi is unencrypted but performs very well! Solid for work & streaming. Verizon cell service was adequate & reliable in the building/area. --Nerd Stats-- 56-81 Mbps download 36-46 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 9 ms latency 3 ms jitter --Performance-- Video streaming - good Online gaming - average Video chatting - good FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 good Starbucks is no longer on-property, which is disappointing but thankfully it's a DoorDash friendly location. Rooms are equipped with the status quo mini coffee bar & a medium mini fridge. There's a restaurant onsite but it's not particularly accommodating for multiple food allergies so we didn't partake in room service this time. If you're craving junk food, there's also a mini market in the lobby. NOISE -- 👍 great The sound proofing is solid. It doesn't completely dampen the city noise found in downtown LA (police, ambulance, etc) but it does a good enough job. LOCATION -- 👍 great Lots of convenience stores & restaurants are within walking distance. There's varying amounts of un-homed that roam in the vicinity but there's a consistent security presence nearby. VERDICT Price: $182.29/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: bath Despite the spa still being (indefinitely) closed, I enjoyed this property WAY more than I expected & extended my stay a number of times. It's a feature rich hotel with plenty of indulgences & I highly recommend it for your next staycation. 4.5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 great Very consistent & professional hospitality from every level of staff. Shanice specifically was as efficient as she was helpful; great character, positive, & and really nice smile! Early checkin is free but it wasn't as fruitful for myself & droves of other guests (rooms are large so the turnaround time makes sense). Late checkout (1hr) was also free. The SMS Virtual Assistant (Ivy) service was responsive & convenient. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 great The lobby was clean & more functional than flashy. Limited standing space made it prone to congestion but the adjacent lounge had very chill vibes & adequate seating. Elevator lifts were abundant, fast, & spacious. Transitioning through the rest of the building felt pleasant & easy to navigate. ROOM (signature suite) -- 👍 great kzread.info/dash/bejne/eHt11Kxsg9bAicY.html Clean & modern 1BR unit reminiscent of an elevated, but slightly dated, timeshare. Overall it was a well-appointed room & I enjoyed the design for its high-ceilings & good lighting. Lots of other notable features: ample accessible outlets, full size mirrors, furnished patio space, & lots of storage. Cons: The dedicated workspace isn't the most comfortable or ergonomic; lack of recycling receptacles. BED -- 👎 poor The bed was underwhelming. The mattress, a throwback (Serta) innerspring King, was nostalgic but overdue for an upgrade. Linens didn't live up to the "patented technology hype"; very inconsistent softness between pillow cases & bed sheets. Pillow build was ok, good loft & firmness, but too small (Standard). BATH -- 👍 great Large bath space with a rockstar tub, perfect for a couples bath or deep soak in a bath bomb. The walk-in shower isn't as glamorous & water pressure (throughout) wasn't consistent or strong. But the rest of the installation was functional & clean. I liked the quality of their towels & there were plenty of Well Spa toiletries provided. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👎 poor Significantly dated: multiple standard definition ~20" TVs from LG & Sharp. The living room mount is very robust but the display just doesn't do it justice. Their Bose sound system was the better entertainment piece & was fun to use. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 poor Verizon service performed well throughout the unit. Complimentary (unencrypted) Wi-Fi is responsive but throughput is one of the worst I've experienced in Vegas. No premium offering is available, so bring a hotspot! --Performance-- Video streaming - good Online gaming - good Video chatting - good --Nerd Stats-- 9-11 Mbps download 8-11 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 5 ms latency 10 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 ok Not DoorDash friendly for contactless delivery. Dining services are also closed on Tuesday & Wednesday. Thankfully the kitchen was exceptionally clean, stocked with dishes, & fully operational. The fridge condenser was unusually loud but no issues with cooling or any other appliances (stove, oven, dishwasher, coffee pot). Snacks & drinks are available for purchase in the lobby. NOISE -- 👍 good Not particularly sound proof when ambulances & sirens are in the area, but it's a quiet environment. No complaints. VERDICT Price: $262.25/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: view Customer service & price make this location really competitive. It's not suitable for remote work or a staycation (depending on the day of the week), but it has plenty to offer. Most importantly: my stay was quiet & comfortable. I would stay here again to explore the other configurations & recommend it to others looking for a nice off-strip property. 4/5⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 ok Free early checkin & uncovered parking available onsite. The checkin process itself was slow & the customer service lacked any distinction (no impression). +1 for accepting tap payment 👍. $75/night deposit. Housekeeping available by request. LOBBY & TRANSITIONS -- 👎 poor The smoking area is WAY too close to the lobby entrance; cigarette smoke is unavoidable inside & outside the building when unloading or waiting on a vehicle. It's particularly bad in the morning & hits your nose well-before reaching the automatic doors. Extremely disappointed by this. Nevertheless, the social areas were beautiful, ornate, & clean. ROOM (suite) --👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/f45tqdSagam2hag.html A spacious layout with a modern design reminiscent of an apartment-home. It's strong on amenities & utility, providing: double workspaces, multiple seating options, & lots of closet space. Very accommodating for two or more working professionals. The lighting is a bit dim in the common area & the opaque glass doesn't help, but it ends up feeling more "private". BED -- 👍 good The (king) mattress we had was restful; more soft than firm but support was good. Perfect pillows (right-sized & hefty) with equally impressive sheets: comfy, soft, & clean. The top layer blanket, unfortunately, was abysmal... texture, quality, & insulation were all lacking, making this a questionable deviation from the status quo American duvet in most hotels. BATH -- 👍 good A medium-size bathroom with some very odd angles... Still, I liked the design effort & cleaning standards were up to par. The shower experience, your traditional combination shower, was adequate. It's also pre-stocked with bath products by Gilchrist & Soames ZERO% if you're into those. Towels were large, albeit thin, & plenty of hanging fixtures were installed to encourage reuse ♻. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 great Solid setup: 50" LG HD LCDs on rotating base paired with antimicrobial universal remote. Ports were easy to access for a GoogleTV/chromecast. Picture quality & programming was also good. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 poor The usual Hilton unencrypted complimentary WiFi offering behind a cookie portal. Not the most performant wrt throughput, but it works. Verizon service was consistently strong throughout the room. --Performance-- Video streaming - great Online gaming - great Video chatting - great --Nerd Stats-- 7-11 Mbps download 8-11 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 7 ms latency 1 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly location with a variety of food & drink options onsite + convenience foods galore! A mini market, vending machines, frozen foods, & cocktail lounge to name a few. A Medium mini fridge & mini microwave in room can be found in room along with espresso maker. NOISE -- 👍 ok The walls aren't dense, so noisy guests can be a problem, but our stay was peaceful & quiet. LOCATION -- 👍 great A dispensary across the street was a pleasant surprise; A++. The view from our room was gorgeous during the day & provided an entertaining light show at night-- very fun! VERDICT Price: $162.12/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: food & drink They really dropped the ball on smoking infrastructure & customer service could use a bit more personality, but it's a competitively priced property with a lot to offer. Lukewarm recommendation. 3.5/5⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    CHECKIN & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 great A pet friendly location where the staff were always pleasant. Checkin speed is a bit slow but they try to be thorough. Spanish is valuable here if you want anything outside of the vanilla experience, communication can be hard otherwise. The public space were remarkably clean & expertly decorated. We thoroughly enjoyed chilling in the lounges, pool areas, & using the gym spaces. ROOM -- 👍 great kzread.info/dash/bejne/oq6q0aWqY6Weg9o.html kzread.info/dash/bejne/omZ20Mpsfca8Y8Y.html Essentially prefab apartments; modern, spacious, lots of utility & a real "homey" vibe. Seating is generic stock & uncomfortable but the workspace chair was very supportive on my back. BED -- 👍 great Beds were comfortable with high quality sheets, pillows, & duvet. A good mattress but poor base (SQUEAKY) & the bed slides out; not well-positioned. BATH -- 👍 great An effective split-bath that never felt awkwardly designed or inconvenient like most hotels. Dove bath products provided a soothing shower experience. Great water pressure, temperature control, & ample ledges for grooming or personal products. Weighty towels & tons of hooks for re-use ♻. FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly. Large breakfast arrangement of the usual continental rotation w/oatmeal bars, waffles, & pastries, etc. Lots of noteworthy breakfast items specifically: the eggs, waffles, & the meat selection-- French toast too! Coffee & juice fountain were also refreshing. The brewed coffee is really good; the In-room stuff is so-so. A huge fridge of convenience & instant foods are available for purchase by the front desk (along with some rather expensive bottled water). There aren't a lot of exciting restaurants nearby but there's a Costco across the street. Full fridge & kitchenette with stove & dish washer. TV -- 👍 great TV stand glued to the dresser, so not a lot of mobility. Difficult to hear over the AC running right in front of it. Not the best experience if watching from bed. Picture quality & port access was good otherwise. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 great A wide range of performance but very strong & free! The only drawback is that it's unencrypted. A business center is also open on the first floor. --Performance-- Video streaming - great Online gaming - great Video chatting - great --Nerd Stats-- 11-82 Mbps download 9-74 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 10 ms latency 41 ms jitter NOISE -- 👍 great Minus the kids running through halls, it was perfectly quiet. VERDICT Price: $131.46/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: all of it Everyday was... perfect. This was an excellent extended stay: consistent hospitality, service, & accommodations. I highly recommend this location & could see myself staying again. 5/5⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    CHECKIN & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 great A pet friendly location where the staff were always pleasant. Checkin speed is a bit slow but they try to be thorough. Spanish is valuable here if you want anything outside of the vanilla experience, communication can be hard otherwise. The public space were remarkably clean & expertly decorated. We thoroughly enjoyed chilling in the lounges, pool areas, & using the gym spaces. ROOM -- 👍 great kzread.info/dash/bejne/oq6q0aWqY6Weg9o.html kzread.info/dash/bejne/omZ20Mpsfca8Y8Y.html Essentially prefab apartments; modern, spacious, lots of utility & a real "homey" vibe. Seating is generic stock & uncomfortable but the workspace chair was very supportive on my back. BED -- 👍 great Beds were comfortable with high quality sheets, pillows, & duvet. A good mattress but poor base (SQUEAKY) & the bed slides out; not well-positioned. BATH -- 👍 great An effective split-bath that never felt awkwardly designed or inconvenient like most hotels. Dove bath products provided a soothing shower experience. Great water pressure, temperature control, & ample ledges for grooming or personal products. Weighty towels & tons of hooks for re-use ♻. FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly. Large breakfast arrangement of the usual continental rotation w/oatmeal bars, waffles, & pastries, etc. Lots of noteworthy breakfast items specifically: the eggs, waffles, & the meat selection-- French toast too! Coffee & juice fountain were also refreshing. The brewed coffee is really good; the In-room stuff is so-so. A huge fridge of convenience & instant foods are available for purchase by the front desk (along with some rather expensive bottled water). There aren't a lot of exciting restaurants nearby but there's a Costco across the street. Full fridge & kitchenette with stove & dish washer. TV -- 👍 great TV stand glued to the dresser, so not a lot of mobility. Difficult to hear over the AC running right in front of it. Not the best experience if watching from bed. Picture quality & port access was good otherwise. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 great A wide range of performance but very strong & free! The only drawback is that it's unencrypted. A business center is also open on the first floor. --Performance-- Video streaming - great Online gaming - great Video chatting - great --Nerd Stats-- 11-82 Mbps download 9-74 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 10 ms latency 41 ms jitter NOISE -- 👍 great Minus the kids running through halls, it was perfectly quiet. VERDICT Price: $131.46/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: all of it Everyday was... perfect. This was an excellent extended stay: consistent hospitality, service, & accommodations. I highly recommend this location & could see myself staying again. 5/5⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 good Smooth checkin process provided by upbeat & friendly staff; hospitality was exceptional from every employee I encountered. Tap payment wasn't working, so checkin wasn't as speedy or contactless as it could be, but still a positive experience. There are resort fees ($28/night), but early checkin is free & the welcome package includes plenty of vouchers to keep hydrated. Covered self-parking is also available onsite. LOBBY & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 great The checkin area was so simple that I thought this would be another underwhelming Hilton.... then the transitions hit. The social spaces are beautiful, calming, & breezy. It's hard not to catch a vibe & more then makes up for the long trek to your room. Furniture, elevators, & corridors were all well-maintained & exceptionally clean. ROOM -- 👍 good kzread.info0qe4gMtQWhM At first glance, it's just a modern L-shape guest room, but the attention to detail here made my day. The towel staging for instance, is something you don't see much of, post-pandemic, so it was a little touch that we appreciated in a big way. Their tech-forward amenities, like the wireless charging mat & multi-function phone were very convenient. The overhead lighting was also solid & overall turnover was on-point. As far as comfort goes, the room is spacious enough for an intimate couple, just not functionally optimized for it (YMMV). In that respect, the seating, storage, & tabletop space were adequate. The window's weren't functional (huge bummer) but provided a nice view of the pool & plenty of natural light. Cons: lack of ergonomic seating for remote work; no recycling receptacles; air didn't circulate well BED -- 👍 great Hilton brands rarely fumble on this unless the property has odd practices.... And this location did not disappoint: fresh high-quality linens, right-sized pillows with sufficient loft, soft supportive king mattress, a study base, & a big fluffy blanket. The quality of sleep was excellent each night & the bedside charging ports provided a lot of utility. BATH -- 👎 poor The bathroom would have to be the weakest part of all the features. It was functional & clean, but small, dated, & poorly ventilated. Water pressure was adequate at least & towels were pleasantly hefty. Crabtree bath products are stocked in the combination shower & there's plenty of toiletries provided to hold you over. No bathrobe or slippers 💔 TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 ok Mounted 50" LG HD TV with basic programming. Ports aren't accessible on this one for connecting a Google TV or HDMI device. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 ok Unencrypted complimentary WiFi was adequate for work & general use. Cell signal was consistently on the lower end. --Performance-- Video streaming - average Online gaming - average Video chatting - good --Nerd Stats-- 16-20 Mbps download 14-20 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 7 ms latency 15 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great The Snack shop located in the lobby has an amazing selection of snacks & drinks. Surprisingly it's not all junk food. The kitchenette was also impressive given the size of our room. The setup included: a HUGE mini fridge, full size microwave, wet bar, Hamilton beach coffee maker & fully stocked dining-ware-- all clean & ready for use! NOISE -- 👍 ok This unit was an adjoining room & the walls proved to be somewhat thin. It's also a family friendly property so large parties or children playing in the halls can be disruptive. Overall, it's not noisier than similar hotels, but binging a pair of noise cancelling headphones isn't a bad idea. LOCATION -- 👍 good An off-strip property that's even further away from the Vegas crowd. Driving/ride share is a must so be prepared for the traffic.. A 10m drive will take no less than 30 mins or more while F-1 prep is under way. VERDICT Price: $164.49/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: hospitality I was impressed with how much I enjoyed my stay here. Minus the lack of ergonomics for remote work & the DREADFUL resort fees, it was perfect. I would definitely return to explore other room configurations & highly recommend this slice of paradise. 5/5⭐️

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 good Hard & stern 2pm for earliest early checkin 💔. This was a drag, yet they delivered fair customer service throughout my stay. Laundry services are available on-site, along with covered parking, LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 ok The reception area connected to the garage is vastly underwhelming & oddly architected. Their common area (1st floor) on the other hand, was impressive. It's such an incredibly peaceful & beautiful decorated space. Elevators were god-awful slow, to the point of being inconvenient. ROOM (Double, King) -- 👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZJVrtMl8p868iKw.html kzread.infoKoRRAew-el0 Spacious room comfortable for 2. Lighting was excellent and the Armoire was sized just right for my extended stay. BED -- 👍 great Both configurations were conducive for good sleep, checking all my boxes: clean, soft, & cozy. The pillow build was exceptional too. BATH -- 👍 Gravely average bath experience. Decent water pressure, Decent towels, decent (smaller) size. Nice shower tile marbling though. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍They nailed it Good setup, brand, dimensions, & mount. Excellent picture quality & accessibility to ports which made it great for streaming Google TV WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 bad Very asymmetrical throughput. The upload speed is severely lacking. --Performance-- Video streaming - poor Online gaming - poor Video chatting - poor --Nerd Stats-- 37-49 Mbps download 3-8 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 28 ms latency 17 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly. Vending machines on property along with ice on floors. Drinks in lobby & some utensils. Medium size mini fridge in the units & mini microwave. NOISE -- 👎Very noisy. Doors slamming echoes throughout the wall. Being directly on a major road also doesn't help. LOCATION -- 👍 great Conveniently located on el Camino. Felt safe throughout the day & high walkability. VERDICT Price: $123.25/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: beds Service could be a bit more lively & the noise level was frustrating to deal with. It's still a competitively priced location which proved to be great for an extended (1w) stay. I'd recommend this property & would stay here again. 4/5 ⭐️

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 good Hard & stern 2pm for earliest early checkin 💔. This was a drag, yet they delivered fair customer service throughout my stay. Laundry services are available on-site, along with covered parking, LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 ok The reception area connected to the garage is vastly underwhelming & oddly architected. Their common area (1st floor) on the other hand, was impressive. It's such an incredibly peaceful & beautiful decorated space. Elevators were god-awful slow, to the point of being inconvenient. ROOM (Double, King) -- 👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZJVrtMl8p868iKw.html kzread.infoKoRRAew-el0 Spacious room comfortable for 2. Lighting was excellent and the Armoire was sized just right for my extended stay. BED -- 👍 great Both configurations were conducive for good sleep, checking all my boxes: clean, soft, & cozy. The pillow build was exceptional too. BATH -- 👍 Gravely average bath experience. Decent water pressure, Decent towels, decent (smaller) size. Nice shower tile marbling though. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍They nailed it Good setup, brand, dimensions, & mount. Excellent picture quality & accessibility to ports which made it great for streaming Google TV WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 bad Very asymmetrical throughput. The upload speed is severely lacking. --Performance-- Video streaming - poor Online gaming - poor Video chatting - poor --Nerd Stats-- 37-49 Mbps download 3-8 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 28 ms latency 17 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly. Vending machines on property along with ice on floors. Drinks in lobby & some utensils. Medium size mini fridge in the units & mini microwave. NOISE -- 👎Very noisy. Doors slamming echoes throughout the wall. Being directly on a major road also doesn't help. LOCATION -- 👍 great Conveniently located on el Camino. Felt safe throughout the day & high walkability. VERDICT Price: $123.25/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: beds Service could be a bit more lively & the noise level was frustrating to deal with. It's still a competitively priced location which proved to be great for an extended (1w) stay. I'd recommend this property & would stay here again. 4/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    CHECKIN & BUILDING -- 👍 great Monique at reception was amazing-- so sweet & kind! The Lobby is an immediate "wow", immaculately designed for grandeur & glam. Very clean too. Unfortunately there's no late checkout; stern 12pm checkout time. ROOM -- 👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/i5Noutppgty1mpc.html Lots of style points for this modern-classic look. I like the flooring visuals + the fact there's no dirty carpet to deal with. High ceilings & strategic lighting tie it all together. It's a spacious, albeit quirky, box layout; for w/e reason there's a huge pillar in center of the room... Windows also don't open. There's still plenty to rave about, from the cleverly designed compact storage, to the amazing reclining chairs. A huge work desk is setup in the corner for dedicated tabletop space. It's not so strong on comfort & ergonomics unfortunately. Privacy light is used instead of a dirty, flimsy, paper DnD signs (although ours didn't work...). BATH -- 👎 Looks good but the devil is in the details Huge vanity, bright & spacious. Good dimensions with warm & hefty towels. Walk-in shower was large & equipped with a decent hand shower. Its an underwhelming shower experience in the end due to slow heating water, weak water pressure, & dismal toiletries. It's not possible to use both the hand shower and overhead shower head simultaneously -- disappointing. Don't appear to give out robe & slippers anymore either💔. FOOD & DRINK -- 👎 poor Not DoorDash friendly. No room service despite what Google says...🥲 The bar still appears to be functional though, but not competitive if in need of a drink. Ice & vending on the floors. in-room: ✅ small mini fridge ❌ microwave ✅ free water ❌ coffee TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 ok Huge wall mounted TV servicing basic cable. The port accessibility is rather poor with this installation. Outlet distribution also makes it inconvenient if you're hoping to hook up a gaming system or HDMI device. There are a lot of outlets & USB ports, just not where you may need them. BED -- 👍 ok Sleeping accommodations were "mixed". Too few pillows & 2 sizes too small; while lacking in quantity, quality was on point, curtesy of the New Orlean collection brand. Linens were mediocre + this composition lacked a duvet. Luckily the Posteurpedic mattress was a hit! WI-FI & CELLULAR -- 👎 poor Cellular reception is stable & good for work. The WiFi infrastructure is decent, although heavily asymmetrical on throughput + huge packet loss. --Performance-- Video streaming - good Online gaming - good Video chatting - good --Nerd Stats-- 58-75 Mbps download 11-44 Mbps upload 1.00% packet loss 36 ms latency 70 ms jitter NOISE -- 👎 bad Too much white noise! The inability to turn off/down the vents/fans was a MAJOR irritant. LOCATION -- 👍 great Felt very safe, cameras everywhere. Walkability is also high for all the tourists attractions. VERDICT Price: $131.67/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: dimensions Hospitality was the most memorable aspect for me. Accommodations were unique, but they've really cut back on amenities. I wouldn't stay here again but would recommend it as a decent option. 4/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE -- 👍 great I arrived in the dead of the night, but the receptionist still had a great attitude & was swift with the check-in. She simultaneously handled some obnoxious guests with incredible grace & professionalism. TRANSITIONS -- 👎 poor The aesthetic in public spaces has a very cool vibe. After progressing through the lobby, the allure sharply declines. The halls weren't pretty... Temperatures were also unbearable for Texas. Trash pickup was also too infrequent. ROOM -- 👎 kzread.info/dash/bejne/c5uYztybhcy8fJM.html The status quo Element layout, slightly modified for Accessibility. If you've stayed in one, you've stayed in them all, nothing to lambaste about this time (the Elements @ San Jose airport is the best example IMO). The only con was the condition/upkeep (again). Cleaning standards were fine; this room just looked & felt very worn. Not a good vibe or lasting impression. BED -- 👍 great Good enough for recharging during a layover ✈. BATH -- 👍 good Clean & functional. No time to evaluate the shower. TV/ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 good A 48-50" LG TV. I watched a few hours of cable and the quality was fine. The remote is a disaster ergonomically though, but that's a Marriott brand decision. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 poor Excellent cellular coverage in the room, but bare-minimum wireless. --Performance-- Video streaming - average Online gaming - average Video chatting - average --Nerd Stats-- 4-10 Mbps download 7-10 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 31 ms latency 29 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great A full kitchenette stocked with multiple sets of ready to use dining & cook ware. in-room: ✅microwave (full-size) ✅mini-fridge (full-size) ✅coffee ✅tea ❌ wet-bar ❌ mini-bar NOISE -- 👍 great Based off a single brief night, I have no complaints. LOCATION -- 👍 ok Security presence is noticeable & made me feel safe. Rideshare pickups & drop-off geography is a failure. The default GPS locations were always wrong. Someone should submit corrections to Google maps & co. VERDICT Price: free~ Was it worth it: yes Best part: hospitality Functionally it was fine & I liked the customer service. Cosmetically it was a nightmare in areas that matter most. Maintenance & a possible reno are overdue. For an extended stay It did not "feel" great/comfortable to be in. Will not return; lukewarm recommendation. 3/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 ok The woman at the front desk had such a sweet personality. Checkin is predominately analog & manual; very slow as a result. Card readers also don't work, which could've spend things up. 11:30 latest checkout offered.😕 LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 good Clean transitions with a minimalist look. ⚠Elevators were even slower than the checkin speed; I STRONGLY suggest using the stairs (you'll thank me later).⚠ ROOM -- 👍 great kzread.info/dash/bejne/rHeu2buOf5yzppc.html The dimensions of this room were amazing for the price, featuring a modern design, abundant outlets, good lighting, & impressive cleaning standards! The manual AC was a bummer but the other amenities are a huge value. All other facets were well-maintained. BED -- 👍 ok A fantastic mattress. Unfortunately the linens were abysmal. I did not enjoy the blankets at all. The pillow fill was significantly under too, offering very little support. BATH -- 👎 poor Mid-size bathroom space with minimal toiletries. The shower experience was "meh" due to poor accessibility. ⚠A slip mat was also missing-- hopefully this isn't the norm! At least the towels were decent. Toilet flush was also rather weak. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 great Premium display on a HUGE TV. Good quality & conveniently accessible for hooking up a chromecast. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 great Secure & performant!💗 --Performance-- Video streaming - Good Online gaming - Good Video chatting - Good --Nerd Stats-- 79 - 85 Mbps download 21 - 27 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 18 ms latency 4 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly. I was impressed with the dense breakfast offering: waffles, juice bar, pastries, eggs, cereal, etc. Turkey sausage was a pleasant surprise, although it was incredibly bland for a southern location. The other proteins were ok except the low quality stringy bacon. Super Kitchenette in room-- my first full-size fridge in an airport hotel! Being able to prepare and eat real meals was my favorite part of the stay. Vending machines are also onsite with the usual junk food. NOISE -- 👍 ok Not bad, also not great when it comes go sound proofing. Facing the freeway is a bad experience in general if hoping for quiet. The walls are somewhat thin so speakerphone conversations in adjoining rooms can be annoying. LOCATION -- 👍 ok "Airport hotel facing the freeway" says it all. Not much for walkability but it felt safe. VERDICT Price: $101.62/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: breakfast It's a great value. A few kinks but overall I enjoyed my stay. I would stay here again & highly recommend it. 4/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 great Checkin speed here deserves an applause! No predatory fees for checking in early either 🙌 Parking runs $17 -- it is what it is. I was impressed by how grand the lobby was; a very unassuming, yet impeccably clean lounge area. Really good vibes. Elevators were spotless too. Trash pickup in the huge halls was lagging, but still a positive impression at this point. ROOM -- 👎 kzread.info/dash/bejne/jIKeybN6ec_Ad7Q.html This was one of the "city" view rooms, which actually meant: prison bar windows facing the highway 🤦‍♂, quite misleading (Book a lake view room if this matters to you). We were hit with an odor upon entry; not a great first impression 🥲. The dimensions were impressive for the price, adorned with creative wallpaper visuals. Lighting also wasn't bad and there was plenty of storage! Walls weren't terribly thin, but external sounds are very noticeable. TV -- 👎 bad No redeeming qualities about this TV solution: audio clarity, volume levels, picture quality, resolution.... It's a shame bc they provide DirectTV channels. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION --👍 great Incredible performance! More than adequate for work, entertainment, & multitasking. --Performance-- Video streaming - great Online gaming - great Video chatting - great --Nerd Stats-- 150-177 Mbps download 86-91 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 8 ms latency 1.5 ms jitter BATH -- 👍 great Medium-small split bath setup with an impressive vanity. I did not care for the design of this shower: the dreaded zero-entry walkin. It's a frustrating shower experience unless you enjoy showering in limited space. The quality of towels was redeeming at least. FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 good DoorDash friendly. Starbucks is in walking distance, just seconds away. There's plenty to eat & drink on site as well, offering convenience foods for purchase, a bar, & eatery. LOTS of options if you're feeling lazy or on staycation. ⚠FYI The mini-fridge is dreadfully noisy on colder settings.⚠ BED -- 👍 great The best part! I slept on a Fantastic bed (older Simmons beauty rest model). Linens felt premium, pillow build was supportive, & everything was clean. VERDICT Price: $141.23/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: the bed Presentation is really strong & it's a beautiful property. The atmosphere was calming & the consistency in hospitality was impressive. The undesirable parts were tolerable & could be easily improved. Still a very competitive option. I could see myself staying here again & would recommend it. 4/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👎 poor Not much energy or banter from these employees. They're some of the stiffest customer facing personalities I've seen to date. Check-in speed is average so it's just awkward for a duration ⌚. 11:30 late checkout. 🚫Not worth the $40/night resort fees (can't wait until these are outlawed in CA). 🚫 They were ZERO help in recovering items left in the room after checkout (pink google TV remote) LOBBY & TRANSITIONS -- 👎 poor Uniquely curated & well-decorated! Public spaces are elaborate, polished, & designed beautifully. Navigating the lower levels to reach checkin is more than tolerable. The hallways had a terrible burnt odor 🤢. ROOM (walkthrough) -- 👍 favorable. A generic L-shape layout with a modern design that was easy you settle into. It looked + felt clean & had an alluring aroma. The dimensions were comfortably spacious for 1 (so-so for 2). Strong on storage options, workspace setup, & extra seating options. BED -- 👎 poor Too small & too few pillows. Their build was still respectable & had a nice texture Good mattress, good linens, good comforters. Sleep was restful. BATH -- 👎 poor Old-world wallpaper is reminiscent of a Crowne Plaza / Intercontinental, but aesthetically it's a beaut' due to the high quality tiling & soaking tub design. Fashion aside, it still wasn't a compelling washroom experience functionally: Temps were lukewarm (at best) & water pressure was weak. Towels were fair 👍. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👎 Very meh TV solution. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 Great High speed LTE in the area. WiFi offered great burst speeds too. --Performance-- Video streaming - great Online gaming - great Video chatting - great --Nerd Stats-- 30-212 Mbps download 26-110 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 6 ms latency 2 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👎 A disappointment; lacking all the staples expected from this kind of old-glamour 4* hotel. ❌DoorDash friendly ❌room service ❌mini bar ❌microwave There's $35 food & beverage credit to distract from the resort fees, really inconvenient & It's easy to forget & only valid for your current stay. 3x 12oz drinks were $21 for reference. NOISE -- 👎Reprehensibly noisy, externally, if facing market. Quiet halls & sufficient sound-proofing internally. LOCATION -- 👍The epitome of walkability; easy access to storefronts, restaurants, & public transit. Safe area with good security. VERDICT Price: $129.49/night Was it worth it: no Best part: WIFI A lot & a little... The lack of food & drink conveniences left me disappointed. Then there's the dreadful resort fees (🤢) & lack of follow up in tracking down my personal items💔. I won't be returning. Worth a look for the novelty, maybe? 3/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👎 ok First impression of the customer experience was not positive. Remarkably inefficient at servicing customers; performing manual bookings over the phone during peak hours, with 1 representative on staff. A $25 early checkin fee demanded after sitting through this 10m call was tactless; at least make the fee proportional to the room rates. The weirdest part about this arrangement is that rooms simply sit idle, with the doors fully open, until occupied. 🤯🤦‍♂ A virtual concierge was convenient for arranging late checkout. 1130 latest checkout offered (free). LOBBY & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 good This is an overtly quirky layout & felt like a maze at times; same goes for the parking experience. The lobby was still very enjoyable due to the lively atmosphere & curated playlist of multi-genre hits. Chairs were comfortable enough for the long ~~~ waits before checkin & a host of beverages are offered in the lobby. FYI: Parking voucher for Yelp checkin! ROOM (walkthrough) -- 👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/g5OBzo-xmtiYl9Y.html A trendy mix of modern & contemporary stock that creates a uniquely intimate "Bay Area" vibe. I found the accommodations to be surprisingly versatile for remote work, staycation, or simply at face value as an airport hotel. Our room was comfortably spacious with quality seating & a patio perfectly positioned for enjoying the breeze, radiating with natural light ☀. A mix of traditional & make-shift storage was also available. ⚠Walls are the definition of "thin". ⚠ BED -- 👎Too soft I could see this being enjoyable for those that don't need the additional support. A plethora of pillows provided in this setup. This did not make up for the dreadfully weak bedding though. BATH -- 👍 good Small bath space but you get a dedicated vanity. Great shower experience: strong water pressure, fast heating temperatures, & larger towels. Designer toiletries (Gilchrest & Soames) are also included. Ventilation could be a lot better but the windows are functional & make up for it. I also found my pick for best robe this year (made by "robes etc...")! TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 good Impressive entertainment center installation. The television itself was excellent in picture quality & feature-set. Paired with the most unique & tech-forward remote that I've encountered in any hotel this year. It was a fun experience that I highly recommend tinkering with. A bluetooth record player & a few classic records were even provided! WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 great A superb~ free WiFi offering. --Performance-- Video streaming - Great Online gaming - Great Video chatting - Great --Nerd Stats-- 64-84 Mbps download 67-68 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 11 ms latency 1 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great DoorDash friendly + plenty of walkable staples like chipotle, subway, & in-n-out burger. I was surprised to see so many food options In the lobby -- there's enough snacks, wine, & beer 3-11pm) to fill a small corner store! A status quo boutique-buffet breakfast is offered at the usual hours. Refillable waters battles are also provided for the duration of your stay. Vending & ice machines on floor. in-room: ✅ microwave (mini) ✅ mini-fridge (medium) ✅coffee ❌ tea ❌ wet-bar ❌ mini-bar NOISE -- 👎 bad Another thin walls™ experience. Slamming doors rattle the building, so prepare for that. It's a pet friendly property so plenty of potential barking & other animal sounds. Caltrain across the street too 🚂. LOCATION -- 👍 good Airport hotel in a safe area, with proximity to Caltrain. Rideshare pickup can be confusing & parking isn't a polished experience. RATING Price: $131.99/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: vinyl record 🅿layer A dense amount of amenities -- possibly more than a Staypineapple! Acoustically, it's hit-or-miss, & from the management aspect they're understaffed (or inexperienced). Nonetheless, it's a great-value airport hotel. I highly recommend & would stay again. 4/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 great Pleasant reception staff & efficient checkin. The valet were also very professional. The Spa staff (supervisor I believe?) did not seem organized, aware, nor helpful. The lobby orientation/layout is a bit unusual & elevators are very in-your-face. Cleaning standards are exceptional. This felt like an elevated experience walking through the building. ROOM -- 👍 great kzread.info/dash/bejne/fpiWl9ySaZjcm9Y.html Very spacious, aromatic, & well-lit. A modern design with a luxury feel to it, reminiscent of that old-world glamour but not at all stiff. Functional windows get so much natural light during golden hour. The workspace fell short in ergonomics , nevertheless it was an inspiring space. Storage was generous & the room was very clean. BED -- 👍 great HEAVENLY!!! You sink in this one & just never want to get up. Surrounded by an excellent brand of pillows & linens. Simply wow! BATH -- 👍 good Small bath space with a toilet of dread. These low toilets are a bane. The rest of the installations are more than satisfactory. Bath products (ROOTS) were premium quality & the shower experience was pleasant: a spacious glass walk-in with a fair shower head. TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 great Amazingly functional TV solution. A ~50" wall mount capable of all the gymnastics you can imagine. Spa services are also offered. The concierge is a great resource for other activities + coupons. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 good A decent level of throughtput, adequate for you day-to-day typical activities --Performance-- Video streaming - average Online gaming - average Video chatting - average --Nerd Stats-- 25-32 Mbps download 22-32 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 28 ms latency 38 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 great The best part! The adjoining Italian restaurant, Zingari, is my favorite in the city. Pricey but incredibly well-prepared & filling. The roasted wild boar dish is my goto. Kitchenette / wet bar is equipped with microwave & wet bar. Everything was clean and primed for use. NOISE -- 👍 great Quiet as a mouse. City sounds can still be a distraction LOCATION -- 👍 great Great walkability & the area felt safe. VERDICT Price: $152.44/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: food & drink Competitively priced, centrally located, & great hospitality. Id definitely stay here again & highly recommend it 5/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👍 good An inviting small-business family-owned vibe. Their cordial & earnest staff provided a swift checkin experience. Early checkin was also free & Parking available onsite. Tap payment didn't work. Housekeeping staff are quick but noisy & unconventional. LOBBY, ELEVATOR, CORRIDORS -- 👍 great An underdog. The reception area isn't much of a lobby. It's technically the garage level & more functional than social or decorative. But the common area on the first guest floor was very pleasant & had a quaint community feel. ROOM -- 👍 great kzread.info/dash/bejne/maNsj5NqnKzNfdY.html Spacious, clean, & modern suite with a lot of function: Vibrant lighting, operational windows (cloudy & need a wash), sufficient storage & plenty of tabletop space. Dated color scheme & fixtures, yet it wasn't uncomfortable. Phones are overdue for a refresh; The number list is so old it's begun to brown & the Jack was broken so it slipped out constantly. BED (king) -- 👍 great Excellent. Quality linens, supportive mattress, & so many pillows! Besides reading lights were great for low-light work late at night. BATH -- 👍 good Pleasantly surprised. Small dimensions, dated low toilet, & tired design BUT they didn't compromise on the bathing experience--A premium combination tub with jets! Other highlights: High cleaning standards Well-maintained tile Textured towels Large vanity Manual exhaust & robust ventilation Roio toiletries TV & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👍 ok ~30" Samsung TV... duct taped to dresser🤔; Unsightly but fully functional. Basic programming content offered. Ports were easily accessible & the model was mostly compatible with Google TV. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👎 poor Good cell proximity; shouldn't have any problems with tethering or call quality. Heavily imbalanced WiFi bandwidth which you'll feel if trying to multi task. Otherwise it was fine. --Performance-- Video streaming - good Online gaming - great Video chatting - great --Nerd Stats-- 78-98 Mbps download 4-6 Mbps upload 0% packet loss 12 ms latency 19 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👍 good NOT DoorDash friendly. Rooms are equipped with wet bar sink, large mini fridge, full-size microwave, & Hamilton beach coffee maker. No dishware is provided, which was unexpected. There's a light Breakfast offered at the usual time + free beverages in the lobby. NOISE -- 👎 poor Noisy housekeeping was a bit of a headache. The neighboring residential area is also rowdy & there isn't much in the form of sound proofing. For the most part it was fine. VERDICT Price: $119.00/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: bath A Strong airport hotel with personable employees & a competitive price point. I'd stay here again & recommend it if this spot is on your radar. 4/5 ⭐

  • @MrStaycation
    @MrStaycation3 күн бұрын

    SERVICE & CHECKIN -- 👎 A positive experience overall, although speed was not this gentlemen's strong suit. They also waste a lot of trees for menial signatures ♻... No tap pay support; really falling behind the times here people 😕 Latest checkout offered is 1230. The housekeeping staff are some of the sloppiest I've encountered to date as far as conduct goes. They also enter rooms w/o cause or respect for the DnD sign. Tighten up! 🙄 Parking available onsite. LOBBY & TRANSITIONS -- 👍 great Gigantic & clean. The orientation, color psychology, & flow feel really good. Entering & exploring the building is a pleasant experience due to the excellent upkeep. ROOM -- 👍 kzread.info/dash/bejne/q6R2qsRtlrLFpLA.html Standard L-shape room with a clean feel. The sunlight was AMAZING during the day, completely filling this spacious room. I didn't mind the lack of functional windows so much as a result. The workstation was also a standout; the chair provided excellent support and a relaxing texture. There's a good-enough amount of storage provided as well (closet + dresser drawers). If you're lucky you'll also get a decent view, but the surrounding area is more industrial so YMMV. BED -- 👍 good Favorable bed setup. All boxes checked, just nothing noteworthy to callout. ✅ clean linens ✅ mattress support ✅ pillow lift BATH -- 👍 ok A really small bath space for a split-bath setup. It's overall poor mostly due to maintenance: the clogged drain & visible mineral build up on shower head were the most off-putting. The rest of the experience is just inherently mediocre on top of that: No-frills alcove combination shower; uncomfortable low toilet, small towels, no ventilation... Disappointing, but the Beekman toiletries were actually good. Tech & ENTERTAINMENT -- 👎 poor Yester-year LG TV. The user experience is frustrating due to how slow it operates & the resolution. Thankfully there's a mini casino onsite in the restaurant area! That was a delight. WI-FI & CELL RECEPTION -- 👍 ok Very mid cell coverage throughout the room. Internet speeds were all over the place; below average even for "free" due to the insane packet loss. --Performance-- Video streaming - average Online gaming - good Video chatting - good --Nerd Stats-- 8-30 Mbps download 5-22 Mbps upload 1% packet loss 77 ms latency 31 ms jitter FOOD & DRINK -- 👎 ok DoorDash friendly. Breakfast hours are 6-11 and it's NOT complimentary. Menus weren't allergy friendly (my loss) but having made-to-order food Is incredibly convenient for those that can partake. The grill is open late too. In-room: ✅ Large mini fridge ✅ Mini microwave ✅ coffee NOISE -- 👎 poor Not at all sound proof. Expect to hear neighboring guest's iPhone alarms ⏰. Housekeeping chisme @ 7 in the morning was also a headache. LOCATION -- 👎 ok More of an industrial area. Upkeep could be better around the property, like trash in the parking lot. It felt safe at least. VERDICT Price: $109.99/night Was it worth it: yes Best part: unexpected slot machine casino Competitively priced so it's worth a look, it's just very mediocre in some important areas. Lukewarm recommendation. 3/5 ⭐