Dull, Dirty, Depressing and Unresponsive (and no hot water)!
Stayed at the Embassy Downtown Portland before, when the restaurant, bakery and bar next door (and connected to the hotel lobby), Mother's Bistro, was open. Enjoyed the convenience and fun of the added experience, although Mother's is NOT affiliated with the hotel. This time, a Sunday stay, Mother's was closed, forcing much more emphasis in terms of the enjoyment, or lack thereof, of my stay upon the hotel itself.
What I noticed most:
Cost prohibitive parking. Wouldn't even consider parking at these rates.
Pet fees were more than half of my nightly rate. $75 is way too much.
The lobby is lacking decor, unlike the picture shown in the online ads and here on TA. Sad for a hotel with such history and potential.
The elevators are in serious need of a refresh, (a thorough cleaning wouldn't hurt either!).
There is no exhaust fan in the bathroom, which WILL be a problem at some point, especially if you are staying with another person.
The bathroom is cramped. Getting in and out of the shower involves a dance with the door.
The very old AC system is limited to 68 at the lowest set point. Might be ok in the off season, but is lacking when there is any real heat outside.
The complimentary breakfast is served in a dungeon on the B2 level. Totally lacking in any style or effort at making it cheerful and welcoming. Left for real food and atmosphere beyond that of what feels like a repurposed gymnasium.
There was no hot water. None. Texted the front desk, which is there preferred method of communication. No response. Waited. Texted again 20 min later. NO RESPONSE. Waited. Nothing. Finally left. Went by the front desk to inquire about the issue with the hot water outage and communication gaff. (BTW They were Johnny on the spot when it came to communicating amenities and letting you know they were there to help, by text, but when you actually needed them to help with an issue, in this case a very significant issue, they were nowhere to be found.) Not good. When I went by the desk to lodge my complaint, I was told by the very nice but very inexperienced clerk, that they had seen my text and did respond, but more than 30 min after I texted. Who waits on line for 45 min for a text response to an immediate issue like no hot water. What is the purpose of text if you can't respond simply and quickly?
The best the poorly trained gal could do was able to confirm there indeed was no hot water in my part of the hall...AND how many rooms were affected. She could not even offer a refund or credit. Nothing. What is the point of having someone at the front desk if they have no authority? Useless.
At check out, because no one had taken it on themselves to call and fill me in or apologize, I requested a call back from the Assistant Manager, who was not available at the time, but was expected later that day at noon. Great! At noon, nothing. Hours later...nothing. Called that afternoon after 4. No manager, or assistant available, and again, the clerk (in training), had no authority to adjust my bill accordingly for the inconvenience, (wife and I had to go out to our appointments unshowered.) Requested a call back from the Manager, Gorana Tifekchian, (whose card I had picked up at check out), this time.
No call from Gorana that evening, or the next day. Called again two days later, still no manager or assistant available. "She is busy and has a lot of things to do, but I can leave another message." (you mean too busy with other things to talk to a guest??). Left another call back request for the manager Gorana Tifekchian. Now it has been a week since I checked out. No call. Terrible management. Terrible staff training. Dreary and drab decor. Prison institution like breakfast area with the saddest and most limited assortment of offerings. Will look for another accomodation in future. This one is dead, of its own choosing.
On a positive note, I did appreciate the young black woman who checked me in. Bright intelligent, capable. When I told her the pet fee on line was less than the $75 she was asking at check in, she made the adjustment without any of the regular entitled attitude or hassle. I appreciated that.
This review was more than earned and completely avoidable.
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2998 reviews
