a smile costs nothing
I stayed at the hotel whitcomb after visiting Los Angeles and Carmel where i always found a warm reception, this all changed when i got to san Francisco. the receptionists working Thursday afternoon were slow, unhelpful and unfriendly. There were no smiles and there was very little communication. I was left on my own and had to wait for over 10 minutes whilst my documents were copied. I would have appreciated the receptionist providing an explanation but she only came back once the task was done and was surprised to find me sitting down bored – there was no apology. Nothing was explained to me – i decided to read up on breakfast arrangements, the gym, check out time in my hotel guide in my room. 
My first impressions of the hotel were poor - its surrounded by homeless people and smells of the gutter. i understand that the location is near the tenderloin, a rough area. As a woman on my own, i probably should have avoided the streets behind hotel as i encountered nothing but homeless people there. Your pretty much okay if you stick to Market Street in daylight. 
The room was nice and clean but the curtains didnt shut and the view was horrendous. There was no light in the wardrobe – i had to switch on the bathroom light to find my clothes. The heating didn’t work, i informed reception, but no one came to fix it so i was cold all night. 
The elevators are very slow and feel unsafe as i actually got stuck in one – probably less than a minute – but it was enough to freak me out. 
The best thing about the hotel was the concierge – i always found the staff friendly and helpful. However, its a shame they were only open 8am – 8pm as i was always up early ready for the days events. Catherine and Jan were eager to help and always positive and professional. Well done to your fantastic concierge team – maybe they can teach your receptionists to smile?