lousy hotel
Let me start by saying I've traveled a great deal in low rate and boutique hotels - but this ONE - takes the lousy prize. Clarion Hotels are supposed to be the top line in the CHOICE Hotels brand. This one is not.
What was right about the stay:
-Clarion's shuttle service and proximity to JAX airport very good. Timely service and friendly drivers.
-Front desk staff we had on two separate nights were competent and appeared easy to please - Sean did a very nice job.
Now for the lousy part:
-One of the exterior doors is supposed to be opened by room key - anyone could gain entry without a key. Door did not lock
-Hotel smelled in the lobby and windows were full of condensation and furnishings and wall coverings dated.
- Snack bar was not available during our stay
-On site restaurant had poor service - waitress (of which there was one) could not multi-task or acknowledge us. We left after 15 minutes sitting at the bar in front of her and she never took our order, provided us drinks or anything but a menu. We ordered a pizza from off site instead. Half of the tables were not bussed and place settings were not readily available.
-Breakfast buffet - (complimentary) eggs were watery and pancakes all same shade and color and after tasting them you can see why. They were frozen and warmed in a microwave- inside was still cool.
- Icemaker on fourth floor was out of ice and two vending machines on two separate floors were out of service.
- Guest room: Shelving for microwave and refrigerator were not in the proper place next to TV stand. No micro or fridge in the room. One drinking glass only - not two as is normal. Armrest on desk chair fell off and was never attached (screws were missing). Security latch on the bedroom had loose screws. Deadbolt only partially moved in one direction.
- Hotel is now owned by the bank but operates (just barely)
Outcome: Complaints heard by manager and he comped the room for a refund back to me. [We got the room late that evening and too tired to get a separate room -but reported to the hotel crew and manager called us the next day] WILL NOT stay at this hotel again, even though, its very close to the JAX airport. Obvious that no one seems to care about the quality of the job at this hotel. For a conference hotel its abysmal.