It was Safe and Clean Enough
I was at this hotel this week for a day and a half. This hotel is one step above a standard airport hotel. It is on the side of a highway, along an access road. It is next to a car dealer, stop and shop; and 18-wheelers were always parked in front of the building, perhaps resting before continuing their journey. As you pull into the front, I was actually surprised to see there is an attended valet service. But, I figure that's because they seem to have a parking problem with people parking in the garage who should not be. I think the valet helps to control that. The lobby was nondescript (brown), as I recall. There was a bar and restaurant on the other side of the lobby which reminded me of my college ratskellar. Front desk personnel were kurt, but, professional. They were all young (college-grad types), who do what they have been taught. They haven't acquired the nuanced skill of mixing humanness and business--so you walk away feeling as though you want to "slap the little brat".
When I arrived to my room on the 12 floor, after a long-ish wait for one of 3 outdated elevators to show, I was happy with the cleanliness of the place. The hotel sits at the foot of a mountain, so my view was of a too close-up gravelly rock, going straight up, an abandoned concrete retaining wall with graffiti, an access drive-way, and air-conditioning units. Atop the mountain sat a couple of those CAli type mountain homes that hang out over the mountain ledge. I was convinced that each of those homes at telescopes trained on my window, waiting for a free peep show (I know I'm paranoid}. I just kept my drapes closed.
The room was attractive and clean enough, however, I soon realized that this is the room where they make Popsicles. The room was absolutely freezing, and the thermostat had nothing to do with the temperature. I ended up having to shut down the entire HVAC system before it was comfortable enough for me to stay. The bathroom was very attractive, however the cold water handle swung all the way around and water leaked under the sink. They also had pocket doors--which I thought was kinda neat. Except the pocket door had a lock on which I was sure was broken--so I never shut the door entirely thinking I might get stuck in the bathroom. The bathtub had a horrible, nasty back-up the entire time I was there there was standing water in the tub.
Used food dishes stayed in the hallway for my entire visit--I felt like many of them were the same dishes because I recognized them after passing by several times. The parking deck is dark with an unsafe feeling, although I am sure it is safe. The parking spots are too too small. After some jerk parked so close next to me, I ended up having to crawl my big, 6'5" body through the passenger side of a WAAAY to small rental car which they are now calling standard, and swing my long legs over the little plastic gear shift to get into my car.
I would not purposely stay at this hotel again. The only reason I stayed here this time was because my normal places were not available and because I'm adventurous. Most of my business is in downtown San Diego, or there about.. This hotel is off that beaten path. They also do not have business quality services, like concierge level, and free breakfast for frequent visitors. They also told me the 12 floor was "upgraded"--that's sad. It was safe, and except for the couple having a major blow-out across the hall from me--she was taking the screaming 2 year old and all the luggage. He was standing in the doorway in ragged boxers, screaming like a baby behind her: your gonna take my baby from me?? Please come back". I think I would have left the wuss, too! So....otherwise, it was quiet. This went on about half of all night. Oh, by the way, the front desk clerk refused to give me a King sized bed. I'm sure it's because I had a corporate rate--which for some reason, the front desk people often seem to take as a personal affront. I had a room with 2 doubles. I used one bed for my dresser.