10/09/08

Be treated like the star of the universe

by bpowelltx

The finest accommodations we have enjoyed in several years. Upon arrival we were whisked to the reservation desk and in less than five minutes were sitting comfortably in our room. The view was magnificent and the room spotless. There is nothing you could possibly desire that the hotel staff were unable to provide, and do so with a friendly smile and create a feeling that you request is of absolute importance. There are several small quaint eateries close by with every possible food type known to exist. Those we frequented were absolutely wonderful. Access to transportation is fantastic. The street car is directly out the front door and the "metro" train one block away. These rides are free within "Freedom Square" (the majority of everything within a 20 to 30 blocks in every direction). Of course the helpfulness of the people of Portland cannot be overlooked...anytime we had a question or a request for directions they were ready and able to offer friendly advice. The Hotel will also arrange for a rental car, provide brochures for tours (and recommend some of the best spots to visit), and do anything to make your stay memorable. We have visited 20 major cities in the past five or so years and normally choose Hilton, Marriott or such...yet our stay at The Governor has by far been the most memorable. I cannot think of a more enjoyable vacation visit than here. Give yourself a gift, stay a few days at The Governor...you'll love it!

• Pros: Access to transportation, staff friendliness and helpfulness, value.

03/11/08

Poor customer service.

by highexpectations1

Well, when people ask how my trip to Portland was? I must reply? it was great once we got to the right hotel.

Several years ago we took advantage of a big deal package at the Governor?s Hotel, it was very pleasant, a nice room with a fireplace, the steam room and pool. So I planned, a couple of months ahead, a get away for my husband?s birthday. When I first looked at the big deal, I did not see any rooms available, so I went to the Governor?s Hotel website and made reservations for the Winter Warmer. A couple of weeks later, I got an email ?s that talked about Portland?s Big Deal, so I checked The Governors Hotel, and they were now available- having such a nice time last time, I called and asked if they were the same deal, but the big deal being just bit less expensive- Oh, yes, they are the same. I commented that I wanted a fireplace room like last time- oh yes that should not be a problem. So I cancelled my winter warmer reservation and made a reservation on the big deal and made a note in the note box- fireplace.

When we arrived our room was on the 2nd floor and about the size of a closet. The hallway was full of restaurant noise, and the ?view? as the desk person called it was of a very dirty and ugly center courtyard. We went down to the desk and complained and told of our last experience and expectations. The gal at the desk told us that rooms were assigned that morning- I do find it interesting that people making reservations over a month in advance get the smallest, noisiest room- I guess it does not pay to plan ahead.

So I called another hotel that came to our rescue and treated us with the greatest of care. I now paid for parking, and paid for a more for a room- both items that I had not planned on- I would have taken the train rather than pay for downtown parking.

As a reply to this note i was told that i was lucky not to have been charged for the same day cancellation.

04/23/07

Historic old Portland disapointing

by mbmb1

My husband and I booked a Jr. Suite in this historic Portland landmark for my 50 BD 2 months in advance. When we called to confirm reservations (the day of arrival) they said they gave us a "complimentry king room upgrade". The "complimentry room upgrade" was anything but that, no fireplace and only a bed not a suite! They tried to put us in a lesser grade room because suposedly another couple decided to stay an extra night and they gave them our reserved room. I've never heard of this of policy, if another person decided to stay another night spur of the moment they should have be given the lesser of the 2 rooms, not someone that booked so far in advance. When asked to speak to a manager, she eventually tried to make up for it by putting us in a Parlor suite. Although, I believe it was worst of all the suites they had. Our view was the roof with the sound of the ventalation system running all night, the room had no way to play music (CD's) yet we were told our clock radio had AM/FM (not!). I guess they tried to make up for it by putting balloons in the room but still I was disappointed we didn't get to stay in the Jr. Suite as planned and reserved. At this point I don't know if I'd stay there again, I'm not the first reviewer that had an "over-booking fiasco". They need to parctice what they preach and stick to the reservations each and every person commits to with that "credit card garantee" otherwise why even bother with any "garantee" from either side.

• Pros: Location and Lobby
• Cons: Advance reservations mean nothing. They overbook rooms frequently just to keep hotel full