Unterwegs

IC "Stephen F. Austin" Austin

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
The hotel was relatively ok, but in many areas felt more like a Crowne Plaza than a 5 star.
The club lounge was the worst in years. Not happy.

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
After checking with the hotel about their upgrade policy I booked a 'King Deluxe' (around 15 % more than cheapest) and got a Suite (size of two regular rooms)

How are the rooms?
Showing age, but reasonably well kept. Bedroom with king size bed, living room with table, sofa. Work desk unfortunately in the bedroom. Extra toilet.
Bathroom is huge, but complete waste of space. Small bathtub/shower combination in one corner (the type which is too low to take a bath), huge empty area.

How is the exec. lounge?
The worst lounge at any IC in the last few years.
Arrived in the afternoon. They are advertising 'Afternoon Refresh - The, Champagne and light snacks'. What they actually have is: an otherwise empty buffet with a plate with two cookies, some nuts. The Champagne is actually a cheap Cava. No server. No coffee. No soft drinks.
In the evening the had a few food items (very limited and low quality) and the same Cava again.
In the mornings they use the club lounge as regular breakfast venue. They have s small buffet (free for club guest) and a menu with made to order items (they charge for club guest - that is a first for me). Even with no extra charges you had to sign the check (do they expect tips?).

Did you receive a welcome gift?
Really generous: one apple (already rotten inside), one small bag of popcorn. Also two wineglasses and a bottle opener on the table, but no wine. Only one bottle of water (never replenished).

How was the minibar?
Average, but had 1/2 bottle of low end champage.
Not refilled automatically. Had to call every day.

What was good and what was bad?

-Good
- Location just in the middle of downtown
- Most of the staff was helpful and friendly

- Very Bad
- Club lounge in every aspect (food, service, location)
- Welcome gift

Value for $ or Priority Club Points?
Not good. The hotel is overpriced for what they offer.

Would you return?
No.