Originally Posted by
Roger Lococco
We stayed there this weekend. Very disappointed. No major problems, just a string of issues that reinforced mediocrity.
- Spent 40,000 points for one night, so was expecting a lot. Got an experience that is below what I would expect from an average Hampton Inn.
- For some reason, unable to check in online.
- Did not get upgraded as a Diamond. I think we got the only city view room on our floor. I understand this is the way it goes on a reward stay, but still very disappointed. The desk staff made a point of noting that I was 'on a reward stay' when I politely asked if an upgrade was possible.
- Check in is at 4:00. Tried to check in early, but was told to come back at around 2:00. Came back at 2:00, room not ready. Room finally ready at 3:55 PM. They could have put in a rush order at the beginning (first stop by desk) but did not.
- Bathtub did not drain -- at least not at a reasonable rate (i.e. 20 minutes to drain).
- No wireless reception in room. No plug to use connected Internet. This was rather shocking ... I felt like I was in a time warp.
- Manager's reception consisted of fountain drinks and Checks Mix.
- Room was on a very high floor, but located above an outdoor Latin music bar. Music was relatively loud and distracting until about 11:00 at night.
- TV was not plasma. Several stations (e.g. CNN) had notable interference
- Key card holder / welcome kit had a shameless plug for gratuities -- essentially asking for a gratuity for every staff position in the hotel
- Wait for elevator averaged 5 minutes
- Wait for car at valet parking is 15 - 20 minutes
- This sounds elitist, but clientiele had issues. I'm okay with families to a degree, but the large party of poseur-dudes that showed up wheeling in the naked blow up doll was a bit much.
I'm not here to defend ES in any way, but because so much of what you have written differs from my experience(s), I just wanted to mention that I'm sure your season of visit rightly or wrongly affected your experience. And, actually, I'd be curious to read how other hotels in the same location fare at this time of year
I choose to stay at this property when visiting Niagara Falls maintly because of location and the breakfast/reception, and of course the larger rooms. Because I can get all of that at a price (or points) equal or less than a neighboring property without meals and/or convenience shuttles, my expectations are probably lowered.
And I suspect these things I mention (as well as being next to the casino) do attract a more boisterous (sp?) clientele. Legal age is 19 in Canada, and I know that when we've stayed there, there have been many, many young adult couples and groups. In fact, I finally caved in and called security at 1:30 am for the room next to us during our last visit, lots of noise, furniture moving and stuff like that going on! Next day they were sending pieces of paper out of the window to catch air currents.... I do think the ES even advertises for college students to come there for a weekend...
At our manager reception, there were a few add'l snacks in addition to the chex mix, and the bar was open for alcholic drinks, wonder if that has been changed?
To be honest, though, I have basically given up visiting Niagara Fallls in peak tourist season. Too many people, parking can be non-existent, and all at a premium price of course! I think/hope that if you stay at ES again, either in fall or winter, you will be glad you did -- more room availability, near-zero wait times for elevators, etc.