Not the 5 stars it used to be, now more like Average 3 stars
Dec 21, 2024 GrisGrisNewYork New York
I am seating in my suite while I write this review before departing tomorrow. We considered ourselves regulars since this is our 3rd time in this hotel. We love the location and the residence setting and how special this hotel used to make us feel. However, things have changed! What used to be an elegant experience does not exist in this hotel.…
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I am seating in my suite while I write this review before departing tomorrow. We considered ourselves regulars since this is our 3rd time in this hotel. We love the location and the residence setting and how special this hotel used to make us feel. However, things have changed! What used to be an elegant experience does not exist in this hotel. My experienced was ruined with the check-in and check-out policies. On a good note, housekeeping and valet staff were great.
Problem #1. The checking process took 2 hours from beginning to entering the suite. Why? Well, first they had a line of people and it took forever to check-in each person. The new process for check in is lengthy, practically they look for a room at the moment and proceed to tell you how they will add a $200 for incidentals, while everyone hears it behind you…this cheapens the experience. Every communication I had prior to arrival was ignored, which caused confusion, disappointment and caused unnecessary delays. The staff had to begin the process of searching for the room that I requested, it turned out it wasn’t in the rental agreement any longer, however there was a similar room in different floor, eventually we accept that one but waited an additional 45 minutes to be able to enter due to “required inspection by housekeeping”. All of this could have been avoided if the requests had been read by front desk staff and had changed room to new floor since it was the only available. We waited at the pool bar to have a drink in the scorching sun since the bar doesn’t have any shade even with umbrellas at the tables. After 45 minutes of cooking ourselves under the sun, we received a call to pick up the room key. We waited in line again while staff finished other check-ins so we could get our key.
Problem#2 no transparency - instead of being up front and telling me that they WILL CHARGE for late check outs, the staff let me to believe that I would be granted a free late checkout, like in previous stays, and told me to “call 2 days ahead to confirm if a late check out was possible.” Well, when I called the staff began to tell me the list of charges depending on the time. I informed staff that my husband is part of the bonvoy marriott rewards with higher status than mine, but they refused to accept it and told me that my name was on the reservation. Well both of us are on the reservation but Ritz rather nickel and dime customers because that is the new policy. Again, this is what a 3 star hotel would do, but again things have changed. If you informed me of the fees up front then I would not have an issue; I have a problem when you don’t have transparency - I rather have an email with the full list of costs upfront, not just a “you may or may not be charged.” communication. Again disappointment and now I will have to stay a half a day at the airport before my evening flight.
Problem #3, room service app would not accept an order before the time of opening at 7am! Also, the food takes 45 minutes to get to your room, so I opted for store downstairs. If you get up early then you better go outside to buy food.
Problem #4, no hair salon services at the spa. Room only has a hair dryer and no flat iron for straightening hair. This causes one to have to find a hair salon out in Waikiki.
Overall, this was a disappointing experience. Perhaps an Airbnb in Waikiki will be sufficient in our next visit. Nobody went the extra mile for me the paying customer, they went the extra mile for the business The Ritz Carlton.
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