A 2 Star Experience
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 8/25/06
I often travel to Denver for business and usually stay at the Hyatt in Downtown. However, for a recent trip for pleasure, I thought I would see what other amenities Denver offered.
I came across Hotel Teatro through Orbitz. It was offered as a four star hotel. Doing my research on the property (as I always do), I found favorable reviews from several sources including Conde Nast Traveler (Gold List) and Zagat (Best Hotel in Denver). Seeking a luxurious experience I booked the hotel, expecting an experience unlike any other.
From this point forward, my disappointments began. First of all, the hotel is nearly 20 minutes from the Denver Airport (which I expected). However, unlike the Hyatt- or even the Motel 6 and Holiday Inn- Hotel Teatro doesn't offer shuttle service to and from the airport. I discovered this fact only after booking the room and the flight through Orbitz.
At this point, I really had no other option but to rent a car during the duration of my four-day stay from the airport Advantage. Upon my arrival at the hotel, I was very disappointed to discover valet parking was available, but an incredible $28 a night. I was not prepared for this charge and sought parking at an off-site location that charged $7 a day.
The front desk clerk was nice enough, but the "room with a mountain view" he said he gave me ended up having a disappointing view of a neighboring building's roof.
The room was clean and had an overall nice design. A radio near the bed played an orchestra concerta and the Belgium chocolates on the pillow added nice touches to my initial arrival.
Upon further inspection, there were several unimpressive elements including: the television offered very few channel choices, the bathroom had a shower instead of a soaking tub (my preference) and Internet was available, but at a rate of $14.95 a day.
These minor nuiances are usually huge deal-breakers, but they're definitely not what I expect of a property that had come so highly regarded.
Perhaps what made me most upset during my stay occured on Saturday when an unexpected thunderstorm posed a small threat to the evening's plans. I had made reservations at Sparrow and called the concierge to obtain a taxi about 15 minutes before I headed down to the lobby.
I expected to have a taxi waiting for me, but instead I was met with a long line of guests who were also waiting. This wouldn't have been so bad (even though no one I spoke with had called ahead to reserve), except the Hotel Teatro staff was so busy accomodating the porn stars who were in town for some show at a Downtown burlesque club, that they were incapble of calling or hailing additional transportation.
To add insult to injury, several of the porn stars were escorted to the event in the hotel's Escalade (this service was never offered to me or any other guest...). After waiting almost 20 minutes, I hailed a passing taxi myself and directed the driver to my destination.
This experience in particular was completely unwarranted. I felt the only time the staff did anything was for financial incentive (tip). There was an abudance of attention available, but none of it genuine.
Room service was offered, with options from the hotel's excellent restaurant, but a simple salad lunch cost more in service charges and gratiuity than the meal itself.
I don't consider myself frugual, but also don't like to feel stressed when the hotel I am staying at is nickle-and-diming my every move.
Next time I stay in Denver I will likely return to my tried, tested and true Hyatt.
Hotel Teatro failed to meet my expectations, although I hope it rises to the challenge and exceeds yours.