Good Bones but - UPGRADE!!!
Like most of you we have to agree that Smuggler's has several problems and inconsistencies. A hotel makes an impression for the area. Smuggler's poor marks can make new visitors to Tucson become depressed and that is a sad thing to say. We have used the place for a few years. It was nice but has gone downhill. (We just keep hoping it will be better but I guess the Radisson will be the next choice for us. It is better.)
Smuggler's bones are very good.... small, two story, quiet place amidst noisy Wilmot and Speedway, easy to get around the site, charming oasis courtyard theme, great location being near to restaurants and a quick ride to wherever you need to go. Also on the Northeast which we need.
But-- Smuggler's Needs: UPGRADES, PLEASE! ... and CLEANUP!
Rooms, Maid service, Breakfast buffet/table service, courtyard
HOTEL DESK/RECEPTION: not bad only the one night clerk who did not care that our room was not made up. The rest of the night clerks and day people were good.
ROOMS: carpets/beds are old, bathrooms have chipped tiles, our shower was good but the tub is old and no drain stopper, toilets flushed fine, sinks-- one drain stopper did not operate, in one sink the hot ran poorly, doors and walls needed repainting, desk and internet was fine, AC was decent but noisy, light switch at the door did not operate any of the lamps, one lamp was broken and probably borrowed one from another room when they replaced it! Bulbs needed replacing, outlets look dangerously loose, balcony is fine but outdoor chairs are dirty and not inviting. No stationary or pens in the room. No "Do not disturb/Please clean up room" signs for us.
ROOM CLEANING SERVICE: did not show up 3 days out of our stay (we did get some money back--- ask for it! ) Night help makes rounds to at least three rooms along with us giving out toiletries at night. People from the desk to the cleaning ladies make excuses that you know are not true. Everyone there admits problems and help is not there or enough. The help told us they do not get enough towels!! But they could still clean the bed, vacumn and empty the garbage! No tip for you, honey. (This concurs with the other reviews I have read. BAD CLEANING SERVICE!
COURTYARD is charming but clean up some cigarette butts and landscape debris. Pool/hot tub was fairly clean when we used it twice and was being enjoyed but -- Concrete edging around the pool is getting old... Upgrade is needed. We do not mind the ducks and the birds and the early sounds in the morning are nice... personal opinion on this part.
BREAKFAST: Wow! We have seen a super one to totally awful ones-- very inconsistent. 2006 has a buffet that is BORING and pretty tasteless... When after a few days only the Cheerios is the best something is wrong. Restaurant service is inconsistent and the help appears this year lazy and not interested in maintaining food supplies. Toaster appliances are very sluggish- REPLACE! Miss the days when omelets were being made, there were bagels and the fresh fruit was fresh! (Free buffet with room but most use it only briefly by midweek.
ELEVATOR... we do not mind stairs but my knees would love some help. This is not a priority but only a suggestion.
Is this place hopeless... No but only if the OWNERS CARE. We understand the same owners have been around but the management has been changing. Note Smuggler's is not in the AAA book this year. Perhaps the Chamber of Commerce can get involved? If not the hotel will start to become more seedy and I hate that thought. I bet the original owners are fuming.
PRICE: WINDMILL INN WAS CHARGING LESS .... and most regulars know that is a nice place... just poor location for our needs