4/10 Fair
18 November 2024
El Tovar Heartbreak
Staying at El Tovar Hotel was a bucket list item for decades and booked a night Friday 11/15. Arrived at 11AM and asked if we could check in early. Digitally checked in and was told I would be called when room was ready, but no promise before 4PM. Had a magnificent lunch (no res) with server Jack in the dining room, Jack - 5 stars. Checked back at reception at 2, room still not ready. Shopped for gifts and waited. At 3:30 asked again and was told simply, yes, your room is ready. No call - no notification. Strike 1 but room was beautiful.
Had dinner res for 5:30, arrived and seated promptly. Server was Paul who was awkward and aloof. Mike, the server one table over, was engaging and friendly with his tables. Food left wanting - my peppercorn crusted NY strip steak was literally coated in peppercorns yet the steak itself and demi-glaze were tasteless. 'Seasonal Veggies' were some carrots and snap pea pods that were chewy and inedible. $200 for 2 adults and 1 child - unimpressed. Strike 2
Worst to come. Slept in a little bit Sat morning and arrived at the dining room at 9:09AM. Was asked if I had a res, which I didn't because sleeping in and assumed breakfast on a Sat would be served later into the morning. Wrong assumption. At 9:09AM I was told they were only seating people who had res and no more. Astonished I went to talk to the manager who said they were short staff and not seating any more - dining room was 80% empty. Expressed disappointment and was told SORRY! Strike 3
Keith
Keith, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
