We arrived on Friday 3/30 and checked out Monday 4/2. Our first room was locked from the inside & couldn't be opened. After a trek back to the front desk and upstairs again, our second room reaked of smoke from the adjoining room - where a party was audibly in progress. The front desk offered to call security, as smoking should only be allowed on the 4th floor. Instead, we asked for another room. Lots of grad students our weekend and that may explain it. Our third room worked fine, but no balcony as stated in previous reviews. Some rooms face the interior courtyard and have balconies and some face street traffic with no balcony. We got the latter and I was very disappointed. Personal preference, but I haven't stayed in a room with no balcony in almost 10 years. To its credit, the room is very spacious. So much so that corners will appear quite sparse unless you have alot of baggage. The stocked bar & fridge were a nice touch, though really costly. Same for the room service menu, the $12.99 movies on demand and the $30/day valet parking fee. We used none - except one night of valet. Bathroom toiletries are nicely packaged, yet room furnishings and amenities are simply average. The shower heads and water pressure leave much to be desired. The TV is small, maybe 19" and it not only looks awkward in its big cabinet, but required this viewer to wear glasses to bed in order to see the screen clearly. Most luxury hotels now have plasma screens. Street traffic sounds were loud and consistent through the night. There were emergency vehicles passing frequently and trucks - perhaps trash vehicles? - which started early in the mornings. Again, this was the street side, not the interior side. When other room doors are opened or closed, you hear it. When there's knocking on an adjacent room door, it's audible enough to sound like your own door. Our first housekeeping was incredible, impeccable and totally unexpected in terms of depth. She arranged not only my jumble of shoes but also my cosmetics, perfumes and hair accessories. From that day, though, service slipped - not enough towels, no shower caps, dusty coffee mugs. With a weekend rate of $209 per night, which is fair EXCEPT in comparison to the rates offered by other hotels that weekend ($179-$199, many including breakfast in some form), I expected more from the Fairmont. By far, the redeeming value for this hotel is it's Mezzanine level health spa. The lap pool, whirlpool, steam room, exercise equipment and fully stocked locker rooms and showers were a great treat. All very nicely appointed, not crowded and very clean! To wrap it up, we found the luxury for this hotel on the mezzanine level and in the lobby - pianist, cozy sitting pockets, wireless internet access. Above those floors, the experience was marginal. If you can get a decent rate, don't mind the drive around blocks to find free parking, can do without a meal at the hotel and are assured an interior-balcony room, then take the deal! Otherwise, try one of the other hotels.
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