We stayed 2 nights at the Inn, during our long road trip with our dog. We selected the Inn due mostly to the rave reviews from TA. I am always guided TA when making my final decision but in this case, I completely disagree with the 5* reviews.
We usually stay in 10-12 different upscale hotels on our road trips. We rate the Rancho Bernardo Inn at the very bottom of our all time list for many reasons.
When we arrived, the valet (the first face of the property) were fabulously friendly and helpful. The lobby is drop dead gorgeous. So far so good. The check in was fine. I made a big deal about getting a quiet room. The valet personally showed us our room, lovely, but next to the ice machine room! The next room, was on the second floor with no patio exit for the dog. Finally, the 3rd room was acceptable, dated , dark and stained carpeting, but we were tired at this point.
My husband wanted to stay at the Inn to play golf. After his round he stormed back to the room just livid. The back 9 was totally torn up due to the installation of the irrigation system. construction people everywhere with large, noisy equipment. He was unable to concentrate. He was totally outraged that he was NOT told in advance and was charged to play. He spoke to a golf manager in the golf shop who was useless. We then took the matter to the front desk and wanted to resolve the problem before check out. We were assured that the green fees were deducted from the bill.
The bed was comfortable but the a/c (which was required because it was over 90 with high humidity) blows directly on the bed. I was just miserable at night. The room was very dark with the only light source the glass entry door.
After driving 9 hours, we decided to eat at the Veranda. The setting was lovely on the patio. We requested a table, along the edge to get a better view but we were rudely told "no!", only the tables away from the rail are available for two. The waiter was pleasant and split our caesar salad. We then waited 1 hour and 10 minutes for our entrees to appear. No matter what we ordered would not have pleased us after such a ridiculous time between courses. I ordered salmon which was a huge slice of salmon on a bed of tomatoes and hearts of palm . My husband's meal was so unmemorable that he cannot remember what he ate. We were given 2 free drink coupons at check in, without any alcohol, with tip our meal was $83--highway robbery for such generic food. Our second night we enjoyed the Barrel Room about 5 minutes away--fun, energetic and interesting menu.
I called housekeeping to say we would be gone with the dog between noon and 5. They assured me they would appear between those times. We returned and no maid service. We had no clean towels that day. Even after I called at 5, no one appeared. I made the bed myself.
The dirty stains on the carpeting was so upsetting we wore our shoes at all times. How can they charge $200+ per night and ask guests to stay in a room with such filthy carpeting?
When we checked out, instead of the green fees being deducted from the bill, we were charged for TWO rounds! Talk about adding insult to injury.
When the young girl at check out asked me "how was your stay", I let her have it. I bet she regretted asking me.
We usually do not resent pet fees if required because we are so grateful to be able to have our dog stay with us. Paying $100 for 2 nights at the RB Inn seemed absurd. (We left the Inn and stayed at the Four Seasons Santa Barbara where no fee is charged). Our dog was the most unsettled we have ever seen her a hotel room. The RB Inn obviously takes the revenue and doesn't spend extra time cleaning a pet room.
I cancelled reservations at the Park Hyatt Aviara to stay at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. Definitely a big mistake. We obviously will never return.
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