My daughter & I stayed for 4 nights in August for the National Down Syndrome Congress convention. This was during an extended heat wave in Texas, 107 degrees most days we were there. Overall it was a very good stay for us.
Pros:
- The staff appeared very eager to please our large group. In the lobby, the bell staff and reception staff were almost always standing by with a pleasant greeting, and an offer to help or give directions. Caren, a concierge, was super nice and helpful. I think the staff may have been correctly briefed on what to expect with special needs guests. Bravo!
- All parts of the resort were visually appealing: the grounds/flowers/trees etc. despite the drought (lawn areas had been allowed to brown), every hallway, room, restaurant etc. had nice touches, with a southwest theme overall. Wonderful historic photos of the surrounding regions and people were on many of the walls. There are nice areas to relax here and there, with iced tea and water available to help yourself to.
- Loved the spa, this was my first time trying a spa. For the cost of an express manicure ($45), I was able to use the facilities for the rest of the day. I have to confess I skipped some of my conference events to sneak back to the spa that day for the aroma therapy room, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, pool, fancy robe, soft towels, etc.
- The water park was a great addition. Wish it was open a bit earlier than 10 am during the heat wave. It was hard to find a lounge chair in the shade later in the day.
- The rooms were relatively well insulated. I could hear voices in our bathroom, and of course people are idiots in the hallways with loud talking and letting their doors slam. But the bedroom had good insulation between the walls.
- There was one robe in my room (OK because my daughter is too short for an adult robe). The shampoo, soap, lotion were of high quality. The safe was handy to have.
Cons:
- As mentioned by others, I found my bed to be too firm. But I loved the bedding. I had asked for a feather-free room.
- Our room was never made up before 5 pm. I asked the supervisor in the hallway, and a manager downstairs, and they both said that check-outs had to be done first. I just had the feeling the maids were not attempting to work quickly and efficiently, perhaps because they have to stay on duty into the evening to re-enter the room for turn-down, chocolates on the pillow etc. Also they almost never took the cash tip I would leave in the room, I am not sure why as I thought it was customary and kind to leave a few dollars each day for the maids.
- The bees and wasps around the pools were downright scary. I wish there was some way the hotel could manage this problem with bee traps or something.
- The most vexing issue of all: Starbucks. The lines at peak times were very long. The hotel needs to figure out how to service convention guests with some coffee/light breakfast snack kiosks as an alternative to the costly restaurants or room service -- people need their caffeine and light breakfast options, and this would both generate income and reduce frustration!
As our visit came to an end, I envisioned ways to convince the rest of my family to come back for a fun vacation stay, hope we can do this someday.
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