Do not go! I rarely leave a review this negative, particularly as someone with substantial Hyatt points, but this stay was so disappointing that I want other travelers—especially business guests—to know what to expect. I am genuinely puzzled by the overwhelmingly positive reviews because my experience was so dramatically different.
For more than $500 a night, I expected a much more elevated experience. Instead, the room felt tired, inexpensive and reminiscent of a 1970s college apartment. The mismatched, worn furnishings did not feel fresh or luxurious, and the pillows were flat and lumpy while the blankets were rough and uncomfortable
One design choice that deserves particular mention is the extraordinarily low seating throughout the property. In the lobby, common areas and even the guest room, much of the seating seemed barely 12 inches or so from the floor—almost child-height. This may photograph well as part of the hotel’s retro aesthetic, but actually getting into and out of these seats can be awkward. I would imagine it could be particularly difficult for older guests or anyone with knee, hip, back or mobility limitations. Comfortable, functional seating shouldn’t be this difficult to find in an upscale hotel.
The room layout was also poorly designed. A large area was devoted to a barely functional daybed, while a small, worn sofa sat between the bed and the television. Minibar bottles placed directly in front of the TV blocked the remote signal from the bed. In the bathroom, two large square doors intersected and consumed unnecessary space, prioritizing design over functionality.
The noise from the air-conditioning/HVAC system was another major problem. This was not an air conditioner periodically cycling on and off—it was a constant mechanical noise that never seemed to stop. From where I was located, it sounded as though I was hearing the system continuously supplying the downstairs or lobby area. Whatever its source, the result for me as a guest was the same: constant, intrusive HVAC noise when I was trying to work and rest.
In fact, I was so uncomfortable that evening that I seriously contemplated checking out and driving home rather than spending the night. The only reason I stayed was because my business meeting started very early the following morning, making the drive home that night and back again the next morning impractical. When you are paying more than $500 for a hotel room and find yourself seriously considering leaving rather than sleeping there, something is very wrong with the experience.
Unfortunately, the tired condition wasn’t limited to the guest room. I stopped at the coffee bar and wanted to sit outside on the adjoining patio to enjoy my coffee, but the chairs and tables looked so dirty and worn that, dressed in a suit for business, I didn’t dare sit on them. The outdoor furniture looked like it needed a thorough cleaning or, frankly, replacement.
Even the wood flooring at the hotel entrance is extraordinarily worn. There is a difference between wood developing an attractive patina and flooring simply looking exhausted from years of traffic. This looked more like a centuries-old New England floor than the entrance to an upscale coastal hotel. The overall first impression is tired rather than luxurious.
The coffee shop itself was another disappointment. The pastries looked beautiful in the display, so I ordered a cheese Danish. With tip, it was $7.97. Unfortunately, it was so dry and tasteless that I took one bite and threw it away. At nearly $8 for a pastry, I expected considerably better.
I was also uncomfortable with the openness of the property. During my stay, unhoused individuals were sitting in the courtyard alongside hotel guests and were able to walk through the completely open lobby and use the hotel restrooms. I did not see a security guard at any point during my stay. I understand that the hotel is in a public coastal area and cannot control who is outside the property, but the lack of any visible separation or security presence made me uncomfortable, particularly given the rates guests are paying. An open, welcoming design is one thing; guests should still feel that the hotel itself is a secure environment.
The business facilities were even more disappointing. Our meeting room was so loud that it was difficult to hear the person speaking. The high, unfinished vaulted ceiling seemed to amplify the sound, and the HVAC/mechanical noise was extremely loud and persistent. At times it sounded as though the system were cooling the entire hotel directly above us. For a hotel marketing meeting space to professional groups, having a room where attendees struggle to hear the speaker is a serious functional problem.
Lunch was held in a poolside room with the same extremely low seating—some chairs appeared barely a foot off the floor—along with oversized worn cushions and mismatched furnishings. It felt more like a dated 1970s lounge than a professional dining setup. Beyond appearances, trying to eat a business lunch while sitting that close to the floor was uncomfortable and impractical.
The food was equally disappointing: basic sides and salad, plus chicken so tough I had difficulty cutting it.
The casual black T-shirts worn by the waitstaff, along with the worn furnishings and surroundings, further undermined the polished, upscale experience the hotel’s rates suggest. Valet arrival was also poorly designed; the area appeared to accommodate only two or three vehicles, quickly becoming congested when several cars arrived.
I understand that the retro, eclectic design may appeal to some guests. My objection is not simply that it is not my taste. Too often, this property seems to prioritize a particular aesthetic over comfort, practicality and functionality. There is also a point at which “eclectic” starts to feel like an excuse for furnishings and finishes that simply need to be refreshed.
This was not just a décor issue. The guest room, relentless HVAC noise, common areas, seating, cleanliness and maintenance, food, security experience, meeting facilities, business lunch setup and valet operation all fell short of what I would expect at this price point.
I came for business expecting an elevated Hyatt experience and instead found myself contemplating driving home rather than staying in a room costing more than $500 a night. Perhaps other guests have had very different experiences, which would explain the excellent reviews, but based on mine, I simply cannot understand the praise.
I will gladly continue staying at other Hyatt properties, but I will not return here.
A very disappointing stay.
