My husband and I booked a “city view” room because we wanted to enjoy the Christmas lights and festivities. Spending $500 for one night was a big splurge for us, but we were willing to do it for the experience.
When we checked in, we were surprised to find that our room overlooked a parking lot and the roof of another building, not the town or anything that resembled a city view. I went back to the front desk to clarify, since our reservation specifically said “city view.”
The front desk associate told me that because we booked through Expedia, I should have added a note requesting a view of downtown. I had no idea that I needed to request anything extra, especially when the room type itself was described as a city view. She then called a manager and told her she needed help because a guest “wouldn’t listen,” which felt very disrespectful.
When the manager arrived, she explained that technically all views are considered “city views” because the hotel is in a city, and that our room was simply facing the “historic section.” She offered no apology, no alternative solution, and no effort to make the situation better.
This was our first time staying at The Smith House, and the experience was incredibly disappointing. I hope the hotel reevaluates how guests are spoken to and how room descriptions are handled. No one should spend that kind of money only to be dismissed and made to feel like an inconvenience.