Upon our second day at the Houghton Hotel, we realized that we had never stayed at a 5-star hotel that broadcasts its 5-star rating so blatantly and often. It seemed more to affirm a vision and goal rather than just being one, as most 5-star hotels are. If only an “A” for effort is what makes a 5-star hotel, but alas it is not. Effective efficient execution is what makes the difference and the Houghton remains a work in progress in that regard starting with the front desk and guest services. They seemed confused and lost as shown by their need to confer via committee to resolve issues.
However, there were notable bright spots. The hotel and grounds are beautiful (less the secondary unsanitary pool) and the VIP Coordinator & shuttle service sets the standard for what the rest of the hotel service needs to achieve regarding customer service. Another bright spot was the Nova Bistro, especially the breakfast staff. Kudos to the Porters as well.
Although 2 pools were in excellent condition, the secondary pool was in very poor condition and the hotel just kept dumping chemicals daily when the pool obviously needed to be drained and cleaned. Not only would this not occur at an average 5-star hotel, a fine dining, reservations only, restaurant would not allow for reservation booking outside of the operating hours; not to mention putting the onus the hotel guests to know operating hours.
