Hard “NO” says both dogs!

After reading reviews here, I was so excited to stay here. The photos are lovely! My trip designer, through RECO (new from Trip Adviser) secured our 2 night reservation. Yay!

Upon arrival after 5 pm, the text message said to go to the main entrance door to get my instructions and key. No instructions, no key. Did I get that wrong? Check message. Nope, just not there. Within a couple of minutes, Alex the Asst. Manager popped out with the envelope. We greeted each other and he gave me directions to the Stravinsky room. I opened the door to be greeted by the bathroom and a very steep step down. A tiny landing, a step up to go to the bathroom, and a few more steep steps down. The room is nicely furnished and a light and tv had been turned on for us. Here’s where it goes south... Neither dog would enter the room. Obviously I wasn’t going to pull them down the steps. No amount of cajoling, nor treats worked. At 21 pounds Scout is easy enough to pick up and bring into the room but Kei is too big. So we closed the door and walked around the gardens. “Charming” they were not! Many plants and shrubs needed to be trimmed or the dead ones removed. It’s April and springtime is here but some of those plants were ready for composting. The pathways need trimming at dog eye level as well. It’s like someone just hadn’t tended to the gardens in months. Nothing like the online pics! Sad really. It obviously was beautiful at one time. Alex said there were no other rooms available so I chose to leave, forfeiting my non-refundable $967.36 (US dollars) for the 2 nights.

The value wasn’t there for me. If my dogs won’t go in, then it’s not right for us. We ended up very happily at the Santa Fe Motel and Inn (very lovely) for half the price and nicer, well kept grounds, a bigger room with kitchenette and NO steep stairs. Read their descriptions carefully so you don’t make my costly mistake. Best wishes!

Apr. 08, 2021