“This place is just sad with a capital S! And don't be lured in by the Hotwire listing”
I don't have a problem with modest motels which offer bare bones accommodations, sagging mattresses, dark corridors, and cheap toiletries. What gives offense is when the place I just described presents itself as a 4 star lodging that is easily 2 stars higher than it deserves and charges accordingly. Take a closer look at the photo gallery (of the rooms) and you'll see what I mean. The unattractive blue and yellow bedding is reminiscent of a flannel nightgown circa 1972 and the fake flower pot glued down on the bathroom counter was a classy touch.
Beyond the sad ambience of the room, I was not at all happy about the dishonesty of the hotel details on Hotwire. I booked this hotel on Hotwire based on the star level, complimentary breakfast and proximity to the Guggenheim. Of the three criteria, only the latter was true. When we arrived, the front desk told us that our booking only included the cost of the sub-standard room despite the PRINTED CONFIRMED RECEIPT which clearly showed that it was. Rather than making an effort to honor this amenity, they told me to call Hotwire myself and figure it out with them directly.
Transparency and accurate information about the quality and amenities of a hotel is important to weary travelers even on discounted sites like Hotwire. It's fine if users of these sites are appointed to the lower strata of rooms and services, but it is not cool to offer these attractive features online to lure them into a booking and then retract them once the traveler has arrived to the hotel.
The only positive thing I have to say about the Jardines De Albia is that it is within 5-10 minutes from the Guggenheim. The neighborhood is lovely, the stroll is pleasant, and the museum is extraordinary. The hotel is a massive disappointment.
My advice is to book elsewhere.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
