We arrived an hour or so after check-in time to find 10-12 folks in line ahead of us. Not sure what the problem was, but the staff seemed to have problems clearing out folks and getting them their rooms.
We'd arrived sandy and salty from the beach, so had planned on a shower as soon as we got in. However, walking into the bathroom, we found the toilet seat hanging at a 45 degree angle - off the side of the toilet. Back to the desk. We were told all they could do was give us a downgrade, or we could wait.
So after about 15 minutes, repair arrived, told us he needed parts, and came back to fix it some time later. For just over the first hour, we sat waiting to use the bathroom. The ship didn't appear to be all that busy, so wonder why we weren't offered an upgrade room when ours was unusable.
The repairman left, but the bathroom still had issues. They've epoxied the grand old tubs, (which have cool fixtures -now disabled- for hot fresh, cold fresh, hot salt and cold salt water) but the epoxy is peeling off in places - I'm talking 2-3 inch sections, not little bits.
What I hoped was just really stained grout - came off with a hot washcloth - mildew!! The real killer was a funny sheen-y area of about 6-7 square inches on the toilet seat. Not sure what it was, but it came off with soap and water. UGH! I don't expect to have to clean a bathroom in a hotel before I can use it. The toilet seat issue was SO obvious I can't understand how it ever got left like that in the first place.

On the other hand, the room was lovely, had some of the original furniture from the ship, and an opening porthole for fresh air. Mind the seagulls if you're eating nearby LOL The bed was very comfortable, as were the pillows, and all of the bedding and linens were clean and fresh. The rest of the room was clean, unlike the bath. Decent toiletries, but if you need hair conditioner, bring your own.

The ship itself is a marvel - if you like history, you can find it here. Art Deco glass and brass in the stairways, displays of the silver plate, china and other original items. Lots and lots of photos from their archives. Wood panelling to die for. Really, it was amazing.
Unfortunately,the brochure they gave us when we checked in noting interesting bits to visit did not tell us anywhere on it that many of these places are only open from 10 AM - 6 PM. We discovered this too late, and missed out on many things we would have like to have seen.

There are several places to eat on the ship - we only tried one - and found the prices a bit much for pretty ordinary food - and although the top of the table was clean, the edges down the sides were crusted with dried-on food. Ugh again. We had good service one time when it was busy, horrible service on a very quiet morning when there was hardly a soul in the place.

Several twee little shops, including a very comprehensive Scottish one with mostly reasonable prices for real tartans and the sort. Hours are a bit short for many of the shops, and most prices are the usual tourist trap sort. Items ranged from tacky to elegant - and there are a few original pieces of tableware available, although I didn't inquire the price.

On the whole, I'm glad we stayed to see the grand old ship, but would not bother again - they have a real gem here, but they need to find some housekeeping and repair staff that does the job. A shame really, I've stayed in two other historic hotels and felt really good about those stays.

A friend and I visited off-season, so rates were relatively low. We chose the cheapest option: a room without a window.

The good: It's definitely a unique alternative to your run-of-the-mill hotel. The place looks gorgeous upon entering and is pretty well preserved. The room was up to date technologically, with a decent sized TV and an iPod dock. Also, there are plenty of places to explore on the ship.

The bad: The place seemed dead when we were there. At any time of the day/night, you'd be hard pressed to find other guests wandering around. The room (with tiny bathroom) didn't have wood paneling like most of the pictures you'll see; it was standard tan wallpaper. For a windowless room in the middle of a seemingly empty ship, I feel we paid too much.

Overall, we were happy with our experience, but you're going to need a good chunk of money if you want a 5-star experience; a nice room with a window, the restaurants/shops, and the tours are spendy. If you can afford these things, I highly recommend this historic hotel! Those on a tight budget, however, won't get as much out of it.

We truly enjoyed our night's stay on the Queen Mary. It is a museum and a hotel all rolled into one! The rooms are large - be sure to ask for the harbour side. From the port hole you can see the skyline of Long Beach - quite beautiful!
The restaurants are lined with photos of the famous people who sailed with them back in the day.
We had breakfast there. I recommend the Heuvos Rancheros. Delicious!

If you have a chance, stay on the Queen Mary, in Long Beach, Calif. The experience is great. Just like being on the great Atlantic liners of old, without dealing with the North Atlantic Ocean. Rooms are elegant, all in the first class section of the ship. Staff was accommodating. Dinner in Sir Winston on board is a special treat, although expensive (but worth it). The staff in Sir Winston are fabulous, the service excellent, the food delicious, beautiful and wonderful to eat. Also take advantage of the breakfast special ($8 US) in the Promenade Cafe, buffet, but very good and the view of Long Beach City and Rainbow lagoon is worth it. Just make sure to purchase the breakfast at the front desk the night before.
Also, take advantage of the legends and ghost tours, worth the time. Finally, park your car, and take the free buses into Long Beach to see sights etc.