I stayed here simply because of the high ratings from other guests. I don't know if the Ben Lomond has employees writing reviews or what but I was pretty disappointed by the whole ordeal. I originally booked for two nights, November 14-15. I checked out after one night. First let me say the front desk help was wonderful. Very helpful and kind. Cute young people with fun personalities. They did warn me that the power would be off on the second night due to some type of City Upgrade. I only ask, hasn't the hotel heard of an "emergency generator"? I went to my room and although it was clean, the furnishings were pretty battered. Yes, there is a jetted tub but it is old and not really impressive. The shower head leaked. The water was only a trickle in the bathroom sink. The power outlet in the bathroom must have some kind of trouble because it wouldn't power my hair flat iron, but the hotels hair dryer worked fine. I had to fix my hair in the living room. The hallway on the 3rd floor is so narrow, it is hard to get past the cleaning cart. The fitness center is small but I do like the idea of the book exchange....
Now, here's the part where all of you will think I'm a crackpot....THAT PLACE IS HAUNTED! I didn't believe it myself until I tried to get some sleep. Doors banged and slammed all night, the climate control had a mind of its own and every time I did get to sleep, strange feelings and vivid unusual (what I hope) dreams of 'things' messing around with me and looking me over would wake me up with a jolt. I can't explain it, and the 'things' didn't seem to want to actually HURT me, more interested in me, but it was damn creepy!! I checked out the next morning and got the heck out of there! I know it sounds weird, I know I know. I had several friends (all of us women, staying alone) staying in the hotel and they got the same feelings and impressions as I did, and they too all checked out! After I got out of there and went to another hotel, I googled the hotel's name and wish I would have done so beforehand!
I'm sorry Ben Lomond, your lobby is beautiful, your employees are wonderful, but your non paying "guests" are too creepy for me! Maybe had I been with my husband or had a friend with me, I wouldn't have been so creeped out. I travel alone a lot for business and actually enjoy it, but this place was way too much for me to accept. Having the power off for six hours the second night would have sent me right over the edge to insanity.
- Hotel Ben Lomond Historic Suite
