My husband, son and I stayed at the Governor last fall when our son visited Evergreen. We are all pretty good sports, but as much as I wanted to like the Governor, I will never stay there again. The location is superb; all of the interesting shops and restaurants in downtown Olympia are right there. And the staff was very friendly and responsive. But it just isn't enough to lure us back. The whole place, from the parking lot to the hallways, feels gloomy and sad. Our room was rather chilly and we were unable to get any heat to come on. When we reported this to the front desk, the friendly attendant cheerfully replied that they hadn't turned the heat on for the year yet and that they would have to go up on the roof to do so. We suggested that since it was already fall and rather chilly, perhaps a trip to the roof was in order. Apparently we asked too much since we never had heat the four nights we were there; we just used all the blankets since all other hotels were full.

Then there was the room full of bachelorettes next to us on the Saturday night that invoved four or five calls to the front desk until the happy girls were evicted around 4:00 am. Sheesh.

We tried out the Phoenix Inn last month when we dropped our son off at Evergreen and had a much quieter and warmer experience.

the reasons that I could not rate the hotel a 2 (poor) was the location and the staff. the location is prime for downtown. Walking distance to everything. The staff were very helpful (ended up needing there help in a difficult situation and they came through). However...the hotel desperately needs a remodel/updating (Kind of run down and sketchy). The free breakfast was not good...think "prison food". the elevator and parking garage is semi-scary. I was fairly disappointed. this hotel has the potential to be a cool, mid century, hip destination....but it would take kicking in some serious money for upgrades. Without it...it will be a solid 2 in a short period of time.

If people and service are more important to you than up to date plumbing fixtures, you'll probably love your stay at The Governor. Staff was extremely helpful and courteous, and the included breakfast exceeded expectations. Bathroom fixtures were really worn and out of date, yet serviceable. Great location. I would definitely stay there again!

After reading others' reviews, I was nervous about staying here but the experience was great! Yes, the rooms are dated but they're clean and the staff is amazing! I stayed there for four nights and there was always someone at the desk whenever I went through the lobby morning, noon or midnight. I believe it was Chris whom I saw most often and he always had a smile on his face and was able to answer every question I had from where to eat, how to get to a particular bank and what was going on in town to check out. This place and its staff were so happy and helpful, they reminded me of Disneyland employees. If you want a great location for a fair price and you value staff who know their town and are truly there to see that your stay is a good one, then stay at the Governor. I know I'll be back. It's definitely the happiest place on Olympia.....