This a nice hotel, which appears to be renovating. When we wanted to check in, it looked like a scene from CSI, with yellow tape all over the front door. But it was just a paint job.
The room was comfortable and clean enough, but there was nasty tear in the bedcover. Nothing to really complain about, but still. The overall appearance of the hotel's interior is somewhat wore-down, but everything worked and we believe that they will also renovate the rooms. The shower was excellent.
The hotel did not advertise with one of ots main assets: a breathtaking view all over. Another really positive thing is that it was very easy to find the hotel, traveling the I-10.
Overall a pleasant stay, with a few minor annoyances.
First, the outdoor pool was not so clean (many leaves and a credit card on the bottom). But the employee in charge of the pool was very pleasant and helpful. And the hotel had also a nice indoor pool. So this annoyance doesnt count.
Second, the breakfast offered was by far the worst of all breakfasts we have seen. The first day, we decided to skip breakfast and go to IHOP. This worked fine, until you realize that for the extra money paid to IHOP, we could have stayed in a much better hotel with a decent breakfast. The second day, we had to use the breakfast here, because we had to start early. Breakfast is more than opening some boxes and serving Tang with ice. We have made some photos. As you can see, the breakfast room is beautiful, but the breakfast itself sucks. And they call it "Rise and Dine Breakfast"!!
Third, when checking in, we showed our AAA membership card at the front desk, which was completely ignored by the employee. Later, much to our surprise, we noticed that the hotel carried a large "Show your Card" sign. Upon checking out, we asked whether or not the hotel gave AAA discounts. The first answer was "No" (by the same employee who checked us in). When we confronted her with the really big sign outside, another employee asked us who had said that they didn't give AAA discounts, suggesting that the hotel did participate in the AAA program. After that, the first employee came up with a story that the room would have been more expensive with the AAA discount. This may be the case, but why don't they say so from the very start. Unprofessional. And why don't they realize that Spanish may not be a secret language for non-hispanics.
Another annoyance: employee 2 was stroking employee 1's hair when he walked past her and talked to us. Come up with a decent AAA story and get a room!
Despite these things, we would stay again here, if only for the magnificent view. But please get rid of your ridiculous "Rise and Dine Breakfast" (name and food) and start serving a decent continental breakfast.
- Howard Johnson El Paso
- El Paso Howard Johnson
