The Oread Lawrence - Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The hotel is a distinctive and historic building that offers guests a unique experience, standing out from typical chain hotels. Its prime location makes it particularly well-suited for university visitors, including prospective students and their families, as well as alumni returning for events. The hotel is also a good fit for couples seeking a romantic getaway with scenic views. To enhance your stay, guests recommend confirming room details directly with the hotel, especially regarding specific features like bathtubs or balconies, and being aware of potential noise from the surrounding college environment.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though some are subject to change or availability. Guests appreciate the convenience of an on-site restaurant and bar off the lobby, providing dining and relaxation options. A notable feature is the rooftop bar and terraces, which offer stunning panoramic views of the city and university campus, serving as a popular spot for guests to unwind. However, some guests noted that the terraces appeared neglected or were closed. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi for connectivity. While a fitness center is available, some found it basic. There is no swimming pool, which some guests missed. Other amenities mentioned include ice machines, though these were sometimes out of order, and a cookie store in the lower level. Some rooms also feature a kitchen and balcony.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is mixed. Many guests found their rooms to be clean and the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. The spaciousness of the rooms, including some with large bathrooms, was often highlighted. However, some guests reported issues with cleanliness, noting dust, hair, or stains on floors and linens, suggesting a need for more consistent housekeeping. Room features like Nespresso machines and wireless charging were appreciated. Conversely, some found the room decor to be sterile, dark, or sparsely furnished, lacking warmth or sufficient lighting. Noise was a recurring concern, with guests reporting thin walls allowing sound from adjacent rooms, hallways, and even street noise to be audible. Issues like broken shades, non-functional TVs or remotes, and loud HVAC units were also mentioned, impacting overall comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers dining options, including a restaurant and bar off the lobby, and a rooftop bar. Most guests found the food quality to be adequate, with some praising the breakfast and dinner options. The restaurant breakfast was described as terrific by some, while others found the buffet to be limited and overpriced, with items like scrambled eggs and bacon sometimes served cold. Some guests noted that the bar staff were friendly and attentive, enhancing their dining experience. However, service in the restaurant and bar was frequently described as slow and inattentive, even during non-peak hours, with reports of orders being forgotten. Some guests were disappointed by the lack of room service and the absence of complimentary coffee in the lobby, expecting more from a hotel of this caliber.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, particularly for those visiting the University of Kansas campus. It is described as being "just steps" from the center of campus, offering easy walking access to university buildings, the Jayhawk visitor center, and the football stadium. While not directly on Mass Street, it is a short drive or a reasonable walk away, providing access to downtown shopping and restaurants. The hotel offers underground parking, which is convenient and secure, though it comes with a fee that many guests found to be expensive and unexpected for the area. Some guests mentioned that street parking might be available as an alternative. The views from the hotel, especially from higher floors and the rooftop, are frequently praised for their panoramic vistas of the city and campus.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive positive feedback for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests specifically praised the front desk staff for their welcoming demeanor and efficiency during check-in and check-out. Staff members were often noted for going "above and beyond" to address guest concerns, such as room issues or car troubles. The bar staff were also frequently commended for their excellent service and hospitality. However, there were instances of inconsistent service, with some guests encountering unhelpful or inexperienced staff, particularly regarding billing inquiries or room issues. Some reported difficulties reaching the front desk by phone, and a few felt that staff attitudes were not always aligned with the hotel's perceived quality.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel has undergone new management, which has led to some changes, including the discontinuation of valet parking. There have been recurring issues with parking charges appearing on bills even when guests did not park a car, or being charged twice, necessitating careful review of invoices. Some guests noted that the hotel's website and third-party booking sites may display outdated pictures or misleading room descriptions, advising guests to verify room specifics directly. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, which is a plus for those traveling with animals. There were also mentions of deferred maintenance issues, such as non-functional automatic doors, broken ice machines, and issues with room key cards, indicating areas for improvement.