The Garden Hotel & Resort

The hotel is currently undergoing significant renovations aimed at modernizing its appearance and amenities, a process that has garnered mixed feedback from guests. Its signature feature is its convenient location, placing guests within walking distance of various local amenities and a short distance from the beach. This makes it an appealing choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking an economical stay without being too far from the action. It also caters to sightseers and cruise passengers due to its proximity to attractions and the port. While some guests appreciate the ongoing updates and the potential for future improvements, others have found the construction disruptive. To ensure a smoother experience, it is highly recommended that prospective guests verify the current status of renovations and available amenities before booking. Additionally, confirming all charges, including parking and security deposits, upfront can help avoid unexpected surprises upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities are a major point of discussion among guests, largely due to the ongoing renovations. Most guests note that the restaurant and bar areas are currently closed, leading to disappointment for those expecting on-site dining and entertainment. The pool area receives mixed reviews; while some find it clean and enjoyable, others report issues such as broken lounge chairs, a lack of heating, or being in the shade during key hours. Access to ice machines is often problematic, with guests sometimes needing to request ice delivery. While Wi-Fi connectivity is generally reliable, the air conditioning units in rooms are frequently described as noisy. The elevator service is also a concern, with reports of slow operation, unpleasant odors, or complete absence in some buildings, posing challenges for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Some rooms are equipped with kitchenettes, which are appreciated by guests for longer stays.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Cleanliness and room comfort elicit varied responses from guests. While many praise the renovated rooms for being clean, modern, and featuring comfortable beds, a significant number of reviews highlight concerning issues. Some guests reported finding rooms that were not thoroughly cleaned upon arrival, with instances of dust, leftover items, or even hair in the sink/tub. More seriously, there are multiple mentions of ants, roaches, and even bed bug bites, which severely impacted guest satisfaction. Noise levels are a recurring complaint, with paper-thin walls allowing guests to easily hear conversations and activities from adjacent rooms and street noise. The room condition can also be inconsistent, with some reporting dampness, musty odors, or issues like doors with large gaps, compromising privacy and potentially allowing insects to enter. The absence of a bathroom fan in some rooms contributes to poor air quality and condensation.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining and food quality is largely shaped by the hotel's ongoing renovations. The on-site restaurant and bar are consistently reported as closed, which has been a significant disappointment for many guests expecting these amenities. Consequently, there is no breakfast service available directly at the hotel. While some reviews mention positive experiences with the food quality from a temporary or weekend bar service, these instances appear to be limited. Guests frequently rely on nearby establishments for their meals, noting the convenience of a bakery, supermarket, and various restaurants located just across the street. In-room dining service, when available, often requires guests to specifically request it, and some have experienced delays in receiving their orders. The general consensus is that guests should plan to seek dining options outside the hotel premises.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, offering convenient access to various points of interest. Guests appreciate its proximity to public transportation stops, making it easy to explore the wider area. Numerous restaurants, stores, and a supermarket are within easy walking distance, often just across the street. However, beach access is a point of contention; while the hotel is geographically close, direct public access is not available immediately across the street, requiring a walk of 10-15 minutes or more to reach the public beach. Parking is available but comes with an additional daily cost, which often surprises guests as it is not always clearly stated upfront. Furthermore, some guests reported challenges with elevator access in certain buildings, which can be an inconvenience for those with heavy luggage or mobility needs.

Staff & Service
The staff and service at the hotel receive mixed, but often positive, feedback. Many guests commend the friendly staff for their helpfulness and accommodating nature, particularly during the check-in process. Several individuals are singled out for their exceptional customer service, going above and beyond to assist guests with their needs and provide local information. However, there are notable inconsistencies, with some guests reporting unhelpful or unresponsive staff, especially concerning maintenance issues or complaints. The housekeeping policy is a frequent point of frustration; guests must specifically request room cleaning and fresh towels daily, often before a certain time, leading to unserviced rooms and a lack of fresh linens for those unaware of the policy. Despite these challenges, the willingness of many staff members to address concerns and their overall pleasant demeanor are often highlighted as positive aspects of the stay.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several important details that may impact their stay. A significant security deposit, often around $200, is charged upon arrival, which some guests reported as an actual charge rather than a hold, and reimbursement can be delayed. There is also frequent confusion regarding the hotel name discrepancy, as the property is undergoing a rebranding, leading to difficulties in locating the hotel or matching it with booking confirmations. The overall atmosphere can vary, with some guests noting a lively, younger crowd, particularly during peak seasons, which may not be ideal for those seeking a quiet retreat. The hotel has a specific housekeeping request policy, requiring guests to actively ask for room service and fresh towels, which differs from standard hotel practices and can lead to frustration if not known in advance.