Woodcliff Hotel and Spa

This hotel is often chosen for its scenic location atop a hill, offering beautiful views and a tranquil setting, making it a popular choice for couples seeking a romantic escape or families looking for a relaxing weekend. Its spa facilities are also a significant draw, despite some guests noting reduced services or ongoing renovations. While many guests praise the generally friendly staff and the quality of the dining experience at the main restaurant, a recurring theme highlights significant concerns regarding the cleanliness and maintenance of guest rooms and common areas. The hotel is also a frequent host for weddings and events, which can sometimes lead to noise disturbances for other guests. To ensure a pleasant stay, it is advisable to confirm the availability and operational status of all desired facilities, especially the pool and spa, prior to arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
Guest feedback on the hotel's facilities is notably mixed, with many expressing disappointment. The indoor/outdoor pool and hot tub are frequently mentioned as being out of order, having cold water, or appearing unclean, which is a significant letdown for guests, especially families who booked specifically for these amenities. The fitness center is generally described as well-equipped, though some guests noted it could use better cleaning or that certain machines were not operational. Issues with elevators are a common complaint, with reports of them being slow, frequently broken, or only one being functional, leading to long waits. While the spa is highlighted for its relaxing atmosphere and professional staff, some guests found it overpriced or noted that services were reduced due to renovations. Wi-Fi connectivity is available but can be slow or unreliable.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The condition and cleanliness of guest rooms are a major point of contention among visitors. Many reviews describe rooms as outdated, showing significant wear and tear, with marks on walls, peeling paint, and worn or dirty carpets. Guests frequently reported issues such as dust, strands of hair in bathrooms, sticky surfaces, and even mold or mildew smells. While some guests found the beds comfortable, others noted them as too soft or springy. Noise levels are a significant concern, with thin walls allowing sounds from adjacent rooms, hallways, and especially wedding events or hockey teams to be clearly heard, disrupting sleep. In-room amenities like shower heads are often reported as broken or spraying improperly, and some rooms lack basic items like drinking glasses or functional AC units.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options receive varied feedback. The main restaurant, Horizons, is often praised for its excellent dinner food quality and attentive service, with some guests highlighting specific dishes and the pleasant atmosphere, sometimes accompanied by live music. However, breakfast is a frequent source of disappointment; many guests found the buffet offerings to be of poor quality, cold, or limited in variety, and the a la carte options expensive with slow service. Some guests also noted that the restaurant might be closed or have limited hours, especially on holidays, which was unexpected. The bar and lounge area generally receive positive comments for their service and drink selection. A Starbucks in the lobby is convenient but sometimes has limited choices or inconsistent service.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is generally well-regarded for its quiet setting atop a hill, offering pleasant views and a sense of seclusion from urban bustle. It is considered convenient for accessing the wider Rochester area, including shopping, other restaurants, and the Finger Lakes region. The property offers ample parking, which is appreciated by guests. However, some reviews mention that despite its peaceful setting, road noise from a nearby highway can be audible. For guests requiring accessible rooms, there are reports of these rooms being poorly designed or maintained, with issues like high mirrors, inaccessible amenities, and a lack of proper shower benches, indicating a need for improved equity and inclusivity in their design.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel generally receive high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many guests highlight positive interactions with front desk personnel, who are often described as welcoming and accommodating, especially during check-in. The restaurant and bar staff are also frequently commended for their excellent service. However, a significant and recurring issue is the housekeeping service. Many guests reported that their rooms were not cleaned daily, or that requests for cleaning, fresh towels, or amenities were often missed or required multiple follow-ups. This lack of consistent daily housekeeping is a major point of frustration, with some guests being informed that service is only provided upon request, a policy not always clearly communicated upon arrival.

Additional Information
Guests frequently mention a mandatory resort fee charged upon arrival, which often causes frustration as many of the facilities it supposedly covers, such as the pool or hot tub, are reported as being out of service or unavailable. The hotel is a very popular wedding venue, which, while contributing to a lively atmosphere, can also lead to significant noise disturbances for other guests, particularly those in rooms near event spaces, with music sometimes continuing late into the night. There are also multiple reports of fire alarms going off unexpectedly, sometimes in the early hours, causing inconvenience and disruption. The hotel's policy of housekeeping by request only, rather than standard daily service, is a notable point that guests should be aware of, as it has led to dissatisfaction for many.