Fairmont Algonquin

Always love visiting the Algonquin. Been there 6 times and yet to have a bad experience.

A comedy of horrors from start to finish. Dilapidated room in the non-renovated section, defective coffee machine at the restaurant during breakfast, no glasses in the bathroom, curtains that are falling down, employees who seem overwhelmed. Judge by the photos. The site is magnificent, but it seems like a long time since this establishment's star has faded. Perhaps since a large hotel chain acquired it?

Contacted the hotel a few days in advance to request an early check-in, as expected, they could not provide any guarantees but said they would file my request. Arrived on the 3rd of July around 1 PM and was told they could not offer an early check-in however would meet their guaranteed 4 PM check-in time. In addition, was advised that I would receive a call if the room was available earlier. No call received so returned to reception at the 'guaranteed" 4 PM check-in time only to be told that our room still wasn't ready, again, advised I would receive a call when they could get us in. Still no call by 4:40 PM so I returned to reception and miraculously our room was now ready. Was given a room on the third floor where we couldn't help but notice enroute to our room dog hair all over the carpet in the main hallway, we were not traveling with a pet yet the Algonquin thought it appropriate after the long wait, inefficient check-in service, etc.. to house us in the pet owner section - lovely first impressions, a few barking dogs and fur on the floor. A long-standing Marriott member, wrote my honest review to the company after my travel and was issued an apology by the desk manager for the substandard service received. No other form of compensation, just a simple apology acknowledging they should do better. In short, and for the money, it's a beautiful hotel which is much better viewed from the "outside"!!!!!