We just returned from Santa Fe with the beginning of our trip starting at the Eldorado Hotel.

LOTS of construction and scaffolding (sp?) in front of your windows. Work began my first morning at 6:40AM and the next morning at 7:30AM.

NO ONE TOLD US ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION when we made our reservation. When we confronted the front desk he was very defensive and quite rude that we had a problem with it. Then, he argued about the start of the construction times telling us they were not supposed to start until 8am. Also, we were unable to open the drapes to our room as there was a man, or two directly in front of the window. Very uncomfortable.

Also, they are charging $16/day now for parking which is outrageous! Go across the street to the parking garage for $8, I believe it is.

They could have been more apologetic but were very ungracious hosts, to say the least!! We left after two nights and went elsewhere.

BEWARE. Ask before you make a reservation.

Very disappointing experience!!!!!

That's a shame! Did they offer you at least a discount or anything? I actually booked them for a few days around July 4th, but after reading some so-so reviews I decided to go with the Inn of the Governer's instead. I also liked the free parking and breakfast offered at the Inn.

Other than the hotel experience, how did you like Santa Fe?

Thanks for the warning! DH has a meeting there early October.

Heck No! We didn't get anything. In fact, this is new to us but they charged us " Maid Gratuity ".

While I do leave something behind for the service, I always thought that was up to me to tip on the service I was given.

If I were betting, I'm sure the maid doesn't receive a dime of that money. (BTW, my DH is contacting the hotel next week regarding our stay -- this will be interesting!)

OH. Forgot to mention their wonderful "don't let the door hit you in the a**"" gesture.
He was in his conference and was interupted by the hotel to tell everyone who hadn't checked out yet to stop and get your belongings out of the room. We asked for a later checkout of 12:30 instead of 11:30 being that the conference didn't convene until 12:00. We were told no way and that they had already given at least 20 late checkouts! He had to call me away from breakfast at Tia Sophia's so I could help get our things thrown together so that he could get back to his meeting. When the maid showed up while we were hurridly packing we asked if it would be a problem if she came back around 12 or 12:30 and she said "of course". When we asked the front desk manager the same question he said that there "would be no one here to make up the room for new guests" That's was crap.

Skip this awful excuse for an "upscale" hotel!!!!

After reading your post, I emailed the hotel yesterday asking them what the scheduled completion date of construction is--I haven't heard back. Having worked years for large companies I have an image of a carefully worded draft floating around! Will post back if / when I hear something.

AnnMarie, have you heard anything yet?

My husband called to complain about some of the charges and experience. He spoke with the head of accounting who had an interesting response to a statement regarding "Maid Gratuity". My husband complained about being charged gratuity when we leave something for the maid daily and that he was "sure the maid never saw a penny of the maid gratuity". Do you know how he answered that?
He said " well, that's not necessarily true."
It either IS or ISN"T. Fight this charge. Its in the same league as 'resort fees'!

Anyway, curious to what this hotel has sent back to you. Once all the construction is completed it should be very nice.

I read your post with interest as I had booked a stay in October. I called to check on the construction and was told that it is scheduled to be completed by the end of the month.

I am a bit concerned about your other comments but have been unable to find anything comparable for the same rate. I'll keep my eyes open in case anything else opens up.

Hi BeachGirl,

It took the hotel about 4-5 days to reply that construction is for entry to the hotel only and that it is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month. Elsewhere I read the entire hotel is or was undergoing a complete renovation. If I can find the email they sent me I'll post what was sent to me verbatim.

lindsyb, DH has a meeting at this hotel in October and it's likely he'll want to stay there for convenience if construction is truly complete by the end of this month. We stayed there once before about 4 years ago--the location is very good. I'm leery after reading about BeachGirls experience.

Here it is...

"I did recieve you email, and want to let you know that the scheduled
completion date for our facelift on our hotel entrace is June 26, 2006. If
you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us. Thanks and
have a good day!!"

Alexa Jones
Reservation Agent
1-800-955-4455
[email protected]
[email protected]