Mike

Review of Raphael Hotel

The Raphael is a wonderful place to stay, especial...

The Raphael is a wonderful place to stay, especially during the time when the Plaza lights are lit. My wife and I were celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary, and we booked a one night stay during the middle of the week.

Value for cost: The RH provides wonderful ambiance from the 1920's with a modern feel to it. The cost for our stay was just over $400. That's what I consider a reasonable amount for this type of hotel since it included a free breakfast. We had a 3rd floor suite with dining table/living room and king size bed. TV's in both rooms. The room faces north toward the Plaza, so it was a little more expensive.

Staff service: On each encounter from the valets parking our car, the reception desk, and maintenance personnel (more on that later), every one was friendly and helpful.

The bathroom: The tub/shower had plenty of hot water, and the tub was very deep, perfect for soaking. 2 issues that could use attention: The exhaust fan comes on with the light switch. It was somewhat loud during a hot soak. The shower pull valve wouldn't shut the water off completely, so only 2/3rd's of the water was diverted to the shower. It would have been a better shower if all the water made it up. Minor nit piks.

Living area: The room is very spacious. Dining table with 6 chairs, a nice big desk, a fold out sofa, coffee table and 2 chairs. Plenty of room for a family. Also a Keurig coffee maker. Refrigerator. Usual mini bar. TV was 40 - 50" with plenty of channels. The only issue noticed was a Lego block and a couple of M&M candies under the TV consul. Not a complete cleaning of the room.

Maintenance: The room was advertised with refrigerator and microwave. You have to call the front desk to request a microwave. Maintenance man was super friendly and installed it under the Keurig. Not sure why rooms don't have these in place without having to request them.

Bedroom: The bed was super comfortable. Like Goldilocks, not too hard or too soft. Closet had fluffy robes to make you feel like royalty. Two windows let in plenty of light. TV on the nightstand for those who need it.

Heating/AC: The temperature of the room is controlled by a thermostat and builtin air handling unit. The room was always comfortable, and easy to set the temperature how you like it.

Noise: The rooms are well insulated from interior noise. However, no fault of the Hotel, we were awakened at 230 am by sirens from fire trucks. Sounded like they were parked right outside the front.

Chaz Restaurant: I had purchased the package that included "free breakfast for 2" at the attached Chaz restaurant. The food was excellent. Well prepared and hot. The service however was disappointing. The hotel gives you 2 postcards stating you are entitled to a free meal. You hand them to your wait staff as you order. Our waitress took our order, brought our food, and we never saw her again. No return to ask how things were. I ordered sausage with my eggs and got bacon. I had to request jelly for my toast. We received 1 cup of coffee, and no more. Since the gratuity is included, I wonder if our waitress saw no value in taking care of us. She spent all her time helping businessmen across the restaurant. Again, fairly minor nit piks.

All in all we were very please with out stay and would highly recommend the Raphael.