The only reason I didn't rate this place lower is ...

The only reason I didn't rate this place lower is the catering/restaurant staff. They were excellent. But, the rest of my experience was very disappointing. I was there for a conference and it was my first time at this hotel. The first unpleasant surprise was how far the rooms were from the front desk and the conference rooms. The rooms are in separate buildings, though they are all connected internally. There was no elevator (not a huge issue as there was ramp access from inside and I do not have mobility issues, but important to know). Who needs a fitness center when you get a workout going back and forth to the room? Then there was maintenance - so many signs of decline and lack of care. Drawers that didn't close, rust, and fraying carpets abounded. There was a leak in the roof in the hall by the conference rooms. No vent in the bathroom to deal with steam from the shower (and water was HOT - something I personally like, but might be uncomfortable for others). Several people said the heat in their rooms didn't work. There were also subtle signs that the staff just didn't care. The bed being made with tags by the head instead of the feet. Dirty dishes in the clean stack at the buffet. Having to call the front desk multiple times to get someone to answer. I also felt the beds were very uncomfortable - they squeaked with every movement and were lumpy. I was not the only person to express that opinion. Oh - and they were stingy with towels, which were rough, small, and in short supply. Last but not least, they don't care about guest security. I had a roommate I'd not previously met. I had not told the front desk to expect them, thinking I'd meet them at the front desk on arrival to get them a key. Instead, I found out at dinner when I saw my roommate that the front desk just gave them a key! No phone call to verify, no notification. In this case it was ok, but it could have been a problem and I felt very uncomfortable with the front desk's actions.