MM
Marci Martinez
5 days ago
I checked in on Thursday evening, January 1, 2026 for 4 nights. I had stayed at this hotel previously and had a wonderful experience - so much so that I left a glowing 5 star review with multiple photos and a video. I was excited to stay again... Unfortunately, that excitement was very short-lived.
At check-in, I requested a top floor room and was assigned a second-floor room instead. I understand that requests are not guaranteed, so I accepted without issue and went to my room. About an hour after unpacking, I began sneezing and coughing and felt a tightness in my lungs. As someone who suffers from allergies, I assumed this was a normal reaction, took allergy meds and went to bed.
The next morning I woke up with extremely red, swollen, itchy, watery eyes and severe congestion. I quickly showered and prepared to leave. As I passed the front desk, I stopped and asked (Pam) “I’m in room 209 - is that a pet room?” She replied, “The entire hotel is pet-friendly.” I asked for clarification: “You mean every single room is a pet room?” She again replied “The entire hotel is pet-friendly.”…. I then replied “Well, I guess that explains this (as I pointed to my very swollen red watery eyes and congested nose) She responded very curtly, “YEP”
I was shocked. That policy seems unnecessary, impractical, and not standard practice.
I left the property upset and concerned about how I would make it through the remaining 3 nights feeling as terrible as I did. I contacted IHG through their website and spoke with a compassionate and helpful agent named Girlie. She fully understood my concerns and attempted to contact the hotel multiple times, to no avail. She then sent the details via urgent fax and said I would be contacted within 24 hours. I was not currently on property so I provided my cell phone number. No one ever contacted me.
I waited the full 24 hours, then followed up again with IHG. Shortly after my follow up, I was contacted briefly by the hotel manager, Brad. During our short conversation, I explained both my frustration with the all-pet policy and my physical reaction to the room. He stated that he had called me the night before, but that he had called the room - even though he already knew I was not on property and had my cell phone number. He then abruptly hung up on me mid-sentence…
He did not make a sincere effort to reach or assist me. He did not leave a message, he did not call my cell phone, and did not attempt any other form of contact.
I was later provided with the hotel’s internal response notes where he referred to my allergy reaction as “alleged,” and falsely stated that I had already stayed 5 nights (my reservation was 4 nights total and I had only stayed ONE night at that point) he also said I was rude for simply stating facts and expressing legitimate concerns.
My reaction was not subtle or fabricated. My eyes were visibly red, swollen, and burning. I relied on allergy pills, eye drops, and nasal spray continuously. Anyone who saw me could tell something was wrong, I looked (and felt) terrible. This situation is not merely an inconvenience, it is a health and accessibility issue.
To be clear: I fully support hotels being pet-friendly. I understand how important that is for many travelers. However, designating every single room as pet-friendly eliminates any option for guests with allergies, sensitivities, or even simple personal preferences for a pet-free environment. Accommodating one group should not require completely disregard of another.
This is not “me versus pets.” This is a common-sense operational concern. There is absolutely no reason this hotel could not designate a pet-free floor or a portion of rooms to accommodate guests with allergies or sensitivities, while still serving pet owners. The current policy suggests that the people who implemented it do not personally suffer from allergies and did not consider how it would impact others.
I am so disappointed in the condition of the room, in the dismissive responses and in the complete lack of basic human compassion.