Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club

Reviewer: Not provided on Fri 26 Jun 2009 rated 1 out of 10.

I understood immediately after completing the reservation that the room type I desired was not guaranteed. Therefore, I called up the hotel to ask for a room with 2 beds as we are 4 people including two teenagers. At our arrival we found that our former phone conversation with a receptionist who promised us to keep a 2 beds-room was abruptly breached, saying "that type of the room was sold out (period)". In addition, the receptionist's attitude lacks sympathy or compassion and almost treated us as a "annoying customer", which made us very angry and sad. Our planned weekend relaxation trip was completely ruined by her attitude. Newly painted room or nice ocean view didn't mean anything to us this time.

Positives: Most part was newly remodeled.

Negatives: Prior room type promise on the phone was dropped.

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 24 Jul 2008 rated 10 out of 10.

My first impression was the hotel was nice, but not as nice as some I have recently stayed in and definitely smaller than most, but at the end of our trip. Small changed to boutique style and this ended up being one of our favorite mini breaks. Staff very courteous and friendly.

Positives: Staff very friendly, clean hotel, we would go back !

Negatives: No free coffee in the AM but if you drink tea, like me, it was $4 !

Reviewer: Not provided on Fri 18 Jul 2008 rated 9 out of 10.

Beautiful hotel. But room we were in was badly designed, the architect designed the room where the TV was in the living room away from the bed. Also 2 out of the 6 light bulbs in the room were out, they should look at those things before the guests arrive. But overall a nice hotel. The pool is to small, like a large bathtub.

Positives: Great location right on the water. Only in California right on the water.

Negatives: Charges guests for parking without a valet. Terrible. You park your car yourself and you get charged.

Reviewer: Not provided on Fri 18 Jul 2008 rated 1 out of 10.

They offered an upgrade, which I completely regretted (for rooms facing the ocean). I also tried another couple of rooms but felt horrible in every one. I can't see anything wrong with this place besides the dark dreary hallways and the aging decor. But the toilet was rather slow and they're always so filled up, I'm not so sure they can handle the capacity. Something lurking here is not fit for my return. Location isn't too bad, and the room is comfortable enough, but I would not ever come back or recommend anyone come here.

Positives: Nice to be so close to the ocean.

Negatives: I got sick!

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 03 Apr 2008 rated 10 out of 10.

The hotel's location was one of the top selling points, right on the walk, in walking distance to a beach and restaurants and the scenic view from the pool was great! We also loved how friendly the people at the desk were, giving dining reservations, driving directions and calling for cabs when requested. Plus, they have various free amenities like bikes, which are great for riding around near the pier!

Positives: Employers were extremely accommodating and hotel itself was gorgeous.

Negatives: Cant complain, we had a wonderful stay.

Reviewer: Not provided on Wed 21 Nov 2007 rated 6 out of 10.

The hotel still has some problems even through they put some money into it. Ice is only available on first floor. Also water dispenser in lobby room had a black thing floating in it. Desk clerks could be friendly and more helpful to customers. Clerks do not know how to handle customers.

Positives: Bed was comfortable and shower was excellent.

Negatives: At check out the hotel clerk was not helpful or friendly.

Reviewer: Not provided on Fri 05 Oct 2007 rated 1 out of 10.

Location on the water is a plus, but you'll only notice if you get a room facing the ocean (which a majority are not). The "Marina" facing rooms actually overlook a parking lot, with the marina in the distance. The rooms are dated and dingy - something akin to a Holiday Inn from the 1970's - and not worthy of the premium prices charged for this hotel. Way over rated. I wouldn't come back for 1/2 the price.

Positives: Location on the water.

Negatives: The rooms are dumpy!

Reviewer: Not provided on Thu 08 Mar 2007 rated 9 out of 10.

Upon arrival we were amazed by the sitting room with the sailboats drifting by. Our room was beautiful and very comfortable. If you are more laid back, I would not suggest this hotel because the hotel staff were a bit snotty and stuck up. It was very romantic.

Positives: The lobby and sitting area was beautiful, classic.

Negatives: The staff seemed a bit stuck up and stuffy.