Harborview Inn & RV Park — Hotel in Garibaldi

My husband and I wanted to go crabbing and love the Oregon Coast. This place advertised a crab cooking area on site, so we decided to make a reservation. We called and spoke to Jeff, the hotel manager, and he quoted us a price of $87 for the night. When we arrived to check in, having never been to the hotel before, we were surprised at the awkward location of the building, essentially in the middle of a parking lot. There was no view of any kind, just an rv park on one side and a boat trailer parking lot on the other. My husband picked up the room key and immediately upon seeing our room stated that it looked like a remodeled jail cell. It was tiny and uncomfortable, to say the least. He handed me the receipt for the room, and we were charge $125, which was way more than I was quoted and more than this room was worth. I went to the office and spoke to Jeff, and explained that we weren't very happy with the quality of the room and location, and the price that we were being charged. He was immediately defensive and proceeded to give me an economics lesson, explaining that he felt completely justified in hiking the rate of the room because it was a busy weekend for them. And he explained the outrageous pet fee, which was way more than the industry standard, and proceeded to justify that to me as well. I explained that other area hotels had plenty of vacancies and were much cheaper, and that the only reason we were staying was because of the crab cooking area and indoor kitchen that was available for our use. Jeff still wasn't willing to take money off our bill or honor the price quoted, but he did offer a small discount off our next stay. I left the office because the conversation was going nowhere, and I wasn't happy with Jeff's approach to handling the situation. and we decided just to go crabbing and try and enjoy the day. We caught our crab and brought them back to the hotel only to find that after high tide, at 830 on a Saturday night, the kitchen was locked and inaccessible, and the outdoor crab cooking area was closed down. The office was locked and there was no contact number for how to reach an employee. Jeff had several opportunities to mention that there were certain hours for the kitchen and crab area, and never not once did he offer up that vital information. A large part of the tourism industry in Garibaldi centers around fishing and crabbing, and this hotel markets itself as catering to that industry. I made it clear several times that those services are why were were staying there, and if those services were going to be unavailable during certain hours, that should have been mentioned. My husband and I both work in customer service for small business owners, and if we are going to spend our hard earned money on something, we expect to be treated fairly and with respect. Jeff handled himself poorly as a representative of that organization, and I hope this serves as a lesson that when customers are unhappy, and you have a chance to fix things, you should take it. Because otherwise they leave unhappy and share their negative experiences all over the internet, This was by far the worst lodging experience we ever had on the coast, and we won't ever stay...

A very traumatizing experience!!! The owner Todd is the most rude, unprofessional business man ever!!! There was a miscommunication between the booking agency and staff about my Dr. prescribed cat & dog companion for my disabilities. I paid fees and signed contacts confirming my pets. 2 nights in and on 3rd morning I get a very upsetting call to vacate if the cat isn't locked in the car or boarded. I was in shock and tried to find why but was told they don't allow cats. And to vacate by 1 pm. or they will call the police and hung up on me. I have a severely broken elbow, fibromyalgia and PTSD. My fiance is working the busiest day of the year, crab derby. And it's going on 1pm after hopelessly trying to resolve the issue with the owner, no response. That morning I'm trying to get ahold of the office staff for 45 minutes and no one answers. I try calling owner again only to receive a text stating to vacate by 1pm. I text back trying to explain there are no places available on such short notice that takes cats. And they won't refund the rest of my money in time to book a room if it were possible. I stated I hadn't showered and would be taking one...so please don't come to my room til I'm done. With shampoo in my hair I hear my dog barking like mad and banging on the door with a voice shouting, " police open up!!!" After explaining the situation the very kindhearted, compassionate sherriff tried to resolve the problem for me. But they don't budge...they insist he kick me out. The sherriff and I were shocked at how they were treating me. He apologized for their lack of concern to my situation and was appalled to be part in this very humiliating and traumatizing incident. He even checked that I kept the room spotless. He felt my pain and comforted me. Needless to say.... But we were blessed with an angel, Rebecca at Sea Treasures in Rockaway. They also don't accept cats, but after her hearing my dilemma she showed compassion towards others and let me book a room regardless to the rules. The Harborview was adorable and I was very pleased until the hate played into my stay. It's very sad it's ran by a very unreasonable and heartless owner Todd. I pray for him to find compassion in his heart for all people. The world is beautiful with those who are like Rebecca...caring, compassionate and nice. And the room here tops the room at Harborview by far!!! I'm upset Todd had to ruin what would of been a pleasant place to stay. I prefer spending my hard earned money on those that appreciate my business. Almost forgot the worst of it...the owner was so hateful he laughed at my fiance over him standing up for what he put us through. This person has no heart and shouldn't be serving the public. Update...they took my money right away . But refunded 5 days later. Was a complete inconvenience. Never ever will I suggest this...

First of all, I have read many of the reviews of the Harbor Inn. Many of the ones that said the were unhappy with the facility said that "their vacation had already started off bad" before they got there. So, they were already in a bad mood. I read another that gave it a poor rating because there was no hair dryer in the room, really? I like amenities as well, I am a member of the Hilton Honors and enjoy a nice room. From my experiences traveling and staying in almost every city on the Oregon Coast, Harbor View Inn is a place for people that want to get out and be active. If you plan on staying in your room all day watching TV and complaining about the noise from the mill and the active fishing fleets in the area, this is not for you. Don't get me wrong, they do have quite a few things going for them to give you a unique experience. However, if you like to be where the action is at, this is the spot. After all it is in an active harbor so there will be some traffic. I have a friend had previously stayed at the hotel. He told me that the hotel rooms are small, cute, but very clean. The pricing really reflects that. I decided to bring my new camp trailer for a first get-a-way and set it up in the RV PARK. I knew very little about crabbing, clamming or ocean fishing. The people that run the place were awesome. Jeff showed us the proper and easiest way to clean the clams, in his kitchen, (which is for public use) with his tools, pots and pans and our mess all while still tending to the phones and checking people in. We also cooked our crabs in his kitchen because I didn't want to make a mess in mine, we offered to clean our mess like normal people would but he insisted we leave it so we could catch low tide for clamming. They do have a clamming clinic where he will actually take you out and teach you everything their is to know. We wanted to be rebels and do it on our own, yet still found ourselves floundering back for help. They also have a small BBQ for use, laundry, wi-fi, and the kicker.....SMORES! Which, they bring all of the necessities, you just show up and eat. Genuinely great people. Some people have complained about the mill running in the area, but unless you plan on hanging out next to the adjacent fence all day, you don't notice it. I'm a light sleeper and didn't hear anything. Quite park as well, not for the wild and rowdy, which was nice because I felt comfortable leaving my gear in the bed of my truck and no one touched it. I will be back soon! They are under newer (3 years or so) ownership, so to me the reviews older than that are garbage. One last note, to the guy that posted "we stayed there last year and it was horrible", why did it take you an entire year to post your review? Holding a little grudge? Thanks for reading a real review from an actual customer that had one...