Bluemont Hotel — Hotel in Manhattan

First of all, the location of this hotel is the only reason I’m giving this stay 2 stars instead of 1. In the past, it’s been a 3 to 4 star hotel in my opinion. The rooms aren’t anything special - in fact, compared to a Comfort Inn or another similar hotel, it’s not very nice at all. Spartan is the word I’ve always used to describe the Bluemont’s rooms. Also, the nightly rate on home game weekends is outrageous. But we knew that when we booked the room months ago, and location was really the determining factor (by my significant other 😁) why we decided to stay here.

This go around has been a very frustrating experience. We are on the first night of our two-night stay (minimum on game weekends) tonight and I’m pretty sure we are just going to eat the cost of the second night and go home tomorrow. I am told their three week cancellation policy (during football season) isn’t uncommon in MHK, but that’s still an insane policy. We found out two weeks ago that family that was planning to stay the whole weekend had to change their plans, so we called to cancel the room. We were then told about the three week cancellation. I admit, that’s our fault for not researching the policy before-hand. The lady my wife spoke to said we could put our room on a “wait list” and if anyone called needing a room ours would be booked and we would get out of the room. Fast forward to yesterday (Thursday before our stay) and we called just to check. Another lady told us our name was never on this wait list and they don’t have any way of noting on the reservation that we are trying to give our room up. Ok, what?

We accept our fate because they have our credit card, and ask for an early check-in (normally at 4:00 PM) because we have two young children that nap after lunch every day and with it being Halloween weekend we want to get to MHK earlier rather than later to enjoy as much of the weekend there with them. The lady tells us they can’t do an early check-in on game weekends, which is hotel policy due to how busy things are, but tells us to call back tomorrow morning to double-check. Again, what? Can we or can’t we get an early check-in?

We say to heck with it, let’s hit the road this morning, and pull away from home while simultaneously calling the hotel around 9:30 AM. A different lady places us on hold to do some checking, and when she comes back apologizes and spouts the same policy we were told the day before.

We get to Manhattan around noon, go to Aggieville to have lunch, and decide to try our luck again with the hotel, but this time in person. The lady working the counter is a manager and seems surprised by what we had been told previously. She said of course we will work with you, and gets us a room easy peasy around 2:00 PM. Not sure what the fuss was before. The kids take their shorter than usual naps, and we are up around 3:15 to hit the Ville for some trick or treating, which was a great time. We come back to the hotel to put the kids to bed around 7:30, and realize the room they gave us is directly above Goolsby’s. All we can hear is the sound of bowling balls and pins being knocked over. We have the sound machine cranked on high but the festivities below are still very audible. Guess they didn’t think of sound-proofing when they added the bar. Nothing against Goolsby’s I’m wanting to go check it out sometime, but maybe don’t put a family with small children directly above it 🤦🏼‍♂️

Next time we will...

I came into town rather unexpectedly due to one of our dogs needing to be seen at K State veterinary Hospital. After reading all the great reviews, I finally decided to stay at the Bluemont Hotel. I ended up checking in after 9:00 PM and was exhausted from the drive from Hickman, NE plus the added emotional stress of the day due to the condition of our 3 year old Cavalier mAfter getting about halfway down the hallway, he was still just standing there, not trying to open his door, not on his phone, just looking very odd. The hair on the back of my neck stood up so I turned around, pretending that I was lost and headed back towards the elevator. A young couple got off the elevator at that time so I followed them, until they made it to their room which was closer than mine. There I was again, walking alone towards the man that was still standing there. So I got on my phone and pretended I was talking to someone waiting for me in my room so he would think I wasn’t alone. The following day was another long day at K-State. Instead of heading back home, I needed to stay for two more days because our dog was going to need surgery. I decided to go back to the Bluemont due to the close proximity to the vet hospital and the free breakfast! When I checked in, I asked the lady at the front desk if I could have a room closer to the elevator. I then proceeded to tell her why I was asking. After hearing my story, she was visibly compassionate about what happened and was incredibly supportive. She told me that she never wants any guest to feel unsafe and that any of their staff members would have gladly walked me to my room if I felt unsafe. I thanked her and felt my eyes well up with tears. Her kindness was so appreciated, especially after the emotional day I had at the vet hospital. Once I got to my room and let myself inside, I was in total shock!! She had given me one of the suites without saying a word. This big beautiful corner suite with two windows with amazing views of the campus and a nice tree lined quiet street! I immediately put my stuff down and went back downstairs, thanked her, and told her how grateful I was to receive such kindness!! I then asked for her name….she said her name was Rebekah, and then gave me a very kind knowing kind of smile. A smile that let me know that she understood what her kindness...

When I called & booked with Talerie, she was extremely sweet & patient and this same kindness & professionalism extended to the front desk upon check-in as well. Crystal & Halley helped me determine where to eat & what to do for entertainment, all things the Bluemont Hotel offered their guest at their convenience. This was major as I had never stayed at the Bluemont Hotel & wasn't privy to all they had to offer. The two women were very knowledgeable & took the time to answer all the questions I had, especially Halley who exhibited such a positive & personable attitude. It was apparent they were more than happy to help. Their suggestions were the highlight of our trip.

My son & I dined at the Bluemont Bar, inside the hotel where Chris was our bartender & server. I have never experienced service quite like this. Chris was a one-man show, yet he catered to everyone at the bar with such skill, elegance, & charm. He simply made it look effortless. I couldn't believe how attentive he was to my son & I, making us feel like royalty, while at the same time making other customers feel just as special. He even suggested a mocktail for my son who isn't old enough to drink, which made him included & the mocktail was beautifully delicious as well. And the food, the food was delectable! Everything we ordered, we enjoyed. While at the bar, Reese who worked at Goolsby's located further in the back next door to the hotel, dropped by to bar and also sang Chris's praises. After small talk, he encouraged us to come by after dinner to enjoy bowling. Reese was also kind, and professional, and it was clear he too loves what he does. I was so grateful for the recommendation as Goolby's offered such a good vibe and a great atmosphere for family time and socializing.

My son and I enjoyed the pool, the great parking which allowed us easy access to campus, & the overall phenomenal service the staff members provided, making you feel a part of the community. 10/10 easily! There is no doubt about it, moving forward, whenever I have to do an overnight trip in Manhattan, Ks, I will be staying at the Bluemont Hotel as they have so...