Seven Gables Inn, A Kirkwood Collection Hotel — Hotel in Pacific Grove

Quick one night stay in my favorite town on earth other than perhaps Istanbul and at my favorite place to stay.

I was in the Stevenson Room in the Beach House. I walk with a cane and appreciated just having 3 steps into my room. First time in this particular room and it’s my 2nd favorite room. If I could have opened a window and let the breeze in then it would be my new favorite.

Loved the charming sitting area right in front of the big window and all the outlet options there from 3 prong to USBs - multiple.

Bed was entirely too soft for me and thus sleep was a challenge and then the morning & getting up & walking around. I get cold at night, but don’t like a hot room, so I was glad to find a substantial extra blanket in the closet. The sheets are “comfy” aka coop brand and the absolute best. Ordered 2 sets right after staying there.

Breakfast is now buffet style. Due to not sleeping well I was a tad close to the end of the breakfast time at 10am, but I got what I needed. Before the staff put away the food, the lead buffet person (or so it seemed) was very kind and asked if I wanted anything before they cleaned up, so I opted to get some more of the delicious banana bread (not what I needed LOL).

A few minor negatives. I do walk with a cane. I’m 65, bent over. I arrived with one bag (a Foldie - so you know size and not expanded). The bag was manageable for me and brought it as I knew they’d likely be stairs. I was surprised and disappointed when the Seven Gable desk clerk didn’t offer to carry my bag. A fit woman in her 20s I would guess. I have lost a great deal of my shyness, so asked if she would carry my bag and she seemed startled, but quickly agreed. I wanted a free hand for climbing stairs. The website does tell you that staff are not obligated to carry bags and nothing over 40lbs, thus you must manage, and I’m fine with that - and I would have, but there’s basic courtesy. In an old Inn you expect some courtesy. So didn’t leave the best first impression.

A bit of perhaps childish disappointment. I’ve stayed here a number of times through the years dating back to pre-Covid and the evening cookies were always warm. And there was tea, coffee and milk. No beverages. No warm...

They can do better! I wish I could write a 5-star review. If I hadn't been traveling with a disabled friend in a wheelchair, they would have deserved a 5-star review. As it was, I left feeling disappointed. They state they have an ADA room but despite 3 phone calls in advance to confirm details, there were several areas that could be improved. (1) the two accessible parking spots didn't have enough room for the automatic ramp to unfold and provide space for the wheelchair to roll off. (2) The mechanism to switch the shower from on high to the hand held handle was at the top of a tall pipe, requiring a person to be able to stand and raise their hand above their head. She was alone in her room so was unable to take a shower at night. The mechanism had malfunctioned anyway, so 5 people were not able to make it work the next day and it had to be repaired. (3) the bedroom contained two oversized chairs a few inches from the end of the bed, preventing easy movement of the wheelchair. (4) the single plug was too far from the bed. The electric wheelchair must be charged overnight--she was unable to use the plug because the chair would have been across the room with no way for her to get from the chair to the bed. (5) same plug issue prevented her from being able to plug her phone in and have emergency access to it from across the room. (6) I requested a call from the manager after our stay, but have yet to receive a call after 3 weeks. All things you read about in other reviews are true--it's a beautiful building, the furnishing are gorgeous, the setting is spectacular, the breakfast buffet was delicious, the staff onsite are friendly and welcoming and tried to be as helpful as they could under the circumstances. I appreciate that it's an older building, but most of the issues had nothing to do with that--removing some furniture, providing a power strip and thinking about how the shower works wouldn't be that difficult. And providing a return call is just basic customer service. It's a lack of understanding of what a disabled person needs. This was a girl's trip and we had 3 rooms next...

I wish I could write a 5-star review. If I hadn't been traveling with a disabled friend in a wheelchair, they would have deserved a 5-star review. As it was, I left feeling disappointed. They state they have an ADA room but despite 3 phone calls in advance to confirm details, there were several areas that could be improved. (1) the two accessible parking spots didn't have enough room for the automatic ramp to unfold and provide space for the wheelchair to roll off. (2) The mechanism to switch the shower from on high to the hand held handle was at the top of a tall pipe, requiring a person to be able to stand and raise their hand above their head. She was alone in her room so was unable to take a shower at night. The mechanism had malfunctioned anyway, so 5 people were not able to make it work the next day and it had to be repaired. (3) the bedroom contained two oversized chairs a few inches from the end of the bed, preventing easy movement of the wheelchair. (4) the single plug was too far from the bed. The electric wheelchair must be charged overnight--she was unable to use the plug because the chair would have been across the room with no way for her to get from the chair to the bed. (5) same plug issue prevented her from being able to plug her phone in and have emergency access to it from across the room. (6) I requested a call from the manager after our stay, but have yet to receive a call after 3 weeks. |All things you read about in other reviews are true--it's a beautiful building, the furnishing are gorgeous, the setting is spectacular, the breakfast buffet was delicious, the staff onsite are friendly and welcoming and tried to be as helpful as they could under the circumstances. I appreciate that it's an older building, but most of the issues had nothing to do with that--removing some furniture, providing a power strip and thinking about how the shower works wouldn't be that difficult. And providing a return call is just basic customer service. It's a lack of understanding of what a disabled person needs. This was a girl's trip and we had 3 rooms next...