Please note: This review was written during the COVID situation.
I am giving only a 3/5 on service because when we arrived (after walking by the ”friendliest hotel in Vermont” sign) we were told unapologetically and stone-facedly by the young man at the desk that they ”would have called as a courtesy” but my ”location didn't come through the reservation system” that I can't stay there unless we've quarantined 14 days with no grocery shopping or visiting with family or friends. He said that Vermont's policy is that if your county has more than (some # I don't remember) active cases per million, you can't stay there. (Never mind that my county has only 130,000 people / 52 active cases -- so I guess they multiply to get the per Million number???) I had pre-paid for this room, so LUCKY FOR ME because I work from home and have no social life, I was able to stay. I never thought a thing of it when making the reservation as here in NH and Maine, all the radio ads say that Vermonters can visit ”without restriction” so it never occurred to me to check what Vermont had to say about us. I don't know if this is a Trip.com problem or a Comfort Inn problem --- But SOMEONE should be calling people. Imagine if you got turned away after a long trip?? And Rutland is ”Central” Vermont so it's probably at least 45 minutes to any state border if you need a new hotel.
Facilities: I give a 2/5 and again, not sure if this is Trip.com's fault or Comfort Inn's - but there is NO BREAKFAST due to covid. If you are like me and factor breakfast into the cost of a hotel, this would be helpful info. Yes, I knew they probably wouldn't have a buffet, but they could have done a little bag breakfast or a coupon to McDonald's (next door) or something to make up for the fact that they advertise something that they don't have. The indoor pool was also closed, which I anticipated. But again, that should be stated when booking - if I had little kiddos and they were looking forward to that and we found out it was closed on arrival, that would be bad. Incidentally, I work for a place in NH with an indoor pool and they open by appointment so only one family is in one area at a time - something to consider. Imagine the great reviews you'd get if a family could have private pool time on vacation!
That said, this hotel was renovated since last I stayed there. Ice was clean. Room was clean. Housekeeper was just as nice as she could be. The front desk lady on day 3 (checkout) was very nice too. Wifi was easy to access.
Lesson from this visit: Take it upon yourself to CALL THE HOTEL before arriving to find out protocols. Don't do the we-pick-the-hotel option on if you care about the amenities like breakfast and pool, because you won't be able to find out what's available before you find out what hotel you got.
Message to Comfort Inn: Reach out to people before they drive 4 hours to get there. And when they do get there, try to be nice and pleasant, that will get you a lot further.
Message to Trip.com: UPDATE YOUR SITE FOR COVID.
Outstanding
72 Reviews