21c Museum Hotel Lexington

We paid for the larger suite but were put in a room about half its size, and nobody mentioned the change at check-in. There was a bad smell right away, and the mini fridge smelled like rotting fish. The hotel was full during a UK home game, so we had nowhere else available. They removed the fridge while we went to dinner, which helped some, but the room still smelled. In the shower, my wife found the grout covered in white soap film, as if it hadn’t been scrubbed in a long time. When I checked my card after checkout, I saw we’d been charged for the larger suite. The office manager later apologized and said it had been double booked, then offered a $150 credit. After I mentioned the other problems, she offered a voucher for a discounted future stay. I pointed out that the room we got cost half as much as the suite, and she added another $150 credit. So we essentially paid full price for an unwanted, smaller room that smelled and wasn’t clean. We don’t get to take trips like this often, and the experience put a real damper on our night. We probably won’t return.

The restaurant breakfast was spectacular, and it was easy to walk to nearby bars and restaurants. Our room felt lush and had a great view. The art throughout the place really moved me. It wasn’t just pretty decoration, it felt like a real exhibit about humanity and the dangers people face. We had a wonderful time there.

Lockbox was a real highlight. The food was inventive and high quality, and the bar and restaurant felt like places I’d visit even without staying at the hotel. The bartender even went out of their way to find me a pot of herbal tea. The staff were warm and took time to explain the 21C brand and the current exhibit. The rooms are roomy and thoughtfully set up, with complimentary tea and Nespresso, plus chocolates by the bed. The bed was a little stiff and the comforter felt thin, but I still slept well. Valet was quick and attentive, and I never had to chase anyone down. I’m a fan of 21C, and this was my first stay at the Lexington location. It’s in a great spot, close on foot to lots of restaurants, bars, and shops. I loved the stay and would book here again.

The banana nut toast at breakfast was PHENOMENAL, and they comped my valet charge the next day. I’d definitely come back. I’d been upgraded to a corner room, which was great, but soon after check-in I got locked out because the key reader stopped working. It took an hour for someone to arrive and reprogram it, and I had none of my things with me. The staff member who helped was very sweet, and I knew it wasn’t anyone’s fault.