Rochester Riverside Hotel

The trip ended on a frustrating note. The main elevator was still out, apparently for over four months according to earlier reviews, so we had to use slow service elevators through back corridors with low ceilings. When everyone was checking out with bags, we were left taking the stairs. It would have helped to know beforehand that the parking ramp only fits vehicles up to 6 feet, so a full-size truck won’t fit. The room and average bathroom were both clean, the staff were friendly, breakfast was better than I expected, and the room view was a good price. The hotel was a bit nicer than most.

The hotel looked good and the cleaning service was great, but a friend found a bedbug in their room. The elevators caused a lot of trouble during our conference: the regular ones were out, leaving just two slow service elevators in a back area. There were several large events at once and the hotel was completely booked, and even those service elevators broke while we were there. Maintenance on something this important might be better scheduled when there aren’t major events.

I’ve stayed here several times over the last few years, and I can see the improvements happening. When I was here in June 2018, the hotel was being renovated, so the main elevators weren’t working and guests and employees had to use the service elevators. There were big, clearly marked signs about it, with a little humor. The staff were very friendly, and our room had just been redone with new furniture and carpet. The desk drawers were still a bit stiff to open.

The rooms were clean and the beds were comfortable, but the lobby was VERY busy. The elevators took a long time to reach our floor, and it took half an hour to get out of the parking garage because the gate wouldn’t work. We were there for two nights and couldn’t predict the timing of the wedding events, which weren’t at the hotel. I couldn’t manage six flights of stairs physically at the time. I’d return, but would ask first whether the elevators are working.