Best Western Plus Downtown Tacoma

I was here for two nights because of a family emergency, and the room was 80F with broken AC. Nobody told me at check-in, and I couldn't sleep. There was hair all over the disgusting room. The breakfast drink machine was broken, and the ice water dispenser was empty on two of my three tries. I asked the front desk for a fan and the woman offered me a paper plate to fan myself with. Bless her heart. For context, the “wellness center” across the street is a methadone clinic. There was a lot going on nearby, though that part isn’t BWs fault.

The morning breakfasts were a real highlight, and the staff I met were genuinely pleasant. My reservation had been made months earlier, but the property was bought out and the booking snag caused some panic. I thought booking ahead might get me a better room location, but apparently it doesn't work that way. I’d expected a good view, but the windows looked like they hadn’t been washed in ages. Somehow someone had even drawn a smiley face on the outside of the glass. After dark, flood lamps lit up the whole room. The drapes were hard to close all the way, and even a small gap let in harsh light. The windows only opened a little, but from there I could see trash and towels scattered on the rooftop below. Getting around was another headache. It seemed like only one elevator was running, and the wait to go up or down was ridiculous. Without my cane, I probably would’ve taken the stairs. Parking cost an extra $15 a night, which didn’t sit right with me. With all of that, I doubt I’ll come back. Follow-up: I appreciated the reply and the refund for one night of parking. But when I called as suggested, it seemed like the hotel had no idea what I meant. I said I was calling about my review and was asked, “What do you want to talk about?” The written response sounded like they wanted to discuss my experience, but that wasn’t how the call felt. I also had other concerns I hadn’t included in my first review and thought the follow-up was an invitation to talk about those. Thanks again for the partial parking refund. I hope future guests get the follow-through the message promised.

The elevator stranded people, and the fire department had to be called. That capped off an already frustrating stay at the Best Western, where we were in town for an event at the dome. We expected event pricing, but nearly three times the usual rate felt outrageous for what we got. Our room looked out onto an HVAC system that felt apocalyptic, with a bright fluorescent light right outside the window. Parking was the biggest problem: we were unexpectedly asked for an extra fee, then found there was nowhere to park. The event had filled every spot within a mile. When we asked for help, staff just said, “this always happens.” If the hotel knows major events cause this problem and charges much higher rates, it should have a solution for basic needs like parking. Adding fees and offering no help is terrible service. They need to figure this out instead of shrugging it off. We paid for a premium stay and got a bottom-tier, aggravating experience.

For our anniversary getaway, my husband and I chose the BestWestern Plus Downtown Tacoma, and we’d happily return. The staff were friendly, available around the clock, and took issues seriously, even small requests like more shampoo, conditioner, or towels. They also suggested places to eat and visit since we hadn’t been back in a couple of years. We used to pass on this location when it was a Comfort Inn and suites because it seemed a bit sketchy. Since becoming a Best Western, it’s been remodeled and the area cleaned up. The location worked perfectly for us, including being close to Point Ruston, one of our favorite spots. We worried our lifted vehicle might not fit, but they explained there are three lots, two underground and a back lot for taller or larger vehicles. There’s a nice hot breakfast, plus a 24-hour coffee bar that made this coffee connoisseur happy. We’re excited to see how the place develops over the years. 100/100, would recommend.