Latest reviews by Ron

(2017)
"Great except the hotel..."
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Race Management

Well the race itself was excellent very well organized with lots of water and aid stations. Everything was done very efficiently. But our hotel was just stupid about caring for runners. We had a rather terrible experience at the Desoto Hotel. I understand it was recently purchased by the Sotherly group, perhaps they should know this?

The hotel was filled with marathon runners who had to come on Friday night, Nov 3, and we, like many others, left on Saturday, Nov 4. Not so many more checked-in after this event on Saturday. My point here is that many more people (runners) came to stay at the hotel on Friday and not so many people were staying or checking-in on Saturday.

As most runners know, after a marathon a hot shower is a must.

Well, this hotel thought it was a very good idea to ensure that no runners could do this by changing it's policy to NOT allow anyone a late check-out on the day. They say this was because of the marathon race and the huge influx expected on Saturday. Again Saturday night was after the race - so less people would be staying.

But this policy change meant that all of us had to find another way to shower. The staff suggested we pay an additional charge to use a local health club. I'm guessing the staff doesn't travel much out of town.

In addition, after asking to speak to a manager, we were presented with a very angry young man who seemed on the verge of violence towards us for asking for this change. All the while wearing his big "Welcome Runners" badge.

We are asking all our friends and their friends on as many social media sites as we can, to please not use this over priced and ill informed hotel chain when traveling to the many marathons and triathlons that we frequently visit year round. We are also informing the organizers of the Savannah Rock n' Roll Marathon.

We did find another runner who let us use their room at the Westin that did allow a late check-out for runners. I guess they know a bit more about this kind of event at that hotel.

Ron Hagell

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