Casa 425 Lounge - Claremont

I really liked this hotel! All reviews of the need to draw curtains for privacy are correct, but still I loved my glass wall of windows and the small table on the wide way around the courtyard was a fun place to sit in full view of my room... Great location. I found the big bathtub in the room (instead of closed in the bathroom) amusing, although I didn't use it - it's a big DROUGHT right now. Beautiful large room, sufficient desk, lots of storage room, large bathroom counter (lighting could be better quality for the presentation), happy to have the small refrigerator, good coffee furnished. The included continental breakfast was much better than most places. The outdoor courtyard was a very pleasant place (especially as I continue to see Covid precautions and only people outside) to have a glass of wine with a local friend. I really like this is not a standard business hotel. And I don't know what they are, but I prayed the leaves on the bed!

Negatives: arrived to the hotel entrance with no signage of staff to advise on parking. After we parked a block away, and dragged our bags up the Streep front stairs (there is a ramp there was no one at the desk. Lobby was small, no signage. I walked right past the front desk! Our room, 301, was right next to the elevator. Huge but poorly furnished: one bed had no night table, extension cords strung visible across the floor in an area that needed a rug. Barn door trend in full effect but it’s NOT a good idea for the WC(toilet as you have zero privacy. Similarly the gigantic soaking tub in the middle of the room (and in the middle of the desert! was just absurd in a double room and even more FI in this setting. The room was oddly proportioned. The positive was that the bedding was excellent, but the breakfast was cheap and not what I’d expect at the price we paid. I wish I’d stayed at the Hilton it’s 1/2 the cost. I think this place needs more time to recover from Covid and up its game.

There is a lot to like about this place. The location is really great--next to shops and restaurants and the parking garage for which you will get a pass during your stay is literally across the street. The courtyard is quite nice and I had drinks with a friend there one evening. The room is where it's a mixed bag. The floor to ceiling windows are gorgeous, but to have any privacy while changing, bathing, or even just brushing your teeth, you need to close them up and darken everything. The lights are rather dim, with the exception of the vanity area. It's a cozy bed, but for a modern traveler who will need to charge a phone, etc, there are no easily accessible outlets or no USB ports, so you do have to move furniture or crawl around a bit to plug in. The shower head was broken and had barely a spray when I turned it on. Thinking it just needed to be adjusted, I turned the head and it wasn't anchored well; adjusting it further left the water at a trickle. (They did offer a 25% rebate on the room, though, to rectify that matter. Lastly, they tout having bikes to borrow. Since friends live close by, I thought it'd be fun to pedal over. One bike was out; the one left had a flat and a crossbar that someone about 6' could clear. Their agreement (which was moot at that point, then stipulates that the rider needs to wear a helmet, but they do not provide them. It's a nice place. Would I come again? Probably just for the lounge.

Went with a friend of mine for a beer (7-10-22 @8:45) Bartender was very low energy as he took our order. Brought our beer left the check and disappeared. Never came to check in on us until we decided to leave and we tracked him down. His customer service, for us, was severely lacking!!!

Very relaxing environment. The drinks are great. Love coming here. Inside and outside option. Will come back.