04/19/09

A once great hotel now a dump with horrible service

by Stoomeister

While in Raleigh for an event this weekend, we stayed at the Velvet Cloak Inn because we have stayed there before and were very pleased with the rooms, value, and service in the past. We encouraged several other parties to stay there as well. When we got there, we were informed that the pool had been drained for maintainence. When we made our reservations, we made it clear that we wanted all the rooms from our group to be located near the pool because we knew some of the people coming had children and we like to swim as well. No mention had been made about the pool being drained even though we called to re-confirm our room being by the pool the day before we arrived! We figured, we could live without the pool, but were surprised that no apology was given for the inconvenience. Only after we complained about this , were we informed that they would give us passes to the YMCA down the street. Who wants to load the family up to go to the Ymca when you were supposed to have a pool right in front of your room? Later that evening after we had been hanging out with our friends and everybody was heading to their own rooms, I decided to go get some Ice. The Ice machine was broken and a large sign said if you need Ice, go to the lobby. It was about 2 am when I got to the lobby, only to find the doors locked. I used the Phone in the entrance to buzz the desk, and when someone finally answered, I stated that I needed some Ice. The manager, told me that the Lobby was closed. I was really getting mad and I asked him what in the hell kind of hotel was he running? No water in the pool, no ice in the ice machine, and when I come to the lobby to get ice (as instructed by the sign) I was told the lobby was closed. I saw no hours posted anywhere! He then asked what room I was in and looked up our account. When we checked in we told him that we would pay cash the following morning after cashing a check and he had no problem with that. But now he looked at our info and said, well, you haven't paid yet, so if you have a problem you can just leave! I was very taken aback by this and I asked him if he was "*%#& kidding"? He said no he wasn't kidding and I could get the "F&%# out". I then asked who his Boss was and he replied it was the owner. He also informed me that the owners were his parents and couldn't be reached. Then he said "as a matter of fact, Why don't you just go ahead and leave before I call the police and have you removed". I informed him that I was not leaving at 2am , and I would be seeing him in the morning. When I did get into the office the following day, he was gone and when I spoke with the young lady and the desk, I got the address to write to the owner. I was also informed that the manager wouldn't be back in until Monday. I have since learned that the Velvet Cloak is selling rooms and blocks of room s as condo/student housing. They no longer want to be a hotel, and they have certainly succeeded in my opinion! I will be writing to the owner and seeing how he feels about his son treating people this way.

• Pros: The only pro is the location
• Cons: Drained pool. no ice in machines, not very clean

01/28/07

Great for special events..and affordable

by raleighlady27

OK so I am not so sure about the rooms in this hotel, but as a event location this can be a fantastic choice. I know because I have lived in Raleigh all my life and have been to many events at the Velvet Cloak. Their are several choices of rooms, but the Pool Room (in my opinion)is by far the biggest wow for your buck. Watch out though, if your event is in the winter, the pool room is glassed in and can feel a bit cooler than other rooms.

This hotel gives you a feeling of charm and history....but, it is still very spacious and elegant. I love that kind of thing. About the prices, I think you will be surprised at how affordable this place is (compared to other event locations in the triangle).

• Pros: Ambience, charm, history, location,luxerious rooms available
• Cons: hotel rooms are not going to have that just built feeling

One of Raleigh's most beloved inns offers luxury rooms with true Southern style.

by Contributor

In Short
This popular and historic hotel near downtown Raleigh is known for its elegant Southern style. With its brick facade, wrought-iron balconies and formally decorated rooms, this is where couples come to stay when they're celebrating a romantic weekend. Due to its proximity to the NC State campus, it's also where parents stay during graduation or parents' weekends.

06/27/06

This is the place to stay. Close to everything

by applepie141

This hotel has a lot of charm if you like that sort of thing. I do, so I felt right at home. The hotel has been around for some time and is close to everything downtown. I'd stay here again

• Pros: Indoor heated year round pool, lots of hot water
• Cons: does not have room service but plenty of restuarants nearby

02/16/04

This is one of Raleigh's best?

by b1

I thought this hotel was awful - the rooms are dingy and dark, I only had one towel in my bathroom when I checked in and was told more would be available as soon as the laundry was done. Shouldn't a nice hotel have more than one day's supply of towels??? I was on the ground floor, so I had to cover my head with a pillow all night long to sleep through the banging and clattering of footsteps above me on the concrete walkway. Very, very disappointing.

• Pros: location
• Cons: , dark & dingy rooms, not helpful staff

12/05/02

Makes you feel like Royalty

by pargolfer

Very good comparison that was previously left...nope, not the ritz, but not many are on that level. However, The VCI is a great old Raleigh hotel. I just wish that when users left reviews they understood what they were getting before they signed on the dotted line. I would recommend this hotel to anyone, it takes you back, it's not a modern day hotel, but does have a romantic feel to it. You shouldn't let these reviews keep you away.

• Pros: location, romantic
• Cons: outside entry

11/29/02

Romantic

by rodneyeugenedavisjr

Very romantic -- not the Ritz-Carlton or the Four Seasons -- but very romantic!!