Review of Hyatt Regency Rochester 3*

I decided to take a spur of the moment trip to visit a friend in Rochester. Upon arrival at the airport, I called the hotel to get a shuttle around 9pm, they arrived about 30mins later. The driver was polite and courteous, and warned me that a Jehovah's Witness conference was staying at the hotel (which is connected to the convention center). The room was well maintained but the toilet's handle was coming off. Otherwise it was nice and clean with a sort-of view. My room was facing the convention center/river direction. I was not high enough in the hotel (23 floors) to see the river from my room. I dined in the hotel a few times and it was decent, though very limited options both in the bar and food. Expect to pay higher prices for in-hotel dining. Lobster Mac and Cheese was $23 for a 12oz portion, though it was packed with large pieces of lobster, the asparagus was the thing of nightmares. Draft beers run about $8 at the bar and dining area. A nd even though I ate at the restaurant multiple times, my tables had a set of jams and preserves at all times (morning, lunch and late night), while not all tables had them. Some tables had placemats but never at the table I was seated at. Servers were not very attentive during meal times. Sitting at the bar was the best service. Though late at night I ordered a beverage and my friend did as well, before even bringing the drinks the server asked if we wanted to pay for the drinks or start a tab, I said I want a tab, he asked for a card or room number — I said my room number and he immediately charged my room for my drinks, before our second round. Rudely, as we clearly were sitting and not making a move to leave quickly. The hotel was out of the 'convenience item' of a wine opener so I had to go to the bar to have them open my bottle I was enjoying the next night. During my stay I called the front desk multiple times (probably 7 over 2 days) trying to get a tea set and tea kettle. I had to call repeatedly because either no one would answer, I would be put on hold without being spoken to, or I would be told to hold for over 5 mins when I gave up. I understand they were busy with a wedding and the convention guests but I was just one person, not a group of people asking for something simple enough. It took nearly an hour for the room service to bring the tea kettle and tea. I declined house keeping for most of my stay, as I was just one person I could easily use fresh towels, though the bed was junky. I allowed housekeeping to come in to pick up my trash which had become a bit much, and she decided to linger and straighten the bed, replace all the towels and wanted to take my actively-being-used tea cup. There is an ATM in the hotel lobby which was convenient. Valet Parking is thinly staffed, even on the weekends. The taxis that wait outside the hotel will pad the fare by taking a long round about way to any location. It would probably have been cheaper for me to rent a car but there were many places near by that were within walking distance. The hotel is very near the river, though it was low at the time. The trail next to the river was pleasant. Multiple places to eat and drink were within walking distance. Rochester's bus transit system main stops were very near by. Very near a baseball stadium, the Amtrak lines and the performing arts center. I would probably stay at the Radisson across the street, if I were to go again.