Oh, don’t get me going on that one. I’m not sure I’d put the two in the same category. When it comes to hospitality, it’s kinda expected. But telling me to smile if I’ve got serious period cramps is a good way to get brained with a frying pan.
So sorry to hear about the Ester Lee. My husband and I talked about staying there over the years, each time we drove by on the coast. Finally did stay there, on our way moving out of Oregon (2021). It was just as charming as we’d imagined.
The place looks and sounds horrific. I'm sorry you had to deal with rude hatchet-face (I couldn't help but laugh out loud with your colorful assessment of the people or place). But truth is, where you stayed, as it is now, is no laughing matter. Other than the gorgeous view, which is important, the place no longer offers hospitality.
I love your metaphor comparing the place to our bodies. We MUST do our best to care for our bodies because when we treat ourselves with love and respect, we keep the proverbial "weeds" at bay. Aging well requires tending and work and care.
Thank you as always Beth for your kind assessment. The time here was fabulous despite that, and for that I was grateful. There will be other wonderful places to discover!
So sorry about the deterioration of your beloved hotel - really a shame. But I love the metaphor you extracted from the wreckage! (And good luck finding an alternative.)
While it’s possible I landed on a bad day, that bad day stretched into six bad days with more touchpoints along the way. At some point you realize it wasn’t just me, nor was it just one person. It’s systemic. Also you can’t argue with the photos. All coastal properties need real upkeep as you well know.
Julia, have experienced this myself. It's become so common I will no longer keep my mouth shut. I'm a patient, kind person who worked in customer service my entire life. There's no excuse for a slovenly property or surly employees.
Thanks Michele. I didn't bother to tell them that I'm, a travel blogger, or that tens of thousands of folks read my articles. But I will in my letter. Don't let the restaurant know you're a reviewer. Just have the experience and let the cards fall as they may. So true, there really is no reason to treat a guest like this.
I have never stayed at The EsterLee but we have driven past it on our frequent trips to the Oregon Coast. It’s very sad to think that ‘the new staff’ isn’t welcoming and helpful. Especially now because I suspect their business will drop due to tariffs! And let’s face it: hospitality is the most important thing when your customers are guests!
It's got the best location in town, and for much of the coast. I've looked! That's why I came back and because Depoe is so close by. But this was awful. I so want to believe it was a blip but it wasn't the only time I had this kind of experience with them. Once is an anomaly, twice is a pattern. Thanks. Back to Newport and Agate Beach!
Julia, you get all the gold stars for gleaning the best analogy EVER from what could have been nothing but a deflating experience. Those views, though: I assume the only reason the Four Seasons group hasn't snapped up this property to renovate it (and render it unaffordable to all but the billionaire class) is that it's sitting on that eroding cliff.
I so agree with inhabiting our bodies with care. When we love ourselves it attracts love from others. Another great post thanks Julia.
Thanks for getting the larger point, Jane.
As the world turns ... I appreciated the humor in your story, although, it's too bad about the sad endings.
Sounds like I must traverse the country so I can witness those sunsets.
I do enjoy your writing. Thank you.
Thanks Bill. They are fantastic Tonight we have rain, however, still lovely!
Maybe this is why men tell women to smile? They know it makes things better
Oh, don’t get me going on that one. I’m not sure I’d put the two in the same category. When it comes to hospitality, it’s kinda expected. But telling me to smile if I’ve got serious period cramps is a good way to get brained with a frying pan.
So sorry to hear about the Ester Lee. My husband and I talked about staying there over the years, each time we drove by on the coast. Finally did stay there, on our way moving out of Oregon (2021). It was just as charming as we’d imagined.
Looks like the mice chewed on the bathroom cabinets. There are great views on both coasts...find a place without the grunge and grumpy staff members.
Unfortunate that most of the previous team jumped ship or were kicked down the cliff...
I’ve got a backup place. It just isn’t right on the water like this place is. I’ll miss it.
Hi Julia,
The place looks and sounds horrific. I'm sorry you had to deal with rude hatchet-face (I couldn't help but laugh out loud with your colorful assessment of the people or place). But truth is, where you stayed, as it is now, is no laughing matter. Other than the gorgeous view, which is important, the place no longer offers hospitality.
I love your metaphor comparing the place to our bodies. We MUST do our best to care for our bodies because when we treat ourselves with love and respect, we keep the proverbial "weeds" at bay. Aging well requires tending and work and care.
Thank you for a beautiful essay.
Thank you as always Beth for your kind assessment. The time here was fabulous despite that, and for that I was grateful. There will be other wonderful places to discover!
So sorry about the deterioration of your beloved hotel - really a shame. But I love the metaphor you extracted from the wreckage! (And good luck finding an alternative.)
Just…💜
The Esterlee used to be so great. I’m sorry to hear how it has changed. I hope you still had a good time on our beautiful coast.
While it’s possible I landed on a bad day, that bad day stretched into six bad days with more touchpoints along the way. At some point you realize it wasn’t just me, nor was it just one person. It’s systemic. Also you can’t argue with the photos. All coastal properties need real upkeep as you well know.
BEAUTIFUL & true
Julia, have experienced this myself. It's become so common I will no longer keep my mouth shut. I'm a patient, kind person who worked in customer service my entire life. There's no excuse for a slovenly property or surly employees.
Thanks Michele. I didn't bother to tell them that I'm, a travel blogger, or that tens of thousands of folks read my articles. But I will in my letter. Don't let the restaurant know you're a reviewer. Just have the experience and let the cards fall as they may. So true, there really is no reason to treat a guest like this.
I have never stayed at The EsterLee but we have driven past it on our frequent trips to the Oregon Coast. It’s very sad to think that ‘the new staff’ isn’t welcoming and helpful. Especially now because I suspect their business will drop due to tariffs! And let’s face it: hospitality is the most important thing when your customers are guests!
The views almost make up for it!
It's got the best location in town, and for much of the coast. I've looked! That's why I came back and because Depoe is so close by. But this was awful. I so want to believe it was a blip but it wasn't the only time I had this kind of experience with them. Once is an anomaly, twice is a pattern. Thanks. Back to Newport and Agate Beach!
Julia, you get all the gold stars for gleaning the best analogy EVER from what could have been nothing but a deflating experience. Those views, though: I assume the only reason the Four Seasons group hasn't snapped up this property to renovate it (and render it unaffordable to all but the billionaire class) is that it's sitting on that eroding cliff.