The Goodwin Hotel has a lot of potential, but it just didn’t quite deliver the boutique experience it promises. The location in downtown Hartford is convenient, and the suite we booked was very spacious—that was really the highlight of our stay.
Unfortunately, the overall experience didn’t meet expectations. For the price, we were surprised there was no bellman available. We had to carry our own luggage to the room and get settled on our own, which isn’t what you expect from a boutique hotel.
When we walked in, the lobby didn’t smell fresh, and the vibe from other guests felt a bit off. Our suite, while large, also didn’t smell fresh or inviting. It seems like the hotel could really benefit from better ventilation or even a signature scent to make the space feel more welcoming.
The service was also lacking. I went down to the front desk around 6:30 a.m. asking for orange juice and towels. They had neither. By 7:15 a.m., after following up again, I was told housekeeping wouldn’t be in until 8:30 a.m.—even though we had to leave by 8. I suggested they grab towels from an empty room, and thankfully, the manager came in and brought them to me.
Overall, The Goodwin has the bones to be a great hotel, but it needs to step up its customer service, amenities, and attention to detail. Right now, it doesn’t live up to the boutique label, and for the price, we expected a much better experience.