Harbor House Inn reviews

1624520887

Nathaniel B

google

1

We were tasked by close friends to help plan their belated wedding celebration at the Harbor House Inn. We visited the venue and met with the Manager, Bryon, in May. Unfortunately, they decided to cancel the plan, but I couldn't feel happier for them, and here's why. Having planned numerous events for myself and friends, I was utterly shocked by the way the Manager "welcomed" us. Even though he was one who missed the original appointment, we were literally scolded for driving 4hrs up and meeting him in person. Why? Because he thought that was a waste of his time and "email is the best way" to reach him. You wouldn't believe he was also the one who, in previous communication, suggested to "escort" us and show us around in the first place. Not wanting to ruin the plan, I didn't say anything but continued to ask event-related questions. There were simply too many attitude problems and ambiguous answers. Clearly, both the service and the work knowledge were quite lacking. For a special event where the couple should be the happiest and everything needs to go correctly, that was not a good sign. I kept my opinion to myself and did a little research. Apparently this was not the first time he was called out by name in a poor review, and I regret not investigating earlier given my role of ad hoc "wedding planner". A few weeks back, the couple floated the idea of cancelling this venue plan due to poor experience, and I couldn't have supported them more. There was no way the abhorrent prelude could lead to a happy ending, and it was the best to get out of it as fast as they could. Indeed, it was not convenient to ask every attendee to change their plan, but now we have a perfect event that we can hope for. In the meantime, there's this place that a group of friends and friends' friends will never ever set foot on again - I guess we, the nicer people, are not on the losing side after all.

1624676388

Alessio Y

google

1

(To further emphasize, the extremely horrible experience was caused by Bryon the General Manager solely - it was not related to the physical venue, the restaurant, or other staff.) In short: the new (started in 2020) hotel General Manager Bryon provided the worst customer service we've ever seen. It was so bad that we had to cancel a well-planned hotel and restaurant buyout event. If you are just planning to eat at the restaurant or stay at the lodge, the following experience might not apply to you. I was actually lured to select this venue due to so many wonderful reviews online. The initial planning of the event with Bryon went fine, but everything started going downhill drastically after we paid the deposit and secured the space. Here are a few examples: 1. Zero professionalism. We had reached out to him three weeks in advance to schedule a site visit with an agreed date and time. Out of an abundance of caution, I emailed again two days before to double confirm the meeting, and he actually forgot about it. Over the phone, it sounded he did us such a huge favor to meet us at another time on the agreed date. We didn't mind, since we didn't have other things planned that day anyway. When he greeted us onsite, while we already decided to forgot about the mishap, he taught us another lesson in a condescending manner, stating how he worked 11hrs a day and how he "squeezed" us in given the "short" notice. He told us, the customers, to appreciate his time, even though we were the ones who drove 8hrs roundtrip to the site. We weren't looking for an apology but we also weren't looking to pay $20k to someone who was so remote from being professional. 2. Lies. Before booking the event, I was concerned about the seating arrangement and the Manager suggested they could either do a few smaller tables or a long table. On the day of touring the restaurant, I mentioned the seating arrangement again and suddenly a long table became not possible because the outdoor canopies were bolted down and the indoor room was not big enough. Our friend who had visited the restaurant a few months earlier said nothing had changed, so I wonder why I could have got different answers. 3. Before visiting the venue, the Manager repeatedly said we would be "escorted" across the property during our visit. For sure it sounded unwelcoming but we understand the rules. However, when we arrived, the front desk staff (who was nice and helpful) recommended us walking the ground ourselves while waiting for the Manager, and some other groups were actually doing the same. Not sure if our age, color, or sexual orientation had a play in the attitude we received? Of course this is just conjecture so please make your own judgement. In addition, over the course of the event planning, the Beverage Director also didn't bother to reply to my email and acknowledge it at all. This never happened at any other venue that I contacted during the same time. Dear owners of the Harbor House Inn, please carefully consider the people you hire as the "face" of the establishment in the future.

1638185419

James Bond

google

5

First class all the way.

1603350158

Wilson Zhao

google

5

Unreal view after a breathtaking drive through the historical forest. Probably one of the best culinary experiences I've had in California; this place has a very well-deserved Michelin star. We dined for four hours on the patio (due to COVID restrictions) but were provided outdoor heaters + blankets if needed. Almost everything here is handcrafted and locally-sourced, from the flowers used as stirring sticks to our plates and silverware. Did I also mention they deliver breakfast to your room? 10/10 view and food, will be back for a future honeymoon.

1622942054

Henry Schober

google

1

Chef wouldnt even talk to me. Just sat there.