Thank you for this opportunity hopefully to let the world and more specifically Expedia customers about the Empress Palace.
The name and the pictures give you an idea that this is a fantastic hotel. It turns out you are actually renting a room in a house with a shared bathroom.
The only good thing I have to say is that the location was convenient.
At check-in everyone is there but they will not answer the door or the phone. In fact the locked front door has an intentionally disconnected doorbell. The building has no sign on it which seems strange when you are searching for your hotel.
I drove four hours and wanted to just check in and get my key before running off to a meeting. Sometime after two phone calls, I received a text saying come right over and don't forget to bring cash as that is the only form of payment they accept. After I had my meeting, I went to the ATM for the cash rather than getting to use my company travel credit card.
At check in, three things happened: first the price was changed from $169 to $175 due to 'utilities' No explanation forthcoming, Second, the lady of the house tried to put us in an inferior room rather than the one we selected. After putting up resistance she allowed me to have the room that we booked. Third, we were introduced to the surprise shared bathroom, definitely not what we booked. You want your own bathroom, it will be a bunch more money!
Finally, the bed. A three inch thick mattress on a metal frame with no box spring. Ache!