Breakfast felt like the right kind of beginning for a riverside stay: bright dining rooms, steady coffee, and enough choice that I never felt rushed into a dull plate. I took my time. The property was already stirring, but morning still found pockets of calm.
Check-in moved efficiently. Bags sorted, keys in hand, a clear walk toward the lifts. The scale of the building is real — this is not a boutique hallway — yet the desk kept the welcome personal. I appreciated being pointed toward a quieter route to the room.
Worth the journey
Did it feel worth it? Qualitatively, yes — for the river view, the bed, the sense that a large machine can still look after you carefully. I came for an evening of energy and a proper night’s sleep; I left with both.
Location-wise, the Riverside Drive approach and the clustered entrances take a moment to learn. Once oriented, I found the base useful for a Windsor stay that mixes shows, dining, and late floors. Bring patience for parking and walking; the footprint is generous.
The bathroom was polished and well stocked, with strong water pressure and lighting that made early mornings kinder. Small practicalities — hooks, counter space, a thoughtful layout — were simply in place.
I would send couples chasing a lively weekend, friends booking a show, and travellers who enjoy a full-service casino hotel. I would gently redirect anyone hoping for a silent spa retreat or a tiny, walk-everywhere boutique — the walking distances here are part of the package.