Shady Villa Hotel

Wonderful
Traveller Type: Solo Traveler
  : A quaint, boutique lodging experience. An interesting layout in the multiple buildings. Despite a certain rustic charm, the facilities were modern and updated. Great water pressure in the shower which was not the case in another, supposedly MORE modern location during this trip. The staff at the desk was friendly and helpful. I asked for a recommendation for a meal and she immediately provided one. I ended up checking out the local pizza instead (which was pretty darn good!), but I was appreciative of her responsiveness.
  : The parking situation is not great. I was a bit nervous having to pull over to one side around a rather narrow circular road. Given the location, though, I suspect alleviating that would be next to impossible. The couch was kinda weird; more like it was intended to be kind of like a futon intended to double as a bed. It was comfortable enough to watch tv.

Wonderful
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple

Fair
Traveller Type: Family with Young Children
  : The location was great and the hotel aesthetic was cool, but the challenges made me question staying again in the future. I will say several of the front desk staff were super helpful and accommodating in that we came to stay due to a family medical emergency and they were generous in offering a discounted rate and honoring a retro book 2 and get 1 night free with us. Additionally, my young niece was stung by a bee while playing at the creek one evening, and the young man at the night desk was very gracious in providing us ice and some first aid supplies. The pool was super the one day that we were able to use it, and we had looked forward to using the complimentary bikes on the property but ran out of time unfortunately. The location is excellent and you can easily walk to nearby shops and restaurants. Other places are literally a few minutes drive from the property. Our room overlooking the pool had a really cool and relaxed vibe. We loved the rainfall shower, balcony with pool view, and the amazing bed that was super comfortable especially after sleeping days at the hospital leading up. The town and nearby creek are very cute with lots to check out.
  : We experienced being double charged due to paying ahead via book.com and then upon arrival we were charged again on our credit card despite explaining we booked and paid ahead online. Additionally, the restaurant/pool bar was closed for renovations for the entirety of our 3 night stay which unfortunately a big part of why we booked this hotel. The pool was closed half the stay which was also disappointing as this was a major part of the trip my young niece was looking forward to. Lastly, we asked for housekeeping midway through our stay, and was affirmed over phone for full housekeeping but upon our afternoon outing return, we came back to a housekeeping bag placed on our bed with sheets, towels, garbage bag, and additional coffee, soap and lotion) but no housekeeping service was provided in our room what so ever. I called the front deck and was told it must have been an oversight. I asked if they could send someone to come retrieve our overflowing trash and take our dirty towels, and was told to place the items on the front porch. Very frustrating in addition to not having the room attended to for bedding or cleaning. After dinner we returned to our dirty towels and trash still lingering on the porch. I called back and the desk sounded exasperated in being asked to come retrieve these items but they did finally do so. In checking out, I requested a discount considering multiple challenges in our experience, and they took off a whopping $25 from our 3 night stay. Lastly, I needed a printed receipt for business purposes and have yet to receive days later. Overall, this was not the overall expectation or customer service standard, one would one expect from a Bunkhouse property (which prides itself on "indulgent" experiences at unique boutique properties). We specifically booked this property coming from Austin and being familiar with sister properties, and expecting a similar vibe and experience, so overall I was bummed out at so much lacking here.

Very Poor
Traveller Type:
  : Sad to see this- no good comment.
  : There was no one anywhere to be found on our arrival or anywhere on the premises. Left note to call us and waited up by the pool. There was a glass left on the table at entrance to room and a dirty AC filter left in dressing area? Heartbreaking and sad to see such disrepair and neglect to upkeep on this formerly beautiful property. Texas heat has taken a toll everywhere- but the back building with AC covers missing and no food or bar or restaurant open on day of our stay was disappointing. Either discount rooms with warning to guests in advance or stop keasing until facility is ready for opening again?? Very, very sad. Jean Souza

Pleasant
Traveller Type: Family with Young Children
  : Location in heart of town. Great pool. Cute rooms. Comfy beds and pillows.
  : Service is basically nonexistent. One bartender at pool for a bit and it was Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Lost opportunity for them. Didnt mow the grass around the pool. Dont consistently clean up the pool area. No water available around property. No food either given restaurant is closed now.

Wonderful
Traveller Type: Family with Young Children
  : Walking distance to everything in Salado. Seem tucked away from all the hustle and bustle of the town. It was a pretty property.
  : Patio had debris and needed to be swept before our arrival. A mat by patio door would have been helpful since all the debris would blow in or come in with us upon entering. TV wasnt working. Sometimes the highway was loud.

Disappointing
Traveller Type: Traveling as Couple
  : location and over all value
  : upon arrival room not cleaned, advertised check in at 3pm. Room not cleaned ready until 5 pm. Poolclosed one day for cleaning upon arrival un-announced? Next day pool water cloudy at best and greasy at bottom? Patio chairs outside room enterence came up missing during stay?

Poor
Traveller Type: Solo Traveler

Very Good
Traveller Type: Family with Young Children
  : Very nice rooms and pool. Nice seating area as well.
  : Very difficulties navigate into and find front lobby. Parking is defined at all .

Very Good
Traveller Type:
  : The size of the room was good. The beds were very comfortable along with the pillows. The pool was beautiful.
  : There is not a refrigerator in the room. Had to request an iron - no elevator. Well, there was a restaurant attached to the hotel. The reviews were not very good and no one recommended it so we did not try it.