First AME Zion Church

This property was conveniently located, felt safe, and the staff was incredibly helpful and kind throughout my stay. However, having stayed at other RIU properties and given this hotel’s four-star rating, I expected more in terms of ambiance, aesthetics, and overall upkeep. It is very clearly an older hotel, and many of the updates feel cosmetic rather than substantive—for example, dated hardware has been painted rather than replaced, and the carpet wasn’t even properly secured in some areas. The in-room amenities were also disappointing for a four-star property. The shower had only a 3-in-1 hand/hair/body wash and a separate conditioner. At this level, I would expect at minimum a standalone shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. I stayed on the fourth floor, and the large vaulted windows were so incredibly dirty that they noticeably obstructed the natural light and view. You almost didn’t need to close the shades to darken the room. Overall, it was a perfectly fine stay, and the wonderful staff, convenient location, and extensive breakfast buffet helped make up for some of the property’s shortcomings. I would stay with RIU again, but I think it’s important to have realistic expectations about this particular property—and definitely bring your own toiletries!