Receptie

Beoordelingen van Van Gilder Hotel

2.5 out of 5
Van Gilder Hotel
308 Adams Street, Seward, AK

Beoordelingen

6,2
Gastenscore: 10 - Uitstekend. 66 van 356 beoordelingen" "
Gastenscore: 8 - Goed. 83 van 356 beoordelingen" "
Gastenscore: 6 - Redelijk. 78 van 356 beoordelingen" "
Gastenscore: 4 - Matig. 62 van 356 beoordelingen" "
Gastenscore: 2 - Ontzettend slecht. 67 van 356 beoordelingen" "

6,6/10

Netheid

7,4/10

Personeel en service

5,0/10

Voorzieningen

5,4/10

Staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten

5,6/10

Milieuvriendelijkheid

Beoordelingen

8/10 – Goed

John

Positief: Personeel en service
Grappig maar zeer oud hotel, is duidelijk aan een opknapbeurt toe. Kamers daarom ook een beetje muf. Persoonlijk vond ik het best prijzig, voor een kamer zonder ontbijt en met gedeelde badkamer faciliteiten.
3 nachten verbleven in juli 2019
Reactie van Alex op 7 aug 2019
Thank you for your feedback!

4/10 – Matig

Bowen

Reisde met familie
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service, voorzieningen en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
Old building, not clean enough, no elevator, small room, indifferent staff
1 nacht verbleven in september 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area AM op 13 okt 2023
Thank you, Bowen, for your review. Apologies your stay was less than stellar. We are working on plans to make guest experiences better in the upcoming season.

4/10 – Matig

Shannon

Reisde met familie
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
Service was not great, carpet in the hotel room was very dirty. Was disappointed with my stay for the price I paid, not worth it.
2 nachten verbleven in juli 2023

10/10 – Uitstekend

Tak

1 nacht verbleven in september 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area AM op 13 okt 2023
Thank you, Tak, for your 10 star rating!

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Jacob

1 nacht verbleven in augustus 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area AM op 13 okt 2023
Thank you for your rating.

8/10 – Goed

Kelly

Reisde met familie
Positief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
Over all it was comfortable and we had no problems or issues. The desk clerk was very nice and helpful. The only minus is that we thought the room could use some maintenance. The wallpaper was pealing in places and some odd old fixtures were left in the room, an old TV shelf, old curtain rod holders, and some things we couldn't identify - things that weren't removed when new ones were put in. But, like I say, we were comfortable and satisfied with our stay.
1 nacht verbleven in augustus 2023
Reactie van Car op 14 okt 2023
Thank you, Kelly, for your review and feedback. So glad you were able to enjoy your stay; we will be hopefully getting some updates soon to the aesthetics and hope you visit again. Happy Fall Season!

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Ella

Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
I was supposed to stay two days but couldn’t even last two hours. I love to stay in historic hotels & I understand some of the nuances that come with it, but this place really, really needs an update on the interior. Lots of mildew, peeling wallpaper, water damage and electrical issues with our room in particular. But even just walking the halls you can smell/feel the discomfort of years of neglect. Please save your money and book elsewhere until this place is renovated.
3 nachten verbleven in augustus 2023

4/10 – Matig

Sean

Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
2 nachten verbleven in augustus 2023

6/10 – Redelijk

Robert

Positief: Personeel en service, comfort kamer
Negatief: Netheid, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
It is an historic hotel but it wasn’t clean. Mold everywhere even in the toilets.
1 nacht verbleven in augustus 2023

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Nancy

Reisde met partner
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service, voorzieningen en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
I tried to make a reservation and card declined. Received expedia notification that happened made different reservation and they stillcharged me. NOT HAPPY
1 nacht verbleven in augustus 2023

6/10 – Redelijk

Dennis

Reisde met familie
Negatief: Staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
Hotel is old and rustic so elders know that there is no elevator and stairs are required.
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 23 aug 2023
Thank you, Dennis, for your feedback. We do alert guests on the phone about the elevators, however, we will ensure to see how to get that more pronounced on outside channels. Safe & Happy Travels!

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Jorge

Reisde met partner
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service, voorzieningen en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
Historical
1 nacht verbleven in augustus 2023

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Aidin

Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
2 nachten verbleven in augustus 2023

6/10 – Redelijk

Paola

2 nachten verbleven in augustus 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 23 aug 2023
Thank you, Paoloa, for your rating. Wishing you happy travels!

4/10 – Matig

Cynthia

Zakenreiziger
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten en comfort kamer
Find somewhere else to stay.
The carpet needed to be vacuum and it was dusty in the room. There was light that came in all around the door. You could hear everything going on in the hotel. The following day some of the locals told me the place was haunted and they were surprised to know it was even still open.
1 nacht verbleven in augustus 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 23 aug 2023
Thank you, Cynthia, for your feedback. We are sorry we didn't meet expectations. With being haunted, yes we are known for hosting Fannie, a friendly and wonderful spirit who's been around since the 1920's. There is a book written about her and many blogs from visitors coming to enjoy the "haunted historical inn". We find it to be part of the charm of its history, however, are aware that is not everyones cup of tea. Have safe travels!

4/10 – Matig

John

Reisde met familie
Negatief: Netheid, voorzieningen en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
Property overall was dirty and when we ask for towels and wash cloths we had to find them on our own. Very bad odor everywhere.
2 nachten verbleven in augustus 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 23 aug 2023
Thank you, John, for your feedback. This has been addressed with the clean team and hotel manager.

10/10 – Uitstekend

Gwendolyn

Reisde met familie
Negatief: Netheid, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
I liked that the property was of historic importance. However it is definitely not worth the value because the property upkeep is awful ☹️. The property management company should be ashamed of themselves for not bringing this property up to code and for not modernizing it to show off its historic features. The property has potential
2 nachten verbleven in augustus 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 23 aug 2023
Thank you, Gwendolyn, for your review and feedback. We are glad you enjoyed the historical preservation of the building, it's definitely been a part of the community for a long time and is a landmark. We have been, and will continue to be, working on restorations and improvements while maintaining it's history and stay in line with the special requirements of renovating a historical landmark. We are actually not managed by a company, rather local Alaskan owner so it does take a little longer to get things accomplished; he does however, had a deep love for the history and the town so it will continue to be improved upon in a slow and steady fashion. We truly wish you well and a happy journey and please feel free to reach out if you'd like to

8/10 – Goed

Taylor, Renton

Reisde met partner
Positief: Netheid, personeel en service, voorzieningen en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
This historic hotel was absolutely amazing!! It is an older building and the furnishings and rooms do reflect it, but we had a phenomenal stay. The area around the hotel was convenient to the water, shops, food, and transportation. It’s easily walkable and enjoyable to explore the town.
1 nacht verbleven in augustus 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 23 aug 2023
Thank you, Taylor, for your review. We are Thrilled to read you had a pleasant stay and were able to enjoy the location, downtown shops and the beauty Seward has to offer. We hope you stay with us again and have safe and wonderful travels!

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Samuel

Reisde met partner
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service, voorzieningen en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
The photos are deceiving for this hotel. The hotel is run down and ghetto. Worst hotel room i have ever seen.
2 nachten verbleven in augustus 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 12 aug 2023
Thank you, Samuel, for your review. We are sorry we didn't meet expectations and you didn't have an enjoyable stay. We wish you safe and happy travels.

6/10 – Redelijk

christina

Reisde met familie en kleine kinderen
Negatief: Staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
They need to put tv down lower
2 nachten verbleven in augustus 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 12 aug 2023
Thank you, Christina, for your review. We use guests feedback to determine the best means of creating an enjoyable stay and will look into replacing the television. We hope you have safe and wonderful travels!

4/10 – Matig

Geverifieerde reiziger

Reisde met familie
Negatief: Netheid, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten en comfort kamer
Save $, grief, and time. Don't stay here.
This hotel was filthy, rundown, and just disgusting. Broken furniture in the room, missing door, broken sink, not clean at all. The whole place needs to be condemned or fully renovated. I would never stay here again, nor would I ever recommend this place to anyone. A major slap to the face for over $300/night.
1 nacht verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 8 aug 2023
Thank you for your feedback. Apologies expectations were not met. Safe travels.

4/10 – Matig

Geverifieerde reiziger

Zakenreiziger
Positief: Personeel en service
Negatief: Netheid, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten en comfort kamer
Moldy odor, humid room, and it makes you feel dirty
2 nachten verbleven in augustus 2023

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Aurora

Reisde met partner
Positief: Personeel en service
Negatief: Netheid, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
This property is awful. This is a historic site and building. It is in very poor condition and the owner should be embarrassed. The staff was very nice and helpful but they need there jobs and are doing the best with what they have to work with. Wall paper is peeling, the bathroom sink would fall if you lean on it and the grounds around the property are falling apart. How this business can stay open is beyond me. The building is unsafe with the electrical box so out dated and so many other things to name. Totally false advertising.
2 nachten verbleven in augustus 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 8 aug 2023
Thank you, Aurora, for your feedback. We are very glad to hear the staff treated you well. Your feedback has been brought up to the maintenance management team. Thank you again for staying with us & have Safe travels!

6/10 – Redelijk

Eileen, Nokomis

Reisde met familie
Positief: Netheid
I can appreciate the historical aspect of the building. History pics in the hallways were very interesting. Just be aware due to the fact of no AC, had to sleep with windows open. People walked up and down the alley at all hours and we were in the 1st floor so it was very loud. Also smelled pit being smoked every night in the alley right outside our window
3 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 8 aug 2023
Thank you, Eileen, for the feedback. We are thrilled you looked over the history in the halls, the Van Gilder holds so many years of our little towns history and we truly enjoy sharing that with others. Sorry for any inconvenience of not having air conditioning to block the noise, although AC isn't something we offer we will look at solutions for blocking noise in the future. Safe Travels!!!

4/10 – Matig

Gail

Reisde met partner
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service, voorzieningen en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
I do not mind an old inn, however this has not been cleaned or taken care of. Also, ghosts, we were told. Mold, not vacuumed, and when we vacuumed, the bag was so full, dust was coming out of it. Mold on shower curtain, very filthy floors around the toilet and sink, piles of "stuff" billowing out of storage areas. I asked for some type of discount and they said it had to ome from Expedia. For the money we paid, this was totally unacceptable. We do not need grand, but we do need peace of mind that a place is clean.
2 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 8 aug 2023
Thank you, Gail, for your detailed feedback. Apologies for not meeting expectations. Although I do assure you our clean team has been working diligently on keeping the rooms and common places clean it seems we have fallen short. This will be has been addressed with the hotel manager.

4/10 – Matig

Susan

Reisde met familie
Positief: Personeel en service
Negatief: Netheid, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
We liked the location, the room was quiet, and the staff nice. We didn't like the dirty, dusty, toenail clippings on the floor. It was apparent that the room, hallway, and stairs had not been cleaned or vacuumed for a really long time. The bathroom was fairly clean, except around the toilet base which was yellow. I talked to the office clerk on check out (as there was no one there on day two) about the condition of the room. I was refered to the management which gave me a phone number for Matthew. I talked to him, asked for a discount, and after 6 days have not heard back from him. I would not suggest you stay here.
2 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 30 jul 2023
Thank you, Susan, for your review. Apologies that we didn't meet expectations. We wish you well on your travels.

6/10 – Redelijk

Chad

Positief: Comfort kamer
Not as charming as i expected.
I booked the hotel as it looked like a charming historic hotel. It is historic, but perhaps not quite as charming as i expected. The building and decor could certainly use some work and could be a bit cleaner. That said, the room was comfortable, the wi-fi worked great, and the showers were satisfactorily hot. Certainly a unique experience.
2 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 30 jul 2023
Thank you, Chad, for your review. We are certainly glad we were able to provide a comfortable room with wifi, along with a hot shower. We will be going over the review with the clean team to ensure we are creating a welcoming environment. Thank you again.

4/10 – Matig

William

Negatief: Personeel en service, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
50 years since the last update. Rotting window frames, plaster issues. Just say No.
2 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 30 jul 2023
Thank you, William, for taking time to write feedback. Apologies we didn't meet your expectations and wish you a wonderful summer.

6/10 – Redelijk

Geverifieerde reiziger

Easy check in and parking. We were the last ones of the evening to check in so I think we had a least favorable room. A little pricy for the value then reminded we were in Alaska. Very grateful for a place stay on short notice.
2 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 25 jul 2023
Hello and thank you for your feedback. We are so glad we were able to provide a place for you during a hectic time in town. We would love to give you a more favorable room in the future, so please just let us know if you come and visit again.Have safe travels and a wonderful week.

4/10 – Matig

Dean

Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten en comfort kamer
Do youseself a favour: Avoid this hotel~
The 3d worst accommodation i've experienced in the US. A complete rip-off as there was the essence of mold/mildew permeating the room, hope my wife doesn't get ill. There were extraneous pieces of furniture in the room, cluttering up an already small room. It's like the room was a supply/storage closet that they saved for renting last. It was a $35/night room they sold us for $200x2. The room had not been vacuumed prior to our stay and when it was serviced after night one it still had not been vacuumed. There was not a screen on the window so if you wanted to get fresh air in the room you had to let in the skeeters too. It was a crime to "rent" that room. It leaves Seward c/ a bitter taste in my mouth. The only other places we've stayed that were worse was a dive in Nome and another in the Yukon. The "Cockroach Motel" doesn't count as it is located in 3d World Philippines.
2 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 23 jul 2023
Thank you, Dean, for your feedback. We are sorry we weren't able to meet expectations at our property. This is being addressed with the hotel manager and clean team. Thank you again for staying with us and we do wish you well in your journeys.

4/10 – Matig

dale

3 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 24 jul 2023
Thank you, Dale, for your rating.

4/10 – Matig

Ilse

Reisde met partner
Negatief: Personeel en service, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
Meget gammelt og helt nedslidt hotel
2 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 23 jul 2023
Thank you, IIse, for your review. We have been, and will continue to, have renovations for the property to restore it. Thank you again for staying with us

8/10 – Goed

Ginger

1 nacht verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 8 aug 2023
Thank you, Ginger, for your rating. Happy travels!

4/10 – Matig

Bill

Reisde met partner, Reisde met familie
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
There is a big difference between historic and run down. The hotel is in very poor shape. The lobby, halls and mostly the stairs have not been vacuumed in a very very long time. Wallpaper is falling off walls. Room had a partial roll of toilet paper and several used bars of soap. No coat hangers or other means of hanging items We found a very disorganized hall closet filed with dirty sheets but it had an extra roll of toilet paper. Security is nonexistent. Free access to any roomat any time. Sheets on bed were clean.
1 nacht verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 18 jul 2023
Thank you, Bill, for your feedback. We are striving to provide a quality stay for our guests and apologize we fell short in this for you. Your feedback is being addressed with the hotel manager and clean team. Again, thank you for your feedback and wishing you wonderful travels.

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

richard

1 nacht verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 23 jul 2023
Thank you, Richard, for your rating. Our apologies we didn't meet expectations.

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Michael

Reisde met familie
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
Very musty / moldy smelling
1 nacht verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 18 jul 2023
Thank you, Michael, for your review. We are sorry we did not meet expectations and will continue to strive to do better for our guests.

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

claire

Reisde met familie
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
This is by far one of the worst hotels' I've ever stayed at. Old does not have to equate to mold! Community room - absolutely filthy. I wouldn't even make a coffee there! Facility a hodgepodge of junk. No AC, box fan cord had to run across dresser for lack of an extension cord. Front desk person, nice enough but obviously not much interest in guest comfort. This place should be shut down.
2 nachten verbleven in juni 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 11 jul 2023
Thank you, Claire, for your feed back. We apologize we didn't have an extension cord for you, we will ensure to keep items as such in the future. We are sorry your stay didn't meet expectations and again thank you for your feedback. Wishing you safe travels.

4/10 – Matig

Ivy, Mountlake Terrace

Reisde met een groep
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
This property is old and needs upgrading. The service needs improvement as well.
2 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 18 jul 2023
Thank you, Ivy, for your review. We do have renovations plans for areas needing attention and hope to be working on during seasonal breaks. We apologize if our service was not stellar during your stay, feel free to reach out to me directly if there's anything you'd like to discuss.

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Denise

Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten en comfort kamer
July 2023
Filthy, moldy, no amenities.
3 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 10 jul 2023
Thank you, Denise, for your feedback. We are sorry we didn't meet your expectations and wish you safe and happy travels.

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

BSHER, burr ridge

Reisde met familie
Negatief: Personeel en service, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
Very old and has a musty smell as soon as you enter. The place is very run down. Overpriced Barely saw receptionist Had to request towels and toiletries from day 1 Would not recommend
2 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 10 jul 2023
Thank you, Bsher, for your feedback. Apologies that we didn't exceed at guest services, this is being addressed with the Hotel manager and clean team.

8/10 – Goed

Scott

Reisde met een groep
Positief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
Great location in downtown - cool historic hotel :)
2 nachten verbleven in juli 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 7 jul 2023
Thank you, Scott, for your review. We are so glad you enjoyed your stay and hope you come back and visit again.

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Ang

Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten en comfort kamer
No room clean , smell in the building, not worth a stay
3 nachten verbleven in juni 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 5 jul 2023
Thank you, And, for your feedback. We apologize if your stay wasn't a pleasant one. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to discuss. Again, thank you.

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Arthur

Reisde met familie en kleine kinderen
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
There was absolutely nothing to like about this hotel. Peeling wallpaper, broken tv..so no room tv. No hangers in the closet. Peeling paint. Heat didn't work so they brought us a space heater. Trash spilled over in the one room downstairs that had a coffee maker and microwave. Stunk like mold. Burned out light bulbs...including a half hanging light in the hallway, we had to use our iPhone light to see the key hole. Yes, they had crummy little keys- $100 to replace if lost. The girl at the desk. not interested in anything! Dust ...you could smell it in the half hung drapes! No way should anyone sleep here, it should be condemned!
2 nachten verbleven in juni 2023
Reactie van Carissa D. - Area GM op 5 jul 2023
Thank you, Arthur, for your feedback. We are sorry we didn't meet expectations. We hope you enjoy your further travels and again thank you.

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Easwar

Reisde met familie en kleine kinderen
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
Very old and not updated. No basic amenities. Old properties can maintain their historic value without taking away amenities that are available everywhere today - elevators, coffee pots and refrigerators in every room, cleanliness, heaters in every room etc. These are basic things that are unavailable in this property. Long overdue for an upgrade.
1 nacht verbleven in juni 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 2 jul 2023
Thank you, Easwar, for taking the time to provide feedback. Apologies we weren't able to meet your expectations. We do wish you have a lovely trip in your Alaskan Adventures.

8/10 – Goed

Tuan

Positief: Netheid, personeel en service
Receptionist is wonderful. She is very helpful and very kindness.
3 nachten verbleven in juni 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 29 jun 2023
Thank you, Tuan, for your review. We are so pleased you were treated with kindness by our front desk. Hope you are able to return some day, and in the mean time enjoy your travels.

4/10 – Matig

Jon

Negatief: Netheid, staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
2 nachten verbleven in juni 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 29 jun 2023
Thank you, Jon, for your rating. Please feel free to contact us if you would like to discuss your stay. We hope you are enjoying your travels.

2/10 – Ontzettend slecht

Josephus Johannes H Font

Reisde met familie
Negatief: Netheid, personeel en service en staat van de accommodatie en faciliteiten
Although a historic house it was not at all maintained nor cleaned. Facilitirs were very limited and dirty. House eas left open and totally unattended. In fact we returnrd the keys and did not stay there. Wad a big joke for
1 nacht verbleven in juni 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 29 jun 2023
Thank you, Josephus, for your feedback. Our property is a historic location, as you've mentioned, though it is actually a hotel thus the front doors remain open so guests may come and go as they please. Sorry your experience didn't meet expectations, we do hope your travels have else wise been enjoyable.

4/10 – Matig

Richard

Uncomfortable room
1 nacht verbleven in juni 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 24 jun 2023
Thank you, Richard, for your rating. We hope you had a nice time in Seward :)

4/10 – Matig

Malgorzata

2 nachten verbleven in juni 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 24 jun 2023
Thank you, Algorzata, for your rating. Please feel free to contact me directly if you'd like to discuss your stay.

8/10 – Goed

Cassandra

2 nachten verbleven in juni 2023
Reactie van Carissa D - Area GM op 11 jul 2023
Thank you, Cassandra, for your rating. Hope your trip was wonderful.