Q: negative

A: It really pains me to give Chayo 2 stars. I was here last week with a Yelp Elite event, and all the food was great, and service was incredible. I walked in last night ready to give Chayo 5 stars. Based on the service and the quality of the food...I just couldn't do it. I walked up with a friend of mine to the hostess table outside...where there was no one there, also no sign indicating that there was another hostess station. One of the servers noticed us standing there and escorted us to the hostess station, where we were told it would be a 15 minute wait. The restaurant wasn't super busy, and there were a few open tables..but I get it, some people have reservations, some people got there before us in the time from my call and my arrival. However...the girl at the hostess station was very unprofessional. My friend made the comment that we were told it wouldn't be a problem to get a table when we called and she said "Well we wouldn't say that." She took my name, and said we could wait at the bar. Her attitude left much to be desired, and really put my friend off a lot. He was extremely upset at the fact that she was so rude. Her choice of attire was also very unprofessional...lets just say that I could see her side tattoo and could tell that she was feeling a little chilly, if you catch my drift. We sat at the bar, and were there a good 5 minutes before the bartender asked if we needed anything. Shortly thereafter, the general manager, Scott, came over and asked if we were waiting for a table. He was very polite, and sure enough...we were seated about 5 minutes later. So the whole reason we came out here last night, was because I saw on their website that they have Taco Tuesday, which is half price tacos, and 2 for 1 margaritas. I didn't end up drinking last night, because $14 for 2 drinks is a little spendy for me...although if the drinks are made the same as they were last week, it is SO worth it. We ordered the chicken, lobster and ribeye tacos. 3 of each, are normally $12. I wouldn't order these for $12. I'll come back on a Tuesday and pay $6 for them, no problem, but they are not worth $12 for 3 smallish street tacos. *It should be noted now, that I asked if the tacos come with any avocado or guacamole, since I am allergic. Our server, James (who was REALLY wonderful) said no. The wait for the food was a bit on the long side. I'm really not an impatient person, but for street tacos...the wait shouldn't have been as long as it was. Presentation wise, the tacos looked wonderful. The plates have a couple slices of lime, which I thought was a nice touch...enough for all three tacos. The lobster taco: we got the mayo sauce on the side (my friend hates mayo)... They were good. The lobster bites were deep fried, and you honestly had to pull a little piece of lobster away from the rest of the taco to enjoy the lobster taste, but I liked them. I personally really liked the mayo sauce. The ribeye taco: Meh. My first bite, I had a piece of fat swing out of the taco and hit me in the face. WAY too fatty. The second bite was better, but...meh. Probably wouldn't eat these again. The chicken taco: By far my favorite of the three. The first taco was full of flavor, and really really tasty. The second one was honestly a little more bland, like the chicken hadn't been seasoned the same way throughout. After we finished those, we ordered the carnitas tacos. Those took a long time too, longer than 3 tacos should have. These were the worst of the night. Number one...they had avocado on them, and it is NOT listed on the menu. (I also had asked before) Second, my friend squeezed the taco 3 times and his plate and fingers were COVERED in grease. Ew Ew Ew. No thank you. The good news, and the only really stellar part of the evening, was our server James. First of all, we weren't even in his section, but he saw us sitting there and asked if anyone had taken care of us yet, and took our table. He was personable, sang along with the songs that were playing, made jokes with us...and he removed the carnitas off the check with no questions asked. I will go back, and give them another try. I'm sure they're still in their growing and opening stages, and going through some pains. I really want to like this place, but last night made it difficult.

Q: negative

A: Not impressed.... This place is obviously popular for the ambiance; if you like tacky decor and loud noises you found the right place! About every 8-10 minutes there is a loud "thunder storm" complete with loud cracks of thunder that drown out your conversation and flashing lights. The menu has good potential but the food you get is nothing like what is described. Our waitress didn't write anything down, which isn't a problem if there are 2-3 people. We were a party of 5 (haha) and I was nervous that things would get forgotten. Things were forgotten. I had the Chinese Chicken Salad and a "Cheetah-Rita." The margarita mix was WAY too sweet and I couldn't tastes the alcohol (I may also have a drinking problem.... Yet to be determined). The dressing was about the only thing enjoyable. The chicken was dry like it was from lunch yesterday and may have been overlooked then. My best friend had the Chicken Parmesan and subbed mashed potatoes for the pasta but they brought out pasta anyway... Also forgot the applesauce that was to come with her son's pizza. One of the other girls in our party ordered nachos and asked to have a few things left off as well as extra cheese. The nachos came out with little cheese and all of the things she asked to have omitted. My sister seemed to enjoy her lunch, or at least was not vocal about it. Upon coming to check on us, the waitress asked if everything was ok and exclaimed "Oh no the cooks didn't read the ticket!" Cooks are not stupid and were certainly not too busy to ignore special requests. Waitresses who don't write anything down are prone to forgetting things. Almost finished with our meal and my friend and her sister were not offered refills. Regardless of how far into a meal you are, the waitress or another staff member should offer a refill.

Q: negative

A: Ugh, I am so not happy right now. I literally just left after getting my eye brows waxed. Not only did Jackie butcher my eye brows, and one more than the other, it was $26, an increase from last time. I asked about the increase in price and they told me she was promoted so her prices are now higher. Done with Modern Spa & Salon. I would have stuck with Hannah who did a better job anyway if they would have told me that.

Q: positive

A:
I really love this hotel! Here's why: Local- How rare is it to find a local hotel in your area? Okay well in AZ it's somewhat rare and this one is LOCAL and it's fantastic. Usually those two items don't go together. Design- I love the retro vibe of the design. It's like stepping back in time but in the best way. It makes me want to wear cat-eye glasses and drink vintage cocktails. I love it! Bath Products- Yes, I know. How tacky am I that I'm even bringing this up but c'mon; we all secretly judge hotels by the quality of what they have in the bathroom. These Icelandic wonder potions smell amazing! AND the soap is a sphere. Holy shit! Nothing gives me more satisfaction than rolling that around in my hands as I wash them (it's the small things in life, really). Honestly, when I stayed here with a friend for my birthday we literally had the same fond memory "SOAP BALLS!" We recalled, affectionately. Customer Service- Every employee I've ever talked to is nice and upbeat. I like that, especially being a local that stays here for fun every now and again. The pool- Is awesome. Both of them (I just remembered there are two; one has a cool fountain and the other I've actually sat by). I love lounging out there and just checking out from life for awhile. Man- I need a staycation!