Hotel Julien Dubuque

I have been a loyal guest of the Hotel Julien for years, but my experience last Thursday was the final straw. What used to be a historic gem has become a masterclass in workplace hostility and unprofessionalism. The Lobby Hostility (Kathy): > Checking in felt like walking into a trauma ward. A desk clerk named Kathy was openly berating and demeaning her coworkers in front of guests, barking, "Why are you arguing with ME?" like an angry parent at a child. Her "desk power" trip was nauseating to witness. When I politely asked about the Capone room, she didn't just say no—she mocked me. She bragged about how she and her family stay there, then sneered that I’d have to cough up $599 a night if I wanted a glimpse. To be "price-shamed" and treated like a "Dubuque reject" by a desk clerk while I am a paying, long-time guest is a level of audacity that ruins a brand. The Spa Hygiene (Jennifer): > To make matters worse, I went to the spa for relaxation and instead got a face full of stale tobacco. My therapist, Jennifer, reeked so strongly of cigarette smoke that the entire experience was ruined. Having tobacco-stained hands on your skin during a "luxury" massage is a massive hygiene fail and utterly trashy for a hotel of this supposed caliber. Bottom Line: > Kathy is a brand-killer who treats the lobby like her personal fiefdom, and the spa standards have hit rock bottom. I was not sent a feedback survey—likely because the staff knows how badly they failed. I will not be back, and I will be telling everyone I know to avoid the Julien until Kathy and these hygiene issues are dealt with.

The Caroline's restaurant was so delicious. We got breakfast and dinner from here and both meals were unique and great. The staff was so nice and helpful answering our questions.

The room was a little hot, it was hard to get air flow/the right temperature.

Came to see the university and normally stay at a Marriott as I have status at the properties .. not in Dubuque.. no rooms! One call and I was set up with 2 rooms for my son and I.. 2 comped breakfasts and EV CHARGER on property!.. only down fall is the snacks are very limited and the AC unit needs to be way more user friendly.

No breakfast here, but a local diner was great! Walked to local bars for evening meals.

Just very satisfied.