I spoke with the Google HR recruiter on the phone and with one other individual before I was flown to one Google location for a series of 4 interviews (2 in person, 2 video conference). All went well, but they decided to move me to interview for an account manager position with a different team (they thought it would better fit my skill-set). I went to another Google location for another series of interviews (2 in person, 2 video conference), and hit it off with everyone except the last one- the decision maker (higher up- not sure of his title). His questions were more cryptic and less skill based than the others I had. This was ultimately the reason I didn't get the offer, according to the HR recruiter's feedback. I was at least glad he was honest with me. After talking to 8+ people and having rave reviews from everyone except one, it was a little disheartening that there wasn't more conversation among the group to determine if I should move on in the process.
In the end, I don't think Google is a good fit for me, because I'm looking for a company with less hierarchy and traditional corporate politics. Based on the experience, it looks like there is plenty of that internally.