jechho's stats
- Review count116
- Helpfulness votes223
- First reviewOctober 25, 2011
- Last reviewOctober 10, 2015
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.9
- Review comment count1
- Helpfulness votes1
- First review commentJanuary 31, 2015
- Last review commentJanuary 31, 2015
- Featured review comments0
Central to area attractions and corporate headquarters, our modern retreat rejuvenates with intuitive service and replenishing amenities.
Overall rating
3
out of
5
Room Comfort
2
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
4
out of
5
Cleanliness
3
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:August 2011
Good, but...
PostedNovember 13, 2011
All in all a nice hotel with good service.
Some issues, however:
- there was a strange, thumping noise coming every tenth second or so from above (we were on the top floor, so not sure what is was). It drove me crazy through out the night. A phone to front desk did not help much: "We well send someone from maintance to check it out". Not sure if they did, noone came to our room and the noise did not go away.
- the hotel is pet friendly, and there were long, white (dog?-) hairs on the carpet in our suite. Maybe we should have asked for a pet-free room at check in? But we thought that was obvious as long as we did not bring a pet ourselves.
- more chairs/tables in the lounge is needed. Had to stand during breakfast.
- Dirty trays from finished roomservice next door were standing in the hall for at least 8 hours.
- the hotel is quite a long drive to the city center of Richmond. Could be a plus, but as the highway is just outside your window, the area is not particularly secluded.
- the hotel is pet friendly, and there were long, white (dog?-) hairs on the carpet in our suite. Maybe we should have asked for a pet-free room at check in? But we thought that was obvious as long as we did not bring a pet ourselves.
- more chairs/tables in the lounge is needed. Had to stand during breakfast.
- Dirty trays from finished roomservice next door were standing in the hall for at least 8 hours.
- the hotel is quite a long drive to the city center of Richmond. Could be a plus, but as the highway is just outside your window, the area is not particularly secluded.
As the hotel is pretty expensive, we were expecting more.
Month of Arrival:August 2011
+4points
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Feel the energy of historic Harlem where Central park, unique shops and delicious dining await just steps from the city’s major landmarks.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
Room Comfort
4
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
4
out of
5
Cleanliness
4
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:September 2011
A pleasant surprise
PostedNovember 13, 2011
I really liked this hip and trendy hotel in Harlem. The hotel lobby/bar area was very busy during our stay (Friday night), but there was no noise to be heard in our room. Loved that the hotel has door dampeners, so that you could not hear people coming and going slamming their doors. Room was large and service very good.
Not sure if I would recommend this hotel for first time visitors to NYC, though. After a while you get tired walking to Central park or taking the subway. And you most definitly miss out of some of the Manhattan vibe/feel. Some parts of Harlem were interesting, others not so much.
The price level was a bit lower than your average Manhatten hotel (25%, maybe), but bargain hunters might find better rates at other dates.
No suites at this hotel - so platinum upgrades are (as far as I was informed) non-existing.
And they should include some things from their breakfast table in their rate - coffee is free, but why not throw in the cereals/baked goods that was for sale (at a high price) in the lobby area?
Month of Arrival:September 2011
+2points
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Just steps from Georgetown in Washington’s West End, our hotel is surrounded by retail shopping, upscale restaurants, and cultural sites.
Overall rating
3
out of
5
Room Comfort
2
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
3
out of
5
Cleanliness
4
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
3
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:August 2011
Nice location, but be aware of noise!
PostedNovember 13, 2011
This hotel is pretty expensive. It is also located next to a rather busy street (M street). And for the price I paid, I did not expect to be awake most of the night due to traffic noise. Clearly, the hotel should do more to soundproof their windows. Our stay was a part of a road trip which included a lot of cities, and this hotel was the winner when it came to being noisy.
Doors slamming loudly when open/shut was also a problem. As usual its hard to understand why hotels of this class do not install door mechanism to prevent this.
Everything else was okay - your average "westin" standard. Location good, but not great. The walks to Dupont Circle or Georgetown got pretty tiresome after some time. I will try the Fairfax next time.
Month of Arrival:August 2011
-1point
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Our newly renovated hotel is only minutes from top destinations, including St. Johns Town Center, UNF, beaches, and downtown Jacksonville.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
Room Comfort
3
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
4
out of
5
Cleanliness
4
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:August 2011
Good hotel, great service
PostedNovember 13, 2011
Stayed here one night as a part of a roadtrip.
Check-in: Friendly. We celebrated a special occasion, which front desk remembered.
Room: As SPG platinums, we got a nice suite upgrade. I would not say it is the largest or most modern suite I have seen, however, it is always great to get some extra space.
Some noise issues: We are not very happy with hotels where you can hear toilet flusing from next door/above or under. Especially when it comes from the wall next to the bed. Was woken up at 6am by the busy businessman next door who was getting ready for work...
In additon, I would probably recommend asking for a room not facing the highway directly, as the traffic noise was not completly blocked out.
Area: Centrally located for visiting most parts of Jacksonville, but being close to two rather large highways, it wasn't exactly secluded or quiet. Not the hotels fault, but we found downtown Jaxville very boring. Probably should have headed to the beach instead.
Lounge: A bit strangely layed out, as you actually come directly into the lounge when entering the top floor. The lounge was kind of dark, for no obvious reason. Plus they should consider some more tables, as eating breakfast in a sofa is not very convinient. Food selection okay.
Check out: Swift. No problems at all.
Something else? Well, we had some trouble getting the correct amount of stay points credited after the stay, but the GM took care it of himself. Impressive. If only all GMs would be that serviceminded
All in all a good Sheraton with great service. Would stay here again.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Above/Met ExpectationsService
Below ExpectationsLocation
Month of Arrival:August 2011
+2points
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Norfolk’s only waterfront hotel offers a source of stylish familiarity. Our guest rooms boast contemporary décor and comforting amenities.
Overall rating
2
out of
5
Room Comfort
1
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
3
out of
5
Cleanliness
2
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
2
out of
5
SPG Recognition
3
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:August 2011
Below average
PostedNovember 13, 2011
Not exactly thrilled with our stay at this hotel. I have stayed at several sheratons, and this is one of the worst.
The room was tired and worn. The furniture had seen it better days, and the walls in desperate need of paint.
The connecting door to the neighbouring room was paper thin, and we were woken up 2am when the people next door came home. Had to listen to their drunken party-talk for hours. It was as they actually were in our room - the hotel really need to isolate the connecting doors better.
Called for an extra duvet three times - 3pm, 6pm and 10pm. Was told "yes, we will bring one to you" the first two times. The last time, they just said that they were out of duvets. Yes, thats right. The hotel was supposedly out of extra duvets. Sure.
The pool was nice, but small and occupied by A LOT of kids.
Did also have some noise issues related to people (and housekeeping) coming and going and slamming their doors. A decent hotel would install dampeners on the doors.
On the positive side, the hotel did compensate us some starpoints when we wrote a complaint. Location is pretty good and the people at the front desk were nice.
No, I do not recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:August 2011
+1point
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Soak up the best of Philadelphia from historic Rittenhouse Square, where top sites and shops are just steps from our relaxing refuge.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
Room Comfort
4
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
4
out of
5
Cleanliness
4
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:August 2011
Good hotel, safe choice
PostedNovember 13, 2011
Stayed here one night.
Good hotel in a nice location. A bit on the expensive side, considering it is just a regular Westin hotel.
The room (suite) was nice, but nothing extraordinary. Did have some noise issues related to people (and housekeeping) coming and going and slamming their doors. A really great hotel would install dampeners on the doors.
Taking two elevators in order to get to the room got kind of boring after a while.
Had the most amazing dinner in the hotel restaurant, did not expect that.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Above/Met ExpectationsLocation, Food and Beverage
Month of Arrival:August 2011
+2points
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A sensory experience of contemporary luxury where art, fashion, entertainment and design come together near the hot Tsimshatsui district.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
Room Comfort
4
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
4
out of
5
Cleanliness
5
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:July 2011
Great hotel
PostedNovember 13, 2011
This is a truly great hotel. Not much negative to say. Great rooms, modern and sleek. Small, but that's Hong Kong. Loved the pool area!
Be aware that the hotel is fully booked almost every night, and that there seem to be a party or other type of function there most days. It creates a buzz, but can also be overwhelming (we felt the latter). The lobby area is e.g. busy, very busy. Day and night.
They treat SPG members very well, but high occupancy also means not always getting an upgrade.
In addition: If you are a light sleeper, you might try to get a room not facing the freeway - or at least a high floor room (16 is the lowest, 38 the highest). It seems that the rooms/suites ending in xx01 (and the ones close to that) is most effected by the freeway and harbor traffic. Oddly, those seems to be the most expensive rooms as well - so there are usually no problem changing rooms (as we did).
The location is so-so. It is next to a big mall and the metro, but not really within walking distance to anything.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:July 2011
+4points
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Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort
Set on 7 miles of pristine beach and backed by rain forests, Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort is a paradise waiting to be explored.
Overall rating
3
out of
5
Room Comfort
2
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
4
out of
5
Cleanliness
3
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
3
out of
5
SPG Recognition
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:July 2011
Okay hotel - but did not quite meet our expectations
PostedNovember 13, 2011
I have mixed feelings about this property - it did not completly meet the expectations I had after reading reviews at various sites.
First of all, low season (wet season - when we stayed) has the advantage of great rates - also for the attractive villas. However, the mosquitos are quite a few, and it was difficult to sit outside in the evenings. Deet 30 did not prevent me from getting bitten a lot - I usually do not have an issue with mosquitos.
In addition, both the Indian and Korean restaurants seem closed during the summer. After a few days you get bored with the food. You have to go pretty far to find other dinner alternatives.
The nature surrounding this resort is fantastic, including the stunning beach. However, the wildlife does have an impact on the resort. There are wild dogs (or at least one) wandering around, ants in both hotel room and villa and a lot of geckos everywhere. Some probably love this closeness to the nature, others not. We decided to change from our villa to a suite in the hotel when four or five geckos were creeping around high in the ceiling, impossible to get out for both us and the housekeeping. (Yes, I now they are harmless, but it is not easy to sleep knowing they are hanging over you).
The villas are indeed in a lovely setting and quite private. However, our villa felt a bit worn and tired. We had just stayed in villas at the Napasai (Orientexpress- about same rate) at Koh Samui and those were a lot better - another league, actually.
The service was also very variable. Some staffers are amazing (like Cherry, our villa host, and the GM, who answered our inquieries promptly), others more indifferent. Twice we were woken up by a gardener/leave blower at 9am in the morning (we like to sleep long when we are on holiday - why on earth start with this so early?), another (early) morning two or three staffers were sitting on the day bed in our garden using their cell phones (!).
However, if something goes wrong, the resort seemed very good at compensating for this. When we arrived (at 6pm), our villa was not ready due to problems with the AC. Was offered free massage while waiting. In addition we were offered another free massage for the above mentioned room change. The extra fee we were supposed to pay for the villa was also waived in the end, due to all our inconviences.
To sum up: A nice resort with a stunning setting and a lot of potenial - keep your expectations on a moderate level when it comes to the facilities and you will probably be satisfied.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:July 2011
+3points
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With modern ambiance and 132 air-conditioned rooms, this hotel offers excellent shopping, a cinema and great restaurants and bars.
Overall rating
5
out of
5
Room Comfort
5
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
5
out of
5
Cleanliness
5
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
5
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:June 2011
A wonderful 4points!
PostedNovember 13, 2011
Had a three night stay here with my partner.
We arrived pretty late (11pm), but got upgraded by front desk (without asking, always a plus) to a nice suite. Well done!
The room was excellent laid out, with comfy beds and a big bathroom. As a light-sleeper (and light sensitive), I just LOVED the curtains with the velcro solution. Why doesn't all SPG hotel have those?? It was also very quiet, the windows had excellent sound proof.
The hotel felt very modern and fresh. Actually, the best Four Points I have ever stayed at - and better than most Sheratons too! I got a bit "W"-feeling from this hotel!
The location has it pros and cons. Its smack in the middle of a new shopping area, which I actually liked a lot. (Cafes, shopping, cinema etc. very close). Both tram and train near the hotel- and the ride to downtown took only minutes.
However, if you like walking to main attractions in a city, this hotel might not be your cup of tea. (That said, the 30 minute-ish walk along the river to downtown was kind of nice).
Didn't try the breakfast (too expensive IMO) - there was a starbucks and a decent chocolatier next door. The hotel restaurant seemed pretty empty most of the time, but the bar looked like a trendy spot both night and day.
Any room for improvements? Well, wireless in the room would have been nice, working with a cable is not very convinient. And the bathroom product were not of the highest quality.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:June 2011
0points
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Our downtown location is convenient to the city’s famous shopping and monuments. This historic luxury hotel is an elegant and sophisticated meeting point for business and leisure travellers alike.
Overall rating
3
out of
5
Room Comfort
3
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
2
out of
5
Cleanliness
2
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
3
out of
5
SPG Recognition
3
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:April 2011
Below the usual Westin standard
PostedNovember 13, 2011
Stayed here two nighs.
The good:
- some staff members were very nice. Special kudos to Claudio at front desk, who helped us switch room. In the first room we were given (a rather dingy jr suite), one could here ALL sort of bathroom noises from above.
- previous reviewers have mentioned the location as a minus with this hotel. However, the area behind the hotel felt a lot more genuine than the shopping/Dumo-area. There were a lot of great restaurants there, and it was a lot more fun to be where the locals of Milan is.
- high quality of the food at breakfast.
- stylish lobby/main area.
- nice gym.
- some staff members were very nice. Special kudos to Claudio at front desk, who helped us switch room. In the first room we were given (a rather dingy jr suite), one could here ALL sort of bathroom noises from above.
- previous reviewers have mentioned the location as a minus with this hotel. However, the area behind the hotel felt a lot more genuine than the shopping/Dumo-area. There were a lot of great restaurants there, and it was a lot more fun to be where the locals of Milan is.
- high quality of the food at breakfast.
- stylish lobby/main area.
- nice gym.
The bad
- one could simply not belive the prices at this hotel. E.g.: 10 euros for a bottle of water in the mini bar, 37 euros per person for buffet breakfast. I have never seen anything like this before.
- tired rooms. After switching room, we got some sort of suite that had more in common with a motel suite than a suite at a luxury hotel. Stained carpet, walls that needed paint and very naked walls without any pcitures etc. And the multiple ashtrays told us it was a smoking-room (we had booked a non-smoking room). But we were told that the hotel was fully booked, and that this was the only room/suite available.
- one of the older guys at front desk was rude and arrogant. Told us twice that we would be charged for internet use. As SPG platinums we are entitled to free internet, something he didn't seem to understand (or he just didn't care).
- service at breakfast was slow and unattentive. Unforgiveable at this price level.
- one could simply not belive the prices at this hotel. E.g.: 10 euros for a bottle of water in the mini bar, 37 euros per person for buffet breakfast. I have never seen anything like this before.
- tired rooms. After switching room, we got some sort of suite that had more in common with a motel suite than a suite at a luxury hotel. Stained carpet, walls that needed paint and very naked walls without any pcitures etc. And the multiple ashtrays told us it was a smoking-room (we had booked a non-smoking room). But we were told that the hotel was fully booked, and that this was the only room/suite available.
- one of the older guys at front desk was rude and arrogant. Told us twice that we would be charged for internet use. As SPG platinums we are entitled to free internet, something he didn't seem to understand (or he just didn't care).
- service at breakfast was slow and unattentive. Unforgiveable at this price level.
Would I stay here again? Yes - IF I could get snag a good rate.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Above/Met ExpectationsLocation, Fitness Center
Below ExpectationsService
Month of Arrival:April 2011
+2points
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jechho's Review Comments
Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River near Sanibel Island, our waterfront resort offers convenient access to Tarpon Point Marina.
Overall3 out of 5
3 out of 5Just average this time
By jechho
from Norway
Stayed here over New Years. This was our forth visit to the hotel. All in all an average experience.
Usually the rooms here are quiet, but this time the family above us was so noisy I almost had to ask for a room change (but we had a nice suite + they seemed fully booked). Most of the noise comes from chairs and other furniture being moved around on the tiled floor in the rooms and/or on the balcony. They should really consider carpets here. After listening to chair scratching for a while, it just gets maddening.
We had the spg platinum breakfast, and like on our last visit, the waiter decided to automatically add a 20% service charge on the bill + plus leave a tip space open. It made us really uncomfortable. Please let your guests decide what amount they want to tip. This policy will not work in your favor in the long run, it will only create irritation. (Besides, this hotel already has enough of those annoying add-ons. You want pancakes for breakfast? Great. You want blueberries in your pancakes? That’s an extra dollar. And don’t get me started on the resort fee.)
The hotel is pet-friendly, and there are a lot of dogs there. I like dogs, but not on holiday. I have learned my lesson, and asked for a room that did not have dogs as neighbors (barking) or had recently been in it (smell). However, if you want to have your breakfast outside in the restaurant, you just have to tolerate the dogs. In my opinion, they should have one of the sides out sides dog-free.
The hotel is still a fine one, with mostly greatly service (love Anna Marie at front desk) and a reasonably good hard product. But the location is isolated, and without a beach nearby, I need it to be perfect to make it worth a visit. This time it was not, and we will probably not be back for a while.
jechho
Norway
Regarding the GMs reply
Posted January 31, 2015
Dear Mr. Ashton,
Thank you for taking the time to comment upon my review. It would however be nice if you would comment on the issues raised in the review (noise from furniture above due to no carpet, and the auto-tipping in restaurant) and not on something that I did not bring up at all (the resort fee).
Best regards, jechho
+1point
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