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
Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River near Sanibel Island, our waterfront resort offers convenient access to Tarpon Point Marina.
Overall rating
3
out of
5
Room Comfort
2
out of
5
Quality of Sleep
3
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:December 2014
Just average this time
PostedJanuary 4, 2015
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.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:December 2014
+2points
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Cultural heritage meets modern hospitality in our repurposing of the Historic Federal Courthouse in the arts and entertainment district.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
Room Comfort
3
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
5
out of
5
Quality of Sleep
3
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
4
out of
5
SPG Recognition
4
out of
5
Food & Beverage
5
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Guys getaway
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:December 2014
Upscale and modern - but some issues
PostedDecember 29, 2014
This is a really unique and tastefully decorated hotel. Both in room dining and platinum breakfast at Bizou was very good. Staff was great, and the location cannot be beat.
I had used a Suite Night Award on the stay, and it had cleared to a studio suite, However, we had to wait until 6pm before it was ready. Not acceptable for a “guaranteed” upgrade award. The issue has later been explained and compensated by the GM, so it will not inflict on my rating.
Two concerns:
1. The studio suite (301) was bigger than a regular room, but the layout was odd and a lot of space wasted. Not a true suite with separate bedroom. SPG should not call it a "Suite" Night Award if it allows hotels to put oversized rooms in the award pool.
2. Room was facing Florida Avenue and was very noisy. Strange that they had not thought of double glassed windows or other type of soundproofing. Plumbing from above and next door was also easily heard - like that loud airplane toilet sound.
1. The studio suite (301) was bigger than a regular room, but the layout was odd and a lot of space wasted. Not a true suite with separate bedroom. SPG should not call it a "Suite" Night Award if it allows hotels to put oversized rooms in the award pool.
2. Room was facing Florida Avenue and was very noisy. Strange that they had not thought of double glassed windows or other type of soundproofing. Plumbing from above and next door was also easily heard - like that loud airplane toilet sound.
All in all a decent stay, but since a noise-free room is more important than design and soft product for me, I cannot give the property a top rating.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:December 2014
+2points
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Located in the entertainment and attraction hub of downtown, the Sheraton Atlanta is a perfect choice for business and leisure travelers.
Overall rating
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:December 2014
Charming hotel
PostedDecember 29, 2014
Stayed here one night at Christmas Eve. Got a lovely platinum upgrade to a quiet room, just as I had asked for. Everything was clean and comfortable – except the mini fridge, which clearly had not been cleaned since the last guests had used it. It had yellow stains/liquids all over, yukk.
Stayed in the north tower, the lounge (a quite decent one) was in the south towers, which made for a long walk.
All in all good value and platinum recognition, would stay here again.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:December 2014
+2points
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The Mediterranean scene has never been hotter—ride the waves of whimsical wonder at W Barcelona, a stylish icon that raises the bar.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
Room Comfort
4
out of
5
Staff Responsiveness
3
out of
5
Quality of Sleep
3
out of
5
Facilities Met My Expectations
5
out of
5
SPG Recognition
5
out of
5
Food & Beverage
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:October 2014
Still a good choice, but..
PostedOctober 23, 2014
Third visit this year. Overall, a decent stay and better than the last time.
What we liked:
* Very quiet room. Maybe the biggest plus for us. The doors have soft lock mechanism.
* Nice spg platinum treatment, including a decent welcome back gift. The cool corner suite was excellent, and we actually prefer those on the lower floors (7th) because of the room configuration. Do not need the bed next to the door!
* Free coffee machine in room upon request. Even free refill of coffee, after asking.
* Very quiet room. Maybe the biggest plus for us. The doors have soft lock mechanism.
* Nice spg platinum treatment, including a decent welcome back gift. The cool corner suite was excellent, and we actually prefer those on the lower floors (7th) because of the room configuration. Do not need the bed next to the door!
* Free coffee machine in room upon request. Even free refill of coffee, after asking.
But this hotel does still not get a five star rating from me. What we did not like:
* Upon arrival, we had a rather funky smell in the living room area (think B.O.).
* The were a lot of stains on the carpet. Unavoidable with that brigh color, I think.
* Someone amended our shower door during our stay. It actually turned out more noisy and hard to close.
* Key card was deactivated on our third day for no apparant reason. Had to get in line at check in to get a new. Tiring after a long day out.
* Only Wave for platinum breakfast. Please change this, we want to sit outside at Bravo!
* As usual, it is/was a hassle to get a correct folio. Some mysterious mini bar charges had to be removed. The hotel had no clue about the virtuoso amenities. And the folio had the wrong date for check-in, which meant that the posting in my SPG account also got wrong. In fact, I am still in the process of trying to get my SPG nights posted correctly. To be frank, it is getting annoying. This has happened before, and shows that they do not priority understanding the SPG program and the importance for SPG members to get this right. What happens after a stay, is also a part of the whole experience!
* The were a lot of stains on the carpet. Unavoidable with that brigh color, I think.
* Someone amended our shower door during our stay. It actually turned out more noisy and hard to close.
* Key card was deactivated on our third day for no apparant reason. Had to get in line at check in to get a new. Tiring after a long day out.
* Only Wave for platinum breakfast. Please change this, we want to sit outside at Bravo!
* As usual, it is/was a hassle to get a correct folio. Some mysterious mini bar charges had to be removed. The hotel had no clue about the virtuoso amenities. And the folio had the wrong date for check-in, which meant that the posting in my SPG account also got wrong. In fact, I am still in the process of trying to get my SPG nights posted correctly. To be frank, it is getting annoying. This has happened before, and shows that they do not priority understanding the SPG program and the importance for SPG members to get this right. What happens after a stay, is also a part of the whole experience!
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
I'd recommend this hotel to others for:Sitting poolside, Beaches
Month of Arrival:October 2014
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The landmark 1911 beaux arts Guardian Life building, re-invented by David Rockwell, is ringed by the essentials – shopping, music, art.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Family
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:September 2014
Good - but please fix the platinum breakfast!
PostedSeptember 13, 2014
All in all a decent experience. We were upgraded to a mega room on the top floor, which was okay since we asked for a quiet room. Not huge, but well above average for NYC.
We have stayed at this hotel several times, and EVERY time there has been a problem with the spg platinum breakfast amenity. This time, the platinum breakfast was a mess because the old restaurant now is gone, and the hotel has no agreement (yet) with the new, privately-run restaurant. The platinum breakfast is therefore via in-room dining only, and you cannot (as per their assistant welcome manager) choose anything else than the items on the platinum card. In addition, you must spesifically ask for yogurt and/or cereal if you want something else than their "Continental breakfast/Awake" (which consists of a pastry basket, OJ & coffee - a rather unhealthy carb-filled option). On both days we got wrong items when we called for breakfast, so the whole platinum breakfast experience was very poor. Why not give some credits for free use in the restaurant and honor your most loyal customers?
Also note that they are currently changing one of their service elevators. We were on a red-eye to Europe and wanted to sleep as long as possible the last day. Being on the top floor, we asked if we would be disturbed early in the morning. We were told that construction would not start until 10am. Guess what started at 830am?
Marc at front desk was very nice and courtious, most rooms are spacious - and the hotel has a great location. Other than that, I am not sure if it was worth 500 dollars a night.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:September 2014
+2points
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Ideally located in Back Bay and just steps from Newbury Street, Copley Square, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Family
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:september 2014
Location, location
PostedSeptember 10, 2014
Stayed here for a weekend and used an SNA to upgrade to a suite. It was very spacious, and the river view excellent. We also got a nice welcome card from Karen M.
The lounge was nothing to write home about. The staff did their best, but could simply not keep up with all the people coming and going in the morning. They need to either limit the number of people with access to the club, or have a larger space with more places to sit. The place was VERY cafeteria-style, and it seems that they think that a wonderful view is enough. The food and drink selection in the morning was poor. For instance, one type of yogurt, no diet-sodas of any kind, and no whole wheat/multigrain options. On the second day, we bought breakfast outside the hotel. Evening selections was better, in fact far better than the skimpy breakfast selection.
Two issues with the room:
1. The HVAC made a constant loud humming. It was just maddening in the end, and even my industrial strength earplugs could not block it out completely at night.
2. The bathroom was probably the smallest I have ever seen in a suite anywhere.
Location is perfect, and they have had a reputation of treating spg platinums here. I may very well return if the price is right.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:september 2014
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Minutes from the jetport, this downtown hotel makes it easy to relax and work comfortably, and to tour the Art District and the Old Port.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Family
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:september 2014
Fine - but beware of some noise
PostedSeptember 10, 2014
Newly renovated hotel close to city center (Arts district). Being platinum members, we were upgraded to a nice city-view suite on the 14th floor. Everything feels new and fresh, and the location did not feel seedy at all (like some other reviews have mentioned).
Chose breakfast as my platinum amenity, and it was fantastic: “Eat whatever you like from the menu.” Possibly the best platinum breakfast in the US this year. That is how you should reward loyalty.
Nice fitness center, but no pool.
A couple of concerns:
- Many rooms face High St and/or Commercial St. I am not sure if the renovations included the room windows, but traffic noise was very noticeable for such a small city.
- Toilet plumbing was airplane-style, very effective but very loud. We could always hear our neighbor flushing – and it woke us up on the last day.
- Many rooms face High St and/or Commercial St. I am not sure if the renovations included the room windows, but traffic noise was very noticeable for such a small city.
- Toilet plumbing was airplane-style, very effective but very loud. We could always hear our neighbor flushing – and it woke us up on the last day.
All in all a nice hotel, but the noise issues will make me think twice about booking this hotel again for a holiday. For business (when you have to get up early), it is very nice.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:september 2014
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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
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Purpose of Travel:Romantic
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:September 2014
God option in DC
PostedSeptember 7, 2014
Decent business hotel in West End, within walking distance to Georgetown. The rooms facing M and 24th street are somewhat noisy, so go for a courtyard room if you want quiet. Note that even the courtyard has it noise issues: The garbage dumpster to the building next door is usually picked up by a truck at 8am during the week, and there are weddings and other events out there during the weekends.
Our stay ambassador who also checked us in, Garbrielle, was great, and went above and beyond for us finding a quiet room and helping us with the rather confusing spg platinum breakfast amenity. The restaurant is privately run, so the 20 dollars per room offered by the hotel did not cover an “spg” continental breakfast for two. However, after bringing this up, front desk took care of it.
All in all a good stay, and we will probably return.
Our stay ambassador who also checked us in, Garbrielle, was great, and went above and beyond for us finding a quiet room and helping us with the rather confusing spg platinum breakfast amenity. The restaurant is privately run, so the 20 dollars per room offered by the hotel did not cover an “spg” continental breakfast for two. However, after bringing this up, front desk took care of it.
All in all a good stay, and we will probably return.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:September 2014
+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
3
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Purpose of Travel:Weekend
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:September 2014
No black-out curtains
PostedSeptember 7, 2014
No black out curtains
I would have given this hotel a clear 5 star rating if it had not been for the fact that they do not have black out curtains in the bed room. The curtains were so thin that they even let it in light during the night. I have NEVER in my life seen hotel curtains so thin – and I have stayed at A LOT of hotels Too bad, since front desk was nice, the suite upgrade fantastic and the hotel all in all was very good. But sleep is essential when staying at a hotel, and this hotel seem to have forgotten this.
Oh, and drop the loud music in the breakfast area. Coldplay at high volume 730am in a restaurant is never good.
I would have given this hotel a clear 5 star rating if it had not been for the fact that they do not have black out curtains in the bed room. The curtains were so thin that they even let it in light during the night. I have NEVER in my life seen hotel curtains so thin – and I have stayed at A LOT of hotels Too bad, since front desk was nice, the suite upgrade fantastic and the hotel all in all was very good. But sleep is essential when staying at a hotel, and this hotel seem to have forgotten this.
Oh, and drop the loud music in the breakfast area. Coldplay at high volume 730am in a restaurant is never good.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:September 2014
+1point
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Only minutes from Savannah’s attractions, our downtown resort provides an escape when you want it and accessibility when you need it.
Overall rating
4
out of
5
jechho Age:35 - 44
Frequency of Travel:High
Purpose of Travel:Weekend
Travel Agent:No
Meeting Planner:No
Member Level:Platinum
from:Norway
Month of Arrival:September 2014
Improving
PostedSeptember 4, 2014
We returned to this hotel after a less than stellar experience a few weeks ago. Melissa at front desk was super nice and took well care of us this time around, repairing the mistakes from last time. Got a good upgrade (specialty suite on 13th floor with riverview balcony), but I actually prefer the smaller standard suites, as the parlor lay out really is not my cup of tea. Melissa was also nice enough to surprise us with wine and some cheese and fruit.
I still think the hotel needs a refurbishment. There are in particular two issues that should be dealt with:
1. The doors slam really loud when open and shut. The walls in our room were virtually shaking when our neighbors were coming and going.
2. Better soundproofed windows. We could hear pool noises very well in our room, even though we were 13 floor up. Not to mentions boats, sirens etc.
I still think the hotel needs a refurbishment. There are in particular two issues that should be dealt with:
1. The doors slam really loud when open and shut. The walls in our room were virtually shaking when our neighbors were coming and going.
2. Better soundproofed windows. We could hear pool noises very well in our room, even though we were 13 floor up. Not to mentions boats, sirens etc.
Breakfast was good (not great, there was no buffet), and overall the stay was pleasant.
Yes, I recommend this hotel.
Month of Arrival:September 2014
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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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