Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I need to change my specialism I think - I stay at Holiday Inns in the main on business. But then again the scrutiny on me would be severe if I stayed in anything higher given my clients re Social Services.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan By the way, I'm giving the Grand Californian another chance in a few months. I haven't stayed there since December and would love to visit again, though I live too close to justify staying at a hotel. I wonder if I should try concierge again this time. It wasn't particularly amazing or as exclusive as the concierge I've had at other Disney hotels, but the staff were the nicest I've seen in all of the Disneyland Resort. By the way, I think they should really have the CMs in concierge service the normal check-in counter and greetings; there is such an appalling difference in quality. When comparing the normal check-in service, I would say that the neighbouring Disneyland Hotel is much better in this regard. One of my major complaints of the Grand Californian has always been the guest services and check-in. Our first visit to the hotel was not memorable, as the staff at the front desk were slow and rude. We didn't get our room until close to 4:30 and were asked to wait in the lobby until our room was ready. After waiting over an hour were we were finally phoned by one of the registration staff. I would gladly try the concierge service again just to skip the awful service at registration, though I was forced to wait in the normal check-in line the last (and only) time I tried concierge. Very odd and disappointing. I found the standard rooms nice. I never thought that they were too small, though the Disneyland Hotel and Paradise Pier Hotel both offer larger and more spacious rooms. Just for comparison's sakes; a standard room at the Grand Californian is about 353 square feet, compared to about 430 for a standard room at the MiraCosta. Moving on, I agree with Lee that the Napa Rose is one of the best Disney restaurants; 5 star quality, hands down. A bit pricey, but completely worth it. The Storytellers Cafe, however, was not worth it. The food was bland, overcooked, and not worth the money. Like the front desk service at the hotel, I found the greeters very rude and unprofessional. I felt quite ignored by our waiter and was annoyed by the fact that our water was not refilled. And waiting close to an hour for all 4 of our meals was unacceptable. White Water Snacks used to be my favorite place to get fast and affordable snacks. Travelling with a large group though, I noticed that they tend to forget orders. I've known people who had been waiting over 30 minutes just for a serving of nachos only to be told that they never received his order. Still, the Grand Californian is my favorite of the 3 Disney hotels in the Disneyland Resort. A very beautiful and relaxing 4 star luxury hotel! I'm not as big a fan as some people are, but it's still one of my favorite Disney hotels because of its excellent theming and design. Though I do think that the exterior is ugly by Disney hotel standards.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN >>I need to change my specialism I think - I stay at Holiday Inns in the main on business. But then again the scrutiny on me would be severe if I stayed in anything higher given my clients re Social Services.<< Oh well.. don't feel too bad Dave. Most of us get to stay at some truly great hotels compliments of our employers... and I think that also applies to Leemac.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan I'm staying at another 5 star hotel in December; the Four Seasons Resort in Maui! I can't wait, as the rooms and the views look very impressive!
Originally Posted By Mr X Maui, huh? Are you going to all these places by yourself? I think you DEFINITELY should invite (and fund) some of your LP friends along on these 5 star journeys of yours! When will you mail me my plane ticket?
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan I just might if I feel like it. And no, I'm not going by myself. Taking the family along too. And a note to TDLFAN, I've kept my age secret on other boards. I've lied anywhere from being a teenager to someone in his 50s . It's nice to keep that kind of information private.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan By the way Mr X, you've got me really interested in the Peninsula Hong Kong. I just might make a trip there next year . I know that the one in Hong Kong is generally considered to be the flagship hotel, being the first one built and all. But how do the other Peninsula Hotels compare? I might just travel to Chicago or New York instead of all the way to Hong Kong if they were all pretty equal in quality. Any advice would be much appreciated, though I know the views from the one in Hong Kong are unbeatable.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>Oh well.. don't feel too bad Dave. Most of us get to stay at some truly great hotels compliments of our employers... and I think that also applies to Leemac<<< I occassionally do when on corporate business. The Burj al Arab, Ritz in London and several Renaissance stays have been when on corporate business.
Originally Posted By Mr X Can't help you, TDRfan...I've never stayed there. Just read that it was "number one" and they've got a helipad for trips from the airport and some other unusual extravagances. No idea whatsoever about other locations, I've only read about the Hong Kong one. Let us know how it is if you stay there!
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan Will do. I'm dying to try another world class hotel. It's been almost 3 weeks since I came back from the MiraCosta, and I'm missing it terribly.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< There is a guy that stayed in a different MC room every night of the tech runs-throughs for Mythica and then posted them on the web. He could reach the steamer building with some huge telescopic lens and picked out individual people. Rather disconcerting. You don't expect to be "on-stage" at 4am. >>> He didn't catch you picking your nose and then post it, did he?
Originally Posted By SuperDry Anyone visiting Hong Kong should make it a point to at least visit the Peninsula, including "Felix", the bar and restaurant on the top floor. The views of the harbor and the Hong Kong skyline are stunning. It's a fine restaurant with good food and service, but you can also go up there just for a drink in the lounge and still take in the atmosphere.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN I agree with SD... The HK Peninsula is a beautiful 5 star hotel. Gorgeous classic lobby, and such. Great location overlooking HK Island from Kowloon... but I much rather stay at other hotels in the city, like the Shangri-La.
Originally Posted By SuperDry <<< but I much rather stay at other hotels in the city, like the Shangri-La. >>> Do you mean the Island or the Kowloon Shangri-La? I really like the Island Shangri-La. It's hard to believe that the base of the atrium where the guest rooms are is on something like the 40th floor at its base.
Originally Posted By TDR_Fan <<Anyone visiting Hong Kong should make it a point to at least visit the Peninsula>> From what I've read, the major complaint of the Peninsula is the large amount of tourists in the lobby near tea time. It gives a very noisy and crowded feeling to the opulent atmosphere, especially for a 5 star hotel. The good thing is that hotel guests get front of the line privileges when it comes to the restaurants; no waiting in huge, hour long lines caused by the tourists .
Originally Posted By Mr X Wow...I googled some great pics of the island Shangri-la. Looks awsome! Which "island" is that, SD?
Originally Posted By TDLFAN Yes, Mr. X I have no predilection for either island or Kowloon. Shangri-Las are fine hotels all around.
