This is the third time we have stayed at this complex, the last time being in March 2007 now March 2008.
It is still THE place to stay in Sarasota but probably because of all the praise this hotel has had in the past I feel the management could be getting just a little complacent and are letting standards fall.
The staff through out are brilliant, the rooms great (more to follow) the setting fantastic and so convenient for everything but the general maintenance of the property is slipping.
We had a room (4007) in the tower block, a Jr Suite. Good size over all with moderate view over the pool to fantastic sunsets. The noise from the pool was very intrusive as was the sound of the fridge in the ajoining kitchen and the sound of the toilets flushing from the many floors above. The bathroom, of excellent size, and facilities was spoiled by a water leak of very long standing, from the shower. This resulted in mold and rotting wood not only by the shower but also the bathroom door frame and floor area. There was also an odd smell in the shower when not used for a few hours. We requested a room change or even paying for upgrade, "sorry we are fully booked" was the reply, this I very much doubt.
We contemplated checking out but stayed as the possition of the hotel is so fantastic.
On two occasions we went to the Cafe Lido for meals, very below standard is the only discription I can give, certainly better eating anywhere in St. Armands Circle and less cost.
Christophers Restaurant has gone to be replaced by a Grill Room, we visited but did not stay, the area was filled with convensioneers from some company or other. Americans are known to be loud in a charming way but this lot were obnoxious.
Looking out over the pool area I noticed that the same light that was not working in 2007 was still not working in 2008, other things like the Koi Pond being so green the fish could not be seen and slight smelt added to the feeling of complacency and neglect on the part of the management of the hotel.
The hotel in one year has gone from an excellent family hotel to a good family hotel and has appearantly moved into the corporate hospitality sector, much to its detriment, though hard times in America make needs must and this departure may be beyond managements control, but the general standard of upkeep is not.
I still fully recommend this hotel to Families but not to those wanting nightlife, Sarasota as a whole has none, and also recommend it to those of mature years. 75yr olds will feel juvenille when walking in the circle, this is no detriment at all, the area is charming and very gentile. And VERY child safe.
The pool is now split into Family Pool, the larger one, and Adult Pool, the very slightly smaller one, great idea. But the "Germans" were there every morning by 7.30, towels all over the place, no people, and most never turned up until afternoon to claim the sunbeds so decorasly reserved. Good management would have removed these towels as lost property when the pool officially opened.


(42 votes)









