I travel a lot, so I have a good idea of the relative value of a property. This hotel is worth about $200-210 a night, but is priced half again more. Caution: This year they have added a 'resort fee' and a 'parking fee' to their already overpriced rates. I can't think of anything that will anger clients more than this. I found out about it in the hot-tub where guests were sharing their anger of these fees. I asked at the desk and found I was exempt, being with seminar group, but the fees started 2 weeks ago. I have stayed here for 20 years for an eye doctor seminar.....the parking lots they now charge for have been paid for a long time ago.
OK, it's an older property, but is well kept, although parts show it. It is all suite, but not all that spacious since the rooms are small. The latest redecorating job is very nice and pretty well appointed. Unfortunately, they didn't put much into the beds. The beds are cheap and not very comfortable. The Hilton, next door, has much better beds (it's also less expensive & they share the same facilities/amenities).
The elevators are inadequate, so you'll have to wait & deal with crowds (especially to/from upper floors). Breakfast is complete, but not made-to-order. Pancakes are made earlier, in bulk, and kept warm, so they taste like yesterdays warmed over food......horrible. There's nothing like fresh made-to-order pancakes or French toast (and these are nothing like that). The restuarant is called 'the Fisheye Grill' and the food is about as appitizing as the name.....crowded and noisy too. The food at the Omaha Steak House is just OK, and very pricey. They usually have pool side entertainment, but this year they didn't. Over the years they have gone from quality bands to horrible one-man-bands to zip (and zip is better than last year's one man). The only thing they added is a 'resort fee'. I go for our doctors seminar, so what I want is a good bed and a good shower - I got neither. You would think for the money you could get a decent shower, but they use a water-saver. I tried to ask the maid for something, but she didn't speak a word of English. The front office staff is very nice, but you'll wait in line to see one.
The location is convenient to area attractions, but the traffic is a nightmare. There are many good restaurants in the area (not at the hotel). The beach here is wonderful, but it was just as nice when they used to charge $80 a night. You can rent umbrellas and chairs, if you don't mind getting nickeled and dimed after paying your 'resort fee'. Truely, the one outstanding feature here is the kiddie water park. It serves a number of resort towers, condos, and hotels, so it gets crowded, but it is awesome for youngsters. The pool area is exceptional, beachfront, with 2 pools and 2 hot-tubs. The pools are not heated (a big mistake) and tend to be cold, but the atmosphere is great. There is a mgrs. reception, if you don't mind the long line to get a cheap beer in a plastic cup - but, it is free (well, the tip jar is prominently placed).
Well, sorry the review isn't more positive - I just want people to know what to expect w/o surprises. If the pace was more like $180 a night (as many ocean front hotels in MB are), I would be singing it's praises a little more. When you pay more, you expect more, and when you pay a lot, you expect a lot. Always consider the source, I stay at a lot of very nice hotels and have a good basis of comparison. If I were a Comfort Inn or Super 8 type person, I would be telling you how great this place is (but probably still how expensive it is). I don't mind expensive if I get what I'm paying for. I especially like a good bed. I do agree with those angered by the resort & parking fees. You are paying a real premium here because of the amenities, you should't have to pay extra for them - and charging for parking here is rediculous. What a bad move & bad PR. You don't cultivate repeat business by gouging and making people angry - just sin't worth it. Dr. E.
