Starwood Preferred Guest - LEAVES Jan 27, 2009: Atlantic Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale [Master Thread]

It is new hotel(Luxury Collection) that is opening in June 2004. The rates that are listed in spg.com are >$700/nt for Feb 2005.

Since it was listed as a Cat 4 hotel & I tried to redeem for 1 night; spg.com says there is no availability even though 6 different room types were available when you try to book this hotel with cash.

I tried calling SPG "Gold" hotline and received no assistance. They said it's new hotel and they do not know much about it. When I asked about why is it listed on spg.com the only answer I received that it is not their(phone group's) problem & that I should keep on trying !!

Ft. Lauderdale's first Luxury Collection hotel opened 15 June, 2004 according to the latest SPG newsletter.

Question for those who may have already stayed here. Is this property really 'on the ocean'?? From the pictures and map it doesn't appear to be. Also, if it is does it have a beach? The Diplomat Resort & Spa (which is on the ocean) really doesn't have one, except when the tide is out and you count that tiny sliver along the coastline.

Question for those who may have already stayed here. Is this property really 'on the ocean'?? From the pictures and map it doesn't appear to be. Also, if it is does it have a beach? The Diplomat Resort & Spa (which is on the ocean) really doesn't have one, except when the tide is out and you count that tiny sliver along the coastline.

It's as close to on the ocean as you get in the area. It's on A1A across the street from the public beach.

Has anyone stayed at the hotel yet?

How does it compare to other Starwood alternatives, particularly The Diplomat?

Thanks.

Very nice property. Nice rooms, many overlooking the ocean (which is directly across the street) Pool is especially nice and the gym and spa are also very nice. You will enjoy the Atlantic! :)

This isn't a trip report, per se, but I just got back to my computer and found the following IM from a friend. She's a SPG plat that checked into the Atlantic today, and has travelled domestically and internationally for several years.

Friend: u there?
Friend: i have to tell you...
Friend: this is the NICEST hotel room i've ever been in EVER
Friend: u must come to ft lauderdale to see!
Friend: if anyone asks where i am next week, i've decided to move in :)

Just returned from a four night stay on the 25% off promotion. As a platinum, I was upgraded to a very nice 2+ room suite with a rack rate (according to the door on the guest bathroom) of $1200/night.

Hotel is great -- kind of W-esque without the attitude and more color. It vaguely reminds me of the Monarch Beach St. Regis, but the staff are not cold. All staff were very friendly and very helpful. Suite had awesome two-person shower and spa tub, great bed, flat-screen TVs, BOSE stereo system, full (and I mean full) kitchen with fridge, over, microwave, dishwasher, etc. You really do not need to leave the room. The gym and pool are also very nice.

Restaurant Trina is good and not terribly over-priced. Valet parking ($24 per day) was attentive and friendly.

Only negatives are that the hotel is set amidst some dilapidated properties, and there is not much around to do, other than hang out at the beach or at the pool. Maid service was average, and the walls at times seemed thin (especially for those who had to listen to my crying kid). Nonetheless, a great property which I would return to. If I went back to Ft. Lauderdale a year or so from now, I would probably pick the Atlantic over the St. Regis (still in construction) based on previous exposure to the St. Regis properties in NY, DC, Monarch Beach, and Aspen. A very nice place. The Atlantic is apparently having its grand opening celebration this Thursday.

A few weeks ago, in this thread (http://http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=348353&referrerid=1205) I promised to write a review of our upcoming stay at the Atlantic. Unfortunately, our stay was cut WAY short by the hurricane, but I want to do a review anyway. I am severely disappointed that I had only just begun to relax and enjoy the Atlantic when we were told we would have to evacuate.

As mentioned by jottoson in his review, the valet service and check in were first class. With 4 of us in the car and MANY bags we really gave the valets and bellman a work out but they were up to it. They ushered us in and sat us down, brought us refreshing drinks and cold towels while the manager and a desk employee checked us in. The concierge also came by and offered her services.

We had booked 2 rooms, one for my mom and one for my wife and son and me. We were given a large corner suite (about 1200 square feet I believe) with 2 bathrooms, one with a large whirlpool tub, full kitchen, large entryway, living room/dining room area, long narrow balcony, etc. It was in the corner of the 6th floor, oceanfront. This suite was larger than our home, and much better appointed. The rate card in the closet said regular rate for this room was $1239/night. Kitchen had full size refrigerator, dishwasher, plenty of dishes for eating and cooking. Bathrooms were ABSURDLY luxurious. Really, I mean ridiculous. In the master bath, there was a shower room that was almost 50 square feet, all in marble, one shower at each end, and you could have put 10 people in there. The whirlpool tub was very nice and had a handheld shower as well. The hall bathroom had another large marble shower. Amenities were as befits a Luxury collection property, and the robes were superior--I bought one for my wife.

As a Starwood platinum since the program's inception, I have stayed in a lot of Starwood suites. None of them come close to this one. Really, it was just stunning.

Beautiful fresh flower arrangements in both rooms, amenities in both rooms, fresh orchids brought in with the turndown service the first night, superior turndown service each night with different amenities, clean towels, chocolates, liqueurs, etc.

We also got the adjoining room for my mom, which was a studio, a very nice room though it did not compare to the suite. The studio room had a microwave, two burner stove, and small fridge with mini bar type items and some room for your stuff. Very nice bath with separate shower and tub, but the tub was not super exceptional. This room was also oceanfront, with balcony, and it was a sort of an interior corner room, with a small window facing south, across the hotel and letting in more light. All the rooms were VERY well lit.

All the furniture was very nice and brand new of course. Surround stereo and DVD player in the living room of the suite. Good flat screen TV's of decent size, though nothing stunning there. High speed internet did not work very well and was overpriced at $14.95. It kept making me sign in over and over again and I found it much slower than the average Wayport or Turbonet services in Sheratons I am used to.

I thought the walk across the street to the beach would bug me, but it was fine. Light takes forever to change so we mostly dashed across against the light.

The pool area is nice, and the view of the ocean from the pool terrace is lovely. The pool is small and very shallow. The hot tub is tiny. At first we did not find it--it turned out to be in a corner just below our room. It is so small that if a couple were in it I would never attempt to join them. All 4 of us did get in, but it was very cramped. We never shared any of the pool facilities with anyone and the poolside restaurant was closed due to the weather blowing in. One night we went down to swim about 9PM and found it closed up an locked. The next day we saw that the pool and spa are only open dawn to dusk. That would be the biggest single drawback to this property for us that would reduce our likelihood to stay there again. We really wanted to go in the pool and hot tub at night, after our son was asleep.

A couple of other things that bugged me I share in hopes that the hotel may choose to correct them. The water pressure in the showers was terrible. But the tub filled really fast--water comes out like a fire hose. So I think they have restrictor plates in the showerheads (which are not Speakmans by the way, and seem inferior) which make the shower experience quite weak. Adding to this, the wait for hot water in the shower was the longest I have ever experienced. So long that one would have time to brush his teeth and read the front page of the paper before showering. I took to going in and turning it on, then coming back after a while to shower.

I think they could easily fix all my minor gripes (high speed internet provider, pool and spa hours, shower pressure and heat up time) and I'd give them a perfect scorecard. The people were all very well trained and helpful. My wife got a lot of help from the concierge, Ginny, and was very happy with her help. I only really interacted with the bellmen and valets and the desk staff at check in and check out. All were super. The bill I was given at check out had the rate that SPG reimburses the hotel at listed as a charge I was supposed to pay on one of the rooms. I asked for that to be taken off, and also requested that I not be charged for the few hours of internet access I had used that afternoon (we checked out at 8 PM in advance of the hurricane). They happily obliged and they also graciously removed charges for some phone calls my mom made to 800 numbers trying to get a flight out before the hurricane. Their phone charges are high so I never used the phone, and the cell service indoors was quite poor so if I had been doing business there I would have found it a challenge,

I am still waiting to see what will happen with refund of my points, some of which were just normal cat 4 award stay points, but I had also used a Cat 4 "Nights and Flights" for 5 nights. We were only able to stay 2 nights before the evacuation, and I am hoping that I get the remaining 3 nights on that award rather than just a refund of the remaining points.

We had planned don having a night out and dining in the restaurant but it did not happen. I love "Thai on the Beach" which is just about 2 blocks walk t the north of the hotel, above Primanti Brothers pizza, a 24 hour pizza place I really enjoy also. For me, staying in the most exquisite suite at a 5 star hotel but being a short walk away from very simple and affordable restaurants is a really great thing. With the kitchen in the suite at the Atlantic and restaurants like these, it really helps make a family vacation very enjoyable. A few blocks farther there is a Wild Oats and a Starbucks, so I did not have to go far at all to get the stuff that I like! I have used the Holiday Inn which is kind of run down but has wonderful meeting rooms on it's top floor for meetings in the past, so that is how I came to know the area and I was really happy with the location of the Atlantic.

I hope we can go back in better weather! I think this property is a real winner. They really do attentive service without being snooty, as I have experienced at St. Regis, etc. With the location, the absolutely incredible suites and the service, this hotel is on my short list of top Starwoods. I hope that they will recover from their hurricane losses and be a great success!

Thanks for such a detailed and insightful post! I'm scheduled to stay there in a couple of months (hopefully no more hurricanes), and your post really stirred my expectations. Can you tell me the kind of dress code in and around the property? I'll be going with my two (young) boys, and want to make sure we're not doing anything to diminish the property value :) or the enjoyment of other guests.
I'm only gold, so not expecting the kind of royal treatment you got. Still, really looking forward to it.
Thanks in advance!

Question - on the Starwood website for this hotel, there is a map that does not place it on the ocean, yet you indicated that you had a view of it. Was it from a distance, or is there actually a beach here?

Many thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed report. And thanks to Starwood/Luxury Collection for giving us another great place to use our points!

Steve

Can you tell me the kind of dress code in and around the property? I'll be going with my two (young) boys, and want to make sure we're not doing anything to diminish the property value :) or the enjoyment of other guests.


There were SO few people there it is hard to say. Though there were lots of people at the restaurant. The night we checked in there was some kind of function there which people were wearing outrageous dress for, funny costumes and stuff. We asked the staff what the event was and they said they had been trying to figure out but did not know. Anyway, we never saw any other kids and few people at all. Those we saw were mostly restaurant patrons not hotel guests I think and their dress was casual. Nothing different from any normal hotel--not at all like what you see at the Waldorf or St. Regis, etc.

I like the more casual dress myself. I was in Florida for a conference that my company put on and I had been presenting almost every day and having to dress up, so by the time I got to the Atlantic my dress up clothes were pretty rumpled and I was happy to dress down. We have a 3 year old who was dressed casually too. All the staff seemed to really enjoy him and I never felt judged for how we looked as I have at some places, like the Gritti Palace, but agin there really were no guests around so who knows if this is normal?

You do have to walk across a street and through the lobby ot the beach, so we wore bathrobes over swimsuits for that trek, and also to the pool.

Question - on the Starwood website for this hotel, there is a map that does not place it on the ocean, yet you indicated that you had a view of it. Was it from a distance, or is there actually a beach here?
Steve

Steve, I am glad you mention that. We were also thrown off at first by the Starwood website map (which is mistaken). I asked my concierge if it was ocean front, she assured me that it was, and I can assure you that it is. You just cross the highway (A1A) and you are on the sand. Maybe 150 feet from front of hotel to the waterline? All rooms are ocean view I think except maybe one room on some floors in back (with view of the intracoastal I would guess). Most rooms are direct frontal ocean view (called ocean front) but also there are some that have the view (and balcony) off side of the building and these will be listed as either North or South ocean view, with South probably being a bit preferable (less buildings in view and you can see the entrance to Port Everglades with cruise liners, cargo ships, etc. coming and going.

It best that all the rooms do have a view toward the ocean because the two properties on either side are charitably described as " awful dumps"

While have no disagreements with the description and service as listed by the OP, I for one am quite hesitatant in returning to this property until the surrounding area has improved considerably.
Especially since the hotel has absolutely no grounds other than that the hotel structure itself.
Therein lies my reservations as to the eventual success of this hotel. On the two ocasions I have been there ( both on weekends) its appears to have had a conspiciously low occupancy.

My thoughts converge on what is the point in staying at nice hotel and have the desire venture nowwhere else besides across the street to the beach. ( Where costs $25 to rent a chair and beach umbrella I might add since none are provided by the Atlantic)

mike

It best that all the rooms do have a view toward the ocean because the two properties on either side are charitably described as " awful dumps"


I actually feel quite differently about this than Mike does, though I mean no disrespect. I liked watching the way the sign on the Howard Johnson hotel kept having different letters blink on and off spelling different stuff. More seriously, when we arrived at the Atlantic we had just been almost a week at the Doral where my company staged a conference. I was sick and tired of seeing nothing but the Doral with it's high priced (and in my opinion lousy) restaurants. The catered conference food was very good, but I hated the 2 restaurants I tried. And I hated being in a resort with nothing but rich people and huge staffs of servants around, shops that had nothing I would ever want, etc.

The Atlantic is much more my style. I got a luxury suite to enjoy with my family, but at the beach I was just with normal folks. And I loved it that I could walk to a little convenience store that was family run and get a bottle of water and tub of ice cream late at night, rather than being stuck with room service. So everyone has his own different tastes, and the Atlantic totally appeals to me in part BECAUSE it has dumpy hotels next door. I hate Cancun and the syndrome that happens when there is nothing on a beach except fancy hotels. I would way rather look at a diverse neighborhood where luxury and the pursuits of ordinary folks commingle. My wife and I had various interesting converstaions about how hotels age, the way styles and tastes change, etc. that were stimulated by our surroundings at the Atlantic and I really enjoyed that.

Just my 2 cents, and anyone reading this who has a preference for a more sort of homogenous luxury may want to consider another hotel.

Look, homogueous luxury and all that is fine. The view towards the HI actually is better than south where the dilapidated hotel (San Tropez??) has dozens of old noisy window A/C units in full view of Atlantic's entrance in addition to huge sign painted on the building side " All rooms very day $39.00, free HBO etc"

I spoke to friend who invests in real-estate and owns two small motels in the area who states the the adjorning properties have been bought by speculators of Indian ( SE Asia nation) who had hopes of selling to SPG at a huge profit. Now the strategy appears to be force a sale by being an eyesore.

One other complaint I have about the Atlantic is the the restaurant Trinas (which I might add is surprisingly very good and not that expensive for dinner) is the same areas used for breakfast is so close to A1A that initially sitting on the patio, we had to relocate because we couldnt hear our server and ourselves talk this during a relative slow period. During the winter when that street is bumper to bumper I would hate to be around.
mike

Steffan,

In regards to the pool closing at night, it might have been because of the hurricane. I went in the hot tub last night around 2am, and the whole pool area was open. I know they always say not to go in at night, but the area was so peaceful late at night, so I would give them another try.

Steffan,

In regards to the pool closing at night, it might have been because of the hurricane. I went in the hot tub last night around 2am, and the whole pool area was open. I know they always say not to go in at night, but the area was so peaceful late at night, so I would give them another try.

Thanks for the tip. The sign on the wall by the hot tub says it's open dawn to dusk, but if they don't lock the doors to the pool area that would great. It was locked when we tried at night.

Has anybody stayed at The Atlantic? I will be in the Miami area at the end of the month and wonder what is the best choice. Also I am thinking about the Keys. It looks like the Westin Key Largo is now a Sheraton. That cannot be a good thing.
Yes, the Atlantic is a really nice hotel. If you will be in Miami, I would also suggest the Diplomat in Hollywood - incredible hotel, but no beach (I think there are plans for bringing in sand, but not sure where that stands now). It's a little bit closer of a drive from Miami, but they are both really nice hotels. ^

Perhaps this thread will be of help as well: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=358927

Starwood and the Atlantic have been so generous to us after our vacation was ruined by the hurricane. We were only able to stay 2 out of 5 nights, with the second day being largely taken up with preparation to evacuate, and they have replaced our entire 5 night award. My platinum concierge said they will allow me to pick another 5 night Cat 4 award and book it now.

I am deeply grateful as I really needed that vacation and it was a real bummer to have it ruined. We did pay dollars and points for the 2 nights that my mom stayed with us at the Atlantic. So I feel like the outcome is very fair and generous and I REALLY want to go back to the Atlantic. This is a classy property with obivously terrific management!

This is just another example, for me, of how far ahead of any other hotel chain Starwood is in terms of customer service. I accomplished all this by email, very easily, with my platinum concierge. Minutes after her email telling me that this was all set, I got another email from a client group letting me know they were signing the contract with a Sheraton I had suggested we move our upcoming meeting to, and the platinum concierge helped set that up. That gives Starwood an extra 25 room nights from that group and I am very happy to be able to lead as much business to Starwood as I can. I don't need to make more stays at Starwood this year for Platinum or anything but I will be stayng there anyway because I do genuinely feel loyal to Starwood and appreciate all they do for me.

Hi all,

I just booked some free weekend nights for Jan 28-31 at the The Atlantic in FLL as part of the 311 promotion.

I was told about the $12 Resort Fee, that was expected, no big problem.

I was also told about the $27 USD/day mandatory valet parking at the hotel, which was a little much for me.

Two questions:
1. Is a car necessary in this part of the country? we are only going to be there for the 3 days, and want to do a lot of beach and relaxing, weather permitting of course.

2. Any cheaper parking in the area around the hotel?


Also, the SPG CS booked me a 'Grand Deluxe - Ocean Front' room - was this an upgrade, or should I beg for more when I get there?
(I'm Plat and I don't mind begging ;)

if your coming into FLL the taxes on a car is around 33% of your bill. It seems they are opening an on airport building for the rentals so they want us to pay for it. My last 2 trips down this month I was able to avoid those taxes. !st time a friend picked me up and brought me back to Alamo at 10pm to pick up my car (I arrived at 11am) to save paying for an extra day, as a walk-in they didnt charge for airport fees. The 2nd time last week I booked a mid-size for pick-up at Thirtys off airport office, then took the Thrifty shuttle to their location by the airport.Went up to the counter and was told they didnt have my res when I showed it to them was told I booked at the other office, but no prob we'll take care of you here, no airport fees. 4 day mid-size off airport total $83, by the airport SAME car was $126. another way around this is to have them pick you up at your hotel say Airport Sheraton - you get there by taking the hotel shuttle and on the way call thrifty or whoever to pick you up , a bit of a hassle but worth it.
I dont know cab prices but if you plan to stay around the hotel, I wouldnt go for the car.

Will be there after Christmas. Any suggestions for/experiences with restaurants within walking distance of the hotel? Nothing dressy, though, since we're on vacation and will be traveling light.
Thanks in advance!

All Plats so far including myself has gotten an upgrade to the huge upper floor suites ( mine was on the top -14th floor) and all rooms face the ocean.
So unless the hotel is very full you will get an upgrade to this one of the nicests hotels in the SPG chain.
Note though some of the larger suites also privately owned and given to SPG guests when not in use so depending on the demand some availibilty might be limited.

Ok so you want to rent a car.
You will be staying there over the busy New Years period, and there is limited street parking ( not too much within a block of the hotel though)
About two/three blocks to the south on A1A there is some public parking, plus since the hotel is located at perhaps the most popular section of FL beach there the usual " empty lot parking entropeniors" :) where it will cost about $10/day.

mike

Will be there after Christmas. Any suggestions for/experiences with restaurants within walking distance of the hotel? Nothing dressy, though, since we're on vacation and will be traveling light.
Thanks in advance!

Within walking distance of the hotel there are no "great" restaurants at least as good as the hotel's restaurant, Trina. Am not sure if you get Starpoints though I did not get any points on a $350.00 bill ( dont get alarmed, this was for 5 diners :D )
Sent in a missing stays credit to SPG aalong with the request, others have posted but not the dining bill.

One place I would recommend about 4 short blocks to the south named Casablanca which has a " Spanish" oriented menu.

mike

Recently stayed here for 2 nights. The property and rooms are great but service is lacking, especially in the restaurant Trina.

used utensils from previous guest(?) left on room balcony
sticky substance on the floor in room
duplicate charges from food outlet on two occasions
charged for honor bar when I did not consume anything in the room.
consistently had to request that coffee be refilled at breakfast
dinner reservation for 9:00 but was not seated until 9:30
after being seated bread and drinks took 20 minutes to arrive at table
SPG points did not post to account correctly

I would stay here again, but lower my expectations. I figured that the hotel being under the luxury collection flag would be on par with a Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton. The Bellman, Bryan, was the only individual who stood out.

The property and rooms are great but service is lacking, especially in the restaurant Trina.

I would stay here again, but lower my expectations. I figured that the hotel being under the luxury collection flag would be on par with a Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton. The Bellman, Bryan, was the only individual who stood out.

nail, head. great property. average service. service at the restaurant is mediocre. i expect more from a luxury collection hotel. but, beautiful rooms and those beds....AHHHH.

i hesitate lowering expectations given the rates (and onerous extra fees) charged by the hotel, particularly given the properties that flank the hotel (howard johnson's, etc.).

2nd week at Atlantic in a row...as PLT, have been upgraded both weeks to Luxury Suite that is bigger than my condo...2 bathrooms, both with marble/glass showers. Shower in master bath is at least 8 x 8 with dual shower heads, bathroom also has separate whirlpool tub. Living room with couch, two chairs, dining area with table that seats 4, separate bar in kitchen with 2 stools, full fridge, oven/stove, microwave, etc. It's clear that these places have been set up to sell as condos (real estate office in lobby shows these suites going for $1M+), and they are awesome.

On restaurants near the hotel (not walking distance, but close), I would recommend Chima on Las Olas -Brazilian churriscaria, all you can eat steakhouse- and the restaurant at the Pier 66 Hyatt (can't remember the name, but it overlooks the intercoastal and has great food.)

Second day into my stay. So far it's been okay.
Room is great. Not quite the luxury suite that wrigleyville got, but as gold did get upgraded to a large two-room suite complete with kitchen, etc. Nicely furnished and yes, the bathroom is as large as some hotel rooms. So far so good.
Wirless internet signal is nonexistent in bedroom area, and that's where the desk is. So I can only do work online in the living room area.
Only one corded phone and it's in the bedroom. So, working on the computer in the living room, and trying to use the phone in the bedroom. :rolleyes:
Wanted a shower, but water takes 4 minutes to get warm. No kidding. Patience is a virtue, I suppose. Toiletteries is Gilchrist & Soames. Good brand, but personally I'd much prefer the good old Aveda at Ws or even that new Bliss stuff. But that's just a matter of personal choice.
Housekeeper did not replace coffee and tea after cleaning the room. Took TWO conversations with front desk before someone brought up the coffee and tea, and who acted as though he was doing me some big favor.
Bell staff good and friendly. Not so housekeeper. Wife came back to room from a walk, and housekeeper was cleaning the room. Absolutely unfriendly, even ignoring my wife's greeting (and guess who got the heat for that! :mad: ). Maid left without a word, not even a thanks or goodbye, after cleaning the room, despite the rather good-sized tip we had left on the table earlier in the day.
Trina good food. Like food quality a lot. But as other posters have mentioned, service is slow and subpar. Had to ask twice for bread, and still it waiter didn't bring the bread basket until half-way into my main course. Coffee or red wine stain, you know, the bottom of the glass/cup variety forming a nice round ring, on table cloth. No one but me seemed to have noticed. But really, the food was good.
So far, I'd say a 7 out of 10. I'm using points, so that doesn't hurt as much. If I were paying the kind of retail rates they are quoting, I think I'd be steaming mad.
Would I come back? Well, there aren't all that many quality hotels along the beach area (yet, but St Regis, W, and Hilton all coming), so if I come back to the area, I might stay here again. But certainly I'm not overly impressed.
Been to Trina and Casablanca as MIKESILV suggested. Casablanca is good as adviced. Look forward to Chima as wrigleyville suggested. Will see how that goes.
If I have anything else to report, will do so in subsequent post.

Completed our stay on the 31st, checking out at some ungodly hour in the morning.
Just a short addition to my previous post:
On second day of stay, housekeeper again did not refill coffee and tea supplies. Also, left no shampoo or soap or hand lotion in room. Again took repeated calls to front desk and even bell staff to finally get the items replenished.
Passed by another housekeeper on same floor, again initiated greetings, and again total blank stare and silence. :confused:
Decided that the way to not let the housekeeping staff spoil our vacation was to not let them in. So, we put the Privacy Please sign out for the remainder of our stay. Kept getting little notes under the door saying they couldn't come in to clean the room... We have less frustration, save the tip. ;)

On the water temperature. Subsequent days saw much improvement with regard to how long it took for the shower water to be warm. Don't know why. But, towards the end of our stay, it only took about a minute and a half. I can live with that, I guess. :rolleyes:

The staff at the pool were wonderful. Very helpful and attentive. Water and towels without asking. The lady at the pool bar was very very good also. ^

On day of checkout, I called downstairs (the button says bell staff or something like that) for a cab. The person didn't seem awake, but got us the cab. No offer to see if we need someone to help us with the luggage. Good thing my son is almost full grown. Video checkout didn't work. Went to front desk, no problem. But no question like "how was your stay" that kind of thing. Perhaps too early yet? I would have said something about the housekeeping, had he asked. Oh well. :rolleyes:

So, all in all, the stay was not bad. I guess in hindsight the thing that was really irritating was the housekeeping. I don't think there was much else that we would consider a real problem. Location is good. Service in general is good. Food is good. Housekeeping horrible. That's all, folks. HAPPY NEW YEAR. :)

january 1, 2005. i think the "resort fee" goes up today. as i listed in my trip report, i think the mandatory fee is up to $18 a day or something like that. enjoy. :rolleyes:

january 1, 2005. i think the "resort fee" goes up today. as i listed in my trip report, i think the mandatory fee is up to $18 a day or something like that. enjoy. :rolleyes:Just finishing a stay at this wonderful hotel -- easily the best in Florida -- and they have indeed changed the resort fee: zero for Platinums. At least that is what it was for me, without asking or mentioning it. Trina, their restaurant, is superb, with a carefully orchestrated menu and food quality that is world-class. Worth a trip to this hotel just to eat at Trina (and that is high praise in my book).

This seems to be a hotel specific policy: the Atlantic has decided to waive the resort fee. I didn't ask for clarification on whom it applies to, but the staff mentioned that almost everyone staying there last night was Platinum. The parking fee is still USD 27 though; however the restaurant prices are quite reasonable and the food is excellent. Mixed feelings whether you need a car at this property, nothing close but the beach however nothing within 10 miles that merits leaving the hotel (in my opinion and limited experience with Fort Lauderdale). Actually one restaurant might merit leaving the hotel (Canyon cafe next to the theatre, didn't eat there but it looked good).

that is a very good decision and changes my opinion of the hotel. i am very skeptical of resort fees anyway. a fee that is mandatory (ohter than tax) should be in the room rate, in my opinion.

given that most of the benefits included in the resort fee are free to platinums anyway, the resort fee at this property was neatly filed under my "nickel-and-dime" category which is so...ugly...for a "Luxury Collection" property.

Just finished a stay at The Atlantic (checked out Dec 31) -- Notwithstanding the crap weather in FLL (never again to Florida at Xmas when the objective is sun, beach and heat –you think one would learn... --) anyway The Atlantic all things considered is a great hotel though it may better be described as a well managed condominium rental situation (not that there’s anything wrong with that). It occurred to me that perhaps Starwood should consider re-branding this type of property as a member of “The Condo Collection” rather than The Luxury Collection.

Service, contrary to some other comments that have been posted, was consistently excellent from Bryan at the Bell desk to Merris in Housekeeping to Heidrun at the front desk and everyone in between. Housekeeping performed beyond our expectations in terms of attitude and execution. Check-in was efficient and pleasant and the various issues we had during our stay were handled promptly and courteously including follow up. The attitude of the staff was very good and clearly they were making every effort to please.

The big difference between this property and other LC properties that we have stayed at relates to the style of accommodations and the property itself. The rooms and suites are essentially units in a condominium building so instead of the 14 foot ceilings, elaborate tapestries, superb workmanship, high end furniture and fixtures, and grand public areas; it is 8 foot ceilings, furniture by Ethan Allen or the like, crown moldings from Home Depot and public areas that are quite plain if not cramped. (In other words features and appointments that are more typical of a modern condo project)

Of the 124 rooms and suites there are eight prime Lux suites that are situated on the tenth -14th floors with the 10th and 12th featuring extra wide terraces. We never saw the penthouses but I expect they would be extremely nice. Eight other Lux suites are located on the sixth to ninth floors; they are narrower (less frontage) and deeper than the ones above.

It’s a new property so we were not expecting perfection – issues with water pressure and hot water – not to mention the water’s disturbing yellow tint will surely all be resolved in time. One other comment relates to the Kitchens in the units – the Lux suites have fully equipped Kitchens with the other rooms and suites featuring Kitchenettes. The hotel has a bit of a challenge in that apparently most guests do not take advantage of the Kitchen feature however those that do use the Kitchens by definition create a whole new level of housekeeping requirements. I think the hotel would do well to recognize that, as just one stray dirty dish or a burnt pan can cast a pall on the otherwise excellent work housekeeping does. I suspect that a year from now the in-room kitchens will prove to be a big problem unless they assign a separate maintenance detail to handle everything from burnt pans to missing dishes, cutlery etc.

Final comment is that most of the units have already been sold however the individual owners can sign on with Starwood in a revenue sharing agreement (three different options) or choose to opt out which apparently 10 or 15 have done. The soon to open St. Regis in FLL will have only a limited number of suites for sale with the majority under the ownership of the developer.

In terms of restaurants – Casablanca-- food was good but the service sucked – best bet in my view would be Trina located in the hotel or Shulas at the Sheraton Trader.

Mixed feelings whether you need a car at this property, nothing close but the beach however nothing within 10 miles that merits leaving the hotel (in my opinion and limited experience with Fort Lauderdale). Actually one restaurant might merit leaving the hotel (Canyon cafe next to the theatre, didn't eat there but it looked good).

If you want to walk to the intercoastal side of Fort Lauderdale Beach you can catch the Water Taxi (closer to where the St. Regis is being built-to the right of the marina) and it will take you to River Front or where ever else.

We have two great greek restaurants right near the Atlantic. Taverna Opa which is a wild and crazy loud place that has fantastic food. If you want a quieter setting, Greek Islands is the place. Both of these are both a couple blocks north of the Atlantic at Oakland Park Blvd.

Max's at Beach Place is pretty good. Nice atmosphere. You can take the trolly from the Atlantic to Las Olas or close enough to grab a tuk tuk.

And yes Canyon is very good, small and sometimes a pain in the ... because they don't take reservations, but good. There are two very good Italian restaurants right near Canyon: Cafe Vico and Casa De Angelo.

Oh don't forget Capital Grill at the Galleria which is right around the corner also from the Atlantic.

I haven't been to Trina yet, but I've heard great things.

I used to live behind the Atlantic on the intracoastal side so if you want any other info on that area just ask.

Service, contrary to some other comments that have been posted, was consistently excellent from Bryan at the Bell desk to Merris in Housekeeping to Heidrun at the front desk and everyone in between. Housekeeping performed beyond our expectations in terms of attitude and execution.

I guess I was just unlucky or too picky. In any event, I agree with almost everything scavanger says, except mainly for the housekeeping part. Since it appears we were at the Atlantic at the same time, I wish I had Merris doing housekeeping too. :)

Trina was great food, as was Casablanca. We also went to Blue Moon Fish Company, and that was very nice.

The "Condo Collection"? :) That seems to be the way things are going now. Noticed a St. Regis residence thing going up, as well as a W residence going up nearby. Maybe soon it will all be condos...

Notwithstanding the crap weather in FLL

It’s a new property so we were not expecting perfection

The soon to open St. Regis in FLL will have only a limited number of suites for sale with the majority under the ownership of the developer.


1) yes, florida weather is lousy (sun-wise). there's no way around it. if you want sun, go elsewhere. having lived in the northeast the vast majority of my life and having vacationed in FL an unbelievable amount of time, i typically expect part of one day of a weekend trip to be nice. if i am there for a long weekend, i cross my fingers that i get a combined one day that is salvageable. i was in south beach for new year's eve a few years ago and it was in the 30s at night. i've been down twice this fall/winter and the weather s*cked both times.

2) the property ain't that new. it opened in june, i believe. some of the kinks i noticed should have been worked out during the "soft launch" (i believe) and were still evident seven months later. for instance, local calls are included in the resort fee. but, on the telephone information cards in the room, local calls were listed as $1 each (or thereabouts). when asked about this, heidrun told me that it was a slip up because the hotel was new. i can't believe i was the first person that pointed that out....in november. :confused:

3) once open, there will be a shocking number of starwood properties over a road that spans about three miles (atlantic, st. regis, W, and several sheratons). of course, nada in south beach. :confused: :rolleyes: :mad:

Just some observations and comments on recent posts regarding this property.
First off my stay there was in September and I was upgraded to one of the 14th floor suites which were very, very nice and during my stay I had no housekeeping issues so unable to comment there.

Regarding the "luxury condo" comment whether you like it or not you better get accustomed to this set up as it the wave of the future. The new Conrad in Miami has exactly the same owner/renter set up and I am willing to bet that will also be the same for the new W and St Regis.
Real estate is too expensive to have properties sit partially unoccupied for
seasonal visitors. For most of the rest of the year FL attracts mostly a younger less afluent crowd.


But it might interest you to know that its been in the 70 and 80s for the last week and will be so for another week.

mike

As far as the comical and almost stupid ( but then one has to consider at least one of the sources :) ) " FL weather sucks" as compared to what?
Toronto? South Texas or Southern California where it snowed?
If you want tropical weather over Xmas go visit Barbados. FYI Xmas has always been or seemed to be the hieght of the winter in FL ( plus some of us who actually live here DO look forward to the cool weather :)

But it might interest you to know that its been in the 70 and 80s for the last week and will be so for another week.

not sure who you were referring to when making the disparaging remarks, but i will take the higher road and just discuss your point on the weather.

when discussing the weather, point well taken. yes, it can be warm. i guess to clarify, when i go south for the holiday, my main goal is to lay on the beach, put on my iPod, and veg. when it is cloudy, rainy and 70s/80s, i end up doing activity instead of sleeping and relaxing...things like going to the mall, etc. so, sure it's nice to be wearing shorts, but i prefer sun. that was what i was referring to.

edited to add: in reviewing my original post on the weather, i think i was quite clear actually. i said: "if you want sun..." i also said, the last two times i was down there it s*cked. sure there are nice days. i just didn't experience them the last two times i was down there when it rained and was cloudy both times.

Service, contrary to some other comments that have been posted, was consistently excellent from Bryan at the Bell desk to Merris in Housekeeping to Heidrun at the front desk and everyone in between. Housekeeping performed beyond our expectations in terms of attitude and execution. Check-in was efficient and pleasant and the various issues we had during our stay were handled promptly and courteously including follow up. The attitude of the staff was very good and clearly they were making every effort to please.
Based on the volume of complaints, myself included, concerning service and housekeeping I would say your good fortune was a an exception rather than the rule. I too thought Bryan stood out and noted that in my review. However, buyer beware....For the price of a room night I would expect higher standards than "great attitudes and making every effort to please". Service, whether in the room or at the restaurant, should be seamless.

...As far as the comical and almost stupid ( but then one has to consider at least one of the sources :) ) " FL weather sucks" as compared to what?
Toronto? South Texas or Southern California where it snowed?
If you want tropical weather over Xmas go visit Barbados. FYI Xmas has always been or seemed to be the hieght of the winter in FL ( plus some of us who actually live here DO look forward to the cool weather :)

But it might interest you to know that its been in the 70 and 80s for the last week and will be so for another week.

mike

QUOTE=MIKESILV

I used the word “crap” weather – which of course is a relative term. Compared to the frozen North, day after day (Dec 26-31) FLA weather of temps in the sixties & seventies, constant cloud and 20-40mph ENE winds is not “crap” but its not exactly the weather that one hopes for; and when your dropping a few grand for an Xmas getaway that does kind of "suck". I completely agree that it was “stupid” choosing Florida at this time of year given that our objective was sun, beach and heat – in fact its almost comical as I should have known better from experience. I’ve already started saving my pennies for the much anticipated 2007 opening of the St. Regis in Anguilla – until then its back to Mexico and the Southern Caribbean.

Based on the volume of complaints, myself included, concerning service and housekeeping I would say your good fortune was a an exception rather than the rule. I too thought Bryan stood out and noted that in my review. However, buyer beware....For the price of a room night I would expect higher standards than "great attitudes and making every effort to please". Service, whether in the room or at the restaurant, should be seamless.

QUOTE=lanemckenna

Points well taken and maybe we were fortunate -- I have also read a number of very favorable reviews on this property so perhaps the challenge the Atlantic has relates to consistency -- and for the $$$ they are charging I agree one should expect very high standards all of the time. I had asked on check-out if they had a comment card and the answer was that they do not which was kind of a surprise as that could and should be a huge soruce of learing for management.

and for the $$$ they are charging I agree one should expect very high standards all of the time.

I had asked on check-out if they had a comment card and the answer was that they do not which was kind of a surprise as that could and should be a huge soruce of learing for management.

1) particularly for the area they are located, the rates are very high. i know my window overlooked the spacious howard johnson's pool.

2) it is surprising that such a "new" hotel wouldn't be soliciting comments. :rolleyes:

Condo Collection does some up this hotel brilliantly. The style of the hotel suits Florida quite well, and it is excellent at that, but low-end Luxury Collection. Most of the staff think they are high-end LC, and don't really know the difference. The construction is shoddy high-end, both in workmanship and choice of materials. But the same can be said of most Four Season hotels, for example, or even the Peninsula hotels in the US. Instead of a nice lobby the Atlantic has a nice pool and spa; that's the kind of place that it is. For FL it is a good choice and by having a great restaurant in Trina it has exceeded my expectations for it. I'll be back when the weather is warmer; meanwhile the hotel is improving as well as striving to improve (and listens to guests, despite not having a comment form).

Condo collection is very informative. Sounds like to my taste, I'll prefer the Diplomat (which I love, except for the fact that the beach is gone).

I know there are quite a few posts about both hotels...but none really comparing the two (at least recently). Could anyone that has stayed at both comment please? I'm hoping to stay at one later this month and need help! I know that The Atlantic has a lot of recent posts, but I guess there are a few things I'm specifically trying to compare between the two hotels:

1) Are resort fees waived at either place for platinums? I called the Atlantic (because there have been recent posts saying it was waived), but they said it is charged to everyone...

2) Does either hotel have a club lounge (and/or breakfast coupons) for plats?

3) How does the beach compare between the two hotels?

4) Which hotel upgrades better, and is in better shape, overall?

5) Which area is better? (Are there restaurants...etc. nearby both hotels?)

6) What are the parking options?


Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate your help! :D

I know there are quite a few posts about both hotels...but none really comparing the two (at least recently). Could anyone that has stayed at both comment please? I'm hoping to stay at one later this month and need help! I know that The Atlantic has a lot of recent posts, but I guess there are a few things I'm specifically trying to compare between the two hotels:

1) Are resort fees waived at either place for platinums? I called the Atlantic (because there have been recent posts saying it was waived), but they said it is charged to everyone...

2) Does either hotel have a club lounge (and/or breakfast coupons) for plats?

3) How does the beach compare between the two hotels?

4) Which hotel upgrades better, and is in better shape, overall?

5) Which area is better? (Are there restaurants...etc. nearby both hotels?)

6) What are the parking options?


Thanks a lot guys, I really appreciate your help! :D
I have never stayed at the Sheraton but can answer a few of the questions for you

1). I've read the recent posts too concerning the waiving of the resort fee. I think it's hit or miss. I recently stayed at the Atlantic on an awards stay and they did not charge me a resort fee, the only thing I left happy with, and I am only a lowly SPG Gold member.

4). I cannot speak for the shape of the Sheraton, but the Atlantic is relatively new. The property itself is great.

5). No good restaurants in the immediate area of Atlantic. Some individual's have mentioned Shula's at the Yankee Trader (block away) as the exception. Trina, the Atlantic's food outlet, has a lot of potential but service is sub par. Food is excellent.

6) No parking options at the Atlantic without going out of your way. Expect to pay $27/day with in/out privileges.

These are really different category hotels; the Atlantic is one star higher. It is also much smaller, quieter, luxurious, and not deluged with kids, while Bal Harbour has a bigger pool (but crowded!) and is across the street from an excellent and expensive shopping mall. The Atlantic is across from the beach, and much quieter. Room, spa, restaurant are all much better. Also Atlantic was built to be condos so the rooms are more like a residence than a hotel room and include a full kitchen (which no-one uses, at least in my room the pots had never been used desptite being open for 6 months). Their restaurant Trina has some of the best food in Florida (try the grouper) and I found service to be excellent ... others have complained about bad service, but it seemed to be good at all the tables when I was there over new year's. Otherwise you need a car to go anywhere unless you are willing to walk half a mile to some good restaurants. But Trina has a well chosen menu and it is possible to eat there every day without being bored, and the prices are very low for the quality. Its the Trinatinis that are expensive ($12 but taste great).

I guess I was one of those who were not entirely thrilled by the Atlantic. Not to say it was not a wonderful stay, just that maybe I expected too much. (In fact my main problem was with housekeeping, but that's another story). But really, the Atlantic is, as number_6 said, VERY NICE!!!! And Trina is a superb restaurant. The food is great. I'd also suggest Casablanca nearby (walking distance).
moulder3 asked about upgrades and resort fees. I stayed using points, and I am just a lowly gold. But we got upgraded to a suite, AND they did not charge us the resort fee or a fee for the use of the high speed internet. ^ ^

Thanks for your comments guys, I really appreciate them. Ok, so now it's sounding like my choice should be between The Westin Diplomat vs. Sheraton Bal Harbour. Any thoughts there? Thanks again for everyone's help!

Thought I would try and revive this thread to get some more info.. I've searched and can't find it anywhere...

I am staying at the Atlantic this weekend on award nights (which might I add, I'm super excited about) and was wondering if I could get some imput on a few areas...

1. Spa... How would you rate it? Is it worth it, and whats a cost estimate?

2. Rental car.. Is it worth getting a car or should I just use a taxi?

Also, if you have any favorite things to do in Fort Lauderdale (its me and my girlfriend) that you might recommend, I would appreciate it! Thanks for the help.

Thought I would try and revive this thread to get some more info.. I've searched and can't find it anywhere...

I am staying at the Atlantic this weekend on award nights (which might I add, I'm super excited about) and was wondering if I could get some imput on a few areas...

1. Spa... How would you rate it? Is it worth it, and whats a cost estimate?

2. Rental car.. Is it worth getting a car or should I just use a taxi?

Also, if you have any favorite things to do in Fort Lauderdale (its me and my girlfriend) that you might recommend, I would appreciate it! Thanks for the help.

thank you for doing a search and posing your queries in the most applicable thread. bravo.

when i was there, i didn't use the spa but it looked as though it was run by an outside company. it wasn't called the "Atlantic Spa." it had a different name. i dont know if services can be billed to the room and, if so, points are accrued. the spa is directly across from the small but nice gym.

i would rent a car. car rentals from FLL are very inexpensive, particularly if you pricline or hotwire the reservation. parking at the atlantic is another story, however. not cheap.

To build on comments from reply just previous:


when i was there, i didn't use the spa but it looked as though it was run by an outside company. it wasn't called the "Atlantic Spa." it had a different name. i dont know if services can be billed to the room and, if so, points are accrued. the spa is directly across from the small but nice gym.


Services from the spa can be billed to the room but, from what I have been told, spa services are never applicable for earning starpoints during a stay b/c they are not F&B, in-room movie, or telephone so, like parking and retail shop purchases, they are ineligible. True?



i would rent a car. car rentals from FLL are very inexpensive, particularly if you pricline or hotwire the reservation. parking at the atlantic is another story, however. not cheap.

Yes, $28/day I believe -- probably more than you'd pay for a car rental. I guess it depends on how long you're staying and what you want to get out of your stay. When I'm on vacation I like to avoid the hassle of driving if I can. The Atlantic has the beach accross the road, a cool bar downstairs, a strip of little restaurants and shops down the road (nothing all that nice and upscale, but certainly a place to buy sunblock, have breakfast, etc.) There is a pretty good restaurant called Casblanca Cafe a few blocks down that others have mentioned in this forum. Plus some have mentioned that a water taxi is nearby for access to more restaurants, etc. The hotel is pretty accessible from the airport via taxi, I would imagine. For me it would be a no-brainer for the taxi, but that's just me! :)

Yes, $28/day I believe -- probably more than you'd pay for a car rental. I guess it depends on how long you're staying and what you want to get out of your stay. When I'm on vacation I like to avoid the hassle of driving if I can. The Atlantic has the beach accross the road, a cool bar downstairs, a strip of little restaurants and shops down the road (nothing all that nice and upscale, but certainly a place to buy sunblock, have breakfast, etc.) There is a pretty good restaurant called Casblanca Cafe a few blocks down that others have mentioned in this forum. Plus some have mentioned that a water taxi is nearby for access to more restaurants, etc. The hotel is pretty accessible from the airport via taxi, I would imagine. For me it would be a no-brainer for the taxi, but that's just me! :)

good points. for me, it would depend on the weather. if its lousy, which south florida winter weather can be, i would need a car lest i go insane (or more insane). if the weather is nice, which i've found to be the exception and not the rule in south florida, i wouldn't need the car. i will happily stay at the beach morning, noon and night listening to my iPod and radio and reading the NY Times. ;)

Just returned from a weekend stay (used my free nights from the stay 5 promo).
I would NOT recommend staying here at their published rates. Points, Free Nights, or Heavy Discount is fine.
The mens' and women's areas have saunas (dry and wet) and a jacuzzi. Gym is above average for a hotel. I cannot comment on Spa Procedures and Therapies.

Trina was excellent for lunch. I would suggest a reservation for dinner. It was packed on a Sat eve and a hotel guest had a 45 minute wait. Another excellent dinner choice is Catalina (Cuban) and Blue Moon Waterfront cafe (Seafood).

There is nothing substantial around the area. A car or heavy reliance on taxi are needed. FLL-hotel taxi is about $16, if the drawbridge stays down!

Many minor problems for my stay
1. I was given a handicapped room and the staff were reluctant to move me.
2. Internet access was spotty entire time and the hotel staff seemed indifferent "use the business center instead."
3. Shined shoes were never re-delivered in the AM (I found them sitting on the bell desk), and the bellman and I couldn't tell if they had even been shined.
4. Access to Trina was difficult as noted above.
5. Parking is expensive (despite it being their own garage) and taxis are not plentiful in the area. Call the bell desk before you leave your room to have them call one.
6. Construction on the South Side of the Building (bulldozers at 7am). Avoid rooms 913-916 I believe.
Pluses
1. Above average room size,space, and appointments. Excellent hot water/pressure for me. Junior suite had DVD player with Bose speakers. Although in both rooms I saw the bedroom area is fairly small, the bathrooms are enormous and well-appointed.
2. Very nice views.
3. Very friendly/conversant staff.
4. Per the front desk manager: Resort fee waived if you are on an award stay.
5. Re-read the OP. Ginny is indeed an excellent concierge and an invaluable resource.

Thanks everyone for the excellent info.. PHLbuddy, sorry to hear about the negative experiences.. but as long as I'm not paying I'll be alright! It looks like I'll go with the taxi, I still have a very bad taste in my mouth from last weekend when I paid $45/night for parking at the W San Francisco. Unfortunately, it looks like the three days that I'm going to be there is the coldest it has been in the last month! (highs in mid 60s) Guess that means more time in the room, can't complain about that! I'll let everyone know how the trip went when I get back. Thanks again.

...I would NOT recommend staying here at their published rates. Points, Free Nights, or Heavy Discount is fine.

I just completed a stay and must say that my recent experience was just the opposite of yours, with the exception that the $27 a day to park is ridiculous and a $12.99 movie wound up being $17 with taxes. No problems with internet access. I found the gym to be exceptional and was never crowded. We didn't use the spa services.

If I could quit work today, I would go ahead and buy in and move.

I was upgraded to a full suite that was at least 800 square feet. Huge terrace facing the Atlantic. It was by far the best room upgrade ever received by this Platinum guest, rivaled only by the the Westin Excelsior in Florence.

Fresh flowers (orchids, bromeliads, bird of paradise, arrangements were gorgeous.) Full kitchen, Bose sound system in living room and bedroom. Jacuzzi tub, Separate glass shower, two separate vanities. Toiletries were Gilchrist and Soames - seemed very nice - great assortment of stuff from loofah to bath salts.

Trina's room service was awfully expensive but very good.

I'm a bit surprised with only 124 rooms that the hotel is as busy as it seemed at times. I must say that when I checked out on Sunday that I have never seen so many Platinum (with a few Golds scattered in) folders sitting ready for arriving guests. I hope that was for more than just the guests arriving that day.

a $12.99 movie wound up being $17 with taxes. No problems with internet access.

as i noted in other threads, i don't think i ever felt so nickeled-and-dimed than over my stay at this property. it's so tacky for a Luxury Collection property, no? :rolleyes: :td:

as i noted in other threads, i don't think i ever felt so nickeled-and-dimed than over my stay at this property. it's so tacky for a Luxury Collection property, no? :rolleyes: :td:

Unfortunately, I think that this is normally the case for almost all hotels these days. They charge it because they can. I don't find the charges at the Atlantic to be out of the ordinary.

We just stayed on a weekend award stay - nice upgrade to 1 bedroom - side ocean facing.

Very nice hotel but my husband and I still prefer the Westin Diplomat - although we haven't been there since it lost it's beach.

Too bad the FT search is disabled. The Google based FT search might yield some help.

I stayed there in mid January of this year, and my oh my, you will not be dissapointed. One of the best properties I've stayed at -- the upgrade that I received was more than I had even expected. The view of the ocean is really nice, but the location not the most ideal. The in-house restaurant also offers really good fare. Many have posted here on the SPG forum that they were really impressed with the Atlantic. I can't remember reading anything negative here about them, but I have read a few negative comments about them on other websites dealing with hotels.
There is an outdoor mall (Beach Plaza) about a 10-15 minute walk down the road. Other than that, you'll need a car or taxi to get to other places.

This is a very nice hotel and we were upgraded to a suite as a Platinum. The service is great and the rooms are comfortable.

If you get a rental car, I'd recommend calling Enterprise on Sunrise Blvd on the weekends as they have $19.99 rate per day and will pick you up at the hotel. There is some on the street parking just one block down and you can avoid the hotel garage parking fees (I think that this is $21 per day).

My family liked walking around the area although I agree that therie s nothing too glamorous about this section of Ft. Lauderdale. The Italian restaurant, (I think that that it is called Frank and Vinnys) on Sunrise, about three blocks away is fun and fairly priced.

This is indeed a very nice place. The location is not the best but wait a couple of years and that will change.

Everything about this place is first class: the service, rooms, restaurant, gym and the spa. You will enjoy your stay.

I cannot wait until they open the W and St. Regis down the street from Atlantic!

cdfev,

could you please be alittle specific about where the on street parking is. All I ever found was either meters or a 10 min walk heading North free street parking But No parking Overnight allowed. also the few streets around the hotel have no parking signs except if you have a residents permit.

One block south....there is an area big enough for about 6 cars...this is just past the metered parking (on the same street) where there is a chain fence around the building that is undergoing construction...there are no signs prohibiting parking and we did this three nights in a row without any problems... we were joined by 6-7 other vehicles. You just have to walk one block north to The Atlantic. Not too glamorous but it saves about $60-70 for a three night stay.

We will be staying at The Atlantic next week. I was wondering how the beach there is and if the hotel provides any umbrellas or cabanas? Also, can you drink alcoholic beverages on the beach?

The beach is just across the street. Nice long stretch of beach. No umbrellas from the hotel. You get them on the beach, and some guy on a bike comes by and collects money from you. I assumed he was legit :)
Don't drink, so I can't comment on alcohol beverages.

This is the street that intersects AIA one block south of The Atlantic. If you head south, take a right at the first street. The first 50 yards or so are metered but there are no meters and no signs prohibiting parking after that, all the way to the stop sign (about 100 yards in length). As I said, there is construction going on and there is a chain link fence to park along the street.

Wish I had known about those free parking spots before I stayed there this past Friday. I didn't want to pay the outrageous parking fee at the hotel, so I parked on the street and promptly received a ticket right after my meter expired. Oh well!

I had reserved a king non-smoking and called around noon the day of my check-in to see what time my room would be ready. I was told that I could arrive at 2:30 or 3:00 and my room would be available at that time. When I arrived at 4:30, my room was not ready for check in and I waited until they could do their final room inspection before making up my room keys. When I eventually went up to the room, I was given a room with two double beds which overlooked the pool and restaurant area (I believe I saw people eating at some tables) along with a small view of the ocean. Since the room did not have my king bed as promised, I returned to the front desk and to my surprise, was offered an upgrade to a full suite (albeit without an ocean view).

The several pictures I took of my suite hardly do it justice, it was incredible! I will elaborate further on the room in a subsequent post. Enjoy your stay at the Atlantic!

My wife and I just spent two days at The Atlantic and were very impressed.

We haven't spent much time in the Fort Lauderdale area before and so didn't know what to expect from a "Luxury Collection" in that location.

It is a busy area and the nearby hotels (Holiday Inn) aren't very confidence inspiring. But once you locate the hotel (main entrance is on the side) and walk into the lobby, things are very different.

The staff was very friendly and we were brought fresh hot towels and some drinks as we checked in. We were using a combination of free nights and points but were still upgraded to a very nice suite without asking.

Our room was in the corner on the 9th floor overlooking the beach. Nice view of the water with our own balcony - though the traffic on the street (and the yelling kids) can be loud. Once you close your balcony doors, the room is quite well insulated from a sound perspective. We had a kitchen with dishwasher and fully loaded with other useful items.

Bathroom was enormous with a nice jacuzzi. Probably bigger that some rooms I've stayed at before.

The gym and spa is on the 5th floor with a heated pool (very shallow and fairly small). They serve food and drinks poolside but the service was fairly slow and disorganized. Only complaint during our two days.

Main restaurant is on the first floor but we did not go there as we wanted to try other locations nearby.

Beach in front of the hotel was very crowded with what appeared to be college students. Not very inviting and by the end of the day, littered with garbage (beer cans, cups, etc.).

Not much to do nearby within walking distance. Interestingly, there's a Sheraton down the street that looked a bit old from the outside. They are building a W and a St. Regis on the same major road.

Not sure how much of the positive experience was due to the luxury suite upgrade but this is a very nice hotel overall. The appear to be selling condo units in the hotel and that may be why some have kitchens and other related amenities.

We also just returned from a stay last week at the Atlantic.

I used points to "pay" for an upgraded room. When we checked in we were given a two room suite with two full marble baths. Full granite kitchen. One shower was 10' x 6'. The upgrade was a surpise because I am no longer even a Gold member.

Maid service rather spotty as some days our old newspapers and trash were not removed. We even left a tip every day!

The hotel was very sleek. It was similar to a W without all the bad dance music. Staff was friendly, although the parking fee and hassle of calling for the car all the time was a downer.

It's hard to say whether or not I would stay here again. As Ft. Lauderdale is in a down cycle as far as entertainment and restaurants, I probably won't go back until all the new hotels are built and there are places to choose to eat on the beach. Other than this hotel, currently everything is rather old. Beach Place and Las Olas Riverwalk areas were once nice entertainment/eating venues. Now I'm not sure even the college kids want to go there.

I stayed at the Atlantic in January and was given a one bedroom suite. The balcony did not face forward but to the right of the hotel. I asked if they wouldn't mind letting me see the 2 bedroom suite and I was impressed with the size and the huge balcony facing the beach/ocean. Nice upgrade, Milemonkey.

I had heard that the maid service was questionable before I arrived but I had no issues whatsoever.

The healthclub area is not very big but I thought it was sufficient since hardly anyone was ever there. I used the pool only once since it was a bit cold in January but the pool was heated.

I agree that there isn't much to do in the area but there is a ton of new hotels/condominiums being built. The staff told me that Trump is building right next door to the Atlantic.

Other than a slight issue with housekeeping, my stay was pretty fantastic. It was on the free weekends promo and I got u/g'd to a corner suite on the 9th floor. The bathroom was insanely huge. My jaw drops to the floor everytime I think about the room I got. They even have BOSE subwoofers to add to the soundsystem... the most interesting part of my stay was the guy in the room next door (I had a connecting door to the next room over) was getting it on with a girl named "Laura"... I think it was about ten good minutes of moaning that got louder and louder... and then... well, you know what happens :D

I stayed at the Atlantic for two nights about two weeks ago. This is an absolutely fantastic hotel...deserving of its 5 star status.

I was upgraded (as a Plat) to a corner suite with a large bedroom, kitchen, sitting room and two bathrooms. The master bath had a jacuzzi and shower for two. This was the most amazing room in which I've ever stayed. The staff was also top notch, adding to the experience.

FlyAAlot

Stayed at this hotel for 2 nites in mid March. I was upgraded to the 14 th floor, above me is the Penthouse Suite. The room faced the ocean and was fabulous. Gigantic bathroom, extremely soft - silk like bed sheets. I don't usually sleep in the buff but I did here. The rack rate for that room was $1000 USD but I was on a free weekend earned from past promo. This was a steal as it is still Category 4 but I was told that it will go up to Cat 5 or 6 soon. The clientele was a bit snooty, but I didn't pay much attention to them. I found a cigarette butt on my balcony chair (burned a hole) and a half-eaten fruit. It must have came from the Penthouse above. The manager came to look but that was about all she did. If anyone is considering spending 7000 pts at the Sheraton Yankee Clipper or Trader, fork over an extra 3000 pts to stay at this place. It is worth it. The valet parking was $27, quite steep. But you cannot find parking anywhere close by.

I just returned today from two nights using points. What a beautiful property. I was upgraded to room 601 which is one of the corner 1-bedroom luxury suites. As stated before, what a decadent shower (i.e. 6 X 9). The bed was wonderfully comfortable and you could leave both the sliding doors in the living room and bedroom open and just take in the light ocean breeze - very romantic, incredibly soothing views.

The hotel is on the A1A (the main drag in Ft. Lauderdale), but when the sliding door is closed, it is remarkably quiet. It is interesting that you cannot even see the A1A from the rooms, as they have designed the hotel so that there are only views of the beach/ocean.

The restaurant, Trina's, is wonderful. The staff (valet, bell, desk, concierge) were non-pretentious. The pool area was great for adults, and although there were a couple of kids it was more of an adult pool. The pool is not very large, but the pool area with the restaurant is nice, but again, not very big. It has a boutique hotel feeling.

I didn't find it difficult to take a $5 cab ride to any other great restaurants in the area, or simply walk 10 - 15 minutes to some great places for breakfast. Actually, the there are a couple of restaurants within 2 blocks.

I hope to return to this property.

What does that mean. @:-)
that the bar is stocked and I can empty it daily FOC? ^
or that there is a bar and it is very expensive?

I have never seen that in a hotel room description before :(

Having stayed at this property there is no " minibar" but a full sized refrigerator in the kitchen area plus a " refreshment area" with various wines, liquor etc etc
All the accomodations are full sized suites with a complete kitchen along with separate dining and living room areas.
I believe you can request the refrigerator ( and the "refreshment area") to be fully stocked before your arrival.

mike

I am a Starwood Preferred Guest newbie (Canadian) and am in the process of accumulating 10,000 points via an MBNA Mastercard application for both my husband and myself.

At the end of January 2006 we are leaving on a cruise and I want to use my 10,000 points to book a room at The Atlantic in Ft. Lauderdale. What do you think my chances are? Are there only a few rooms set aside for spg points? Am I booking far enough in advance that my chances are good? If I had to cancel for some reason would I get my points back? Thanks for any info you can provide.

The Atlantic is a great hotel and quite small (maybe 100 rooms; half the building is timeshare and not available as hotel rooms), so there is considerable demand for it and I'm sure it sells out on certain dates. Esp. as it is so good and will get lots of repeat business. Presumably you are tied to one specific date with no flexibility, which really limits the chances -- best to book as early as you can. But it is worth it, probably the best hotel in Florida and the best hotel restaurant; the only negatives are being across the road from the beach (no choice about that, no hotels allowed on the beach there) and the location is a bit dodgy but improving.

Glad to see so many positive reviews of The Atlantic. We're staying there for 2 nights to celebrate my 50th birthday on 2nd December and we've booked a high floor Grand Deluxe Ocean front room with the Luxury Romance package. It's costing $859 for the two nights, which is somewhat indulgent, but by the sounds of all your reviews it will be worth it. Hoping that we might get lucky and get upgraded to a suite - they sound amazing. Sue

Have a six day award stay coming up around President's day weekend for a Grande Deluxe room on a low floor at 12k per night. I could have a high floor at 13.5k per night. Is it worth the extra points? Of course I'll be hoping for an upgrade to one of the apparently amazing two room and/or corner suites :cool: but that's always less likely on a six night stay in peak season.

Have a six day award stay coming up around President's day weekend for a Grande Deluxe room on a low floor at 12k per night. I could have a high floor at 13.5k per night. Is it worth the extra points? Of course I'll be hoping for an upgrade to one of the apparently amazing two room and/or corner suites :cool: but that's always less likely on a six night stay in peak season.

A high floor facing the ocean is very nice indeed. I spent a few days there on my honeymoon and was u/g to a corner suite on a high floor. But that was last Sept, right after the series of hurricaines and Ft. Lauderdale was dead.

I would definately do the high floor if that means you'll have a better view of the ocean.

So long as you are Oceanview, you will be fine. The building isn't that tall, and there are no other buildings to obstruct your view. Frankly, I wouldn't splurge on the points.
This is old advice, but even if they can't upgrade you the entire stay, ask them about the weekend or something. They may be willing to do this.

I agree - I wouldn't splurge on additional points just based on high floor/low floor. As long as you're oceanfront, it doesn't matter - high or low.

I've never stayed in the rooms that only have views from the side balconies.

We just returned yesterday from a three night stay in a one bedroom suite. We were on the 10th floor (SE side of the building), with a partial ocean view. (Once the the Trump building is up I'm not sure how much ocean you'll get with your view.) My only caution about the ocean front rooms is that they may be a bit noisy, you're directly above A1A and the pool area. The soundproofing is pretty good, but street noise and the pool side music did penetrate the room.

We really enjoyed The Atlantic and plan to return. As Ft'ers have noted in other threads on the property housekeeping was spotty, average at best.

We just completed a two night stay at this place - far and away the best Starwood experience I've had. I had booked a city view low floor suite at 11,500 points a night before it was recategorized, and they upgraded us to an ocean view corner suite on the 10th floor. Great bathrooms as described above, and the valet even remembered we couldn't figure out how to open the trunk on our rental car. The full kitchen w/tableware was great, as we ended up bringing two meals back to the room and eating them. The only bad part was that we were only there like 32 hours, so we didn't have a chance to try the restaurant or room service.

We were just there for one night a couple of weeks ago, pre-cruise. I used 10k points for a "Deluxe Ocean View, Low Floor" and got upgraded to a higher floor, but it was just a room. I have long legs, Hubs doesn't, and neither of us could get comfortable in the one chair (other than the desk chair) that was in the room. I had to sit on the bed to read/watch tv, and that was uncomfortable, too. Oh well, I was going to lose the points because I couldn't manage to book another "paid" SPG room in the near future. I am Gold only because of Amex Platinum.

The staff was great. The restaurant staff was fun; the meals were okay but extremely expensive (our opinion).

The staff was great. The restaurant staff was fun; the meals were okay but extremely expensive (our opinion).I wonder if the restaurant prices have been increased? I was there a year ago, and thought the restaurant was a bargain for its quality level, and half the price of the same meal in NYC (the restaurant is basically a Manhattan transplant and it shows, owners/senior staff are ex-NYC). I forget the pricing but it was circa USD 50 for a meal (drinks were expensive though, about USD 10 apiece, as was the wine list; I reckoned food was a loss leader for the liquor).

We ate a late lunch and breakfast.

For lunch we each had a salad, I had a "Mahi BLT" and Hubs had grilled grouper, we both had iced tea. It was $75, give or take a couple of dollars.

For breakfast, he had berries, I had some fruit and we both had a toasted bagel and coffee. That was $37.

We don't go to NYC, so I don't know about price comparison there, but I thought it was pretty high.

The main waiter during breakfast said he had worked on cruise ships for a lot of years (we were chatting and told him our cruise plans).

We ate a late lunch and breakfast.

For lunch we each had a salad, I had a "Mahi BLT" and Hubs had grilled grouper, we both had iced tea. It was $75, give or take a couple of dollars.

For breakfast, he had berries, I had some fruit and we both had a toasted bagel and coffee. That was $37.

We don't go to NYC, so I don't know about price comparison there, but I thought it was pretty high.

:eek: I'm with you!

Personally, I enjoyed Pollo Tropical (http://www.pollotropical.com/) down the street.

Maid service rather spotty as some days our old newspapers ... were not removed.
Forgive me replying to an old post, but I will just pick up on this. I would rather maids did not automatically assume all newsprint in a hotel room was heading for the trash.

I work in newspapers; I read lots of them and often need to keep them. When I'm finished with them, I recycle or put them in the trash can. One time a maid threw out a neat pile of newspapers that had been sitting on the work desk in my room next to other A4 documents; the hotel was soon made aware of the important distinction between personal items and trash (if in doubt, trash goes in the trash can) and the room service manager spent the next hour rummaging in a dumpster :)

We ate a late lunch and breakfast.

For lunch we each had a salad, I had a "Mahi BLT" and Hubs had grilled grouper, we both had iced tea. It was $75, give or take a couple of dollars.

For breakfast, he had berries, I had some fruit and we both had a toasted bagel and coffee. That was $37.Interesting. I had only eaten dinner there, but it was firmly in the $50 range for food; so either their prices have gone up substantially in the past year, or lunch/breakfast is priced almost the same as dinner. And the dinner dishes are fabulous (maybe the best food in Florida).

My wife and I just spent two days at The Atlantic and were very impressed.

We haven't spent much time in the Fort Lauderdale area before and so didn't know what to expect from a "Luxury Collection" in that location.

It is a busy area and the nearby hotels (Holiday Inn) aren't very confidence inspiring. But once you locate the hotel (main entrance is on the side) and walk into the lobby, things are very different.

The staff was very friendly and we were brought fresh hot towels and some drinks as we checked in. We were using a combination of free nights and points but were still upgraded to a very nice suite without asking.

Our room was in the corner on the 9th floor overlooking the beach. Nice view of the water with our own balcony - though the traffic on the street (and the yelling kids) can be loud. Once you close your balcony doors, the room is quite well insulated from a sound perspective. We had a kitchen with dishwasher and fully loaded with other useful items.

Bathroom was enormous with a nice jacuzzi. Probably bigger that some rooms I've stayed at before.

The gym and spa is on the 5th floor with a heated pool (very shallow and fairly small). They serve food and drinks poolside but the service was fairly slow and disorganized. Only complaint during our two days.

Main restaurant is on the first floor but we did not go there as we wanted to try other locations nearby.

Beach in front of the hotel was very crowded with what appeared to be college students. Not very inviting and by the end of the day, littered with garbage (beer cans, cups, etc.).

Not much to do nearby within walking distance. Interestingly, there's a Sheraton down the street that looked a bit old from the outside. They are building a W and a St. Regis on the same major road.

Not sure how much of the positive experience was due to the luxury suite upgrade but this is a very nice hotel overall. The appear to be selling condo units in the hotel and that may be why some have kitchens and other related amenities.

Interesting. Had nearly the same experience, only minor complaint was service poolside as well. Otherwise, thought it was a very nice stay.

Beach in front of the hotel is definitely not appealing with all the college kids and litter. Garbage cans are overflowing by the end of the day and beer cans can be seen all over the beach.

The balconies have a nice view of the beach and the sliding glass doors are thick enough to insulate sound.

Very useful to have a full kitchen with cups, plates, etc for snacks and drinks.

Overall, nice hotel but the immediate area is not very nice. If you have a car you should explore the immediate area and try some of the great restaurants .

My wife and I just returned from our second trip to The Atlantic (1st was January '05) and don't think we will be returning again for one reason. The pool area is soooo small and its such a difficult task to get a chair, I was going to the pool anywhere b/w 7:30 - 8:00 am to ensure a seat for my pregnant wife and I. It was ridiculous watching people during our 4 day stay struggle to enjoy the pool area. The hotel itself is very nice including the rooms, restaurant, concierge and staff. However for a "luxury" hotel and "resort" one would think the pool area would be able to accommodate its guests or at minimum provide some sort of beach service. I realize the beach is run by Fort Lauderdale but if you run out of space on the pool deck they could provide a chair for you to take to the beach...... One big change the hotel made since our last stay was the addition of two cabanas which has to be one of the dumbest ideas. By installing cabanas they removed a huge part of the pool deck area for general use. Providing a service most high end hotels offer at the detriment of all of the guests is ridiculous. On top of that they are making very little in overall revenue on these cabanas ($250 a day but includes something like $100 or more in food, bevs etc.) that I can’t see how they can justify the irritated customers. Bottom line, if you are considering this hotel for lounging at the pool all weekend go to the diplomat or somewhere else. Most people wouldn’t consider fighting for a chair when they are paying $500+ a night, thank god I have used free weekends or points on both of my stays. Guess it could be worse if I was an owner of a room at the hotel and paid $1mm and couldn’t sit at my own pool…..

Probably the cabanas are for the owners (and free to them), and only available if no owner wants to use it. The lot size of the hotel is simply too small to support a pool. They did a great job in maximizing space, but the pool area is more for photographs in the brochures rather than for accomodating a full hotel. The gym is also far too small (holds a dozen people), but somehow that doesn't get full like the pool. Actually all the facilities in the hotel are predicated on most of the guests going elsewhere (even the restaurant could not serve the entire hotel, for example).

I guess they shouldn't call it a "resort" if you are expected to go elsewhere. Most resorts expect you to stay on the property and most resort visitors expect to stay on the property. Thanks for your input.

currently at the atlantic. this is my second stay at the property. i was here when they first opened about a year and a half ago.

some people love this property....i just don't get it.

as i said in my first trip report, this hotel just nickel and dimes like crazy. $27 per day to park, $15 per day for internet. :rolleyes: this is not a cheap property. i was able to use an spg50 to get the rate down to $279 per night. the platinum concierge said: "wow, you got a great deal. aside from spg50 the next lowest rate was around $400 per night."

inquired about an upgrade when i checked in. i was told a suite was available for one night but not two. as i didn't want to move, i took the basic room. the "kitchen" area was filthy. it looked as though someone has spilled syrup all over the counter top. also, one of the tables next to the bed was covered with dust. i called the front desk and they sent up a security guard with paper towels and a squirt bottle. after seeing the room, he called the front desk and suggested that we be moved. he also said he was going to contact the housekeeping manager.

we were moved to a suite (why wasn't that suite available when we checked in?). the room is nice but it overlooks a shuttered HoJo as well as some other downtrodden motels.

the pool area is miniscule with the corners roped off (unused cabanas). there is only sun for a portion of the day as the hotel blocks the sun in the PM. unlike the hotel victor in south beach (a park hyatt property) which offers its own towel and chair service on the beach, the atlantic does not have a similar service.

i will report more later.

We stayed at the Atlantic a year ago in September and had a wonderful stay. Excellent service, an upgrade to a suite etc. The concierge, Mark, was extremely helpful though the staff at the pool was somewhat aloof.

The great reviews from Flyertalk were one reason we stayed here and were very accurate. Also, Trina is an excellent restaurant. Best Swordfish I ever had anywhere and I like fresh fish.

Okay, so I have to ask. If I'm looking for a fabulous getaway place, why pick here? By all accounts, it's near lots of things, but not close to ANYTHING. And while the views straight ahead are unbeatable.....if you look 20 degrees to the right you see abandoned old motels or other eyesores.

With no immediate options at one's fingertips (like S Beach in MIA or Las Olas in FLL), it seems that most everything off property requires real planning and a sense of strategy. Not my idea of a casual, high end getaway.

I don't post this to be snippy or annoying. I'm really serious. We are in the throes of planning a trip to that area in mid Oct '06 and as tempted as I am to stay here, I am just as tempted by myriad web reviews (here and several other sites) to run in the opposite direction.

For this kind of money, surely I can do better.

Tell me where I'm wrong.

Okay, so I have to ask. If I'm looking for a fabulous getaway place, why pick here? By all accounts, it's near lots of things, but not close to ANYTHING. And while the views straight ahead are unbeatable.....if you look 20 degrees to the right you see abandoned old motels or other eyesores.

With no immediate options at one's fingertips (like S Beach in MIA or Las Olas in FLL), it seems that most everything off property requires real planning and a sense of strategy. Not my idea of a casual, high end getaway.

I don't post this to be snippy or annoying. I'm really serious. We are in the throes of planning a trip to that area in mid Oct '06 and as tempted as I am to stay here, I am just as tempted by myriad web reviews (here and several other sites) to run in the opposite direction.

For this kind of money, surely I can do better.

Tell me where I'm wrong.


I guess I'm getting concerned as well, since we're supposed to be staying here in 6 weeks on points as a gold. My wife really enjoys lounging around by the pool ( I don't mind it so much myself) and more and more this is starting to sound like it may not be a good fit for us for many of the same reasons sbtinme mentions.

I think there's a Westin in the area. We may have to look at that instead or expand our horizons. We already have airfare booked to FLL so I don't think we're going too far though. Anybody have any suggestions within a 3-4 hour drive?

The FT descriptions are (all) pretty accurate, despite widely different conclusions -- some love it, some hate it. This hotel is not a mainstream property. It is expensive and exclusive; the neighbourhood is "mixed" (cheap motels or under-construction condos). Pool is small, limited sun, and beach is across a very busy road and public, not private. But the hotel also has an excellent restaurant (as good as the finest in SOBE, and maybe the best in FL). Great staff and service, and a great spa. Luxurious rooms (much better than any Starwood presently in FL). Oceanfront rooms have a killer ocean view (but as stated, don't look 20 degrees right or left). Personally I like it, the hotel has flaws but works hard to alleviate most of them, but it isn't for everyone and you really have to want to stay at this kind of property in order to enjoy it. Apparently enough people are willing to stay here that their rates have risen substantially in the past year.

My wife really enjoys lounging around by the pool

THIS IS NOT THE PROPERTY FOR YOU. the pool and deck are postage stamped size and the pool gets no sunlight in the PM (the sun goes behind the hotel).

how does this hotel get a "resort" designation? there is no: golf course, tennis courts, private beach, towel service at the beach, chair service at the beach, drink service at the beach, etc. it is basically a hotel with a pool, gym, and spa. period. but, when i asked for a late checkout (and was denied), i was told it was optional because the property is a "resort."

question: what exactly makes the Atlantic a resort?

THIS IS NOT THE PROPERTY FOR YOU. the pool and deck are postage stamped size and the pool gets no sunlight in the PM (the sun goes behind the hotel).

how does this hotel get a "resort" designation? there is no: golf course, tennis courts, private beach, towel service at the beach, chair service at the beach, drink service at the beach, etc. it is basically a hotel with a pool, gym, and spa. period. but, when i asked for a late checkout (and was denied), i was told it was optional because the property is a "resort."

question: what exactly makes the Atlantic a resort?

So the pool is small? Not quite as you make it out to be, but about the same size as the "resort" Sorrento Palace.

The term resort "means" different things to different people.
In case you might not be aware the beach across A1-1 is a PUBLIC BEACH there are no hotels in Ft Lauderdale with its own beach.
There is chair service available - just not from the Atlantic, plus the cost is probably much less than that if it was operated by the hotel.
Towels you can bring from the hotel ( but some I guee are too lazy to do that?)

Look the property itself is quite nice, the surroundings properties not so great, at least presently, but most of the buildings are sked to be demolished and SPG is building or going to build a new W next door?
Hilton has a new supposed very upscale suite hotel due to open in August opening a few blocks south on A1-A.
This area in a few years is going to be very nice AND EXPENSIVE but by then we will have the pleasure of you moaning about the prices :)

Is short the hotel treats Plats very well unless you turn up at a very busy period you will get one of the huge 7th flloor suites like I did.
Its best suited for guests who wants a nice self contained place, decent restaurants and can afford to pay bit more than 4 point prices.

Incidentally though you might have been there in the winter try sitting on the deck ( or beach) more than an a hour and an half in late May - Oct and you might be mistaken for a lobster, so in fact the shade provided by the building in the evenings are pretty welcome to some.

mike

Stayed at the Atlantic March 10 for one night pre-cruise. I thought the property was top notch but that said I would not want to be there for more that one or two nights. We were staying on points and were upgraded to ocean view over the pool but not a suite. The room and bath were very nicely appointed. Service at the poolside restaurant was very slow and expensive. Had dinner at Trina downstairs and thought it was good (many of the same items as on the poolside lunch menu) but pricey. Nothing much else within walking distance. Parking was $27...ouch! For one night it was great but would not vacation there!

Okay, so I have to ask. If I'm looking for a fabulous getaway place, why pick here? ...For this kind of money, surely I can do better.Half the hotels are condos selling for million plus, so some people have decided it is worth spending that kind of money to live here. Presumably a more considered decision than picking a hotel for the night. Whether it is worth it is a matter of opinion, and this property has good and bad points so it isn't easy to form that opinion, but within Florida I would still rank it as the best Starwood property (faint praise given the alternatives, nothing decent apart from the Diplomat) and probably in the top 5 hotels in the state. But it isn't SOBE and it doesn't have a lot of traditional resort facilities. Also everyone has different perception of pricepoint, I happen to think Trina is priced cheaply, given its Gramercy roots, while others think it is expensive. In fact I'd rate Trina as one of the reasons to stay here (but then I have a love for lavender martinis).

I just checked in on a $279 SPG50 rate (thanks to fly co to see the yanks for mentioning that, I prolly wouldnt have tried that but for your comment). I had a late flight into FLL for an afternoon meeting in Miami tomorrow and this place was actually cheaper than the basic biz Hyatt and SPG properties in Miami. Plus, about 10 minutes from the FLL airport, can't be beat for a nice room and a quick arrival. They even called down to Trina and held the kitchen open for me (apps only) so I could get a drink and a bite. I agree with other posters, this place is more expensive than the last visit (about 2 years ago) and really feels expensive for FLL.
The are really hasnt improved too much, the nice HoJo down the street looks empty though, so maybe they will knock that into the ocean. I'd say in 10 years this stretch will be very nice. The road seems quiter, but it is only a thursday, maybe it will be filled with cruisers tomorrow. But until the day this neighborhood gets nice, you are stuck in this compound, that as other posters have said is very, very cramped and small. I look forward to a run on the beach in the AM and breakfast by the pool, but the pool area is way too small for all guest to be able to lounge. And I'm not keen on paying these rates (that this place normally charges) for a public beach where I have to rent a chair.
But the upgrade is nice, I got one of those corner suites the other posters are talking about, I'm in the NE corner (so I get to see the HoJo down the street). One post mentioned torn carpet, yup I see those things. Boy, the marble/stone has held up great, but they are going to need to redo the carpet in the whole place soon. Overall, though I dont think this particular room is worn, it's limited to the seems in the carpet and a few small areas, but given how decedent the rest of the room is, this stands out. Otherwise, this is one of my favorite rooms, anywhere. I love the modern clean design (it's kind of "Metroplitan Home"). And as others have pointed out, this is a LOT of space. The bathroom is sweet, I love the spacious layout and the simple design elements. I also like the kitchen, although I would not have the discipline to use it, I would wind up at Trina running up my bill.
Bottom line, my wife and I are returning to the area in a month for my Bday and we're actually staying at the Westin Diplomat. We did get a great deal there (5k points per night via the 50POR promo), but even if the we were paying 10k points per night at the Diplomat, I think I might stay there. I really dont think the pool area was well planned out here, and that's what we'll be here for.

Anyone have an idea of what a taxi from FLL to the Atlantic would run? I'm going to be there for only one night, what with parking being $27 + cost of the rental ($50??)-- I may be better off just taking a cab. (I won't have the need for a car in town).

I believe the cost of a cab is minimal compared to the cost of a rental plus parking. We rented a car in March and we were sorry we did. It was a zoo at the rental place (even though dh has priority there) took forever. The cost and work involved made it just not worth it. Next time we will definately take a cab!!

Stayed at the Atlantic in Fort Lauderdale and while I liked the hotel, there were a few things that made it miss the mark for me for a really top level hotel.

When I arrived, they said they had upgraded me to an ocean view suite (hurray!) but that the room wasn't quite ready. The desk clerk said they needed housekeeping to do a "walk through" and it would be just a minute. She would come and get me when the room was ready. She walked me over to a couch in the lobby, was super attentive, and I was thinking, "wow, this is a good sign!"

I sat in the lobby and after 10 minutes, I went up and told her I was going to the bar to get a drink while I waited. The other desk clerk looks up and says, "oh, here's her keys" and hands her the package that was laying on the counter. She doesn't appologize or explain. And who knows, maybe it was just completed that very second...

I confirm that breakfast is included in the rate, that I want a late checkout, and I've just gotten off a long flight and I'm going to nap before I have to go out that evening so I don't want to be disturbed, etc. All confirmed, no problem, in your record...

And I didn't mention that the hotel is completely dead, it's not like they are dealing with a rush. Apparently with the Hurricane Ernesto warnings, lots of people cancelled out. There is no one in the lobby and no one checking in the entire time I was waiting.

I get up to the room and 45 min later someone calls to welcome me. That's nice, but I really needed the nap. 45 min later someone is knocking on the door with drinks - again, really nice, and they look really pretty, but now I've had 20 min of sleep instead of 2 hours. Yeah, it's my fault, I should have put the do not disturb sign on the door, but I didn't, I thought telling the desk clerk would be enough.

And really, it's a lovely room, terrific view, great bathroom (except for the dim lighting, but that's everywhere), kitchen area with ICE!!!, GREAT bed, amazing linens and pillows. The service at the bar was great too.

Next morning, I get a call at 9AM (on a Sunday morning!) waking me up asking if I want a late checkout. Well, yes, I do -- and I wanted to sleep in! 30 minuntes later, housekeeping is knocking asking when I will be out of the room -- ok, this time the do not disturb sign is out, so that's really just sloppy.

When I do get up, I go to breakfast and have the "where's your breakfast voucher", "what voucher" discussion, and the lovely young waiter is very nice, but it takes him 10 minutes to confirm that breakfast is indeed included in my room, and yes, they forgot to give me the voucher. Really, there is only one other couple having breakfast, it's really empty. What is taking so long!? I go to the pool, do stuff, go back to the room around noon and the key doesn't work. OK, sigh, that happens. I go down to the desk, where the desk clerk asks, "oh, do you want a late checkout?"

So in all -- the room, amenities, everything was great and I had a nice stay. I'm not upset or put out in any way, and I'd go there again. But I wouldn't go out of my way to go there, and that's the difference. They could have hooked me in, and they didn't. It's too bad, too, because everyone seemed really nice, and they were trying really hard, but it just missed the boat for me.

Good to know. I was kind of wondering if I should just pay more for Atlantic instead of LM Sunny Isles. Between LM's incredible value and this report, I won't think about it anymore :P

Although Ocean Suite upgrade from I presume base room as Gold was definitely nice. Empty props should make huge upgrades more of a habit, it would help them remain less empty :D

This is a great hotel. I was upgraded to a suite when I was Platinum. There was construction going on but I did not experience any noise from the room last September. Also, the restaurant Trina is excellent. The concierge Mark (if he is still there) was also extremely friendly and helpful.

You have to walk across the street to get to the beach, but this is required for all of the hotels in the area (I think one of the older SPG properties is the exception right on the beach).

The Atlantic is the best Starwood in Florida and one of the best hotels, but suffers from the location (though that is a plus for you on a cruise) and does get very busy. When it is busy, there are no upgrades even for Plats (the suites are the first to sell out) and the pool area is woefully inadequate. Should still be OK in Nov, but come December it is too busy. The hotel works well and luxuriously when it is half full, but the facilities and staffing simply isn't there for full occupancy, and then the Atlantic slips down a notch or two (rather ironically, as that is also when the room rates go sky high). So stay when the rates are cheap and get a higher quality experience.

Trina is a really good restaurant, better than most in Miami (and nothing comparable in FLL). Pricey but worth the cost.

I am planning a weekend trip to south Florida next month and trying to decide between the Westin Diplomet and The Atlantic (factoring in everything from beach, local area, distance from airports). Both are cat 5's and available. From what I've read on this forum, there seems to be the most positive sentiment for the Westin Diplomat - despite the Atlantic's luxury status. I am a Platinum and I do enjoy the 'modern' motif of new Westins.

Any advice would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks!

Completely different experience. Diplomat is a large, slick, well run resort hotel with lavish grounds. However it doesn't have a beach (washed away by a hurricane a few years ago), unless it has been restored recently. The Atlantic is a luxury condo that also happens to be a hotel (these are million dollar condos). On the main drag at FLL, in a very seedy area which is rapidly moving upscale. Beach is public and across the road. Hotel has tiny grounds (basically none) and small pool and terraces. But a great spa (maybe the best in the US). And a very good restaurant (transplant from NY and better food than you can find in SOBE). But the Atlantic is a pocket of luxury in what is motel country. Also no plat amenities (it is LC after all) and plat upgrades are few and far between (but the 2BR corner suites are spectacular). However even their worst room is better than the best suite at most hotels (bathrooms are bigger than some hotel rooms, for example). Overall I prefer the Atlantic, but most FTers like the Diplomat better.

I've been to both this year.
Staff: Westin more polished. A few more growing pains with Atlantic Staff
Rooms: I can only speak as gold. Have gotten better upgrades at Atlantic.
Spa: Better massage at Atlantic, but better overall facilities at Westin (shuttle required)
Dining: Trina is an excellent restaurant. I was disappointed with Westin's offerings.
Location: Frankly both are lacking. I think the Atlantic is closer to the interesting Las Olas neighborhood for dining/shopping.

I think I prefer the Atlantic. Both are pretty strong in general. Rental cars and a loan for parking fees required.

both hotels are discussed extensively in this forum. i would highly encourage a search.

having said that, i am at the fort lauderdale (FLL) airport right now after having stayed at the diplomat. i will post a trip report in an applicable thread after i do a search. ;)

i find the atlantic to be horribly overpriced for what it is. for this past weekend, i stayed at the diplomat for $250 per night (spg50) while the atlantic wanted $699 per night. and, the atlantic doesn't even have towel or chair service on the beach, a service the much more reasonably priced diplomat provides.

Thanks for all your input (on this and other threads)
I'm going with the Westin. The Atlantic sounds tempting, but too many knocks on the so-so neighborhood.

Thanks for all your input (on this and other threads)
I'm going with the Westin. The Atlantic sounds tempting, but too many knocks on the so-so neighborhood.

I don't know the Atlantic, but we had a great weekend stay at the Diplomat a few years ago. We booked with points, and were upgraded to a great corner suite, with a long balcony. (I am PLT)
There is a club lounge with nice food in morning and afternoon, and the pool and grounds are cool.

Completely different experience. Diplomat is a large, slick, well run resort hotel with lavish grounds. However it doesn't have a beach (washed away by a hurricane a few years ago), unless it has been restored recently. The Diplomat does have a beach. They did, indeed, build one a couple years ago.

Atlantic is quiet, Diplomat is huge/harried but well run (despite the thousand rooms there won't be much of a wait at valet parking).

For many Platinums in this forum, the Diplomat will always be the hotel
of choice in South Florida because of the outstanding Plat upgrades (usually to a nice corner suite with large balcony overlooking the ocean) and the excellent club lounge (nice food presentations, both inside and outside seating on the 33rd floor, and the club experience is much more peaceful than you'd otherwise get at such a large hotel).

Certainly from a price-value perspective the Diplomat is a winner. ^

But with both properties now category 5, on an award night you may have a different choice to make... especially if you're not a platinum... then it depends on what you're after and where you want to be. Neither has 'location' going for it for most folks' purposes. Personally I've been known to stay at the Diplomat even when visiting family in Boca...! :o

The Diplomat does have a beach. They did, indeed, build one a couple years ago.

Atlantic is quiet, Diplomat is huge/harried but well run (despite the thousand rooms there won't be much of a wait at valet parking).

For many Platinums in this forum, the Diplomat will always be the hotel
of choice in South Florida because of the outstanding Plat upgrades (usually to a nice corner suite with large balcony overlooking the ocean) and the excellent club lounge (nice food presentations, both inside and outside seating on the 33rd floor, and the club experience is much more peaceful than you'd otherwise get at such a large hotel).

Certainly from a price-value perspective the Diplomat is a winner. ^

But with both properties now category 5, on an award night you may have a different choice to make... especially if you're not a platinum... then it depends on what you're after and where you want to be. Neither has 'location' going for it for most folks' purposes. Personally I've been known to stay at the Diplomat even when visiting family in Boca...! :o

On my recent award stay I was given a very nice suite on the 36th floor top floor. It over looked the Intercostal with a Southern View , so Ocean View when looking out that way, no full Eastern view of the Water.

But it was Great as from the 33rd down the floors are full of rooms while the 34-36 is sort of a tower so theres like 4 rooms max. No balcony but knowing there was gonna be 2 of the 4 days with tons of rain, I didnt press for it. There was also an ITT convention of sorts going on , and was told the Hotel was 97% full the 1st 2 nights that I was there, so having been prebooked as an UP to a suite, I didnt think twice about it and never said BOO.

Great room, GREAT bathroom, boy do I miss that Rain-shower head.

Had no complaints except I had to wait 2 hrs before the room was ready and due to the rain couldnt hang outside by the pool. got ther around 3pm. I figured maybe another Plat had it and did the 4pm checkout, I did ask if it was worth waiting for or should I take something else, she looked at her computer and said anything else wont be as nice, its worth waiting for and it was.

The Diplomat does have a beach. They did, indeed, build one a couple years ago.

Atlantic is quiet, Diplomat is huge/harried but well run (despite the thousand rooms there won't be much of a wait at valet parking).

For many Platinums in this forum, the Diplomat will always be the hotel
of choice in South Florida because of the outstanding Plat upgrades (usually to a nice corner suite with large balcony overlooking the ocean) and the excellent club lounge (nice food presentations, both inside and outside seating on the 33rd floor, and the club experience is much more peaceful than you'd otherwise get at such a large hotel).

Certainly from a price-value perspective the Diplomat is a winner. ^

But with both properties now category 5, on an award night you may have a different choice to make... especially if you're not a platinum... then it depends on what you're after and where you want to be. Neither has 'location' going for it for most folks' purposes. Personally I've been known to stay at the Diplomat even when visiting family in Boca...! :o


What he said! Gleff has described the advantages of the Diplomat perfectly. It looks like the Atlantic will be in a very hot area shortly (W going up nearby now), but still a little seedy. Unless you just have to stay on the beach in Ft. Lauderdale and/or the Spa experience is most important (Atlantic), the Diplomat is the preferable property. It has a perfectly nice beach now, gives great Plat upgrades, has one of the best club lounges in the system and a wonderful staff to boot. ^

As a local, I actually prefer the Atlantic. It has been pointed out that the areas lack tourist appeal. None offer the Kierland "town shopping" feel, but people come to the Broward Coastline for something different (I think). Given my proximity to the beach, I really don't care about the scene that much. I kind of like paying a reasonble price for a beer at Lulu's Bait Shack!!!!! The Atlantic is quaint in its feel. The pool is calm, whereas the Diplomat's pool area is overbearing. I HATE chaise hunting. I would simply add: Family fun? Diplomat. Romantic peaceful weekend, spa, dinner combo. Atlantic

As a local, I actually prefer the Atlantic. ...The best aspect of the Atlantic is the restaurant (Trina), which is the best restaurant in FL (and might make a 10 best list in the US). It is that good, and of course you don't even have to be staying in the hotel to eat there.

I will be booking a stay at the Diplomat soon.

A couple things I wanted to confirm since I have heard conflicting information in other threads.

Is the property beach front and how is the beach quality?
Does it have a club lounge?
How much is parking at the diplomat and do I need to rent a car? (I'll be arriving from FLL and would like to go to a few malls and take in some nightlife)

I will be booking a stay at the Diplomat soon.

A couple things I wanted to confirm since I have heard conflicting information in other threads.

Is the property beach front and how is the beach quality?
Does it have a club lounge?
How much is parking at the diplomat and do I need to rent a car? (I'll be arriving from FLL and would like to go to a few malls and take in some nightlife)

- The property is beach front. When I last visited (5/06) there was a nice beach front area with lounges, etc.
- the club lounge is one of the best in the *wood system. Great breakfast spread; outdoor seating; nicely maintained. I wish they could all be even 50% as nice as this one.

- I don't specifically recall parking charges so you'll need to contact the hotel for this.

As others have said, this is one of the best properties for Plat amenities. Make sure you ask for one of the corner suites, on a high floor if you like that. They will probably put you in one even if you don't ask, but it never hurts to plant the suggestion!^

Just returned yesterday (thanks to everyone who helped me decide on the Diploment)
Beach is very nice. Yes you need a car. Valet is $20/night and self parking is $15/night

I'm heading there next week and am interested in any accounts of service and the property.

I have a stay at The Atlantic (Fort Lauderdale) next week. As an SPG gold, what's the likelihood of an upgrade on a paid stay this time of year? I also would welcome any accounts of recent stays.

Although my response is half a year late, as a gold, I was upgraded to a corner suite as a Gold. I am clearly an Atlantic advocate and would simply like to add for the purposes of an update that the Atlantic's service continues to remain unsurpassed. From an immediate upgrade, to an acknowledgement of my gold status (and my birthday with a room service piece of birthday cake) to a late check out and an incredible meal at Trina, the Atlantic did not disappoint!

We'll be getting in late on a Saturday and leaving for the cruise piers Monday morning. Does anyone see why we would need a car? I'm thinking about taking cabs from the airport and later to the piers. Is there anywhere within walking distance to eat late at night? Also curious about local shopping/dining (Las Olas etc.)

Thanks

We'll be getting in late on a Saturday and leaving for the cruise piers Monday morning. Does anyone see why we would need a car? I'm thinking about taking cabs from the airport and later to the piers. Is there anywhere within walking distance to eat late at night? Also curious about local shopping/dining (Las Olas etc.)

Thanks

If you go without a vehicle, do not plan to stray far without cab. By foot, you can only expect to enjoy the beach across the street, the hotel restaurant, or "Beach Place" which has inexpensive restaurants and a fun Piano Bar called "Howl At The Moon." Las Olas will be an easy cab ride and is a great place to spend three to four hours. Great shopping and eating establishments. Jackson's Steakhouse, Timpano's, Mark's, Johnny V's. Now that I think about it, no need for a car for only 24 or so hours! Enjoy.

Just a quick update to say how much I love this hotel.

Was there for one quick night this past week, upgraded to a huge suite (yes it is off season), spectacular service, great food, and lovely people.

One of the concierges helped me a couple of months ago on a small item, and he wasn't there the next day for me to tip him. So yesterday, I went up to the desk, and he acknowledged me by name and welcomed me back.

I have a PDA and I use it quite frequently to go online, make phone calls. etc. A
few years ago, I stayed at The Atlantic and could barely get a signal while in my room. I was told this was a problem throughout the hotel. Does anyone know if this is still the case? If so, does the signal tend to be any better on one side of the building than on another? I'm thinking of staying there over the weekend but not if this is still a problem. I would appreciate any comments.

I'm afraid that is still a problem within the rooms with CDMA phones (I have Sprint & Verizon devices). I get a reasonable signal whilst out on the balcony, but lose it the moment I enter the room and close the glass sliding door.

Am I missing something here? Wouldnt poor or inadequate cell reception be a function of the service provider? ;)

mike

I have found that the south side of the building has "better" reception than the north side. YMMV.

I have stayed at the Atlantic 3 times over the winter on the front/North/South Sides and would have to agree that the south side would be the best and the Front the absolute worst. I have Verizon and still had several issues of losing calls quite a bit. Did a lot of email due to the phone reception. But had absolute wonderful stays all three times, look forward to going back, no problems walking on the beach with the phone, I think I only lost like one call or something.

FV

We spent last night here for Christmas. It's a beautiful place.

As platinum, we were upgraded to a large one-bedroom suite overlooking the ocean. Room #1408. Large master bath with soaking tub, shower, separate water closet. Full kitchen with granite. Large living room area with separate bathroom. Large balcony overlooking water.

As far as voice/data connections... TMobile voice (edge) works fine, ATT data (GSM) works fine - that's what I'm online w/ right now, and Sprint data (CDMA) works fine too.

But the staff was friendly... and I think the best part is that our suite is so relaxing and comfortable that we really don't want to leave the room. It's very inviting.

As far as other posts stating that it's in a "seedy" area, well... there is alot of construction going on in the area (W and Westin being built a couple blocks south). We feel totally safe here, so I wouldn't hesitate booking here.

Plus the restaurant on property, Trina, is apparently a new hot-spot in Ft. Lauderdale.

We're loving it here!^

Oh, and I also forgot.... we have upgraded bathroom amenities in our suite from Bvlgari! ^^:)

SC Flier posted this morning that The Atlantic is leaving the Starwood system on January 27. Along with the forthcoming intro of the Westin Beach Resort and W Fort Lauderdale later this year, this seems to signal a departure of Starwood's "luxury" brands (first the St. Regis, now this property) from this market in favor of more mainstream ones.

There's been a fair amount of discussion in this forum on whether Lauderdale Beach and its "aesthetics" can sustain higher-end chains. How does The Atlantic's departure impact this debate?

I think it has to do with Florida's economy and and the fact that S. Florida over built.

It's one of the states to see the largest a) foreclosures b) job losses c) population losses. Especially in Miami & Ft. Lauderdale area.

People aren't traveling for business or leisure like they were 5 years ago. It's only going to get worse.

In regard to the St. Regis, I don't think that was directly related to sales/occupancy or location, but a management/ownership issue working with Starwood.

both properties have condos. at st regis, the condo owners were not happy with starwood. so theoretically could be similar issue at atlantic, rather than economy.

It's a pity I had a brilliant stay here last year in February. Probably my best SPG experience overall.

Cheap Elite, how long until we see a complaint thread about someone's SPG reservation not being honored (a la the St. Regis earlier this year)? I can't wait to see the fireworks...:p

figures!!!!

Have a reservation there for Feb 2009, looks like I will have to stay at the Clipper now.

Oh Well..

No Good Options in South Beach or FLL or Bal Harbour!!!

What is Starwood doing!!!

FV

Cheap Elite, how long until we see a complaint thread about someone's SPG reservation not being honored (a la the St. Regis earlier this year)? I can't wait to see the fireworks...:p

LOL. Well if they complain it's their fault as there has plenty time to work with starwood to guarantee that your reservation will be honored by the new property (if thats applicable) or chose another property.

figures!!!!

Have a reservation there for Feb 2009, looks like I will have to stay at the Clipper now.

Oh Well..

No Good Options in South Beach or FLL or Bal Harbour!!!

What is Starwood doing!!!

FV
Why move, have you contacted Starwood/SPG?

What's starwood doing? The W South Beach will be open soon. :confused: :confused: I forgot when the St. Regis is "scheduled" to open.

What are you talking about? :confused:

No Good Options in South Beach or FLL or Bal Harbour!!!

The Diplomat in Hollywood isn't that far and is an awesome property.

I have not contacted SPG Yet! but will give it a try.

What I mean is its just frustrating, been waiting for W South Beach to open for quite a while, I beleive it was at least two years since the W FLL started construction. Guess just a bit excited to stay at some of these new properties and it seems like its taking forever.... Would love to stay At St. Regis Bal Harbour, but that property is way off from being completed. The Atlantic is one of my favorite hotels in the Starwood chain and I have always had exceptional service, sad to see it go..

FV

What's interesting re: the depressed economy is that new hotel construction continues. Broward County is negotiating a deal for a large hotel (Hilton) next to the Convention Center, and as evidenced by the linked article below, there is also hotel developmet near the beach area:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flbunderground1229sbdec29,0,2702166.story

I have not contacted SPG Yet! but will give it a try.

What I mean is its just frustrating, been waiting for W South Beach to open for quite a while, I beleive it was at least two years since the W FLL started construction. Guess just a bit excited to stay at some of these new properties and it seems like its taking forever.... Would love to stay At St. Regis Bal Harbour, but that property is way off from being completed. The Atlantic is one of my favorite hotels in the Starwood chain and I have always had exceptional service, sad to see it go..

FV

I sincerely hope they allow you to stay at the property. I agree it's fantastic.

Unfortunately, I have confirmed with the Atlantic that they are leaving Starwood.

I spoke with the GM, George Cozonis. It was hotel owner's decision, not Starwood and not management. The decision is not reversible, unfortunately.

I've stayed there 15 times in the last year, and am absolutely heartbroken, it is one of my favorite hotels, but I will not stay there if there are no starpoints in the game.

And, yes, the AT&T cel service stinks there. The west facing rooms are MUCH better than those facing the water.

This is a condo-hotel, HOT wants out. Owner relationship poor.

Well Hello There,

I am sorry to see the Atlantic leave right after the St Regis (both had great upgrades for platinum's), but the Westin and the W are coming!!!! So I'm sure they have benefits too and will treat platinum's just as well. Also the Wesin Diplomat is an amazing hotel and treat's platinum's quite nice. Personally I think the W will blow the Atlantic away!!!

Personally I think the W will blow the Atlantic away!!!

I believe that to be impossible.

W's have small rooms, dark hallways, pick up bars in the lobby, and are great if you're 25 and pretending to be rich.

YMMV, and I'm sure it will.

I believe that to be impossible.

I agree. The target market for the W and the Luxury Collection are quite different.

Very sorry to see SR and Atlantic leaving Starwood. Having many stays
I was very much impressed and enjoyed....the Yankee and Clipper, are, well
not very good, but via upgrades over the years just fine for old proerties.

The upgrades at the SR and Atlantic kept me comming back, apparently not enough...I I Do wish the SR and Atlantic would have continued with Starwood.

The W in FL will be new, and the Westin will be a remod of the old Sheraton.
Both new and exciting, however the (02) that we lost were very very good.
and after 20+ stays by myself and friends the loss of the Atlantic is very
very unfortunate...Again sorry to see the loss of SPG...with these properties

Sitting in the hotel now and holding a sheet from their Luxury Properties Sales Office. The units are for sale and range from $300,000 for an oceanfront studio, to $700,000-1,000,000 for a one bedroom suite, all the way up to $2,550,000 for the Presidential Penthouse!

Funny thing is that there is a current thread on the Destination clubs board on FT that talks about the large number of these that are going nowhere or are in trouble. People were sold a bill of goods that you can buy them and the hotel part will rent them out for you, splitting the income and potentially paying your mortgage. Clearly, it hasn't happened and people are fuming.

We may ever find out the whole truth but this is a lovely hotel and it will be missed.

...$300,000 for an oceanfront studio, to $700,000-1,000,000 for a one bedroom suite, all the way up to $2,550,000 for the Presidential Penthouse!

...current thread on the Destination clubs board on FT...

not terrible prices.

and you meant the non-traditional forum on TUG, right?

I believe that to be impossible.

W's have small rooms, dark hallways, pick up bars in the lobby, and are great if you're 25 and pretending to be rich.

YMMV, and I'm sure it will.

And so it seems also on ocasion, some stayers with pretty stereotypical opinons :rolleyes:

mike

Well Hello There,

I am sorry to see the Atlantic leave right after the St Regis (both had great upgrades for platinum's), but the Westin and the W are coming!!!! So I'm sure they have benefits too and will treat platinum's just as well. Also the Wesin Diplomat is an amazing hotel and treat's platinum's quite nice. Personally I think the W will blow the Atlantic away!!!

The potential problem with the Westin is *W should have imploded the buildings , if correct its the old Yankee Clipper. The Westin in Veags fails for numerous raesons, 1 being it was the old Maxim at best a 3* and the rooms were small then and still small today. True the furniture is nice with the Westin look and feel, but with small size rooms it doesnt make a difference you can keep it.

So unless they are able and willing to knock out the walls of the rooms, Im afraid the Westin in FLL will be no great bargain either

Sitting in the hotel now and holding a sheet from their Luxury Properties Sales Office. The units are for sale and range from $300,000 for an oceanfront studio, to $700,000-1,000,000 for a one bedroom suite, all the way up to $2,550,000 for the Presidential Penthouse!


Perhaps a group of SPG FTers needs to come together to purchase one in foreclosure with a city view (http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/reb/968208562.html)! :D

(Though the HOA fee of $1,769 per month :eek: may be more than the mortgage! If anyone here buys this, I'd be happy to accept a finder's fee in the form of a stay!)

The potential problem with the Westin is *W should have imploded the buildings , if correct its the old Yankee Clipper.Actually, it's the former Yankee Trader (the Clipper is further south along A1A and is open for business. I drve by it a few weeks ago and it appeared that the renovations looked quite extensive (exterior, at least).

Actually, it's the former Yankee Trader (the Clipper is further south along A1A and is open for business. I drve by it a few weeks ago and it appeared that the renovations looked quite extensive (exterior, at least).

I drove by there 2 weeks ago. Thanks for correcting what the name was. It was in the same area as where the W,Atlantic,Hilton is.

It looked as if they will redo the outside and gutted the inside. But the same was done in Vegas with The Maxim except they left the size of those really small rooms as they were very small. I just hope that somehow the room size at this new Westin wont be small

Funny thing is that there is a current thread on the Destination clubs board on FT that talks about the large number of these that are going nowhere or are in trouble. People were sold a bill of goods that you can buy them and the hotel part will rent them out for you, splitting the income and potentially paying your mortgage. Ironically, one of the original selling points of the Atlantic (pre-opening) was that year-round residency was permitted. The Broward county commission soon imposed a maximum number of nights that the owner was allowed to occupy her/his unit (the thinking behind the regulation was to encourage more rooms to be made available for transient use, thereby allowing the Convention Bureau to bid for larger shows and exhibitions).

Unfortunately, I have confirmed with the Atlantic that they are leaving Starwood. I spoke with the GM

Since you have the inside track to the GM, was there any indication of what flag if any the hotel will fly after it leaves *W? Could this be yet another hotel we loose to Hilton? Considering they have the Hilton FLL Beach Resort just down the street they would have to brand it as a Waldorf Astoria Collection or a Conrad. Ritz-Carlton IMHO is unlikely since they just took over the St. Regis. Maybe they will make a go as an independent hotel but I would think that they need a big name to keep the condo owners happy...Four Seasons, Park Hyatt, IC, Sofitel, etc...etc.

hilton is certainly rebranding like crazy..

Non-NonRev, thanks for pointing out the reasoning, i never understood it from the government perspective. (while i assume from hotel owner perspective, maxes are about cashflow. and minimums for both are about limiting turnover.) re that market specifically, IIRC one of the trumps was the last to have no max.

Since you have the inside track to the GM, was there any indication of what flag if any the hotel will fly after it leaves *W?

Yes, this property will be in the Preferred Hotels and Resorts collection.

www.preferredhotelsandresorts.com

Thanks EleanorMcDaniel! Really suprised by this because I would have thought that they needed a hotel brand to keep condo owners happy......well wait a minute now that I'm thinking about this......it's not like the Luxury Collection is a brand either according to a couple of posts on this forum. ;)

preferred hotels isnt a management company, its a marketing alliance.

it will be interesting to see if FHR/virtuoso/etc contracts carry forward.

those condo maintenance charges are crazy high. wonder if all the foreclosing banks are paying them and curious how many, if any, assesments theyve been hit with. sounds like a mess. any unit owners active on this board?

We just arrived back from our cruise, and I'm sad to read that the Atlantic will be leaving Starwood. We had such a great stay there...

The Hilton is two doors down, and the W and Westin are just a couple more south. But the W is absoutely MASSIVE looking... seems out of place in that area. JMHO...

We're at the Westin Diplomat now. Got upgraded to Diplomat Suite, it's very nice here... but I prefer the quaintness and the upscale decor of the Atlantic. Having a full-kitchen suite and feel of not staying in another hotel appealed to me.

My husband.. is telling me that he prefers the Westin Diplomat though. Because this is on the beach w/ a larger pool, with the club lounge. He also likes the wrap-around balcony that we have.

Too bad... we'll miss the Atlantic. (We rarely stay in non-Starwood properties.)

Just cancelled my reservation for Feb 17th, no luck in letting me stay..
Platinum Concierge transferred me to Corporate and the woman I spoke to really wanted to try and book me at one of the Westins, very nice but just did not plan on staying 18 miles away from FLL Beach. The Yankee Clipper is the only other option: Need to decide or Marriott harbor beach here I come..

Oh Man! am I going to miss the Atlantic!!!!

FV

CAN confirm, as well as we ate NYear brunch at Trina and was advised it was going bye bye at end of month.

Now to check that account for the points!

What a bummer! I have stayed here a few dozen times over the last couple years, always great upgrades and cant beat the location/staff....W needs to open ASAP.

The Yankee Clipper is the only other option

This is *not* an option for replacing a stay at the Atlantic!

had my last stay at the Atlantic this week, my last eggs benedict out on the patio, my last two room suite upgrade, my last whiff of the pink grapefruit candle when you walk in the lobby, my last "Welcome back Mrs. McDaniel" from Peter at valet parking, my last dip in that pool and hot tub, and my last lobster and scallop risotto from room service.

They say all good things must come to an end, unfortunately this time, it was true.

I hope I can see the sunrise from the W's hot tub in the morning.