Programs: AC, NW Silver, Fairmont Prem., *Wood G, HH G, Pri Pass, Nat'l EC, Hertz G
Posts: 940
Quote:
Originally Posted by acysb87
Which would you prefer?We are booked into the garden view suite.( all I could get on the upgrade cert )
The OV riew is, obviously, better than the Garden view. The difference per night was ~ $75 US / night and if you're staying there more than a couple of nights, it's not woth it IMO. Be sure to get a non-smoking room if you're a non-smoker. Wait until you enter the room! It's great - you'll have a good sized living room, big balcony, big bedroom through french doors, two bathrooms... !! $1,100 sq feet is the size of a small garden home! Enjoy.
The OV riew is, obviously, better than the Garden view. The difference per night was ~ $75 US / night and if you're staying there more than a couple of nights, it's not woth it IMO. Be sure to get a non-smoking room if you're a non-smoker. Wait until you enter the room! It's great - you'll have a good sized living room, big balcony, big bedroom through french doors, two bathrooms... !! $1,100 sq feet is the size of a small garden home! Enjoy.
Thanks.Mrs.acysb87 was hoping for the OV.Now I have some info that will justify the Garden view.Appreciate the heads up.
We are there for 5 nights.
I am going to Montreal next month for 3 nights. I will be staying at the FQE, any experiences form past guests??
Never been in MOntreal and any help would be appreciated
Thanks
Location: MSP (and will only fly NWA in re-routes if I HAVE to)
Programs: AA EXP (4.5MM), hotel programs as needed
Posts: 5,802
Boston Fairmont Copley Plaza
As promised, just came back from Boston Fairmont and am posting comments to this great and useful thread!
The Fairmont Copley Plaza is an old Grande Dame hotel .. it has been Fairmont for some time but over 12 years ago I know was known only as the Copley Plaza hotel as I was there for several conventions. Seemed strange walking into a hotel and remembering it .. but not as a Fairmont.
The hotel is GRAND and elegant. And has their signature doggie in the lobby .. a friendly black dog.
I always check with the hotel prior to arrival (several days) if I need transportation or other assistance. I used the web site for this contact / information. Later that day I got a call from the hotel, their e-mail was not working properly and they provided the information over the phone! GREAT SERVICE!
I arrived on an earlier flight getting to the hotel about 1:30pm on Saturday. The lobby was a bit crowded with convention people (name badges and boxed lunches) but they appears to be heading on arranged tours. Was told there was a professional convention, a wedding (geeee its summer time) and at least one family reunion in the hotel.
The President's Club checkin was fast and efficient. My room would be ready shortly and I was asked to wait in the lobby. With all the events going on, the only 'upgrade' they could offer was to a deluxe king with a 'good view'. [note the hotel has 307 rooms and only lists 17 suites - as opposed to other hotels who have 10% or higher suite to rooms] I was asked to wait in the lobby for 15 minutes and the clerk then brought my key.
The room was deluxe in that it was large and had a desk and two side chairs with lamp table and a king bed. It was not huge .. but this is a very old hotel. It could have accomodated a sofa (sleeper) easily. The 'view' was a window at the end of the room that the TV cabinet slightly blocked. Again a very old (historical) hotel so was not expecting floor-to-ceiling windows. The bathroom was nice and elegant with marble and new sink/toilet and an old LONG tub that was great for soaking. There was a walk-in closet tho the light had a switch not automatic turnon.
As most Fairmonts do .. this bed was exceptionally comfortable! Pillow top matress with another pillowtop pad on top! I sleep SOOO very well at Fairmonts.
The hotel staff was outstanding. Concierge booked me on a trolley tour and got me dinner reservations a few blocks away.
All in all a VERY good stay at a wonderful hotel. The down side is that arriving midway through a very busy weekend to a hotel with limited suites, the upgrade potential is very slim. I did not have any confirmable coupons left . and for one night would not have used them anyhow.
To follow up on the FQE query, I've stayed here a number of times and can give you some info.
It's a large hotel, over 1000 rooms I think, so the lobby/ elevators can get VERY busy. Having said that, check in is reasonably efficient and I've found the staff pleasant and responsive. The Fairmont rooms are pleasantly decorated and perfectly comfortable, but are pretty small/ cozy, and the bathrooms are tiny (like most of the 'historic' properties, even though this one isn't that old). I've sometimes been upgraded to a corner room, which is considerably more spacious. Some have pretty good views, others are not much to speak of. Beware rooms facing 'the mountain'/ Rene Levesque Blvd if traffic noise bothers you. Nice view of the mountain, but NOISY from the road! I stayed on the Gold Floor once, not much difference in the room that I noticed - higher bed, fancier bedspread, etc - but the hors d'ouevres and the breakfast offerings were fantastic, and the lounge view is wonderful.
The pool/ gym here is terrific - one of the best hotel gyms I've come across anywhere. Large and very well equipped. I've not eaten in the Beaver Club, I've had Sun brunch in the Montrealais, and it's good, perhaps even very good, but not quite...spectacular like say the Sun brunch at the Banff Springs, or Chateau Laurier - it also doesn't get underway till 1130! (Montreal stays up & gets up late!).
Parking is a total hassle & complete disaster here. It's not run by the hotel but by some other company I believe. Disorganized, cramped, they ALWAYS mess up the billing, and it's expensive, too. If you can do without a car, do! (Not to mention if you're not a Montreal native, driving can be an...experience - there's a REASON they love F1 there!). The train station is directly beneath the hotel, great access. Or if you're flying there's an airport bus I believe. Also, you can access the underground shopping, metro, etc, without going outside, a big plus in the winter!
If you're a Starbucks addict...shameful, I know - the nearest is Chapters on St Catherine (going outside), or down through the train station towards Bonaventure hotel (underground, ask the hotel staff for more detailed directions.)
Hope this helps, and you enjoy your stay in Montreal - I realize in re-reading this may not sound like a great review, but this is one of my favourite Montreal hotels and I keep returning!
To follow up on the FQE query, I've stayed here a number of times and can give you some info.
It's a large hotel, over 1000 rooms I think, so the lobby/ elevators can get VERY busy. Having said that, check in is reasonably efficient and I've found the staff pleasant and responsive. The Fairmont rooms are pleasantly decorated and perfectly comfortable, but are pretty small/ cozy, and the bathrooms are tiny (like most of the 'historic' properties, even though this one isn't that old). I've sometimes been upgraded to a corner room, which is considerably more spacious. Some have pretty good views, others are not much to speak of. Beware rooms facing 'the mountain'/ Rene Levesque Blvd if traffic noise bothers you. Nice view of the mountain, but NOISY from the road! I stayed on the Gold Floor once, not much difference in the room that I noticed - higher bed, fancier bedspread, etc - but the hors d'ouevres and the breakfast offerings were fantastic, and the lounge view is wonderful.
The pool/ gym here is terrific - one of the best hotel gyms I've come across anywhere. Large and very well equipped. I've not eaten in the Beaver Club, I've had Sun brunch in the Montrealais, and it's good, perhaps even very good, but not quite...spectacular like say the Sun brunch at the Banff Springs, or Chateau Laurier - it also doesn't get underway till 1130! (Montreal stays up & gets up late!).
Parking is a total hassle & complete disaster here. It's not run by the hotel but by some other company I believe. Disorganized, cramped, they ALWAYS mess up the billing, and it's expensive, too. If you can do without a car, do! (Not to mention if you're not a Montreal native, driving can be an...experience - there's a REASON they love F1 there!). The train station is directly beneath the hotel, great access. Or if you're flying there's an airport bus I believe. Also, you can access the underground shopping, metro, etc, without going outside, a big plus in the winter!
If you're a Starbucks addict...shameful, I know - the nearest is Chapters on St Catherine (going outside), or down through the train station towards Bonaventure hotel (underground, ask the hotel staff for more detailed directions.)
Hope this helps, and you enjoy your stay in Montreal - I realize in re-reading this may not sound like a great review, but this is one of my favourite Montreal hotels and I keep returning!
Location: MSP (and will only fly NWA in re-routes if I HAVE to)
Programs: AA EXP (4.5MM), hotel programs as needed
Posts: 5,802
Fairmont Calgary Palliser
Arrived Friday and departed Sunday. BEAUTIFUL weather for mid-summer.
Took the Airporter shuttle http://www.airportshuttleexpress.com/Airporter1.htm (paid not comp from hotel) .. for $20CAD round trip. WOULD NOT suggest this line again .. the shuttle departs on a regular schedule but the Fairmont is the third-from-last stop. You make about 10-12 stops before getting there .. long tour of downtown. Driver has to stop at each hotel and go in as there may be pickups. On the way back to the airport, web site suggested 4:15AM pickup for 7:25AM flight. Arrived and checked in (granted Business class line was empty while economy line was long) and got into US Immigration line and had to wait 10 minutes for them to open at 5am!
The Palliser hotel is another grand former CP hotel. The lobby is smaller than others but elegant and wonderfully grand (flowers and comfy seats). Checkin was small with only perhaps 5 stations and one assigned to Presidents Club.
Was offered a discounted rate to upgrade to Gold floor .. ask about courtesy upgrade as Platinum and told the only JrSuite was not ready yet and faced the train tracks on a low floor (she repeated this and nodded when I asked about noise!). Accepted the upgrade as thought breakfast would be nicer to eat there.
Room was large as a deluxe king. Think it was formerly two rooms .. two wingback chairs and table, TV (small) and work desk in addition to bed. Closet had a humidifer in it (must be needed in winter) and a non-working pants press (turned on never turned off tho did not really heat so pants were spared).
Bed was down comforter and great pillows.
Bathroom was long and I could tell behind the bath was a stairwell .. no noise tho. The marble floor in the bath were heated (thermostat) and typical Fairmont amenities.
The Gold lounge was a strange long and narrow mix of former rooms (facing the train tracks 8 floors up and there was noise!). VERY nice breakfast setup. The evening cocktails and food were also very very nice tho they only had paper napkins (not linen) at this time. Concierge VERY VERY helpful and booked tour for next day and made recommendation/reservation for off-property dinner. BOTH outstanding choices.
[Took an all day Brewster Tour to Banff and found it very worthwhile. Booked a return trip to Fairmont Banff Springs hotel because of tour!]
The pool is indoor and very modernized with nice locker room facilities. There is a HUGE whirlpool and a large steam room also. The pool is long enough for laps and not too deep for kids. A nice place to relax.. there is also a spa and massage available in addition to gym equipment.
A very nice property with wonderful staff. A bit older (but updated) and smaller property (only 10? floors) .. but that is part of the charm of Fairmont.. felt like coming home .. tho my first visit.
NO Fairmont doggie at this property .. they have been 'talking' about getting one and know how much the Vancouver dog is enjoyed!
Has anyone stayed at Savoy since Fairmont took over? Any recommendations for type of room to request?
Stayed in Feb. It was trial and error. I used a suite upgrade and had them show me 2 rooms before accepting the final suite. It was smaller than the first 2 but had a great view of the Thames, London eye etc. Some of the rooms are a little frumpy. Do not be shy to ask to see a second or third room.
Location: MSP (and will only fly NWA in re-routes if I HAVE to)
Programs: AA EXP (4.5MM), hotel programs as needed
Posts: 5,802
Just returned from a wonderful stay at the Savoy.
I think the computers and reservations seem to never talk tho.
I had booked a room many months back .. with suite upgrade .. and requested two beds. They widged a bit, made a call to the hotel, then confirmed it (tho a 'better' suite than a normal upgrade supposedly).
Plans changed and my friend could not travel, so called reservations and removed request for 2 beds. Also faxed hotel prior to departure about change.
Arrived at hotel.
Escorted to suite by clerk and signed forms in the suite.
FABULOUS suite .. all old wood paneling and nice large bathroom (and signature HUGE tub). Bedroom had 1970's style decorations with floating 'clouds' in the ceiling panels (vs the traditional plaster of the older rooms). Bed was twin beds pushed together. TOO tired to complain .. and for the summer special price I paid .. did not worry. VERY comfortable bed anyhow!
Suite was fabulous on the east end of the hotel. Had south and north windows and able to open several and enjoy the wonderful mild weather in London last week.
Bedroom had three huge closets with floor to ceiling mirror doors. Living room was sparsely furnished with table/3 chairs, desk, two casual chairs and sofa. There were two 'sideboards' at the edges of the room that were just 'there' having no purpose. The large marble fireplace was very prominent (sure wish in the winter time these worked!). Suite had a nice large entry-hall with table and mini-bar. Could not complain about the size nor quality of the accomodations! A bit more 'modern' than most of the hotel, but certainly elegant!
I have a return reservation in January .. was told the hotel is getting a 'much needed' refurbishment. Was told it was starting in January .. and also starting in October. In both cases, they said my Jan reservation would not be impacted. Staff unfortunately does not know the details of the changes....carpeting and wallpaper could use a refresh .. tho much of the rest of the Savoy's charm is the vintage furniture and room decorations.
I enjoy the hotel .. and now it is a Fairmont with the suite upgrades it is a great option. The problem I find tho is that it is a several block walk to any of the Tube stations and most every option requires at least one change of lines. This is not horrible, but having large shopping bags from Harrods and having to walk several blocks is not fun! Oh well, I guess I will just have to grin and bear it .. the Savoy is a classic hotel with fabulous service and fabulous staff.
The other thing I enjoy is the abundance of sandwich take-away locations near the hotel. Pret a Manager has two locations within a couple of blocks and a Tesco Express is within a block of the hotel. I tend to eat quick meals in London rather between shopping and theater and shopping and sightseeing .. so like the local options. The within a couple of blocks is Covent garden and some wonderful Indian restaurants when I have time pre-theater.
The only 'wierd' thing (and I had forgotten) is the setup of the front desk for reception and concierge. When you walk in . you see this LONG LONG desk to the right of the front doors. The first 'position' you see, is where you think check-in would be .. this is the longer concierge desk area (and no signs!). To the FAR left of the counter is the checkin reception. The President's club sign is there . but no 'roped off' line for this .. there are perhaps only 3 or 4 checkin positions. The Presidents club is on the right area (most hotels I recall them on the left but this is the UK where they drive on the wrong side of the street - EXCEPT the Savoy entry drive/courtyard!).
Go, enjoy .. the Fairmon Savoy is still a world class hotel.
Of course, all things are subjective, but I suspect that the Olympic gets a big boost from being a historic landmark and from having multiple restaurants. The Waterfront, while a nice hotel, is not particularly architechturally distinguished, and only has one.
Somebody that have stayed at the Fairmont Kea lani in Maui?? Planing a weeklong vacation at this hotel. Thanks for any help!!
I love this property! As a matter of fact I will be going there this Monday for a week.
Rooms are excellent (every room is 800 sq ft plus). Service is up to FS quality. Pools are great including adult only pool wth swim up bar (rare for Hawaii). On site restaurants are excellent. OK fitness centre. Beach is quite good. Weather is fantastic in this part of Maui. Golf and tennis facilities are great.
The average room rate is North of $450 per night. I actually like the Fairmont Orchid (Big Island) just as much and their average rate is @ $300 per night. Two great choices if you ask me. You will love it.
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