Originally Posted by
flyingzzzd's
Was at the Sheraton on the Park last weekend. Agree that the lounge has definitely "changed" but it's not all bad. I do find the new decor less welcoming and I have no idea why the cruved window seats all face away from the incredible views out the windows!
Drinks on Saturday night and Breakfast on Sunday were both "zoos" as others have reported. Club access is being upsold for all room types and it appears many are taking this option. Honestly, we, and several others could not even get a seat at 9:30am for breakfast. There were already several people eating breakfast in the meeting room as well! I talked to staff about this and they said that 9:30am - 10:30am on the weekends is the crazy time that should be avoided if you want to enjoy breakfast.
The staff were absolutely fabulous as always but defintiely overworked. I guess we have been spoilt in the past with turning this club lounge into our sanctuary away from the city madness. I will add that afternoon tea is still outstanding. Wonderful array of food and much, much quieter. Our next stay we will probably sleep late, skip breakfast and head for afternoon tea instead (only an option on the weekends I realize).
So if you don't mind asian inspired grazing type snack service, waiting for your drinks and sharing with lots of others, then you will enjoy the lounge.
The view and staff are still first class and the bed back in your room well "heavenly"!
Well, we must have been there at the same time because we stayed there as well last weekend. I must say that I haven't been back to the SOP for more than 2 years (have mainly stayed at IC since then) but I was quite pleasantly surprised with the food offering. I did like the new decor even though I agree that the seats should face the nice view.
If you compare the food offering to the IC Syd it was very good indeed! I don't think I ever want to spend $150 for the Club upgrade at IC Syd now. What they offer on food and service is very very poor....now the views can't be beaten though from the Club there.
Anyway, what really annoyed me where those larger groups of people (4+) who had absolutely no respect for others and think they own the lounge. These people have absolutely no manners and can't talk in a low voice. They have to shout their ignorant blurb around the lounge and don't seem to care at all that other people are just trying to enjoy their drinks. Also, the dress code should be more enforced. I really don't understand why people bother upgrading to the club if they can't dress with proper shoes. After all it's an executive club and not an RSL club.
Yes, it was crowded on Saturday night but then that's no different at IC Syd or even the Hilton (people are standing there during the evening drinks because they have not enough room, it's crazy!
).