I will post pictures later (can someone tell me how?) but I wanted to share how impressed I am with the new regency club level rennovations.

First the lobby is still under rennovation - finding the front desk is a little difficult - but it's one flight up via the escelator. The lobby is temporary now - and offers all visitors hot cocoa as a thank you for putting up with the construction.

After check in I proceeded to the Regency club level happy to see the walls are no longer the drab white on white. Although they are a little dark (lighting and artwork is yet to be added) the new design is a sharp blue with a white stripe horizontally. The doors are also not yet completely replaced but I have been told that they are replacing all of them and changing the key system to a 'bullet' versus a card.

The rooms are completely new - gone is the weird 'half' wall between the bathroom area and the bedroom. Instead the whole area that used to be the bathroom plus the little sink area is one full bathroom tastefully designed with modern sink and vanity, a light up from behind mirror and a sleek glass door shower similar to the Hyatt Regency Toronto. The bedroom is also different. There is a couch instead of a chair, and the TV and desk are both built in to the wall. There is a nice media panel that works with the TV much like Hyatt Place. The bed is the same but in general the room is much lighter and nicer.

Gone is the old crappy carpet from the 80's too - brand new black and blue striped carpet are in the hallways and rooms.

The ammenities are the higher end Quince editions which are always a nice touch. Of course the service here is always great and the staff is one of the best in my opinion. Turndown service comes around 7pm, and the chocolates are the standard relax Astor brand. The Welcome Ammenity is usually somthing I pass on - but they had a really neat variety - I went with the "nourish" which is essentially an open face sub sandwich and definately a full meal. The Club has the standard fare, cheeses meats and bread and pita chips. Dessert was gingerbread scones, cranberry cookies and browines, and the beverages are all standard.

All in All - this is a great change for this property - and I can't wait to see the new lobby.

-Holly