I would agree that this new 5-9 service is actually an improvement over what was offered in the New York Bar (just checked out today). Service was very attentive and the selection of wines and cocktails was impressive. I think I counted 3 whites, 3 reds, and 2 sparkling wines. For cocktails they had premium liquors such as Tanqueray 10. I don't think 5-7 ever included cocktails. Not bad at all for a free benefit.
Overall a good stay, except for a snafu caused by someone in the reservations department who made a change without checking with me first. They also failed to get some details right, for example I didn't have the usual handwritten note from management upon arrival this trip nor a bottle of wine and when I pointed this out a bottle of wine but no card appeared.
Originally Posted by
hailstorm
Perhaps they have taken recent feedback into account. The wait staff seemed more than willing to take orders for drinks and have them delivered to the table; we had several delivered this way. Later on when I went back by myself, I just stood at the bar and ordered the drinks I wanted, and they were served almost immediately. The canapes were all very tasty as well; I'm not sure how I'd feel about getting the same ones for a second or third consecutive day, but I hope that there will at least be some changes during our next visit.
Though I miss the view from upstairs, all in all we preferred this Diamond service over the previous one.