Just back from the holiday weekend there, and there is quite a difference from when Paul Tang was reigning (supreme) there. The employees are actually happy

In any event, I booked an award and contacted the rooms manager who told me that he could guarantee a suite for an upcharge because he was expected the hotel to sell out and couldn't promise a suite would be available. I accepted and paid $75 a night.

We were given an end suite on the 12th floor - the one with the huge balcony (it's the same as the regency club outdoor area) and had a very long couch, coffee table and 2 chairs. I counted tiles, and it was 58'x18'. Probably the size of 3-4 rooms below it. To say I was surprised is an understatement and I enjoyed it as much as I possibly could, when you take into account most of the rooms, and even some suites, only have a step out balcony.

Upon arrival, we found an amenity from the VIP Manager - a plate of hummus & crackers and a bottle of wine, which I thought was very nice.

The fare in the club was the usual standard breakfast with 1 hot item each day and the usual cold items. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We did not go in for cocktails so I can't comment about that.

The pool area was an absolute zoo - but it's not a surprise since the hotel did sell out for the weekend. My only gripe, and it's the same no matter where I go, is that there was not enough shade. People "claimed" the chairs with umbrellas and shade early in the morning, and there was no way to get a chair. We actually sat out from around 10am-noon in the upper pool area and saw that almost every single chair in the shade had towels and books, but no people - for the entire 2 hours. I asked the attendant for an umbrella, and he was told I could have one if someone wasn't using it. I commented that the chairs had been unoccupied for the entire time I was at the pool, and he just shrugged. They DO have signs saying that if chairs are unattended their things MIGHT be removed. We had to leave because my husband is very fair skinned and needs to be in the shade most of the time. But again, this isn't unique to this hotel. There has to be a better way.

We had to issue with our food purchases at the 24 hour market and lakehouse being counted as eligible. Oddly enough, the $75 upcharge for the suite was not. I contacted WoH and they said their system hadn't updated yet, but to call back because it should be eligible.

We were not charged for valet parking ($29) nor the resort fee ($30). A parking charge was on our folio but it was quickly removed when I called the front desk.

This hotel is well aware of the WoH provisions and mentioned them to me without any prompting.

When in the area again, we will definitely consider this hotel.