I just heard something very troubling about the Regency Club. A friend stayed there recently and was denied access to the lanai of the club.... the reason?
CATERING RENTED IT OUT FOR A PRIVATE PARTY. Yes, you read that right. Not the club - just the lanai.
Party-goers are now entering the locked club and heading for the lanai for a private party. RC guests cannot use it, much like they can't use the pool area at times when there's a wedding or a similar function. But the pool area is much larger, and often, the pool itself isn't impacted - just the area to one side beyond the hot tub.
So that means no eating outside, no drinks by the fire pit, and no sunset viewing for hotel guests. I've spent many a night on that lanai just sitting and enjoying. I've even spent time there during special events over the ocean, such as fireworks, or a parade. My fear is they will rent out the lanai during special events too.
What's going to stop those same guests from sitting in the club if it's a little chilly, windy, or wet? Or if they just feel like it?
So it was bad enough when the front desk was selling access to guests and the place became very, very overcrowded, particularly in the morning, but this is like a slap in the face to their guests - both long time and newbies. Either it's a regency club or it's a party room. It can't be both.
From what she told me, this has been done a few times already. I'll bet if it takes off, we will be seeing more of the "lanai closed" signs at that door
