Originally Posted by
bgriff
- No issues accessing the SM rooftop (I think the only "preferred" area) -- you do need key card access to get up there in the elevator but my SIM key worked fine, though the reader in the elevator could be a bit slow. They ask for room numbers at all venues when you order something but I think the SIM room numbers are a distinctive block.
- I didn't try any more complex drink orders, so not sure, and YMMV -- I did find some bartenders better than others even at basics. Doesn't hurt to ask anyway ... and if you don't like it you're not out anything. I might be slightly more optimistic at the Impression bars than the SM venues.
- The Swimout Suite has a large tub in the bathroom (bathroom looked the same as the photo under Signature Suite Tropical View on the website), but no outdoor hot tub like the other rooms have (you can see pretty much the entire outdoor area of the swimout suite in the picture I posted). FWIW I never noticed anyone using their balcony hot tubs in any of the other rooms. But then I didn't see anyone else using their private pools either.
- We arrived around 1 or 2 and had no issue checking in immediately. I did see the mention of no fixed check-in/check-out time on the website, but not sure how that works in practice (and I suspect it may be more about, you are welcome to have free food and drink the entire day of check-in and check-out, but not necessarily that they will guarantee you can be in the room the entire time). If you are arriving early, I'm sure they'd at least welcome you to any of the restaurants or pool areas if your room isn't ready, so worth dressing and packing a day bag accordingly.
Thank you for your thorough reply. It’s good to hear that SIM preferred club access at SM seems to be working. Great suggestion also on the day bag for day of arrival; I agree it seems more likely that early checkin means “enjoy some food and drinks while your room is prepared”. I’ll look forward to doing the rounds at the bar to see whether any bartenders would be interested in following a recipe for a cocktail; I’ll stay optimistic. I think we’ll roll the dice with our TSU and hope we get an upgrade on the Signature Ocean Front. Did you feel like the 1300 square feet of the Swim Out was worthwhile over the 800 square feet of the Ocean Front?