Originally Posted by
h8stn4d
I am here now and I have to say, this may be the worst Hyatt I have ever stayed in. Hyatt should be embarrassed by, and ashamed of, this property. I have had far better, more comfortable stays in many Category 1 properties.
The highlights: It's quiet, in a quiet location away from the bustle of Venice. The water taxi stand is literally right outside the hotel. The hotel has a water taxi to the airport, as well. The staff in the restaurant (including at breakfast, dinner) were nice, warm and accommodating.
Some of the lowlights:
Climate
The "air conditioning" in this hotel is actually (supposedly) some cold water running behind pipes in the wall. No actual vents, according to multiple people here, We are quite sure that our A/C is broken, but twice maintenance has come in and told us that it's just fine...even though I am sitting in my room sweating profusely, despite it being perfectly beautiful and cool outside. Yes, I will go outside and get out of this hellhole, but if I want to be in my room, can't I be comfortable?
And you surely wonder, "Why in the hell don't you just open the window (really a door with a security grate and no screen) to the outside, you idiot?!" To which I answer: I tried that, and within 30 seconds, there were at least 10 mosquitoes in my room. The hotel knows about the mosquito problem because when I first went down to ask about the A/C, I told them, "unfortunately, we can't get air from outside," and the woman finished my sentence: "I know, the mosquitoes."
Let me repeat: It's in the middle of April, gorgeous outside, and my room is at probably 85-90F. Hotel is full and maintenance insists that everything is working as expected. True hell.
Fitness Room
If you can manage to find the fitness room (it's on floor one, hidden in a corner without a sign in sight unless the word "BAR" means Fitness Center to you), your key will not get you in. You have to go downstairs and negotiate with them to get your keycard keyed to work with the fitness center. THEM: "It's not private, you know there will be other people in there, right?" ME: "I've never been in a private fitness room at a hotel." THEM: "OK, well you can only be there for an hour." ME: "Fine. Can I please get access."
Eventually, they relent.
Eventually, I find it.
It is, I kid you not, smaller than many home gyms. It has a home-model treadmill that shakes when you use it, and a recumbent bike that I think can be purchased on eBay for maybe $250. It also has a multi-station weight set. No elliptical and, given the size of the room and lack of A/C, it's basically a hot yoga cubicle, absent any actual space to do actual yoga. Yes, it is beautiful outside and I should be exercising outside. I know. But that's not my style (again, remember, I'm in my room and it's 90F while I rant here on FT).
Other
I could go on and on about what a craphole this hotel is, from the condescending staff, to the utter lack of assistance getting luggage from the boat to the hotel. (Normally, I would not care, but I had luggage for 4 people and I was just myself--long story. Boat driver knew (he watched me get it all to the boat without helping) and easily could have radioed for assistance, but instead dropped me and my luggage about 80 yards from the hotel and left me to my own devices.)
I have been to many Hyatts, from Cat 1 to Cat 8. I know what I can reasonably expect from a Cat 4. This property should be downgraded.
Hope this helps someone when deciding whether to stay here. Sorry if my ranting seems inappropriate...I'm just really annoyed.
EDIT: Pro Tip--if you do stay here, thefork.com seems to offer a 20% discount on the restaurant located within the hotel (if you book through that website). Not sure if you can get the discount and bill to your room, but it might be worth looking into.