"Pop the Cork Do": Cork, Ireland 6th - 8th June 2008
Jan 24, 2008, 3:44 pm
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2003
Location: AA Plat / UA NOTHING / Alaska 75K / Hyatt Diamond / SPG LT Plat / Marriott Gold / Priority Club Plat / Hertz Pres
Posts: 24,708
Paging GoldCircle, I think we could all benefit from a "pub report", from the Roaring Donkey, from a true Irishman. @:-)
Jan 24, 2008, 4:11 pm
#77
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, BMI Gold (RIP)
Posts: 8,021
With regards to the golf, the hotel is more than happy to arrange access to the golf club for a round or two. They can also arrange a mini-FT tournament / fourballs / whatever is appropriate, if there is enough interest. It might be the time for the inaugral FlyerTalk European Golf Championship
Jan 24, 2008, 4:49 pm
#78
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: CGK
Programs: LH SEN (LH*G), HH Diamond, AB Gold (1W Saph)
Posts: 5,677
Unfortunately, I shall have to withdraw from this event - I'll be travelling back to Germany after two months in Croatia on that weekend, and I just can't make it work timewise.
I wish you all a super DO, and please let me know if there's a repeat!
I wish you all a super DO, and please let me know if there's a repeat!
Feb 1, 2008, 8:51 am
#79
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: DUB - Ireland
Programs: EI-GCE, BD-G, BA-G, A3*G, TK*G, FB-G, HH-G, Hyatt-Dia
Posts: 8,527
Well, I have to say, and it sounds a bit strong, but this just might be the best hotel in Ireland. Those that know Ireland understand readily, that as an Irishman I have come to expect $h1te service as my right - this hotel has just serves to remind
what it can be like with great training, managers who motivate and working in an environment that is just a bit special. Almost every member of staff I came in to contact managed to exceed my (Flyertalk induced) expectations.
Now, not everything was perfect, but all matters were resolved sooo very well - the bottle of champers for Mrs GC's birthday was not in the room on arrival, nor the chocs. The porter had this sorted in minutes for me. Both restaurants were booked out at check-in and they stopped serving bar food at 6 - I hadn't even begun to whine before they offered to open service again. Also, the porters managed to lose something for me - but again, the team worked hard to track it down and returned it to me a few days later.
The lobby is exceptionally nice (I hate faux-grand lobbies), the bar a little smaller that I would hope for but will be wonderful for the Doo, the pool is great, warm and uniformly deep and the acqua spa kinda fun, food was lovely and everything was spotless. The location of the hotel is a bit out of the way - so some might like to have a car at their disposal, given the restaurant, bar, pool, spa and golf course are all that at hand.
The one really negative comment I have is that the beautiful bedrooms were lit not just badly, but terribly. An opportunity missed. Also, the corridoors are ugly and look cheap - again lighting is one of the main culprits there, but the "woodland" panels just don't do it for me either... That's the harshest thing I can find to say, so not much to complain about really.
But really, the staff were exceptionally good (think asian service standards and you are close). Sorry I don't have any photos for you all.
Tip for the Doo: get a bedroom at the very end of the long corridors, as they have looong balconies with garden furniture. I can see late night parties taking place on the balconies at the Doo, so make sure Doo people hoover them up.
what it can be like with great training, managers who motivate and working in an environment that is just a bit special. Almost every member of staff I came in to contact managed to exceed my (Flyertalk induced) expectations.
Now, not everything was perfect, but all matters were resolved sooo very well - the bottle of champers for Mrs GC's birthday was not in the room on arrival, nor the chocs. The porter had this sorted in minutes for me. Both restaurants were booked out at check-in and they stopped serving bar food at 6 - I hadn't even begun to whine before they offered to open service again. Also, the porters managed to lose something for me - but again, the team worked hard to track it down and returned it to me a few days later.
The lobby is exceptionally nice (I hate faux-grand lobbies), the bar a little smaller that I would hope for but will be wonderful for the Doo, the pool is great, warm and uniformly deep and the acqua spa kinda fun, food was lovely and everything was spotless. The location of the hotel is a bit out of the way - so some might like to have a car at their disposal, given the restaurant, bar, pool, spa and golf course are all that at hand.
The one really negative comment I have is that the beautiful bedrooms were lit not just badly, but terribly. An opportunity missed. Also, the corridoors are ugly and look cheap - again lighting is one of the main culprits there, but the "woodland" panels just don't do it for me either... That's the harshest thing I can find to say, so not much to complain about really.
But really, the staff were exceptionally good (think asian service standards and you are close). Sorry I don't have any photos for you all.
Tip for the Doo: get a bedroom at the very end of the long corridors, as they have looong balconies with garden furniture. I can see late night parties taking place on the balconies at the Doo, so make sure Doo people hoover them up.
Last edited by GoldCircle; Feb 1, 2008 at 9:00 am
Feb 1, 2008, 9:01 am
#80
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: DUB - Ireland
Programs: EI-GCE, BD-G, BA-G, A3*G, TK*G, FB-G, HH-G, Hyatt-Dia
Posts: 8,527
Feb 9, 2008, 6:35 am
#81
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 72
Well, I have to say, and it sounds a bit strong, but this just might be the best hotel in Ireland. Those that know Ireland understand readily, that as an Irishman I have come to expect $h1te service as my right - this hotel has just serves to remind
what it can be like with great training, managers who motivate and working in an environment that is just a bit special. Almost every member of staff I came in to contact managed to exceed my (Flyertalk induced) expectations.
Now, not everything was perfect, but all matters were resolved sooo very well - the bottle of champers for Mrs GC's birthday was not in the room on arrival, nor the chocs. The porter had this sorted in minutes for me. Both restaurants were booked out at check-in and they stopped serving bar food at 6 - I hadn't even begun to whine before they offered to open service again. Also, the porters managed to lose something for me - but again, the team worked hard to track it down and returned it to me a few days later.
The lobby is exceptionally nice (I hate faux-grand lobbies), the bar a little smaller that I would hope for but will be wonderful for the Doo, the pool is great, warm and uniformly deep and the acqua spa kinda fun, food was lovely and everything was spotless. The location of the hotel is a bit out of the way - so some might like to have a car at their disposal, given the restaurant, bar, pool, spa and golf course are all that at hand.
The one really negative comment I have is that the beautiful bedrooms were lit not just badly, but terribly. An opportunity missed. Also, the corridoors are ugly and look cheap - again lighting is one of the main culprits there, but the "woodland" panels just don't do it for me either... That's the harshest thing I can find to say, so not much to complain about really.
But really, the staff were exceptionally good (think asian service standards and you are close). Sorry I don't have any photos for you all.
Tip for the Doo: get a bedroom at the very end of the long corridors, as they have looong balconies with garden furniture. I can see late night parties taking place on the balconies at the Doo, so make sure Doo people hoover them up.
what it can be like with great training, managers who motivate and working in an environment that is just a bit special. Almost every member of staff I came in to contact managed to exceed my (Flyertalk induced) expectations.
Now, not everything was perfect, but all matters were resolved sooo very well - the bottle of champers for Mrs GC's birthday was not in the room on arrival, nor the chocs. The porter had this sorted in minutes for me. Both restaurants were booked out at check-in and they stopped serving bar food at 6 - I hadn't even begun to whine before they offered to open service again. Also, the porters managed to lose something for me - but again, the team worked hard to track it down and returned it to me a few days later.
The lobby is exceptionally nice (I hate faux-grand lobbies), the bar a little smaller that I would hope for but will be wonderful for the Doo, the pool is great, warm and uniformly deep and the acqua spa kinda fun, food was lovely and everything was spotless. The location of the hotel is a bit out of the way - so some might like to have a car at their disposal, given the restaurant, bar, pool, spa and golf course are all that at hand.
The one really negative comment I have is that the beautiful bedrooms were lit not just badly, but terribly. An opportunity missed. Also, the corridoors are ugly and look cheap - again lighting is one of the main culprits there, but the "woodland" panels just don't do it for me either... That's the harshest thing I can find to say, so not much to complain about really.
But really, the staff were exceptionally good (think asian service standards and you are close). Sorry I don't have any photos for you all.
Tip for the Doo: get a bedroom at the very end of the long corridors, as they have looong balconies with garden furniture. I can see late night parties taking place on the balconies at the Doo, so make sure Doo people hoover them up.
Feb 20, 2008, 3:11 am
#82
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Ireland
Programs: BA Gold,Amex Centurion,Marriott LT Plat Prem Elite +AMBASS,Hilton Diamond,Priority Club Plat,VS Gold
Posts: 371
I am booked at a rate of €134.10 per night with the AAA rate. Does your rate include breakfast? I am based in Cork myself so if I can help in anyway please let me know. I have never attended one of these events but it sounds like it might be interesting. I have stayed at the Sheraton Fota before and the new GM that started a few weeks back is on the ball. A well needed replacement frankly after several visits I had before not being up to par.
All the best, S.
All the best, S.
Feb 20, 2008, 1:21 pm
#83
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Regrettably, I am going to have to bow out of this year's event. There is just no way imagineable that would allow me to make the trip in June...or any other date in 2007, for that matter.
Regardless, I hope everyone has a good crack, as they say on the island.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Regardless, I hope everyone has a good crack, as they say on the island.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Mar 13, 2008, 12:43 pm
#85
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Lincoln, NE (OMA or LNK)
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Starwood/Marriott, Hilton, IHG
Posts: 1,345
Any suggestions on best way to get to Cork from the States? I recall Cork is an international airport but that was when I lived in Germany. Can't find anything into Cork. So do I transit Dublin to like Ryan or something like that?
Mar 14, 2008, 4:50 am
#86
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Ireland
Programs: BA Gold,Amex Centurion,Marriott LT Plat Prem Elite +AMBASS,Hilton Diamond,Priority Club Plat,VS Gold
Posts: 371
I live in Cork myself and honestly the best way I find to get in and out especially when heading up to the US is using BA connecting via LHR and then on to Cork. All bags transfer straight through and worse case you have a change of terminal however usually BA fly into Terminal 1 anyway. BA codeshare flights to Cork so the price should not be that bad however if you have any problems drop me a PM.
Cheers
Stephen
Mar 14, 2008, 11:20 am
#87
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: DUB - Ireland
Programs: EI-GCE, BD-G, BA-G, A3*G, TK*G, FB-G, HH-G, Hyatt-Dia
Posts: 8,527
Also worth mentioning are connections from DUB - Aer Arann which can be interlined and Ryanair which cannot.
The Ryanair (FR) service -low cost, no changes, everything for purchase at high prices- is operated on 737-800s, though I prefer the Aer Arann (RE) -low cost also, due to Ryanair's presence- sevice on the ATR-72 whic includes a newspaper, drink and the tickets (point to point only, not interlined) can be changed free of charge on the day of travel.
If going point to point - you can come on one and return on the other if you are curious. No miles available on either carrier, though RE has anew invitation only FFP.
The Ryanair (FR) service -low cost, no changes, everything for purchase at high prices- is operated on 737-800s, though I prefer the Aer Arann (RE) -low cost also, due to Ryanair's presence- sevice on the ATR-72 whic includes a newspaper, drink and the tickets (point to point only, not interlined) can be changed free of charge on the day of travel.
If going point to point - you can come on one and return on the other if you are curious. No miles available on either carrier, though RE has anew invitation only FFP.
Apr 13, 2008, 3:22 pm
#89
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, BMI Gold (RIP)
Posts: 8,021
Apr 15, 2008, 7:23 am
#90
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: UA 2.5MM; HH Diamond; Hyatt Platinum; MR Gold
Posts: 1,355
Unfortunately, I'm not going to be able to attend.
I have back-to-back arguments in court in San Francisco scheduled on Monday the 9th and Tuesday the 10th, both of which are going to require substantial preparation (sadly, of the isolated, intense focus sort that can't be done effectively while sitting in a pub or touring SW Ireland with other FTers). I thought about trying to do an open jaw, departing IAD and returning to SFO, but because I can't risk any flight problems (and those NEVER happen) that would interfere with my appearance before the judges (I could certainly do without a contempt citation), that's just not practical. Hopefully I'll be able to make the next Ireland Do.
I have back-to-back arguments in court in San Francisco scheduled on Monday the 9th and Tuesday the 10th, both of which are going to require substantial preparation (sadly, of the isolated, intense focus sort that can't be done effectively while sitting in a pub or touring SW Ireland with other FTers). I thought about trying to do an open jaw, departing IAD and returning to SFO, but because I can't risk any flight problems (and those NEVER happen
) that would interfere with my appearance before the judges (I could certainly do without a contempt citation), that's just not practical. Hopefully I'll be able to make the next Ireland Do.