Four Seasons Aviara to become Park Hyatt
Jun 17, 2010, 8:35 pm
#76
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: San Francisco (Marin County), CA
Programs: UA Global Services, AA Lifetime ExecPlat, LH HON Circle, SQ PPS Solitaire, Hyatt Courtesy Card
Posts: 3,002
Our stay continues to go well. We have 3 more days to go. The hotel is very empty - occupancy has got to be in the 20% range or thereabouts. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today me, my wife and our kids were the only people at the pool besides one other couple with a child. It got a little busier after that, but its dead slow here generally.
The pool people were a little more attentive yesterday and today. And they are certainly nice (have been from day 1 - as distinguished from motivated, that is).
I culled a little more information from a few staff discussions. 85% of the staff of appx. 500 are staying on; 85% of the management team is leaving and being replaced by Hyatt management, though certain managers are staying - including some of the restaurant managers and the pertinent chefs. The staff are "really happy" with Hyatt because Hyatt has "done them right" on just about everything. A few people told me this. For example, Hyatt made sure everyone vested into all the benefit plans with their seniority based on their Four Seasons start date, versus resetting everyone. The people I have spoken with state that Hyatt has been extremely fair in almost every little regard such as this.
Little things are happening. Painting is going on. The suits are still all around. Checks at the pool bar must be written out manually by hand. I guess computer systems are being crossed over.
I'll continue to post more if I hear more interesting things.
The pool people were a little more attentive yesterday and today. And they are certainly nice (have been from day 1 - as distinguished from motivated, that is).
I culled a little more information from a few staff discussions. 85% of the staff of appx. 500 are staying on; 85% of the management team is leaving and being replaced by Hyatt management, though certain managers are staying - including some of the restaurant managers and the pertinent chefs. The staff are "really happy" with Hyatt because Hyatt has "done them right" on just about everything. A few people told me this. For example, Hyatt made sure everyone vested into all the benefit plans with their seniority based on their Four Seasons start date, versus resetting everyone. The people I have spoken with state that Hyatt has been extremely fair in almost every little regard such as this.
Little things are happening. Painting is going on. The suits are still all around. Checks at the pool bar must be written out manually by hand. I guess computer systems are being crossed over.
I'll continue to post more if I hear more interesting things.
Jun 17, 2010, 8:45 pm
#77
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Depends on the day!
Programs: Marriott/Lifetime Titanium Hyatt/Explorist, Hilton/Silver, IHG Spire,UA Gold
Posts: 17,832
Our stay continues to go well. We have 3 more days to go. The hotel is very empty - occupancy has got to be in the 20% range or thereabouts. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today me, my wife and our kids were the only people at the pool besides one other couple with a child. It got a little busier after that, but its dead slow here generally.
The pool people were a little more attentive yesterday and today. And they are certainly nice (have been from day 1 - as distinguished from motivated, that is).
I culled a little more information from a few staff discussions. 85% of the staff of appx. 500 are staying on; 85% of the management team is leaving and being replaced by Hyatt management, though certain managers are staying - including some of the restaurant managers and the pertinent chefs. The staff are "really happy" with Hyatt because Hyatt has "done them right" on just about everything. A few people told me this. For example, Hyatt made sure everyone vested into all the benefit plans with their seniority based on their Four Seasons start date, versus resetting everyone. The people I have spoken with state that Hyatt has been extremely fair in almost every little regard such as this.
Little things are happening. Painting is going on. The suits are still all around. Checks at the pool bar must be written out manually by hand. I guess computer systems are being crossed over.
I'll continue to post more if I hear more interesting things.
The pool people were a little more attentive yesterday and today. And they are certainly nice (have been from day 1 - as distinguished from motivated, that is).
I culled a little more information from a few staff discussions. 85% of the staff of appx. 500 are staying on; 85% of the management team is leaving and being replaced by Hyatt management, though certain managers are staying - including some of the restaurant managers and the pertinent chefs. The staff are "really happy" with Hyatt because Hyatt has "done them right" on just about everything. A few people told me this. For example, Hyatt made sure everyone vested into all the benefit plans with their seniority based on their Four Seasons start date, versus resetting everyone. The people I have spoken with state that Hyatt has been extremely fair in almost every little regard such as this.
Little things are happening. Painting is going on. The suits are still all around. Checks at the pool bar must be written out manually by hand. I guess computer systems are being crossed over.
I'll continue to post more if I hear more interesting things.
Keep the updates coming!
Jun 19, 2010, 9:27 pm
#78
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: San Francisco (Marin County), CA
Programs: UA Global Services, AA Lifetime ExecPlat, LH HON Circle, SQ PPS Solitaire, Hyatt Courtesy Card
Posts: 3,002
Well, T-Minus 28 hours and counting.
Things are really moving now. On floor 1 tonight, Hyatt people are swarming around starting to convert the rooms. The guests have all been moved off floor, looks like. Carts full of brand new robes, in-room advertising cards, etc. People are excited. "Who's doing room inspections?", they shout. Everything branded Four Seasons, and there is a lot of it, assumedly will be crossed in the next 28 hours or so. Things on sale: Lamont's gift shop had FS branded merchandise at escalating discounts through the week. Last call was 75% off; only a few FS hats and some golf balls remain. Spa has everything branded 50% off. Out with the old, and in with the new.
The resort has been at 22-28% occupancy this week and went to 37% last evening for father's day weekend. Its slow here, but a little brisker than over the past week. There were some new faces at the pool today. More helpful than over the past days. Really no service issues here over the past 4 days or so. Maybe they read this and have us spotted. The new GM seems like a nice guy. He's been in the restaurant every morning. My littlest girl is in a phase and eats almost nothing but watermelon. He had some nice comments. The Seattle Hyatts IMO have always run like clockwork. This place probably will, too.
Reflecting on our stay, we'll be back. Its a terrific property for people like us: we live in California, love resorts, and have small kids. We go to Kauai (or sometime Maui) Hyatts 4-6 times a year, but often are looking for that something perfect that's a little closer and easier. This is that property.
People here seem pretty happy and excited about the cross over. I'm sure that others will soon be posting reviews of this place "as" a real Park Hyatt; we got a little bit of a preview and from that preview, I'm expecting that the Hyatt crowd is going to give this place a thumbs up.
Special thanks to Hyatt for working out our "week at the Four Seasons"! OK, over and out.
Things are really moving now. On floor 1 tonight, Hyatt people are swarming around starting to convert the rooms. The guests have all been moved off floor, looks like. Carts full of brand new robes, in-room advertising cards, etc. People are excited. "Who's doing room inspections?", they shout. Everything branded Four Seasons, and there is a lot of it, assumedly will be crossed in the next 28 hours or so. Things on sale: Lamont's gift shop had FS branded merchandise at escalating discounts through the week. Last call was 75% off; only a few FS hats and some golf balls remain. Spa has everything branded 50% off. Out with the old, and in with the new.
The resort has been at 22-28% occupancy this week and went to 37% last evening for father's day weekend. Its slow here, but a little brisker than over the past week. There were some new faces at the pool today. More helpful than over the past days. Really no service issues here over the past 4 days or so. Maybe they read this and have us spotted. The new GM seems like a nice guy. He's been in the restaurant every morning. My littlest girl is in a phase and eats almost nothing but watermelon. He had some nice comments. The Seattle Hyatts IMO have always run like clockwork. This place probably will, too.
Reflecting on our stay, we'll be back. Its a terrific property for people like us: we live in California, love resorts, and have small kids. We go to Kauai (or sometime Maui) Hyatts 4-6 times a year, but often are looking for that something perfect that's a little closer and easier. This is that property.
People here seem pretty happy and excited about the cross over. I'm sure that others will soon be posting reviews of this place "as" a real Park Hyatt; we got a little bit of a preview and from that preview, I'm expecting that the Hyatt crowd is going to give this place a thumbs up.
Special thanks to Hyatt for working out our "week at the Four Seasons"! OK, over and out.
Jun 19, 2010, 10:14 pm
#79
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,742
Great reports, thesilb. I'm glad to hear that overall the stay was satisfying, that the Hyatt team is making its mark, and that we will see you in the neighborhood again.
Jun 19, 2010, 11:05 pm
#80
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: All over
Programs: AA-LTP, HH-DIA, Marriott-LT+AMB, Hyatt-Globalist, Hertz-PC, UA-GS
Posts: 6,828
I was going to stay on Monday night, but decided I better wait a few weeks. Keep up the updates. Thanks!
Jun 22, 2010, 1:33 pm
#81
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: AA ExPlat,EX-UA 1K, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat,
Posts: 12,212
Try to book using BWB for July 4th weekend, it was not available.
Jun 22, 2010, 2:25 pm
#82
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: New York, NY, USA
Posts: 12,481
It is very busy on that weekend. No Park Room available.@:-)
Please note: There will be a special fireworks event at Park Hyatt Aviara on July 4th open to registered hotel guests and guests with confirmed dining reservations. Reservations arriving on 7/4 or guests returning to the resort may experience delays at security checkpoints.
Jun 22, 2010, 4:30 pm
#83
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: SEA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold, Delta Silver, HH Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, MR Silver
Posts: 228
Currently booked for July 7-10, all on BWB. Eagerly awaiting word from anyone arriving before that about what to expect (now that it is officially a Hyatt).
Jun 22, 2010, 5:13 pm
#84
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 142
I am looking forward to it though, and yes we will be there with kids and going to Legoland.
Jul 1, 2010, 4:33 pm
#85
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 142
Hey. Guys. I am going to stay at Aviara this July. How easy is it to get around the area? Is Taxi easy to get? I am thinking about going to La Costa and the shopping mall near by. I do not want to rent a car though. TIA
Jul 1, 2010, 5:31 pm
#86
Community Director Emerita
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 33,742
Perhaps you should call the property and ask if they provide any car service themselves. The places you want to go are within 5 miles of the hotel, and perhaps they can provided the necessary transport. I know that La Costa Hotel & Spa has a fleet of limos for their guests.
Jul 1, 2010, 5:44 pm
#87
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 142
Thank you for speedy reply. I think a rental car maybe a good idea.
Jul 1, 2010, 8:54 pm
#88
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
Now that this property is now Hyatt - please continue discussions at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hyatt...er-thread.html - I'll lock this thread.
peteropny - co-moderator - Hyatt
peteropny - co-moderator - Hyatt