Grand Cypress Regency (Orlando) REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Jun 1, 2011, 6:09 pm
#271
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Jul 2001
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And this is why Disney now issues wrist bands for their pools - too many non-resort guests using them 
Really ? Could you elaborate a bit more ?
I was never under the impression that the Grand Cypress was known for outstanding Diamond treatment based on hundreds of reviews here and on various other internet sites. Hardly any free suite upgrades and in the old days even constant reports of denied RC access due to the overcrowded old Regency Club. Most people seem to complain about new charges, like alcohol or parking, but this is the usual ( and boring ) reaction, if something that used to be for free sets them back a few bucks some years later…
I was never under the impression that the Grand Cypress was known for outstanding Diamond treatment based on hundreds of reviews here and on various other internet sites. Hardly any free suite upgrades and in the old days even constant reports of denied RC access due to the overcrowded old Regency Club. Most people seem to complain about new charges, like alcohol or parking, but this is the usual ( and boring ) reaction, if something that used to be for free sets them back a few bucks some years later…
Again, unfortunately hardly any facts that could back up your comment
I think, we all agree that the new RC is a major major step forward, especially in comparison to the old one. The grounds are still marvelous, same with the golf course and tennis center, lake & pools. So I do not understand what you mean with ‘no more’
I think, we all agree that the new RC is a major major step forward, especially in comparison to the old one. The grounds are still marvelous, same with the golf course and tennis center, lake & pools. So I do not understand what you mean with ‘no more’
FD staff has always mediocre, however some RC concierges were amazing, but most of them retired some years ago. The rooms are supposed to be a bit post modern, but even if you do not like the design, it is probably appreciated by a vast majority in comparison to the Floral Florida design pre-renovation.
No, but I post on FT since more than ten years now and it is fascinating to see when those very emotional relationships between certain users and programs and/or hotels turn sour. Since you have always been one of the biggest fans of the Grand Cypress, I read your posts with great interest. While I agree on some accounts, I find other remarks exaggerated and in some cases plain wrong.
I care about balanced posts that inform and educate potential guests and I feel that your reviews are not objective at all anymore and put the property under a wrong light.
Why? I've seen numerous posts here saying they won't go back and yet I'm not objective?
At the current price tag, the Grand Cypress is the place to stay in Orlando, if you are looking for a resort close to Disney.
Like I said, I cancelled my reservation there for Memorial Day weekend and paid more to stay at the contemporary because the $11 parking fee made the price differential more palatable. A $25 resort fee for a diamond who gets some of the included items is a bit much, and not a way to treat your best guests - particularly repeat guests.
We are going to have to agree to disagree, but please don't say that I don't have facts or I'm wrong. Many posters above me are saying the same thing.
Jun 1, 2011, 6:41 pm
#272
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Jun 1, 2011, 6:43 pm
#273
Join Date: Mar 2008
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We have stayed at this property on the average of 30 nights a year for over ten years. In regards to the previous several posts I will add my thoughts.
1. The location of the new RC is great. The food has gone downhill in quality and selection. The decor is very modern and not my taste.
2. The room decor is also not my taste and the design in the corner rooms is problematic if you want to use the computer at the desk.
3. The front desk has for years had problems.
4. Upgrades to suites for us as diamonds was only if you contacted someone ahead that worked at the hotel. No random upgrades at check-in.
5. Resort fees are ridiculous especially now with a parking fee to be added. Many years ago there was a $15 resort fee charged covering use of the bikes, pitch and putt, driving range, and non motorized water sports. For diamonds and those on the club floor it was free. Shuttle service to the park was a few dollars if you used it.
6.This is the only Hyatt I know that charged diamonds for wireless access, but did not tell them until after they used it. The hotel continued to charge guests even after Gold passport called and told them to stop. Finally the front desk did start to advise that only wired access was free.
7. Pool temps at his time of year are usually high 60's low 70's in unheated pool and low 80 in heated pool.
When Paul Tang was first there for a number of years things were very good. last few years with new food and beverage mgr and asst to Paul handling a lot while Paul traveled overseeing other properties there has been a steady decline. Sad to say this one my #1 favorite place but not anymore. I would rather pay one higher rate than have all these fees added on. Are we getting points for these fees or are they not eligible??
1. The location of the new RC is great. The food has gone downhill in quality and selection. The decor is very modern and not my taste.
2. The room decor is also not my taste and the design in the corner rooms is problematic if you want to use the computer at the desk.
3. The front desk has for years had problems.
4. Upgrades to suites for us as diamonds was only if you contacted someone ahead that worked at the hotel. No random upgrades at check-in.
5. Resort fees are ridiculous especially now with a parking fee to be added. Many years ago there was a $15 resort fee charged covering use of the bikes, pitch and putt, driving range, and non motorized water sports. For diamonds and those on the club floor it was free. Shuttle service to the park was a few dollars if you used it.
6.This is the only Hyatt I know that charged diamonds for wireless access, but did not tell them until after they used it. The hotel continued to charge guests even after Gold passport called and told them to stop. Finally the front desk did start to advise that only wired access was free.
7. Pool temps at his time of year are usually high 60's low 70's in unheated pool and low 80 in heated pool.
When Paul Tang was first there for a number of years things were very good. last few years with new food and beverage mgr and asst to Paul handling a lot while Paul traveled overseeing other properties there has been a steady decline. Sad to say this one my #1 favorite place but not anymore. I would rather pay one higher rate than have all these fees added on. Are we getting points for these fees or are they not eligible??
Jun 1, 2011, 9:50 pm
#274
Join Date: Jun 2008
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5. Resort fees are ridiculous especially now with a parking fee to be added. Many years ago there was a $15 resort fee charged covering use of the bikes, pitch and putt, driving range, and non motorized water sports. For diamonds and those on the club floor it was free. Shuttle service to the park was a few dollars if you used it.
6.This is the only Hyatt I know that charged diamonds for wireless access, but did not tell them until after they used it. The hotel continued to charge guests even after Gold passport called and told them to stop. Finally the front desk did start to advise that only wired access was free.
When Paul Tang was first there for a number of years things were very good. last few years with new food and beverage mgr and asst to Paul handling a lot while Paul traveled overseeing other properties there has been a steady decline. Sad to say this one my #1 favorite place but not anymore. I would rather pay one higher rate than have all these fees added on. Are we getting points for these fees or are they not eligible??
6.This is the only Hyatt I know that charged diamonds for wireless access, but did not tell them until after they used it. The hotel continued to charge guests even after Gold passport called and told them to stop. Finally the front desk did start to advise that only wired access was free.
When Paul Tang was first there for a number of years things were very good. last few years with new food and beverage mgr and asst to Paul handling a lot while Paul traveled overseeing other properties there has been a steady decline. Sad to say this one my #1 favorite place but not anymore. I would rather pay one higher rate than have all these fees added on. Are we getting points for these fees or are they not eligible??
also, you won't get any gp points for parking/resort fee......
it is sad to see such a nice property going down.....
Jun 2, 2011, 9:44 pm
#275
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ATL
Posts: 3,219
We're here a couple more days.
1) We like the new rooms. It reminds me of our home decor. I like the white barcelona chair, the lamps, and the rain shower.
The pre-renovation reminded me of the golden girls. I expected Rose or Blanche to appear when we opened the door to the rc.
2) I remember the old RC had things like chicken wings and egg rolls. The new one is a step up in presentation. We like it.
3) We feel nickel and dimed. I can't remember the last time we were charged a resort fee as diamonds.
4) I don't like the towel card system. The pools are very cold.
Still, I think we're getting good value as diamond. It reminds me of Kauai at 1/4 the cost.
1) We like the new rooms. It reminds me of our home decor. I like the white barcelona chair, the lamps, and the rain shower.
The pre-renovation reminded me of the golden girls. I expected Rose or Blanche to appear when we opened the door to the rc.
2) I remember the old RC had things like chicken wings and egg rolls. The new one is a step up in presentation. We like it.
3) We feel nickel and dimed. I can't remember the last time we were charged a resort fee as diamonds.
4) I don't like the towel card system. The pools are very cold.
Still, I think we're getting good value as diamond. It reminds me of Kauai at 1/4 the cost.
Jun 2, 2011, 10:00 pm
#276
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MIAmi
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staying here now.
rooms are very nice, I like these updates very much;
pool is a bit too cold, true;
I wasn't advised of any parking charges, and there is no way I'm going to pay it on top of resort fee;
resort fee is $5 less for diamonds ($17);
RC is nice, with quite a good offerings;
no upgrade whatsoever (I don't count pool view as upgrade)
overall satisfaction - 7 out of 10.
rooms are very nice, I like these updates very much;
pool is a bit too cold, true;
I wasn't advised of any parking charges, and there is no way I'm going to pay it on top of resort fee;
resort fee is $5 less for diamonds ($17);
RC is nice, with quite a good offerings;
no upgrade whatsoever (I don't count pool view as upgrade)
overall satisfaction - 7 out of 10.
Jun 2, 2011, 10:36 pm
#277
Used to be bulldoggolfer05
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Jun 3, 2011, 3:23 am
#278
Suspended
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A lot of very interesting posts.
There seems to be consensus that the FD staff is doing a poor job. This should be adressed immediately.
In addition to that, quite some Diamond card holders seem to be disappointed.
I strongly suggest to take a closer look at the resort & parking fees and come up with one definitive answer. Giving out F&B vouchers while still charging the resort fee could be a solution. If I have to pay the fee minus the internet charge, I could actually live with it assuming that they grant a credit of $ 15-20 daily for F&B, shuttle services, valet etc.
I am aware that a lot of Diamond card holders stay there, I am also aware that the property is already discounting like crazy, but to be honest, I also started looking at alternatives for the Grand Champions across the country, when they introduced the parking fees and closed the RC again over the summer. They were smart enough to find a solution and compensate Diamonds for the closed RC with constant suite upgrades.
There seems to be consensus that the FD staff is doing a poor job. This should be adressed immediately.
In addition to that, quite some Diamond card holders seem to be disappointed.
I strongly suggest to take a closer look at the resort & parking fees and come up with one definitive answer. Giving out F&B vouchers while still charging the resort fee could be a solution. If I have to pay the fee minus the internet charge, I could actually live with it assuming that they grant a credit of $ 15-20 daily for F&B, shuttle services, valet etc.
I am aware that a lot of Diamond card holders stay there, I am also aware that the property is already discounting like crazy, but to be honest, I also started looking at alternatives for the Grand Champions across the country, when they introduced the parking fees and closed the RC again over the summer. They were smart enough to find a solution and compensate Diamonds for the closed RC with constant suite upgrades.
Jun 3, 2011, 6:38 pm
#279
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Diamond, Delta Platinum Medallion, Hilton Gold,Starwood Preferred, United, AA
Posts: 156
The old RC had shrimp cocktail, crab claws, and tenderloin of beef. Food offerings when we have been there have not been anywhere near the same.
Jun 5, 2011, 9:20 am
#280
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: United 1K MM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 417
It's very interesting that you should mention the food offerings. Cocktail shrimp, crab claws and tenderloin of beef, among other things, were exactly what RC Lounge offered for the evening service on Monday, May 30, 2011. They came from La Coquina. From the way RC Lounge reps talked, these offerings seemed better than normal. Indeed it was the first time I had crab claws in my four stays at Grand Cypress, starting in August 2010.
Jun 10, 2011, 6:26 pm
#281
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: EWR
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Posts: 161
We used to go here every year also, but can't use the hard-earned points with such concerns over this formerly great spot... so we have skipped it for ~3 years now.
That said, I think they have enough conventions and Disney traffic here not to care about losing regulars.
That said, I think they have enough conventions and Disney traffic here not to care about losing regulars.
Jun 11, 2011, 7:42 am
#282
Join Date: Mar 2008
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Posts: 156
It's very interesting that you should mention the food offerings. Cocktail shrimp, crab claws and tenderloin of beef, among other things, were exactly what RC Lounge offered for the evening service on Monday, May 30, 2011. They came from La Coquina. From the way RC Lounge reps talked, these offerings seemed better than normal. Indeed it was the first time I had crab claws in my four stays at Grand Cypress, starting in August 2010.
Aug 12, 2011, 7:28 pm
#283
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Diamond, Delta Platinum Medallion, Hilton Gold,Starwood Preferred, United, AA
Posts: 156
Parking fee?
Anyone been here recently? Have they started to charge for parking? What is the fee if so? How has the club been? We have not been in a while deciding instead to try other properties and are thinking of returning soon.
Aug 31, 2011, 3:49 am
#284
Join Date: Jan 2009
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist, Bonvoy Lifetime Gold, ProrityClub
Posts: 47
We're here a couple more days.
1) We like the new rooms. It reminds me of our home decor. I like the white barcelona chair, the lamps, and the rain shower.
The pre-renovation reminded me of the golden girls. I expected Rose or Blanche to appear when we opened the door to the rc.
2) I remember the old RC had things like chicken wings and egg rolls. The new one is a step up in presentation. We like it.
3) We feel nickel and dimed. I can't remember the last time we were charged a resort fee as diamonds.
4) I don't like the towel card system. The pools are very cold.
Still, I think we're getting good value as diamond. It reminds me of Kauai at 1/4 the cost.
1) We like the new rooms. It reminds me of our home decor. I like the white barcelona chair, the lamps, and the rain shower.
The pre-renovation reminded me of the golden girls. I expected Rose or Blanche to appear when we opened the door to the rc.
2) I remember the old RC had things like chicken wings and egg rolls. The new one is a step up in presentation. We like it.
3) We feel nickel and dimed. I can't remember the last time we were charged a resort fee as diamonds.
4) I don't like the towel card system. The pools are very cold.
Still, I think we're getting good value as diamond. It reminds me of Kauai at 1/4 the cost.
resorts ?
I have always paid the resort fees, no matter where. Grand Cypress which
has been for a long long time our no.1 favorite (before renovations), the
resorts on Hawaii, other resorts in Florida.
So what do you have to do to not pay them ? Is this standard for diamond members ? I am diamond lifetime member.
Will be visiting GC in december again. Curious how everything is now.
Last time renovations had been ready (don't like the decor, too cool for my taste ....we preferred the "Rose or Blanche" look ...)