Where are you going next?
Jul 17, 2017, 12:48 pm
#2821
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
5 rooms, seems 3 vehicles - 4 seat, 4 seat, 2 seat
not sure if they book (1) private
awesome. perhaps to/from kenya. could combine with singita mobile safari.
Jul 17, 2017, 1:11 pm
#2822
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Sweden
Posts: 216
It's probably the best city hotel I've stayed in as well. Curious, however, as MacMyDay haven't had a great track record with FS.
Jul 17, 2017, 1:39 pm
#2823
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
With FS Florence, most of the staff there truly were amazing, but at the same time, even ignoring our wonderful mishap, the concierge was absolutely useless, the Internet was unbearably slow, the pool felt anything but luxurious due to the overcrowding during the day; and we had our worst sleep of the entire trip as the curtains were not blackout and the AC was evidently broken as suddenly in the middle of the night it became unbearable hot, and I say this as someone often happy with that. I had them come the next day to fix it, and they said they did, but it happened again on the second night.
We also thought their Michelin star restaurant was as average as you can get, with nothing at all that felt worth paying for. We had to promptly leave at the end, as the wonderfully kind and charismatic head chef was coming around asking people what they thought, and I did not want to have to lie to him or have an awkward conversation in trying to avoid the subject.
Ultimately, FS is a beautiful hotel, with some excellent stand out staff that saved it for us. I consider myself a logical person, but somehow it's convinced me on an emotional level that it's worth returning to, even though we experienced more cons than pros whilst there. The list of faults was substantial enough to get a free stay, and none of the above was even a consideration in that.
Jul 17, 2017, 2:31 pm
#2824
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
With FS Florence, most of the staff there truly were amazing, but at the same time, even ignoring our wonderful mishap, the concierge was absolutely useless, the Internet was unbearably slow, the pool felt anything but luxurious due to the overcrowding during the day; and we had our worst sleep of the entire trip as the curtains were not blackout and the AC was evidently broken as suddenly in the middle of the night it became unbearable hot, and I say this as someone often happy with that. I had them come the next day to fix it, and they said they did, but it happened again on the second night.
We also thought their Michelin star restaurant was as average as you can get, with nothing at all that felt worth paying for. We had to promptly leave at the end, as the wonderfully kind and charismatic head chef was coming around asking people what they thought, and I did not want to have to lie to him or have an awkward conversation in trying to avoid the subject.
Ultimately, FS is a beautiful hotel, with some excellent stand out staff that saved it for us. I consider myself a logical person, but somehow it's convinced me on an emotional level that it's worth returning to, even though we experienced more cons than pros whilst there. The list of faults was substantial enough to get a free stay, and none of the above was even a consideration in that.
We also thought their Michelin star restaurant was as average as you can get, with nothing at all that felt worth paying for. We had to promptly leave at the end, as the wonderfully kind and charismatic head chef was coming around asking people what they thought, and I did not want to have to lie to him or have an awkward conversation in trying to avoid the subject.
Ultimately, FS is a beautiful hotel, with some excellent stand out staff that saved it for us. I consider myself a logical person, but somehow it's convinced me on an emotional level that it's worth returning to, even though we experienced more cons than pros whilst there. The list of faults was substantial enough to get a free stay, and none of the above was even a consideration in that.
Jul 17, 2017, 6:07 pm
#2825
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
With FS Florence, most of the staff there truly were amazing, but at the same time, even ignoring our wonderful mishap, the concierge was absolutely useless, the Internet was unbearably slow, the pool felt anything but luxurious due to the overcrowding during the day; and we had our worst sleep of the entire trip as the curtains were not blackout and the AC was evidently broken as suddenly in the middle of the night it became unbearable hot, and I say this as someone often happy with that. I had them come the next day to fix it, and they said they did, but it happened again on the second night.
We also thought their Michelin star restaurant was as average as you can get, with nothing at all that felt worth paying for. We had to promptly leave at the end, as the wonderfully kind and charismatic head chef was coming around asking people what they thought, and I did not want to have to lie to him or have an awkward conversation in trying to avoid the subject.
Ultimately, FS is a beautiful hotel, with some excellent stand out staff that saved it for us. I consider myself a logical person, but somehow it's convinced me on an emotional level that it's worth returning to, even though we experienced more cons than pros whilst there. The list of faults was substantial enough to get a free stay, and none of the above was even a consideration in that.
I'm surprised blackout curtains aren't standard too. Most people couldn't sleep with full sunshine coming in.
Jul 18, 2017, 2:23 am
#2827
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
Just to clarify, they absolutely did send someone to come fix it, as I was in the room whilst he was working, but it evidently did not work.
Jul 18, 2017, 2:31 am
#2828
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,245
I think it is the one of the, if not the most, beautiful city hotels I've ever been in. And I can confirm we will definitely be returning...as they gave us a free night due to an issue I don't want to publicly discuss. Out of all the hotels we visited, I would not return to Park Hyatt Mallorca or The Thief, but would return Palazzo Parigi, FS Florence and Sant Francesc; although Florence and Milan, of course, has a lot more to offer than Palma, so I would unlikely return to Sant Francesc anytime soon.
With FS Florence, most of the staff there truly were amazing, but at the same time, even ignoring our wonderful mishap, the concierge was absolutely useless, the Internet was unbearably slow, the pool felt anything but luxurious due to the overcrowding during the day; and we had our worst sleep of the entire trip as the curtains were not blackout and the AC was evidently broken as suddenly in the middle of the night it became unbearable hot, and I say this as someone often happy with that. I had them come the next day to fix it, and they said they did, but it happened again on the second night.
We also thought their Michelin star restaurant was as average as you can get, with nothing at all that felt worth paying for. We had to promptly leave at the end, as the wonderfully kind and charismatic head chef was coming around asking people what they thought, and I did not want to have to lie to him or have an awkward conversation in trying to avoid the subject.
Ultimately, FS is a beautiful hotel, with some excellent stand out staff that saved it for us. I consider myself a logical person, but somehow it's convinced me on an emotional level that it's worth returning to, even though we experienced more cons than pros whilst there. The list of faults was substantial enough to get a free stay, and none of the above was even a consideration in that.
With FS Florence, most of the staff there truly were amazing, but at the same time, even ignoring our wonderful mishap, the concierge was absolutely useless, the Internet was unbearably slow, the pool felt anything but luxurious due to the overcrowding during the day; and we had our worst sleep of the entire trip as the curtains were not blackout and the AC was evidently broken as suddenly in the middle of the night it became unbearable hot, and I say this as someone often happy with that. I had them come the next day to fix it, and they said they did, but it happened again on the second night.
We also thought their Michelin star restaurant was as average as you can get, with nothing at all that felt worth paying for. We had to promptly leave at the end, as the wonderfully kind and charismatic head chef was coming around asking people what they thought, and I did not want to have to lie to him or have an awkward conversation in trying to avoid the subject.
Ultimately, FS is a beautiful hotel, with some excellent stand out staff that saved it for us. I consider myself a logical person, but somehow it's convinced me on an emotional level that it's worth returning to, even though we experienced more cons than pros whilst there. The list of faults was substantial enough to get a free stay, and none of the above was even a consideration in that.
You must be jinx at FS.
I stayed there last year. Love the garden as it's tranquil and serene. No problem with air-con. The property was quite empty during my stay. For internet, need to pay extra for higher speed otherwise the standard internet is very slow. I find the restaurant to be mediocre as well. Nice presentation but tasteless. I think the chef is not around to cook most of the time and his staff doesn't do a good job. They refunded me the cost of the meal after I complained. Room service food was much better actually. Service was good. Didn't use the concierge much except to book a local tour for me. One thing very annoying was their housekeeping. They always littered my bedside pedestal with stuff like writing pad, alarm clock etc. I stored them away in the cupboard and they will put them all back during turn down.
Jul 18, 2017, 2:35 am
#2829
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Jakarta
Programs: Krisflyer PPS, SPG, Hyatt GoldPassport, Shangri-la Golden Circle, British Airways ExecClub
Posts: 1,245
Ritz Carlton Singapore end of this month
Ritz Carlton Hong Kong in Sep
Goring London and Mandarin Oriental (? ) in London. But subject to change.
Ritz Carlton Hong Kong in Sep
Goring London and Mandarin Oriental (? ) in London. But subject to change.
Jul 18, 2017, 4:44 am
#2830
Formerly known as hcampana
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AMS
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 463
Not sure if they are considered luxury in this forum but
Aug - Conrad Sumai, IC Danang Sun Peninsula & IC Hanoi
Sept - London TBD
I haven't been able to travel for the past six months due to a medical situation. I'm so excited to be going places again!
Aug - Conrad Sumai, IC Danang Sun Peninsula & IC Hanoi
Sept - London TBD
I haven't been able to travel for the past six months due to a medical situation. I'm so excited to be going places again!
Jul 18, 2017, 4:58 am
#2831
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Parts Unknown
Posts: 10,053
welcome back to the world of travel!
Jul 18, 2017, 9:56 am
#2832
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
MacMyDay, did you ask re changing rooms / curtains ? sounds like neither was proactively offered, even if you mentioned curtains beforehand. might be why some properties seem to go overboard on blackout, if their curtains are not the best and they do not have room to hang multiple.
They refunded me the cost of the meal after I complained. Room service food was much better actually.
housekeeping. They always littered my bedside pedestal with stuff like writing pad, alarm clock etc. I stored them away in the cupboard and they will put them all back during turn down.
housekeeping. They always littered my bedside pedestal with stuff like writing pad, alarm clock etc. I stored them away in the cupboard and they will put them all back during turn down.
Jul 18, 2017, 12:18 pm
#2833
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: USA
Programs: Amex Plat, AA Exec, CITI Prestige, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold and all ever changing
Posts: 218
We are taking our child with us, so it will be the three of us in our own vehicle each day.
Jul 19, 2017, 4:11 pm
#2834
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
if private, not sure why they are unclear on their own website and industry sales & marketing materials. it was on another website that said 3 vehicles (4+4+2) for 5 rooms, but that doesnt account for 3+ in a room, which i see they do publish on their own website. makes zero sense to mention maximum 4 if private. compare to Tswalu and Serian websites which include private, for example.
Jul 19, 2017, 8:19 pm
#2835
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: USA
Programs: Amex Plat, AA Exec, CITI Prestige, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold and all ever changing
Posts: 218
Fair point.
I can only tell you that they replied to me that we'd get our own vehicle for our suite.
Looking forward to it and will be at the Saxon in Joburg for a couple of days before that.
btw, responding from Hacienda Altagracia in Costa Rica. Really impressed with this resort. Hard and soft product.
I can only tell you that they replied to me that we'd get our own vehicle for our suite.
Looking forward to it and will be at the Saxon in Joburg for a couple of days before that.
btw, responding from Hacienda Altagracia in Costa Rica. Really impressed with this resort. Hard and soft product.