What is your favorite hotel LOBBY?
May 15, 2011, 3:18 pm
#17
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This has been a GREAT thread so far. I knew our members would be superior for this and I knew we'd have a GREAT list!
Look forward to more listings.
Oh, almost forgot - Recently had a nice lobby experience at the Gaylord Texan near DFW. Lots of fireplaces and large leather chairs with ottomans to sit, sip a drink, and watch the southern Gentry check-in! It's not an "Opulent" lobby but it is grand - or at least large- and a nice lobby for lobby-sitting. The resort in general is typically Texan. The dome makes the hotel unique.
Last edited by RobbieRunner; May 15, 2011 at 3:24 pm
May 15, 2011, 3:24 pm
#18
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 983
Bravo NYB! Agreed. So true on the flowers. Never had lunch at Athenee, but have people watched with a drink that I nursed for about two hours! Fun!
This has been a GREAT thread so far. I knew our members would be superior for this and I knew we'd have a GREAT list!
Look forward to more listings.
Oh, almost forgot - Recently had a nice lobby experience at the Gaylord Texan near DFW. Lots of fireplaces and large leather chairs with ottomans to sit, sip a drink, and watch the southern Gentry check-in! It's not a "grand" lobby but nice to lobby-sit. The resort in general is typically Texan. The dome makes the hotel unique.
This has been a GREAT thread so far. I knew our members would be superior for this and I knew we'd have a GREAT list!
Look forward to more listings.
Oh, almost forgot - Recently had a nice lobby experience at the Gaylord Texan near DFW. Lots of fireplaces and large leather chairs with ottomans to sit, sip a drink, and watch the southern Gentry check-in! It's not a "grand" lobby but nice to lobby-sit. The resort in general is typically Texan. The dome makes the hotel unique.
In that vein, the Driskill in Austin feels like great old-Texas.
Also, the Lanesborough comes to mind.
May 15, 2011, 3:53 pm
#19
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May 15, 2011, 4:55 pm
#20
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New York City
Posts: 408
Great thread. I'd add:
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur -- sipping welcome drinks under that unbelievable dome.
The Savoy, London. Grand, luxurious, and comfortable all at the same time. Arguably the most successful element of the re-opening is the design of the public areas proceeding from the main entrance.
And if you consider the procession of spaces through which one arrives and checks in a "lobby," I'd throw in the Oberoi Udaivilas and the Four Seasons Langkawi, both of which provide such magical entrees to the hotel.
And a quick stab at the most disappointing: Four Seasons Provence, with its concrete bunker of a main building that reminded me of nothing so much as a primary school. Incredibly unappealing and aesthetically moribund.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur -- sipping welcome drinks under that unbelievable dome.
The Savoy, London. Grand, luxurious, and comfortable all at the same time. Arguably the most successful element of the re-opening is the design of the public areas proceeding from the main entrance.
And if you consider the procession of spaces through which one arrives and checks in a "lobby," I'd throw in the Oberoi Udaivilas and the Four Seasons Langkawi, both of which provide such magical entrees to the hotel.
And a quick stab at the most disappointing: Four Seasons Provence, with its concrete bunker of a main building that reminded me of nothing so much as a primary school. Incredibly unappealing and aesthetically moribund.
May 15, 2011, 5:08 pm
#21
Join Date: Feb 2010
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What a great thread! I thought it was just me who went agog at the sight of a brilliant lobby. Many times, especially when jetlagged you can easily overlook a beautiful lobby, so when one stands out- it really stands out.
Last year had my 1st visit to NYC. Although I didnt stay in either, I made time to check out the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza lobbies. The Savoy in London is Art Deco heaven. Also have encountered the Driskill in Austin. Very nice.
That said, nothing worse that a discrepancy between the lobby and your actual room. Checking in in a great lobby that makes you think your room will also be fantastic, only to find out its no better than a motel 6 is a huge disappointment.
Last year had my 1st visit to NYC. Although I didnt stay in either, I made time to check out the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza lobbies. The Savoy in London is Art Deco heaven. Also have encountered the Driskill in Austin. Very nice.
That said, nothing worse that a discrepancy between the lobby and your actual room. Checking in in a great lobby that makes you think your room will also be fantastic, only to find out its no better than a motel 6 is a huge disappointment.
May 15, 2011, 9:31 pm
#23
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As it should be, given their investment. Over USD 1 million per year for buying flowers, and a full time flower arranger on staff. I suspect it is the largest flower budget of any hotel in the world and they have superb results for it.
May 16, 2011, 2:39 am
#24
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 983
Great thread. I'd add:
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur -- sipping welcome drinks under that unbelievable dome.
The Savoy, London. Grand, luxurious, and comfortable all at the same time. Arguably the most successful element of the re-opening is the design of the public areas proceeding from the main entrance.
And if you consider the procession of spaces through which one arrives and checks in a "lobby," I'd throw in the Oberoi Udaivilas and the Four Seasons Langkawi, both of which provide such magical entrees to the hotel.
And a quick stab at the most disappointing: Four Seasons Provence, with its concrete bunker of a main building that reminded me of nothing so much as a primary school. Incredibly unappealing and aesthetically moribund.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur -- sipping welcome drinks under that unbelievable dome.
The Savoy, London. Grand, luxurious, and comfortable all at the same time. Arguably the most successful element of the re-opening is the design of the public areas proceeding from the main entrance.
And if you consider the procession of spaces through which one arrives and checks in a "lobby," I'd throw in the Oberoi Udaivilas and the Four Seasons Langkawi, both of which provide such magical entrees to the hotel.
And a quick stab at the most disappointing: Four Seasons Provence, with its concrete bunker of a main building that reminded me of nothing so much as a primary school. Incredibly unappealing and aesthetically moribund.
May 16, 2011, 5:22 am
#25
Join Date: Dec 2004
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The Peninsula Hong Kong, especially for a quiet breakfast
The Inter-Continental Hong Kong, for the view
The Fairmont San Francisco, for the opulence (though it's a little dark and needs a refresh)
The Four Seasons Sayan
The Inter-Continental Hong Kong, for the view
The Fairmont San Francisco, for the opulence (though it's a little dark and needs a refresh)
The Four Seasons Sayan
May 16, 2011, 5:37 am
#26
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Forgot to say that when the MO in SIN opened about 20 years ago I thought that was fantastic, maybe a little less so now check-in has moved downstairs
May 16, 2011, 5:39 am
#27
Join Date: Feb 2005
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May 16, 2011, 5:45 am
#28
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May 16, 2011, 6:07 am
#29
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Thanks for the Peninsula tip! I'll be in Chicago soon and will stay there. The lobby dining option on their website looks good. I can make a ham sandwich and coffee last 2 hours while lobby-sitting. This is a trick I picked up in France while Lobbying or sitting on the Champs and enjoying people-watching.
May 16, 2011, 6:21 am
#30
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: OSL
Posts: 2,145
Not a standard reception, but since I read about FS Langkawi (agree it was a great way to arrive), I would also like to mention that arriving at FS Koh Samui was also quite spectacular. First there is the arrival pavillion with a fantastic view and then, further down, the reception area with huge comfortable round chair to lounge in while playing a game or just enjoying the view.
Another fantastic arrival was Amanjiwo where the driver made sure to park just where one can see Borobudur through the open "gate". Going though this gate the view was even better and the flower girls throwing rose petals were just soo sweet.
Another fantastic arrival was Amanjiwo where the driver made sure to park just where one can see Borobudur through the open "gate". Going though this gate the view was even better and the flower girls throwing rose petals were just soo sweet.