Best FS Properties
Mar 17, 2017, 3:11 pm
#47
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 259
There was a thread on FS Geneva that recently suggested that it may perhaps be the best FS property in Europe (i.e. better than George V Paris). Looks stunning -- and I love hotels with a low room count -- but it asks for an arm and a leg. Has anyone stayed there recently?
Mar 17, 2017, 7:25 pm
#49
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Proud resident of flyover country.....
Programs: MS AMEX PLAT- Marriott Titanium-HH G- UA Silver-JPM RC . DL-AA-BA
Posts: 3,892
FS Maui - for us it was our first luxury hotel. The serenity pool is hard to beat.
FS Boston - Great service. Two examples:
One time we arrived and the wife was sick. Waiter at the Bristol where we had lunch sent up a pot of tea to the room. He saw us the next day and asked how she was feeling.
Second example: We were there in the winter and it was freezing out. We had parked our car in the garage at the public garden. As we were checking out the gentleman behind the counter asked if we needed a car service. We said no we were parked across the way. He went to get the person who drives the house car. He wasn't to be found (perhaps quick break). So he got the keys himself and drove us over to our car so we didn't have to walk in the blistering cold.
FS Boston - Great service. Two examples:
One time we arrived and the wife was sick. Waiter at the Bristol where we had lunch sent up a pot of tea to the room. He saw us the next day and asked how she was feeling.
Second example: We were there in the winter and it was freezing out. We had parked our car in the garage at the public garden. As we were checking out the gentleman behind the counter asked if we needed a car service. We said no we were parked across the way. He went to get the person who drives the house car. He wasn't to be found (perhaps quick break). So he got the keys himself and drove us over to our car so we didn't have to walk in the blistering cold.
Mar 18, 2017, 8:04 pm
#50
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
FDW
Mar 19, 2017, 2:21 am
#51
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SIN
Programs: CX DM
Posts: 125
We have had multiple excellent stays at London Park Lane and Hong Kong, and enjoyed Kuda Huraa. Also (at odds with many here) we have had great experiences at Hualalai, but staying in a house on property with a big group of friends and family, so a different type of trip.
Mar 19, 2017, 11:08 am
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
re hualalai reports here, recent years saw increases in residential occupancy during holidays/peak, seems some staff leaving and possible cost cutting, Valveking and others also rented residences, which have raised fees
HK may be similar to baltimore, though different view
bosphorus and especially florence are less 'urban'
HK may be similar to baltimore, though different view
bosphorus and especially florence are less 'urban'
Mar 19, 2017, 11:22 am
#53
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: BNA
Programs: Virtuoso, FSPP, RC STARS, Rosewood Elite, Bellini, SPG LP, Dorchester Diamond, PenClub
Posts: 357
Some of my favorites in the US are Santa Fe, Lanai, Scottsdale, and Boston. I tend to prefer smaller properties as a general rule.
I appreciate the consistency in the FS service product overall, and I love the app. If all else was equal between two hotels, one being a FS, the app would sway me in their direction every time.
I appreciate the consistency in the FS service product overall, and I love the app. If all else was equal between two hotels, one being a FS, the app would sway me in their direction every time.
Mar 22, 2017, 2:51 pm
#57
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Palo Alto, CA, USA
Posts: 3,221
Hualalai in theory is wonderful. The physical plant (sorry, hard product) is exceptional and delightful. In practice, the delight attenuates very quickly when occupancy goes over 70% which is most of the time. Do not stay over any holiday whatsoever and avoid summer.
Mar 23, 2017, 3:36 am
#58
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Europe
Posts: 2,598
In addition to Mercury, they now opened Sababa Lounge, located on GF next to Suq's terrace. A neomodern structure that offers F&B, as well as entertainment. From what I gather this is another night-clubbish enhancement of the resort: their very own and successful Mercury, Provocateur on the premises and now Sababa in the heart of the resort. The latter seems to be independently managed as well. I am unsure if this is a temporary offering ('pop up lounge') or permanent, might depend on its success if they renew the contract.
I really wonder now about noise-pollution and impact for guests who go to bed early. Provocateur is in a purpose-built facility and soundproofed accordingly, no worries here. However there have been some reports and complaints about noise from Mercury at night, especially on higher floors. Now people on lower floors might be impacted by this new venue, especially due to location. They have to realize there is a certain line they should not cross as a resort.
Seems they are trying to keep the resort popular with the locals. Not that it wouldn't be immensely popular anyway, especially right after opening. With these new offerings they keep the momentum going for sure, although it is an interesting direction. So many Emirati glitterati at the opening party.
Also new: their 'Brunch Boat' (on a yacht), catering for private parties,...
Mar 23, 2017, 10:09 am
#59
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 6,303
Impressive how much love FS Dubai gets here (and I agree!) -- interesting though how they are still changing and evolving the concept.
In addition to Mercury, they now opened Sababa Lounge, located on GF next to Suq's terrace. A neomodern structure that offers F&B, as well as entertainment. From what I gather this is another night-clubbish enhancement of the resort: their very own and successful Mercury, Provocateur on the premises and now Sababa in the heart of the resort. The latter seems to be independently managed as well. I am unsure if this is a temporary offering ('pop up lounge') or permanent, might depend on its success if they renew the contract.
I really wonder now about noise-pollution and impact for guests who go to bed early. Provocateur is in a purpose-built facility and soundproofed accordingly, no worries here. However there have been some reports and complaints about noise from Mercury at night, especially on higher floors. Now people on lower floors might be impacted by this new venue, especially due to location. They have to realize there is a certain line they should not cross as a resort.
Seems they are trying to keep the resort popular with the locals. Not that it wouldn't be immensely popular anyway, especially right after opening. With these new offerings they keep the momentum going for sure, although it is an interesting direction. So many Emirati glitterati at the opening party.
Also new: their 'Brunch Boat' (on a yacht), catering for private parties,...
In addition to Mercury, they now opened Sababa Lounge, located on GF next to Suq's terrace. A neomodern structure that offers F&B, as well as entertainment. From what I gather this is another night-clubbish enhancement of the resort: their very own and successful Mercury, Provocateur on the premises and now Sababa in the heart of the resort. The latter seems to be independently managed as well. I am unsure if this is a temporary offering ('pop up lounge') or permanent, might depend on its success if they renew the contract.
I really wonder now about noise-pollution and impact for guests who go to bed early. Provocateur is in a purpose-built facility and soundproofed accordingly, no worries here. However there have been some reports and complaints about noise from Mercury at night, especially on higher floors. Now people on lower floors might be impacted by this new venue, especially due to location. They have to realize there is a certain line they should not cross as a resort.
Seems they are trying to keep the resort popular with the locals. Not that it wouldn't be immensely popular anyway, especially right after opening. With these new offerings they keep the momentum going for sure, although it is an interesting direction. So many Emirati glitterati at the opening party.
Also new: their 'Brunch Boat' (on a yacht), catering for private parties,...
Mar 23, 2017, 2:31 pm
#60
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
On first impressions, our room is absolutely beautiful and extremely comfortable. One of the best layouts I've been in, and everything is in pristine condition. I can see why this is a favorite of many.
We are here for 3 nights so will update with impressions at a later point. Unfortunately the weather calls for rain starting tomorrow morning for the rest of our stay.
EDIT: We are on the 4th floor in a Premier Sea View room and at 12:30am on a Thursday, the most busy night of the week, our room is absolutely silent.
