Fliar

Has anyone stayed at the RC since the club level has been upgraded?
They were talking about checkin on the club level, internet access, etc. I have a reservation coming up and was wondering what I could expect.
Many thanks.

mauld

I was there last month, actually checked in the day after the Club Floor reopened. I did have a reservation for the Club floor, but was checked in as usual on the main floor. I'd been there before, and didn't notice any difference in the Club (same style, good food, beverages, service etc). My room was very similar to the one I had 2 years ago, so not sure about what type of renovations are being done. Be very aware that construction is going on during the day right near the Club enterance. All day long as you enter & exit workers were going in & out of rooms near the Club, electrial wires were hanging down, machinery could be heard (loudly) etc. My room was 2 levels down, so I didn't hear any of this noise except when using the Club, but I would imagine those on the actual Club floor would be very aware of the work going on.

Fliar

Thanks Mauld, for the reply. I was told that the rooms opposite the Club were going to be changed to a check-in area and have computers with free internet access. Maybe they haven't finished yet.

nyuboy

i just stayed on the club floor 17-20 january, right after the renovations were "finished." we were walked the first night (that's another story, and i've been meaning to write a trip report, so that'll be coming), so when we returned on 18 january, our butler met us at the car and escorted us up to the 32nd floor. she took us directly to our room and completed the formalities while explaining the room's features. so at least for us, check-in was on the club floor. as for the lounge and 32nd floor, itself, the renovations WERE NOT finished. yes, there was construction and drilling during the day, but this did not bother me. we could not hear anything from the room, and we were staying on the same floor as the lounge. however, what did disappoint me about the renovations not being finished was that the lounge was much smaller than in the picture(s) on the website. makeshift walls were set up to section off the construction areas, so essentially, the lounge we were in was a truncated version of what was to be. also, there were no sofas or clusters of sitting areas like in most (ritz) hotel lounges; instead, the room was furnished like a restaurant, with tables for two. add to that waiter service, and i didn't feel like i was in a club floor lounge. but the views and staff up there made up for the flaws, and overall i feel the club was a good value. i would think the renovations are done by now, so definitely check it out. i'm just sad i didn't get to experience the full effect. the renovated club was why i chose the ritz over the four-seasons in the first place.

Fliar

Thanks nyuboy, for the update. I'll be there early April so I would imagine it'll all be finished by then. Sorry you didn't get to see it completed.

Fliar

At the danger of waxing lyrical here, I think the recent changes to the Club are major improvements. Returned here to day after 5 months and everyone remembers me, some by name - handshakes all around; you're really made to feel like an honoured, and missed guest. Checkin is very relaxing, it's done in the club and you get a drink while things are sorted. Their checkin system (Fidelio) was down today but someone raced down to do it manually and came back within 5 mins ^ ). I have been here a few times now and was given a corner room on level 32 (same level as the club) - fantastic view over the city on one side, and the ocean on the other. A huge bowl of fruit, and wonderful amenities (Bulgari) too.

The new side of the club has broadband computers and great views as well. There is a staffed bar - they'll make just about anything for you. In fact, everyone here will do just about anything for you; airline seat requests/restaurant bookings/you name it, it's done here. There is now also a reading selection in the club, and the food, IMO, has improved considerably (from already good to very good).

I just came back from the Peninsula in BKK, but I think (club level rooms in) this hotel beats the Pen hands down.