Atlanta Park Views

While in Atlanta I like to get out and walk and think as I do in New York, so I like to stay in the Midtown Area so I can take use of Piedmont Park.  Piedmont Park is an urban oasis located in car centric Atlanta's Midtown neighborhood.    On weekdays it's a perfect place to relax as many parts of the park offer shaded areas with great views

There isn't much wildlife, but there are some Geese and some very strange ducks.

I also had a chance to visit Centennial Olympic Park.  The fountains bring out the kid in everyone.  However, since the park is lower than the parallel streets, I didn't get great downtown skyline views.

W Fort Lauderdale

As a W Hotel fan this is typically my first choice when visiting Ft. Lauderdale.  Why? Location! I like the rooms and I love the deep terraces off the rooms on the upper floors.  

I tend to visit Ft. Lauderdale 3 or 4 times a year and stay at the W.  Coming into the property was on par with my previous experiences, all though the valet area seemed to be a bit more disorganized and slower than previous stays.

When I arrived at reception, the area and adjoining living room were eerily empty.  I’ll just chalk it up to folks being at the beach or out enjoying the day.  The area is clean and well maintained.  The next morning I did notice quite a few people using the free wireless.

One thing I’ve always liked about this property is although the beach is directly across the street and the pool above the living room, you don’t get that “sea water” or pool odor in the reception, living room or public and room level corridors.

At check-in I was greeted by one of my two favorite agents and was welcomed back.  Although, i’m not a business traveler, It nice to be appreciated and recognized for maintaining to elite tier status.

My stays over the past couple of years, I’ve been assigned the same room - an ocean front suite on a high floor with a nice terrace.  Due to the size, this is a perfect room if you’re traveling with someone (friend or significant other/spouse)  or want to entertain.  If you don’t feel like going down to the beach, you can just chill on the terrace.

However, this stay, I was assigned a different room. Hence this update review.  When I told I would be assigned a room on a lower floor, I was concerned.  I’ve never stayed on a lower floor and I was worried that I wouldn’t get a lot of sun and I would hear noise from the pool.

The suite itself is very cozy and perfect for a single person or couple.  Upon entering, you’re in a hallway, that has a postcard view of the ocean

On either side of the hallway is the bedroom and bathroom.  Both rooms can easily be hidden by pocket doors.  This is nice if you sharing the room with someone, you can enjoy the parlor of the suite while they are still in bed or they use the side balcony.

The bedroom is large has its on TV a large walking closet and a private balcony.  The room also has a wall of windows which makes the room feel even larger.  The W bed was typical and I suspect I was on a new or recently replace mattress as it was super firm, which is my preference.  On either side of the bed there are electrical outlets so no need to search for places to plug in mobile devices.

The bathroom isn’t large but has simple layout that two can use without compromising space.  There is no tub in this unit, but the shower fits two.  Usually I’m underwhelmed by shower pressure, but the pressure in this shower was better than average.

Once you past the bathroom and bedroom you’re in the parlor which is a nice size but due to the lack of wall art, if feels sparse.  On one side of the room is a seating area, the other side is a desk and entertainment area.  The area has enough space to entertain without feeling crowded.  The only issues is electrical outlets, they are awkwardly placed and the majority are against the wall where the desk and TV are located.

The room, like others, has sliding doors that open up to the Atlantic ocean that offer picture perfect views.  

I was worried about noise from the pool deck below but I didn’t hear a word.  I wasn’t around during the day  on a Sunday, so I didn’t experience the Sunday party.

Overall its a great room and really enjoyed it as I was expecting the worst, based on my previous room assignments.

Wireless internet connection was strong throughout the room and on the balcony.

Went down to sweat and it was a typical experience. Machines were in good shape and the room was maintained.

After my workout I went to spend a minute on the pool deck, but due to a rain shower the loungers were all wet.  So I decided I headed back to my room when I remembered there is a second pool on the back of the property.  The pool deck is smaller and only has a view of other buildings.  This is a great alternative if the main pool is crowded and/or you don’t want to go to the beach.

My expectations on this property are continually met and I’m treated well for my patronage.  My favorite Ft. Lauderdale restaurant, Steak 954,  is located on site, so overall the property is a solid favorite.

Besides when the property give such yummy platinum recognition treats, why wouldn't I return?

Dos Caminos - Fort Lauderdale

While staying at the Sheraton, I had breakfast at the resident restaurant Dos Caminos.

While not known for breakfast, I ate here anyway.  It’s located on property and I didn’t feel like driving anywhere.  I can say this was an uneventful breakfast.  As the restaurant was completely empty at 7am, the wait staff was bright eyed and pleasant.

I was seated, ordered and received my phone in just over 10 minutes.   I placed an order for an omelette with mushrooms, spinach and cheddar cheese.  It wasn’t the best omelette I’ve eaten nor was it the worst.  

My server was pleasant and attentive. and there was no ambiance.  The price for the meal was higher than I expected, for the portion size, even for being a hotel restaurant

I know this isn’t the most comprehensive review, but it was a solid meal, with solid service and if I am a guest on site, it’s a decent place to have a decent breakfast.

Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Made a return visit to the Westin Ft. Lauderdale Beach Resort.  The hotel is one of my “go to” favorites when visiting Ft. Lauderdale.  I tend to stay here 3 or 4 times a year.

Upon arrival I noticed the valet staff was overwhelmed, which is never a good sign., especially when valet is $28 a night.  The lobby and checkin areas are the same, but one plus is that they have dialed back the white tea scent.  Its no longer overpowering.

During checkin I was told that they were waiting my arrival and that i’ve been upgraded.  It nice to hear that my business is appreciated. I was assigned a suite in the main tower overlooking the intracoastal  waterway.

 

The suite is different from the ocean front suites as it has a powder room and large closet in the parlor and in the bedroom, there is an additional closet and a bathroom that is completely enclosed.  The only downside is there is no window in the bathroom.

In the bedroom there is a large desk and bureau and second TV.  It provides space if you're traveling with someone and you need some space.

The view isn’t that great as you’re facing the Intercostal and Downtown Ft. Lauderdale.

The room is clean, the furniture is holding up well my only issues is that there aren’t very many outlets, nor are the properly placed.

All the other features  I’ve touched on before are all the same.  Free internet in the Lobby and on the 3rd floor near the meeting spaces.  The gym looks as though it's rarely used.  The pool is clean, with plenty of loungers although the cabanas are starting to show some wear.  In addition, there is a walkway to the beach.

The exterior of Shulas is under construction but the restaurant is open. I stopped in for Breakfast and the service was terrible.  That is the one bad thing about this area, each hotel has a restaurant but if you want variety you need to drive elsewhere.

The one new thing the property has is Amatsu, which replaces the old bar area near the pool.

Overall a solid stay and I appreciate the staff going the extra mile to make sure I had a good stay.  I personally didn’t experience any lapse in service outside the valet and think the property is good for a beach location especially if you can book the place on discount.

Sheraton Ft. Lauderdale Beach Resort

Revisiting the property as my last visit was in 2010, shortly after the renovation.  I enjoyed the property on that stay.  The hotel was formerly known as the Sheraton Yankee Clipper hotel. The hotel was renovated in 2010, but it feels very  superficial as the physical plant still feels old.

The property is similar to a campus, that consists of a main building, that looks similar to a ship that is connected to a tower; a building across the street that can be accessed via skywalk; and a beach tower connected by a long walk.  The property is located at the South end of Fort Lauderdale beach.  Unlike the properties North of it, it has direct beach access and rooms have views North and of the Ocean.

You enter the property from Seabreeze Blvd. and there is a very small valet area, which is often congested and due to traffic, it’s can take some time to enter and exit the property.

Once you leave your vehicle you enter a very small lobby, the registration desk is directly in front of you as well as corridors to the other buildings.

Check in was smooth.  There is a dedicated Gold & Platinum line.  I was welcome back to the property and SPG platinum status was recognized.  They apologized for not being able to upgrade me to a suite,  as in the past and assigned a room in the beach tower.  I knew that meant a long walk.  Oh, well.  You win some you lose some. 

In order to get to the Beach Tower, you have to walk a long corridor of the mail building, a walkway outside, then wait for an elevator to get onto the guest floors.  The hallway is sort of dark, and this is when I thought, “ this is an old property that had a renovation three years ago, and that is now starting to wear.”

Entering my room, my first impression is, “ehh”!  The room has those painted 70 popcorn walls.  At this point is the smallest room I’ve ever been assigned.  However, I love the view out to the beach.  The decor is supposedly beach inspired, but sparse.  The furniture reminds me of something you would find at IKEA.  In addition, dinks and chips are starting to show. The bed and bedding are average, nothing special, however, at a Sheraton brand you shouldn’t expect more.  There is a long but slim double closet that would accommodate a single or a couple for at least a week.  The best attribute of the room is the great view and the amazing sunlight the room receives.

The is a 30 inch flat panel TV and TV service is full HD.  There isn’t a branded clock radio/mp3 player as you would find in some hotels.  

The workspace is barebone, but has wired connections and plenty of electrical outlets.  The charge for wifi is $10 and was strong.  No connection issues.

The bathroom is average, one sink but ample counter space, enough for two people.  The property included a complete set of branded toiletries.  The shower/tub felt smaller than a normal residential tub.

Although a US Sheraton, the property does not have a Club Lounge or level.

The fitness center is small but well equipped.

This property has two pools, one in the main building and the other in front of the Beach Tower.  The main pool seems old, run down and dirty.  The front pool, appears to be much more appealing than the pool in the main building, is on the beach but has a small footprint and the are fills up quickly.  There is also a pool deck bar and cafe.

Parking/Valet was not an issue as there are many attendants around and with such a long walk from my room to the valet, the car was always there.

Dos Caminos is the on site restaurant.  I’m not a Dos Caminos fan, so I’ve only eaten breakfast and it was nothing special.

FINAL IMPRESSION

Overall hotel cleanliness:

Run of the mill Sheraton.  Convenient and cheap because it’s not located closer to Las Olas.

Staff attitude, conduct & support:

I didn’t have much interaction with the staff, but those who I did interact with were just fine.

Location:

Good location for beach access but, you will need to walk, drive or take a cab to get to the hub of restaurants or Las Olas.

Would I return?

Yes. Based on price and time of year.

Would I recommend this as family friendly?

Yes.

Good for business travelers?

No, since it’s away from the CBD.

Good for a romantic getaway?

I wouldn’t stay here on a romantic getaway as there are more upscale, sexier and adult oriented properties along the beach or in Miami.

Would I recommend for someone looking for Dining/Nightlife?

Based on requestor as the hub of nightlife/dining is north of the property.

Would I recommend restaurant?

No

Value for price paid?

Good

Overall property rating on a scale from 1 to 10 = 6.5