Jing
Type A planner. Type B vacationer.
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2011
- Messages
- 751
October 27-November 4thWhen in October will you be there?
October 27-November 4thWhen in October will you be there?
Just did online check in today, YIPPY! Do they still do like birthday buttons when you check in? Or add birthday to your dinning reservations? I know when we were there a few years ago every time we ate they seemed to know we were celebrating a birthday. Would love to have that done for DD this time around.
We haven't been to CSR in about 4 years but I must not remember the hotel very well. Cafe Rix was small with burgers and hot dogs on one side and some ice cream or something on the other and then you paid, almost like a lunch line in school? Pepper Market was quick serve but you had to wiat to be seated and then place your drink order with a waitress and then you had the different food stations. Is that not the case anymore or am I totally remembering something that never happened? Anyone try to new place?
Thanks Bethjones, I was wondering if I was remembering the food court correctly. It sounds like an upgrade so I'm excited!
We bookBack from our 3rd stay at CSR and we were there from 1/28-2/2, in a business class room..thought I'd share:
We were originally scheduled to fly out of Providence early on the 28th but our flight got cancelled due to the blizzard we had. Luckily, we were able to get on the very last flight that day which got us into MCO at 10:30p but by the time we picked up our own luggage, boarded the bus and reached CSR, it was close to midnight.
We had booked two rooms because there were 5 of us (all girls trip: 2 adults, 1-20 yr old and 2-16 year olds) and our only request was that the rooms be connected or next to each other. As we checked in, we asked about our rooms and the CM that was helping us replied that they were not connecting but were right next to each other, which was fine as I know requests are just that - no guarantee. She gave us our information and we made our way over to the rooms only to find out that they were no where near each other. Annoyed, we made our way back to the lobby and got the same CM who was pretty crabby at this point and even went as far as to ask if we had even went over to the rooms which further annoyed me to no end.
As we tried to explain just how far apart our rooms were, she got on the phone and within a few minutes said that there were no other rooms available in 9B or in any of the other cabanas bldgs. The only other option she said was available was for us to switch to Casitas but we'd lose access to the lounge...um, I don't think so! Reaching my boiling point with her, I asked to speak to a supervisor or manager and she said we'd have to go back in the morning as there were none avialable at that time (it was 1:00a at this point). Having some pretty exhausted teenagers, we decided to just keep the rooms as they were but opted to go back in the morning and speak to a manager.
Very early the next morning, we made our way over explained what had happened the previous night and asked for a manager. The CM we got this time, was extremely helpful and she quickly got a supervisor. Both were so kind and literally within minutes they found us two rooms that were adjoining in 9B with one of the rooms being a king size bed which was fine by us. They apologized for the way the CM spoke to us the previous night (she was downright rude) but didn't seem surprised at all by her behavior (we actually overheard them saying something about how she keeps treating guests and getting away with it). Once they made the switch in the computer, they immediately offered to move our stuff over to the new rooms but we opted to do it ourselves. Later in the day, our girls received gifts in the rooms and me and my niece (we are the same age and more like sisters) were given a voucher for free drinks at the Laguna bar outside with a very nice note wishing us all a happy stay which we all felt was very thoughtful.
We didn't allow our check-in experience to ruin our trip at all. I've been to the world too many times and know there are bad apples everywhere. Our rooms were in pretty good shape and were very clean. The Pepper Market, I feel, is set up like other moderate food courts and there are plenty of options to choose from. We actually ended up eating there twice and everyone was more than satisfied with their meals. Cafe Rix has quite a few grab n go items and they had more of a variety of drinks in their cooler than the Pepper Market did and their gelato....excellent!! We only made it to the main pool once as it was pretty cool outside but we saw a lot of folks swimming.
Still love CSR and think it's the best moderate overall and we found that the business class lounge was worth every cent once again.
We have a BC room booked for an upcoming trip in April. Can you let me know what was available @ the lounge & the hours of operation?
Thanks
How "big" is 9b. We have two bc rooms booked. Meaning if our rooms were very far from the lounge, how far of a walk is it?
How "big" is 9b. We have two bc rooms booked. Meaning if our rooms were very far from the lounge, how far of a walk is it?
We just returned from a 4 day weekend at CSR. I have to say the business class lounge was a little disappointing this trip compared to our visit in May. We enjoy the lounge for the beer and wine so when we walked in on Friday night for an adult beverage it was around 9 PM. There were two men working and one of them was clearing the dips away. I walked towards the snacks to see what was left, not much of anything 2 or 3 cookies and a few chips. The other host was leaning against the counter where the snacks were and never even acknowledged me because he was in conversation with a couple that was there. I thought OK he will acknowledge us when he sees that we are just sitting there. I go to the table my husband where my husband was seated and we waited, 2 or 3 minutes later I finally said excuse me to get his attention so we could ask for drinks. We then left a few dollars on the table and left. I was also annoyed that a simple thank you or goodnight from them on the way out never happened either. It was like this every night of the three nights we were there. We were never greeted and had to go out of our way to get their attention from the TV or a conversation they were in the middle of. When it was time to go there was nothing from them, it all felt very impersonal and almost like we were imposing on them for being there. Last May they always greeted us, asked if we needed anything were very polite, attentive and accommodating. Has anyone else had this experience?
9B is two buildings. Any room shouldn't be more than 2 minutes away.
We've stayed BC 2 times. In 2013, the CMs were awesome. They were friendly, talkative, efficient in serving beverages,knowledgeable with facts and history to share, great with the kids and very welcoming. My kids were sorting their pins one night in the lounge. The CM was talking to the kids about the pins. Next thing you know he was gone, he ran up to the lobby and grabbed the books for my kids to look at the pins in the lounge. They were looking for one that my son lost. Low and behold, on the very last page, the pin was there. The CM made my son's day. It was awesome. In 2014, the staff was all new. They all weren't as cozy and warm as the others. Not out going and lacking people skills. We did meet a few families that were great! I will see what 2015 brings.
JFYI- no need to cash tip the CM's in the lounge. They aren't allowed to accept cash. Small gifts are allowed though.
What kind of cookies did they have? That's a new addition in the evening.
Never stayed at CSR before, but will be there in April this year. Does anyone know if there is a quick service restaurant on property?
Thanks! I'll look them up.Pepper Market is the resort food court. Cafe Rix also has pre prepared to go items. Siestas Cantina also serves some CS foods. The menus are on line.