Poly problems

[MA pigletfan]

Hi everyone
I just returned from a 7 night stay at the Poly. The trip was great, albeit it was SUPER hot,but hey, its JUNE! Overall we enjoyed the Poly, it was just my BF and I.
We were in Aotearoa room 1201. The view of the monorail was cool, and not loud at all. It was nice being on first floor and so close to the GCH.
However, I have to say I was a bit sad that the service was lacking. I am in no way a high maintenence girl, but if I spend a ton o' money on a hotel I should expect some type of good service. We requested turn down for our stay, and only got it 3 of the 7 nights. Also, the room itself was kind of dingy, and I noticed dust was really built up on the bathroom lights and fixtures..kinda gross. ( Also Captain Cooks was a mess! They really need a better system in there..it was way too convoluted.
Overall the Poly is beautiful and i would visit there, but probably not stay there again anytime soon. Feel free to ask me questions..i am sure i am forgetting some things, that are both positives and negatives...

 

[Sea Turtles]

Hi everyone
I just returned from a 7 night stay at the Poly. The trip was great, albeit it was SUPER hot,but hey, its JUNE! Overall we enjoyed the Poly, it was just my BF and I.
We were in Aotearoa room 1201. The view of the monorail was cool, and not loud at all. It was nice being on first floor and so close to the GCH.
However, I have to say I was a bit sad that the service was lacking. I am in no way a high maintenence girl, but if I spend a ton o' money on a hotel I should expect some type of good service. We requested turn down for our stay, and only got it 3 of the 7 nights. Also, the room itself was kind of dingy, and I noticed dust was really built up on the bathroom lights and fixtures..kinda gross. ( Also Captain Cooks was a mess! They really need a better system in there..it was way too convoluted.
Overall the Poly is beautiful and i would visit there, but probably not stay there again anytime soon. Feel free to ask me questions..i am sure i am forgetting some things, that are both positives and negatives...

Welcome back! I'm sorry the Poly was so-so. Did you visit any other resorts that you might now decide to stay at next time?

 

[MA pigletfan]

Oh definitely!!! I think we will be going back in early Dec. to see all the holiday decorations/shows..and we are thinking the GF!!

 

[disneyfanatic60]

Poly has always been my favorite of the resorts. We just returned yesterday from WDW. We visited the Poly early one evening and took a walk around. We were very disappointed to see it just wasn't the same. I realize it was a very busy week but still things were a mess.

I did go into Captain Hook's and the poster is correct, it was not a pleasant sight. In fact, I was totally shocked! We walked along the beach and there was trash in the sand and things just did not looked well maintained at all. It just looked very run down.

I was very surprised to see Poly looking so badly. It's truly been my favorite resort and each trip I always hope I can stay there each trip. This was one week I was kind of glad I wasn't there based on what I saw.

 

[PrincessPaczki]

Welcome back. Did you get to eat at Kona or O'hanas? thanks!

 

[MA pigletfan]

DisneyFanatic60...i hear ya. i was so sad..i had dreamed about clean beaches and rooms, and didn't get either. Also , it was a birthday trip for me, and the girl at the front desk even said " oh we know its your birthday, but sorry we don't have any free upgrades for you."..not like i was looking for anything but still, why did she even say that..and no cute signed b day card from mickey or anything
Princess...I did eat at Kona it was VERY good and O'hana we ate at for a big group get together, which was good but LOUD ( as expected) and quite frankly taht Lapoa that people rave about, scared me.

 

[disneyfanatic60]

MA Piglet---First of all, Happy Birthday!!!!

I cannot believe the CM said that to you. She could just have said "Happy Birthday and enjoy your stay."

I really wanted to stay at Poly. Now, I'm so glad it was booked when I made my reservations. I would have hated to think I spent all those dollars considering the shape of things when I was there.

It's such a shame. It looked like people just had no regard to pick up for themselves and the staff just wasn't making any headway keeping the place clean either. It clearly looked rundown and dirty.

Another thing that we personally missed was all the hammocks along the beach. They took some down to put in the volleyball court and it just took away from the sense of relaxation on the beach. I think there were only 3 or so remaining. Personally, the volleyball court right in front of the Hawaii conceirge building seemed a little out of place for the "tropical" feel of this resort. It's too bad!

 

[SeaSpray]

Poly has always been my favorite of the resorts. We just returned yesterday from WDW. We visited the Poly early one evening and took a walk around. We were very disappointed to see it just wasn't the same. I realize it was a very busy week but still things were a mess.

I did go into Captain Hook's and the poster is correct, it was not a pleasant sight. In fact, I was totally shocked! We walked along the beach and there was trash in the sand and things just did not looked well maintained at all. It just looked very run down.

I was very surprised to see Poly looking so badly. It's truly been my favorite resort and each trip I always hope I can stay there each trip. This was one week I was kind of glad I wasn't there based on what I saw.

Hi I'm curious what you saw that makes you say that the Polynesian "wasn't the same" and "looking so badly"? The Polynesian is our favorite resort and I just booked a trip last night, for the end of July. I was at WDW last month and stayed at POR, but one morning had breakfast at the Kona Cafe and then took a leisurely stroll around the resort before taking the boat to the MK, and what I saw was the same beautiful resort that I've always experienced, except there was brand new furniture in the lobby, they added some faux lava to the top of the volcano pool, and all of the long house exteriors had been freshly painted. So now I'm wondering if I missed something that I'm not aware of? Please let me know! Thanks

 

[disneyfanatic60]

SeaSpray,

Most of the areas I saw that needed attention were outside with the exception of Captain Hook's which just appeared to need a good cleaning. It seemed a little unorganized and things needed to be cleaned up a bit.

I was just surprised that things almost looked "thrown about" outside along the walkways and along the beach. Things just looked like they were not kept up. We noticed a lot of pieces of garbage along the sand. There were empty cups, containers tossed on the ground and walkways, etc. Towels were just tossed everywhere. It really just looked like it was somewhat neglected and needed a very thorough cleaning.

As I said, the resort was booked solid and very busy. The pool was very crowded as well was the one section of beach area. I think the CM's really seemed to be having a hard time keeping up with the mess left behind from guests. As well, it seemed like there needed to be some attention to the grounds and beach by maintenance.

One thing I always enjoyed about the Poly was it's serene, tropical feel. It was just a peaceful, tranquil oasis. I didn't have that feeling this time when we visited. It was very loud and chaotic. It just actually felt like it was overrun.

I'm sorry if this seems vague but this is my personal opinion. I've stayed there a few times and both my DD-20 and I felt the same way. It just wasn't the "same."

 

[SeaSpray]

SeaSpray,

Most of the areas I saw that needed attention were outside with the exception of Captain Hook's which just appeared to need a good cleaning. It seemed a little unorganized and things needed to be cleaned up a bit.

I was just surprised that things almost looked "thrown about" outside along the walkways and along the beach. Things just looked like they were not kept up. We noticed a lot of pieces of garbage along the sand. There were empty cups, containers tossed on the ground and walkways, etc. Towels were just tossed everywhere. It really just looked like it was somewhat neglected and needed a very thorough cleaning.

As I said, the resort was booked solid and very busy. The pool was very crowded as well was the one section of beach area. I think the CM's really seemed to be having a hard time keeping up with the mess left behind from guests. As well, it seemed like there needed to be some attention to the grounds and beach by maintenance.

One thing I always enjoyed about the Poly was it's serene, tropical feel. It was just a peaceful, tranquil oasis. I didn't have that feeling this time when we visited. It was very loud and chaotic. It just actually felt like it was overrun.

I'm sorry if this seems vague but this is my personal opinion. I've stayed there a few times and both my DD-20 and I felt the same way. It just wasn't the "same."

Thanks for the explanation and for not getting offended by my question, I was genuinely curious as to why you felt that way On my visit there last month I sat at a table by the pool bar and looked out at the beach, the pool area, etc, and did not see any of that. It could be because I was there during early May when it might not have been as booked, and you were there during a busy time period. I've been there during 4th of July week before (2005) and it was fine, and now I'll get to see the resort at the end of July when we go next month.

I've only ever stepped foot inside Captain Cook's once, and that was a few years ago, so that's the only area of the resort that I don't usually comment on because I have no personal experience with it. I might have to go there on this trip though, to get a Dole Whip

 

[soccerEAGLE09]

Oh no! We leave for the Poly really soon! Should I be worried?

 

[SeaSpray]

Oh no! We leave for the Poly really soon! Should I be worried?

I wouldn't be worried at all if I were you

 

[ADP]

We've been through the Poly several times whether it's been for a stay or just visiting and I've never seen it over run. I'm sure that caused some of the environment you mention.

We will be going the end of July as well and it will be interesting to see how busy the resort is. Our plan is to be at the resort mostly during the afternoon away from the parks.

Thanks for reporting back to the DIS!

 

[MA pigletfan]

No i wouldn't be "worried" ..its still a great place to stay, super convenient and most of the CMs were very nice and attentive. I just remember always finding it to be an "oasis" like the previous poster has said, and it just wasn't the case this time..but it could have been the busy factor or messy guests and alot of CMs were in training i noticed as well.

 

[fatherfolke]

We are staying at the Poly late August. We have stayed there before, but were concerned because the Unofficial Guide had downgraded their overall value rating of the Poly because of numerous complaints about the service. We are not debating a change, but this does concern me a little bit. I guess my feeling is that one can make excuses such as it was busy, but bottom line is that the beaches, common areas, etc. should be kept clean and free of debris. That said, I will also state that in my stays at hotels in general, (not just Disney) guests seem to be getting more "piggy" all the time, ruining a pleasant experience for others by insisting upon their "right" to be a slob, treat staff poorly, etc. But I suppose that is a topic for another thread!

In any event, I will certainly post what our experience is like after our visit in August.

 

[dolly-dawne]

HELLO Fatherfolke...I will be at the Poly in late August as well.(19-26) If you see the most beautiful woman surrounded by men its me. Actually, I will be the average disney mom surrounded by her 3 boys and husband trying to keep everyone together. Enjoy your stay.

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

I just returned a few weeks ago. We too had some issues, but it wouldn't keep me from staying there again.

We were in Samoa, room 3617, facing the quiet pool. The first thing I noticed was the room was already showing some wear and tear. Chips in the paint, water rings near the coffee maker, etc. Just not what I expected from a newly refurbished room.

I noticed far more wear and tear near the Tambu Lounge, but knowing that this area hadn't gotten new furnishings yet, I understood.

Anyway, once the week wore on, I didn't notice the bad things as much; I guess the feeling of The Polynesian took over, because I truly fell in love with it! We all did!

I did however, have continual problems with mousekeeping. We eventually stopped having them come to our room, since the service was sorely lacking. I'm talking basic things, such as wiping down the toilet rim not being done, and the bedspreads looking like they'd been thrown back on.

The only other place where we had issues every single day, was in the seating area outside of Captain Cooks. The tables were all constantly dirty. Every morning, I had to take some of my husband's water, soak a bunch of napkins, and wipe down my own table, to remove the remnants of someone else's breakfast.

You're probably wondering why I didn't complain? Well, it's simple; I'm on vacation, and confrontation wasn't what I wanted. It was just easier to take care of the issue myself and carry on. For me, anyway.

As you can see in my ticker, we're going back. We've flopped all over the place about where we want to stay. Just the other night, DH told me he'd rather stay there again - and it would take no convincing for me either.

It's a shame, but this time my expectations will be a little lower than they were before. It really is a special resort, but I do believe based off of what I've read here and experienced myself, that they're having some sort of issues there that need to be resolved.

If anyone wants to make it easy and post the email address, I'd be more than happy to issue a formal complaint. I guess if we all did it, they'd address it?

 

[MA pigletfan]

Am I There Yet...i am with you on addressing the issues in a formal complaint via email. I mean what is the sense of stating all these problems and not going to the source that can HOPEFULLY fix them.
I even tipped Mousekeeping the first night and they still did not do turn down teh next day as i requested..so i just stopped tipping them. And in case anyone was curious, no towel animals were ever made for us either..which i could care less..but even when i stayed at AS Sports years ago i had a towel animal every night...

 

[Am_I_There_Yet]

Am I There Yet...i am with you on addressing the issues in a formal complaint via email. I mean what is the sense of stating all these problems and not going to the source that can HOPEFULLY fix them.
I even tipped Mousekeeping the first night and they still did not do turn down teh next day as i requested..so i just stopped tipping them. And in case anyone was curious, no towel animals were ever made for us either..which i could care less..but even when i stayed at AS Sports years ago i had a towel animal every night...

That's us. I tipped $3 the first day, and the room still looked like it hadn't been thoroughly cleaned. Since I had no $1 bills the second day, we left a $5. When I came back and the same spot was on the front of the rim, where the toilet seat doesn't cover the rim, that was it.

Granted, those bedspreads are HARD to get straight (I know, because I made my own bed, 5 out of 7 nights), but I'm sure they know what they're doing. We also had no towel animals. This was a first for us, out of many visits. It wasn't that big of a deal; it was just something that I noticed.

One other thing I noticed, was my youngest daughter got sand on the countertops our first day, and it was still there after the second "cleaning".

I honestly think that our housekeeper, delivered fresh towels, emptied the trash can, threw on the bedspread, took our money, and left. I really don't think our room was ever cleaned.

I don't mind filing a formal complaint now - I just didn't want to mess with it there. I was trying to keep the shine on the vacation, I guess.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

We are staying at the Poly late August. We have stayed there before, but were concerned because the Unofficial Guide had downgraded their overall value rating of the Poly because of numerous complaints about the service. We are not debating a change, but this does concern me a little bit. I guess my feeling is that one can make excuses such as it was busy, but bottom line is that the beaches, common areas, etc. should be kept clean and free of debris. That said, I will also state that in my stays at hotels in general, (not just Disney) guests seem to be getting more "piggy" all the time, ruining a pleasant experience for others by insisting upon their "right" to be a slob, treat staff poorly, etc. But I suppose that is a topic for another thread!

In any event, I will certainly post what our experience is like after our visit in August.

Really I didnt know that. Is that in the 2007 guide?
I wonder if theres anything about it on teh website.