Some obsevations about the new Movenpick and other hotels...

[stlrod]

This is not a full review, just some comments following what was supposed to be our stay on opening day, July 9. The hotel did not open as planned (the new opening date is July 15.) When we arrived at about 8:30 am after a one night stay at the Kyriad, we were told of the news and that we had been moved to the Explorers. We had had such a bad stay at the LeMeridien Montparnasse in Paris, I figured Explorers couldn't be that bad. We were taken to the parks by car while our luggage was transported to Explorers. We left the parks around 6pm and checked in to the Explorers. Upon walking into this hotel, the disappointment of not staying at the Movenpick hit me for the first time. There is an odor which comes up from the kitchen/dining area which I did not care for. The hallways are already in need of a repainting and the carpet is worn in many places. When we walked into our room, the first sight we caught was a large insect flying around. Then, my daughter and I went for the one and only swim we had planned on our vacation in Europe. That lasted about a minute as the water was too cold. After dressing, we headed to the Movenpick for the free dinner to which we had been invited. It was at this time that I expressed disappointment over what had happened. To the Movenpick's credit, it must have been a very difficult situation for them. I do find some difficulty in excusing their failure to foresee the problems which prevented them from opening more than 24 hours in advance (they told us that they were not made aware of their inability to open until the 8th.) The Movenpick manager asked what I thought we be fair. Frankly, I told him that I thought the situation had been handled fairly, but explained that the Explorers would have been my very last hotel choice in the area and that placing us at another 4-star such as the Holiday Inn or Hotel New York would have been better (I have since learned some were placed at these hotels.) I think had I voiced an objection earlier or had been staying longer, Movenpick would have done so. In any event, dinner was fine, but nothing spectacular. We were invited to the bar afterwards for free cocktails. We loved the atmosphere and the friendly staff in the bar. Then we asked for a tour. We saw the pool (unfilled). It is quite small but has chairs around it (unlike Explorers) and a small slide. It has a pretty dragon etching in the floor. Very nice actually. Then we saw a room. The standard rooms are very striking with a marble counter in the bath and more room than either the Kyriad or the Explorers. There is also a refrigerator (not minibar) and a chair in the chamber. It is the rooms that will probably make Movenpick standout from the other hotels (though I have not seen the room at the Holiday Inn.) All in all, I think the Movenpick will be a wonderful choice once fully operational. The hotel is striking from the outside ( the views of the lake from the inside are wonderful), the theming is bright and colorful, the staff accomodating (they were all trying very hard to make us comfortable under what were unfortunate circumstances for both of us) and the rooms are very nice. As for the Explorers, you couldn't pay me to stay here again. The Kyriad is a wonderful hotel for the money. Given that the pool at the Explorers was unuasble in my opinion, I would have preferred the Kyriad over the Explorers. It is a great value for the money.

 

[gaila]

Thanks for that report, we are staying at the Movenpick (hopefully?) from the 24th July for 6 nights and are really looking forward to it.

It sounds as though you were quite impressed even though much of it was not actually 'up and running' as they say.

What was the reason for not opening? just not finished?

You have mentioned a few 'nicer' points of the hotel - do you have any more to share with me?

Thanks very much

Gail

 

[stlrod]

I'm not exactly sure why they were unable to open. I think they were having water flow or electrical issues. There should be no problems by the 24th. When we walked in that morning, the furniture was all covered (my first clue something wasn't quite right.) The sheets had been removed by dinner time. Actually, the hotel looked finished by dinner time with a few exceptions (the pool did not have water in it yet.) It is very bright and colorful and the rooms are much prettier than the pictures on the Movenpick website. In fact, the theme is carried well throughout the entire hotel, even in the hallways. The views out the back towards the lake are stunning. This hotel unquestionably has the best location. One drawback is that on the bus route (which operates fairly regulary) you will probably be the last to be picked up/dropped off meaning a crowded bus in the morning and evening. Probably the best thing about this hotel: the people are very, very friendly. At dinner, the management walked around saying hello to guests. I am sure that this had to be as disappointing a day for them as it was for us. Yet, they still managed smiles. I think you'll like it Gail so don't worry.

 

[stlrod]

Here are some pictures of the interior. They are a good representation of the lobby and outdoor area but really don't do the rooms justice:

http://joel.at.dlp.online.fr/dlp/20040710/

 

[gaila]

Thanks very much for that, I will also post a report on our return!

Gail