Stayed Aug 11 - 14 at RPR, visited US & IoA ... be happy to answer any questions.

[Miss_Nellie]

And I'm working on a TR. I haven't uploaded any pictures yet but I'll work on that over the next few days too.

Questions? Ask away ... I'll answer what I can.

 

[RLMinVA]

There have been a few comments of late about service lacking at RPH. What was your experience?

 

[Miss_Nellie]

That's kind of a tough question for me. We paid, with the AAA discount, $191.20 plus tax per night. I have never in all my life ever paid that much for accomodations - not for a hotel room, cabin or vacation home. I think that I was expecting more service and better service than what we received. The service we did receive wasn't deplorable but it wasn't up to my standards especially for the price we paid. Some would say, and they're probably right, that the price reflects having FotL at the parks.

But on to examples:

At check-in the key card machine was not working and the clerk working next to the one checking us in was making comments to her about how this happened all the time and it really upsets him. I'm sure if it happens all the time it is upsetting but I don't think guests need to hear employee grievances.

When we got into our room we found a dirty washrag in the tub.

I had left a note, along with a tip, our first morning asking for extra coffee packets and pillows. Upon return in the evening we had been left 1 extra coffee packet and no pillows.

Everyday our clean towels and washrags were in a pile on the vanity. I never understood why they weren't hung on the towel racks.

I don't think the hallways were swept because for 2 days a plastic coffee stirrer lay in the hallway.

I had a question of the Concierge about mail services and she seemed really disinterested, almost like I was bothering her or keeping her from something really important.

The clerk working in the gift shop near the boat docks never acknowledged us when we entered or left the shop. She spent the entire time leaning on the register.

So you can see it's really just little things. On their own no big deal but when you couple them together ... it makes it just okay, nothing overly negative but nothing special either. It seemed like everyone was just putting in their hours. I honestly can't say there was much difference between RPR and a Comfort Inn / Days Inn type establishment.

I can't say how Luggage Services was because we only used them to store our luggage on the last day and DH handled that. I was off doing some other things.

I will say though that the gentleman working in the hotel lobby gift shop - super friendly and cheerful. All I was buying was a postcard but he took the time to point out where I could buy a stamp and where I could mail it, all without having to be asked.

 

[idgystripes]

That's kind of a tough question for me. We paid, with the AAA discount, $191.20 plus tax per night. I have never in all my life ever paid that much for accomodations - not for a hotel room, cabin or vacation home. I think that I was expecting more service and better service than what we received. The service we did receive wasn't deplorable but it wasn't up to my standards especially for the price we paid. Some would say, and they're probably right, that the price reflects having FotL at the parks.

But on to examples:

At check-in the key card machine was not working and the clerk working next to the one checking us in was making comments to her about how this happened all the time and it really upsets him. I'm sure if it happens all the time it is upsetting but I don't think guests need to hear employee grievances.

When we got into our room we found a dirty washrag in the tub.

I had left a note, along with a tip, our first morning asking for extra coffee packets and pillows. Upon return in the evening we had been left 1 extra coffee packet and no pillows.

Everyday our clean towels and washrags were in a pile on the vanity. I never understood why they weren't hung on the towel racks.

I don't think the hallways were swept because for 2 days a plastic coffee stirrer lay in the hallway.

I had a question of the Concierge about mail services and she seemed really disinterested, almost like I was bothering her or keeping her from something really important.

The clerk working in the gift shop near the boat docks never acknowledged us when we entered or left the shop. She spent the entire time leaning on the register.

So you can see it's really just little things. On their own no big deal but when you couple them together ... it makes it just okay, nothing overly negative but nothing special either. It seemed like everyone was just putting in their hours. I honestly can't say there was much difference between RPR and a Comfort Inn / Days Inn type establishment.

I can't say how Luggage Services was because we only used them to store our luggage on the last day and DH handled that. I was off doing some other things.

I will say though that the gentleman working in the hotel lobby gift shop - super friendly and cheerful. All I was buying was a postcard but he took the time to point out where I could buy a stamp and where I could mail it, all without having to be asked.

I have been thinking about tips and what is the general rule of thumb. I know when you ask for something extra like towels, or coffee you are supposed to tip the one who brings it to the door, but do you leave a tip for turn down service, or for the person who cleans the room each day or the TM in the club lounge? And what is the general amount left? It seems like you should get better service if you do, but I guess that wasn't your experience. One more--the driver from the airport to the hotel? Thanks

 

[AlexandNessa]

I know this doesn't make sense, but a quick call to star services would have gotten you any amount of extra pillows (and type, feather, down, etc), you wanted. I agree housekeeping should've done this for you, but star services handles that. That's always my first call: extra hangers and extra pillows because DH likes to sleep with about 5.

Anyway, your complaints are typical of those reported here lately, and I'm sorry to hear that. Tell us though, did you reserve a room with 2 Queen beds and get a room with 2 Queen beds? That's the biggest issue on the boards lately. Some with 2Q reserved wound up with 1K and a pullout or loveseat.

As for the rate, I think it was a pretty good rate for a resort hotel w/FOTL at a busy summer time and in a pretty good economy. But, that's just me.

 

[rpbert1]

We stayed here for 18 nights in July/Aug, never had any problems with room cleaning , and staff where more than courteous to us, from cleaning staff including Janitors around the hotel all greeted us. Had to use concerige a few times and they where more than helpful , i had a reservation at Seaworld, i called to get a Phone Number to call them to see what time we should be there, she called for me and was left waiting for over 10mins.
Have to agree with the people in the Gift shop , was in a few times and never a word from any of them.

 

[wicket2005]

We stayed there from 1st to 15th August and had a fantastic stay. All the staff were friendly and said hello, the room was clean and housekeeping spot on.

We booked 2 rooms. On arrival asked for a park view, twin beds one room, king bed the other, interconnecting rooms and got it. First time I have specifically asked for anything usually just take what is given but after reading these boards and realising this is common practice in America decided to give it a go.

We had an excellent stay there and could not fault it in any way. We are intending to go back in July 2009. Hitting the Hard Rock next year.