Upset

[harryhornet]

Just a few days to go - getting excited and what happens????

Virgin Holidays inform me that my chosen hotel for our third week at Clearwater is going to be undergoing renovation just when we arrive

They have given me an option of going to the Sirata Beach at St Petes but after looking forward to this for nearly a year, we are all really upset and stressed out.

We can of course stay put, but who knows what sort of mess and noise there will be?

God I'm annoyed

 

[Grumpy John]

At least Virgin informed you that renovation was going on, most travel companies would not have bothered!

I hope it was not the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort you were supposed to be staying in. We should have had a week there in June. Spent one night. Rooms needed renovation, noise from the road below the room until the early hours etc etc. Returned to Orlando very upset and disappointed.


Hope you do not get too stressed. You do not want to spoil your forthcoming holiday do you?



8 WEEKS AND COUNTING!!

 

[KayleeUK]

Poor you - Any news on what you will do yet?

 

[jjcollins]

What a sorry mess The same think is happening to the Wyndham Orlando Resort check this thread out . Hope you get sorted. A lot of money spent to have these people muck you around.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=412912




jj......

 

[GO2209]

Sirata Beach is part of Tradewinds (well, I think it is...?) and it's a good location. At the bottom end of St Petes, near to the Don Cesar hotel.

The Don is a huge Pink hotel - rather expensive - but if you have something to celebrate, I would recommend going for Sunday brunch. You will probably need to book. It's a buffet type affair, but excellent food with magicians and artists that move from table to table.

I prefer St Petes to Clearwater. I think you will enjoy it. Clearwater is only a 35/40 minute drive up the coast road. 'Downtown' St Petes has a great marina area with bars and restaurants, plus the Dali Museum.

I would also recommend a trip to Fort de Soto - a national park area just inland (head towards the Don, bear left over the bridge and take the next main right - it's signposted). As its name suggests, there is an old fort plus a very quiet beach area teaming with wildlife.

Fancy a bit of bargain shopping? Take a trip to Ellenton Mall. It's an outlet mall over towards Bradenton. Going here will involve a trip over the Skyway bridge - a towering bridge over the bay - pull over in the parking area (actually, the old bridge) and grab a photo. It's an impressive piece of engineering.

Sorry this is a longish response, but a change of hotel wont wreck your holiday. There is plenty to do and I am sure you will have a great time!

 

[Claire L]

The Sirata should be nice as GO2209 says it is part of the Tradewinds group so you can use the facilities of the sister hotels, having stayed at the Island Grand it is very nice. Having stayed in St Pete twice and visited Clearwaterfor a day I much prefer St Pete. Also at least Virgin let you know about the renovations and actually gave you the option of rebooking at a different hotel.
Hope it all sorts itself out and you have a lovely time.
Claire

 

[WDWfan uk]

I would advise you to take the alternative option - they would not have informed you if the renovation were not going to affect your enjoyment of the resort.

I know people who have not switched and taken their chances only to have building work going on beside them and facilities not in full use, gone to look at the option they were offered and realised how much better off they'd been if they'd taken up the offer.

I really hope you'll accept the alternative

BTW, which hotel is it?

 

[Minniespal]

Thats terrible ~ But at least they did let you know.

Any idea what you are going to do yet??

 

[floridalol]

Full marks to Virgin on this. IMO take the alternative option - they would not have let you know if you were not to be inconvenienced. Also agree with others that St. Pete's is the better location anyway.

Best wishes

FloridaLol

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

Go for the Sirata - I've sent another PM

It'll all be fine - hadn't seen this thread before we started PMing so didn't realise quite how soon you're going

But you can chill out and rest assured you'll enjoy St Pete's and the Sirata just as much as you would have the Radisson. The only difference will be not having the bay views, unless you upgrade (or perhaps Virgin can pay for you to upgrade to a gulf or bay view to compensate for the loss of view at your chosen hotel - worth a try).

Let us know what you decide.

There's so much to do in and around St Pete's - or just chill (or bake ) on the beach if you want to relax.

 

[harryhornet]

I never said which hotel - its the Radisson Suite on Sand Key.

Hoping to take up Virgin's offer if they can get us a gulf view.

 

[harryhornet]

I never said which hotel - its the Radisson Suite on Sand Key - they are renovating the restaurant, lounge area, the lobby and canopy. Refurbishment is also taking place to the guest suites and corridors. It starts on 18 Aug to the end of September.

Hoping to take up Virgin's offer if they can get us a gulf view.

Thanks for all your replies and support. These boards have been a fantastic help in all our planning and as first timers, I'm not sure we could have done it without you all.

I will let you know how things pan out when we get back.

Allan

 

[harryhornet]

Finally got sorted I hope....

Virgin have now managed to get us a Gulf View Suite at the Sirata Beach so I'm hoping that all will now go without a hitch.

Now getting down to the packing - this is the most stressful part - just hope we've not forgotten anything.

Will report back in a few weeks time and let you know how we get on.

Bye for now and thanks for all the help.

 

[debbyLL]

if this helps my brother has just returned from the sirata, he enjoyed it so much we are going to stay there for a few nights in oct

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Sounds like you're all sorted HH and good job too with only 2 days to go I notice. I'm pleased that Virgin did let you know there are many tour operators that wouldn't have done.

Have a great time

 

[WDWfan uk]

Have a wonderful time Sounds like you struck lucky with the alternative resort !