I am giving this hotel four stars because it really is a beautiful structure with great rooms, very comfortable common areas, and solid breakfast. On the plus side, the grounds and pools are stunning. Right at the beach, one can walk along the water to a pier and to wonderful gardens. Couldn’t ask for a nicer facility. Of importance to me, the gym is huge and super complete. As nice as any freestanding American gym and spa.
So why the four stars for a five star property? The staff. With the exception of two women at the lobby bar who were very nice once we got to know them, not a smile in the place. When my room key didn’t work, the desk person rekey it but it still didn’t work. Hey, these things happen. So on my third trip down, I asked if she would give me a new key with a new mag stripe. Answer- no. Rekeyed it and still nothing. Finally got a cleaner to open the room and waited for new desk staff who were about the same. But gave me a new card which worked.
Breakfast ends at 10. At 9:55, a server came and took my plate while I was drinking water. I told him I wasn’t finished. He kept walking with my plate. They mean closed.
All of this is, of course, management issues. I am sure the staff people are perfectly teachable but no one has taught them. Reminded me of old Eastern Bloc where the customer was never right.
So Facilities 5 star but Staff 2 star. I give it a 4.