Key West, specifically the Heron House
Apr 2nd, 2004, 07:49 AM
#1
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Key West, specifically the Heron House
I am looking into a stay at the Heron House in August: i love the hot weather and Key West!
I have read some reviews of this property that make it sound like a good choice. Their website looks really nice....
Any additional reviews from recent guests would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I have read some reviews of this property that make it sound like a good choice. Their website looks really nice....
Any additional reviews from recent guests would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Apr 2nd, 2004, 09:22 AM
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I've suggested both the Heron House and the Marquesa Hotel recently. The people who went to the Marquesa Hotel loved it and plan to go back soon; the people who went to the Heron House thought it was nice, but they didn't like it enough for a return visit. I'm not sure why...I think their room might've been too small.
Apr 4th, 2004, 03:29 PM
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I have stayed at the Heron House twice and would not go back.
While the facility and rooms were lovely, there were some things that occurred during both stays that were very disappointing to us.
We felt our business was not valued during either visit, the owners were not friendly, the staff was curt (with the exception of the very nice housekeeping staff), and the prices were steep.
For example, during our first stay, it was our anniversary, and my husband had gone to considerable additional expense and trouble to arrange for flowers and wine in an ice bucket. We arrived in the afternoon (had given the staff our arrival time) to find warm water and warm wine in the ice bucket.
We stayed in a deluxe room for 5 nights and had to carry our own luggage to our room both when checking in and out, were not welcomed when we checked in or thanked when we checked out, etc., etc.
During our second visit, we selected a deluxe room on the second floor with a private balcony overlooking the street. For the ENTIRE stay, there was major work with jackhammers in front of the Inn that began at 7 am and went until 5 pm.
While I understand that was not their fault, there was no apology and an offer to move us to a quieter room, (there was plenty of availability). It was just like, "Oh well, too bad!" We couldn't enjoy the pool area or relax for a nap in the afternoon.
Once again during the second visit, the owners went about their business and never spoke to us, and again we were not made to feel welcomed or appreciated.
We will return to Key West, but not to Heron House. For what you are paying to stay there, you have many more hospitable choices where you are not made to feel like you are trespassing at a private home and paying dearly for the sensation of doing so.
While the facility and rooms were lovely, there were some things that occurred during both stays that were very disappointing to us.
We felt our business was not valued during either visit, the owners were not friendly, the staff was curt (with the exception of the very nice housekeeping staff), and the prices were steep.
For example, during our first stay, it was our anniversary, and my husband had gone to considerable additional expense and trouble to arrange for flowers and wine in an ice bucket. We arrived in the afternoon (had given the staff our arrival time) to find warm water and warm wine in the ice bucket.
We stayed in a deluxe room for 5 nights and had to carry our own luggage to our room both when checking in and out, were not welcomed when we checked in or thanked when we checked out, etc., etc.
During our second visit, we selected a deluxe room on the second floor with a private balcony overlooking the street. For the ENTIRE stay, there was major work with jackhammers in front of the Inn that began at 7 am and went until 5 pm.
While I understand that was not their fault, there was no apology and an offer to move us to a quieter room, (there was plenty of availability). It was just like, "Oh well, too bad!" We couldn't enjoy the pool area or relax for a nap in the afternoon.
Once again during the second visit, the owners went about their business and never spoke to us, and again we were not made to feel welcomed or appreciated.
We will return to Key West, but not to Heron House. For what you are paying to stay there, you have many more hospitable choices where you are not made to feel like you are trespassing at a private home and paying dearly for the sensation of doing so.
Apr 4th, 2004, 06:38 PM
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thanks everyone.....now i am looking at the Marquesa...the person i spoke to about room rates and availability was so nice. the person i spoke to at Heron House acted like i was bothering them.....
Apr 4th, 2004, 07:46 PM
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I stayed at The Marquesa Hotel in 2002. Attached is a link to my post about the hotel. In sum, I highly recommend it.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1
Jul 20th, 2004, 03:40 PM
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A colleague of mine and his wife stayed at the Heron House a year or so ago and absolutely loved it. He told me that the people were very friendly
(perhaps Diana is a little high-maintenance???). My wife and I are staying there for a weekend in September; I'll post a report.
(perhaps Diana is a little high-maintenance???). My wife and I are staying there for a weekend in September; I'll post a report.
Jul 20th, 2004, 04:40 PM
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Hank, that was an unnecessary and inaccurate remark.
I pointed out (most of) the reasons I would not go back, and I don't think anyone is interested in receiving the service that we did. (Whether they are "high maintenance" or not.)
We gave Heron House a second chance and were still disappointed with our treatment, and so now we stay at the Marquesa - where we are always welcomed and receive top notch service.
All you have to do is go to tripadvisor.com and read some of the other reviews to see I am not alone in my experiences.
Since I have been to the property and you have not, perhaps you can wait until you HAVE stayed there to comment on it.
I pointed out (most of) the reasons I would not go back, and I don't think anyone is interested in receiving the service that we did. (Whether they are "high maintenance" or not.)
We gave Heron House a second chance and were still disappointed with our treatment, and so now we stay at the Marquesa - where we are always welcomed and receive top notch service.
All you have to do is go to tripadvisor.com and read some of the other reviews to see I am not alone in my experiences.
Since I have been to the property and you have not, perhaps you can wait until you HAVE stayed there to comment on it.
Jul 28th, 2004, 03:23 PM
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Diana: Fair enough. I did not mean to offend. I will post my thoughts after my visit. I certainly hope that my experience is better than yours. I agree with your implied point that, given the cost to stay there, the experience should be outstanding.
Oct 3rd, 2004, 05:44 PM
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Last weekend my wife and I stayed at the Heron House and loved it. Our room was unique and wonderful. The grounds are truly unbelievable. The staff was friendly and helpful. It's not cheap, but I thought it was well worth it. This is a first class place.
