Looking for Sherry who stayed at La Playa in the fall
 

How was La Playa? Was your stay enjoyable? Were the rooms clean and in good shape? Did you stay on the beach or across the street?Would you rate this hotel a 3,4 or 5. Thanks for any info.

Are you out there? Thanks.

Lil,<BR>We had a disappointing experience at LaPlaya, but it had NOTHING to do with the hotel overall or the rooms. To answer your questions, yes the rooms where clean and in good shape. Nicely done, good decor etc. Certainly far superior to any of the chain type hotel rooms you would encounter. They have a style or charm not frequently found in even the best hotel chains like Ritz etc. As to rating it, well it is somewhere between a 4 and a 5 for us. I know many will rate it a 5, but I include service/knowledge etc in my rating criteria, and my overall impression was that its a &quot;5 wannabe&quot;. Nothing wrong with that, just my impression. Certain things would have to go up a notch for me to rate it a true 5. I rate mainly Ritz's or Four Seasons as 5's, to give you an idea of my comparison.<BR><BR>It is a lovely place, smallish, more romatic type feeling. The rooms are very nice. We stayed in the tower on the beach with a wonderful view, nice sized balcony, with a teak lounger and chairs. The rooms are spacious enough, the bathrooms are decent as well, with the jacuzzi tub/shower having an opening with a glass door and shutter which looked out toward the ocean. The rooms in the smaller building (two storey), beachfront, would allow you to be right &quot;on the beach&quot; if you wished, and I can see how these would be a popular choice for many. The building across the street, we didnt go into, but apparently the rooms are all the same. The balconies/lanais on the ones across the street are much larger however, almost a small &quot;living room&quot; type set up. We did find out however that the jacuzzi tubs are only in the gulf front tower, from the 6th floor up I believe it is, but some of the staff seemed unaware of this difference. I would keep away from a lower floor in the gulf front tower I think, just due to the &quot;startup noise&quot; of getting the restaurant ready for breakfast etc is quite early and you would be right above that. <BR><BR>The pool area is quie nice, with a more intimate type of feeling rather than the large scale style in many resorts. Cabanas are available for rental as well.<BR><BR>Again, the hotel is lovely, we just had some other major issues while we were there so we left early. I am writing a letter of complaint to their general manager and to Noble House Resorts and we shall see what the reaction is. I will reserve judgement until then. I am sure you will enjoy it. We did, to a certain degree, as was possbile due to the constuction, bearing in mind that we were one of very few couples there, so nothing was busy or crowded at all. Which we enjoy, and travel off season to get. <BR><BR>I expect, any issues we had will be resolved by the time you arrive, and think it will be an enjoyable stay, and certainly think it is one of the nicest hotels now in the Naples area. Certainly, it is true beachfront.<BR><BR>Hope this helps, any other questions, just ask and I will try to answer them.

Thanks for all the info. What actually happened there that upset you enough to contact Nobel House? I am beginning to get concerned as I have made reservations for Dec. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Sherry, We're all wondering, what was it that you had &quot;major issues&quot; with that made you leave early and write a letter of complaint? You take the time to write this lengthy response but then mysteriously make brief mention of major issues without explaining anything. I'm sure lil would like to know, in that she took the time to track you down.

I have responded twice and each time it didnt post. I will try again.<BR><BR>I'm sorry I didnt expand on my issues while we stayed there. Again, I want to stress that this is a lovely hotel, and I am reserving my final judgement to see how they handle my complaint. The reason we are also writing to Noble House is we were told the general manager is brand new, so new a business card of his was not available, so I thought it appropriate to make sure the head office was aware of our problems as well. <BR>Our problems had to do with construction noise, along with some minor service issues. We were coming from Bonita Springs (only 20 minutes away) and requested an early check in. Not allowed we were told. So we checked in at the required 4pm. The next day we watch as they check someone in at 12:30. We were reserved on the 14th floor (we are smokers) and upon checkin are told the 14th floor is blocked off for some reason, but she didnt know why. We are given the 4th. No jacuzzi tubs there we tell her,(she didnt seem to know this) so we are given the 8th (non smoking) and told we can smoke. The room we are given is right in front of the elevator doors, we expressed concern about this, but are assured it can only be heard when someone gets on or off on our floor, and there is only one other couple staying on our floor. Well, unfortunately that elevator door went all day long. When we were taking our &quot;nap&quot; later we are listening to sanders, grinders, furniture being dragged around etc. The next morning at 6:45 am it all starts again. Having coffee on the balcony we are listening to radios or tvs blaring from the rooms around us that are being worked on. When we make enquires, we are told it is &quot;minor upgrades&quot;. The first day, relaxing at the pool is quiet and enjoyable. Later that afternoon the jackhammer starts. This is loud. Back in our room, all the other sounds carry on, beside us, above us etc. The only way to drown out the noise is to turn our tv up very loud, but the jakchammer overpowers that. The next day at 6:45am it all starts again, doors banging, radios blaring, and the jackhammer. The pool becomes useless as the jakchammer is right across from it. Not a pleasant day. And it goes on until 7pm again. When asked, we are told it is all done now. The next morning it starts again. We decide to leave that day. We had planned on a morning of shopping, we ask for a later check out, by an hour or so, refused. We ate breakfast and checked out at 9am. Not asked why we are leaving early, just handed our bill. We ask for the manager, in a meeting, we ask for his card. We explain our problem, not much of a response, shrugs, it is our off season is the best answer. <BR>We met another couple on day 2 of our stay, they were to be there a week but checked out on their 3rd day. The noise issue.

Cont'd<BR><BR>Overall, without the construction issue, the service problems were small irritants only. Concierge never seemed to be around, left early for the day, in a meeting etc. Responses to requests for restaurant recommendations are not informed, ie: an uspcale, elegant restaurant for excellent steak got the response &quot;Outbacks&quot;. When we pointed out we were looking for something more &quot;elegant&quot;, you will love it, its great, was the response. Just small things, but all in all we expected a better level of knowledge/service from this hotel.<BR><BR>Given all this, we would return to the hotel, just not when they have ANY renovations, upgrades or whatever going on. Overall, the staff was very friendly, waiter staff, maitre d, bellmen, etc. We just felt the front desk needed improvement, they seemed a little inexperienced. <BR><BR>Again, the property is small and intimate feeling, rooms are very nice, food is good, etc. I am sure by the time you go all the issues will be resolved.<BR><BR>I hope this answers your concerns, I really didnt mean to alarm anyone, we just didnt have a great experience due to timing I believe. Trying to enjoy ones vacation when you cant sit out at the pool or on your balcony, or even in your room peacefully makes it difficult to say it was great. I have stayed in places I would not return to and this is NOT one of them. I would go back.

Interesting comments, Sherry. As a long-time Naples resident, I've had a lot of people ask about LaPlaya. And to think recently there was a very argumentative thread here claiming that LaPlaya was superior to the Naples Ritz Carlton! In what possible way, I wonder.<BR>Outbacks? You've got to be kidding!

We were there March 2002 and overall had a wonderful stay. In fact, I can't wait to return. The rooms are beautifully decorated but small. We were in the 3 or 4 story wing. The restaurant Baleen is simply outstanding. Our problem was that staircase brick steps were being varnished, and the smell during the night was just awful. When I brought this up with the front desk, the young lady had no idea what I was talking about. We then spoke to an asst. manager who gave us a $200 dollar credit and offered to move us to a tower room with oceanview which was beauitiful. Hope this helps.

We have stayed at the La Playa twice now. The first time we went, we had a great experience. I was thinking this was a great value because the rooms were real nice and came with breakfast for $209 a night. I was so impressed we booked a vacation package for the Fall. I booked it with funjet vacations and it clearly said beachview. Well, the front desk said the room was across the street and not ready to be checked in. They said that if we wanted a room beachfront we had to pay $40 extra a night for it, and they had that room ready. I was mad, but I didn't want to fight so we took it. We had a great time, but this time the room didn't include breakfast. A lot of the other guest had free breakfast. When we were checking out, they tried to double charge us for our room. We had already paid for our package before we arrived. I got them to take that charge off. It was a $500 mistake. So we decided for now, to find someplace else to stay the next time we go to Naples. I really liked the rooms, pool, and beach there. It is nice. The front desk needs to be learn not to gauge their customers.

Thanks for all the info. What month did you stay at La Playa? And one more question, were the rooms and the common area kept very clean? Thanks again.

I stayed there in July, and it was nice. Sept. was not as nice. Rates will go up in the winter.

Umm... Patrick, I would rather stay at La Palya rather than the Ritz... just my personal tastes (love the furnishings at La Playa - Ritz is very 'corporate' feeling). I do like the beach tiki restaurants at the Ritz, however. Kids and corporate functions have been too numerious for me at the Ritz. <BR><BR>Rooms, restaurant, atmosphere, etc., are all to my liking (note: IMHO) at La Playa. That is just where I'd rather stay - and yes, I have been to both places. La Playa - more fun, more relaxed, more 'southern charm.'<BR><BR>Happy Trails,<BR>Paul

Sounds as if September was definitely their off month, thats when we were there as well. The fact that they just changed the general manager, as per the front desk clerk, is what has me worried, and why I wrote to Noble House. Are things going to go down a bit? The front desk staff and how they handle/don't handle the problems seems to be the most frustrating factor with this hotel. <BR><BR>Our rate did include breakfast.<BR><BR>The rooms and common area were kept very clean, although one day our room was not done until sometime after 3:30 pm, and then at 5:30pm they were knocking at the door for turndown service right when we were showering and cleaning up....a little early for our tastes.<BR><BR>Patrick, I think it really depends on the &quot;style&quot; one likes for their vacations, I agree with Paul about the &quot;corporate&quot; feel of the Ritz vs the &quot;charm&quot; of the LaPlaya, it is definitely more intimate. However, IMHO, I think the service is definitely not up to a 5 star standard, so that would be the trade off. Just depends what you are looking for I guess. Two very different hotel styles, both with their own good features/qualities. Having been in the off season, probably not 20 other guests there, I wonder how crowded it would be/feel during season? It is a smaller hotel...not having been during season, I cant comment. We travel at this time of year specifically to avoid the crowds, so its not an issue to us, but maybe would help others.

I read your comments with interest regarding your stay Sherry. It was certainly the stay from hell, no doubt about it. Have never stayed at LaPlaya, so can't comment on the hotel, but I did want to address your comments about the new GM and front desk problems. <BR><BR>If there were issues there it is FAR more likely that those issues were in place prior to the GM taking his position, and that MAY have been why there IS a new GM there. Staff attitudes cannot change overnight. They are well entrenched by the guidance they've had previously. One doesn't go from caring service to what you experienced with the switch of a GM. Far more likely that the previous management hadn't been doing their jobs, reflected in staff attitude. It takes time to turn the tide, both from bad to good and good to bad...it's never accomplished overnight.<BR><BR>I smiled (in sympathy) at your being referred to Outback by the concierge!! Ugh..I was thinking as I read it though, we face the same problems here listening to some recommendations we get. I've seen some raves for places in our area that I'm familiar with and just think to myself...&quot;you've got to be kidding&quot;! The concierge should know better, but sadly, even they can't always be depended upon. We recently had 1/2 a day to spend in Mystic (up there for a wedding thus the limited time). The concierge at the Marriott we were staying at, told us we didn't want to go to Old historic Mystic, there was nothing to do there, and directed us instead to Mystic Village. OMG what a mistake. It was nothing but silly tourist shops...a strip mall shopping experience crammed into cute, but totally contrived, facades offering t shirts, mugs, kites etc etc. At La Playa, you'd expect a level of experience well beyond recommending Outback, but unfortunately, it isn't always the case. Generally they can be relied upon, but (and I hate to say this) sometimes age should raise a flag. Ours at the Marriott was quite young...maybe those shops are fun for her and at that age too, I'd have probably thought Outback was a terrific place to eat. As I think of conceirges I've encountered, most seem to be just a little older, don't you think? Maybe for good reason. Was yours young? Ours have a book of recommended places and are drilled on them before being turned loose, as are the front desk staff.<BR><BR>Anyway, sorry for your unfortunate experience...but are you the same one who returned to Coconut Point because of it? :&gt; All was not lost, anyway. I sure do love that resort.

Olive,<BR>Certainly I agree about the age factor, just seems to be they have a better ability to understand their guests individual tastes; comes with experience. Yes, this person was young, and that was precisely my point, it may be great for that person, but wasnt what we were seeking.<BR><BR>Yes, we are the ones who returned to Hyatt Coconut Point, I had asked you all the questions prior to our trip. And thank you for all the insight you offered on the hotel. On the concierge issue, I found the person we dealt with at CP very good in her recommendations, assessed what we were looking for quickly and correctly. Overall, the staff at CP was excellent. Certainly a much better level of service than we expected; we were pleasantly surprised.<BR><BR>Your thoughts re the new GM is quite true. I hadnt thought about it that way, except everyone else seemed to rave about this hotel, and we couldnt, so I thought perhaps the change was for the worse, but you are correct, it may very well be for the better. It was certainly the point I was making to Noble House; maybe their new GM wants to focus a bit more on the training on the front end staff. <BR><BR>You are correct, all was not lost, we still had a lovely vacation, and certainly enjoyed the Hyatt immensely, it suited our vacation needs for that part of our trip to a tee. Good service, spa, pool, etc. I never did make it to the Gardens a planned in Sarasota though. Which is why we tend to leave there and travel a bit, otherwise we tend to just stay home in Sarasota more and more each year. <BR>Back in Canada now, and things are getting colder, I'll trade it for anywhere in Florida right now!!

Sherry, one thing I overlooked when responding earlier was that one of your major gripes was the construction noise. The front desk response to that wasn't adequate, then there were other check-in/out issues, minor enough that had they occurred by themselves, you probably would have let it go.<BR><BR>So, I'm going to back pedal a bit. Although attitudes will be in place and a new GM changes things for better or worse only slowly, certainly construction noise issues were under his immediate control. We are currently renovating too, but take it out a floor at a time and won't have guests on a renovation floor, which you obviously were. Further, the rules are laid out for the contractors at the start (by engineering dept) and blaring radios, ANY radio, would be verboten. No excuse for that. That was his problem, improperly handled. Not much you can do about jackhammering, and there's hardly a rennovation anywhere that doesn't entail at least one noise complaint, but it sounds as if you put up with much more noise-wise than you should have had to.<BR><BR>Add front desk attitude on top and you had an unhappy experience. There are ways to say you can't check in prior to 4. It generally has to do with rooms being ready, and a pleasant explanation of the situation is usually sufficient. Only rarely will a late (by a couple of hours) check out be denied. Those are the things that he can change, but it takes time. One thought, taking the front desk attitude problem one step further..is it possible the GM is not as new as front desk indicated, and they were attempting to keep a complaint from escalating to him? Don't like to hint of dishonesty, but it happens, anywhere, unfortunately.<BR><BR>We had super recommendations from the concierge at Coconut Point too. Chops was booked solid and she suggested an Italian restaurant in a strip mall just up the way on 41. I raised my eyebrows at &quot;strip mall&quot;, and certainly the drive-up appeal was less than ideal, but what a terrific restaurant and experience it was. It was just lovely inside, full of well-heeled locals, and obviously one of the better dining spots. We had super meal.<BR><BR>Glad your experience at CP was good. Opening a new hotel is a job and one that goes only to the most experienced GMs. That particular one is a VP and had been managing a large Hyatt resort in Puerto Rico prior to this job. His staff training shows, for the most part.<BR><BR>Enjoy that cool air. The grass is always greener, isn't it? I'm so sick of the heat I can't tell you. We are all saying...&quot;will it EVER get cool again&quot;! Hurry back.

In regards to the comments comparing the Ritz with LaPlaya and which one a person would rather stay at -- I think these are two separate issues. <BR><BR>I certainly don't blame someone for wanting to stay at a smaller, more intimate, less corporate, or whatever hotel, but that doesn't mean that the overall standards are better.<BR><BR>For example, I'd much prefer staying at a nice little atmospheric three star hotel in Paris, but I'd never insist that their standards are &quot;better&quot; than somewhere like the Ritz or Meurice. As I recall, the main argument before was that LaPlaya is a &quot;better&quot; hotel and even a &quot;more upscale&quot; hotel than the Ritz Carlton in Naples. That I'd have to argue with, but again, I can easily understand why someone would personally prefer LaPlaya over the Ritz.

OO: The concierge at CP also recomended that little Italian &quot;strip mall&quot; place, and unfortuantely we didnt get there, although I am sure, based on her other recommendations, it was great! Glad you made it and enjoyed it.<BR>Re checking in/out early. The CP accommodated us with both. The day we couldnt check in to LaPlaya early CP let us stay until 2pm and the day we left LaPlaya and headed back to CP we were checked in by 10am I think! Great service, but again, it was slow season so they were very willing to help out.<BR><BR>Patrick, I dont think I could ever say that LaPlaya exceeds the Ritz. I do see its charm, and enjoyed it for what it was, but definitely, I'm in the camp that expects 5 star service/knowledge (just that refined edge), when I stay at a 5 star place. And some Ritz's deliver on that, some don't. Thinking of the one in Montreal (has to be the worst)!<BR>

To Sherry and OO: Where is the Hyatt Coconot Point? What is closest major airport? Looking for &quot;direct/non-stop&quot; from Toronto year-round.