We often stay at luxury hotels and we were extremely disappointed with our
stay at the St Regis, Fort Lauderdale. Having experienced other St Regis
hotels we were very surprised this hotel is considered one. The service
was sub-par. The space not nearly as elegant and well designed as others
and the food and cleanliness hit and miss. Just to be clear our attitude
on vacation is we will pay an unlimited amount to be pampered.
The pool area is very small and not pleasant at all. The cushioned chairs
were torn, stained and very faded (odd for a hotel only a year old). Plus
it lacked ambiance, it had a few palm trees but could have been better
landscaped and had a nicer pool deck. The pool service was unbelievably
bad. First the pool person did not escort us to a chair just handed us a
towel and we had to find our own seating. (On other days we were seated).
After waiting 30 minutes without anyone offering to bring us a drink we
went to the bar to order. My boyfriend ordered a Gin and Tonic (the
bartender brought him water by "accident" I've travelled the world and no
bartender I've met has ever made that kind of mistake worse he did not
apologize for the error). I asked if they had a drink menu and was told
they were at the printers (what?!) but he assured me they had a full bar
and could make me anything I would like. On that note I asked for a fun
tropical coconut drink (we were in Florida after all) and was told he
could give me some coconut rum on the rocks (no thanks!) but that the only
mixer (in a box) that they had with coconut was pina colada mix. So much
for fresh exciting drinks -- I did notice they had a couple of coconuts
growing on the palms.. but unlike other places where they climb the palms
and bring you drinks in fresh coconuts this is a place that serves
pre-mixed drinks. So I acquiesced and asked for a pina colada. We ate
lunch by the pool twice. The first time my food was awful the Feta cheese
looked and tasted like blue cheese the arugula was wilted and worse soggy
from sitting unused somewhere in the kitchen. The second time we had lunch
at the pool bar it was better. But still a place like the St. Regis should
serve consistently good food. They also are very short staffed at the
pool. Meaning often it is easier to go to the bar for water, etc. than
wait for them to notice you.
The elevator from the pool to the beach was not working when we were there so we had to walk across the busy street to look at the beach and as many others have mentioned the surrounding area is designed for Spring
Breakers. They had private cabanas for $250 for rent with mini bars and
flat screen TV's we thought about renting one for the day but the service
was so bad that we couldn't imagine enjoying it (we feared we'd never get
lunch as they'd forget we were there). Not to mention that the cabanas
aren't near the beach or the pool. At most places we do rent cabanas.
We tried many of the spa services "fit for a king," "st regis signature
facial," etc. The facials were nice, however, their spa consists of a nice
changing room and a plain coed waiting room with tea and water. Needless
to say given the lack of extras (steam room, sauna, indoor Jacuzzi, etc) I
would have expected the waiting room to at least have sliced cucumbers for
the eyes, snacks, cold towels and hot towels (something more special than
water and tea).
The room itself was very nice. The bed extremely comfortable and the
bathroom with separate shower perfect. However, their technology worked
intermittently, the TV had to be rebooted. The touch screen did not turn
the lights on or dial the number indicated. The cleaning service was also
superficial. Yes, they came twice a day - once to clean and once for turn
down service. But they did not clean the floor the whole time we were
there - it was sandy and you had to wear slippers to keep your feet clean.
I found nuts under the bed (before checking out I always make sure nothing
has slipped under the bed). They did not have shower caps in the bathroom
(I imagine because they forgot to replace them from the last guests) nor
did they replace cotton swabs in the bathroom the whole time we were there
(a small thing but a nice touch when done). The balcony was nice but they
are separated by cloth (a cheap solution) from the neighbors and thus you
can hear every conversation out there (I think they could be more
private). The room service was wonderful. We did have breakfast on the
balcony twice and both times it was lovely (aside from the street noise
and neighbors).
The lobby has a restaurant, bar and "wine room." However it turns out not
to be a wine room but a true "bar." If only the drinks from this bar were
served at the pool it would truly change the experience. Here we found the
most amazing mixologist a true rare gem so talented that he could out mix
any New York City bartender. His name is Herman and I'm not sure how long
he'll remain hidden away in the "wine room." His drinks were made with
fresh juices and herbs. He is the only reason I would recommend this hotel
to anyone. Otherwise the restaurant and bar were OK we tried both and
enjoyed them both.
Normally we call someone to help bring our bags to the lobby when we check
out. As we were tired of the mediocre service we decided to bring them
down ourselves. To my amazement as staff saw us doing this no one even
offered to help (again just bad training). Others have mentioned that
their cars were brought to them right away. We always called in advance
for our car but on the day of our checkout it took them an hour to bring
us our car - we stood outside and waited in the heat - they did not offer
us water, or to sit inside and call us when our car was ready, etc. it was
just another example of their poor service training and left us filled
with bitterness. We have no intention of ever visiting this hotel again.
In fact as soon as I returned home I started looking at Ritz-Carlton
hotels for my next trip as it will not be a St Regis hotel.