Moderator
Joined: 28 Jun 2005
Posts: 2014
Location: New York
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 Posted: Mon Jun 26, 2006 10:33 pm Post subject: |
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gjm,
Since it is unclear from your post whether you have questions regarding the current status of the Hyatt, or merely are reflecting on some undated pre-Ivan memories, I thought it appropriate to move your post to the Resorts Forum, so that it receives a proper response and the appropriate peer review and comment.
I am also doing so, particularly given Captain Jack's uncertainty about your questions and comments, coupled with the potential for confusion to other members, due to presence of patent inaccuracies in your post.
Before I address your questions and comments, I want to point out in the interests of full disclosure that before I was chosen as a Moderator, I booked 3 vacations with stays at the Hyatt. The first was scheduled for July 2005, and unfortunately due to Hurricane Emily, our trip was aborted. Our second planned trip was 10/29/05 - 11/4/05. Our 3rd trip is scheduled for 7/15/06 - 7/24/06. These decisions to stay at the Hyatt were made after copious research and primarily based on the detailed and accurate information I obtained here. As you may know from even a casual review of this forum, my wife and I are seasoned and discerning travelers, who do not casually make decisons on vacation accomodations. Feel free to review my posts about our prior destinations and hotel accomodations, that clearly demonstrate such history. Accordingly, I feel I am quite competent to knowledgeably address your questions and comments. Moreover, I am not in any way affiliated with the Hyatt and have no incentive whatsoever to stay there.
Let's address your questions and comments seriatum.
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| So what is to become of the Hyatt? |
As you know, the Hyatt's Building, across West Bay Rd. was significantly damaged from Hurricane Ivan and has yet to re-open. The Beach Suites, across the street, as its name reflects, is directly overlooking Seven Mile Beach. The Beach Suites, which consist of 53 1 & 2 bedroom suites is open and operating, as are its signature restaurants Hemmingways and Bamboo, the swim up pool Seven Mile Beach Bar, jacuzzi, fitness and business centers, and lobby/concierge/room service and beach/pool food and beverage services.
As for when the Main Building will be reopened, I do not know exactly what is causing the delays for opening the main section of the Hyatt or when it might be completed; neither does anyone working at the Hyatt, as they are a management company and not principals of the corporation.
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| On our recent visit we observed the new West Bay Road cutting through the property. That basically renders the beach "overpass" useless and cuts off that side of the property from the the beach. |
The West Bay Road bypass construction has not affected the operation of the Beach Suites, the quality of service or a guest's vacation experience.
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| I heard there were some structural issues with the Hyatt canal dock post-Ivan delaying its re-opening. Is that the issue with the ferry? Or does Red Sail have little interest in that operation given the state of the Hyatt property? What is the attitude of folks over at Britannia? I would be a little peeved having bought into this resort concept, to have it fall apart as it has. |
The Hyatt is not responsible for the ferry service and I have no idea when that will resume. Unlike you, I am not in a position to speculate on the financial strategies of Red Sail Sports, who we do not recommend as a service provider.
I also cannot speak for the perceptions of the Britainia owners, and I suspect you cannot either, lest you would have included such conversations in your comments. Rather, I do note that the Britainia property was impeccably maintained when we were there, thus casting further doubts on the reliability of your musings.
Perhaps the only valid point you make is that the the main building across the street was beautiful, thus making it a highly desirable acommodation. It is indeed unfortunate that it has yet to re-open. However, that does not tarnish the quality of a post-Ivan stay at the Beach Suites, of which you admittedly have no experience or first-hand knowledge.
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| I have to admit that on our last visit, that the Hyatt seemed a little less "spiffy" than it has in the past and certainly more tired than it should be. Having stayed there when it was the destination on SMB, it is sad to see where it is now. |
Frankly, your comments about the resort looking less spiffy or tired, are not only misleading, but bereft of any factual support. Conspicuously absent from your post is any mention of the specific areas of the resort that purportedly did not merit the AAA 4 diamond ranking accorded the Hyatt. I am curious whether this may be intentional.
When my wife and I stayed at the at the Hyatt from 10/29/05 -11/4/05 we very much enjoyed our stay despite less than favorable weather. The rooms are well appointed and certainly spacious. The restaurants were excellent and the service wonderful. The Beach Suites are centrally located on Seven Mile Beach, within easy access to some of the finest restaurants, shopping and activities on GC. Overall it was impeccable.
The Hyatt Beach Suites are relatively new as they were renovated post-Ivan. Hemmingways was just redecorated shortly before our trip. Bamboo is beautifully appointed and well maintained. The food and service at both restaurants is consistently top-ranked on the island. Conspicuously absent from your comments is any indication whether you dined at either, or indeed even set foot in them. Hence, it appears you did not. I would direct your attention to the photos and reports in the Restaurant Forum that accurately reflect the decor, food and service at both establishments. I have no hesitation personally recommending either Hemmingways or Bamboo, and intend to dine at them again when we return.
The pools, grounds and beach are all clean and well maintained. Clearly, if the Hyatt was as tired/less spiffy, or had fallen as far as you suggest, then why would it be recommended by not only CAG, but other members that have stayed there, unlike you, post-Ivan. If the condition of the property was anything close to what you suggest, then certainly discerning travelers like myself would also not return. However, that is not the case.
I note from your trip reports that you stayed at Regal Beach Club during your last two visits and you did not indicate whether you stayed at the Hyatt post-Ivan. This lack of personal experieince also causes me to question the accuracy and motivation of your comments.
I also am curious about what was clearly a conscious decison to post your comments in the Beyond The Guide forum and whether it was selected with an eye towards avoiding peer review. Certainly, if you wanted answers to questions as to the reconstruction progress, resumption of the ferry, and any attendant roadway delays, all legitimate issues, there are several forums where you could have initially posted to obtain answers to your questions. However, if that was the case, I would think the questions would be framed directly and neutrally, rather than coming across as almost a gloating rumination.
Accordingly, unless you have factually accurate and not misleading information to contribute to our members in planning their vacations, it would be apppreciated if you refrain from engaging in inaacurate speculation and commentary.
John |
Edited By : jpep Tue, 27 Jun 2006 09:13:27 -0400
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