We stayed here for 3 nights during the July Fourth Independence
Day holiday weekend (Saturday to Tuesday). Our stay was a bit
disappointing, and not representative of the Fairmont brand. Our main
issue was with a request that we made several times prior to arrival and
at arrival, but never received. Both my President's Club account and my
spouse's indicate a request for a refrigerator. When we made our
reservation, we reiterated that request. We e-mailed the concierge two
weeks prior to arrival to verify our request, and were assured that an
alert was placed on our account for the refrigerator. At check-in, while
we were given the room type that we booked (Bermudiana House), we did
not receive the ground-level room that we requested, nor did we receive
the refrigerator. (We checked in around 12:00 noon on a Saturday.) The
desk clerk indicated that the refrigerator would be delivered later that
afternoon. Several hours later, when it did not arrive, we went to
inquire at the front desk. The same clerk indicated that all
refrigerators were now gone, but that we could call housekeeping to
empty our mini-bar. We did contact housekeeping, who never arrived to
empty the mini-bar. We just wish they hadn't publicized the availability
of refrigerators, and then basically lied to me multiple times about
getting one. There was also a lack of lounge chairs at both the
saltwater and freshwater pools on the Saturday of our stay. Guests were
lying on towels on the grass. Again, I booked the Fairmont brand because
I expected a minimum standard of what to expect. If we wanted to fight
for pool lounge chairs, we might as well have gone to some all-inclusive
party resort on a nearby island.
Now for the good parts! The location was excellent for us, because it
was an easy walk to town for shopping, sightseeing, and eating. The
property is attractive and well-maintained for an older property, and
the rooms in the Bermudiana House were nicely renovated, with pretty
fabrics, flat-screen TVs, and nice bathrooms. (As a previous poster
said, there is a frosted panel to the bathroom door, and although it
does a good job of providing privacy, it does not lock, so I found that
it would slowly inch open if my spouse was walking around in the room.)
The weather was so lovely during our weekend, that we just lounged by
the pool and relaxed, so I can't comment on the ferry to the other
Southampton property. I believe it ran back and forth three times per
day - TO Southampton at 10:00, 1:30, 5:30, and 6:30 or thereabouts and
TO Hamilton approximately one hour earlier than those time (but don't
quote me on that, my memory is bad!). There is a fair amount of green,
grassy space at the hotel property, including a small putting green, an
area with a fire pit and chimneas, Adirondack chairs, gazebos/pergolas,
fish pond/waterfalls, etc. The view of the harbor is excellent, and it
is fun to watch the boat traffic as well as to be able to see across the
harbor to other houses and hotels. The town of Hamilton was very quiet
on most days and nights, with the exception of Tuesday when a cruise
ship was in port. It took about 30 minutes to reach the airport from
this hotel, and it cost approximately $25 (plus 50 cents per
bag/suitcase). The hotel could also arrange a shared shuttle for $10 per
person, but we felt that the convenience of not making additional stops
to pick up other guests was worth spending the extra $5. Smoking is
allowed in outdoor areas of the property, including around the pool,
which could bother to some guests. There is food and drink service
around the pool, but it was better at the freshwater pool and more
spotty at the saltwater, probably due to proximity to the
bar/restaurant. I expected this hotel brand to offer more in the way of
general pool service, similar to what other 5-star hotels do - someone
to help you locate a chair, someone who walks around and mists guests,
free ice water - but it was not to be.
Miles Market is practically right next door (although out-of-sight), so
it's possible to buy some drinks (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and snacks
for your room. We ate at Hog Penny, Barracuda, Bolero, Pearl, and
Harbourfront, as well as at Harley's at the Fairmont. While food and
drinks were expensive, they didn't really cost more than any nice lunch
or dinner in any big city. (A few things were really pricey, though -
for example, we paid $20 for a case of water at Miles Market, something
that would have cost $5 in our hometown, and that was still a huge
savings over what it would have cost at the hotel.) An automatic
gratuity was added to every bill, but it varied from 15% to 18%. Service
was fine everywhere, as was the food; perhaps my expectations were
unreasonably high, but I had greater hopes for more inspired and
creative meals. Dress for dinner was rather casual: Bermuda-length
shorts and a collared golf shirts for men was acceptable.
All-in-all, we enjoyed our trip to Bermuda, and we think we'll go back
someday. I might even stay at the Hamilton Princess again because it was
so convenient to the city, but I might try another location on the
island so that I could explore a bit more. It was only a 2-hour flight
from the US (which is less time than it takes us to fly to southern
Florida), and we liked that we cleared U.S. customs before leaving
Bermuda, so that it was as if our returning flight were a domestic one.
The Bermuda airport is fairly small; there's a duty-free shop (outside
of security), a restaurant/sports bar, coffee bar, two or three shops, a
smoking lounge, and a first-class lounge. Most airlines have
self-service kiosks for checking in. In summary, the people of Bermuda
were friendly, the weather was perfect, and the island was gorgeous.
Showing posts with label Caribbean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caribbean. Show all posts
Bermuda: Harbourfront (July 2010)
My spouse and I dined at Harbourfront for dinner with another couple (work
colleagues) in early July 2010. The Harbourfront Restaurant is situated right on the harbour at
the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI). It offers the perfect
setting for either a casual lunch or an elegant dining experience. The varied
menu features a selection of the freshest fish and seafood and dry Aged Meats
with a wonderful selection of specialty dishes created with the utmost care and
attention. The restaurant also offers a sushi and tempura Bar.
Bermuda: Port O Call (July 2010)
My spouse and I dined at Port O Call for lunch in early July 2010. Amid the hustle and bustle of front
Street, Port O Call is an oasis of fine cuisine. This intimate restaurant is
one of the most popular spots for lunch or dinner in Bermuda. The innovative
award winning contemporary menu features fresh local fish, homemade pastas and
the best Bermuda produce - all at pleasantly modest prices. Experience a
comfortable casual atmosphere with professional service whilst you enjoy our
signature dishes. Combine with our extensive Wine Spectator award winning wine
list featuring over 40 fabulous wines by the glass, and you are sure to have a meal to
remember. Dine inside or on our al fresco harbour view terrace - either way you
are sure to love the experience of superb service and a masterful menu in an
elegant setting.
Bermuda: Barracuda (July 2010)
My spouse and I dined at Barracuda Grill for dinner in early July 2010. Barracuda
Grill, one of Bermuda’s most celebrated restaurants, is THE place to go for
outstanding seafood and chops prepared in a contemporary style, proudly winning
over ten Best of Bermuda Awards! Classically stylish, Barracuda features warm
mahogany woods, plush banquettes and a sumptuous but ever so comfortable dining
room, suitable for power business meals or romantic dinner. If a little early
for your reservation, join the other guests at the cozy, hip and chic bar and
enjoy cocktails and martinis by our own award-winning bartender, or one of more
than 16 wines served by the glass. The Barracuda Grill’s lavish and inviting
interior hints at a time of luxurious passenger ships, popping champagne corks,
and refined dining, all contemporized to be thoroughly of the moment.
Irresistible seafood and chops prepared with expertise and passion take center
stage on immaculate linen-covered tables.
Bermuda: Bolero Brasserie (July 2010)
My spouse and I dined at Bolero Brassier for dinner in early July 2010. The
very fact that the entrance to Bolero is tucked down a narrow alleyway, gives
it a sense of secrecy, a place that ‘only the locals know about’. When Bolero
opened in April 2007, the owner’s vision was to operate a neighborhood eatery,
a restaurant full of warmth and charm. They wanted it to be a lively, bustling,
friendly place, and a place where the staff are considered ‘family’. They
wanted a mindset in the staff that they work ‘with’ the owners not just simply
‘for’ them. As in the time-honored concept of a Brasserie, the owners sought to
restore an atmosphere that welcomes people from all walks of life, (at Bolero
you will often see business people in suits dining next to locals wearing more
casual attire) people that are simply out for good food and friendly efficient
service and, overall, an enjoyable dining experience. The dishes on the menu
not only reflect typical Brasserie/Bistro fare but also reflect the chef’s
classical culinary training. More importantly, the food is realistically
priced, good, honest, and unpretentious. The menu is extensive (in true
Brasserie style) and changes four to five times a year; however some dishes
have proved to be very popular both with the regular clientele and ‘newbies’
alike.
Bermuda: Hog Penny (July 2010)
My spouse and I dined at Hog Penny for dinner in early July 2010. The Hog Penny is Hamilton’s oldest licensed establishment, having been in business since 1957 and interestingly is the original inspiration for the Cheers pub in Boston. Authentic is not a word used lightly at Hog Penny, and our 50-plus year history gives us a delightful patina of age that you just can’t replicate. Over the years our reputation has been hard earned! Gourmet Magazine exclaimed “it was love at first sight for us, as well as the throngs who flock here”, and as Gourmet wrote, this great institution is hard to beat for a truly authentic experience. Featuring great cuts of beef and fresh Bermuda fish, genuine Indian curries, to-die-for hearty pub style comfort food that has won countless ‘Best of Bermuda’ awards, and having been featured on The Food Network’s ‘$40 A Day’, the Hog Penny continues to be a favorite spot for generations of locals and visitors alike.
Puerto Rico (2009)
Hotels:
- El San Juan Resort and Casino (Waldorf-Astoria)
- Microtel Philadelphia Airport
- Drums Link to my review
- Tangerine (at the Water Club) Link to my review
- Metropol Link to my review
- KOCO Link to my review
- La Picolo Fontana Link to my review
- Patio del Nispero (at the El Convento) Link to my review
- Lupi's Mexican Grill Link to my review
- Barrachina Link to my review
Activities:
- Castille San Cristobal
- Castille de San Felipe del Morro
- La Fortaleza (Palacio de Santa Catalina)
- Old San Juan
- Paseo del Morro
Reviews
Puerto Rico: Drums (July 2009)
My spouse and I ate lunch at Drums in early July
2009. Drums is located in Isla Verde and serves Spanish food that may have you
pleading for their recipes. This casual restaurant is open daily for lunch and
dinner. At night, Drums is known for its club-style atmosphere and loud music.
The fun and unique thing about this restaurant is that is houses a drum museum
for diners to explore.
Puerto Rico: Tangerine (at the Water Club) (July 2009)
My spouse and I ate dinner at Tangerine (at the Water Club Hotel) in early July 2009. (We even remitted a $20 Open Table dining cheque to pay part of our bill!) Welcome to Tangerine, an avant-garde culinary experience that takes you beneath the waves with special visual effects including dancing ripples on the walls, an ocean surface simulation on the ceiling, illuminated floors, and a cascading waterfall by the bar. Tangerine, located on the hotel's lobby level, welcomes guests with an amazing sub-aquatic atmosphere and "modern-latino cuisine" menu featuring sustainability-sourced ingredients. A feast for all senses, Executive Chef RaulCorrea, has a unique style of cooking which embraces sensory and food science, as he infuses each dish with a distinct scent meant to stimulate every sense. It’s local, it’s innovative, and it’s absolutely delicious.
Puerto Rico: Patio del Nispero (El Convento Hotel) (July 2009)
My spouse and I ate lunch at the Patio del Nispero at the Hotel El Convento in early July 2009. Elegant al fresco dining is available in the shadow of the hotel's famous century-old nispero fruit tree. The restaurant offers a gourmet menu of delicious dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A landmark monument to the Conquistador Age, Hotel El Convento showcases a timeless aura of Old World charm and splendor. Befitting its origins as a Carmelite convent 356 years ago, the splendid luxury hotel is a loving restoration of Spanish Colonial architecture and design with 58 elegant rooms - each adorned with rich wooden beams, handcrafted tiles, carved chairs, velvet settees, and antique chests. Celebrate more than 360 years of tradition at our luxury old San Juan hotel in Puerto Rico. As thefirst Carmelite Convent in the Americas, it housed the nuns for 252 years until closing a few days before Christmas in 1903. Vacant for a decade, the abandonedbuilding served as a retail store, a dance hall, and, for the next 40 years, a flophouse without running water, sanitary facilities, or electricity. Opened in 1962 as El Convento Hotel, it offered a tranquil, European-style alternative to the glitzy hotels lining the Condado strip.
Puerto Rico: Metropol (July 2009)
My spouse and I ate dinner at Metropol in early July 2009. Metropol Restaurant was founded in San Juan,
Puerto Rico, in 1965, by Jose (Pepe) Canosa, a cuban immigrant, who had moved
to the Island the year before. His concept of good service at good prices,
family ambience, and excellent Cuban and Puertorican food, was an "instant
hit", winning the favor of the public, and leading him to open new
establishments throughout the metropolitan area. Pepe was the creator of famous
dishes such as, the well-known "gallinita rellena", the Montuno
Cubano and Metropol Fried Rice. He was always innovating in his kitchen to
satisfy his loyal customers, serving the best food at the best prices. This
concept has been continued by his descendants, which now administrate the
restaurants. You can visit our restaurants in Hato Rey, Isla Verde, Fajardo,
Guaynabo, Barceloneta and Dorado, to enjoy a tasty menu in a cozy atmosphere.
To all our clients, thanks so much for visiting us for more than four decades,
and making us as one of your favorite places for dining. Our compromise is to
always serve you with excellence, the best of our kitchen.
Puerto Rico: Lupi's Mexican Grill (July 2009)
My spouse and I ate lunch at Lupi’s Mexican Grill in early
July 2009. When you visit Lupi’s Mexican Grill and Cantina, you discover the
fusion of Mexican and Puerto Rican cuisine, under the breathtaking backdrop of
16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period buildings of Old San Juan. Sit
back and enjoy the rich flavors with a nostalgic touch that might bring you back
in time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)