Maria C.
Yelp
Here we go again... another 5 star stay!
OMG, I think this stay outweighs all of my stays thus far. And a lot has to do with the customer service I experienced from valet to leaving out the garage after receiving my car from valet.
I am unsure of the gentleman that greeted me in the valet line, but Kevin was my point of contact...
Kevin helped me with my many bags (mostly party items) and balloons...
It was a cold and windy Saturday about 6 pm, but Kevin and a few other guys in the valet line made sure everything was cool. I almost lost one balloon... and one of the attendants saved it, grabbed it... I'm not sure how it happened, but when I looked it I saw him with one. He said he had to jump up to grab up... but I thought this was absolutely over the top service!!
I arrived at the check in desk on the 2nd floor. I believe the young lady that checked me in was in "training mode"
There was a more experienced employee next to her guiding her as well and making sure she remembered to covered pertinent talk points during the check in process.
Check in was a breeze... the entire process may have taken three minutes.
I arrived at room 2122 with my digital key and Kevin (the valet/concierge) was already there with the cart filled with all my bags. So they must have a walkie talkie system to relay the info... he beat me to the room.
Kevin unloaded the cart in record time and asked if I need any other assistance... nope! I was just so thrilled he was there to assist! I could not imagine doing all that alone... a disaster waiting to happen.
Fast forward...
For this stay I booked the Executive Level which includes access to the Empyrean Club Level (private key access to the Empyrean Club Lounge service, complimentary breakfast, evening reception).
Talk about fancy...
We entered the Lounge about 7 pm... we missed happy hour, but the same offerings for happy hour I believe were offered throughout the evening. The Lounge closes at 10 pm by the way.
We enjoyed the complimentary evening reception which included: unlimited bacon wrapped scallops (super yummy), red and green grapes, a variety of cheeses and crackers, non alcoholic beverages, access to the espresso machine... alcoholic beverages were available at a cost.
The ladies working on Saturday evening... 02/03/18 were phenomenal!
Olivia was the waitress it seemed and Shanique was the attendant greeting everyone and walking around the lounge to ensure everyone was all set. These ladies spirits were unmatched. They were not there just to do a job, but they made us and others present feel like family.
Everyone we encountered that night from employees to other guests were all welcoming ... totally awesome vibes.
Great job ladies!!
The views from the lounge: Waterside District and the Elizabeth River... you go to another area of the lounge and you can pretty much see all of Norfolk... amazing! There are at least two televisions present and plenty of comfortable seating.
The room stay was superb!
The fitness center - on point and the pool... water temperature just right.
Besides my five little ladies, there were three young boys in the pool. As a result, the pool size was just right, no over crowding at all. The pool deck/roof access wasn't available however.
On Sunday before checkout... I stepped in the Lounge again to see what was for breakfast
I saw several people waiting as if more food was coming...
But I was able to taste the round omelet (mushrooms, green peppers and tomato) and the sausage links which were the hot food items on the buffet. Both were tasty, I especially enjoyed the sausages.
Check out is at 11 am, but the girls were not ready... I stopped by the front desk and I believe Natasha was working ... I asked for a late check out and after a short search, she advised checking out at noon is available. Yay!!
We arrived at the cashier/valet window on the first floor near the garage and the cashier was alert and ready to bring my car around.
She asked about my stay... service with a smile. I assure here all was well.
I am unsure of the name of the valet attendant that brought my car to us, but he was super pleasant... he made sure all our bags were stored in the truck in impeccable order. He did a really wonderful job packing everything in neatly.
He was working Sunday, 02/04/18 about 12:15 pm a short to medium height Caucasian man in his 40s maybe... he was great!
I almost want this hotel to be my go to hotel for any stay in this area. I just wish they included: a microwave, a mini frig (in the room) and a hot tub in the pool area. While these wishes will probably will not be granted anytime soon, it does not take away from the superior customer service and professionalism this hotel has displayed during all my stays.
I recommend this hotel 1000%
Have fun and enjoy life :)