November 2014, Weekday, 2-nights, Queen Studio #221
Status perks and check-in
As a Platinum member I was given the choice of 500 bonus points or a snack at check-in, and I received a coupon for 15% off at the "chickee" bar. I did not receive a room upgrade. This
hotel has four floors, and we were assigned guestroom 211. I always request a room on the top floor, so I inquired whether a room was available on a higher floor, or if the room I had been assigned was an upgraded room. I was told yes, and that it is a renovated room, so I said that would be fine.
When we arrived at guestroom 211 our keys did not work. I returned to the front desk, and I was told that 211 was the incorrect room number, and we had been assigned guestroom 221. A different employee assisted me this time. She corrected the room number on the key packet and returned our keys. I asked if this guestroom is the same as 211, and the agent said yes.
Guestroom 221
This is a queen studio guestroom near the center of the hall facing the parking lot. It was not an upgrade from the type of room I had booked, and my husband was disappointed that it did not at least face the pool/courtyard area. The guestroom had been recently renovated.
The kitchen area in the guestroom contained a small dishwasher, full size fridge, microwave, 2-burner electric stovetop, and a coffeepot with supplies. The ice maker in the freezer worked very fast. Often, when we stay in an extended stay property like this, it takes a long time for the ice maker to start working. Dishwasher detergent and dishwashing liquid was also provided. Although the detergent holder in the dishwasher did not latch properly, the dishes looked clean after washing. Dishes, saucepans, utensils and silverware were in the cupboards, although there was only one spoon provided. A package of microwave popcorn was provided.
A desk and chair were positioned between the kitchen and living room area. There was plenty of workspace at the desk, it was well lit, and there were several outlets. The desk chair was uncomfortable after only a short period of time. Additional counter space with a lamp was mounted on the wall across from the desk. The Internet connection speed was good in the guestroom and by the pool.
The sitting area contained a sofa bed, footstool, floor lamp, and a large flatscreen TV on an armoire. The TV swiveled and it was easily visible from all areas of the guestroom. The sofa was comfortable. There were two large windows with screens in the guestroom, which could be opened a couple of inches.
The queen size bed was comfortable, and the bedding was good quality. A nightstand and lamp were located on both sides of the bed. A full length mirror was hanging on the wall between the bed and bathroom area.
The bathroom contained a walk in shower and toilet. Our toilet became plugged the first day, and we could not use it overnight until someone came and plunged it the next day. Later during our stay, we observed an employee in the hallway with a plunger on his way to another guestroom, so it appeared we were not the only guests who experienced plumbing problems. We had to hold the toilet handle down to flush the toilet, and I thought the toilet by the fitness center was also going to stop up when I used it during our stay.
The vanity in our guestroom was located outside of the bathing area across from a closet with mirrored doors. The closet contained hangers, a folding luggage rack, bedding, and an iron and ironing board.
This guestroom is well soundproofed. I did not hear any guests overhead, and we did not hear any noise from outside. The entrance door was not as well soundproofed as the walls, although the hallway noise from guests was minimal.
We did not receive any coffee when our room was cleaned during stayover, so I went to the front desk to request some. The agent gave us a packet; however, I learned that coffee is only provided at check-in. That was a new experience for me. The only time we have stayed in a hotel that did not replenish the coffee during stayover was in different countries.
Food & Beverage
This hotel offers complimentary breakfast everyday, and an evening social on Tuesday - Thursday. Coffee and tea is available in the dining area all day.
Juice and milk was available in the morning, although there was no fat-free milk. Some of the breakfast food items were egg and cheese fold-over omelets one morning, and scrambled eggs the next. Pork sausage was served the first morning, and ham was served the second day. There were assorted breads, muffins, and bagels. I did not try any of the bread products because there did not appear to be any whole-grain choices. Bananas, oranges, cut fruit, yogurt, and a waffle maker were also available. I do not recall the cereal and/or oatmeal choices for sure.
In the evening, grilled burgers and hot dogs were served one night, and meatball subs the next evening. Lettuce with tomatoes and dressing were available both evenings, as well as condiments for the burgers/sandwich items. Plain potato chips were served both evenings. Beverage choices included wine and beer from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Bartender Mike was fabulous!
This is the only Staybridge Suites I have stayed in that has a bar. The chickee bar is located outside by the pool area, and typical bar beverages were available with a different special each day. Margaritas were on special for $4 one of the days we were there, so we tried one, and it was very good. The bar opens at 3:00 p.m.
Pool and whirlpool tub
The outside pool and whirlpool tub are located by the chickee bar. We did not use the whirlpool tub in the evening because there were many people in the bar area both nights of our stay, and the tub is located close to the bar. We swam in the pool and used the whirlpool tub during the day, and we thought the water temperature was good. Most of the courtyard area was sunny until about 3:00 p.m., and then it became mostly shady. There were several loungers and tables with umbrellas around the pool, and between the bar and pool. The area was clean and well maintained.
Misc.
There is no charge for parking at this hotel, and Internet service is free. There is no charge to use the laundry facilities, which were located on the second floor. There is a Publix grocery store within walking distance, and a few restaurants nearby.
It is a one-mile walk to
Clam Pass Park on the beach. There is no charge to enter the park, and there is no charge for parking with a beach parking sticker. I do not know the details of obtaining a beach parking sticker, although I am sure this information is available on the website. It is another one-mile walk to the beach from the park parking lot. It is a nice walk, and tram service is also provided by the
Naples Grande hotel for no charge. Beach facilities include public restrooms, a food and beverage shack operated by the hotel, and beach rentals, such as chairs, towels, umbrellas, and beach equipment. We stayed at Naples Grande after this stay, and I will post pictures of the beach in that review.
