Yes, I’m Hooked

Booking hotel rooms online has become a routine task for all who travel as they search for the best for the absolute least. I know because for years I have booked rooms exactly the same way. As long as it was in a well reviewed property I was happy with just about any room I could click on if the price was right. I can recall so many times when I would scroll quickly past the check-box for rooms on the “Concierge Level” or the “Club Floor”. I remember thinking to myself, “why do I need the Club Level? Those perks are so unnecessary?” Allow me to remind you that we only have a limited time here on Earth to enjoy life’s pleasures? Also on a more practical level, booking rooms on these exclusive floors can actually save you money while giving you the productivity producing pampering you’ve been denying yourself.

We’ve been gallivanting about, treating ourselves to club levels whenever possible lately, for your benefit of course; to allow us to make an educated decision as to whether they are really worth it or not.

The Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles

Fergie and I checked into the Biltmore to attend the LA Travel Show. I had booked us rooms on the Club Level and we received a room on the ninth floor, just 5 doors down from the Club Lounge. After a dreamy night’s sleep there was no need to order breakfast from room service because the club’s morning continental breakfast was quite extensive with quiche, cheeses, muffins, yogurts, cereal, and the accouterments All that was really missing was an omelet and waffle station; thank goodness. The lounge itself was huge with complimentary internet access and a variety of beverages. Of course, the breakfast visit to the lounge is an excellent time to plan ahead for any future requirements you may have beverage-wise and stock up a bit on water or any other bottled beverages you may need. After all, you are on the Club Level for goodness sake!

The evening hors d’oeuvres were plentiful as was the wine and I was told I had the option to order (and pay for) cocktails although I chose to enjoy the complimentary wine thank you very much.

Verdict: Definitely worth it with a per night price difference of $50. We more than made up for it with our consumption at breakfast and happy hour– invited my friend Bobby Laurie up to the lounge to help me get my money’s worth.

Note: Only use initials when signing in at the Club Lounge. My name and room number were taken by another guest and used to purchase internet access for friends and family outside of the lounge. The hotel happily removed the charges.

Club Lounge at Wyndham Tampa Westshore

We received our room on the 11th floor Club Level of the Wyndham and once settling in decided to check out the Club Lounge. Although we had missed breakfast, there were bottled beverages available and a snack table that was fully stocked with a selection of freshly baked cookies plus packaged snacks to take for later.

In the evening they offered an impressive array of appetizers along with complimentary wine and ice cold beer served by some of the friendliest hotel staff I have ever encountered! Not too talkative or obtrusive; just sincerely caring and flawlessly attentive. The following morning the Club Lounge was set up for continental breakfast with fresh fruit parfaits, muffins, fresh juices and Starbucks Coffee. Although I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Club Lounge, I headed down to the Blue Water Grille for some of their famous bacon! Yes, bacon! and I now know why it is famous and the Eggs Benedict was a hit with me as well.

Verdict: This is another win. I can see myself becoming permanently addicted to Club Levels. The complimentary beer, wine and extra attention is definitely worth it; especially when moving on up can cost less than $20. in some cases.

Note: Chef Kelly Marshall, Wyndham Tampa Blue Water Grille’s Head Chef, has been named the Top Chef of the Year in Tampa Bay! You have to try this restaurant for dinner! (that’s another post)

Atlanta Renaissance Concourse

What better way to put a smile on the The Sky Steward’s face than sitting him in a luxuriously appointed room to watch jets take off and land from a runway just right off the terrace? Put him on the Club Level of course! The food offered at the Club Lounge at the Atlanta Renaissance Hotel is probably some of the best I have experienced. In the morning they offer homemade country ham, egg and cheese biscuits plus scrambled eggs, potatoes etc. which brings it way past its continental breakfast billing– I love surprises like that!

In the evening they put out the most delicious mini Beef Wellingtons, southern barbecue sandwiches as well as cold cuts, cheeses, and other appetizers that are not your usual filler. The only disappointment was that they did not offer complimentary wine or beer but they make up for it with the food quality as you could actually make a dinner out of it.

Verdict: The only way to fly! Would love it if they had a little more to choose from in the bottled beverage department.The price difference was less than $20 and we definitely ate 5 times that much in Club Lounge delights.

Note: Ask for a room near the Club Lounge since it makes it much easier to create the room service yourself without paying for it. Breakfast is served Monday-Friday, including sliced deli meats & cheeses, fresh fruit, cereal and pastries. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails are available Sunday-Thursday evening.

Club Level Conclusion:

Just as we feel that working your way into a premium cabin on flights is worth almost any amount of effort; climbing to Club Level has now become one of our regular travel exercises and we encourage you to join us! See you at the top!

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