Harborside Updates

[komosatp]

In the past few days I've received several communications from SVO..one about my upcoming trip and the other 'announcing' the spring HRA newsletter.

First, the email that was specific to my upcoming trip had this:

Non-stop Surf

Bring your laptop and enjoy high-speed wireless Internet access inside your villa and in other places around the resort. The Business Center can also keep you connected through hard-wired Internet, computer, printing and faxing services. Fees apply for in-villa Internet and business services.

Can anybody confirm if they've installed *in-villa* wifi? There's always been Ethernet ports, but only units near the pool could catch the pool-side wifi.

Housekeeping

We believe you shouldn't have to clean on vacation. That's why your villa will receive a complete clean prior to your arrival and a midweek limited service tidy (limited to towel exchange and trash removal) if you are staying for at least seven nights. If you are staying for more than a week, an additional housekeeping service will be scheduled during the check-in process. Midweek service is not provided for stays less than seven nights. Additional housekeeping services are available for a fee and may be arranged directly with the resort. Additional housekeeping fees will be automatically charged to your villa folio for the second or more reservations (based on transaction date not arrival date) within a single Use Year associated with a single ownership interest.

It used to be a full-clean midweek for seven night stays.

So the question is, have these changes been made under-the-radar or is this just a mix up between on-site in Paradise Island and communications in Central Florida? I'm pretty diligent about reading the literature sent to me, so I'm surprised to learn of these things via these communications.
​

Second in the "Spring Update" were these tidbits:

This year we have several resort enhancements, including:
• Painting all building exteriors and resurfacing the main pool, spa and kiddie pool
• We will be replacing the water feature in the kiddie pool
• New pool furniture will be added to all decks

Again, not-so-hot communications. There's a kiddie pool that had no water feature. There's the main pool which had a shallow zero-entry area that had a water feature. Which is it? And can you resurface a pool and still have it open?

Not a big deal, but if they're writing to inform us of changes, how about not confusing the situation, and providing the answer to the next obvious question (when or will the pool be closed).​

Insight from anybody who's been there recently is appreciated.

 

[jarta]

komosatp, ... Wireless is something "new" at Harborside. But, I don't can't tell from the letter if it will be provided by Harborside or whether Atlantis will provide wireless access and Harborside will piggy-back on whatever Atlantis is charging these days for access to its system.

What more do you need you know about the new wireless that will be provided before you get there again?

Do you need to know if the wired Ethernet connection will still be there? I just got back from WKORV, WMH and Lagunamar and all 3 have both wired and wireless connectivity. IMO, it seems goofy to go to the expense of removing the wires to make it impossible to use the wired system when wireless becomes available. Plus, it has not been done elsewhere in the SVO.

I have visited Harborside at least 6 times in the last 4 years. I have never had a full cleaning at mid-week. All I have had is a tidy (no change of bed linens or, usually, vacuuming; mainly straightening up and changing out dirty towels, replacing kitchen and bathroom supplies - if needed - and removing garbage). Seems like not much, if any, change to me.

The "kiddie pool" referred to is the lobe of the main pool (which main pool has 3 lobes and does have a 0 entry area for kids and sometimes adults in the "kiddie pool" section only). The "water feature" in the "kiddie pool" section is the contraption with all the pipes and spigots that kids run through and stand under. Maybe it's not as clear as it could be. But, I understood what was being said.

As for the timing or exact dates, what can you do? They said it will happen this year but not when exactly. If you give early warning (like Spring), the schedule might not be set up yet. If you give late warning (like mid-Summer for September pool renovation) the exact dates may be available, but the reservations probably have been made. I doubt, however, that you will be unable to find a place to swim at either Harborside and Atlantis at the same time. Salty

 

[komosatp]

komosatp, ... Wireless is something "new" at Harborside. But, I don't can't tell from the letter if it will be provided by Harborside or whether Atlantis will provide wireless access and Harborside will piggy-back on whatever Atlantis is charging these days for access to its system.

What more do you need you know about the new wireless that will be provided before you get there again?

Do you need to know if the wired Ethernet connection will still be there? I just got back from WKORV, WMH and Lagunamar and all 3 have both wired and wireless connectivity. IMO, it seems goofy to go to the expense of removing the wires to make it impossible to use the wired system when wireless becomes available. Plus, it has not been done elsewhere in the SVO.

Mostly just curious, and loking for first-hand reports. Last year I brought my Aiport Express and used the ethernet port. I guess I'll do that no matter what, but interesting to know if they are doing something new.

By the way, Atlantis has changed internet prices. See this post for a recent discussion

I have visited Harborside at least 6 times in the last 4 years. I have never had a full cleaning at mid-week. All I have had is a tidy (no change of bed linens or, usually, vacuuming; mainly straightening up and changing out dirty towels, replacing kitchen and bathroom supplies - if needed - and removing garbage). Seems like not much, if any, change to me.

This is a change. I've attached a scan of the housekeeping page of the in-villa information glossy pamphlet "Harbor Views" that I brought home from my trip last year. It clearly says that it is a full-cleaning midweek. This is consistent with my experience....floors mopped, sheets changed, etc.

Again, not a big deal, but a change. But one that disguises our MF increase.

The "kiddie pool" referred to is the lobe of the main pool (which main pool has 3 lobes and does have a 0 entry area for kids and sometimes adults in the "kiddie pool" section only). The "water feature" in the "kiddie pool" section is the contraption with all the pipes and spigots that kids run through and stand under. Maybe it's not as clear as it could be. But, I understood what was being said.

I'm assuming the same thing you are....that its the pipe thingy in the main pool. But the kiddie pool is underutilized and maybe they're following the Disney/DVC trend of replacing these small wading pools with fountain-like soft play areas.

As for the timing or exact dates, what can you do? They said it will happen this year but not when exactly. If you give early warning (like Spring), the schedule might not be set up yet. If you give late warning (like mid-Summer for September pool renovation) the exact dates may be available, but the reservations probably have been made. I doubt, however, that you will be unable to find a place to swim at either Harborside and Atlantis at the same time. Salty

They could note whether pools, etc, will be available when they are under renovation.

As I said:

Not a big deal, but if they're writing to inform us of changes, how about not confusing the situation, and providing the answer to the next obvious question

 

[siesta]

We enjoyed a full clean of our 2br L/O midweek during our stay this past Oct.

 

[jarta]

"We enjoyed a full clean of our 2br L/O midweek during our stay this past Oct."

"I've attached a scan of the housekeeping page of the in-villa information glossy pamphlet "Harbor Views" that I brought home from my trip last year. It clearly says that it is a full-cleaning midweek."

Sorry, I think you did not attach the scan of the page so I cannot comment about what it says (whether it mentions full cleaning or midweek cleaning).

Maybe I should have paid better attention to what was being done. lol! I've always been out of the room and at Atlantis (by design) when the mid-week "whatever" was done.

But, the Harborside FAQ on Housekeeping found on mystarcentral today seems to me to be the same as it always has been (and does not seem to conflict with what has been posted - which I admiit does not indicate anything has changed). The FAQ says:

"What housekeeping services do I receive as an Owner?

A: The Resort's housekeeping staff will have your villas thoroughly cleaned prior to your check-in. They will also provide you with a midweek cleaning which includes replenishment of towels, tissues and soaps, bed make-up, a light kitchen touchup and vacuuming of your villa.
The midweek service is scheduled as follows:

If you checked in on Friday, you will receive your midweek service on Monday.
If you checked in on Saturday, you will receive your midweek service on Tuesday.
If you checked in on Sunday, you will receive your midweek service on Wednesday.
If you wish to change your scheduled Complimentary Villa Cleaning date, please advise Housekeeping 24 hours in advance at (242) 363-6800 ext. 24. Failure to advise 24 hours in advance will result in a penalty of $50.00.
Prices are subject to change without notice."

But, maybe I'm wrong and that FAQ changed only recently. My experience has been bed make up never included new bed linens - just remaking the bed with the same linens used for 3 nights. And, I'd swear that, although promised in the FAQ, my unit has never been vacuumed when I returned. ... eom

 

[siesta]

jarta, he did attach it and it goes into specific detail of what the full clean entails.

At the very end of komsatp's post, it says "attached thumbnails", and shows a white page in a box and is 39kb in size. Click this to expand it, and read in detail. Cheers, zesty.

Better yet here, click this tug link to view it directly:

http://tugbbs.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1080&d=1332875327

 

[komosatp]

That FAQ needs to be updated.

Q: Are there any children's activities?
A: Atlantis offers a one-of-a-kind experience to children, ages 5 - 12. The Discovery Channel Camp(TM) is an innovative camp experience that combines the history and adventure of past exploration with the technology and intelligence of today. Camp facilities include Base Camp, center of operations; Technology Lab, with state-of-the-art computers and media; Nature Crafts; and Science Outpost, with high-powered microscopes, live animal touch tanks and a fossil pit. Outside, campers go on outings around Atlantis to learn about the sea animals and their habitats.

Three sessions are available daily, including an evening session. Reservations are required. To make arrangements in advance please call (242) 363-3000 ext. 46363.

I think the Discovery Channel branding ended five years ago. That...and the info is bad: they take kids starting at age 3:

GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Atlantis Kids Adventures (AKA) is reserved for kids between the ages of 3 & 12. Proof of kid-dom (passport) will be required.

2. All children must be toilet trained and diaper/pull-up free.

3. Guests must stop by AKA and check their children in and out of the facility. Reservations and payment must be made to guarantee a spot in any of the sessions.

4. Photos will be taken of the child and parent for security purposes.

5. Cancellation policy: A refund will only be given if the reservation is canceled by 8:00pm the night prior to confirmed adventure.

6. Cubbies are provided for all participating children.

Which just gets back to my point about poor communications between SVO in Orlando and on-site management. I wonder if this is attributable to staff at HRA being accountable to both Starwood and Kerzner/Atlantis...but mostly Atlantis

 

[Sea Six]

It's crazy what this resort charges for internet access.

 

[jarta]

Thanks. Found it. But I think you are mis-reading the attachment.

All the attachment says for "Owners/Exchangers" is that they get a "midweek villa cleaning" and specifies the days. The attachment doesn't specify what comprises a "midweek villa cleaning."

The listing of services at the bottom of the 1st column is a footnote or part of what is provided for a "Daily Full Cleaning." That service includes "making-up beds with clean linens." "Daily Full Cleaning" costs extra money. The notation "Please provide 24 hours' notice" at the end of services provided can only relate back to "Daily Full Cleaning." There is a similar section in "Owners/Exchangers" which requires 24 hours notice to change the day of the "midweek villa cleaning."

The top listing in the 2nd column is "Daily Tidy Service." The "Daily Tidy Service" does not provide clean linens. The services are again listed at the end of the "Daily Tidy Service" section of the attachment. It also costs extra money because it happens every day. "Daily Tidy Service" is merely the same service provided once under the category "Owners/Exchangers" for "midweek villa cleaning" - but for extra money performed every day.

Finally, the last entry in the 2nd column is "Other Daily Villa Services." It provides per day pricing for 4 specific daily services: "Vacuum/Trash Removal," "Fresh Linens and Towels," "Fresh Linens Only" and "Fresh Towels Only."

Not trying to be pedantic with all the quotes, but language and structure mean something that I think you have missed.

I feel that's why the FAQ has used the term "midweek cleaning" and has seemingly remained the same for as long as I remember. If you got fresh linens at mid-week, I hope you tipped well because of the mistake. Salty

 

[siesta]

Thanks. Found it. But I think you are mis-reading the attachment.

It specifically says:

"Harborside Resort at Atlantis Owners and Exchangers receive full housekeeping service on the day of arrival and midweek"

 

[jarta]

I think it can be read your way. But, the promise in the attachment can also be read "full housekeeping service on the day of arrival" and "midweek."

My emailed confirmation for a home resort reservation which was made on June 11, 2010 for my 3-br from February 13 - February 20, 2011 says this about houskeeping:

"Housekeeping Policy

Each villa will receive a full clean prior to your arrival, a limited service tidy for qualified stays, and an additional full clean on the seventh consecutive day if you are staying more than one week. Additional housekeeping services are available and may be arranged directly with the resort for a fee.

If more than one reservation is made within a single Use Year associated with a single ownership interest, a housekeeping fee will be automatically charged to your villa folio."

Same exact language in my emailed confirmation for a reservation made on September 7, 2010 for a 3-br from May 7, 2011 - May 14, 2011 (that I traded to a WSJ owner for use of her 3-br).

If you still have the confirmation for your stay, post what it says that is different from what my two confirmations received in 2010 say. Salty

 

[mandoggy]

I see one on ebay right now. Im not interested as I live in Alberta. I did not post a link as I was unsure if I could.

 

[komosatp]

If you still have the confirmation for your stay, post what it says that is different from what my two confirmations received in 2010 say.

I found an old confirmation and it had the same language as you posted. So there is a discrepancy between what FL sends out and what Harborside says/does on-site.

As I said previously, I am quite certain I've been receiving a full-clean. I know so beacuse my wife demands that we do so. She can't stand the ubiquitous black-soled-feet staining in the tub, so she wants the tub cleaned daily....that would only be done with a full-clean. We get charged daily for this service and I'm diligent about checking my folio beacuse the language in the in-villa guide says its included.

I'm guessing we can chalk this up to how Starwood does things versus Atlantis. Isn't HRA unique among SVO resorts, having management from a different company on-site, not SVO's own people?

 

[jarta]

I found an old confirmation and it had the same language as you posted. So there is a discrepancy between what FL sends out and what Harborside says/does on-site.

As I said previously, I am quite certain I've been receiving a full-clean. I know so beacuse my wife demands that we do so. She can't stand the ubiquitous black-soled-feet staining in the tub, so she wants the tub cleaned daily....that would only be done with a full-clean. We get charged daily for this service and I'm diligent about checking my folio beacuse the language in the in-villa guide says its included.

I'm guessing we can chalk this up to how Starwood does things versus Atlantis. Isn't HRA unique among SVO resorts, having management from a different company on-site, not SVO's own people?

komosatp, ... Now it sounds like you ordered and were billed, at least $48 per day, for the "Daily Tidy Service." The "Daily Tidy Service" (for a price) has long been available. So, there is no change in Housekeeping policy - by stealth or otherwise. And, for at least $48 per day for daily service, I don't think mopping out the "ubiquitous black-soled-feet staining in the tub" is too much to ask for.

But we have been talking about the free mid-week tidy and you insisted it is supposed to be a complete cleaning. "It used to be a full-clean midweek for seven night stays."

It isn't. It never has been.

The Declaration of Vacation Ownership Plan (timeshare plan) dated April 29, 2004 defines "Management Company" as ""Harborside at Atlantis Management Limited", a Bahamas company. The same person who signed that Declaration for Harborside at Atlantis Limited also signed (in a scrawl) for every other entity: the Club Operator (as VP of Starwood Vacation Exchange Company), the Declarant (as senior VP of Harborside at Atlantis Development limited), and my Phase II Association (as VP of Harborside Resort II Vacation Ownership Association Limited).

Starwood fingerprints are all over the document concerning establishment of the timeshare plan. I think Starwood has its own staff manage Harborside - although Kerzner manages Atlantis. However, the standards of quality and customer service to be maintained at Harborside are both those of the Club Operator (Starwood) and "Atlantis Brand Standards" as stated in the timeshare plan declaration. Salty

 

[siesta]

To reiterate, we received a complimentary full clean in October mid-week. Bathrooms cleaned, new towels, beds made with new linens, kitchen cleaned and mopped, trash taken out, dishes in dishwasher were put away (i had run them night before), they even left new packet of detergent and a new blue dish towel, as well as new roll of paper towel even though mine was not empy but low.

I tipped well as I always do, and if it was a mistake I was happy to be on the receiving end of that error.

 

[komosatp]

Now it sounds like you ordered and were billed, at least $48 per day, for the "Daily Tidy Service." The "Daily Tidy Service" (for a price) has long been available. So, there is no change in Housekeeping policy - by stealth or otherwise. And, for at least $48 per day for daily service, I don't think mopping out the "ubiquitous black-soled-feet staining in the tub" is too much to ask for.

Please take another look at the scan I posted above. You have your service prices a bit screwed up. The full cleaning is $48 a day for a 1BR premium. A "Daily Tidy" would be $35.

 

[Ken555]

When I was last at Harborside, I received a complete mid week clean. Didn't pay extra for it. Sheets changed, kitchen cleaned, etc. I was pleased.

 

[mariawolf]

I have always gotten a complete mid week clean also==and honestly was surprised how thorough it has been the last few times.
But I think the charge for internet is pretty outrageous.

 

[MichaelColey]

We were there a couple months ago.

1) I don't think we were able to see WiFi from our unit (in Building 5). We did have a fast WIRED connection, and I had brought a travel WiFi router, so we could access it throughout the unit. We DID see WiFi in many areas throughout the resort complex (mostly near the hotels), although the signals varied quite a bit. We were able to access the wired connection and the WiFi connections on multiple devices (I think they allow 3 or 5?) for a single price.

2) I can't remember the midweek cleaning. It might have been a full cleaning, but I'm just not sure.

 

[jdunn1]

Michael, did you get into this resort through II. I know you were trying and people were saying your odds were not good at all. Hope you did.

We were there a couple months ago.

1) I don't think we were able to see WiFi from our unit (in Building 5). We did have a fast WIRED connection, and I had brought a travel WiFi router, so we could access it throughout the unit. We DID see WiFi in many areas throughout the resort complex (mostly near the hotels), although the signals varied quite a bit. We were able to access the wired connection and the WiFi connections on multiple devices (I think they allow 3 or 5?) for a single price.

2) I can't remember the midweek cleaning. It might have been a full cleaning, but I'm just not sure.

 

[Negma]

We arived yesterday at 10:30am. This is about our 7th trip here and for the first time our room was ready early !!!! It was a very good start to the week. They also had an elite check-in line. (we were here a year ago)

Wi-fi seems better than in the past but NOT constant in the room, we are in building 5 and can access it. Walking around Atlantis we seemed to be able to get wifi on and off too.

We also noticed all new pool chairs at atlantis, we will be testing them out tomorrow, they had umbrellas for shade, the old chairs with pull up shades are still here at HRA.

We had an issue with one toilet (kept running, I was chasing -sorry) they fixed it right away.

Room internet is 19.95/day, but i will use it for work most mornings so that is covered, much faster than in the past.

 

[tomandrobin]

We arived yesterday at 10:30am. This is about our 7th trip here and for the first time our room was ready early !!!! It was a very good start to the week. They also had an elite check-in line. (we were here a year ago)

Wi-fi seems better than in the past but NOT constant in the room, we are in building 5 and can access it. Walking around Atlantis we seemed to be able to get wifi on and off too.

We also noticed all new pool chairs at atlantis, we will be testing them out tomorrow, they had umbrellas for shade, the old chairs with pull up shades are still here at HRA.

We had an issue with one toilet (kept running, I was chasing -sorry) they fixed it right away.

Room internet is 19.95/day, but i will use it for work most mornings so that is covered, much faster than in the past.

A timely update....We are heading to HRA in 5 weeks. Looking forward to more info from your posts.

Let me know if the Beach has been replenished at Atlantis. Lest time we were there, 2 years ago, it was in sad shape.

 

[Negma]

A few tidbits-

New chairs and umbrellas at Atlantis are much better. A lot more people can get shade without fighting over canopy chairs. They have also added more tables and chairs to the quick dine areas. Lunch yesterday, two ceasar wraps, two bags of chips and two refillable soda- $25.

This is he first non-holiday week we have been here and it does feel less crazy to us. The desk at harborside had a sheet that showed Atlantis occupancy for the week, it is 75% and goes to 70% until the weekend.

We are with family and went to the store for some water soda chips using the shuttle ($7 roundtrip). In the past we have gone to the little store accross the street in the little mall. Case of 24 cans soda $16, 36 water bottles $12. Significantly less, a little added hassle, we were back in an hour.

They told us the liquor store was closed at the super market, it was, but the one accros the street was open Sunday.

Quizonos has replaced Jamba Juice, and Dunkin Donuts has replaced where the Quizno's was accross the street.

It has been as windy as we have ever seen it this week, Maui like, but suppose to calm down. Beach looked much better!

 

[PamMo]

We're headed down there with our kids and grandkids in another month, so I really appreciate the updates. Thank you.

 

[MichaelColey]

The desk at harborside had a sheet that showed Atlantis occupancy for the week, it is 75% and goes to 70% until the weekend.

I noticed a similar sheet (It didn't look like it was intended for the public) when I was there in January/February. It was on the wall around the corner from check-in, where the activities sheet was posted by the bathrooms. It was about 50% occupancy then. It also showed restaurant capacities and how many people were on the dining plans (a very, very small percentage).

It was surprisingly uncrowded when we were there. Many of the water slides were walk on, and I don't think we waited more than 15 minutes even for the longest lines in the peak of the day. We're used to Disney and other theme parks and figured we would need to go when it opened, hit the popular rides, etc.