Sofitel Legend
For a concise description – classic, classy experience. Great service. Excellent location. Worth the price. I’d come back again. Now, for those who are interested in a more detailed review … keep reading
Check in — not great
The valet was no where to be seen. I was a bit annoyed and dismayed that someone was not there to welcome and assist us with our luggage. The gentleman came offering to assist us but by that time, it was too late. Had to wait (pros and cons — very small intimate check in desk, so some measure of care; but have to wait for service, long day, that’s tiring)
Sensitivity — warm staff, smiley receptionist. I informed the person who assisted me with the reservation that we were going to be there for our wedding anniversary. We were offered a glass of sparkling champagne upon check-in. But they made it clear that if I wanted anything more, I should pay for it. And they meant that! I was surprised and disappointed that there was nothing in the room with a card.
High touch experience. But we were so tired and we looked like it. Would have loved the tour of the hotel after being able to sit still for a moment. But changing the order of entrance would have been messy.
The butler was a very nice touch. Showed us all around the hotel as we walked to the room and made it clear that service was wide ranging and very available. He was warm, friendly — Carlos.
Room
Really quite lovely. Nice size, excellent view of the canal, beautiful linens, welcoming bed (but if you like a firm mattress, you’ll feel a bit smothered). With the complimentary water (substantive size, glass — economically friendly, guest taste appropriate), what I appreciated was the butler’s inquiry into whether we wanted sparkling water and his instantaneous presentation of that water. There was a separate space for the coffee/tea and a closet. Another plus — the coffee was delicious (and I am not a coffee drinker so take this opinion with a grain of sugar!). I liked that the coffee accoutrements were real creamer and purified sugar. Bonus (to me)—I do love tea they had a very rich selection of flavors with an electric teapot to boot. And while I didn’t do this — I bet the butler would have brought me tea or coffee if I requested. Great robes—felt good sinking into them. The carpet is definitely worn. That’s my main critique of the bedroom.
Bathroom
There was a suite for the bathroom (toilet, then bathtub, then shower). All very nicely appointed (toilet area was a little small but could always leave that door open if you are claustrophobic), frosted glass so the bathroom had a light, open feeling but didn’t feel as if you were flashing people. Toiletries that were not nailed to the wall — a hotel of this caliber, I would not expect to see that “feature.” Still nice to acknowledge it.
Tub — just fabulous, needs its own section of this entry. Extremely sensitive water controls— so you could get the temperature just right. Soaking tub so luxurious in terms of the amount of body coverage. Top of the line bathroom appliances. Challenge—water can get so hot that it might be dangerous (tap was scalding), and one has to be of a certain size and agility to get in, sit down, and get out of that tub. To their credit, the butler did indicate that a butler could come and draw your bath, have bath oils. I didn’t totally get his offer explanation until I took a bath. Also the drain in the shower does not quite keep up with the water flow. So, the bathroom floor got a bit of a soaking — one way to keep it clean
Location
Excellent— we could walk to everything. Museums, bustling squares, coffee shops, gelato and surprisingly good ramen bowls. Even the Red Light District was nearby. Is this proximity a plus? For a tourist, yes. The hotel was on the edge of that area. It was as if there was a line between the hotel and the district populated with tourists (even in wheelchairs) and young inebriated, chemically enhanced “experiencers of the experience.” So, enter that part of the city with caution (no news with this recommendation!). But I felt totally safe at the hotel and its perimeter.
Breakfast
Breakfast was also an experience!! Private — so dining area blocked off and they had your name and room number at the entrance. Some might think that this level of making sure that only hotel guests entered might seem a bit going overboard. I liked it! At check in, the receptionist had informed us that breakfast is buffet. This was some buffet – a Sunday brunch on a weekday. Breakfast was luxurious (strange word to associate with food) — such a wide ranging selection. Excellent service—the wait staff were friendly and attentive. Small things — the juice tasted freshly squeezed (it probably wasn’t but it tasted like it); if you didn’t like the eggs at the buffet, they offered eggs made to your specifications — omelets, poached. The food was cool in temperature and not hot but that is what you get with a buffet, even a luxurious one. Funny thing — I drink a lot of cream with my coffee (I don’t drink coffee often and when I do it’s really some kind of latte that I’m making). The challenge is that cool cream makes the coffee cold. Defeats the purpose of the coffee experience (my doing, not theirs). I appreciated that when my husband suggested that the cream be warmed, they speedily honored that request. As you may discern, I am really not a coffee connoisseur — but I do appreciate that the staff was flexible, accommodating a request that they probably don’t get that often. My coffee flavored cream was delicious. They even offered a “take away box” that you can have fruit, pastries or other items to snack on later that day.
I am looking forward to coming back tomorrow, now that I have a lay of the land.
I wanted to capture my thoughts and experience of Sofitel Legend while they were still fresh in my mind. So, this description is Day One! Let me be clear – I don’t stay in hotels like this all the time – I’ve had my fair share of 3.5 stars hotels on business travel or at conferences. And there have been plenty of faux pas on my part! But for my vacation, my celebration with my loved one, I do want a 5.0 star experience. Right now, I’d rate the hotel as a 4.87. I’ll write again after we’ve checked out. Let’s see what happens by then.
