03/24/08

Boheme, you are no St. Regis -- SO not worth the money

by OrlandoAdvisor

My husband and I moved to Orlando from NYC recently. After living in NYC for 8 yrs, we?re willing and used to paying high prices for fine dining WHEN ITS WORTH IT. We went to the Easter Jazz Brunch/Buffet and were appalled at the $65 prix fixe considering the experience. We were first unimpressed when we realized we weren't actually seated in the restaurant. It was crowded, and they made a makeshift "dining room" in the bar/lounge (picture temporary tables/metal chairs with cushions).We sat for a good while with no greeting, no menus. Finally, we politely signaled a waiter--being first time customers we weren't sure if there was a menu/a-la-carte option in addition to the buffet, or about our beverage options. The omelet was good and the ham, shrimp and fruit was fresh. I'll give them that but isn't that expected at $65 a head? Other food and overall selection was average if that. The waffles were semi-cold, the syrup was some watery, cheap tasting liquid. NO attention to detail: cold bread, picked over offerings, melting butter tabs in a bowl. Mimosas were included, but cheap sparkling wine still doesn?t add up to $65. We peeked into the actual Boheme dining room. The tables/chairs/ambiance was obviously more upscale but doubtful it would've made our experience considering the food/service. The jazz was a piano player and female singer who made cheesy comments throughout her performance. Despite fine piano playing and vocal skills, we felt like we were in an episode of Saturday Night Live - the skit with the The Sweeney Sisters. After this, we won?t go back to even try dinner at Boheme. Maybe we're NYC restaurant snobs. After all, we?re comparing it to our NYC brunch experiences at the St. Regis, The Carlyle, The Plaza Athenee but we thought we had a right to compare considering the prices are equal. If we had to put a price on the food and experience, we wouldn't have balked if it was $30 even $40 a head, but $65! Come on, Boheme, you are no St. Regis--get real.

• Pros: nice art on the walls
• Cons: food, ambiance, service, value

08/07/06

Great Service

by pantssupreme

This hotel has spectacular service; however, the decor is a little dated. The gallery and bar are amazing, but skip the restaurant or room service because the food is not that spectacular.

• Pros: Staff, Service, Bar
• Cons: Location, Food, Decor

07/11/06

Hot Hotel

by kimgasgarth

We had the best time at this hotel! When they say they are always available to help you, they are! The room was beautiful and they catered to us, even at weird hours! I had the best time and it's so close to Church street, you can just walk there and back! FUN!

06/10/06

The epitome of style

by rjpl1

Great hotel: stylish, great service, beautiful rooms, convenient location. Love the bar and the restaurant. Great to have a hotel in town that isn't over-run with screaming kids and ill-mannered tourists.

03/21/06

Don't Pay for the Club Level

by natjack

I took my boyfriend here for his birthday. We are used to staying on the club level at the Ritz where drinks and nibbles are FREE all day. You can imagine my shock when I went to the clubhouse for a drink and was CHARGED money and the food was dryed out and never replenished. Why pay for a club level room if the only perk is being on the highest floor. Our total bill for one night and dinner approx. $800.

• Cons: expensive, rooms dated, moldy bath

08/05/05

A revival of European Bohemia with magnificent Austrian architecture, a rare art collection, top dining and nightlife.

by Contributor

The Scene
This intriguing representation of European Bohemia--the hub of high art centered in the present-day Czech Republic 100 years ago--has put Orlando on the map for a discerning and cultured jet set. Billing itself as an "experience in art and music," the hotel channels the once-celebrated movement's essence through Secession architecture, an eclectic blend of Old World fixtures and rich interior detailing of black marble, stone, glass, gold and silver. Over 100 original artworks are displayed throughout the property, and classical and contemporary music is piped in through an impressive sound system.

The Details
The 250 guest rooms are impressive with their wood furnishings from Java, plush jewel-tone velvets, iridescent fabrics and signature Heavenly Beds. The Boheme restaurant, the Bosendorfer Lounge (named for the resident $250,000 rare imperial grand piano) and the Bohemian Art Gallery have helped to change the face (think subtle, sophisticated facelift) and social dynamic of downtown Orlando and the trendy Church Street Station district.

The downtown Westin Grand Bohemian's artsy signature restaurant consistently wins awards for superb gourmet cuisine.

by Contributor

In Short
Chef Robert Mason's international menu of creative, eclectic dishes garnished with artistic edible flowers keeps customers coming back. Plush furnishings, dark wood decor and walls covered in original paintings set the stage for an elegant dining experience. The range of entrees include steaks, seafood, duck and are all superbly prepared. The dessert selections are all divine but the Baileys Irish creme brulee is a standout choice.

05/13/03

Exceptional

by jusjor

Since this Place is not on International drive, it probably loses out to many differnet hotels in Orlando. This hotel is one of the nicest Westin Properities available. It is centralized that you can get to the airport, the cape, and Disney in just a few short minutes. This hotel is for the upscale type of client, not wanting the mickey or goofy everywhere you look. Fine Resturant, Fine Pool, and a full service starbucks in the building, what fun. Only two blocks from Church Street.

• Pros: Ambiance, Elegance, Price

05/06/03

Love this hotel

by eduardoag

Whenever I'm in Orlando on business, I stay at the Grand Bohemian. Located right in the middle of downtown, it's great to walk out of your hotel into an actual city and find a place for drinks or dinner, especially in FL. The rooms are huge, the beds are triple sheeted with thick bedding, truly a wonderful nights sleep, and the rooms are well appointed. Any friends I have going to Orlando always hear about this fantastic hotel. You will not be disappointed.

• Pros: great service, large rooms, fun downtown
• Cons: none

08/30/02

great hotel

by olie

Stayed here twice. Great hotel, staff is very attentive, great art and not very loud. Very subtle and understated unlike most of Orlando. Huge rooms and great comfy bed. No complaints except, okay for the entrance. The entrance is a mess but who cares once you are in, its amazing. Love the beautiful horse sculpture at the entrance, it makes up for the disastorous circular drive-up.