Today on Disney's Sequoia Lodge's birthday (opened officially on 27 May 1992) I can share an interesting "rumour".
A complete refurbishment from top to bottom appears to be in the works. The rumour says basically everything will be ripped out and replaced. And more interestingly, a plan exists that will turn Disney's Sequoia Lodge in Europe's first full ecological hotel.
I don't have more information, but it's enough to fuel some discussion. :)
Very exciting prospect! It would be great for DLP to lead the way with ecological hotels. There are so many opportunities for DLP to become more green, and after yesterdays news that Autopia will soon be using hybrid engines, I hope this is a sign of things to come at DLP.
I also just thought about the rumour that we heard a while ago, which suggested that the parking lot might get a green-makeover with the addition of new roofs which incorporate solar panels!
Great news!!!
Sequoia Lodge really needs a big refurbishment. In our opinion the hotel is in such a bad condition, at least our room was.
Hopefully these rumours are true. I can't wait until construction starts. Maybe after the refurb we will stay in a Disney hotel again.
That sounds awesome and exiting.
I just hope that they don't start the refurbishments when I'm there this summer!
Any ideas/hints when this refurbishment is going to start?
We planned to go in september, so the selection of onsite hotels is shrinking. :?
Oh yeah, our favorite hotel getting a needed renovation would be great news! :thumbs:
It is our favourite hotel but a refurbishment is long overdue, the rooms were getting very tatty, so hopefully it will be finished before our 2011 trip so we can enjoy staying in a newly done room. As a bit of an eco warrior myself it would be great to see Disney in general being more green :D
The rooms specially need it but its just a rumour so dont hold our breath
I hope this rumour ends up being true and that its a start of a much longer programme to refurbish all the onsite Disney hotels. It will be interesting to see how the refurbishment if true pans out. I doubt Disneyland Paris will shut the hotel fully during any refurbishment.
Quote from: "Malin"I hope this rumour ends up being true and that its a start of a much longer programme to refurbish all the onsite Disney hotels. It will be interesting to see how the refurbishment if true pans out. I doubt Disneyland Paris will shut the hotel fully during any refurbishment.
I think the best way will be to shut half of the hotel down, including one of the two restaurants. After the refurbish of the first half, they should start with the second half.
I also can imagine that Disney will refurbish one floor after another.
But maybe it is cheaper to shut the whole hotel down, although I highly doubt that Disney will do this.
At the moment Disney is also refurbishing the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim and the hotel is open to guests.
Quote from: "dagobert"Quote from: "Malin"I hope this rumour ends up being true and that its a start of a much longer programme to refurbish all the onsite Disney hotels. It will be interesting to see how the refurbishment if true pans out. I doubt Disneyland Paris will shut the hotel fully during any refurbishment.
I think the best way will be to shut half of the hotel down, including one of the two restaurants. After the refurbish of the first half, they should start with the second half.
I also can imagine that Disney will refurbish one floor after another.
But maybe it is cheaper to shut the whole hotel down, although I highly doubt that Disney will do this.
At the moment Disney is also refurbishing the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim and the hotel is open to guests.
I couldn't see them shutting down the SL fully as it is still a very populor hotel with all guests I have spoken to a few now who are going there
I hope they change the decor to something a little more "rustic" . I find the current Frank Lloyd Wright style a little cold and bland , if they made it more like Wilderness Lodge at WDW it would be great !! (for me , at least !!) The changes they made to Hunters Grill after opening were a big improvement , maybe it will end up more like that !
I doubt they would close the whole hotel. I expect they would close a floor at a time and refurbish them over a period - this is common practice in hotels. The difficulty comes when they have to refurbish the restaurant, reception and so on, which might result in some facility sharing between the hotels.
since i am planning on staying there in late Oct early Nov, I would like to hear more. I wouldn't be thrilled to stay there during construction/rehab.
That would probably do it one floor at a time?
Anywho, I dunno about this whole ecological thingy. I LOVE the Sequoia Lodge as it is, though the rooms could do with a major update. I just hope they keep it as it is, it has such a great atmosphere, and a very cosy feel to it.
(I got a survey not too long ago about DLP and how 'eco' friendly they are, think they're being a ott about it to be honest, there are plenty more companies out there doing a hell of a lot more damage.
One thing they could do to help though, is try and cut down on all the packaging they give out with their food in the parks. Either that or have recycling bins to put all the carboard in.
But aside from that, its no more un-eco than any other park really....)
I think the 'eco thingy' can only be good. It wouldn't change the character or theme of the hotel at all, as most eco improvements are 'behind the scenes' anyhow, such as solar roof panels, recycling water / brown water systems, very good insulation and airflow systems, low environmental impact sourcing of materials.
None of this is going OTT, and just because there are other companies who are worse, doesn't mean Disney shouldn't be leading the way in showing good practice.
Bring it on I say! :thumbs:
Finally Sequoia Lodge gets new flat screens and internet. Dlp.info has posted an article about the recent additions and changes in the hotel. nfortunately it isn't wireless internet, you have to use a cable.
Hopefully the other hotels will receive new TVs and internet as well.
http://www.dlp.info/News/2010/09/welcome-to-your-room/ (http://www.dlp.info/News/2010/09/welcome-to-your-room/%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
Brilliant! So glad them old tv's are on their way out, they were an embaressment!
Excellent news on the new TVs. Wonder if there is any ports so I could bring a mini DVD player to avoid just watching the Disney Channel or the dreadful BBC World Service :?:
cool i was thinking about a dvd player my son said this morning "mum disneyland doesnt have tv does it you just watch the park!" meaning that usually the top ten places to go is on constantly!!
I suppose there's going to be Samsung sponsering everywhere now :P
Quote from: "lauramumof3"cool i was thinking about a dvd player my son said this morning "mum disneyland doesnt have tv does it you just watch the park!" meaning that usually the top ten places to go is on constantly!!
BUT I bet ALL of us have watched it more than once when staying there :D/
Some news on the Sequioa Lodge refurbishment!
Rooms will receive a slight Bambi theme, but will keep the current Arts & Crafts style. Think of the Disneyland Hotel rooms with the hidden characters on the wall paper, etc. Most furniture is being replaced as well, a new cupboard has been designed to accommodate a flatscreen tv.
The new style is designed by EDLI and approved by WDI.
Work will begin in October and finishes in 2012.
So good to hear! Love the sound of that :bambi: wall paper too, thats what set the Disney hotels apart :D
i'm going in december to this hotel, it's stays open during the works, but what about the noise thats comes with the works? i don't want to get awake at 6 in the morning because of working noise?
Finally some great news about the resort. SL really needs the refurbishment.
Kristof, do you know if Antoine Grumbach, the architect of the hotel, was also involved in the redesigne of the rooms? At least WDI in Glendale did approve it. I don't trust DLP-I that much.
But I'm also not so confident in WDI since their recent attractions. Nevertheless their last hotels are all Disney standard, so I think the new rooms will look great.
A slight Bambi Theme??? What the he'll has that to do with the current theme and style? Wow that really is a tenuous link! And "slight theme"? Why bother? Or should that be brother, not bother? Wouldn't Brother Bear be more in keeping than Bambi? Wow this and the cars overlay at Santa Fe, has someone lost the plot?..
As long as these additions are done tastefully (ahem! sante fe- ahem!), with subtle things such as engravings in woodwork or easily missed paterns in the wallpaper, then i'm quite optimistic about this. Bambi is a great choice- a very well loved classic that goes with the theme and atmosphere of the hotel- it also helps to Disney-fy the hotel and distance the non-disney hotels. So nice to have something paying tribute to classic disney rather than anything new!
(though i can imagine that its possible for my cheery attitude to change VERY quickly once i see the pictures of what they're doing... god i hope they don't ruin it- i love sequoia lodge)
I think it all sounds awesome and glad to see Bambi being used as a slight theme.
I wonder if they are essentially just going to copy the Bambi motifs on the bedspreads and shower curtains like the Grand Californian in Anaheim to save on cost?
What I find interesting is that Disney always used Chip and Dale in the brochures, catalogues, DVDs and planning videos to promote the resort. Now they are changing to Bambi. I would have preferred Chip and Dale.
Maybe the cost saving is really the reason for using Bambi.
This I actually don't mind... The shower curtains and wallpaper borders at the Grand Californian are subtle and well-done, although probably too Arts & Crafts-ish for Sequoia Lodge. And the motifs at the Sequoia were never that exciting to begin with.
Bambi does fit because the film is set in the American woods, and Disney did send a group of animators over to the Appalachians (granted, wrong coast, but oh well) for inspiration.
Let's just thank God that Pixar hasn't released a movie about a woodland critter yet.
Quote from: "davewasbaloo"I wonder if they are essentially just going to copy the Bambi motifs on the bedspreads and shower curtains like the Grand Californian in Anaheim to save on cost?
No, looks like they're original designs. Actually, judging from previews the Bambi influence will be
really subtle, in the rooms it'll pretty much be limited to the freezes and pictures on the wall. The lamps over the beds already had their deer motif.
Of course, they may crack up and put a giant inflatable Thumper on the roof for all I know...
Quote from: "RiverRogue"No, looks like they're original designs. Actually, judging from previews the Bambi influence will be really subtle, in the rooms it'll pretty much be limited to the freezes and pictures on the wall. The lamps over the beds already had their deer motif.
Of course, they may crack up and put a giant inflatable Thumper on the roof for all I know...
Ah right, the deer lamps. All they need to fit in is some long eyelashes. And I don't think the rooms at Sequoia Lodge have friezes at the moment, or even printed shower curtains, so this should be interesting.
Quotegod i hope they don't ruin it- i love sequoia lodge)
Hear hear!
A hotel charging these prices shouldn't have shower curtains at all! Old fashioned and not particularly hygienic. Should spend the money on shower screens and actually improving room facilities rather than just redecorating them. Just my humble opinion
Quote from: "pussinboots"Ah right, the deer lamps. All they need to fit in is some long eyelashes. And I don't think the rooms at Sequoia Lodge have friezes at the moment, or even printed shower curtains, so this should be interesting.
I think the shower curtains have the Sequoia Lodge logo on them... though it's been a few years since I've last been in one of the rooms.
Otherwise, the new designs look much less geometric than the current ones; the brief says they wanted to emphasize nature so they opted for the more Art Nouveau aspects of Arts and Crafts.
I must admit I liked the old designs, though it may just be nostalgia on my part... That said, they already changed the designs once sometime in the 90s.
I think what's lacking at the Sequoia Lodge rooms (and certain other parts of the hotel) is something the Ralph Lauren wallpaper department calls a "conversational," by which they mean something so horribly kitschy you can't help but talk about it, haha. Patterns made up of pictures of dogs with their tongues hanging out, Ascot horses, sailboats, Chinese junks, that sort of thing.
I mean, it's all very appropriate, but a trifle boring, apart from the deer lamp, which I frankly want. It doesn't have to be over-the-top and there don't need to be characters on everything, but people do enjoy these little touches to remind them why they paid all that money.
And Art Nouveau sounds promising. It would be nice to see them get this one right...
Here's Bambi at the Grand Californian:
(//http://media.travelpost.com/prod.aws/hotels/68489/Disneys_Grand_Californian_Hotel_Spa_on_Disneyland_Resort_Property_36329565_05202010_1137020856_500.jpg)
Here you can see a little bit of the bedspread:
(//http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/07/42/22/room-view.jpg)
The Grand Californian loks a little bit like the Sequoia Lodge. In my opinion there shouldn't be shower curtains in a 4 star hotel. At least in new ones. Maybe if Disney would build the Grand Californian now, it wouldn't have shower curtains.
Is the Sequoia Lodge a 3 star hotel?
Indeed the rooms at the Grand Californian do look like the rooms at the Sequoia Lodge, judging from the photo. Obviously the style is also popular in America. But why shouldn't a 4 star hotel have a shower curtain?
Quote from: "ed-uk"Indeed the rooms at the Grand Californian do look like the rooms at the Sequoia Lodge, judging from the photo. Obviously the style is also popular in America. But why shouldn't a 4 star hotel have a shower curtain?
Quote from: "lorrig"A hotel charging these prices shouldn't have shower curtains at all! Old fashioned and not particularly hygienic. Should spend the money on shower screens and actually improving room facilities rather than just redecorating them. Just my humble opinion
I also think that they are old fashioned and not very hygienic. But I think if they would build it now, there would bea real shower covered with glass. At least that's what I encontered in the last three years in 4 and 5 star hotels. Does the NY, NBC and DL Hotel also have shower curtains and a bathtub.
But as long as the bathroom is properly cleaned, I'm fine.
The NY, NBC and DL hotel also have shower curtains and bathtub when I've stayed there. I've never heard shower curtains aren't hygienic before. They probably replace them.
Quote from: "pussinboots"I mean, it's all very appropriate, but a trifle boring, apart from the deer lamp, which I frankly want. It doesn't have to be over-the-top and there don't need to be characters on everything, but people do enjoy these little touches to remind them why they paid all that money.
Well, I always felt that the Sequoia Lodge was the least photogenic of the hotels (though New York and Santa Fe aren't far behind) but in person, its rustic charm always won me over. I fear that flowery ornaments and Bambi might work against that feel.
Don't expect anything over-the-top from the new designs either, though. Like I said, it's all going to be rather subtle, possibly more so than it is right now.
And while I haven't seen or heard anything about the shower curtains yet (seems to be a big topic, that...) the bedspread doesn't have anything in common with the Grand Californian's.
The bedspreads are different from the one shown at Grand Californian, and no doubt the pictures on the wall are different, too, but the style of the room looks similar.
Quote from: "ed-uk"The NY, NBC and DL hotel also have shower curtains and bathtub when I've stayed there. I've never heard shower curtains aren't hygienic before. They probably replace them.
Of curse they replace them when they are getting too dirty. It is just my preference since I stayed in so many hotels during the last two years, because of my girlfriend's work and holidays, that I like hotels with in glass covered showers better than chower curtains. But I think, like you, that most of them are fine, except for really cheap hotels.
Quote from: "RiverRogue"... That said, they already changed the designs once sometime in the 90s.
Do you know what has been changed? Anyone has pictures from before the change??
Quote from: "pussinboots"... And I don't think the rooms at Sequoia Lodge have friezes at the moment, or even printed shower curtains, so this should be interesting.
Only the Montana rooms have a mini bar:
(//http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/3428/minibar.jpg)
All rooms have a shower curtain (although probably not all have one with the Sequoia Lodge logo on)...
(//http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/9074/curtainl.jpg)
Last but not least, the
infamous deer lamp Puss wants so much:
(//http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/4453/deerlamp.jpg)
:D
Haha. It's sad how that deer is stuck in that blazing forest fire. See, if people go around these rooms looking for things to photograph, there may as well be some little things worth capturing.
By frieze I meant a wallpaper border, by the way, not a freezer. Here's an interesting one that can apparently be found at the Disney Vacation Club rooms of the Grand Californian:
(//http://www.disunplugged.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/bathroom-border-pinnochio-565x424.jpg)
Of course it wouldn't work at Sequoia Lodge at all.
Quote from: "pussinboots"... By frieze I meant a wallpaper border, by the way, not a freezer. ...
Lol, my fault, sorry :D
Does anyone know if refurbishment work has started at the hotel yet?
I don't know if it has started yet, but someone from Disney rang me ti explain that the lodges will be closed one by one for the refurb, and in the main building the floors will be closed one by one.
Quote from: "bigrossco"Quote from: "lauramumof3"cool i was thinking about a dvd player my son said this morning "mum disneyland doesnt have tv does it you just watch the park!" meaning that usually the top ten places to go is on constantly!!
BUT I bet ALL of us have watched it more than once when staying there :D/
If I had a pound for everytime I've seen that....
Anyway, back on topic I'm staying at the Sequoia in just under 4 weeks, and I'll be able to report back on whether there's any refurbs going on? I believe we're staying in the main building.
So was the new TV discussion a seperate topic to this?
I have just phoned and booked SL for June 15th-17th :D
Got some info from them that others might find useful. From now until the end of April, the outer buildings are being refurbed therefore Montana rooms will still be in the main building.
From May onwards, though, Montana rooms will be the newly refurbed rooms in the outer buildings and standard rooms will be in the main building. I'm happy with this as it means guaranteed good location for the standard price.
Basically, outer buildings are getting refurbed first. If you pay the Montana premium you get location until April, and a better room after that.
Merged with the Sequoia Lodge refurb thread. Thanks for the info! :thumbs:
Quote from: "Anthony"Merged with the Sequoia Lodge refurb thread. Thanks for the info! :thumbs:
Thanks Anthony, sorry for starting an unnecessary thread! Hopefully this info will be of interest to this who want to know more about the progress of the refurb, and useful to those planning to stay in SL next year.
Don't apologise! ;-)
It's a surprising idea to basically flip the Montana/Standard rooms around. Is this being communicated to everyone who books? I'd imagine a lot of returning guests will be a bit surprised/confused to find themselves in the outer blocks, even if they have a nice refreshed room. Hopefully they'll see it as a plus.
Quote from: "Anthony"Don't apologise! ;-)
It's a surprising idea to basically flip the Montana/Standard rooms around. Is this being communicated to everyone who books? I'd imagine a lot of returning guests will be a bit surprised/confused to find themselves in the outer blocks, even if they have a nice refreshed room. Hopefully they'll see it as a plus.
no it is not being communicated to everyone. i have booked a montana room for july and nobody could tell me why it said main building on the website and lodges in the brochure and what i would actually be getting as a montana room, it got very confusing. i just hope that paying the extra is going to be worth it as i have never stayed at the SL before.
Some of what you've said loladelorean doesn't make much sense to me
Quote from: "loladelorean"From now until the end of April, the outer buildings are being refurbed therefore Montana rooms will still be in the main building.
All rooms in the main building are called Montana rooms (and lakeside), all rooms in the outside lodges are standard rooms, so I dont get what you mean by 'Montana rooms will STILL be in the main building'....?
Quote from: "loladelorean"From May onwards, though, Montana rooms will be the newly refurbed rooms in the outer buildings and standard rooms will be in the main building.
So from May, the standard cheaper rooms will be in the building, and the more expensive upgraded rooms will be in outside Lodges?? That doesn't make sense to me.
Thanks for letting us know though. Much appreciated.
It must only be a temorary measure while they renovate the main building? (moving the Montanna rooms)
^ But the whole point of a Montana room was that they were in the main building (oh, and minibar :P), so if they're not in the main building, thats kind of defying the point of them....?
Quote from: "Martyn"Some of what you've said loladelorean doesn't make much sense to me
Quote from: "loladelorean"From now until the end of April, the outer buildings are being refurbed therefore Montana rooms will still be in the main building.
All rooms in the main building are called Montana rooms (and lakeside), all rooms in the outside lodges are standard rooms, so I dont get what you mean by 'Montana rooms will STILL be in the main building'....?
Quote from: "loladelorean"From May onwards, though, Montana rooms will be the newly refurbed rooms in the outer buildings and standard rooms will be in the main building.
So from May, the standard cheaper rooms will be in the building, and the more expensive upgraded rooms will be in outside Lodges?? That doesn't make sense to me.
Thanks for letting us know though. Much appreciated.
I said "still" because things will be the same until the end of April, then they will change. Sorry for any confusion.
Yes, you've understood me correctly - from May the more expensive rooms will be the newly refurbed rooms in the other buildings, and the cheaper rooms will be the old rooms in the main building. I thought it was a bit odd at first but I clarified it with the CM and when I re-read the new brochure it states the same thing.
Quote from: "Martyn"^ But the whole point of a Montana room was that they were in the main building (oh, and minibar :P), so if they're not in the main building, thats kind of defying the point of them....?
Disney have obviously made the judgement that the refurbed rooms are going to be significantly better therefore justifying the extra cost. I think they are underestimating the extent to which people are willing to pay extra for location. However, it should be a good thing for anyone travelling in this period who DOES value location, as the main building rooms are available at the cheaper standard rate.
And I get the impression, as Festival Disney points out, that this is a temporary measure during the period of refurbishment.
So will that mean after all the rooms have been refubished, they'll all be Montana rooms, or will they put it back to how it used to be?
(So after all that mess over how much our upgrade would cost (see other topic), we could now end up getting a Montana room for free!)
Yes, once the rooms in the main building have been refurbished, they'll become the Montana rooms again and the others standard rooms.
I suppose for people paying the standard rate but getting an "upgrade" to the main building during this period, there might be a chance of slight disturbance from the work? Scaffolding in front of the window? Is the refurb that major or is it just an interior refit? It'd be nice to get a proper list of what exactly's changing. And there was that rumour Kristof began the topic with, about "a plan exists that will turn Disney's Sequoia Lodge in Europe's first full ecological hotel."
Surely we would have been notified if there were to beany real disturbances with our room when we booked? (though I doubt anythings happening with the exterior, and I remember reading that they were doing a floor at a time?)
I hope all the lodges are being done at once, so we do get a Montana room in Jan!hehe :P
I got back from Disneyland yesterday, and stayed in a room in the Sierra Lodge!
The Lodges were definitely being refurbed, and a couple of them were completely sealed off for refurb. Glimpses inside the the windows showed the Bambi theme!
Our room was a little tired, (I'll post photos in a trip report) but they are quite old rooms now! Can't wait to see the refurb!
Damn, I was hoping they'd have them all closed at once!
I am so not looking forward to this new 'Bambi' look....
Quote from: "Martyn"Damn, I was hoping they'd have them all closed at once!
I am so not looking forward to this new 'Bambi' look....
I think Disney doesn't have the capacity to close the whole hotel at once. The occupancy rate is around 90% and so there are not enough rooms for all the guests and Disney would lose a lot of money.
I'm also not looking forward to the Bambi theme. In my opinion the themes of the hotels should be character free in Paris, due to the American theming of all hotels.
Quote from: "dagobert"I think Disney doesn't have the capacity to close the whole hotel at once.
I actually ment all the lodges, not the actual Hotel. They wanted extra £200 to upgrade to a Montana room this year, so I told them where to go, though we ain't looking forward to staying in the lodges, so I was hoping they'd all be closed for refurb, so we could have a Montana room :D
QuoteThe Lodges were definitely being refurbed, and a couple of them were completely sealed off for refurb. Glimpses inside the the windows showed the Bambi theme!
Could youi give us any more info on what you saw 'Bambi' related? I'm starting to loose sleep over this.... :lol:
Quote from: "Martyn"QuoteThe Lodges were definitely being refurbed, and a couple of them were completely sealed off for refurb. Glimpses inside the the windows showed the Bambi theme!
Could youi give us any more info on what you saw 'Bambi' related? I'm starting to loose sleep over this.... :lol:
Through the window, I could see a dark blue border along the top of the wall, though I couldn't see exactly what was on it, and there was a picture hung on the wall, like a bambi scene, like the one that was already in the room. :)
Hmm, well so far, thats not too bad. A border along the wall and a picture was actually what I had in mind for a 'subtle' makeover, so I'm happy so far...
I think this rewfurb will be at same level as the Santa fe refurb.
So a picture on the wall perhaps a bedsheet and the blue border are as much as we can expect I think.
I do hope they won't change the caracters for the hotels because than I have to get all the hotel pins again(lol)
I'm starying in Sequoia Lodge in just under 3 weeks, am i right in thinking that they have upgraded the tvs to flat screens now?
Quote from: "ben mcqueen"I'm starying in Sequoia Lodge in just under 3 weeks, am i right in thinking that they have upgraded the tvs to flat screens now?
That appears to be the case, I'll be there next Monday so can check first hand :D
Quote from: "ben mcqueen"I'm starying in Sequoia Lodge in just under 3 weeks, am i right in thinking that they have upgraded the tvs to flat screens now?
I stayed in Montana Room 14-17th Dec my room had a flat screen tv that said welcome miss (my Surname) when i got into the room!
I was so excited just seeing that!!!
Quote from: "MissDisneyisMagical"Quote from: "ben mcqueen"I'm starying in Sequoia Lodge in just under 3 weeks, am i right in thinking that they have upgraded the tvs to flat screens now?
I stayed in Montana Room 14-17th Dec my room had a flat screen tv that said welcome miss (my Surname) when i got into the room!
I was so excited just seeing that!!!
Mine had that too! Was a pretty awesome touch! :D
(//http://i53.tinypic.com/2jakt3n.jpg)
The change over to flat screens was announced a while before the full on refurb, but I'm surprised they just didn't leave it and wait until then, but oh well, cant complain.
So, MissDisneyisMagic, who was it that woke you up on the phone? Goofy, Talking clock?
COME ON? SOMEONE MUST KNOW! Who is doing the wake-up calls nowadays?lol
Also, anyone know if'll we'll be able to get a kettle for our room?
There wasn't any kettle in our room, although ours was a non-refurbed Montana I believe, as it had a mini bar, even though we were due to be standard in the lodges.
Yeah we've never had a kettle in our room before, I just didn't know if you could request one or not?
If I remember correctly you can request one from reception. We were in a Montana room last October and it was on the list of services.
Even in santa fe you can get a kettle. You can get it at the reception for a guarantee payment of (I thought) €40,-
So for the other hotels I think it will be the same.
For the more expensive rooms like the castleclub there will be a kettle allready in the room
40 euros to borrow a kettle, are you sure? we stayed at the NY in November and we asked for a kettle from house keeping, but I don't remember paying 40 Euros.
Hi everyone!
We always had a kettle waiting for us in our room -Cheyenne, Sequoia, New York and Newport- without asking for.
However, I always, wherever we are going, I carry with me one small kettle anyway (bought it from duty free shop at airport, very cheep and convenient).
Hope that I help.
40Euro's, that must be wrong?!
When we stayed in Santa Fe during New Years we had a kettle and you could buy a tea-set in the reception with tea leefs, coffee and a few other things... I'm pretty sure it was 7 or 14 €...
I guess it will either be the same or better service at Sequoia :)
Quote from: "ed-uk"40 euros to borrow a kettle, are you sure? we stayed at the NY in November and we asked for a kettle from house keeping, but I don't remember paying 40 Euros.
I'm possitive.
When I was in santa fe a few years back we got a kettle and they charged my credit card for €40.- When we returned the kettle they refunded the €40,- to my card.
So yes it is free but you pay a downpayment(if that is the right word in english)
Wow! :thumbs:
(//http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/8188/230092347.jpg)
(//http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/1310/230103662.jpg)
(//http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/4374/230107509.jpg)
(//http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/2677/230099484.jpg)
Source: DLP's Twitter pages (//https://twitter.com/#!/Disney_ParisEN)
That room is super pretty, the quality and standard I expect from a Disney Hotel!
Agreed, they have done a very good job with this one. It makes staying in the Sequoia Lodge worth while. Good job DLP (I don't mind the subtle Bambi touches here, it fits, Brother bear could have been a nice call too).
Well done DLRP. The room looks really pretty and I also don't mind the subtle Bambi touches since the lamp with the deer already looked that way and the picture on the wall is also fine. That's what I expect from Disney!!!
Why didn't Disney refurb the Santa Fe hotel in such a nice way??
Lovely patterns, absolutely inoffensive use of Bambi, and they kept the deer sconces! Not to mention the arrival of 21st century bedding and TV furniture.
Certainly an improvement over this:
(//http://www.photosmagiques.com/gallery/hotels/sequoia_lodge/DSC09860.JPG)
May the refurbishments of the other hotels be carried out with the same level of taste.
Hallway before:
(//http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5248950666_0642c85b57.jpg)
Hallway now:
(//http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/2994161792831015038840900561527871401561416768502813273n1.jpg)
(//http://img4.hostingpics.net/thumbs/mini_67564217964410150388409190615278714015614167685071682902n1.jpg)
(Sardine, Disney Central Plaza)
And a close-up of the wallpaper border:
(//http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/9052/dscn5054p.jpg)
(Standardam, Disney Central Plaza)
See, this is how you Disneyfy a hotel. With utter confidence in a theme, lots of warmth and the occasional subtle Disney character. Well done.
The before pic of the hallway reminds me of a corridor you'd find in the cabins section of a ferry :? Bleak...
It's great now though :lol:
I thought so too, or a hallway in a post-war highrise now converted into an assisted living facility. Something like that. I think the fluorescent lighting has a lot to do with it.
Probably a good moment to remind ourselves that this was all designed by Euro Disneyland Imagineering, and that they are still capable of competence. A little shout-out to RiverRogue there.
That´s the way you can get me! Fitttts absolutly to the theme of SL and the use of characters doesn´t bother me in this case. Well done!
:thumbs:
(I have to say that the old design never was absolutly my cup of tea. :-" )
That´s very well done, a good friend never wanted to stay there because it was to cold, and now after she saw
the pics she will go to this hotel on the next visit... am very happy they still can do something good...
Thumbs up from me. The rooms look much better now; more luxurious and more modern. They've integrated the Bambi elements in a very tasteful way, without the rooms looking too kiddy or cartoony.
It's funny though. The most obvious change is the bedding. All you have to do to make a bed look more classy is:
• Get a white duvet
• Get four white pillows
• Put a coloured throw on the bed
• Put one coloured cushion on the bed
Just four simple steps for a dramatically improved appearance.
Simple and true! Remembers me much at the Disneyland Hotel (Anaheim) room improvements or at the disney cruise line style. It´s less french and more international. I´m suprised in a positive way.
Even the hallway looks really nice now. The new design is beautiful. In my opinion the hallways were a little bit depressing.
Will Disney refurb the restaurants, bar and reception as well?
Wow! I'm very impressed :shock: =D> =D> =D> Looks like a completely new hotel. Great job!
First I was not sure about the new Bambi theme, but this is first class.
Now I almost regret my desicion to stay at hotel New York in June. :?
:lol:
Quote from: "Reiana"Now I almost regret my desicion to stay at hotel New York in June. :?
:lol:
Well, you'd most likely have gotten an unrefurbished room anyway and been more disappointed than ever. How much of the hotel has now been remodeled? Like five percent?
Thats a great improvement on the old look. We had the old look a few weeks back, and this is miles above that standard. The hallways too which look awful currently, looks much better. Good work there DLRP :thumbs:
I can't imagine the refurb will take that long, as it is pretty much new furniture, curtains and bedding, all of which just need to be put in, as well as a new border. The border is the only major work, alongside any repaint, so it should be a fairly quick process of refurbishing each room - a day or two per room?
Quote from: "pussinboots"Quote from: "Reiana"Now I almost regret my desicion to stay at hotel New York in June. :?
:lol:
Well, you'd most likely have gotten an unrefurbished room anyway and been more disappointed than ever. How much of the hotel has now been remodeled? Like five percent?
Good point :thumbs:
We tried to get a peek at the new rooms but it wasn't possible, glad someone posted them pics though! Nice, though I was expecting more.
I mean the carpet, all they've done is swapped the colours over. Before it was green carpet with brown leaves, now brown carpet with green leaves?! Lazy gits!lol
What do the bathrooms look like? As we were saying that the tiles in the bathrooms are the only thing thats relatively old fashioned.
I'm wondering if anyone can help me as I'm confused by these changes! :?
We've booked to go to SL on 1st June, when we booked we were told that the standard rooms were being refurbished so we would have a free upgrade to a montana room which was in a seperate building. I thought free upgrade sounded good so I agreed.
However since finding this site, am I right in thinking its better to stay in the main building (more magical feel?) than in the seperate lodge? Also from reading this it looks like the montana rooms are in the main building anyway? Have I read it wrong? I'm confused now and would love some advice or peoples personal experience of the seperate lodges!
My husband and I are taking our 2 children (7&4) and thought we'd stay at SL as we've stayed at New York and Newport Bay before and fancied staying in a different hotel but now I'm worried it won't have the same feel as the other disney hotels.
Thank you in advance!
Basically you have a good chance of getting a room in the main hotel building. We were unable to book a Montana room as the cost was way too much (see other topic), so we asked at reception when we checked. The kind lady told us not to bother paying anything as there would be a high chance of us getting a Montana room anyway, which we did.
Oh, and by the way, Sequoia is MUCH better than Hotel New York ;) (IMO anyway)
We had a standard room in the lodges booked when we went last month, but we were in the main building in the end.
The lodges used to be the standard rooms, but they will become the montana rooms and the standard rooms will be in the main building it would seem. As they are still refurbing all the rooms, you will more than likely be in the main building.
Sorry to be the voice of discontent... but im under whelmed by this refurb. Apart from new bedding and the boarder, there isnt much to the refurb...
I have always felt that while stunning and well themed in the public areas, thi shotel is little more than functional in the rooms.
Considering its ranking and cost, the rooms are very basic in comparison to other hotels around the globe. There is a distinct lack of quality theming (I dont mean the Bambi element) and luxury. Dont get me wrong, its nice and it looks clean and better than before, but still vastly under where it should be for the effort that goes into the public areas such as the bars etc
Unfortunately no Disney hotel in Paris, even newly refurbished, is worth the money you pay compared to other hotels of the same category. Although I like the new rooms, it depends on how the bathrooms look, if we stay there again.
You are right that the rooms are just functional, but usually I don't need more. The public areas are very well themed. Will these areas also be refurbished?
Thank you Martyn and Dolph7800 for your replies. :thumbs:
Thats made me feel a lot better! So excited now, there seem to be loads of changes to the Park in general since we were last there in 2005. :lol:
Since 2005, there aren't too many changes in Disneyland Park. Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast is a totally new attraction, and Captain EO has returned to replace Honey I Shrunk The Audience.
Walt Disney Studios Park actually has a lot of new attractions:
- Tower of Terror
- Crush's Coaster
- Car's Race Rally
- RC Racer
- Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop
- Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin
- Stitch Live!
Could anyone tell me where to find a refurbished hallway? Which lodge, which rooms? I'd love to take a look.
Really hoping the majority of this has gone into the lodges. From the sound of others on here, SL is not a bad hotel for the most part, but I have to say for us the lodges were a real downside to our holiday in September.
Both me and my little sister (the main reason I spend so much money on these holidays) have pretty bad health and spend a lot of time some weeks inside rather than being able to get out and about, so we spent a lot of time in our room staring at the bland walls. It's bad enough that I had to poke awake the poor girl to walk her across the cold, wet and winding route to the main building for breakfast, but the environment we had to return to.... well i've stayed in youth hostels with more warmth.
This renovation can only be a good thing in my opinion, providing it spreads to the lodges. Have to love Bambi and it fits really nicely in with the theming in the rest of the hotel, which is just lovely when you're in the mood for it.
Quote from: "pussinboots"Could anyone tell me where to find a refurbished hallway? Which lodge, which rooms? I'd love to take a look.
Lodges 1 & 2 are finished.
Yes, I found that out for myself already (lady looked at me as if I were mad.) Thanks though!
The hallways do look much better. Much more "dressed up" than before. Too bad you can't see a room without booking it for the night, or breaking some serious social etiquette...
Taken from the Annual Review:
We want our visitors to enjoy their stay in the best possible conditions. Consequently, maintaining our assets to the highest level is a priority for us. During the fiscal year 2010 we have focused our efforts on the Disney's Davy Crockett Ranch, where we have replaced one third of the bungalows.
Some of the rooms in the Disney's Sequoia Lodge have also been renovated, and now offer guests even more comfort and
services to optimise their stay. The Montana rooms in Sequoia Lodge have been equipped with flat screen TVs, a richer audiovisual selection (34 TV channels including the Disney channels) and Disneyland Paris TV in 6 languages. Other projects are also underway, to ensure that our hotels are always of the highest standard.
Our guests must enjoy our Resort under the best conditions without anything that could alter the quality of their experience. Consequently, the upkeep of our assets at their top level is a priority. We are going to pursue these renovation programs over the following fiscal years.
Good to know that there is more on the way, but the hotels are definately not of the highest standard.
Well going by what that says, its only the Lodge's that are getting refurbed...
Any update on the status and scope of this refurb would be appreciated. We've booked to stay in a lodge room in August. What's the chances of us getting a newly refurbed room or an "upgrade" to the main building? Is it confirmed yet whether its just the lodges that are being refurbed or is it main building too?
Mouetto from DCP has posted pictures of a refurbed bathroom:
http://disneycentralplaza.englishboard. ... t-7#931775 (http://disneycentralplaza.englishboard.net/t18238p200-renovation-et-nouveau-theme-pour-le-sequoia-lodge-photos-page-6-et-7#931775%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
(//http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/2757/p1090634.jpg)
(//http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6323/p1090635x.jpg)
Looks really nice, nice colours used in the bathroom.
Much better than the dated pre 2011 bathroom;
(//http://www.photosmagiques.com/gallery/hotels/sequoia_lodge/DSC09867.JPG)
//http://www.photosmagiques.com/gallery/hotels/sequoia_lodge.php#
This refurb is great for sequoia, its really starting to look like the Disney Moderate Resort it should be ! :)
Quote from: "ansvls98"Any update on the status and scope of this refurb would be appreciated. We've booked to stay in a lodge room in August. What's the chances of us getting a newly refurbed room or an "upgrade" to the main building? Is it confirmed yet whether its just the lodges that are being refurbed or is it main building too?
Correct me if I'm wrong, someone, but the main building is being refurbished in 2012. :(
Are the baths new too?
And idea on what the wallpaper is like?
The refurb moves on to the main building:
(//http://www.images-squish.net/users/VDR/49293.JPG)
Pictures by Disney Gazette:
http://www.disneygazette.fr/la-gazette- ... s-500.html (http://www.disneygazette.fr/la-gazette-ratatouille-festival-moments-magiques-molly-brown-chateau-toy-story-playland-earl-of-sandwich-disney-village-sequoia-lodge-news-500.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
I wasn't expecting it to be so soon. Maybe it'll be finished sooner than predicted.
Are they going to be repainted the wood then? Cant remember hearing that mentioned before, but there cant be many reasons for the scaffolding....
Haven't checked this in ages, but the refurb looks like it's coming on great! Definitely the rooms are looking a lot nicer than they were, and I do love the tiny little touches of Bambi!
Will definitely consider staying here again this year if I can afford to! :)
Here's a new picture from the refurb:
(//http://www.images-squish.net/users/VDR/49872.JPG)
http://www.disneygazette.fr/rehabilitat ... s-505.html (http://www.disneygazette.fr/rehabilitation-chateau-vieux-moulin-colonel-hatis-accident-big-thunder-mountain-merchandising-moments-magiques-earl-of-sandwich-photolocation-rc-racer-phare-newport-bay-club-news-505.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
Please tell me they're not repainting it blue, with a giant Buzz on the roof?
Ha ha. Well you'd be more likely to be seeing Bambi than Buzz. :P
But if you look through the tarp, you can see that parts of some of the floors have been painted a in brighter brown shade. Interesting.
Quote from: "Martyn"Please tell me they're not repainting it blue, with a giant Buzz on the roof?
:roll:
QuoteBut if you look through the tarp, you can see that parts of some of the floors have been painted a in brighter brown shade. Interesting.
There always has been 2 shades of brown, look at the other picture a little further up.
That wasn't what I was referring to. :) It's much brighter than that, and doesn't stretch across the entire row. It looks as bright as pure, unpainted wood.
Dlp.info has posted a new picture:
(//http://www.dlp.info/News/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/20110508-200405.jpg)
Photo by InsideDLParis
http://www.dlp.info/News/2011/05/painti ... nal-parks/ (http://www.dlp.info/News/2011/05/painting-in-the-national-parks/%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
I'm really getting quite concerned now that having PAID extra for a lakeside view room in the main building, that all we are going to be able to view realisticly is scaffolding and plastic sheeting!!! Has anyone got any info on problems obtaining a lake view where it has been requested/paid for?? Any info is better than none....thanks in advance. ](*,)
What's the date of your arrival?
Believe it or not I go tomorrow!! (Wed 18th May). Strange thing is nobody seems to be able to confirm my lakeside room will be guaranteed to still have the view as opposed to being covered.... if the worst comes to the worst I will ask for some kind of upgrade I suppose :?:
Be warned that a lakeside view never really guarantees a lake view. Most of the SL view is trees.
I'm sure you'll be able to get a refund, though, if you don't get the lakeside view. Still, I hope you have a great time! :)
Thanks for the info anyhow :)
The rooms are looking nice! I hope the refurbishment for the outside of the main building will be done before next november.. I was hoping to get a room with lake view in november in SQL. Well, we'll see :).
Already glad they started the refurbishment, SQL could really use it!
Off on Monday.....we have a Montana room - which I recall seeing to be the lodges during the refurb.....
The facade is still under scaffolding:
(//http://www.images-squish.net/users/VDR/51039.JPG)
Photo by Disney Gazette
http://www.disneygazette.fr/retour-big- ... s-511.html (http://www.disneygazette.fr/retour-big-thunder-mountain-rehabilitaion-chateau-galion-colonel-hathi-orbitron-parachute-drop-world-of-disney-earl-of-sandwich-more-news-511.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
Hi all,
We returned from Sequoia Lodge on Friday night so I thought I would post a quick update.
We had booked a lake view but when we got to the room the view was rather obscured by sheeted scaffold!! I decided to complain as I felt I shouldn't be charged for a non-existent view! I was offerd a refurbished room in the main building (apparently the same price band?) but I wasn't really happy with this. We were then put in a suite (although I was advised it didn't have a lake view) which was great but the beds were not very good - i got the feeling that this room was due to be refurbished very soon. Our room was on the North wing (6th floor so located in central part of building) and they removed the scaffolding from our part on Tuesday - then we had a great view of both the lake and the balloon at Disney Village. On wednesday they obviously started refurbishing level 1 of the North Wing as they closed the corridor (caused us a few issues as we used that route to get to the pool and they closed it off while we were swimming so we had to find a different route back!).
The other obvious refurbishment at the moment is the mens toilets in the lobby area - these are closed with both men and women sharing the womens side at the moment!
Ann
Hey,
im possibly looking to go to dlrp either in summer or christmas time and have always stayed in the SL and i was just confirming that from may onwards are the montana rooms now the little cabins outside and standard priced rooms are now in the main building as i always used to pay for a montana room to get in the main building. just want to check before i book anything
Thanks
We were at Sequia last week - we're in BigSur Lodge - room was comfortable and we had a view of the lake (well the feeder "river").....
As Ann said the Men's loo's in the main lobby were being refurbed - with the ladies being a "unisex" however it was also nicely labeled and a temporary partition was placed in the loos.....
One of the pathways in front of Hunters Grill was being taken up one morning prior to replacement.
My family will be booking to go the Sequoia today. We plan on going a couple of days after New Year, so when I checked the prices, the main building still had the cheapest rooms to stay in. Does this mean that the scaffolding is still going to be there in six months time? :?
I've just called Disney reservations to book as online the system Automatically defaults to a Montana room (that used to be a room in the main building instead of one of the lodges) and the other room options were "a room in the main building" .
The room in the main building being 160£ cheaper than a Montana room, when I called the woman on the phone said that a Montana room has been refurbished and is in the lodges and not the main building, so I thought what the heck, I'm going in November and if it snows like last year (here's for hoping!!) I don't want to be in the lodges transferring from lodge to hotel for dinner/breakfast/a cheeky 1664 in the evening, so I went ahead and booked a "room in the main building"
Does this mean that all the lodges have now been completed and refurbished and that they are now working in the main building, chances being that when I get there I may get a refurbished room anyway?
Love to hear from anyone whose been recently
Thanks
Matthew
That's what I'm wondering, too. We've booked now, and we'll be doing a few of days after New Year. I think that by the time you go, maybe about half the rooms will have been refurbished. It'll be down to chance whether you end up in a new or old one.
We've asked for a non-smoking room, so I'm not sure whether that will affect anything.
We booked a room in the main building for September - fingers crossed the scaffolding won't spoil the view. Wondering about the refurbished rooms in the main building as well, but I'm gonna force myself to expect an 'old' room so it can only be a pleasant surprise IF we get a refurbished one. Easier said than done though.
I'm going to be there next week, I'm really gutted to see this photo of the scaffolding :( I know it needs to be done at some point but its a real shame, especially as I'm going with 2 friends who are Disney newbies and want the parks and hotel to make a great impression on them. Any specific questions you'd like me to answer on my return? I get back on Sunday 19th
If it's not a problem, could you find out where exactly the scaffolding is at the moment; whether it's just on the lake-side or on the other side as well? :)
if you dont mind asking if the lodges have been completely refurbed and if theyve started on the main building rooms?
all paid for now, just need to start saving BIG to splash out on stuff i really dont need :D
i have also requested a non smoking room, maybe that was a bad choice considering that maybe the smoking rooms will get done first because they're all yellow (yuck!)?
Actually, I think it's been confirmed all of the lodges are done. :)
I will certainly come back with a report on scaffolding and whether the lodges are all done :) only 5 days to go now, yay!
We're booked in SL for 9 -12 August. Our booking confirmation specifically states "lodge room" which when we booked was cheaper than main building room. Regardless of price difference we would actually prefer lodge room (not just because they've already been refurbed). Does anyone have any experience of room allocation during refurb when their booking is specifically for a "lodge room"?? Would prefer not to get bounced into main building especially if this means we'll get non-refurbed room.
Advice from another forum is that we should call SL direct a couple of weeks before we arrive but would appreciate any first hand experience.
Having stayed in sequoia 3 times now I definitely prefer staying in the main building (I always go november/December ) the transferring from lodge to hotel when it's snowing/bitterly cold doesn't appeal to me, it suprises me that they've decided to refurbish the lodges before the main hotel but if it lowered the cost of my holiday this year I'm not complaining!
Does anyone know the schedule of refurbishment? If the top floor is completed first then maybe I'll call the hotel a couple of weeks before and request the top floor :)
Quote from: "ansvls98"We're booked in SL for 9 -12 August. Our booking confirmation specifically states "lodge room" which when we booked was cheaper than main building room. Regardless of price difference we would actually prefer lodge room (not just because they've already been refurbed). Does anyone have any experience of room allocation during refurb when their booking is specifically for a "lodge room"?? Would prefer not to get bounced into main building especially if this means we'll get non-refurbed room.
Advice from another forum is that we should call SL direct a couple of weeks before we arrive but would appreciate any first hand experience.
We were booked in for a room in the lodge in January, and we ended up in a non-refurbed room in the main building which was fine by me. Although it may well have been due to being out of season and everyone was in the main building.
Are they planning on putting things back to normal when its all finished? I'm sick of this Montana/main building confusion mess :lol:
Yeah, I'm sure they well. ;)
Is the front still covered and if so how much? Anyone got recent photos?
Just back from my stay in the Sequoia Lodge! From what I can see, all the lodges are now refurbed and we were staying in a GORGEOUS refurbed room in the North Wing of the main building. It appears that the entire north wing has now been refurbed - they are working quickly. I will upload photos asap, got loads to sort through, but we were delighted with our room. And can also confirm that there is scaffolding on the front but it is not as much as that other photo - photo of that to follow too.
Great news! Thanks. :)
Also, this is a bit of a strange question, but do the new flat-screen TVs have any new British channels? xD They probably don't, but it would be nice if they did. :)
Quote from: "Meph"Great news! Thanks. :)
Also, this is a bit of a strange question, but do the new flat-screen TVs have any new British channels? xD They probably don't, but it would be nice if they did. :)
Think the channels are just the same as before, with Disney Channel and BBC World News being the only English speaking ones.
However, there is a new feature (I think its new, certainly never noticed it on previous stays) of Disney storybooks, we listened to Beauty and the Beast and Tarzan. Its all the dialogue from the films with a bit of narration in between, and has the proper songs. Dunno why they don't just give you the films, but we loved these. Would be great for kids I imagine.
I didn't try this out but I think the TVs have an aux port so you could plug some kind of device in if you are technologically inclined!
I should also add - though its not strictly related to the refurb - that I wrote to Sequoia Lodge 5 days before my arrival. I emailed saying that I was a bit concerned that the refurb might affect our stay and that we would like a nice room near to the reception. I explained that it was a special trip as we were celebrating a birthday and also two of us graduating, and I wanted it to be as magical as possible. They replied after 2 days to say this had been passed to the quality manager. We arrived to receive: the lovely refurbed room near to reception with a lake view; robes and slippers; fresh flowers; chocolate coins and Vittel water; personal letter from the quality manager wishing us a lovely stay and saying to contact them if we needed anything; VIP breakfast pass. This obviously does not mean that everyone who writes to them would get the same but it may be worth a try! We were delighted with this and I am going to email them again now to thank them for the trip. It was perfect.
Quote from: "loladelorean"I should also add - though its not strictly related to the refurb - that I wrote to Sequoia Lodge 5 days before my arrival. I emailed saying that I was a bit concerned that the refurb might affect our stay and that we would like a nice room near to the reception. I explained that it was a special trip as we were celebrating a birthday and also two of us graduating, and I wanted it to be as magical as possible. They replied after 2 days to say this had been passed to the quality manager. We arrived to receive: the lovely refurbed room near to reception with a lake view; robes and slippers; fresh flowers; chocolate coins and Vittel water; personal letter from the quality manager wishing us a lovely stay and saying to contact them if we needed anything; VIP breakfast pass. This obviously does not mean that everyone who writes to them would get the same but it may be worth a try! We were delighted with this and I am going to email them again now to thank them for the trip. It was perfect.
what email address did you use? we are celebrating my boyfriend's birthday whilst we are there and it might be worth a shot to drop them an email before we go!
Quote from: "Meph"Great news! Thanks. :)
Also, this is a bit of a strange question, but do the new flat-screen TVs have any new British channels? xD They probably don't, but it would be nice if they did. :)
They do have some other English speaking news channels- EuroNews and France24 have English speaking options (they are both on Sky if you want a look). Also some of the entertainment channels have dual languages for certain programmes- we were able to watch American Pie and CSI in English when we were flicking through the channels in the evening. BBC World Service is a bloody awful channel though, no English news as would be used to with the English-based News 24 channel just lots of world features of the ilk they run at 4am over here- just all day long!
Quote from: "loladelorean"I should also add - though its not strictly related to the refurb - that I wrote to Sequoia Lodge 5 days before my arrival. I emailed saying that I was a bit concerned that the refurb might affect our stay and that we would like a nice room near to the reception. I explained that it was a special trip as we were celebrating a birthday and also two of us graduating, and I wanted it to be as magical as possible. They replied after 2 days to say this had been passed to the quality manager. We arrived to receive: the lovely refurbed room near to reception with a lake view; robes and slippers; fresh flowers; chocolate coins and Vittel water; personal letter from the quality manager wishing us a lovely stay and saying to contact them if we needed anything; VIP breakfast pass. This obviously does not mean that everyone who writes to them would get the same but it may be worth a try! We were delighted with this and I am going to email them again now to thank them for the trip. It was perfect.
That's really lovely :thumbs:
Quote from: "loladelorean"I should also add - though its not strictly related to the refurb - that I wrote to Sequoia Lodge 5 days before my arrival. I emailed saying that I was a bit concerned that the refurb might affect our stay and that we would like a nice room near to the reception. I explained that it was a special trip as we were celebrating a birthday and also two of us graduating, and I wanted it to be as magical as possible. They replied after 2 days to say this had been passed to the quality manager. We arrived to receive: the lovely refurbed room near to reception with a lake view; robes and slippers; fresh flowers; chocolate coins and Vittel water; personal letter from the quality manager wishing us a lovely stay and saying to contact them if we needed anything; VIP breakfast pass. This obviously does not mean that everyone who writes to them would get the same but it may be worth a try! We were delighted with this and I am going to email them again now to thank them for the trip. It was perfect.
So lovely to hear! Another great thing along with all the refurbs - so reassuring! Thanks for sharing - hope we get a trip report :-)
Here's a new picture by Disney Gazette:
(//http://www.images-squish.net/users/VDR/51736.JPG)
http://www.disneygazette.fr/la-gazette- ... s-517.html (http://www.disneygazette.fr/la-gazette-peinture-fraiche-chateau-belle-bois-dormant-jack-sparrow-toy-story-playland-parapluies-cherbourg-walt-disney-studios-newport-bay-club-sequoia-lodge-earl-sandwich-planet-hollywood-news-517.html%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
Cant really see any difference...need a comparison photo!
Hi, I'm not a regular user of the forum but anyway I'm a big fan of DLP and I'm going for a third time in August. I loved the story of sending the message to SL Quality Manager. Well, has anyone else ever noticed the lack of sun loungers at the pool in the summer at Sequoia Lodge? Well I emailed DLP over this and they replied saying the message has been forwarded to this mysterious "Quality Manager". So I hope to see more loungers when we go.
Are the loungers usually occupied when you go? :)
i`m new.....and DANISH!!
well, long story- i will do it short.
our 2. trip at DLP (david Crockett) was very nasty, dirty and muldy. we complained and got a free stay of 3 nights. this time we disseded to stay at SL. we have paid for an extra night. with lake view. what can we expect?? we will go on 5 sep 2011.
You should expect a good service. :D I've been going to the Sequoia Lodge for many years. You'll love it! :)
We're off to SL on 9 August.
We booked a room in the lodges / standard room before the refurb started and the room categories got switched around.
Does anyone have a latest update on how the refurb is going?
Still wondering whether we'll be in lodge room (as originally booked) or whether we'll be moved into main building (in a non-refurbed room). I guess the chances of the latter are reducing as they get closer to finishing the refurb.
Any ideas on what %age of rooms still have not been refurbished??
ANS
If you asked for a lodge, then you should still be staying in them. ;)
As for the refurb itself, all of the lodges are done and they have finished painting the side of the hotel that faces the lake. They are going through the rooms one by one (they might work on about 20 rooms a day and take about a fortnight to finish refurbing each one). It's unlikely that you'll notice them. If you do end up staying in the main building, it will be down to chance if you are staying in a refurbed room. I don't think we know how many they've done in the main building. :)
I was told by a manager that they are working their way from bottom to top in the main building. During our stay there four weeks ago they had already finished the 1st and 2nd floor and were working on the 3rd floor.
By the way, where are the smoking and non-smoking rooms? Does anyone know? :)
^ All rooms are non-smoking.
How many floors are there??
Quote from: "Martyn"^ All rooms are non-smoking.
Hmmm? I'm sure there used to be smoking rooms. Maybe I'm getting mixed up with the New Port Bay.
Thanks. :)
Yeah there used to be smoking rooms., but no more I'm afraid.
Aren't all hotels now non-smoking?
It's not a problem for me, since I don't smoke. ^_^ We like to specifically choose the non-smoking rooms whenever we go, because we stayed in a smoking room once, and it stank.
But if they're all non-smoking, I wonder why they haven't removed that option from the online booking form. :?
Dont quote me on it! I'm not 100% certain, but I'm pretty sure...
hi does anyone know what the new montanan roms are like
Yes. :) There was an article on DLRP Today about it.
http://www.dlrptoday.com/2011/02/03/bam ... oia-lodge/ (http://www.dlrptoday.com/2011/02/03/bambi-adds-a-fresh-disney-touch-to-refurbished-rooms-at-sequoia-lodge/%22%20onclick=%22window.open(this.href);return%20false;)
Basically, they've got a new flatscreen TV, a new cabinet, new wallpaper and tiles and a few other subtle changes. Also, they've given the rooms a Bambi theme. :)
Has anyone spoke to Disney about the Montana rooms I'm looking to book for December and on the website it says either a room in the main building which is where I want to be or a Montana room which is in the lodges but when I spoke to Disney they said the opposite I want to book over the phone as It's cheaper but worried where ill end up
There's no way of knowing for certain, so when you call, tell the agent that you want to stay in whichever building is the main building. If they don't give you a room in the main building when you get there, complain. They should move you to the main building if you do that.
ok thats great ill do that :) ill just say i want it on my confirmation that its a room in the main building
Hello,
i've booked the sequoia lodge for my decemmber trip. om my confirmation all it says is a standard room.
on my disneyland paris booking (on the disneyland paris site) it says room in the main building which is where i want to be does anyone know why it isnt on my confirmation?
Thanks
The standard rooms and the rooms in the main building are the same thing. What it means by a "standard room" is that it doesn't have a view of the lake. :)
thanks very much :) just it used to be the montana rooms in the main building what happens if they finish the refurb and they switch it back to that i dont wanna be stuck in the lodges i dont need a view of the lake its always dark when im in my room in december anyhows!
If there's ever a problem, though, just ask the Cast Member at check-in to move you. They even let you stay in a specific room number if you ask (and if there's nothing preventing you from staying in it). :)
Does anyone know whether there has been some refurb' to the rooms in the New York? - During my Christmas trip i noticed a number of the rooms had upturned beds on the lower ground floors to the left of the entrance and it looked as though some work was being done...
Quote from: "Meph"If there's ever a problem, though, just ask the Cast Member at check-in to move you. They even let you stay in a specific room number if you ask (and if there's nothing preventing you from staying in it). :)
OK will do get a bit nervous doing those sort of things but as theyre always so friendly at SL im sure theyd do what they can :D
Hi I'm a newbie so please be gentle!
I'm booked into the SL in 2 weeks and want to email them to settle my worries about the refurb and our room. Does anyone have a direct email for the hotel? I've only been able to find a general reservations email.
thanks
I'm not sure about their email, but if you can't get it, try asking at reception. :) It probably won't be that busy in the next two weeks, so you may even be able to ask for a specific room. The Cast Member at reception will be able to answer your questions about it, so don't worry if you're not able to contact the hotel in advance. ;)
Any news on how far along the refurb is at the moment. Read earlier in the thread that the first couple of floors in the main building were done and that was back in July. Anyone stayed in the hotel recently that can confirm if any more are done?
Plus, has anyone got any detailed pictures of the room? I've seen the pictures over on dlrp and was interested in seeing more!
Many thanks,
RBG
I've got a few photos. I'll upload them for you. ;)
(//http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii54/Mephiles602/holidays/2011%20dlp/P8210220.jpg)
(//http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii54/Mephiles602/holidays/2011%20dlp/P8210221.jpg)
(//http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii54/Mephiles602/holidays/2011%20dlp/P8210222.jpg)
I thought the lights on the wall in the last photo were a really nice touch.
Thanks Meph. Appeased my slightly neurotic side there :P Were those pictures in the main building or one of the lodges? And when did you visit?
They look a lot "lighter" than the old decor. Think I will give SL a call closer to December and try a cheeky request for a newer room! Looks well worth it.
those photos look beautiful, i hope i get a refurbed room
Quote from: "rbgranty"Thanks Meph. Appeased my slightly neurotic side there :P Were those pictures in the main building or one of the lodges? And when did you visit?
Thanks. XD And yes, it was in the main building. I went on 20th August when half of the rooms had been refurbed (they're working from the bottom).
One other thing that I thought was good was that the tele is digital. It even welcomed us when we came in. XD The channels are the same, but -- on the Disneyland Paris channel with the annoying woman -- you can finally choose which language you want to view it in. :D Also, it had loads of help articles and tips for when you're in the park. They weren't any use to us, but I bet they'd be useful to newcomers.
Quote from: "rbgranty"They look a lot "lighter" than the old decor. Think I will give SL a call closer to December and try a cheeky request for a newer room! Looks well worth it.
I don't think there'll be any need. Just ask the cast member at reception when you're checking in. :)
Thats brilliant. Seems like the works going at a fairly fast pace then!
Thanks for the advice too. Saves me a bit of hassle if I can just ask when im there! If only there weren't 80 odd days to go :(
I just booked a room in SL this december and asked for a refurbished one in the mainbuilding. The woman Said that its maybe possible that every room is finish until then:) maybe i asked for a room with a balcony before our stay. Does anyone know if there're standard rooms with lakeview which have a balcony?
Quote from: "nik92"I just booked a room in SL this december and asked for a refurbished one in the mainbuilding. The woman Said that its maybe possible that every room is finish until then:) maybe i asked for a room with a balcony before our stay. Does anyone know if there're standard rooms with lakeview which have a balcony?
There aren't any standard rooms with a balcony at the Sequoia Lodge. Only some of the suites have a balcony.
I emailed guest relations to ask if it was possible to have a refurbished room in the main building and the reply I received back was a little confusing, this is what they said:-
'Thank you for contacting Disneyland Paris.
Be advised the refurbished rooms are located in the lodge but there is no more availability.
However I have advised the hotel of your request.'
I know from reading other peoples comments there are refurbished rooms in the main building so I don't quite understand the reply. Oh well, at least I don''t have to wait too long to see what type of room we get.
I think what they're trying to say is that you can only be certain that you're in a refurbished room if you're in a lodge. However, chances are you'll be in a refurbed room anyway if you're in the lower floors in the main building. ;)
I'm staying in the Sequoia on the 5th in the main building so it will be interesting to see if we get placed in a refurbed room! I hope we do, they look great :)
Are they keeping the lodges as montana rooms cause on disneyland paris website looking at next yr the option for rooms are either in the main building or montana rooms?
I'm looking to book a room with a lake view in the main building on a higher floor for September 2012 does anybody know if the refurb will be completed by then and if so does this mean that all the hotel rooms will have been refurbished? As i'm hoping to book before the end of this month would you recommend that I request a refurbished room just to be on the safe side?
Thanks
All of the rooms should be done before September. ;)
Thanks for that you've put my mind at ease, just excited now to book!!
We stayed on the third floor, south wing this week and our rooms were not refurbed. From what I could see of other rooms near us they were also waiting to be refurbed.
we where in sierra lodge on 2nd floor and they where all done
looked great
Quote from: "darrenwest1"we where in sierra lodge on 2nd floor and they where all done
looked great
Well thanks for rubbing it in ....... only joking ;)
Did you take any photos, I would love to see what they look like, particularly the bathroom, ours was a bit on the battered side. I did consider hanging around the upper floors whilst the rooms were being cleaned so I could have a good nosey, but decided I might look a little suspicious.
I asked Disney about the Sequoia Lodge refurb situation recently as I am staying there in January. They said that the main building is not finished, but work has been stopped until after Christmas season. All the lodge rooms have been done.
I have booked a standard room so expect to be in the main building as Montana Rooms are currently still in the lodges. Hoping to get a refurbished one so I can write a new review on TA, but have to wait and see.
They only allocate rooms a few days before arrival, so I may phone SL nearer the time and ask if I can have a refurb one.
No harm in asking!
We booked a room in the main building - an un-refurbed one as they were a considerable amount cheaper!
Only to arrive on the day and find out we had been put in the Yellowstone Lodge - refurbed room right next door to reception! Lovely new room, it all looked so lovely, better than our pre-refurb room in the Sierra Lodge (furthest from reception) last year! So, thanks Disney! :D
It really added to our trip, a massive thumbs up for the new rooms! :)
I booked a room in the main building and found it to be refurbed..... it was beautiful! i was on the floor reception is on
What is the difference between a room in the main building and the montana rooms? Except that disney seem to charge more for montana rooms I don't know?! Also what are the chances of getting a new room in May?
Can anyone tell me the E-Mail Address you guys send your requests or questions to? I can't find any guest relations address anywhere, neither online nor on my booking information, and I dislike calling, so I'd rather send a mail! Thank you so much! :thumbs:
Quote from: "Catalina"Can anyone tell me the E-Mail Address you guys send your requests or questions to? I can't find any guest relations address anywhere, neither online nor on my booking information, and I dislike calling, so I'd rather send a mail! Thank you so much! :thumbs:
This is the email address I used
dlp.guest.communication@disney.com
It would be better to contact the hotel directly. I don't know their email, but they told us to call them at least three days in advance to ensure things like this. :)
Perfect, thank you so much, guys! :thumbs:
as previously explained, montana room is usually a room in the main building and standard rooms are located in the lodges.
however, that was changed during the refurbishment.
but..the refurbishment has been completed.
2 weeks ago i was checking the online booking at the disneyland paris site and it still showed montana room as being in the lodges and standard rooms and the standard rooms in the main building.
but then i called and booked a montana room for oct 2012 and just out of curiosity checked the online booking again and saw that they have changed that, the additional info that standard rooms are in the main building has been deleted.
today when i called disneyland again because they made a mistake in the names in the reservation, i asked and they said that yes, the refurbishment is finished. so montana rooms are back in the main building, standard rooms in the lodges.
i mean, i called last saturday, the 14.1. to make the reservation and today to correct the names.
That's odd. Did they stop half-way through the refurbishment project? During our stay two weeks ago, we were originally given grotty unrefurbished room in the main building. It had a view of a horrible, noisy backstage area, so we asked to change rooms.
It's odd that they'd say the refurb is done, because it can't be. :?
i have no idea.
before booking i read through the forums and saw on the disneyland booking site exactly what was mentioned here for room options:
1) montana room
2) with lake view
3) standard room in main building (that was about -36 euros)
this was till about the 10of january or so..then when i rechecked (before booking on the phone, suited me better because i didnt have to pay the whole amount at once, since were only going in october) on the 14.of jan, the options were:
1) montana room
2) with lake view
3) standard room
so the "in main building" was gone. i asked the lady on the phone about it and she said "yes, the refurbishment has been completed".
in any case, by the time we go there, it will be completed, but its strange they would say its already done.
now that you mention the view, i wonder whether we should add the lake view option, but its another 30 or so euros (not much but when one thinks about everything else and the fact that we dont really have airlines with cheaper flights for the dates were going and we cant choose any days but weekends because of work).
Just back from a stay at the lodge and as there has been some discussion about Montana rooms I enquired at reception and was told the following.
All Montana Rooms have been refurbished and they are available in both the Main building and the lodges (we were offered a room in the lodge when we checked in at 08.45 but had to wait until 15.00 for one in the main building) The standard rooms are nearly all refurbished and the remaining work should be finished "soon"
As a point of interest, the room we had was on the 2nd floor (same as reception) and although it faced the lake there was a poor lake view due to the trees! You would need to ask for a high floor for a good view.
So if they have Montana rooms in the lodges, what is the difference between the Montana and the normal rooms?
Can't tell you, its so poor of Disney that they give very little information on their rooms but expect people to spend money on some sort of intangible extras! In case you think I am mad, this last trip was with a friend who is a travel agent and the incredibly good deal included a Montana room so we took it!
I have to admit, I would be extremely annoyed if I booked a Montana room and ended up in a lodge. Even if they are in the lodges closer to the main building (I hope that at least that's the case), the only reason for me to pay more is to be IN the main building!!
I booked last september for march and stated i wanted a room in the main building, now i didn't pay extra for a montana room so will i still be in the main building?
Maybe I can shed some light on this as I had a lenghty discussion with the Reservation Services because of that.
Until the End of the Winter Season, the Montana Rooms are also the refurbished Rooms in the Lodges. This all has to do with the Refurbishment of the Sequoia Lodge.
However, starting with Summer Season 2012, it is all back to the way it was before the Refurbishment: Montana Rooms are in the Main Building, Standart Rooms are in the Lodges.
Now, if you've booked during the Winter Season for the Summer Season and booked online, make sure you check your booking, since this is what happened to me:
I booked online at the beginning of January for May. I had the choices between a "Montana Room" and a "Standart Room in the Main Building". The "Standart Room in the Main Building" cost something like £30 Pound less (not sure about the Price, as I booked in CHF, just a guess more or less), so this is what I booked. However, my booking then said that I booked a Standart Room in one of the Lodges. So not really what I actually booked or what I wanted. So I got on to the Guest Relations who told me that they would change my booking to a Montana Room (as, by the Time I would be there, it is Summer Season and the Montana Rooms are only the Rooms in the Main Building)... but I would have to pay the extra £30 for it. I explained my situation, pointing out the issue with the Website and they changed my Booking to a Montana Room free of charge.
By now, this has been changed on the Website.
So, long story short, Starting with Summer Season, a Montana Room is in the Main Building, the Standart Rooms are in the Lodges. Make sure to check your bookings!
- Catalina
Thank you i think that was very helpful :) i booked in winter for March also winter? and i booked a standard room in the main building so i should be in the main building right?
i spoke to disneyland paris today and was told that the montanna rooms will be in the lodges until the 28th march 2012 so if you have booked a standard room, like i have, you will 90% be based in the main building, and after the 28th march the montanna rooms will be reinstated in the main building.
I've booked a Montana Room with a Lake View for September 2012 and will be in the main building. When I booked I specifically asked for this as I wanted to be in the main building for ease as i'm taking my 2yr old with me. There was also some confusion as at first it looked like I would be in the lodges but i'm not paying all that extra money for a 2 storey view only so I double checked with them and am definitely in the main building. The main difference between Montana rooms and standard is simply the location and the addition of a mini bar in the rooms but I think that the hotel has finally cottoned on to the fact that they have far more rooms in the main building with a wonderful lake view that they can charge extra for than they do in the lodges!!
We have booked and arrive on 28th March, booking the standard room which stated main building, which was slightly cheaper, I did not want to be in the lodges.
Ive checked my booking and it does confirm main building, so Im happy. :D/
Some pictures of the 'new' rooms from pariscastmember.blogspot.com (//http://pariscastmember.blogspot.com/2012/02/renovated-rooms-at-disneys-sequoia.html)!
(//http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ft6CTgCZXe0/T01CfrPRodI/AAAAAAAAEiI/6kcEUo7PnSI/s1600/IMG_4110.jpg)
(//http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sdy8aCRzny0/T01CnYI3oII/AAAAAAAAEiQ/0VUXt4x3mEU/s1600/IMG_4111.JPG)
(//http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9B0AoRymZA/T01CxAWyaVI/AAAAAAAAEiY/_7OE8LY434Y/s1600/IMG_4112.jpg)
(//http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOe5jXThGsA/T01C7HDvUAI/AAAAAAAAEig/iHZzPjGEiCA/s1600/IMG_4113.jpg)
(//http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oiCJRhQD_rI/T01DKg4ihqI/AAAAAAAAEio/6QkRH-xFvIw/s1600/IMG_4114.jpg)
(//http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VkifcV0eXgE/T01DUjPTfhI/AAAAAAAAEiw/piK0lc0Xst4/s1600/IMG_4115.JPG)
(//http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDuThQ3x5CY/T01DaBywGnI/AAAAAAAAEi4/cZ0OcuGZkgE/s1600/IMG_4116.JPG)
(//http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6NuglQaKs8/T01Dfm20WTI/AAAAAAAAEjA/5SW27_PPmbE/s1600/IMG_4117.JPG)
And apparently Mickey has his own Sequoia Lodge costume now (source (//http://pariscastmember.blogspot.com/2012/02/mickey-eeyore-at-disneys-sequoia-lodge.html))
(//http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LjsEkrBKXR0/T0wAQaXp2-I/AAAAAAAAEhw/QVo5jsBftUU/s1600/IMG_4213.jpg)
(//http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UB-y2cXkGHE/T0wAWLitKsI/AAAAAAAAEh4/uJwdlJynbus/s1600/IMG_4214.JPG)
Thanks for the pictures.
Take a look at the lamps. It's a renovated room and the lamp is already damaged.
Although is just a minor problem,and I guess I'm the only one who cares, but if you look closely at the lamp, you will see that they coloured small parts of it. Usually you take the whole lamp down and after you have coloured the wall, you put it back. It seems that didn't happen here. I'm sure no one will recognize that, but since I've recently coloured some walls at home, I did see it.
Thanks to my girlfriend I'm able to stay in many hotels and the more hotels I see, I get more and more disappointed with Disney.
Mickey has always had a Sequoia Lodge costume. I've got pictures of me with him wearing it from when I was 9 years old. XD
Quote from: "dagobert"Thanks for the pictures.
Take a look at the lamps. It's a renovated room and the lamp is already damaged.
Funnily I didn't notice this the first time I looked at these photos, but now you mention it :(
Well, it's just cheap and nasty and I would have hoped for better :shock:
Notice I said
'Hoped' :roll:
Quote from: "Meph"Mickey has always had a Sequoia Lodge costume. I've got pictures of me with him wearing it from when I was 9 years old. XD
EDIT: "Mickey still wears his Sequoia Lodge costume." :')
Does anyone know if HNY is getting a refurb soon? I've been there 3 times in Nov 06, 10 and 11, no complaints its a great hotel but just wondered if there was anything in the pipeline? We had issues with broken phones and screeching TV's last year when we went!
Laura [-o<
Something is planned for Hotel New York, yes. I forget the timescale now, but they said all the hotels would be refreshed and I think they suggested it'd come sometime after the current Sequoia Lodge and Santa Fe works.
Hmmm maybe it's too much to hope it'll be done by my trip in November [-o<
Just upgraded from the Santa Fe to the Sequoia Lodge for my trip in June! Stayed there in January and love it.
The CM on the phone said that the refurb should be finished by the end of March!
So now all the rooms of Sequoia Lodge are Bambi themed?
Whatever happened to the Mickey-head toppers for the toiletries? It's little detail like that that make the hotel Disney.