cplmsb
SBH Member
We have been vacationing in St. Barth since 1997, for 2 weeks each year (18 trips at 2 to 3 weeks a year). Usually we rent a villa in Vitet. Periodically we will stay at a hotel. Last night, on July 5, 2019 at 7:30 pm, we enjoyed dinner at Aux Amis (with a reservation). The waiter worked at Disney Epcot for a year. A very nice gentleman! Unfortunately we did not record his name. The dinner and atmosphere were excellent, and we decided to come back for breakfast the next day (per his recommendation).
We have discovered over the last 22 years that the best evaluation of a hotel and atmosphere is to appear un-reserved, dressed elegantly, at breakfast, when the breakfast is a buffet. How will the staff “manage” us? Will they be kind and accommodating? Will they be intent on acquiring a loyal customer?
Unfortunately, the breakfast staff at Le Barthélemy failed at all levels. At first we were unsure whether we were even welcome to be standing in the reception area. At the hostess stand at 9am, we were trembling, sore afraid that a table may not be available (the hotel was completely booked, per the hostess). The restaurant was at 10% capacity and remained so till 10:30am.
The hostess relented and allowed us to sit at a table away from the beach area, where we could enjoy the buffet at 45e per person, as lepers in isolation. The un-reserved! A nuisance. The wait staff was in all instances arrogant, conveying disdain and contempt for such fools as we must be to appear at Le Barthélemy without a reservation for the buffet breakfast. They hustled us out as soon as we were finished with our limited amount of coffee, and a few small plates from the buffet.
We have accepted this rejection, with regret. We will not be back to Le Barthélemy. We will be conveying this message to all those we know that love St. Barth.
Sincerely,
Charles and Pamela Herndon
We have discovered over the last 22 years that the best evaluation of a hotel and atmosphere is to appear un-reserved, dressed elegantly, at breakfast, when the breakfast is a buffet. How will the staff “manage” us? Will they be kind and accommodating? Will they be intent on acquiring a loyal customer?
Unfortunately, the breakfast staff at Le Barthélemy failed at all levels. At first we were unsure whether we were even welcome to be standing in the reception area. At the hostess stand at 9am, we were trembling, sore afraid that a table may not be available (the hotel was completely booked, per the hostess). The restaurant was at 10% capacity and remained so till 10:30am.
The hostess relented and allowed us to sit at a table away from the beach area, where we could enjoy the buffet at 45e per person, as lepers in isolation. The un-reserved! A nuisance. The wait staff was in all instances arrogant, conveying disdain and contempt for such fools as we must be to appear at Le Barthélemy without a reservation for the buffet breakfast. They hustled us out as soon as we were finished with our limited amount of coffee, and a few small plates from the buffet.
We have accepted this rejection, with regret. We will not be back to Le Barthélemy. We will be conveying this message to all those we know that love St. Barth.
Sincerely,
Charles and Pamela Herndon