The Celeste Hotel, Orlando, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel — Hotel in Alafaya

We stayed last weekend at the Celeste (UCF), and it was really nice most of the time, but I would like to mention 2 issues that weren't as good as expected.

1- The POOL experience was really awful due to the WATER TEMPERATURE. They mentioned at the checking that the pool has HOT water climate/something, exactly what anyone coming to a nice hotel will expect, and so we do. However, the sad temperature surprise was not good at all. I don't know if the hotel is trying to save money, but for whatever reason, either $ or hardware, our time at the pool was really unpleasant. Not only for us but for 3-4 more ppl inside the pool complaining about the temperature, not hot, not warm, almost as the weather; there is no way you can enjoy the pool having the water like this, not even the sun could make the difference while we were inside the pool. I know it's a Pool, not a Hut-Tub, but the least we expect is to have the water climate so you can jump into the pool without the unpleasant feeling of avoiding the cold feeling.

We are planning to visit back very soon and depending on how we face this pool water temperature issue again, I will either remove this feedback or lower it. It depends on how the Hotel wants to listen to the customers vs save money on heating the water as it should be.

2- Another negative experience was the fact that the hotel had a Brunch for Mother's Day and they did not prioritize the guests (customers) at the hotel but the ppl from the area who previously knew about the event and make their reservations. The HOTEL must have found a way to reserve tables for customers who had already paid their time at the hotel. Manager and/or Event Coordinator lack solutions. Even though the Brunch was really expensive ($95) there was no way to make a reservation once we found out about it. This is my opinion on how the hotel should consider guests for events celebrated at the hotel; the review that I am leaving is mainly for the pool temperature and not for this brunch event.

I would like to improve any future HOTEL experience; I hope someone qualified at the hotel takes care of this Pool issue ASAP! Aside from the POOL... the...

I wish I could say that my stay at the Celeste was a pleasant one as it is the closest to UCF. I’ll begin on a positive note; the restaurant was well above the usual hotel standards. The food was very good, there were some nice wines to choose from, the service was impeccable (Esther was fantastic.) The room was very clean, although I personally didn’t find the bed comfortable. When my daughter (whom we had just moved out of her dorm with the end of summer session) and I arrived at the Celeste, I pulled into the portico past the doors to be out of anyone’s way, even though we were the only vehicle there at the time. I was immediately (not out of my car yet) approached by the valet who asked if I was using valet service or self-parking. I said self-parking; the parking lot is a two minute walk and wasn’t crowded at all. He followed me to the back of my vehicle still talking and stating that if I went inside, I’d have to leave him my keys. I told him that we were unloading to directly inside of the doors and that my daughter would be standing there with the luggage while I parked the car. He continued harassing me and literally followed us into the entryway and said since I was now inside, I had to give him my keys. I said NO and to back off. The sliding door literally hadn’t even had time to close before I (and he) were back outside. He then apologized and said that most people just lie and leave their cars there while they check in. I told him he shouldn’t have assumed that I’m a liar. (As a reminder, I had just finished moving my daughter out in 100°+ heat, and the only thing I wanted to do was cool off, get cleaned up and relax.) The girls behind the front desk were very nice, friendly and helpful. When I got back home two days later, I received a bill for $12.78 PER DAY self-park fee (I’m just going to leave that one there) and a $5 “pantry fee”??? I gave the hotel three weeks to get back with me with more than a “we’re looking into this matter, and you will hear something in 3-5...

The front desk agent was very friendly and courteous. We were able to have an early check in and a king size bed provided for us despite registering online for the room reservation. My only issue with the stay is that they charge you $15 to park in a parking lot that is adjacent to the facility. Uncertain why we have to pay $15 to park our vehicle in what is clearly designated as parking spaces for guests at the hotel. The only other thing I would mention is that we were on the second floor and located near the exit door in the hallway. As a result of people utilizing the stairs versus the elevator to get down to the lower lobby, the door would slam shut every time somebody exited through it. This was quite loud and disturbing as a guest trying to sleep.

As for the room, the bed was very comfortable. The bedding was high-quality, the pillows were full-size and/or king and of good quality. The TV and other options were a good quality. Everything appeared clean with an exceptional view of the pool. Had the Esther been warmer, we would have enjoyed utilizing what appeared to be a clean and well kept pool.

I would suggest that they put an indication on the in room refrigerator that you have to turn it on in order to use it. Not realizing that it wasn’t turned on. I placed items in there that I had to later throw away when I realized that refrigeration was not automatic.

The shower and bathroom facilities were well-maintained and of good quality. I especially enjoyed the spa robe that is complementary in the closet. I did find that this particular spa robe can be purchased by the hotel itself for $37. However, when I went to the front desk to inquire about purchasing it for myself, I was informed that the out the door price would be $74. That was disappointing.

Overall this was an exceptional stay and...