At the beginning of February, my boyfriend and i decided we needed a getaway that was filled with luxury. I started searching for the perfect place knowing that delicious food (understanding an allergy to dairy), hiking, serenity and most importantly, really great customer service were our key need to haves for the trip. After exhaustive research, we felt that we would probably find most of what we were looking for at Chatwal so we decided to go for it. And my goodness was that the best decision we have made in a long time.
We left for the lodge on a Wednesday in mid February and as we pulled up to the front, we were met by the fabulous Ruben who immediately made us feel so welcome. We were not asked to fill out paperwork, or do ANYTHING except understand the basic layout of the place and get keys to our room and drink champagne. Ruben took us to the glorious Mount Laurel suite which was a short ride down the hill from the main lodge. The suite was absolutely gorgeous with views of the lake and beautiful decor spread throughout. Ruben made sure we had what we needed and left us to it.
That evening (after a bath in the clawfoot tub and a glass of wine they had left for us) we went up to the main lodge for dinner. I don't think either of us knew at that point quite how unbelievable this trip was going to be. From that point on every meal and greeting from the staff exceeded all expectations we had for the stay. I had one of the best meals of my life that night, between Janets perfect service and Rachels (F&B manager) great wine recommendations and Chef Jesse's exquisite skills, we realized we had found a place that we would not soon forget.
The next morning we met Simon the GM and Cliff who manages the copious amounts of activities they provide and while we enjoyed an amazing breakfast we discussed with Cliff what we wanted to do that day. He had so many ideas for us on how to fill our time but not once did we feel pressure to participate. He is such a wealth of knowledge of the grounds but also just an incredibly awesome guy! We decided that a hike was in order so after breakfast we were offered hiking boots, jackets and even hiking socks for the adventure. We spent the next 2 hours walking a beautiful trail with the only other couple who were staying at the lodge as Cliff told us about the landscape and different animals we might see. After the hike we got back to Cliffs truck and he had champagne and strawberries waiting for us.
The rest of the trip continued this way, with port delivered to our room each night while we were at dinner, a unique cookie or dessert that had been made specially for us by the UNBELIEVABLE Pastry Chef and the fire place turned on to welcome us back.
Each night we spent time chatting with the staff after dinner and discovered some of the most lovely people who understood what great service really is.
Simon, Cliff, Rachel, Janet, Ruben, Jill, Kelly, Tristan and Jesse, THANK YOU for giving us the best vacation I think I have ever had (and I travel A LOT). We are already looking at dates for our next trip out to Chatwal because once you find a place with this level of exceptional service, decor, food, activities and most importantly, staff, you can never forget it and every vacation and experience I have for a long time to come will be compared to this and I guarantee, it is unlikely I will ever find anything close.
Last but not least, I would like to make a point of mentioning Simon again. Being a General Manager is not an easy job, especially when you provide service like this. But this man truly knows what he is doing. He runs a tight ship and clearly values his staff immensely. Thanks for taking such good care of us Simon, you and your staff are what make Chatwal as...
Read moreMy husband and I thought we would visit this lovely property for a quick honeymoon trip over the holiday weekend. To give some context, Four Seasons, Ritz and Auberge Properties are our go to hotels and we are Inspirato members. I'm also a United 1K so we're pretty well traveled. We were looking for something in upstate NY and the photos of this resort were so charming, we thought why not give Hyatt a chance. I can't tell you how disappointed we are with our experience. Keeping in mind the rates per night here seem to start at about $2,000/night so that comes with expectations. Unfortunately, the lodges were dated and could use some upgrades all around. The equipment at resort is poorly managed and just kind of thrown outside to grab if you want to use anything. Canoes and kayaks had to be sorted on our own then paddles were broken and life jackets scattered. When we checked in, we indicated that we were interested in massages if they could accommodate and we gave options of availability but never heard back so no massages. However, I guess they saved the best for last because on our final night we lost power in our cabin and air condition along with it. We contacted the front desk but there was no one able to resolve the issue available so we had to sweat the last night out. Upon check out, I asked for a copy of our invoice and if the manager had been made aware of the fact that we lost power/AC during one of the hottest summers in recent history? The front desk said that they could not give me an invoice because they wanted to see if there was something they could offer for our uncomfortable last evening at their property and indicated that someone would be calling me to discuss then they would send an invoice. Time was of the essence, so I left in good faith but big mistake. After almost 1 week, no call, follow up or invoice from Hyatt. I called three more times on different days once I returned home and still no Hyatt representative call and no invoice.||The staff is clearly frustrated when I call because they have notified management but have received no support or guidance. Apparently, Hyatt does not have anyone on this arguably high end property to manage and care for the clientele or any unexpected issues. ||The property and experience here is not worth what they charge. Do not risk it. There was another nice property down the way we will be trying next time we are...
Read moreMy husband and I had an enchanting stay at the Chatwal Lodge, creating one of our most cherished and romantic memories in our decade-long relationship. Nestled discreetly in the serene woods by the Toronto Reservoir, this estate exudes charm even amidst the January winter. Despite its hefty price tag, every aspect of our stay was worth it. The staff struck a perfect balance between attentiveness and warmth, the cuisine was delightful, and the luxurious suites with fireplaces added to the cozy ambiance.
Countless thoughtful details enhanced our experience, from the electric lantern and Bose Bluetooth speaker in the room to the beautifully scented botanical soaps that complemented the woodsy atmosphere. The highlight was an exceptional dinner in the main lodge, surrounded by the comforting glow of multiple fireplaces and accompanied by soothing jazz music—truly magical.
Although we were pleasantly surprised by an upgraded suite, there was a slight mix-up indicated by a handwritten note meant for other guests. :D However, it didn't overshadow the overall wonderful experience. The only slight disappointment arose when the information regarding meal inclusions differed from what was initially communicated by online chat and by phone the day prior to departure. We were told that we'd have dinner on the day of arrival and breakfast and lunch the following day. However, after breakfast, we learned that lunch was actually not included. I think better transparency on the website regarding what the 'all-inclusive' stay truly encompasses would be useful, especially since it can be an uncomfortable subject to raise for guests.
Nevertheless, despite this minor hiccup, I wholeheartedly recommend the Chatwal Lodge. It exceeded my expectations, and its serene setting and impeccable service made it a truly unforgettable retreat. If your budget allows, I would recommend at least a two night stay to better enjoy all the amenities, such as the recreation room which we didn't get a chance to visit, and the many other...
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