A father’s viewpoint …

On this last night at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, I have been reflecting on some of the other things that have made me very comfortable to have brought my family here, and these ones have more to do with what the hotel has done for me rather than for my wife or kids.

While as I have already written in an earlier entry from here, I am happy if my family is happy at a place like this and I am here primarily for them and to be with them.

It’s been nice, however, to be able to be a little self-indulgent in ways that I have not had to feel guilty about for taking time away from the kids.  There is a superb 24-hour exercise room I have been able to use after the kids go to bed.  Every place we have eaten has had a varied children’s menu so that my wife and I have been able to eat with the kids without ever having to eat what they eat.  This is why being able to go to the exercise room every night has been so appreciated!

The architecture and decor of The Breakers has been a special treat for me as well.  The place has an easy elegance and grandeur that is perfectly appropriate for an operation that is calmly excellent.

A seemingly small thing that has meant much to me as well is the way the key card for the room is also your identification card and room charge card throughout the resort.  It’s a very liberating feeling.

Finally, there is one other thing that made me feel very comfortable here.  Unlike many other places that think it’s okay to pass the job of monitoring the performance of their staff onto their guests by constantly surveying for and soliciting guest reaction and assessments, suggestions and comments, The Breakers clearly is making sure everyone is meeting customer expectations itself.  The hotel already knows it has great people who are performing well.  I don’t feel like if I don’t tell the hotel about someone who is doing a good job it will go unrewarded. 

Still, in case someone there is reading this, I want to close by making a special note about the service of Michael and the other wait staff at ‘The Italian Restaurant’.  Michael is one of the finest waiters I have ever watched work and with which I have had the pleasure to interact.  I have been extremely lucky enough to have eaten in some of the world’s best restaurants, but if there is a better, more sincere server working, I haven’t met him or her.  Thanks, Michael to you and to all of your colleagues.