Sheridan Newfoundland Hotel July 2010

Picture of icebergs in Newfoundland.  These types of icebergs are seen by residents, guests and vacationers when the icebergs flow down from the north.  These can be seen in St. John's harbour, but I unfortuately, haven't seen them in person yet, but I will.  Picture thanks to Flightnetwork blog.

Hello folks.  I want to expand on my stay in St. John's at the Sheridan Hotel, which used to be called the Fairmount Hotel.  For one thing, summer in NL is awesome!  It was my first time going in the summer and I am so glad I did.  The weather was great, the people were wonderful and the food fantastic!

The hotel has an very nice appearance on the outside.  Many of its rooms overlook the beautiful St. John's Harbour and the homes in the hillside built into the rock.  You also can see the historic Battery Hotel and towering above it, is the equally historic Signal Hill Tower. The awe this view brings is amazing.  It looks just like a picture and yet your eyes can't take it in enough.  It was the view I woke up to each morning with the huge picture windows in all the rooms.  What a way to wake up. 

If you're lucky, take a tour out on the Hill in and around the homes, you will be amazed at the Jelly Bean Row of houses. They are called that because of their jelly bean colours.  A wonder of nature for sure.  Signal Hill holds breathtaking views out onto the Atlantic Ocean. You can see on the top of the picture towards the left side, is the actual small castle.  The little Signal Hill Castle/museum is a wonder in itself.  Lots of pictures and history for everyone.  Signal Hill sent the first transatlantic message across the ocean.

The Sheridan rooms are spacious with very nice decor, no harsh colours.  It is inviting from the moment you walk into the room with the electronic keys.  A coffee pot with cups and glasses await you.  The bathroom is so clean and fresh smelling with the little soaps and shampoos in case you need them.  The shower is clean, bright and waiting for me to either shower or bathe.  The jet from the shower is relaxing and soothing as you close your eyes and enjoy the massaging effect on your hair and body.

The bed looks so comfortable and when you take your first sit on it, you can't believe your luck!  It is so comforting with a feel of luxury.  Inside the bed, which is both firm, yet so soft, you feel like you are lying on a cloud of puff with the cleaniest fresh smell from the sheets and pillows.  You know you don't want to get out of the bed, even for the meeting you're attending the next day.  As you sit in bed, you can watch TV or the view out the window and if you are smart, you would leave the curtains open througt the night so you can wake up to a spectacular view!  The TV has lots of channels for you as well.

The pool area is small but the water is reasonably warm and enjoyable.  They have a gym for those so inclined.  The solarium is beautiful.  Lots of greenery and trees and a waterfall that you can see from the restaurant and the pool area.  They moved the Lounge which used to be call the Narrows, which in my opinion, had the BEST fish and chips in the province and believe me,this is the best province for fish anywhere!!  However, it is now called the Bibber and it changed locations with the restaurant.  It is not my favourite anymore.  The restaurant provided some good food and excellent servers.  The hotel desk was very helpful and welcoming.  The housekeeping does an exceptional job cleaning the rooms to welcome old or new guests.

One of my favourite places in the hotel is the Rosewood Spa, owned and run by Roma, what a woman!  You couldn't get more friendly or experienced staff.  It is one of the best places I have ever gone to get a full body massage, manicure, pedicure and facial.  Their technique, compassion and warmth combined with the most incredible decor and surroundings, will take you to bliss.  They have numerous products to aid in self-indulgence.  If you visit this Spa, you will NEVER regret it.  They are very busy so you need to book early.

Taxis are readily available outside the hotel.  The friendly Newfie attitude will make you feel right at home.  All in all, a trip to St. John's with a stay at the Sheridan and a visit to the SPA will make your trip a very sepecial one for sure!

Downside to this Starwood Hotel is that they have yet to give me points for staying in one of their hotels.  The hotel was paid on a masterbilling for ease of payment only, so they will not give points for people.  This is wrong!  Ultimately, I am paying for the hotel through dues.  There use to be so many problems with everyone paying their own bills, we ask all hotels be paid through master billing.  This is done and now we are refused our points.  This can mean a lot to frequent travellers, such as myself.  I am working on getting this resolved, I'll let you know.