Star Power

The Laundry
I present a stained, wrinkled garment to see how far a property will go to make a guest look good.
MO
According to the in–room laundry card, the service is only available until noon. I call after the deadline—no problem. Pickup takes 10 minutes; 80 minutes later my blouse is back, clean and well pressed.
TS
At 2:10 pm, I'm told it's too late for laundry service (it ends at two) but that housekeeping will press my pants. Pickup takes 14 minutes; housekeeping promises 15 minutes but brings them back in just over an hour—well creased.
FS
At 3 pm, I've missed the cleaning deadline; pressing is my only option. Pickup takes 8 minutes; my dress is back, but poorly pressed, within an hour.

Pool Service
How long does it take to get a drink and a lounge chair?
MO
An attendant leads me to a chair that he covers with a customized fitted towel. He rolls the second towel as a headrest then offers ice water. A waitress arrives within five minutes. No mojitos today nor anything with fruit or melon. For $12.87, plus a discretionary tip, I get a strong margarita. Total time to achieve relaxation: 12 minutes.
TS
No attendant. Wooden lounges are not cushioned. Cocktails? The bar is a hike up a flight of stairs. No mojitos. I order a Sublime, which is subpar: weak, watery, with a faint taste of citrus. Price: $1, plus tax and mandatory 20 percent gratuity. Five minutes later, an attendant appears with an iced scented wash cloth, a small bottle of Evian and an Evian mister. Time to relaxation: 17 minutes.
FS
An attendant leads me to a cabana and covers the chair with a towel. Within ten minutes, a waitress takes my drinks order after apologizing for being late. Mojito? No problem. It arrives perfectly prepared. Price: $9.59, plus a discretionary tip. At the top of the hour, a pool attendant circulates with ice water. Time to relaxation: 20 minutes.

The Fitness Center
MO
The large, high–ceilinged room has cardio and strength equipment and a stretching and weight area. Headsets and towels are help–yourself at the desk. Space: Tons. View: The bay. Thirsty? Two iced beverage dispensers for water and juice. Staff: One shy employee offers help when asked but didn't greet me. Gear: Running fast on the treadmill kills the reception on the personal TV monitor.
TS
I reach for the gym door, and a male staffer at the spa desk barks, "Sign in, please"—twice. The small "studio" feels busy and crowded. The three elbow–to–elbow treadmills are all occupied, as is the single weight bench. View: The pool area. Staff: No one appears to be on duty. Thirsty? No water cooler or pitcher. Post–work–out, I step into the locker room and discover a male spa attendant who apologizes for his presence, but does not leave. I ask him if he could find me a cold towel, and he tells me no.
FS
A uniformed desk attendant greets me and presents a towel, a headset, and bottled water. Space: The gym is busy and yet there is room and equipment enough for everyone. View: None. Thirsty? Three iced beverage choices at the entry. Gear: A blissfully uncomplicated Jack La Lanne–era treadmill and ceiling–mounted TV. Staff: Within ten minutes, an employee circulates with scented chilled towels and cold cups of water.