Casimir's Lounge

We recently spent a 3 day weekend in Savannah to just get away and have a little fun.  Our stay at the Mansion was a gift to my wife and it's quite the swanky spread.  The bar/lounge isn't too shabby either.

Another reviewer noted that the bartender had the whole lounge to herself without any help and we noticed the same situation before a cocktail server joined her.  I'm not sure if no matter how busy it gets they only keep one or two on but it does affect the speed at which they can cover everyone.  Quite frankly at the prices they charge I can't imagine how it's a labor cost issue.  Wifi alone is $12.95!

The drink prices in the lounge were not quite as bad as the nitpicky room fees.  They weren't cheap but you are in a luxury hotel and the decor/atmosphere is really nice.  We stopped by before going out on the town both Friday and Saturday and both times it was pretty slow but built as guests arrived.  We had a better experience with the food than some other reviewers.  The calamari one night was very nice and the portion was Cheesecake Factory huge.  It was covered in an olive tapenade and curry sauce.  It doesn't sound like it'd work but we greatly enjoyed it.  The corned beef sliders we ordered the next night after getting back a little late weren't quite as good and oddly bland for corned beef.  Another instance we tried the charcuterie plate and it was quite nice and worth the price charged.  While it certainly wasn't house cured sausages and the like that is all the rage in better restaurants these days they have procured high quality fare none the less.

All in all it's an above average hotel bar.  While the food and service is no where near the level of the Grand Bohemian here in Orlando, another Kessler hotel, we didn't feel cheated.  If they hired a better chef or asked a little more from the one they have they could have something really special.

Savannah is a really nice getaway for those of us in Central Florida.  I highly recommend a long weekend there to everyone.  Bring a camera!

Can you say sofa with throw pillows, a live band and nice bathrooms what more could you ask for? No cover charge but some of the drinks may cost you a bit. But I think this place is well worth it.

This is a relaxing prefect end to a very busy on vacation day.  

Directions: The mansion has a restaurant called 700 Drayton from there you'll see stairs on your left that's the Casimir's Lounge.

Dear Mr. Kessler:

Last evening, after arriving at your amazingly beautiful hotel, we were peckish and in need of a libation and good meal.  Our time at Casimir's Lounge gave us half of that, the cocktails, nicely made by an overworked, under-supported bartender who had to cover the entire lounge solo.  When I asked about the thin coverage, I was informed that no amount of politicking could bring a bar back into the mix.  Bad, Mr. Kessler!  With no lack of attention to decor and ambiance, how could you overlook service as a key element to a patron's experience of your establishment?  How indeed.  I'm sure there are bar backs just itching for a chance to work for tips alone these days.  It would have helped with the long wait times experienced by EVERY person in the lounge.  

Now, do not overreact and think that this issue was due to a lazy bartender.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  However, the ratio of service provider to guests was way off at approximately 1 to 35.  Do the math yourself.  Come into the lounge in disguise and see what happens when a full lounge is serviced by one frantic bartender.  You may want to bring a flask in your pocket to ensure that you get your cocktail in a timely fashion.  

Plus, the aforementioned food we desired was spiced predominantly with one uniquely-chosen spice:  Salt.  Nothing else.  Just salt.  Curious choice.  Is it to reference the sea-faring past of Savannah?  Is there some historical precedence for a high-salt diet as a way to fend of scurvy?  Or is salt cheap?  Cheaper than an additional bar back?  

We had planned on having dinner this evening at 700 Drayton, but have opted to go elsewhere as a result of last evening.  Again, do the math.  Lost patrons vs. a bar back.  Oh, and last night we were never able to order our planned second cocktail.  Do the math.  Lost alcohol revenue (with the significant mark-up) vs. a bar back.  If you need some help, perhaps there is an online converter to help with such a complicated calculation.  

Sincerely,
Ken De Loreto