Description: The lofty faded art deco sign and blue glass portico glared at us. Roofers blocked the entrance with their truck of rubbish, and our first impulse was to run. Inside the double glass doors we were still not impressed. Behind a high counter a quick little desk girl jumped to attention as we inspected the worn brown carpet and unadorned shelves and desks. Being as we looked a mite put off she suggested we peek into their Sunday Brunch in full swing. Forward through an archway the immense dinning room raced away to a far glass wall overlooking the sparkling Olympic pool. Warm bright afternoon sunlight sparkled on all the burgundy and white clothed tables and upholstered chairs whilst a pianist tinkled tunes to a luscious crowd. Now here is a treat included in the room price:full buffet breakfast southern style, scrambled eggs, coffee, bacon, sausage, grits, hash browns, biscuits, and sausage cream gravy.
While taking a look at a room we discovered the local institution of a restaurant and Hotel is under renovation. Thank goodness they decided to start with the guestrooms. Newly painted and decorated in cool blues and greens, the rooms are a trifle on the small side but a lot of little things helped: head boards on the beds, real wall paper, a tiny fridge, TV, telephone, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, and a now unheard of metal bottle opener mounted on the wall near the sink. Remember when all sodas came in glass bottles, not just beer? Our bath was really snug, but there were plenty of lush towels and lots of little amenities, shampoo, lotion, etc.
From our lowly 2 full beds to elegant 3 room business and family suites complete with dinning rooms, La Font offers a selection of accommodations with a selection of prices to match. Nestled on the back 40 of their lush 9 pine studded acres is even a southern mansion called the Magnolia House. Maybe it's waiting for your next formal affair?
La Font's is one frontage road away from Highway 90, giving easy access to all the sites, restaurants, and shopping. There is no public transport and the taxis are expensive and slow, so bring your car.
Service, friendliness and attitude, from the prompt waitresses at the full buffet breakfast to the swift repair man, the employees are what make this shabby elegant hotel a stand out. Everyone, even the maids and waiters, were always helpful, polite and quick to respond. Finally becoming annoyed with a small noisy fan in our bath, we had to have two tries at getting it fixed but all work was completed with a smile.
What do we remember? The wonderful restaurant, breakfast, lunch buffet and full dinner menu with wine list, gleaming pool, tennis courts, hot tub, fitness room, sauna, The Reef Lounge, and Shawn, our dinner waiter.
La Fonts has a good location, lots free parking, takes all your credit cards and has a website. www.chappyslafontinn.com
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