the il ritrovo lounge and bar - the michelangelo hotel

can't believe this place is supposed to be a restaurant/lounge in a 5 star hotel. walked in and at least 3 waitrons were chatting and none of them bothered to seat us so we seated ourselves.waiterplace our menus on the table and disappeared. we had to get up to ask awaiterto serve us. ordered some coffees and spicy chicken mayo sandwiches. waited 20 mins for the sandwiches to arrive and when it arrived the chips were cold and stale and the sandwich barely toasted. asked thewaiterto give us fresh chips and he was not impressed by this and decided to check that it was actually cold. no apology was offered. chips arrived after we finished our sandwich with no plates just the chips in a copper saucepan. had to call awaiteragain to bring plates. thewaiterhad such an attitude when we asked if the chips should at least be served with plates to eat from. what an absolute disaster.

just finished a quick bite at the il ritrovo at the michaelangelo, and what a disappointment it was. after eventually asking for a table, it took another 10 mins to get any service from the staff, to the extent where i had to get up and ask someone if we could place our orders. we ordered the spicy chicken mayo sandwiches and cappuccinos. after about 20 mins the sandwiches arrived, the chips were cold and when asked to be sent back thewaitereven checked to see if they were infact cold, which is quite insulting. the sandwich is probably the worst tcm i've ever had, with the toasted leaning more to the side of just bread. for an establishment in a 5 star hotel their staff have alot to learn. i'm not sure if its cause they are working the graveyard shift but i expect the service and quality of food to be consistent, no matter what time it is.

michelangelo hotel - 5 stars? no way.

i heard about their milkshakes and when i looked at the milkshake menu, it sounded delicious! i met my husband in the lounge area today and we both ordered cappuccino's. gosh, the presentation was great! each one got a little sugar stick and a biscotti. really good!

i decided to order the gingerbread milkshake served with a ginger snap. i got the milkshake, without any kind of ginger snap (which is just a ginger cookie) at all. i showed thewaiterthe menu and asked - where's the ginger snap? thewaitercouldn't even pronounce the words 'ginger snap'. he went somewhere and came back with 2 meringue cookies on a plate. this is it, he said. i said 'no, it definitely is not. take my milkshake away.'

i asked to speak to the manager. this guy didn't know what i was talking about; at all! he then showed me the bottle of ginger cordial and said 'this is the ginger snap'. no my dear manager, it most certainly is not!

then he wanted to give me a free piece of cake - why? just fix the problem!

if your menu says 'gingerbread milkshake served with a ginger snap' - that's what i want! nothing less!!!!!

the il ritrovo lounge is a great place for after dinner drinks.

the service is excellent and expect an attentivewaiterto ensure you find for as long as you are there.

their creme brûlee is a must try if for no other reason but its presentation. the desert is brought to the table with a cloud of smoke and under glass dome.

the milkshake of the same flavor is also worth a try.

there is also a cigar lounge and if you want to experience high tea, there's one served every afternoon.

they also have a full menu so you can make a meal out of it.