HotelChatter

The hotel room was large and included a compact refrigerator and wall safe--both of which were new additions from the last visit. Generally, rooms were clean and neat with no particular outstanding features. We experienced no problems when requesting additional cloths or towels, and the maid service was pleasant.  We did notice plenty of empty `to be renovated' rooms in our area.  In the early evening the room windows were covered with brown paper, which made for a very unattractive setting.  It might have been more appropriate had management thought to cover the windows with curtains to improve the drab appearance.

Our regular and favorite spot in this hotel was a place called "John B's".  Everyone stopped at this open pub restaurant on arrival for its infamous burgers, hot dogs and fruit platters or when leaving, for the last taste of the island flair.  Special to us was the island music played by a solo guitarist who was usually accompanied by background taped calypso music which set the atmosphere of fun, "get away and escape".  The others asset was the pleasant service provided by the island waiters and waitresses.  On this visit, however, it didn't take long to notice something was missing.  The waitresses were clearly not happy.  There was no island music--in fact, there was no music at all on our arrival.  We were informed that, as a cost saving measure, the new management decided to eliminate live entertainment and provide cassette taped music later in the day--which was very "Americanized," loud, and boring.  

To add insult to injury, patrons are now forced to use a credit card for all transactions.  Whether buying water, soda or a burger, no longer is there a choice of cash or credit.  We discovered later that this might have been decided to discourage islanders from patronizing the premises.  The unfortunate result of this choice is John B's empty seats and absence of the flavor and flare that once made it a popular place to visit.  For the first time in many years and many visits, we began to search other hotels in the area for entertainment.

Before embarking on this trip, I made several attempts to reach the general manager of this newly renovated resort for an interview.  I wanted to get a "first hand" view and reasoning behind several changes and additions, to insure a balanced overview of this hotel resort.  Unfortunately, he did not find the time to respond.  I would advise vacationers to take a closer look before selecting this resort for a lengthy stay.  Focus is clearly cost saving short cuts at the expense of hotel appearance, customer enjoyment and comfort.  

Though prices have certainly increased, the quality of customer service and "perks" have clearly been affected. Even as a Time Share, which seems to be an ultimate push, the need for improved structural quality of the rooms combined with the general lack of customer attention, makes this resort a questionable choice for the seasoned traveler.

Theresa V. Wilson, M.Ed. is a Freelance Writer and owner of a home based business dedicated to providing products and resources for families and caregivers facing health recovery and crisis related issues. Her Self Help support sites are http://www.meetingtheneeds.org and http://www.renewingyourhealth.org