Holiday Muse

The ROYAL in Playa del Carmen

2008-12-27T10:07:00.014-05:00

The ROYAL in
Playa del Carmen
Sept 2008
Posted by: Mari Markin

Holiday Muse
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mari@holidaymuse.com

The service was not 5-star. It definitely lacked in the concierge and restaurant departments. I would probably categorize this resort as a 3-star instead of a 5-star. It was nice to be able to walk to 5th Ave and other places in Playa Del Carmen. But it seems there aren't that many deals there anymore... unless you want Lasik, of course! Yup, they can do Lasik eye surgery right there in their little shack where they also sell prescription drugs without a prescription! Also, ladies need to get your nails done before they get there. There is this older woman who does nails and she can't see very well... even with her thick glasses. The restaurants were mediocre. I enjoyed the Maria restaurant very much. The other ones were just fine. Their spa, however - FANTASTIC! You can even use the spa area (sauna, steam room, whirlpool, cold water plunge, lockers, showers, lounge) without having a spa treatment. I went there every evening before dinner. It is nicely designed, decorated, and maintained. Watch out for their "Gold Card" push. You supposedly get discounts with this card (at the spa, gift shop, etc) if you listen to their timeshare schpeel.

The Homestead

2008-06-09T14:13:00.006-04:00

Review of The Homestead
June 7-8
Posted by: Mari Markin

Holiday Muse
Escape to Paradise For Less
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mari@holidaymuse.com

It is my opinion that this resort is overpriced for what you get. The 17% resort fee is a bit pricey... but possibly acceptable should other items be included as a part of the fee such as bike rental, bowling, etc. A couple bottles of water would have been nice, too on hot days. I felt I was getting nickel’d and dime’d for everything.

The room was mediocre. The bathroom smelled slightly of sewer water, I had no hot water the morning of departure; the shower knob was clumsy and required more pressure to move. Towels had stains on them.

There were many bugs to include knats and even found a bug inside my blouse. The pond in front of the Spa is ridiculously filthy. Supposedly, one is to dip their feet into this pool. With all the floating green, orange, and red algae and dirt- I would have imagined it had not been maintained in many years.

Service was good, although not altogether helpful at times when questioning menu items, but it was pleasant. Food was fantastic.

The decor with carpet everywhere lends itself to having mildey carpet when it gets wet. Chairs and carpet do not appear to be maintained very well.

We did not get our newspaper as mentioned in the reservation.

My spa appointment (aromatherapy massage) was borderline miserable. The room was very bright, no window treatments, the sun blaring in, the thermostat set to 79 degrees, and the bed warm. On a very warm day outside, people expect a cool atmosphere indoors. I had also expected something nicer such as scented candles, etc with the aroma therapy... not just a scented oil.

If you are a history buff and appreciate the Grand Wealthy South Setting, I recommend The Homestead. Otherwise, I do not recommend a visit here.

Any questions, feel free to contact me.
~Mari~
mari@holidaymuse.com

Holiday Muse
Escape to Paradise For Less
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Holland America Westerdam

2008-05-12T14:41:00.007-04:00

Review of Holland America Westerdam
April '08 by Mari
PRP Travel, Inc.
Escape to Paradise For Less
http://prptravel.com/
mari@prptravel.com

I went on this ship for a quick 4 night Bahamas trip. The ship is nice. It has tons of balcony rooms which if put side by side to a Royal Caribbean, Westerdam stomps the competition. I made use of the spa area (steam room, heat loungers, spa pool, etc) and it was okay. At times, the steam rooms were cool, the water in the spa pool was a bit on the chilly side. Another downside is that there aren't enough heated loungers. People were lining up and standing behind me talking and waiting for anyone of us to get up out of the loungers. It's really hard to relax in that situation. The spa area is just generally small and crowded.

Our room was the best part of the ship. We opted for the biggest suite there is - SA; second only to the 2 presidential suites. The room was magnificant, big, spacious, nicely decorated. It came with a small shower as well as a small jacuzzi tub. The balcony was also very big. With these deluxe suites came access to Neptune Lounge which had extra privileges like a personal concierge, dvd rentals, snacks, books, free dry-cleaning, breakfast at the Pinnacle Grill, etc. The service for the room was great.

We opted for the normal fixed-time, sit-down dining option. I thought the meals were very creative and delicious. It was well proportioned so that you can eat every course. That said- I know a lot of people who could not find that filling. No worries- just order more. It's included! The service there was great.

Now, for the bad-
At Half Moon Cay, we choose one of their private cabanas, paid $249 for them, but did not get the butler service. I was told that it wasn't a problem; people would still come around, just not one dedicated to me. That was an utter lie. There was NO ONE who walked by and asked if i needed anything, not even drinks. Instead, most of the service people stood around our cabana and lay down in the hammocks. When other paying cruisers walked by and asked if those hammocks were reserved for cabana renters only, the service person replied with, "No, just reserved for me"... and it was not said jokingly or intended to be a jist. I was extremely agitated at the service on the island.

We opted for the transfer to/from the airport and pier. Don't do this at Fort Lauderdale... it's a waste of time and money. The port is less than 10 minutes away... and the transfer service only comes at certain times. More than likely, you're sitting around for many hours at this small airport. Taxicab is cheaper.

The entertainment was a bit odd to me. There was a band there singing and I thought it was karaoke night. It was pretty bad. The piano guy was good, the nightclub is small, the casino smokey, but overall, because it was a shorter trip, I don't think I got a good feel for their best. Also- this isn't a spring-break crowd... but of a mature adult who let's loose every once in awhile crowd.

Any questions, feel free to contact me.
~Mari~

mari@holidaymuse.com
Holiday Muse
Escape to Paradise For Less
http://holidaymuse.com/

Celebrity Century

2008-04-02T16:41:00.014-04:00

Review of ship and cruiseline- Celebrity Century
March 22nd by Rich. Posted and modified for posting by:
PRP Travel, Inc.
Escape to Paradise For Less
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mari@prptravel.com

Mari,
Just returned from the cruise... We had a great time and enjoyed the Celebrity line. We also found a $50 room credit on both the cabins for something. Don't know what, but it was a pleasant suprise. Thanks for everything. I'll be contacting you for our next adventure.

The food was great and there was plenty to do onboard. The shows were okay. We hit some rough seas in Grand Cayman and had to anchor on the back side of the island. Our planned excursion was cancelled so we spent the day shopping (this was the best part of the trip for my wife). We were one of only 3 ships allowed to stay. The other 3 were turned away. Our wait line for the tender was the shortest and they had cold drinks and towels on the pier for us. I would recommend both the line and the ship to anyone.

Thanks, Rich

The Lodge At Sonoma

2008-03-18T15:52:00.007-04:00

Review of The Lodge at Sonoma
February 2008 by Mari
President of PRP Travel, Inc.

PRP Travel, Inc.
Escape to Paradise For Less
http://prptravel.com/
mari@prptravel.com

The Lodge at Sonoma is a wonderful getaway in Sonoma Valley. The Lodge is owned by Marriott. There are two parts to this little retreat- the hotel part and the cottages. The hotel rooms are your typical beautifully decorated hotel rooms that are close to the main lobby- bar, wellness center, pool, etc. The cottages vary but they are bigger and will have a fireplace, a huge bathroom, and a private patio/balcony. There is a spa onsite... I was hooked with the spa's brand shampoo and conditioner! I had to get some! There is a pool and hot tub outside, a bar (although not always manned), business center and wellness center inside. If you like new equipment, style, and a aromatherapeutic workout- go to the wellness center. I don't know how a fitness room could smell so wonderful but it does!

Customer service is particularly nice and accomodating.

There is a building on the front side of the hotel that offers free wine tasting to those guests booked at the lodge. Although, you do not have to show proof and the gentleman there gives you a free wine tasting even if you say you aren't staying there. Take advantage of it! If you would like to bring a bottle of wine to the restaurant there on site (Carneros Bistro)- ask for a free corkage card. You will not get charged the corkage fee at the restaurant. The food there is good. I didn't care for the fancy mac and cheese but that was my mistake to order that. The lamb was very tasty, though. You can also just drive north and visit a gazillion wineries. If you have a Visa Signature Card- you can get alot of the tastings for free.

I recommend a visit here at The Lodge at Sonoma.

Any questions, feel free to contact me.

~Mari~

mari@prptravel.com

PRP Travel, Inc.
Escape to Paradise For Less
http://prptravel.com/

Excellence Punta Cana

2008-01-31T12:21:00.001-05:00

Review of Excellence Punta Cana Resort Dec '06-Jan '07 by Mari; President of PRP Travel, Inc.

PRP Travel, Inc.
Escape to Paradise For Less
http://prptravel.com/
mari@prptravel.com

To begin, I would like to say that my visit here was between Christmas and New Years the year Excellence Punta Cana changed management. Their former name was Secrets Excellence Punta Cana and as of January 1st, 2007, they just became just Excellence Punta Cana. With that in mind, I'm sure service was probably a little degraded as most were confused on their status after new management took over.

OK... So call me an all-inclusive snob. I've been to a few of them and this has got to be the worst resort ever. I went through the hotel to book a helicopter transfer from the airport to the hotel. Spoke with concierge on several occassions about this and... We waited for the helicopter and it never showed because the hotel never actually booked it! Didn't find that out til hours later, though.

There was always a wait for dinner.... not just 5 minutes but more like 1 hour. Yes, we went at a high volume time BUT they close one restaurant every night. There's no pattern to which restaurant is closed, either. Also there was always something *missing* from the menu. Every single day, we would ask for something on the menu, and they would just say- "No, we don't have it". That's it! Order something else. Huh??

Exploding ketchup bottles. Yes, One popped like opening a champagne bottle and exploded on me and about a 3 feet radius around me. Instead of being sympathetic, the staff looked at me like I did something wrong... They were more concerned about the mess it made around me. Then when it happened to someone else sitting next to me- they just took all the ketchup bottles away. Smart move but maybe some suggestions on getting my nice clothes dry-cleaned would have been more helpful. I went to concierge and told them about it. They took my clothes and cleaned it but they charged me the full price PLUS an additional 50% for express service!

RATS! I understand tropical bushy areas get creatures... I've seen the rats in NY and be aware- they are the same size in Dominican Republic, too. I saw the biggest rat ever in the Mexican Restaurant flying through the dining area. It was going so fast, it slid and went under the cabinet in the far corner. When I told the server about it- he was NOT surprised and just asked if I wanted to finish my dinner. Again- a little more sympathy would have been nice but his nonchalant behaviour led me to believe this wasn't a rare occassion. When I told the bartender about it outside, he just chuckled and said he saw 3 earlier that day and asked me what I thought the pork chops were made out of. Yeah, very nice! I'm not so sure he was joking with me!

One more thing about the Dominica Republic. While they have gates to confine the resort from the rest of the world, you have to be very careful. It is dangerous. The police have machine guns at the gas stations because there are increase instances of gas & go. You will be safe within your resort but be cautious if leaving the resort grounds.

Aventura Spa Palace

2008-01-31T12:15:00.001-05:00

Review of Aventura Spa Palace Resort Sep '07 & Apr '06 by Mari; President of PRP Travel, Inc.

PRP Travel, Inc.
Escape to Paradise For Less
http://prptravel.com/
mari@prptravel.com

When I visited Aventura Spa Palace the first time, I knew this was going to be the place I would get married in. The views, the service, and the food were wonderful. And it has been consistent from one year to the next. This resort is really great for big groups. It is a big resort with two “sides” – The North Side and the South Side. The North Side tends to be more relaxed and subdued with a Spa while the South Side is where the “action” is- dance club, pool games, snorkeling, biking, tennis, volleyball, night entertainments, etc. But the entire resort is available to everyone.

SERVICE - One of the best features about Aventura Spa Palace is their Service. The staff is super attentive and it is always service with a smile :)

ROOM - Aventura Spa Palace offers so many amenities in your room. Full Liquor Bottles that disperses exactly one shot of alcohol when you press up on the bottle, a Jacuzzi in the room facing your balcony, a shower big enough to fit 8 people comfortably, a balcony with a hammock, and for people who will absolutely die without internet access – free wireless internet.

FOOD- out of this world fantastic. There were 7 to choose from. Definitely try the Mexican Restaurant and the Greek Restaurant if you're not there that many nights and have to choose. And definitely stop at the Sweet & Coffee Creperie next to the steak house (Mundaca). I'm not a sweets person but their desserts are very creative and delicious.

ACTIVITES- Don't worry about gaining weight because there is so much to do there. The resort is big enough to have tons of activities to do but small enough to find your way around to everything. On both visits, I actually lost weight from all the biking and dancing. Fun activities for me - Playing tequila volleyball in the pool, dancing at the disco (can get smoky in there but you can request whatever you’d like to hear), hanging out in the beds at the Thai Lounge, and shooting pool with friends.

WEDDING – I couldn’t have asked for better pictures. Palace Resorts offers free weddings with cake and decorations or you can pay more to “upgrade”. You get married in one of two wedding gazebos; both on the water. One is on their “beach” in the sand and the other on the North Side, without sand. Either spot will make for great wedding pictures. And definitely do the horse-drawn carriage… there will not be a dry eye around. My family & friends raved for months after my wedding about how wonderful the resort is.

~Mari~
Contact me for more information at:
mari@prptravel.com

Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso

2008-01-30T13:51:00.001-05:00

Review of Iberostar Grand Paraiso Hotel Jan '07 by Wayne; satisfied customer of PRP Travel, Inc.

PRP Travel, Inc.
Escape to Paradise For Less
http://prptravel.com/
mari@prptravel.com

Mari--we are back--thanks for all your help everything went great. Hotel was great--weather wasn't so great but can't help that. Anyway thanks and we want to do this again so we'll be in touch---if you ever see any great deals let me know.

We just returned from the Grand. Everything you read in the reviews is pretty much true. Great buildings, food, service, etc. Here are a few things I did not see written:

1) Do not use Fun Jet vacations for your transfer (Lomas Travel)--we waited an hour at the airport to get our ride and they did not have our name for the return---find another company!!

2) All rooms are the same, but BLDG 70 and 71 is on the beach and has the ocean front--they cost $100 a day extra and they would not give a free upgrade. I don't think its really necessary unless you desire the view.

3) There is LIMITED TV--only 2 US channels? Why doesn't Iberostar have US satellite and ON DEMAND Movies? There is a CD player and they have CDs but they are movies from 5-10 years ago. You probably are thinking I'm not there to watch TV---well when its pouring rain--it would be nice. If Iberostar reads this---cough up the cash and get a US satellite TV connection.

4) Entertainment is weak--went to one show and never returned. Again, Iberostar needs to put some PROFESSIONAL effort into the show.

5) I could not use a toll free MEXICO calling card. Iberostar blocks Mexico and US toll free and they charge $5 for each connection. Come on!!! Even Motel 6 doesn't do that anymore. Our cell phone worked by it cost $1.49 per minute. Iberostar needs to grow up and drop the $5 fee.

6) RAIN RAIN RAIN--lots of rain and things are boring when it rains. Plan on getting rain and what you will do if that happens.

7) Dinner reservations---don't know why they do this. Every time we asked for resv they were booked, but when we walked in they were empty. I think people book multiple restaurants and then don't show--they should just drop the whole deal. Go to wherever you want and don't worry about resv.

8) Golf--nice course--kind of a long Par 3. As a Grand guest you get a free round. Club rental is $40. BRING BALLS--cheapest balls were $15 for 3!!! Again--come on Iberostar--don't try to make money on people that didn't pack balls!!!

9) Gym facilities--UNSAT for a 5 star. The Grand gym is small no AC and only a few machines. The gym for the other complex is larger but no AC and it is unkept. They do have free weights but the facilities are UNSAT for a resort. Iberostar--buy some up to date equipment.That's about it.

My comments are on the "bad". But this is a beautiful hotel with great service and food.

Royal Caribbean Sovereign of the Seas - New Years

2008-01-07T11:45:00.002-05:00

Review of ship and service - Sovereign of the Seas Dec 31-Jan 4
by Alecia and Willie; satisfied customers of PRP Travel, Inc.

PRP Travel, Inc.
Escape to Paradise For Less
http://prptravel.com/
mari@prptravel.com

Cons:

No ironing board on the ship! They encourage travelers to use their pressing service

Very small rooms (smaller than most ships)

Food was just okay... nothing special

Cruiseline provided miniature soap; no shampoo/conditioner - think tiny

This is an older ship and will be de-commissioned in 2008

Pros:

Royal Caribbean staff member service was prompt and good

PRP Travel agent service was impeccable and very thorough

Nightclubs were nice; nice comfortable areas to sit around and play board & card games

Cruiseline gave out dramamine when the ship was rocky like crazy