RIU PALACE MACAO

Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Travel Dates: February 2012

Length of stay: 3 nights

My rating: ***

It feels like its been forever since I've posted a hotel review, perhaps I should increase my travel budget.... but here I am! Some friends and I decided to take a very quick girls trip and chose to visit the Riu Palace Macao resort in Dominican Republic.  This was my first time at any of the many Riu properties and I do have to admit I have mixed feelings.  In retrospect,  I suppose it served its purpose. 

Overview: We prepaid for transportation to/from the resort and it took about 40 minutes to get there.   I think it would have been closer if we didn't have to make 1 stop at the Catalonia Resorts that took about 15 minutes. When we first arrived at the lobby they greeted us with a sort of juice cocktail (non-alcoholic).  The check-in process was quite long and we were informed that the advertised Wi-Fi access was only in the lobby area and not in the rooms. This wasn't a very big deal but it was something that we thought to be non-accommodating in this day and age.

Rooms: The room was clean.  Even though there were 3 of us staying in the room, the front desk only gave us one 2 keys (not key cards but actual keys) at check-in and one was for the safe.  It felt odd that they were still using actual keys and not a key card system. It has been a while since I've seen this.  The A/C in the room did an ok job at cooling but we could not open the balcony door or the thing would reset itself and take another 40 minutes to turn back on.  That pretty much ruled out the use of the balcony for us since it was very humid outside.   The toilet was broken and we immediately called for them to send someone up.  The technician was there within 5 minutes.  One thing I noticed and that I made a note to mention here is that there are no peep-holes on the doors.  I don't know who else really cares about this, but I felt like it was a bit of a security issue, just me. They do have a flat screen TV and lots of closet space which was also nice. Aside from these hiccups on the first day, we did not have further issues with the room. The house-keeping was excellent.  They provided a lot of extra towels and toilet paper/bath tissues and who doesn't appreciate that?

Food:  The taste of the food offered was actually good. There seemed to be a lot of confusion around which restaurants were open on what days and at what times.  This made it difficult to make choices ahead of time in order to secure reservations.  Since we weren't there for too long, we did the buffet at EL PATIO for 2 of the nights and had dinner at The Steakhouse on the 3rd night.  We felt the food at the buffet was very tasty.  One of the nights we went they even had sushi, which was quite good. The Steakhouse restaurant is very very small so they require reservation.  I wasn't crazy about the set up of the place but the food was decent.

Property: The property is located in a community of Riu Hotels and you can use the facilities across all of them.  There is only 1 pool at this property which was a negative for me since I enjoy hotels that have lots of pools so that you can have more choices of where to lounge the day away.  Only 1 pool meant very limited spacing.  The beach was large and the view of the ocean was beautiful! They have a beach bar and a pool bar that were both very active.

I hope everyone enjoyed my 2 cents on this place and until next time!

When choosing a room in a hotel......

One of the most important things when choosing a hotel/resort is the room itself.   Those who say, rooms don't matter since you are barely in them on vacation, are gravely mistaken. A room in a hotel is a pivotal part of your stay! It needs to provide the comforts of home and beyond. It should have an accommodating, inviting feel and make you feel safe. It should make you want to spend your entire vacation there, which you most certainly you won't do right?

Some hotels feel the need to meddle on useless details when creating their room categories/types. They offer such a vast range of rooms all at different prices that it becomes extremely confusing to know what you are getting for your money. This actually seems to be the case more in hotels that do not have a clear 'best room' or have little to none oceanfront categories. In my opinion, the best and simplest format is to have rooms categorized by view as far as prices.  However, there will also be suite categories to be considered.  Personally, I prefer places that don't try to nickle and dime you for a flat screen TV or upgraded toiletries while you have the same view or room floorplan as your neighbor.  If places are going to do this they should be very clear on what the differences are between rooms and that way they will have many more happy customers. 

One other thing that I don't understand and this happens at most hotels/resorts.  Why do they always seems to have a few rooms where everything is broken or its smells like mold or you may find an unwanted creature in a drawer? This I will never understand. Some poor soul usually winds up with this reject room at check-in and 'if' they complain then they get moved.  Why not close down those rooms and only offer guests the livable ones? It's like they are daring you to call them out and complain.

So after my little rant, I do feel a lot better!  As travel evolves, I hope that places take into consideration these things that can essentially be the cause of someone not choosing to stay in their hotel. 

Happy Travels!!

AAA Diamond Awards 2012

Travelers!

For all of you out there who like to take into account credentials of luxury in your hotel accommodations, (myself included), the AAA diamond award winners have been released! While I like to base my decisions mostly on actual traveler experiences, these types of lists represent another way to isolate properties that stand out from the rest as far as travel critics are concerned.

In my opinion, the overall winner here is Sandals Resorts. It received recognition on five of its properties across several countries and this is no surprise. Be sure to check out my reviews on Sandals Royal Bahamian and Sandals Grande Riviera. My experience at these properties were both spectacular! I am also quite excited to see Catalonia Royal Bavaro in Punta Cana make the list. Within the past year, I have had heard nothing but great things on this property.

Below, I have highlighted the 2011 recipients of the 4 diamond recognition for

Top Food & Wine destinations in US- Traveler's Choice

Here are the top rated destinations in the US for "Food & Wine" vacations as selected by Trip Advisor travelers! 
http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Food

#10 - Asheville, North Carolina



#9 - Las Vegas, Nevada

Top Beaches in the World - Traveler's Choice

Here are the Top 10 beaches in the world, chosen by Trip Adivsor travelers!

Full list here -  http://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches-cTop25


1. PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS



2. BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

3. PALM/EAGLE BEACH, ARUBA

And the winner is......

Hello there! I finally decided on a vacation for 2012 and the winner for this year will be Aruba!!  I just want to see what all the fuss is about.   Some people I know have there at least once and most people I know go there every year.  I am actually surprised I had not booked a trip there until now.   In retrospect,   I   don't think I ever found any hotel/resort that jumped out at me and said "I'm the one!." Until now, of course, when I found the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.  This place looks amazing and it is incredibly top rated.  I cannot wait to see what our experience will be like.  It has painted itself as everything I look for, amazing room, large quiet beach, top notch service and last but not least.... Adults Only! I think it's probably the only one in the island so it should be no surprise why it beat out the other ones for me.  We will be staying in a beach front Tara Suite.  The only sad part is that we still have a ways before we actually depart.  As you know, expect full details when we return!!

Unexplored places - Pitcairn Islands

Have you ever heard about the Pitcairn Islands?  Not too many people have.  It is one of those places that fascinates me because it is considered to be the smallest country in the world. There are only 50 inhabitants! I was doing some research on population size by country and found this place.  It reminded me a bit about the concept of that movie, "The Beach." I would love to visit!!

Out in the Pacific ocean, about 1300 miles east south-east of Tahiti there is a volcanic group of islands that are part of British overseas territory.  Ducie and Oeno, Henderson and Pitcairn (the main island) are part of the chain.

The country's website has a lot of great information including history, customs and tourism! Who knows, if I feel adventurous enough.......

http://www.government.pn/index.html

Best of 2011 - Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice!

Trip Avidsor.com has released its list of Best of 2011!  I usually enjoy these types of lists because they are based on reviews/ratings by real travelers and those are the opinions that really matter, no?

Here are the winners in the Best All Inclusive category -

                                  1 -   Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso  - Playa Paraiso, Mexico

2 - Garonga Safari Camp - Makalali Private Game Reserve,South Africa

3  Le Blanc Spa Resort - Cancun, Mexico

Punta Cana - Catalonia Royal Bavaro Adults Only

Hello travelers!


I just wanted to share some great feedback I have been getting on the Catalonia Royal Bavaro Adults Only from the last 6 months.  Back in April, I gave some travel research assistance to a couple that I know personally and found that the best fit for them would be this resort in Punta Cana.  On paper, it had everything they wanted - great beach, tons of restaurant options and a great price!

Well, they returned with the hotel exceeding their expectations!! They actually called me from there to tell me what an amazing time they were having.  In their experience, the hotel staff was extremely friendly and willing to assist with any request they had.  The beach was amazing and very clean.  They loved the fact that the resort has the family-friendly property right next door that they could access for more restaurant, nightlife and show options.  At the same time they were able to retreat back to the Adults only side for a more peaceful and romantic setting. 

In August, I had another couple that was searching for a vacation with similar criteria so I priced the Catalonia Royal and it turned out to be an amazing fit for them as well!   One thing I thought was great is that their perception of the resort seemed almost identical - very attentive staff, great beach and great food. 

So, in conclusion of this mini feedback/review, Catalonia Royal Bavaro Adults-Only seems like a great place to check out for your next vacation in the Caribbean. Do it!! 

Mexico - All-Inclusive Adults Only Options

Lots of choices in this area of Mexico (CUN- Cancun Int'l Airport) 
Here is what I have so far. I will post if I find others. Let me know if I missed any....  Enjoy!!


Cancun -

• Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla All Inclusive - NEW!
• Excellence Playa Mujeres Adults Only All Inclusive
• The Royal in Cancun All Inclusive Spa & Resort
• ME Cancun - Complete ME All Inclusive – (Adults only options)
• Sun Palace Couples Only All Inclusive
• Isla Mujeres Palace All Inclusive Resort
• Temptation Resort Spa Cancun Adults Only All Inclusive
• Le Blanc Spa Resort All Inclusive
• Live Aqua All Inclusive Adults Only 

Riviera Maya -

• Excellence Riviera Cancun Luxury Adults Only All Inclusive
• Catalonia Royal Tulum Adults Only All Inclusive
• Desire Resort & Spa Couples Only All Inclusive
• Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun All Inclusive
• Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun All Inclusive
• Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun All Inclusive

Conzumel -

• Sabor Cozumel Resort and Spa - Adults Only - All Inclusive

If you are looking for All-Inclusive Adults Only options in the Caribbean.......

I did some research and compiled a quick list...... I will do Mexico next!

Dominican Republic -

Punta Cana –

·       Excellence Punta Cana Luxury Adults Only All Inclusive

·         Punta Cana Princess All Suites Adults-Only All Inclusive

·         Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana - Unlimited Luxury - Adults Only

·         Catalonia Royal Bavaro Adults Only - All Inclusive

·         Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana

·         Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro – All Inclusive

·         Majestic Elegance Punta Cana – All Inclusive ( Majestic Elegance Club - Adults only section with private Beach)

Puerto Plata –

·         BlueBay Villas Doradas – All Inclusive Adults Only

·         Celuisma Caberete – Adults Only (some All Inclusive rooms)

Jamaica –

·         N-Resort All inclusive for Adults – (nude beach)

·         Secrets Wild Orchid Montego Bay – Luxury Adults Only All Inclusive

·         Secrets St. James Montego Bay – Luxury Adults Only All Inclusive

·         Sandals Montego Bay

·         Sandals Whitehouse

·         Sandals Royal Carribean

·         Sandals Negril

·         Sandals Grande Riviera

·         Sandals Royal Plantation

·         Sandals Carllyle

·         Club Ambiance All Inclusive Adults Only

Las Vegas!! the return.....

We just returned from a week in Las Vegas!! I had previously mentioned that we decided to go back there and once again stay at the Bellagio and we did not regret it.  

 I was very much looking forward to seeing what they  had done with the CityCenter that was under construction when I was there in 2009.  Well, now it's all finished and its amazing!! Its an entire city block located between the Bellagio and the MonteCarlo hotels.  The largest hotel of four found in city center is the ARIA. Everything there, from the building architecture to the last piece of furniture is contemporary and has such a modern feel!  The other three hotels are the Cosmopolitan, the Mandarin hotel and the Vdara.  We only walked through the Cosmopolitan and it also had a really great vibe.  Here are a few pictures of the trip - 

Red Rock Canyon

  

Old Vegas - a tad bit sketchy

Aria Hotel @ City Center - 

We also did a few different things this time around just to spice it up.  We booked the most amazing tour of the Red Rock Canyon.  I wanted to go see the desert but didn't want it to be an all day event.  While I'm not taking anything away from the Grand Canyon (I'm sure its incredible), I just did not want to spend 12-14 hours exploring it.  Anyhow, we booked with Pink Jeep Tours through Vegas.com and had an excellent experience!! The unique thing about the Pink Jeep Tours is that their vehicles are specially customized for off-roading!! So, it's only of the only tour companies that can take you where no one else is going for some of the most incredible pictures!!! The tour guide was so friendly an knowledgeable and the whole thing only took 4 hours hotel to hotel.  


Another new activity we booked for this time around is the Vegas Strip Limo Tour.  This was was also fun and we were looking forward to it as a way to actually see the whole strip and to make a quick stop in old Vegas.  The only thing I can say against the tour company, BellTrans, is that we had to drink our champagne in plastic cups.... Not that big of a deal really, but the champagne itself was almost warm so I felt like the plastic cups made it taste even worse.  Overall, we had a great time in the tour.  The guide was funny and friendly and everything seemed to go off without a hitch.  By the way, not impressed with Old Vegas. We also did make a stop at the Volcano show at Mirage and that was big thumbs down for me.


Las Vegas is always a great place to visit! There is so much to do there for everyone.  Once again we had a great experience, went to eat at some amazing restaurants and just had plain old fun! Some stand outs for us as far as restaurants are the Prime Steakhouse at Bellagio, Julian Serrano at ARIA and FIAMMA'S at MGM.  Oh and we didn't too bad at the BlackJack tables either... ;)

Looong time... new ideas..

It has been way too long since my last post.  I've been sort of a busy bee you could say.  I am working on getting my idea of a  vacation research business to take off.  I want to do something different than your average travel agent.  I want to help people actually decide where they want to go by customizing a unique search of features based on their criteria.  I have already worked with a few people and so far so good!  Anyway, I am really excited about this and hopefully it all works out for the best... I will keep the blog updated with any information and who knows? Maybe I will help you!! ;)

 

The jury is still out for me on Cruises...

I have seriously entertained the thought of going on a cruise at some point in my life.  However, there is always some news story that gets me back off the fence.  For instance, that Carnival ship recently on the news for being stranded at sea!!! Frankly, I can give you several reasons why a cruise is NOT a good idea in my opinion.   

1.) Motion sickness
2.) Being in the middle of the ocean, miles and miles away from anything
3.) 3 words, "stranded at sea"
4.) Sinking ship
5.) Food sickness
6.) Going overboard
7.) I'd need an adults-only pool.
8.) Storms at sea

On the other hand, people LOVE these things so who knows?? Maybe one of these days.  I do think it would an amazing way to see Europe.

Yay!!!

So  I just worked with my very first shall I say 'clients'!! It is a couple that I know very well.  They decided to let me do the research for their upcoming vacation.  They only knew what type of vacation they wanted but felt overwhelmed when researching and trying to nail down the resort that was right for them.  Here is where I come in!!! It is indeed quite time consuming work but I really do enjoy it.   I found them something I think they will love... soon they will be on their merry way to Punta Cana!! Sooo excited for them and of course I wish I was going along.  I've never been to the Punta Cana side of the Dominican Republic, but I hear it's all the rave.  I was promised pics and I will post as soon as I get them.... =)

It's official - Back to Las Vegas!!

It has been quite the while since my last post, but I've been busy busy.  Well, we've decided on our 2011 vacation and chose to go back to Vegas.  I debated back and forth for a while on where to stay, sooo many choices.  Fortunately, The Bellagio once a gain came out on top.  We wanted to explore the new Aria hotel but after some very mixed reviews we decided to go with what we knew and what we loved so here we go!!!

VEGAS!! - THE BELLAGIO HOTEL

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Travel Dates: June 2009
Length of Stay: 4 nights
My rating: ****

We decided to finally explore Las Vegas!! It was our first trip to sin city and we were super excited.  So much to see, to do and experience.  We flew direct(only way to fly) through USAirways and stayed our usual 4 nights which is what works for us but that is certainly not enough time to experience everything Vegas has to offer.  The one thing I found there is that there is something for EVERYONE! You always find people with certain perceptions of what it will be like there.  In reality, you can pretty much find whatever you are into within your budget and its there.  For me it was the sun, pools, weather, malls, shops, restaurants, and entertainment.  We had the best time!

We stayed at the Bellagio hotel and did not regret it.  Immediately you see that its one of the top attractions and one of the most breath taking hotels on the strip!  

EXCELLENCE RIVIERA CANCUN

Location: Riviera Maya, Cancun, Mexico

Travel Dates: June 2008

Length of stay: 4 nights

My rating: *****

Overview: We had never been to Mexico before but had heard great things about the type of resorts that existed and decided to go!  Let me just start by saying that this resort is amazing! I did a lot of research before choosing this one and there are way too many choices in the Cancun area.  We certainly were not looking for a party scene.  We wanted a relaxing, peaceful, adults-only vacation. I was very glad that I ended up choosing this one.  It was everything we had hoped for.  In a nutshell, large resort, lots of pools, great beach, incredible room.

Check-in: The entrance to this resort is impressive.  Everyone on the shuttle from the airport was "ooing and awwing" as we approached the entrance.  We, of course, were excited because this was our stop!  There is a feeling of relaxation and shall I say, 'fanciness',  as soon as you get off the shuttle. The very spacious outdoor corridor that takes you into the lobby has very nice, shinny marble floors.  Everyone is greeted with champagne and cold towels at check-in, very nice touch.  I love it when resorts do this.  The process was very smooth and we were taken to our room by a very nice 'bell-man'.

Let me help you plan your next vacation....

So I had this idea..... why not help people research where they want to go on vacation??  I genuinely enjoy spending time doing that sort of thing. Please comment on this post if you are interested!!! 

If you contact me, I will send you a quick questionnaire so you can let me know the details of your ideal trip!  I will do all of  the footwork and research that will help you choose for FREE!

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 2007 - Part II

Hello again!!
So, next on the review list are a couple of hotels we stayed in the cities of Santiago and Bonao.  Both of these cities are nested within the mountain ranges of the center of the island. 

Hotel: Aquarius Bonao
Length of stay: 2 nights
Rating: **

This one was the least favorite of all the hotels we stayed in.  Its located in the center of Bonao, which is a very small town.  We really weren't expecting much at all.  When we first arrived, the elevator was broken so they  brought up our luggage using the service elevator and we had to go up the stairs.  This was ok since it was only 3 floors.  They advertised a pool, but it was very very small.  The rooms were a decent size, but we didn't feel like it was very clean.  The best part of this hotel was the breakfast. 

Hotel: Hodelpa Gran Almirante, Santiago
Length of stay: 1 night
Rating: ***

We absolutely loved this hotel! and the city as well.  Santiago is referred to as the 2nd capital of Dominican Republic.  It's almost like getting the best of both worlds.  The bustling of the big city mixed in with the relaxed feeling of a small town.  When we first arrived, we were greeted with champagne and cool towel in the