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

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'.

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