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Very worried and upset - honeymoon

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The resort probably has an ongoing renovation (can't do all rooms at once - they're done in stages because revenue is needed to maintain operating costs). Just talk to the manager and make sure you get one of the newly renovated rooms - instead of one of the rooms not yet updated. Also, understand that "Oceanview" does not mean "Oceanfront".
 
Here''s a larger image of the suite as it''s advertised on the hotel''s site. Yeah, I''d be annoyed too if I thought this is where we''d be staying and the actual room looked like the second one you posted. If I knew going into it that the room would look like that, that would be one thing. If not, I wouldn''t be happy.

I''d definitely call if possible (as well as e-mail, which you''ve already done) and see if there''s anything that can be done.

bahamashotel.JPG
 
Oops. It pays to go through the whole thread before posting, huh? Sorry Courtney! Thanks Gypsy!
 
Date: 2/8/2008 6:44:57 PM
Author: LAJennifer
The resort probably has an ongoing renovation (can''t do all rooms at once - they''re done in stages because revenue is needed to maintain operating costs). Just talk to the manager and make sure you get one of the newly renovated rooms - instead of one of the rooms not yet updated. Also, understand that ''Oceanview'' does not mean ''Oceanfront''.
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Ditto. Definitely ask about this when you talk to a manager. There is more than one of your room type. Almost everyone at Sandals is on their honeymoon so they have a LOT of honeymoon suites. The chain has been doing a lot of renovations and I bet your resort falls into that too. Just be sure to ask for the renovated rooms if they say that is the case.

Oh, and my "ocean view" room did allow me to see the ocean, but first I had to look past the employee building and the gates and the road. It was quieter than the pool side though.
 
Date: 2/8/2008 8:48:15 PM
Author: sumbride

Date: 2/8/2008 6:44:57 PM
Author: LAJennifer
The resort probably has an ongoing renovation (can''t do all rooms at once - they''re done in stages because revenue is needed to maintain operating costs). Just talk to the manager and make sure you get one of the newly renovated rooms - instead of one of the rooms not yet updated. Also, understand that ''Oceanview'' does not mean ''Oceanfront''.
Click to expand...

Ditto. Definitely ask about this when you talk to a manager. There is more than one of your room type. Almost everyone at Sandals is on their honeymoon so they have a LOT of honeymoon suites. The chain has been doing a lot of renovations and I bet your resort falls into that too. Just be sure to ask for the renovated rooms if they say that is the case.

Oh, and my ''ocean view'' room did allow me to see the ocean, but first I had to look past the employee building and the gates and the road. It was quieter than the pool side though.
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They don''t have any rooms that are called "ocean front". I think there''s a beach front villa, but those aren''t great according to the reviews.
 
Date: 2/8/2008 5:01:04 PM
Author: Fancy605
Date: 2/8/2008 4:19:33 PM

Author: Courtneylub


I''m not saying the room is ugly, but it''s DIFFERENT. Different style overall. It''s the typical Mexican/Caribbean style and that''s not what I wanted. I could''ve had that for a lot less money.
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Ummm--I''ll say it then: The room is ugly. It just looks cheap and shabby. I wouldn''t mind staying somewhere like that on a budget vacation, but if it were my honeymoon, and I had several thousand dollars in the trip, I would expect plush white linens, marble floors, the whole 9 yards. Not sad carpet and an ugly thin comforter that probably has that gross scratchy white backing with fuzz balls all over it and that never looked clean even if it had been washed recently. I personally do not think that you are over reacting in wanting something that more closely matches the photo on the website. In fact, I myself was VERY picky when my husband and I planned out the honeymoon from the location to the beach to the room decor to the pool--I was even picky about the bathroom. I mean--on your honeymoon, you tend to be in your room a lot, so it would be bad if it were icky.


Now, if you were going on a budget vacation or a vacation where you did a whole lot of activities and sight seeing and planned to use the room only for crashing at night and showering in the morning, the end, then I would say, ''Eh, who cares?''


But in this case, I agree with you. I would want to be refunded so I could search elsewhere. I mean, I guess ultimately, it''s your honeymoon, and the fact that you''ll be with the man of your dreams makes it pretty awesome, but there''s nothing wrong with wanting a nice room too.
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Amen! I am so picky, too. I understand some people aren''t, or at least the room isn''t as important. Just like how different people want more money for a reception or a photographer, right? To me; however, the room will be very important. I don''t go on vacation that often, so my honeymoon will be really important. So definitely contacting the manager is the right thing to do.
 
GREAT news!!! I found out that we can cancel our Sandals reservation for a $25 fee!! We will have to keep the flight to the Bahamas, which is fine. Now I need to find a BETTER resort in the Bahamas. Off to research again! If any of you have any suggestions, feel free to share! You all know what I''m looking for in a resort after this thread.
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I would suggest one of the Atlantis properties or the Ocean Club (also related to the Atlantis). Since the last time I''ve been to the bahamas (2003), I know the Atlantis has put up some new hotels (Cove and Reef I think) that I''ve heard good things about. I''ve stayed at the Royal Towers at the Atlantis (twice) and the Ocean Club the three tiimes I''ve been there and had a good experience all three times. My only complaint about the Atlantis was that there were a ton of kids and I was there for a romantic getaway, but it could have been the time of year we were there. It may be different at the newer properties too- I think families tend to stay at the main property (especially the beach tower) b/c of the waterpark. The Ocean Club was beautiful and quiet- but pricier than the Atlantis.
 
Date: 2/12/2008 10:55:58 AM
Author: sap483
I would suggest one of the Atlantis properties or the Ocean Club (also related to the Atlantis). Since the last time I''ve been to the bahamas (2003), I know the Atlantis has put up some new hotels (Cove and Reef I think) that I''ve heard good things about. I''ve stayed at the Royal Towers at the Atlantis (twice) and the Ocean Club the three tiimes I''ve been there and had a good experience all three times. My only complaint about the Atlantis was that there were a ton of kids and I was there for a romantic getaway, but it could have been the time of year we were there. It may be different at the newer properties too- I think families tend to stay at the main property (especially the beach tower) b/c of the waterpark. The Ocean Club was beautiful and quiet- but pricier than the Atlantis.
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So funny you say that...I was just pricing the Cove and Reef parts of Atlantis. I heard the same about the kids and now I''m looking into The One and Only which is think is a sister resort to Atlantis. It looks gorgeous!
 
Date: 2/12/2008 10:43:59 AM
Author: Courtneylub
GREAT news!!! I found out that we can cancel our Sandals reservation for a $25 fee!! We will have to keep the flight to the Bahamas, which is fine. Now I need to find a BETTER resort in the Bahamas. Off to research again! If any of you have any suggestions, feel free to share! You all know what I''m looking for in a resort after this thread.
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That''s fabulous news!
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Careful with Atlantis too... When I stayed there, my room was lovely, but my parents had two double beds that collapsed when you so much as leaned on them and their view was of a parking lot. I''ve also heard they''ve had bed bug infestations. It''s been a couple of years, but avoid the cheapest rooms there.

also remember that they will charge you a daily service fee. I felt so nickel and dimed there... signing bills left and right for $5 pina coladas or $10 bottles of water, and I was tipping the whole time, only to see on the bill at the end that they had charged me for tipping EACH day. The facilities are beautiful, but you pay through the nose. Also tons of kids and the pools closed at 5 pm so that you had to go to the casino and nightclub. I didn''t find it even a little bit romantic.
 
Date: 2/12/2008 11:21:03 AM
Author: sumbride
Careful with Atlantis too... When I stayed there, my room was lovely, but my parents had two double beds that collapsed when you so much as leaned on them and their view was of a parking lot. I''ve also heard they''ve had bed bug infestations. It''s been a couple of years, but avoid the cheapest rooms there.

also remember that they will charge you a daily service fee. I felt so nickel and dimed there... signing bills left and right for $5 pina coladas or $10 bottles of water, and I was tipping the whole time, only to see on the bill at the end that they had charged me for tipping EACH day. The facilities are beautiful, but you pay through the nose. Also tons of kids and the pools closed at 5 pm so that you had to go to the casino and nightclub. I didn''t find it even a little bit romantic.
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Looks like I will only be going to Atlantis for gambling.

Suggestions for any other place?
 
You can also get a "day pass" to enjoy all the pools and water slides. It would be a fun day excursion without you having to stay there.

Have you looked at the Hilton or the Wyndham? I didn''t, but saw them and thought they might be worth a look. also, maybe look into renting a house/cottage somewhere? some of them come with "staff".
 
 
Date: 2/12/2008 11:54:00 AM
Author: Gypsy



http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g148424-d151383-Reviews-Cape_Santa_Maria_Beach_Resort-Long_Island_Out_Islands_Bahamas.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147429-d597692-Reviews-Grand_Isle_Villas-Great_Exuma_Out_Islands_Bahamas.html



http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g148423-d266228-Reviews-Rock_House-Harbour_Island_Out_Islands_Bahamas.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g147420-d260695-Reviews-The_Westin_Grand_Bahama_Island_Our_Lucaya_Resort-Freeport_Grand_Bahama_Island_Bahamas.html
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Oh wow, #2 and #3 look beautiful! Now the question is, I''m flying into Nassau, Bahamas...I think there is one other airport, so I''m not sure if these locations are easily accessible from that airport. I will check it out.

Thanks for the ideas!!
 
The first one that Gypsy posted looks incredible!
 
ohh.... I finally clicked through more pics.. #3!!!! #3!!!!

you may have to get tickets on an "island hopper" airline from the Nassau airport, but the extra expense will be nothing compared to what you are getting by changing your reservation.

I want to re-do my honeymoon now!
 
Ohhh Harbour Island is really pretty. It''s like Bermuda with pink sand beaches. I think they have ferrys between the islands, I know they do between Nassau and Paradise Island. When we went to Harbour Island we booked a tour so I don''t know if they have ferry service.
 
Date: 2/12/2008 12:20:53 PM
Author: sap483
Ohhh Harbour Island is really pretty. It''s like Bermuda with pink sand beaches. I think they have ferrys between the islands, I know they do between Nassau and Paradise Island. When we went to Harbour Island we booked a tour so I don''t know if they have ferry service.
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That is exactly what I needed to know! Oh wow...I''m so excited!

I will let you girls know what place I choose!
 
I''ve narrowed it down to 2 different places so far.

(Thanks, Gypsy!)

#1 The Westin Grand Bahama Island

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/features/index.html?propertyID=1459

This place looks wonderful. Things I like about it :
The simplicity of the rooms with the white beds, pretty furniture, etc.
Infiniti Pool with swim up bar
Cost
Casino/Activities

Don''t like:
Looks like it''s pretty family oriented (children)
Mixed reviews on tripadvisor
I''m not sure if they offer drink service at the pool or on the beach (besides the bars).



#2 Grand Isle Villas - Exuma

http://www.grandislevillas.com/content/gallery/Photo-Galleries/default.asp

I like:
The rooms
Infiniti Pool
Four Seasons is close by - Casino, restaurant
Golf cart to drive around
Smaller, intimate place, even though families come too
Consistent 5 star reviews


Don''t like:
Not much to do at or around the resort besides 4 Seasons
Not many food choices
No drink service on beach or in pool (have to walk to bar)



Decisions, decisions.
 
I just saw that you got to cancel your undesirable room for only $25, thats great! And both of your new choices that you''ve narrowed it down to look awesome!
 
Ohhh I am SO glad you were able to get out of the reservation since you were unhappy. I hope you find something PERFECT!
 
I''m leaning towards this place:

#2 Grand Isle Villas - Exuma

http://www.grandislevillas.com/content/gallery/Photo-Galleries/default.asp


I like:
The rooms
Infiniti Pool
Four Seasons is close by - Casino, restaurant
Golf cart to drive around
Smaller, intimate place, even though families come too
Consistent 5 star reviews

Don''t like:
Not much to do at or around the resort besides 4 Seasons
Not many food choices
No drink service on beach or in pool (have to walk to bar)


We will be there for 5 nights and I think we could find plenty to do. Snorkeling one day, a trip to another island one day, plus all the laying around we plan on doing too. We don''t have to stay super busy. Also, the casino is enough night life for me I think. I love alone time with FI, but I also love to socialize, so I''m hoping we meet some other couples.

I wish there was service on the beach. I really would like to be waited on while laying on the beach. I know it''s a small thing compared to the grand scheme of the place, but it''s our honeymoon, ya know??

Since I''m stuck with the Bahamas (never thought I''d be saying that) because of our flight reservation, this looks like the best place I''ve found.
 
Here''s a copy of the email I sent to Grand Isle Villas with all my concerns and questions. If I like everything I hear, I will book this amazing place today!!

Hello,

We are traveling to Nassau on July 28th – August 2nd, 2008 for our honeymoon. We are considering staying at Grand Isle Villas, but I have a few questions.



I see that there is no pool or beach service. Will this be available by July of 2008? If not, can we request this?



What kind of transportation can we take from Nassau? Is it just by plane, or can we take a boat/ferry? What is the duration of each?



What time is the casino at the Four Seasons open till?



Are there any activities/games on site at the Grand Isle Villas?



Can we bring our own food and/or alcohol on the beach or to the pool since there’s no service?



Where are the 1 bedroom rooms located on the resort? I’ve seen the map and would like a room in the 1300 or 1400 buildings if possible.




Thanks so much in advance for your help! We would really love to stay there!
 
They DO have beach and pool service!!!

We are booking tonight!
 
Yay! I''m so glad everything has worked out for you!
 
That''s so nice to hear. I was worried about your trip for you. I''m so glad you posted this because I was thinking about staying there later this year. I''m hoping to take a vaction as soon as I finish the bar and I haven''t decided where I want to go yet.
 
YAY! SO happy it worked out. You are going to have a BLAST!!!!!
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Thanks everyone!!! I was so stressed about the honeymoon. Now that I know we booked a top notch place, I need to chill and remember that we will have blast no matter what. Baby makin'' time!!!!
 
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