Plain and simple should cost less.
Written: Apr 20 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lovely, great staff, the pool clean and heated. The cantina was lively.
Cons: The indifference of the management. Plastic anything. regimented activities.
The Bottom Line: I recommend this holiday for families with children that are old enough to be independent. If you have no interest in riding than it wouldn't be for you.
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| boogieone's Full Review: Rancho De La Osa Guest Ranch R Sasabe |
On a ten day trip to "get out of Dodge" and relax with my husband and eleven year old daughter, I booked time at a lovely house in Bisbee for three nights and a free Marriot point week at the new Marriot Starr Pass in Tucson on my sisters recomendation.
After a relaxing time in Bisbee the Starr Pass was a cultural shock to say the least. Way too many cell phones and big bellied cigar smoking golfers. We couldn't get out of there fast enough.
We had seen Rancho De La Osa on the web, but had ruled it out earlier. My husband doesn't ride even though we live on a ranch and keep four horses. On the other hand, my daughter and I are advanced English riders. We all agreed that it looked like fun and it was about time to get dad in the saddle.
After taking a stop at the Western Warehouse to cowgirl and cowboy up, we headed south for the hour plus drive to the ranch.
We, over all, enjoyed the four nights and left with many good memories. The website though, lead us to believe that we were going to receive more papering than we actually did.
The manager, Little Richard (not to be mistaken for the reclusive owner, who is also a Richard and quite charming if he takes the time to chat with you) had the personality of a dial tone, and that's being kind. There was constant chatter amoung the guests about his indifference to any personal requests or attention. I personally found him and his quirky Boca Raton loungeware, humorous. He smokes he's ciggies to the bone and it seems that one of his well known past times is bumming butts from the wranglers. Not a lot of guidence directed his way from above. Best to ignor his presence, but do "dig" his shoes.
On the other hand we totally enjoyed the other staff members. The head wrangler, Ron and his wife Cherryl were exceptional. He was rough and tough with an "I chew nails for lunch" kinda attitude. And then when you were starting to get really scared he'd give you a little puppy dog smile and a wink at you. His wife worked in the kitchen and she was always around if you needed anything. Big smile with a heart of gold was what she was all about. They were wonderful dance instructors also.
Our casita was comfortable, all though small. John Wayne slept there...we heard that from every staff member at least once. I think he should of gotten a king! We should have also.
A strick regement at meal times does not win points with us. When the bell rings you either use it or lose it. Everything seems just a little too early for vacation mode. Breakfast at 8, Ride at 9, lunch at 12:30, ride at 2, coktails at 6, dinner at 7, cantina was closed at 11. I would have liked to have ridden before breakfast and pushed both lunch and dinner ahead. And the mid day ride can be hot and windy.
The food was marginal. Not bad, but unworthy of all the to do about it on their website. We aren't "Foodies", but they lead us to think "award winning gourmet delights". Not quite...try quick and easy, sit'em down and feed'em. Under the breath complaint were common in the cantina almost every evening. We didn't get involved because we were more interested in the socializing aspect of the meal. The breakfasts were pretty decent. Fresh fruit and baked goods were in abundants, all though my vacation palete did craved more sweetness.
As an advanced rider I was sure to ask before hand if I would be satisfied with the rides. We were evaluated and put in the advanced group. My husband, who is very athletic, was also allowed to go along even though he doesn't ride very often. The rides were fast and he did o'kay, but he did so much better the next day after just one lesson. The experience has changed his mind about riding and horses. That was worth millions to me and my daughter! The wrangles were fun and quite interesting to chat with also.
Organized activities, other than meals and riding, were nil. And walking and hiking aren't exactly things that the landscape becons. It's hash and unforgiving. Unfortunately, the thousands of Mexicans that travel through that valley each week in search of Meeca shed quite a bit of trash a long the trails. But, that seems to be out of the control of even the government. So, have a beer and sit by the pool...that sounds lovely if you like cheep, white plastic furniture...yuk! So have another beer before the bell rings for breakfast!
The history of the place, from what I heard second hand, sounded intreging to say the least, but a historical presentation is not on the agenda. And I couldn't find anything about it on their one, tiny, little bookshelf either.
Four nights was just right for my husband and I, but our daughter could have stayed longer. There were quite a few kids around and she liked the communal living. We met people from Europe, Canada, and South Africa and enjoyed most of them. There were very few snobby types. Most people got into letting their hair down and just hanging out. There was a lot of laughter...and that's a good thing!!!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
boogieone
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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