Substandard rooms but really excellent service.
Written: Jan 19 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Service is excellent.
Cons: The rooms themselves are a disappointment.
The Bottom Line: Check the other options on the island.
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| wildivan123's Full Review: Bahia Mar Resort |
Basics-
We stayed at the Bahia Mar from August 5, 2004-August 10,2004. We decided to rent a condo based on the pictures and comments on the website. (www.bahiamar.com) We paid a three hundred a night for a two bedroom condo, that included two baths, ground floor balcony, full kitchen, living room with T.V. and sleeper sofa. The kitchen came with everything you would need to make a basic meal. Laundry facilities were just around the corner, coin operated. Access to the beach was just out the back door and down the lawn. There was no beach view.
Location-
The Bahia Mar is one of the last hotels on the island, so it's not nearly as crowded on the beach. The populated parts of the beach end a few hundred yards down shore, where the beach becomes a preserve. Easy walking distance. You must remember to pack out any trash you pack in. They are very serious about this. You'll always be in view of someone else, but probably not within hailing distance.
One mile away is a sea turtle rescue sanctuary that gives daily tours.
Two miles away is a rent a horse facility for riding on the beach.
Restaurants dot the island, but because you are at the end of the strip you may have to go at least a mile.
A water park is at the populated end of the island, about ten miles away from the hotel.
In between there are numerous shops and clubs.
Both police and hospital are on island.
Service-
The service was excellent. Whenever we had a problem someone was promptly there to help us. Sheets and towels were delivered daily, as well as trash bags. We asked for extra of most everything and they cheerfully consented. We spent several nights at the bar listening to the music and drinking excellent drinks. Bar staff were friendly and fast. We did not eat in the restaurant. We did not go to the night club.
The room-
The problem was with the room itself. The pictures on the website show gleaming sea themed rooms with tile floors. The kitchens are brand new with new appliances and cappuccino makers. However, the condo we received was full of old appliances that we had to have maintain come fix several times. The floor was old cracked linoleum and faded carpets. The whole theme was pepto bismol pink, floor to ceiling. The kitchen utensils were from the sixties, and there was no cappuccino maker. The ceiling tiles in the bathrooms were falling through and moldy. The furniture was badly painted wicker, and the decorations seemed to be hand made by talented five year olds. Everything that offered water also leaked. For three hundred dollars a night, I really expected much better.
Resolution --
Of course we complained, and they knocked fifty dollars per night from the hotel rate, making it 250.00 per night. That was kind, but it was also the per night price of the brand new hotel next door, so we ended up feeling a little foolish. I understand there were rooms like we'd seen on the net, just that we were not given one. I would, if I determined that I wanted to stay there in the future, demand one of those rooms.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID: wildivan123
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Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
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