We got what we expected for the price we paid. We went with open minds, this was not a 5 star hotel so don’t expect it to be. We had good time, weather was fantastic. We plan on going back again next year. Hoping to try one of the bungalows next time.
If you are friendly to the staff and locals…they will be the same to you.
Your Arrival:
We arrived late at night. Front desk staff were efficient. Got group put through quickly. If you wanted somebody was there to take your bags to your room (for small tip and he remembered you rest of the trip and always spoke to you). Was nice to have 24 hour bar there to catch a drink . It was far enought away from the rooms that it was not distrubing to people.
Rooms: Room was clean. They seem to be renovating slowly. Only some have balconies, would have been nice to have one. Everyday there was some figure/character (basket, elephant, swan) left on your bed or fresh flowers from the many gardens. No fridge. Bottled water left. Towels somedays looked like they had seen better days but were clean. I left tip on day one, mid-week and final day. Also left some small items (tooth brush & paste, nail polish, body lotions throughout the week). Left all toiletries at end of trip.
Restaurants and Bars: Buffet was ok. Could always find something to eat. But like most buffets, had a tendancy to be bland. They need to add a table full of different spices so you can season to taste. We ate at all four al a carte restaurants – Seafood one was not good, Italian was ok – good portion, entertainment was good. Cuban restuarant was excellent meal. The BBQ was the best. They (resort) should really try to expand their buffet to the BBQ area – open air eating, light lunchs. The hamburgs at the Trindad bar and beach bar were tasty.
Bring an insulated mug/cup.
Beach/Pools/Grounds: Beach was one of the best on the strip. Clean, lots of loungers. Pools were clean, warm enough but refreshing. Again lots of loungers around.
Somebody fell in hot tub (younger guess that had a bit too much to drink)and split their head….drained and closed for rest of our stay. But it really was more of a lukewarm tub than a hot tub.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel: Took bus into town a couple of times. $10 peso and you had full day pass. Buses were frequent. They could be crowded if you were travelling at peak time. The flea markets were clean, vendors changed daily. Prices were good but you could always haggle down a few pesos. Vendors were friendly and not rude of pushy – would greet you but waited for you to approach them. The activities on the resort were well run. Always something going on at Trinidad bar area later in afternoon (Salsa lessons, games). Staff were fun and inviting.
There was always an evening show or performance. Did not attend any however could hear it from my room.
Other Comments:
Bank on site to exchange money. Fair exchange rate. Not well advertised but you can use a credit card to get money if you take your passport for ID. Don’t buy too much because rate to sell it back was very low.