Once we got to our rooms, our bags were quickly delivered, and the rest of the week was great. The Privilege service was worth the upgrade for the nice room location, which was also nearby to the Privilege lounge and the Privilege a la carte breakfast restaurant. We also enjoyed service during the day at the Privilege beach area, and having the Bucanero lobster dinner included at no extra charge. (non Privilege pays $40 or more for this). We never did visit the spa as planned because there were massages right on the beach which was nice, and something different from what we could get at home. Rooms were spacious and our second floor room had a larger balcony with great view. Room could have used a few more drawers or shelves, but we made do. Due to the humidity (even though it is not bad in January) the wooden drawers did stick a bit. Mini bar was replenished often with various liquors, two bottles of wine daily, and the usual beer and soft drinks. Apple had a party for its clients one night with very good entertainment, lots of singing and dancing, and a buffet dinner, and the drinks flowed freely with good table service. During our stay we also enjoyed the Mexican, Italian, Steakhouse, and Dominican restaurants.
I would return to this resort. In fact we are now booked to return after the first of the new year!
Room Block:
6
Arrival: I’ll start with the con, as there was only ONE. Checkin. We were booked Privilege, and first they said they couldn’t find our reservation, then they did, but no record of the email requests sent by our TA nor the ones I personally sent via their Privilege website. There was confusion caused by two persons checking in our party of 4 for the two rooms. Paperwork was passed back and forth and some of my Apple documentation was not returned to me, which should have been. We were not greeted with any refreshment, nor any cooling towels as others have indicated are standard greeting. After being there for some time, I asked for some water and it was brought.
Despite this, Jonnathan did continue to smile and worked on getting us pool/ocean view rooms in Privilege Villa 6, and also arranged a dinner reservation for our first night since they could not find any of the requests sent. Apparently the problems are with their computer system, not their employees.
Rooms: Rooms were very nice, plenty of space, and nice large bathroom—convenient for two women prepping for dinner each night! No problems.
We will book Privilege for the nice location again for sure.
Restaurants and Bars: Lobby bar did not impress, but apparently it was prepping for renovations which are going on fall of 2013 and will be completed in time for the holiday high season. We got great drink service on the beach, plus we had use of the Privilege lounge. Enjoyed all the restaurants, tried a different a la carte each night–another good reason to book privilege, it’s better than not booking privilege and then whining that you couldn’t get dinner RESERVATIONS, haha.
Our "no extra charge for Privilege" lobster dinner at Buccanero was fun, I’d warn folks that it can get windy at night there on the beach, ladies might want their wrap.
Beach/Pools/Grounds:
Very nice, never had a problem getting a seat at the pool in late afternoon, after spending most of the day at the Privilege beach.
Other Comments:
Special note of excellent service and friendliness from server named Algeron (Chino) at breakfast and at the Dominican restaurant (Casa de mi abuela). Very friendly and respectful, never too pushy, but always a smile and joking, adding to the enjoyment.