Some of you will recall we compiled a list of questions back in early January to put to TTR Directors regarding the new hotel. The hotel wouldn't agree to an open ended video interview but have provided written answers. The answers were compiled at the end of April but I received them today. The person responding is Mario Cruz. Points for potential discussion in bold, answers in normal type, my comments in brackets. Outline of role and responsibilities: My role is Concept & Product Development Manager. I am responsible for keeping and creating the constant concept and product innovation and development as well as spokesperson for the group Locations for new hotels, TTR or Desire concept? How many and timescale (Note: My previous post about hotels in Dominican Republic may have been premature, wait for an announcement from the hotel) Our short-term expansion plan consists of 1 Temptation, 2 Desires and additional Cruises within the next 3 years. We cannot discuss locations or itineraries at this time. Renovation News – On schedule? Opening date still fixed for Aug 15th? Yes, we are on schedule. How ‘soft’ is the soft opening, do you expect the tower rooms to be complete, all restaurants etc. The tower will be complete. Minor work on upper floors as well as interior design work can be expected. All dining facilities will be fully operational, with the exception of “Amores”. How are bookings going, any figures you can give us for the first few months? Bookings are going great, we expect a very high occupation this winter. Renovated rooms, will they have new AC, new plumbing etc. All 430 rooms are new! Only the exterior structure was conserved. All, AC, plumbing, fire systems, etc., are new. How will the concept change if at all? If more sophisticated how do you think it can retain the legacy that made Temptation what it is. We are not changing the concept, simply updating and innovating. Each event and activity will have its’ own personality, providing something for everyone. Temptation will be better than ever! Will it be the same sexy vibe or toned down. Naughty/dirty humor? Body shots etc. Poolside entertainment tamed down? No, the essence of Temptation will remain the same. What will the new Temptation offer that can’t be found at Golden Parnassus, Oasis Sens and Breathless? Temptation is part of a different competitive set. Let’s not forget that Temptation was the 1st Adults-Only Resort in Cancun. With our product innovation we will be taking adult vacationing to a whole new level, providing an all-new playground for grown-ups. Will any of the Desire concepts be adopted at the new Temptation? Hot Tub / Playroom ? Clothing Optional Area? NO. Theme nights – the new theme nights seem tamer than previous. No more lingerie night? (subject raised before the new theme nights had been announced) We have released our theme nights and lingerie still part of them. Pricing and thoughts behind it Previously we were rated as a 3.5-Star Resort. Temptation is now rated as a 4.5-Star Resort with a one-of-a-kind concept. It’s simple, new Resort, additional amenities plus a unique vacation experience, all accounting for the price increase, which will be worth every penny. Income demographics reported as $117,000 - $145,000 how was this figure calculated? Many people think this is an overestimate, and those who don’t make that much feel excluded already. All this is part of the up grade, we know some old timers wont be able to visit as many times as they use to, and we know we will get new clients that will Any change in policy for singles? Age minimum still 21? Temptation remains for adults 21+. From interview with TravelMarketReport some concern bachelor parties were a sought after group, and that because heterosexual couples were also specifically mentioned some have inferred that singles and gay and lesbian couples are discouraged. Temptation is a place for everyone, and no one has been or will be discouraged. These are rumors that were generated on line. Canadian Dollar is very low at the moment, any possibility for a specific promotion for Canadians Not at the moment. Will Restaurant Reservations be required? Menu changes, Liquor upgrades? Free wifi? It is a new product, so of course the menus will be new and the quality will be superior. Reservations will still be required for certain restaurants. Basic Wi-Fi will be included, and there will be Premium Wi-Fi packages available for purchase Room service? Late night food? Bar closing time? Will it still be possible to get a drink from the bar 24hrs? Yes, there will be room service, as well as late-night snack along with bar. New Paty O location Bash. Noise concerns for people staying in the tower, how late will it be open. Open air environment. What about during bad weather? The Resort is new, there is no more Paty’O. Temptation has been designed so that there will not be any issues with the tower rooms. We have plenty of options for rainy season Any plans for Cigar bar? NO. 24 hr pool? Is the new pool heated. Was the old pool heated? (Long running debate). Will the quiet pool still keep its old concept? Where will sports such as water volleyball take place? Pools will be heated. The Quiet Pool will remain quiet, and the action will continue to take place at the Sexy Pool. Concerns about sun being obscured by tower in the afternoons. NO. Will there be a new sports bar, pool tables etc. Nice shoes equivalent? (i.e inside area for shows etc) YES. If the silver apple was the old thematic emblem, what will be the new one. We already have our new apple, and it can be silver, gold, black or white! Why isn’t topless allowed at night, but is ok during the day? Topless is allowed at the pools, beach areas and in your room. Will Chinos be the new Entertainment Director? NO. Anything you would like to add? 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Awesome job Steve! Very informative. Can't wait to see the new resort over Halloween. It sounds like this will be very similar, and even better, than the resort we all fell in love with. Paul & Lisa
I read that response as in the short term they are focusing on their existing 2 desires and 1 Temptation and cruises. Not that they are adding 2 desires, 1 Temptation in the short term. Of course definition of 'short term' is the difficult part.
Thanks steve. Appreciate the response but man they continue to use hyperbole without really giving an answer. For example, this statement ' With our product innovation we will be taking adult vacationing to a whole new level, providing an all-new playground for grown-ups.' yet he doesn't say what product innovation or what is all-new from a concept perspective. Is the only thing new the facilities? Because in a couple answers he says concept is not changing, same as before. But then here he says product innovation yet no examples of that innovation is provided anywhere in the responses. Feels like the same hype we have always heard. But hey, not sure it matters too much, as we love the old concept and would be perfectly fine if the concept stays the same but we just have a better newer environment/facilities to enjoy it in.
Thanks Steve for taking the time to do this. Questions are answered but there are still questions on the answers, only time will tell after TTR reopens. T
He says "Our short-term expansion plan consists", so I think they are looking passed existing facilities. Jamie
I see a lot of what you are talking about... nothing is changing... we are taking it to a whole new level.... those two statements are in contradiction. They are going after a more affluent cliental, which naturally will have different tastes and needs, so like it or not the atmosphere and vibe will change. Just how much is still in question. For better or worse is still unknown too. Everyone in the past has agreed, change or wither and die. So change is coming. We're just going to have to wait and see individually if the new product is a place we want to go back too. From his statements, it looks like they have braced themselves for people being upset about the new version for whatever reason (cost, vibe, etc) and saying goodbye to them as they welcome in a new batch of customers. "All this is part of the up grade, we know some old timers wont be able to visit as many times as they use to, and we know we will get new clients that will" So while they have traditionally paid attention to comments and input and more than likely will continue to do so, I think they are set on a path that once we know and understand it we can either join and enjoy or go our separate ways. Not a lot has changed there. So yeah, it's going to be interesting to read everyone's trip reports as they start coming in. Personally I would pick some folks that you know to be your bell weathers on reports and I'm sure we will see reports from loving it to hating it. Interesting times... interesting times..... Jamie
