It was for us, because they forgot about us, and we never had to do the presentation, and the person who gave us the referral got full credit. We had to do it to get a cheaper price, because we had a flight voucher, and wasn't able to get the discounted bundled package of flight and hotel from Orbitz. The referral made up the difference. Once there, I can't really say it made much of a difference. They ran out of Fireball early on our trip, and a couple of other things, so no benefit there. I also never saw any improved service. Waited just as long as everyone else for drinks, (and I tip plenty) Our butler was m.i.a, and we never saw him, but one time, and that was only for him to apologize, and then we never saw him again. I would do it again only for the better price. I didn't find anything else about worth while. We did talk to one couple there, that said we could use them for a referral, and they didn't care about getting the money back, so we wouldn't have to the presentation. We got a good package on another discount site, and didn't go the referral route for the next trip.
It really is personal opinion, and the first 2 trips it didn't matter. But our 3rd and 4th trips we went on Referrals, and it did matter to us. I don't really want to say I am particular about certain things, but I am sure Elyse will say that I am, so I guess I have to kind-of agree. There are little things that I like, and certain food and booze choices do matter to me. I like hanging at the premier bar, so right there it's a huge benefit. I just kind-of like being able to sit up there where it is a little more windy, with the beach to your back, sitting on a stool watching what is happening at the pool. Plus I like being able to order food there during the day. I have also used the (previously) white band to my advantage. For example, when requesting certain things other friends were told "no" to, I was able to get group seating and reservations others were not. I found with the reopen the butler service was a plus we used to our groups advantage. And not the the service is ever bad, but people that have been with us have commented on the fact we are always being looked out for. From bottles we liked being bought to to whatever bar we are at, to shots being just delivered to us in the pool, to food orders just bring brought over we didn't necessarily order, but definitely need. The other main thing now is the access to the skybar and rooftop pool. Can't say much about it yet, but come May I plan on using it multiple times. Not that I don't love the sexy pool, I just am not in it from 11-6 all day, every day.
All you said was pretty much what we thought. All the extra from what was excellent regular service makes it that much more. Where things kinda twist is when you go up to the Skybar... totally different world! Different scenery, different atmosphere, different music and we'd say different interpersonal approach. Where sexy pool is a party, the Skybar is a mingling-lounge-greeting and meeting kind of place...maybe a lot more relax and cozy/velvety feeling going on. So for peeps who like the party but would like the other side of sexy, this is where it takes a different speed. Well worth a trip if you ask us!
We are on referral this April, and the thing I am excited about is the Skybar! I think this will be a great place for Sean and I to have some downtime together in the late mornings before the Sexy Pool fires up.
Can be downtime in the late morning, or up-time late afternoon...depending on who you meet in the hot tub up there!
We like the members bar by the pool...always nice to sit there and get a bit better service and enjoy the breeze off the bay. We also enjoy getting a bit more attention around the pool when butlers would come by and ask if you needed drinks. Beyond that we really don't notice a ton of difference.
