Day pass trip report

Discussion in 'Grand Oasis Viva' started by Steve, Dec 23, 2013.

  1. Steve

    Steve Administrator Owner

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    A little trip report:

    Today was the changeover day to the new concept and I along with Jannet and Chinos spent the afternoon and early evening at GOV to see what was going on and to see how different things were since our last visit a month ago

    We arrived about 12:30pm. Lots of people were checking out. Occupancy had been up at 80% the last few days but today was around about 65%. Nationalities at the hotel were Mexicans, Russians, Brazilians, Americans Canadian and Brits.

    Check in for our day passes was smooth and courteous. They were expecting us, had our details listed and in no time we were on our way.

    Jannet and Chinos headed to the buffet straight away, I went to the pool bar. I guess we have different priorities and Chinos hadn't eaten for a week in anticipation. I had a Smirnoff and Sprite or two while Jannet and Chinos enjoyed the buffet. Jannet was surprised how many wait staff knew Chinos - quite a few new staff who previously worked at Temptation and Sea Adventure etc.

    The first thing that struck me was how busy the place looked, my only previous visit being Mid November when the occupancy was around 25% and the weather not so good.

    Around the pool there was a pool aerobics session going on that had a fair bit of participation. The beach was busy and the beach side bar too.

    Although today is officially changeover day it's not like you can just flip a switch and turn the clientèle from 'regular' people to 'crazy' people overnight. The new concept has not hit yet, nobody topless, a few thong bikinis but almost entirely regular guests for now.

    One of the poolside servers instantly recognised us from our previous trip a month ago (just for an afternoon) and made sure we didn't have an empty cup for the duration. Good job Laura!

    We bumped into Valentina who arranged for a little bit of VIP and got us one of the four poster beds and provided towels etc. It was really hot today though and the beds were in full sun so we didn't stay for long.

    Chinos and Jannet hung out in the pool for a bit, while I sweltered under the sun. I debated about having some food from the poolside 'Wimpy' grill, but decided not to. Didnt look appetising, the cooking equipment could be better and the menu was limited - burgers and hot dogs only.

    There didn't seem to be much in the way of Entertainment in the afternoon, we saw the staff doing some activity on the beach, not entirely sure what it was - there were no announcements.

    About 4pm we went to the Schilla bar, the Moroccan themed restaurant. It has a really nice ambience and decor but on given the menu, with a choice of 6 appetisers only 1 was available. I fancied about 3 or the 6 but none of those were available so went straight to the main course. I chose curry of the day - today was beef. It was fine but I wonder how difficult it would be to offer chicken, shrimp, fish in the same base curry sauce - not that difficult I'm sure - why just one option? I asked for dessert and the only dessert available was pastel tres leches which is a very typical Mexican desert - nothing fancy, nor Moroccan.

    While eating at Schilla we were joined by Valentina and Mario (the big boss) who both sat with us and we explained what we thought could be done better with the food and Ents. They were very receptive to the feedback. I also heard that besides cancuncare there are several other online communities and adult travel agency specialists with both groups and couples booking for future months.

    After, it was getting dark so we went inside and went to the Coyote bar. It wasnt officially open until an hour later but there were bar staff there setting up- although they wouldn't serve us because it wasn't 'open'. After that we went to the cocktail/coffee bar - no huge complaints there, service was good and drinks were fine, although don't expect a Starbucks sized Latte from the coffee bar (cups are small) and biscuits (cookies) were only available from 3 -5 and it was 10 past so no cookies for us! We left about 6pm.

    Someone asked about how shaded the pool area might be, given the 11 story hotel behind. I specifically checked for that and due to the angle of the hotel the pool was never in shade. Even though it is close to the shortest day of the year the pool was in full sun until almost sunset.

    Overall I feel GOV has huge potential - excellent facilities, excellent management, great accommodation. I do like to be honest though - the food (that I experienced - I didnt eat everywhere) and the Ents need improvement. From what I hear both of these areas will be addressed for the better in the near future.

    Finally, lets remember about the fact you cant just flip a switch - you cant just flip from one to another with this kind of venture. It will take time.
     
  2. iowa farmers

    iowa farmers Guru Registered Member

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    Thanks Steve. We second with Western Iowa Traveler that we invite you to come back the last week of Feb when we are there and check it out again with us. The pool in full sun until sun set is awesome. Have any idea what the VIP requirements & upgrades will be?
     
  3. T&C.

    T&C. Regular Registered Member

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    Thanks guys for the update. I like the fact that the management has such a Desire in making the resort "adult themed" and that they are willing to at least listen to ideas to help it get there.
     
  4. breezesfan

    breezesfan Guru Registered Member

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    I am assuming that GOV now has a lunch/dinner buffet?? That was one of the things we really missed. Very often you don't really feel like a "sit down" meal, but a simple "hit and run" type snack.

    Glad to see the occupancy going up !!! In late November, 25% would be pretty optimistic!!!

    100% agree about the potential of GOV. The only thing missing is "US", Meaning the "party crowd". I'm positive that GOV is going to be success, just a matter of time. We will be back in Mid April and can't wait.

    Was going to inquire about the topless pool in terms of "hooters per square yard", however for the European crowd, perhaps "hooters per square meter" would be better measurement unit.
     
  5. dewder

    dewder Addict Registered Member

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    great review Steve ! thank you .
    sounds like it is definitely a work in progress !
    I was on the thread talking about if the pool / beach was in the sun.
    thanks again
    see ya in 37 days ! ! !
     
  6. Ready2party

    Ready2party Original H&H Gangsta's Registered Member

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    Thanks for the review Steve. We cant wait to check it out in Feb. As you stated with anything new it takes a little time. We plan to help expedite the craziness factor when we get there!
    Cheers and Merry Christmas!
     
  7. Stacia_and_John

    Stacia_and_John T&A Tour Guide Registered Member

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    Steve said it best, it'll take time. But, with the kind of talk-up that is going on here at CCC, and presumably elsewhere on the web (hopefully), it'll be a second crazy fun vibe like TTR's in just a couple-three months as the word spreads.
     
  8. Bun-n-Beav

    Bun-n-Beav Regular Registered Member

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    Thanks Steve for keeping us informed!

    Just another question about the pool area...is it full sun all day? or just in the afternoon?
     
  9. Donald

    Donald Devil's advocate Registered Member

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    ''Someone asked about how shaded the pool area might be, given the 11 story hotel behind. I specifically checked for that and due to the angle of the hotel the pool was never in shade. Even though it is close to the shortest day of the year the pool was in full sun until almost sunset.''

    from his TR

    Going to go check it out
     
  10. Lenni & Jodie

    Lenni & Jodie The Unicorn Hunters Registered Member

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    While I was there in November the sun hit the pool in full effect around noon and was there all day
     
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