This is going to have high and low points, and let me start off by saying, everyone has their opinions and within our group of 12, our thoughts were about 80% in line with each other. To give everyone an idea of who I am (before any judging), I am 29, male, middle class income, and fairly well traveled/experienced. In no particular order: 1) We got bit by the 'First-Day-Going-For-A-Nap-Didn't-Wake-Up-For-7-Hours-And-Did-With-A-Hangover' bug. It was a very fun/intoxicating environment, and we knew we had to take it easy, and still proceeded to get blitzed. 2) We had 6 different rooms within our group, and all of them were clean, and nice. I noticed a little bit of the so called 'black mold' or whatever, in the shower, but it isn't anything I wouldn't expect to see in a tropical resort with high humidity, and it certainly wasn't BAD, very minor and something I wouldn't even bring up, except I read about people complaining prior to going. This 'black mold' isn't an issue, and those that aren't on the forum didn't mention it, or probably even see it....I had to LOOK for it, to understand how picky those people were. 3) The rooms around Paty-O's are best left to the party animals. We were in room 2213, and it was very loud in our room (first night after awaking with the hangover, I had to put on noise canceling headphones to sleep haha). One of our couples were right next door and were able to stay out later, and they didn't have a problem at all with the noise (they were making it haha). So lesson is: If you don't stay up until 3-4am, and get a room by Paty-O's, I'd ask to be relocated before you settle in. 4) We ate at each restaurant, except the Italian restaurant (our group went, but neither my wife nor I care for Italian), the food everywhere was average, except at the Japanese restaurant (which we thought was AWESOME). We have been to the Dominican Republic and many places in Mexico, and it is on par with what you should expect at an All Inclusive. Nothing better, nothing worse. Easily able to be eaten and somewhat enjoyed (the drunker you are tho, the better it tasted!!) 5) Portions at most places were fairly small, and we learned to either order 2 entrees or hammer the salad bar. I'll speak for myself and my wife for reference on this topic, I'm 6'2" 190lbs and my wife is 5'4" 105lbs, and both of us wouldn't have been full simply off ordering an appetizer and entree. 6) Staff is very friendly, and professional. I felt the service was very much high class. Pedro and the boys at the bars work their butts off, and hopefully make a great living off of tips. Front desk is professional and our towel 'sculptures' from the maids were very fun to see daily. I have zero complaints on any of the service. 7) Restrooms and pool AREA is very well kept and I have zero to complain about in this department, HOWEVER, our entire group was a bit grossed out by the haze in the sexy pool (which we dealt with until the last day). I am not a pool boy by profession, so I don't know if it is a 'complaint' or just how it is with all the people using sunscreen and I'm sure peeing in the pool. The more you drink, the less you notice, but there will be a time when you are somewhat sober and compare the water clarity from the sexy pool to the quiet pool. I would suggest you do not compare until you are ready to leave, then go shower again haha. 8) The diversity of people is amazing. The comfort level is also amazing. It is great to see people that more than likely have kids and the kids have taken a toll on their body be free and happy. I really enjoyed seeing so many people strut their stuff! My wife and our one female friend were the only ones that choose to go topless, but after the first day, the comfort level was simply 'there'. Not everyone (including myself) spends all day at a club getting into shape, but it seemed like many had found peace and comfort in themselves to 'let loose' bravo! 9) Friends. Our group ended up meeting a lot of people, all having different backgrounds and lifestyles. No matter the personality you were seeking, it isn't hard to find someone that you can chat with. Our group didn't really get to meet many of the April Addicts, and that is a bit disappointing. I had the pleasure of snagging Jim, Canadian Dos Equis one night at Paty-Os, and Woody, and Henry by the pool a few times, and a quick hi/bye to a few others. You guys know how to party, and jumping into that core group just didn't work out. Maybe out of shyness or intimidation, regardless, that was a bit of a disappointment. You guys have a long relationship, and maybe next time we do a cannonball in the middle of the hot tub and shake some hands. Also with the group we went with, a lot of our time was spend with them. You guys are all great! 10) Beach. We knew what to expect, but let me give my $.02 to give a 'full' review. If any newbie is reading this and is looking for a beautiful beach, with nice swimming area....well....you get one of them. The sand is absolutely amazing, the swimming area is more of a 'kiddy pool' area in the water. The pools are plentiful, so staying cool is easy, but don't go with high hopes of swimming in the ocean. Again, the sand is sooo amazing on the feet. 11) Paty-O's burgers/hot dogs/french fries that are made fresh pretty much til the wee hours of the morning, are absolutely amazing. Heavenly even! 12) Finally, the resorts 'functions' were kind of a joke. With the exception of lingerie night (we didn't make it, but the rest of the group did...this was the first night, and again, we took our 7 hour nap...oopsy). So don't spend a lot of money or time getting stuff to partake in these events. I now completely understand why people on here organize their own events, to do instead of the resorts night functions. 13) Single guys. This wasn't a 'problem' while we were there, but more of an annoyance, and most of it came from a group of younger guys by the swim up bar. One night they all got into a hot tub bottomless and were catcalling and anytime a girl would come within reach, they would run the game. Again, not a problem, but a certain annoyance. That pretty much sums up my experience. Would I recommend this resort to others that are looking for a fun getaway, yes. Is it a place I will go every year, probably not....but more so because we like to experience new things. Will I go back, yes. Questions, complains, and all verbal assaults are welcome :aktion031:
That is a perfect honest trip report. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO POST NEGATIVE THINGS on here without getting abused. Its all about how u say it. Once again, great great trip report.
The only verbal assault I have and that you said verbal assaults welcome.....does this forum really have that bad of a rep????? Great TR, honesty is always welcome