We aren't members but the two times we were there we went with our Premeire friends. Both times we were promised rooms in specific areas..both times the rooms were changed even after our friend checked and double checked prior that we would have those rooms. 2012 the beach bar guys were on us and earned every tip they received. This past year, not so much. I suspect we followed a group of members who tipped them well and they were concerned solely about them. Which is fine because I like to get up and mingle on the way to the bar. The roof top jacuzzi is way too damn hot! The floorboard literally burnt my feet during my 5 second quest to test how hot they were. It's a total waste of space in my opinion. The lobster, ehh, I can live without. The robes..who cares? We didn't touch them. The beach service..if you personally visit the bartender the drinks are a little nicer (ie salt rimmed bloody Mary's). I'll get my own lunch. And I like to spread the tips around so I tip $1 or 2 each time I get a drink, whichever bar is closer when I'm empty. I'll admit..I do like the beach cabanas but they are always taken by towels, rarely people. The sectioned off chairs..never used them. In the beginning we got up early to reserve seats..hardly used them (once our towels were gone and replaced). Towards the end we didn't even get towels. We found a stranger near the pool and asked them if we could stash our bag under their seat. One, found a spot for our stuff. Two, made a new friend. The reserved seating at Paty'Os...found reds sitting there anyway, no one bothered them. Again, we like to get up and mingle so we didn't stay long. Based on our visits with the Premeire perks we really see no benefit to buying in. Maybe if there were tiered packages rather than doing the three hour negotiation dance we might consider.
We just got back on the 25 may after two weeks and the number of beds being reserved for premier guests is getting silly, most of the beach area is now reserved for premier guests although the area is hardly used, and they are now taking over the sexy pool, a bank of around 20 chairs were tied with white rope, but around 30 more had white towels on, we spent most of our time round the sexy pool and a lot of the reserved beds were not even used until after lunch, we even saw people reserving beds before going out on the booze cruise, as this does not return until around 5pm, these beds were only used for a couple of hours on an evening, but as white towels take priority, i guess the rest of us have to make do with what's left.
We seen that also, however it wasn't members it was non-members. Pissed us off also, how inconsiderate people are, knowing they are not going to be there all day and reserve loungers... bunch of thoughtless assholes and most likely the first to bitch about someone else reserving a lounger and not showing up till ten or noon.
I guess we might consider the 'tour' then on our next trip. We go every year now, so might be at least worth hearing what they offer, instead of avoiding the premier desk every trip. I like figures (numbers not ladies lol), so can easily work up a spreadsheet of how much we pay the tour operators here and what that would work out at against membership, fees and flights separately.
Watch out you might just end up becoming one of us hoity toity members lol. Besides all you lose is 2 or 3 hours one morning of the trip to get the first hand info for youselves (plus they have the really yummy booze upstairs)
