The location is beautiful, quiet, secluded and peaceful. Unfortunately the client experience is sub-par. Management/Leadership could address all of the following concerns and ensure their guests feel served and appreciated. Some attention to detail around “service execution” would greatly resolve these observations which, when taken in their entirety result in a poor client experience.
1. We asked to be picked up at the airport (2 hour drive away). Despite repeated messages to the hotel we never received a final confirmation that we would be picked up. The hotel had our flight info and arrival time but alas no one was there to greet us. We arranged alternative transportation at a greater expense...no apology was received just a comment that the driver was there on time, which was simply not true.
2. The safe does not work. We could not put in our preferred secret code. Yes, they gave us a key as an alternative solution but the safe should work. Fix it.
3. The toilet wouldn’t refill after flushing. Yes they fixed it, but we were inconvenienced. It should work in the first place.
4. The alarm clock, which is battery operated didn’t work. Again, we have phones with alarms so no big deal. And I asked for and got a replacement battery. The clock now works for the next guest. Where is the attention to detail management must install in this service business?
5. No hot water the first morning. There was a large group checking out that morning and no doubt they all showered before they departed for their flight...but really there should be enough hot water for all the guests.
6. The shower head is somewhat plugged reducing the flow of water to the person showering and was sending some streams of water shooting in random directions including onto the bathroom floor. Not a great showering experience. Management should inspect the quality of their shower heads on a regular basis.
7. No WiFi in the rooms....it was “broken”. We had to go to the lobby to touch base with our family and friends and get updates on news, etc. This is 2019, access to social media and communication channels is expected. This was “fixed” on our last day at the hotel but it should work all the time. Guests expect and deserve no less.
8. There is only one umbrella at the beach. Then in a windstorm this one broke. It took 20 minutes to find a replacement the following morning when we went down to the beach. Why wouldn’t management have simply replaced the broken umbrella before the guests asked for such....indeed why only 1 umbrella out in the first place? Moreover I counted 4 broken umbrella “carcasses” lying around the property. Why not throw these useless items out and keep the landscape clean and uncluttered?
9. The focal point of the resort is clearly the beautiful soft white sand beach. It is very nice. However it was covered in seaweed and plastic debris and aluminum soda cans. It was not cleaned the first 4 days of our stay. We took it upon ourselves to clean up the beach on day 4. I took the garbage can that was stored out of reach on the rocks (why not have it accessible?) down and my wife picked up the trash while I found a rake and started collecting up the seaweed in piles. As it had not been swept/raked for a few days it was tough work as it was embedded in the sand. After a few minutes the hotel grounds keeping staff rushed out and took over. Great, but why didn’t they do this job without having to “get the hint” from the guests. They were diligent cleaning the beach the following days of our stay and the cleanliness and attractiveness of the beach improved with each successive cleaning. Keep it up! Is my advice, don’t skip a day!
10. There were dead bugs under our sink. Okay it is the tropics, maybe that can be expected from time to time. But given all the other experiences, I had to add this observation. Yes they were cleaned up.
11. The beach is advertised as “private”. Most days it was but I noticed on Sunday it was visited by a number of families from the local community. Everyone was polite and friendly, so not really an issue.....but also NOT 100% private either. Just saying.
12. The staff in the restaurant are very nice and trying hard to serve their guests well. That said, a little extra training and communication with the staff would improve the guest experience. For instance, when asked what fresh fruit they had in the morning, the server would not know. They quickly went and found out but why would management have a quick meeting before every shift and share the fruit available for a fruit plate and fresh fruit juice, and any specials they may have or any dishes not available. Just so the servers are prepared and are more professional.
13. Similarly with the wine. There is no formal list but it was easy enough to go to the wine fridge and look but the real problem was, no one was sure of the prices. The first dinner they found the price of one bottle, so we just went with that. The following day, the problem was resolved and all wine was now priced. A little expensive, but that’s not the issue. Know your product and the price. Management needs to improve this process.
There were a few more irritants that we don’t normally experience, but I believe my point is made. This could be a far better resort (the Cove and beach are wonderful)with a better guest experience. All of my concerns and observations could be easily corrected going forward by management. For the sake of future guests, I hope steps are take. To do so.