From: Shawn, jdean1@cox.net
Date: 1/7/04 12:46:44 AM
Remote Name: 68.14.9.172
Jack, you would really have to check on her past postings to hear all of the negative she has to say about this resort. From the "I should have known by the pictures and the pricing" comments to other comments about it "being advertised as a beach resort", you would think, by her description, that the place was a rundown dump and not worth anyone's consideration.
It is far from a dump. I guess I would call it a family friendly resort where pricing is concerned. The prices are decent and affordable especially summer pricing after April 15th when the rates drop all over the island; not $400.00 a night, but not $40.00 either. It appeared that she was expecting a 4-5 star property and ranked this a 1 star which really has been seen as so unfair, but is her opinion.
The pictures do accurately depict the resort in all aspects. Now mother nature may have done a job on the beach the resort is fronted to, but that should not make them change their name or description as being a beachfront resort because that is exactly what it is. We sat in the sand and shelled for hours each day. We snorkeled for hours right in front of the resort and had a ball, seeing a very large assortment of ocean life. Walk down a ways down the beach and there were a large group of residents all hanging around talking, dancing, playing music and eating. They invited us to join in the fun.
The resort is extremely clean, from the grounds to the inside of each room or suite, to the stairs and sidewalks. They are all very large (Oversized) and decorated wonderfully with the comforts of home and do not leave you with the impression you are staying at a cheap hotel. Every windows sparkled. The daily maid service was outstanding. You cannot even leave a dirty coffee cup in the sink as it will be clean when you return. The room was kept up in every way you can think of. We were very low on money at the end of our trip, but were sure to leave $30.00 tip to the maid for her outstanding job all week, and we rarely ever do that. The restaurant serves good large portions of food and drinks are not tiny. Room service was very prompt. Laundy service was same day even when given to them late in the day and promised next day service. Not a mess anywhere on the property and it is out of the way of all of the other resorts and other places to stay. No drunks hanging around, no drugs, no loud disturbing noises, nothing to ruin your vacation.
I am sure that there are those who would prefer the pampering at the Marriott at the expensive price and the spritzing with Evian water you get while sunning at the Four Seasons, but for a real nice time at a very clean beachfront resort for a reasonable price, TBR is definitely it.
Most importantly, it is the staff and management that makes any resort or hotel what it is. The way you are treated and the service you receive is what makes people come back again and again and where recommendations to other prospective tourists looking for a place to stay come from. If the resort was as bad as she says it was, this board would be loaded with "beware" postings, which it is not; in fact, there are no "beware" warnings for any place on the island for that matter; except for the scooter rental place.
Lastly, the pool is NOT small. I do not know where she gets that from! It is not a kiddie pool; it is a normal rectangular inground pool with a decent number of lounge chairs around it. Did she expect olympic size!?
She will always bash the place and many others will speak highly of it, as we do and many others. It does not misrepresent itself in any way whatsoever and does not claim to be a 5 star luxury resort. The Golden Lemon refers themselves as a seaside resort and advertises sitting on the beach and sinking your toes in the sand, the beach chairs, and beach umbrellas. The beach is as large as a couple of parking places (slightly exaggerated). Perhaps she would see this as misrepresenting themselves as a seaside resort on the beach as well.