| There is so much to see |
| Hotel Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino Resort |
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Monica >
2 contribution(s) Canada |
| Aug, 2009
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Arrival August 2009:
My husband and I have been to the Sonesta Maho every year for the last 3 years to celebrate our anniversary! The first year we went alone, last year we briought some friends along and again this year another set of friends. Not one of us have ever had a complaint!
The hotel staff are amazing-thank you to Messam in reservations, Sheryl, our favorite bartender, Erroll, Evangeline, etc. etc. The staff are amazing and we never had any difficulties.
The food is excellent-we enjoyed the buffet, Palm Grill, The Point and our other all-inclusive dinners at Soprano's and Le Charolais-we have always gone with Transat Holidays out of Toronto and these are included in the package.
There is so much to see and do in St. Maarten-we always go to Anguilla and have rented a car for the past two years. We were advised not to leave any valuables ever in the car, so we didn't and obviously did not have a problem. We have visted Baie Rouge, Marigot, Phillipsburgh, Grand Case, Orient Beach (the hotel included a complimantary trip to Orient every Wednesday) and find it quite easy to drive an manoever around the island.
We have made the usual donations to the Casino Royale across the street and have kept our favorite jewelers (Adil along the Maho strip) in business!
We loved every moment of our 3 vacations at the Maho! We just got back Friday night and we miss everyone at the Maho and St. Maarten badly!! |
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| Nice choice |
| Hotel The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa |
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Debbie from USA >
2 contribution(s) United States of America |
| Jun, 2009
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Arrival: May 2009
Resort is about 30 minutes from the airport by taxi. smooth check in.very pleasant friendly staff, very attentive from the moment we checked in.
Rooms:
Clean, big nicely furnished with a nice balcony. separate small tub/big shower We like to have a fridge in room-- we asked and within 5 minutes one was delivered to our room--no added charge
Restaurants and Bars:
Very good restaurant-reasonable- Pirates night was great well worth the $40 per person-- tons of food--especially seafood mussels,shrimp,crab also lots of grilled meats ribs chicken steak ,desert table was fabulous-endless rum punch. the food in st maarten is on the pricey side-so this was reasonable. Tried main restaurant for dinner another night-very good food-tab = $80 us (we each had an appetizer and glass of wine). Best food daytime is served poolside or beach--about $10 us gets you a very large wrap or huge salad with chicken-food very flavorful and well woth the $$.one day we had no breakfast,early lunch of wraps at pool and it was enough to eat all day.
Beach/Pools/Grounds:
Clean and spacious lounging areas never felt crowded. lot of chair--beach is gorgeous white sand ,clean,crystal clear water about a half mile long
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel:
Not much- a casino in lobby was fun at night and free drinks while you gamble just tip well. we played penny slots-lost a few dollars here and there but had free drinks all night
Other Comments:
This is a nice destination for 4 to 5 nights max--not much to do at night-relaxing for couples-not for singles at all- island itself is poor and seems scetchy in areas. Phillipsburg had all these adds about great shopping but from what we saw just a bunch of average t-shirts/souvenirs. I was at the Westin Grand Cayman May 2008 for 6 nights and it is much better resort/more activities all the way around. 7 mile beach is best beach ive been to and it is 7 miles you can walk as far as you want. Grand Cayman is sooooo clean you can almost eat off the streets/police dont carry guns--soo safe.GO TO GRAND CAYMAN WESTIN INSTEAD OF ST MAARTEN. |
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| The free shuttle into Willemstad was a nice extra |
| Hotel Breezes Resort Spa & Casino Curacao |
| User Rating:
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Joan from Alberta >
1 contribution(s) Canada |
| May, 2009
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I've travelled for 30 years, a lot of stays at all inclusive resorts throughout the Caribbean, so after reading the mixed reviews on this site, thought I had a pretty good idea what to expect. I was very happy to find the resort far outweighed my expectations!
We were there for two weeks from Apr.5, and enjoyed every minute. I had contacted Valerie and requested a ground floor room in a quiet location, which we received in the Flamingo building. It was wonderful to have the pool, never crowded, right outside our patio door, and incredible snorkeling just steps away off the beach! Never had to fight for loungers, and often had the pool to ourselves for long periods throughout the day. Our room was fine - the toilet 'howled" a bit when flushed, and we did have mosquitoes in our room most nights to some degree, but nothing major, and hey, that can happen at home too! I also made the suggestion to the resort that a mirror be provided in the main living area so if the bathroom is occupied, the other person can carry on with doing hair, make-up or whatever - small thing, but would be a nice convenience.
The grounds are lovely, with lots of palms and other vegetation, and were well maintained. Liked the fairy lights along the walkways at night - attractive and provided extra lighting when moving round the resort. We found the property to be kept fairly clean, and it would help if guests had the courtesy to return glasses, etc. to the bars. We also made the suggestion that the resort provide drop-off areas (bins, baskets, whatever) near the pools and along the beach for this purpose - could encourage people to do their share.
Enjoyed the macaws housed along the walkwaysand chatted with them in passing. They appear well cared for. Also enjoyed the local birds - bananaquits, yellow/green finches, troupials, tropical mockingbirds, and the various lizards scooting around.
We were happy with the buffet restaurant, breakfast, dinner and lunch. Typical all-inclusive buffet with a good variety of meats prepared in a variety of ways - chicken, turkey, fish (generally very good!), goat, lamb, steak, roast beef (surprisingly good, and we're from Alberta!). Mashed or roasted potatoes, rice, veggies, variety of salads, fajitas, tacos, cheeses, cold cuts, breads. Desserts ranged from various cakes, cheesecake, flan, cookies, and the most wonderful ice cream you'll ever eat! Breakfasts were typical AI - pancakes, eggs, omelete bar, bacon, sausage (link or patties), fruit bar (pineapple, papaya, watermelon, cantelope), pastries, croissants, toast, cereals. |
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The two snack bars at main pool and at Pelican building had hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, cheese sandwiches, grilled chicken on buns, fries, potato fritters . And popcorn or nachos for snack attacks. Top shelf booze - Canadian Club, Seagrams, Johnny Walker, Drambuie, Grand Mariner, Galliano, Bailey's etc. as well as lovely frozen pina colada and strawberry daiquiris (and others) - delightful either virgin or hard. And of course rum, vodka, etc, domestic and imported. Never tried the beer on tap, but seemed to be popular! Soft dirnks (soda) for kids or those who preferred them.
We did the Japanese and Italian a la cartes once - preferred the Italian, but both were good. We passed on the Starlight dinner around the pool (or on the beach).
The entertainment we saw was good - loved both sax players. But found after a day snorkeling and around/in the pool we never made it to the later shows which started at 10 p.m. There was a circus performance one evening, and wanted to hear the reggae band but just couldn't make it that late after a day in the sun! :)
Most staff were friendly, helpful and polite - just remember that they live a slower life style than we do, so practice patience if things don't happen "right NOW!".
The beach was lovely with the new addition of sand, and we managed to find entry into the water at "our" end where we didn't have much dead coral to cross barefoot before putting on fins . It was wonderful to be able to snorkel in calm water whenever we wanted, regardless if the sea was a bit choppy! Snorkeling off the beach is a priority when we're chosing a destination, and Breezes provided that in spades! The variey of fish and sea creatures we saw was wonderful - sergent majors, varieties of parrot fish, surgeon fish, grunts, squirrel fish, schools of tangs, one large fire worm, one small octopus, 3 different moray eels - two swimming freely along the sand! - puffers and various sized trunk fish, schools of tetras, wrasses, blennies, flounders - you name it, it was likely there! Oh, and one barracuda. A few days the water was a bit cloudy, but other days crystal clear. The fish are so habituated to humans they don't even seem to be aware of you! A bit of coral and anemones here and there - good to see!
The free shuttle into Willemstad was a nice extra, and the alloted time was perfect for us. We also took the local bus (van) to the Seaquarium (too hot to walk!) and to a nearby supermarket for $1.00 each way. |
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We did the Seaquarium snorkel encounter ($49 includes admission to the Seaquarium) , which we'd done 4 years ago and enjoyed. On our previous visit we were given rubber pouches of sardines to feed the fish, sharks, turtles, but they no longer do that since they have dolphins in an adjoining pool and the quality of fish isn't high enough for them. You can still see the sea turtles and lemon and nurse sharks through the chain fence or plexiglass viewing area, swim above rays, encounter large tarpon (?) and other fish, including a large puffer, and watch and interact with the dolphins through a plexiglass area (if they're willing!) . Other than those creatures, not a lot to see - we saw more varieties of colorful fish in the resort lagoon. Were it not for the dolphin and shark "close encounters", this wouldn't be worth the cost, but that just my opinion from this year, and I did enjoy being close-up to these incredible creatures!.
We also took a snorkel trip with the resident dive boat - to Tugboat site about 20 minutes along the coast. ($44 plus tax, plus $15 if you use their equipment). We didn't see a large number of fish there, but swimming along the drop-off to deep water and watching the divers and their bubbles was fun, but again, saw more sea life in our "home" lagoon! There was more coral in that area, but not a large amount, and seeing the tugboat wreck was kinda neat., but not sure it was worth the cost - again, just MY opinion!
Breezes gave us everything and more than we wanted and expected for this vacation. I wouldn't hesitate to return or recommend this resort to anyone. Just be aware and realistic of what your expectations are - don't expect more than what you're paying for.
I would compare Breezes Curacao to Sunscape Casa del Mar in Bayahibe D.R., for anyone who's been there (prior to it becoming a Dreams resort this year). Snorkeling was better at Breezes. Both these resorts are on my "will return some day" list.
Our previous Curacao trip was to Sunset Waters (2005). We were pleased with our stay there, albeit , it wasn't on par with our usual AI experiences, although we did enjoy the food there at the time. But it compares in no way to Breezes, in all aspects, including snorkeling. More corals there, yes, but I enjoyed the larger numbers and variety of species of fish at Breezes more. |
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| Next year - Aruba baby!! |
| Hotel Breezes Resort Spa & Casino Curacao |
| User Rating:
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Mark >
7 contribution(s) United Kingdom |
| Mar, 2009
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Arrival
Fairly quick to pick up everyone at the airport..lines were long but moved at a decent pace..However, airport staff was very disorganized, about 50 people got so frustrated thye butted in ahead of the rest of us..there were no clear lines to get thru their customs..ah well, 'tis island time..lol
Rooms
Rooms were ok, the tile floors were VERY slippery due to moisture..we adusted the ac/fan and got it under control. bathroom had been renovated..unfortunately, the tub installed crooked so that you would have huge puddles on the floor whenever tou showered..we jerry-rigged the shower curtain to the actual showerhead to help stop the water from running down the wall and onto the floor. there was also an exhaust fan in the bathroom but it was not hooked up to anything.. it would have been nice to vent the damp air from the showers. One funny thing..the safe smelled like sausage...it was gross!! lol
Restaurants and Bars
The bar service was awesome..very polite and always seemed to know who was next to be served without asking.The food at the buffet was disgusting. and if you wanted an omelete, the girl working there would only cook one at a time even though she had four burners..always a line of 4-6 people..if you wanted an omelete, be prepared to wait 15 minutes!! The food at the Italian restaurant was awesome. The food at Munason was gross- overheated oil drenched vegetables..It tasted like something a stoned teenager had cooked at 3am cuz he had the munchies..It didn't help that their sewage treatment plant is right by this restaurant, the stench is disgusting..not sure why they put a restaurant there! We were forewarned by a lot of other guests not to order the beef or ribs at the beach grill as they were overcooked and tough, so we ordered the grilled fish, and boy, was that awesome..All in all the food was decent but you need to know what and WHERE to eat. |
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Beach/Pools/Grounds
The beach was fine..pools were great, I only used the volleyball pool and had a great time playing with other vacationers. We spent hours swimming along the reef, it was gorgeous, lots of colourful fish. We also hung out at the Lion's Dive resort next door..It's well maintained in comparison to the Breezes and they have tourist information at the front desk..just cover your bracelet, and walk in like you belong there and get all the pamphlets/maps that you want..Breezes has nothing except a few tour pamphets and I think that's because they get a cut of the action...good business but how about giving out some free maps..tons of info available but not at the Breezes. One night we were on the elevator, and somebody opened the phone box to look inside..and the phone had no handset part..not nice if you get stuck in there!!! The artificial ice has big gaps in it and is used as a basketball court. The tennis courts are in very bad shape. huge holes in the fencing, the one court is unusable, there is no tennis pro as advertised. the courts slope to the one side about 15-20 degrees towards a ditch or stream that smells like sewage..We took our racquets down to play. We went out to play tennis just bfore dusk, as soon as we walked across the street a guard came out and hung his jacket on the fence and stayed withn 200 feet of us. After about 20 minutes we gave up and went back to the hotel because we felt sorry for the guard having to be out there and we weren't having fun anyway..We walked around on our own and generally felt safe, but after that we felt a little less so.. Walking down to the aquarium is nice..Look at all the flowers on the wall across the road..look closer at the thinner spots, you will see that the flowers hide razor wire..we did see a lot of razor wire..they must have a lot of problems at night. The best way to get into the Lion's Den resort is to go through down at the Aquarium, nobody stops you. If you try to go in at the other end you will have to pay. They have a few decent gift shops as well.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel
Went on the BOUNTY sailboat tour..I would do that again in a second!! awesome staff and the highlight of my trip to Curacao..Downtown Wilemstad is nice for pictures but somewhat tacky and VERY touristy..If you are seen with the Breezes bracelet the cost of items seems to change..lol..If you go into town wear something like a sweat band over the bracelet. do not travel too far out of the core areas, there are a lot of abandoned homes with vagrants/crackheads living in them..We took the buses around the island, very cheap and safe and fun!!I would go back to Curacao to explore the island, but I would not go back into town, you just feel like a "target" especially with the Breezes bracelet to identify you. We wandered around on our own quite a bit..in hindsight we were probably lucky that we did not get ourselves in trouble..not the kind of island to wander too far off the beaten path not so much during the day but moreso at night. |
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Other Comments
Loved the water/coral..Breezes while decent needs to clean up a few things..spend a couple hundred bucks to fix the fencing around the courts. clean up the courts, get rid of all the loose exposed hydro wires at the courts! Put someone else on the omelete station, so many people stood in line for 5 minutes and then walked away in disgust. It's the small things that make a difference..next year - Aruba baby!! I loved the area but not Breezes! Breezes seemed preoccupied with "guiding" their guests to tours that Breezes seemed to have a hand in in order to squeeze more money out of the guests rather than assisting their guests by providing readily available information to ensure they got the most out of their stay on Curacao. I would likely go back to Curacao at some point but I am sure there are better spots to spend my money. Pretty sad when you have to walk down the street and sneak into the lobby of another resort to get FREE chamber of Commerce info..Hey Breezes.. Do you want the phone number of the Curacao Chamber of Commerce, so you too, can offer FREE information? |
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| Nice place for relaxing |
| Hotel Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino |
| User Rating:
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Jeff >
8 contribution(s) Canada |
| Feb, 2009
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Royal Islander Great Bay (at Sonesta Great Bay Resort & Casino)
Arrival: Feb 3 - 10
Check in was smooth, easy and painless. We found the staff at the hotel's front desk to be very friendly.
Rooms:
We stayed in a one-bedroom "apartment" which we booked through RCI using our points. Our 2 young daughters slept in a very comfortable murphy bed located in the living area. The unit included a kitchen that came fully equipped -- except for an oven.
Restaurants and Bars:
As we stayed in an apartment, we cooked most of our meals ourselves or went outside the hotel. There are 3 bars in the hotel - in the lobby, on the pool deck and a swim up at the end of the infinity pool. They make a great Guavaberry Colada...an island specialty.
Beach/Pools/Grounds:
There were 3 pools at the hotel -- 2 located on the main deck (including the infinity pool) and one located close to the apartments. The beach is made from crushed shells, so it is not as nice as a sand beach.
Activities on and off the Resort/Hotel:
The hotel is located a short 10 minute walk from downtown Philipsburg...where you'll find great duty-free shopping. |
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