tifany8

We are considering Ladera for a trip in February. With the rooms being completely open I just wondered if rodents ever get in the rooms? Geckos don't bother me, but rats at night are a little different. It only seems natural that they would come in too. Has anyone ever seen a rat there?

Also, I have read a little about the poverty level in St. Lucia. I particularly wanted to know about begging. I don't want to be bombarded by people selling shells and drugs constantly. Is this the case on St. Lucia?

Thank you for your help.

Mermaid

I've stayed at Ladera twice once in 2000 and again last year in 2002. I never saw any wildlife at all in the room. Except for one tiny lizard that hung out near the plunge pool.
Ladera would not be able to maintain it's excellent reputation if guests had to worry about rats running through their rooms at night.
As for vendors, like anywhere else you will probably be approached to purchase various items. If you're not interested, smile and say,'No thank you' and move on. You won't be chased and harrassed. The people of St Lucia are by and large, kind and gracious.
Ladera is an exquisite destination. You won't be disappointed.

IslandGrl

I agree with Mermaid, don't worry about rats at Ladera. I am very timid and security conscious and I had mixed feelings about going to St. Lucia, yes, there is more poverty, yes you may be asked for money or to buy something, however, it is too beautiful an island and too rich a cultural experience to pass up.

tifany8

I have never read anything about rodents, but I didn't know how they could possibly keep the out. Do they have those metal rat bands on the trees?

Mermaid

Tifany,
I don't know what "metal rat bands" you're referring to. All I can tell you from my personal experience is that there are no rats in the rooms. If it's going to worry you that much perhaps another resort would be a better choice.
No one should have to stress while on what's supposed to be a romantic vacation. Ladera is quite spectacular and unique but maybe the open wall issue is a bit much for you?

Diana

I would have to say that I agree with Mermaid.

I think one of the main draws for both Anse Chastanet and Ladera is that they have an open-walled feeling where communing with and enjoying nature is part of the experience. Of course, I draw the line at rats too

I have stayed at both, and never saw any rats. However, while we were at AC, a hurricane came through, and we did have birds, lizards and frogs in our room taking refuge from the storm.

If you are going to worry about walking to the bathroom in the night or stress about having "something" in there with you, why don't you look more in the direction of the Jalousie Hilton?

tifany8

I am not really worried about it. My husband and I have stayed at the Sauvage in Tahiti (no electricity, no fresh water, and LOTS of critters). But we are going with friends and I don't want to suggest that we go here and then have rats running in the rooms. It sounds spectacular and the pictures are fantastic. Thank you for all of your help.

Note - They had "rat bands" (don't know what they are really called) on the trees on Rangiroa. They were a two foot metal band that went around all of the trees so the rats could't nest in them.