Watch out in St. Lucia
 

My husband and I went to St. Lucia in mid October 2002 for our honeymoon. We stayed at the Jalousie Hilton Resort. When we arrived, we thought this resort and beach location was the most beautiful thing we have ever seen. I have been to many other caribbean islands, and this was by far the most beautiful. The resort was laid all over a plantation right up to the beach, which was situated directly between the two pitons. Absolutely amazing. But then, it was somewhat spoiled throughout the week with the bad food, ridiculously high prices, and bad customer service. It's really a shame because the place was so gorgeous. Our room was a free standing villa with our own plunge pool. It was fabulous. But the food was so bad that it made me sick, and we eventually decided to leave the resort to go eat, or buy candy bars and crackers in the gift shops. Along with that, the cost of everything was absurd. I know that the caribbean is more expensive, but this was not even fair. We felt like we were just being ripped off the whole time. It's like they looked at us like we were stupid Americans wityh tons of money, so they just took us for every penny the could. A sprite was three dollars. A bottled water was five dollars. They had an awful fish buffet one night, and our bill just for the food was fifty dollars a person. When we ordered room service, they would charge us wrong, and then we would have to go through the hassle of getting it fixed which always took a couple days. Nobody would ever say they were sorry for the inconvenience. It was almost as if they wanted to see what they could get away with, or if we would even notice. So we had to watch everything they did. Oh, and they never give you a receipt so you have to remember to check it right then, or you'll never know what they did. We were extremely disappointed in the Hilton for the small selection of food, the terrible taste of everything on the resort, the gouging prices at every turn, and the way the staff barely paid attention to you. You have to ask for things several times befrore you get them. They were almost rude. They absolutely did not go out of their way for you. We had hoped to be able to return to St. Lucia and stay at the Jalousie Hilton for an anniversary, but we will never return to that resort again. So if you are thinking about staying there, take a whole lot of money-($2,000 for food and excursions and drinks is NOT enough)- and WATCH OUT because they will try to rip you off. Pay attention to everything that involves money. And don't expect great service. You're better off at Sandals.

That's a horrible story but believable. The prices you stated were unreal. I was lucky enough to attend the US Open this year (golf) and the food prices were the same as what you quoted. 1 Hamburger, 1 hot dog, 1 water and 1 diet Coke was $21. Seems like whenever they have you over a barrel....<BR><BR>Did you get ripped off on drinks also? Was there anywhere you could buy a bottle and bring it back?<BR>

If I were you I'd report this hotel to the Hilton corporate office's customer service department. Believe me, the large hotel chains are very interested in how their local hotels are treating the guests.

Laura, that's a shame that you had such a horrible time at the Jalousie; this is the EXACT reason why we go to LeSport. LeSport is AI, but the food has always been great, gourmet, and besides the premium liquors, the 3 meals a day + high tea, you are provided bottled water. It's such a refreshing change to stay at a resort and not have to worry about spending any money the whole time, even for spa treatments, which Jalousie does not include. <BR><BR>LeSport was advised by our travel agent for our 20th anniversary almost 5 years ago, and we haven't been disappointed yet. We're going back for our 25th, it's that nice.<BR><BR>Please consider giving St. Lucia another chance for an anniversary, only this time with LeSport, way up north.<BR><BR>I'd DEFINITELY get in touch with Hilton Consumer Relations about the horrible experience you had on your honeymoon. They might consider a free night stay or something for what you went thru. If you're Hilton Honors Members, you definitely deserve an explanation.<BR><BR>So sorry to hear about that, but congrats on your marriage - all the best!

Laura, we had exactly the same experience there two years ago. The saving grace for us was that we had stayed at Ladera for a few nights before the Jalousie Hilton, and we knew what things should cost. For example, the half day island tour that the Hilton charged $200 a person for was $40 a couple from Ladera. We ran into the Hilton people at each stop. It's not like I thought that the Hilton was going to be some kind of bargain, but that kind of markup was inexcusable. It is a beautiful place, but you definitely leave feeling ripped off.

Laura<BR>We were there in July and could not fault the resort. We had very good customer service and very good food, and are planning to go back.<BR><BR>As for the prices, yes, it is a little bit expensive, but what did you expect in an expensive resort ?<BR><BR>We had a great time and got on well with the staff, who made the whole experience very plesant. Toward the end of our stay, the bar staff knew what drinks we would prefer, and we would be getting free top-ups.<BR><BR>Maybe you should have done your research a little better before going. We deciede to go All-inclusive (because we looked into costs etc) and didn't have a care in the worrld when we were there.<BR><BR>I think you experience must be an exception to the norm. Everyone we met at the hotel just loved it.

I am going to the Jalousie Hilton TOMORROW. What a downer to go on holiday with. I will report back next week to report if I have the same experience.<BR>

I agree with Marz, the previous poster. We were there on our honeymoon in June and everything was wonderful. The service was first rate, the rooms were comfortable and luxurious, the food was good and we had a very enjoyable time. As for prices, Laura, you should face facts. The Jalousie is one of the top rated resorts in the Caribbean. The prices are no different than what you would pay at any other first rate resort in the Caribbean. I can only assume you have done little or no travelling to top rated resorts in the Caribbean before because, believe me, you are going to pay the same kind of prices at other first rate resorts like the Jalousie. The other thing to consider is that when a resort is in such a unique location with such stunning views that are unmatched by any other resort, you have to expect to pay a premium for it. That's just the way it is. We knew that going in when we planned our honeymoon and decided we were there to enjoy ourselves, not to watch our money. If you are going to the Jalousie and you're going to monitor what every Coke and bottle of water costs, you probably should have gone someplace else for your honeymoon. Sorry you did not have a good experience.

This is way an all inclusive is good for honeymooners. May times they are on a limited budget and being nickled and dimed on your honeymoon is not fun. Yes is appears that you are paying lots for the all inclusive but you don't have to feel that you can't have this drink or eat at some restaurant.

We got talked into St. Lucia by several other couples while we were visiting another island. They carried on about how magnificent it was. Outside of it being in the Caribbean and having nice flowers and plants, Laura has defined the island to a T.

I also stayed at Jalousie on my Honeymoon in October. Granted, some things were a bit pricey, but no more than most of the restaurants I go to in Atlanta where I live. An average bottle of beer in the US is now $3.25 and that's about what they charged there. I thought the Hilton was great and had no problems with the staff. Everyone was friendly and eager to help. I highly recommend Jalousie for a very relaxing vacation.

Keeping it real-<BR>We stayed at Rendezvous. Yes, we did get out and explore the island. We liked the rain forests better in Antigua, PR and mostly Costa Rica and we liked the waterfalls better in Jamaica. Of course, they don't compare to Hawaii. And, as you said yourself, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If you do a search, you will find there are many people who do not care for St. Lucia.

Sounds like the Cunard resort (La Tocque? south of Castriees. Is this the same place? Nice plunge pool and view in private rooms up the road from main resort. Sounds like they still have a problem with food. Beach was nice, but we almost lost two people. Very hard under tow.

Marz<BR>If you went AI as you stated what's this about &quot; free top ups?&quot;

Well the Hilton must be bad- the only AI which charges for your drinks!!!

We also have been there and Yes, it is beautiful and very expensive.

To Dennis: I'm amazed that you would say that you prefered the rain forest in Antigua to the ones in St Lucia - Antigua barely has what one would consider a rain forest! It is confined to one small portion of the island on the south side which I agree is kind of pretty and contrasts nicely with the basically flat undulating topography of most of the island but you can drive by it in 2 minutes! Its not even as if you could get out and walk through this &quot;rain forest&quot;! It barely qualifies as such and simply CANNOT be compared with St Lucia's forests. I am stunned that anyone would even think of comparing the two but then again, you are entitled to your opinion....

Thank you Janey-<BR>For saying everyone is entitled to their opinion. We preferred Antigua in ervy way over St. Lucia. One of the things I should have included about St. Lucia and neglected to do was the fact that it rained 50% of the time there during the day. I pay decent money to go on vacation and appreciate it when I'm not spending half of it sitting inside a hotel. It's a as simple as that.

I must disagree, it is possible not to find St. Lucia not breathtakingly beautiful... <BR><BR>I did my research and had St. Lucia well built up in my mind while I would say there are pretty area, on teh whole I was disappointed

Hey Island Girl! We are waiting on a report. Are you back yet?