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-   -   What would you do? (https://www.fodors.com/community/caribbean-islands/what-would-you-do-230921/)

ggggg Jun 14th, 2002 07:23 AM

Ted, why would you simply bend over and grab your ankles on this issue?<BR>I wouldn't care if it were my honeymoon or a weekend getaway, this is clearly a case in which the resort has sold out the interests of an individual couple.<BR>They will be willing to pay up if they perceive the couple will hold them to it.<BR>This is not at all a case of whining or being unreasonably demanding. This is a case very similar to an overbooked plane flight. The resort screwed up.<BR><BR>Would you be bumped off a plane without compensation and just wander off looking for another flight on your own?

Ted Jun 14th, 2002 07:56 AM

To "gggg": Relax. Take a deep breath. Are you always this stressed and rude? I would imagine, with your attitude, nothing ever goes right for you. <BR><BR>1. Lou has less than 3 weeks before the wedding. I imagine the stress level is high enough without trying to plan another honeymoon. <BR>2. No trip, and certainly no honeymoon, is "perfect," especially if you enter it expecting perfection. Dial down the drama & count your blessings. <BR>3. It's one night in another resort, not the end of the world. Priorties, please.

gggg Jun 14th, 2002 08:13 AM

You're missing my point, Ted.<BR><BR>What's are the worst things about the situation for Lou? Inconvenienced by the resort, maybe forced to move one night, spent all this time planning and now dumped on at the last minute.<BR>It's 2 parts psychological (feeling sold out and unimportant) and 1 part material (they will be inconvenienced if forced to move and that last day will be a virtual waste).<BR><BR>The psychological issues can be compensated if the resort antes up. And if they ante up well enough, even the material loss of a day can be offset if they get, maybe, a nice suite instead of a standard room, or a free stay in the future, or a nicer resort for the last day, etc.<BR><BR>The 'problem' can be offset.<BR>The situation can be fixed in a relative sense.<BR><BR>Why would anyone want to accept a suboptimal outcome when it's totally avoidable, perhaps with as little effort as a 2 minute phone call?<BR><BR>I'm all for the old saying about changing the things you can change, accepting things you cannot change, and being wise enough to know the difference.<BR>I know the difference here. This is something which can be changed.<BR>

anon Jun 14th, 2002 08:39 AM

gggg, I couldn't understand where Ted was coming from either. I thought your post was very well thought out well written. Loved the analogy with the ankles thing!

Resort Jun 14th, 2002 08:41 AM

I just did a search and Lou was looking a year ago at Cap Juluca, Little Dix and other BVI resorts. hmmmm.

Lannie Jun 14th, 2002 08:45 AM

I think that your feelings while you're honeymooning at this resort will not be postive--who needs this? Cancel and reserve at another resort--there's tons to choose from. If you need suggestions you'll get plenty from this board, I trust posters here more than my T.A. We live in an uncertain world so enjoy your honeymoon and put everything into perspective--good luck.

mary Jun 14th, 2002 08:51 AM

Lannie, I agree that bad feelings could ruin the vacation and honeymoon. Unless, however, they can achieve some great upgrades, etc. including the second resort which could be an upgrade in itselt. I think I'd be okay with it anyway if that was the case.

Deb Jun 14th, 2002 09:11 AM

Lou,<BR>Without knowing the Resort or Compnay name it's hard to give you advice.<BR>You should have travel insurance,<BR>I would try to have my agent find another place.There can and will be service issues. What kind of service do you think you will get from people who are not sure if they will have a job.<BR>Also the resort may be out of food and drink. They are not going to have alot of inventory to turn over to the new company.I hope this will help you.<BR>Deb

purrrrrrfect Jun 14th, 2002 09:46 AM

What did the agent say they were offering? Two nites at another comprable resort on the island? Not ideal but a chance to experience another hotel. If you go looking for a fight and an argument, you'll get one and be miserable. They made an economic decision (and for a big booking most places would do the same) and bounced you. Not a smooth move but it happens. Better to be gone than deal with a convention atmosphere anyway. Rebook elsewhere whether it is Malli or even any Sonesta that is changing hands or switch. Bet they aren't going to pay for more or give you more for your inconvenience so don't focus on what is gone. But it still will be perfect if you want it to be and maybe even better.

Kyra Jun 14th, 2002 09:56 AM

I disagree with purrrrfect about the resort not paying more or giving more.<BR>I've had many experiences in which overbooking, clerical oversight or unexpected circumstances disrupted my hotel plans. I've rarely been disappointed with the efforts of management to make things right.<BR>Of course this assumes you're working with people at a quality hotel.<BR>I've been given considerably more than expected in some cases.....upgrades to Presidential Suites, free nights, free return visits, cash, free dinner including wine, free nights at other company hotels, etc.<BR>This is not at all unusual.<BR>But I'm not talking about Hampton Inn and Days Inn. I'm talking about hotels that are very service oriented, for whom reputation is a big deal.

Susanne Jun 14th, 2002 03:32 PM

Hey everbody! I am Lou's fiance and I've enjoyed reading your many suggestions. They are very comforting. Lou and I don't want you to think that we are this rich couple who is throwing a temper tantrum because we are not getting our way.We have saved for the last few years to pay for our own wedding and homeymoon. We did a great amount of research for our honeymoon because we wanted it to be awesome and Little Dix Bay fit the bill.!! So... you all know what resort we are talking about finally. We simply expect the resort of our choice which we all know is known for their reputation, to uphold that reputation and their five-star rating. We both feel that if this situation was presented to us even a couple of months ago, we would not feel the way we do now! It is completely not right for the resort to just assume that we would be okay with them shipping us off to another resort. You all have to understand that we are planning on going there in 20 days. When you pay an extremely large amount of money to stay at a location that you've selected, than you should not be told that you are being sent to another resort, which by the way, is not nearly as comparable to Little Dix! So for all you who think that staying at another resort for "only one night" is no big deal, you are sorely mistaken. We will lose about two and a half days at the glorious Little Dix because of packing/travel/moving situation. I would like to ask all of you if you think that them sending us to a three star resort and not comping us at all besides paying for a night at the three star resort is worht it? Oh and they said that they would pick up a night's rate for us the next time we decide to come back to Little Dix. To Lou and I, this change is not what we signed up for, nor deserve. Please let us know what you think.

gottask Jun 14th, 2002 03:57 PM

where did they suggest? What 3 star place is there on Virgin Gorda or do they want to send you to Caneel? I'd be upset too but there is little that you can do about it and I sure wouldn't let them spoil my trip! Did you get trip insurance? <BR>

Grace Jun 14th, 2002 04:05 PM

Nice to hear your point of view Susanne. (You seem lot more calm about this than my wife--who has the same name-- would have been 20 days before our honeymoon!).<BR>First off, there is no need to explain or apologize for your irritation about this. You are completely justified in being upset and in demanding some satisfaction from LDB.<BR>There is a big difference between complaining about things like your room being 20 feet farther from the beach than someone else's as opposed to the hotel chopping up your honeymoon after you essentially had a contract.<BR>Who have you spoken with at LDB so far?<BR>Rosewood is a very conscientious management group in my experience. You deserve more than 1 free night on return and a second rate substitute for the end of your honeymoon.<BR>Are they sending you to Jumby Bay?<BR>If not, why not?<BR>What about Caneel Bay?<BR>What do you want for compensation?<BR>What about a couple free nights at las Ventanas al Paraiso (Cabo San Lucas), or the Mansion on Turtle Creek (Dallas)....have you any interest in travelling to these places at a later date? I've stayed at each of the above. Las Ventanas is their most expensive property room rate-wise and was rated the #1 resort in the world by Robb Report (super expensive lifestyles magazine) last year, #1 resort in North America by Conde Nast last year, #1 international resort by Andrew Harper's, etc etc.<BR>Cabo is desert, so no lush greenery, but the weather is perfect, rarely rains, 20 miles of unspoiled beach.<BR>Mansion on Turtle Creek makes for a great romantic weekend getaway. It's a very elegant place with great food.<BR><BR>

Gail Jun 14th, 2002 10:57 PM

I don't agree with the "bend over and take it/flow with the punches" recommendation of many here. Sure you could probably "work with management" to get an upgrade or whatever, but your honeymoon is ONCE in a lifetime, don't spend it at someplace that BURNED you. A new place is the way to put this behind you, otherwise it will be on your mind during your honeymoon.

Sally Jun 15th, 2002 02:51 AM

We recently spent 11 nights renting a villa on Virgin Gorda (Mahoe Bay). Its a great island, but 20 days is a long time to be at one property, especially a hotel. The other upscale properties on VG are a long way from Little Dix Bay and take time to get to. Where are they sending you? I would probably accept the change, BUT with free meals and few night(s) at Little Dix as a good will gesture. After 19 nights at one property, you might be getting a little restless anyway.

linda Jun 15th, 2002 03:41 AM

I believe I read that to say they are going in 20 days, not staying that long. If they only have a week, it can be pretty disruptive. If you've ever been to VG, it's not just like packing up and going across the road! Caneel? That would mean a ferry ride!! How are they getting back? Air, ferry, etc? In the BVI, it makes a big difference!That alone could cost them half a day.<BR> Since I just had my "perfect " honeymoon in BVI last year, I am sympathetic.My husband would accept another place- I would probably go on a b**** rant and get SOMETHING free- god knows, they can afford it. Maybe it would be easier to spend your last 2 nights at another reort to make it a little easier? How about asking for a private villa? Free day trip to another island, etc, etc.Anyway, it is worth speaking up, as this is an expensive resort and I know how you have planned. You still will have a great time - try to anticipate that! Be sure to print all these posts and let (upper) management know that they are getting some press on this one, and that you will let everyone know how they handled it! Please do that! Best wishes!

Laura Jun 15th, 2002 03:41 AM

19 days at one property--that's too long anywhere--I would welcome a change. I would have gone to 2 islands, not one.

readit Jun 15th, 2002 03:47 AM

they are leaving in 20 days not staying that long. how long will you be there Lou?

Nancy Jun 15th, 2002 04:32 AM

If this resort is suppose to be a classy resort than they should have offered a LOT MORE than they did for your inconvenience when they gave your travel agent notice--that shows TERRIBLE MANAGEMENT! I would never stay there!

Sosua Jun 15th, 2002 05:13 AM

I would add another day to my honeymoon, and stay for the last three days at another resort like Biras Creek. Make sure you get whatever you can from this resort--this was intentional to get a big group in and they didn't seem to go out of their way to make you happy. I agree with the previous poster--the management is VERY bad--no excuse.


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