Rodraad

Well Gang I just got back December 9th to the 16th, 1999 <BR> <BR>I had a surreal time <BR> <BR>This resort can be described as a one-town get away resort. It should not be compared with Cancun or Acapulco. <BR> <BR>Basically, this is a golfing resort or a relaxing resort. <BR> <BR>As I went the first week of December 9th, the resort was only 50% full. The staff told me some weeks the resort gets party animals and some weeks early golf risers. This often affects the ambiance of the resort. I was allowed to switch rooms as many were empty. <BR> <BR>And here are my ratings: <BR> <BR>1. Hotel quality - Excellent quality - The hotel was very well run and the staff could not do enough for you. Particularly: The food was one of the best that I ever had at an all-inclusive resort. The specialty restaraunts: Italian and Mexican were outstanding. The service was superb. <BR> <BR>The staff went out of the way to make you feel comfortable. The animation staff were always offering activities for you to do during the day. <BR> <BR>As a veteran of 5 all-inclusives I was pleased with the hotel. The hot showers worked. And you had nmore towels then you needed. <BR> <BR>Also, the staff were very generous with the premium licqour. <BR> <BR>2. Golfing - I was told a good course. Not too crowded. One can get a caddy for $25 US I think - but this was not required. There is a free shuttle bus every half hour to the course. <BR> <BR>3. Scenic - The hotel is in a lovely mountainous / desert region. <BR> <BR>4. Scuba diving - A nice selection of dives. The water is plankton rich and supports a diverse marine life. <BR> <BR>5. Loreto - a charming little town with no substantial poverty. One could walk through the town in 15 minutes. There was no significant shopping to mention. One historic church. One had to rent a cab $9 one way to reach the town or join an escorted tour to get to the town. Apparently there is one excellent seafood restaraunt. <BR> <BR>6. Beach - Rather basic. A brown pebbly sand beach. (OK: I've seen substantially better). The hotel swimming pools were quite well kept up. <BR> <BR>7. temperature. During the day it reached at most 78Farenheit. During the night it dipped top 62F. This was in December. But happily there was no rain. <BR> <BR>8. There is a secluded area for clothing optional sunbathing and the hot tub was clothing optional also. The bar service at the clothing optional hotel leaves when you leave and is particularly noteworthy. <BR> <BR>9. Other water sports- The deep sea fishing and availability of water sports like kayaking is another added bonus to this resort. <BR> <BR>PS At any of the bars, ask to try a "Cookaracha": a warm shot of a few licqours that packs quite a blast. <BR> <BR>10. Cash <BR> <BR>ATM - There is one ATM/Bank in town <BR> <BR>The bank in town is open Mexican hours - ie a siesta and not on Sundays <BR> <BR>The ATM and bank will only dispense Mexican pesos <BR> <BR>According to locals the ATM: Sometimes it works/ sometimes it does not - you have a 50-50 chance <BR> <BR>You will have to take a cab to town $9 US each way <BR> <BR>The resort will give you a cash advance in Mexican pesos for credit cards (I dont know for interac). Reasonable limit ~ $100 a day <BR> <BR>The resort also changes travellers cheques into Mexican pesos. <BR> <BR>The resort charges a nominal fee for this service (3% I think) <BR> <BR>There is a safety deposit box at the hotel - you have to give them you credit card as a deposit <BR> <BR>I always recommend a safety deposit box while travelling <BR> <BR>If you loose the key - will cost $100 US to replace <BR> <BR>This resort is a surreal restful vacation. If you need to refocus your vibes in the desert, and escape a stressful existence: this is the place to go. <BR> <BR>Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>