EZTravelpad

Riu Montego Bay - All Inclusive resort

Riu Montego Bay - a Review

 The Riu brand of all inclusive resorts is one of the more popular choices of the many Spanish owned resort chains operating throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, and Riu Montego Bay is one of the more popular choices in Jamaica. As a large hotel & resort brand operating across much of the globe, Riu offers a good value and is certainly a good option for many - but does that mean it's the right choice for you?

 

 

 

EZTravelPad will try to help you make that decision with some insight, photos, video and more....so read on

 

Recently spending a few nights at the resort gave me a good chance to get a pretty good feel for the pluses and minuses of the resort and traveling with several other travel agents also lent some additional perspective and insight

 

 

 

Overall Design-

 

With nearly 700 rooms in a fairly small amount of acreage, the space to guest ratio is fair - comparable to direct competitors but far from spacious compared to some brands pricing just a bit higher so competition for beach and pool chairs starts early in the day....

 

For so many the all inclusive resort vacation is all about the party and if that is your main focus then this might be a good option for you - especially if you and your group are aged in your 20's. The party at the main pool's siwm up bar was definitely on full tilt from 10a-6p daily due in large part to the design of the pool & swim up bar. With in-pool "booths" and tables and jacuzzis and bar stools the architect created a fantastic space for enjoying the pool and the bar

 

 

 

As many resort designs include several sections of room blocks located individually across the resort grounds Riu was no exception but falling a bit short when it came to tying everything together. Many competitors will have covered walkways which offer shelter from the frequent tropical rains that will pop up anytime day or night - your umbrella is the only option for staying dry when walking from room to restaurant - some covered walkways would be a good thing

Rooms are comfortable with decent space, modest furnishings and extra firm mattresses. Bathrooms are spacious yet a huge design flaw in my thinking was that the small bathtubs were very hard to maneuver in since the tubs are rounded as opposed to flat - tough to turn, even stand while taking a shower - good space but poor tubs = fail for me on that aspect

 

 

 

Food-

 

It's interesting how perceptions are so individual. For example I am generally fairly critical of food quality and selection wherever I travel. I appreciate good food quality and selection - and good service. Interstingly, I found the food selection and quality to be pretty good considering the cost of the resort overall - compared to some competitors I felt they did a good job in this area, but many others that I was traveling with felt the food was less than impressive - and so it goes for opinions....

 

The main restaurant buffet consistently offers a wide range of offerings prepared reasonably well - the a la carte options (both the Italian "Little Italy" and the Asian "Kalu") that I experienced were more than adequate yet certainly not overly impressive from a culinary standpoint

 

Location-

 

One of the attractive features of this moderately priced resort is it's close proximity to the airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Being located close to the airport definitely helps to maximize your resort time but it can be a mixed blessing though - being located directly in the flight path means that frequent low flying jets will bring a stop to the conversation for a few seconds several times per day

The beach at Riu Mo Bay is not bad. A bit of seaweed washes us, and sand that is less than powdery is a bit of a drag but overall the space is good and the view at sunset is very good. Few peddlers exist since this is a private beach for guests only, but the occasional salesperson will find their way onto the beach and attempt to sell some things. 

 

 

Intangibles-

Overall I found the service to be ok - certainly nothing close to the level of service at some of the higher priced options. Staff was generally polite but not really friendly with few exceptions. It seemed they were going through the motions and doing their jobs but not really loving it so we all found the overall level of service and training of staff to be fair - could definitely use some improvement 

Some people only require cold beers and sodas to enjoy themselves - others have a more discriminating palate. I found the limited beverage selection to be disappointing and the wine selection was nearly undrinkable. That said, blended drinks and simple mixed cocktails are hard to ruin so there are options...

Due to the family friendly nature of the resort, if a Destination Wedding is something that you are considering and keeping the budget as low as possible is a top consideration then this is a good choice since people of all ages can enjoy the resort

Check out this video for more...

 

 

 

Overall I would say that for a certain set of clientele this is a good option - and for others not so much. It's not so much about price, but finding the right fit and that is exactly what a good travel consultant should be doing for you - finding the best fit for you!

When it comes time for your next all inclusive trip find a travel advisor like EZTravelPad to help insure that you make the best choice possible - after all, wasting money is not fun but wasting life's most precious commodity (yout TIME) is a shame!!

 

Sandals Introduces Complimentary WiFi in Some Room Categories

It's been a long time coming, but finally Sandals Resorts has rolled out complimentary Wifi in many of their room categories at Sandals Resorts in Jamaica

Here is the most recent release-

 

SANDALS RESORTS MAKES IT EASIER FOR GUESTS TO STAY CONNECTED

~ Guests of Concierge and Butler Rooms Receive Complimentary Internet Connection and Overseas Calls ~

 

 

 

Perfect for those that keep their smartphones and tablets as close as their sunscreen while on vacation, Sandals Resorts will introduce free Wi-Fi and complimentary long-distance phone calls for select room categories in 2013. These special perks are provided specifically to guests staying in Concierge Rooms and Butler Rooms, at any of the seven Sandals Resorts in Jamaica.

 

Beginning March 15, 2013, free Wi-Fi will keep guests in concierge or higher rooms connected whether accessing the latest news and gossip while lounging poolside; uploading pictures of a romantic beachfront sunset via social media; or checking emails while relaxing in their luxurious suite. Additionally, guests in these select room categories at Sandals Resorts in Jamaica will be permitted to make free long-distance calls to the U.S., Canada and to UK landlines, as well as local calls to Jamaican landlines, beginning June 20, 2013. These phone calls will be offered exclusively through travelers’ personal smartphones by downloading the Sandals Resort’s online app, which will be free and available to guests through the Apple and Android App stores. 

 

This is a welcome perks and sure not not only please many guests, but also increase the exposure of the brand as guests tweet and post about the fantastic time they are having in Jamaica

Ready to go but not sure which location will be best for you?

EZTravelPad is here to help make sure you get the very best deal available and that everything goes smoothly.

More Butler Suites Now At Sandals Grande Riviera

Does More Butler Suites = Lower Prices?

Recently the Sandals Grande Riviera resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica has reclassified many of the villa suites up on the hillside of the Manor section and now they all include butler service!

This is a huge deal - especially since it does not appear that prices have increased...yet

If you have experienced the Butler service at Sandals you know exactly what I'm talking about, and if you haven't yet experienced it now is a perfect time to see what the fuss is all about at a very affordable rate

To learn more about how a butler can enhance your vacation experience check out this link

Imagine, a villa on the hillside at Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios - with a semi-private pool and butler service at a price comparable to an entry level room at a competing resort....unbelievable!

The Sandals Grande Riviera resort is an excellent choices for either a Honeymoon or a Destination Wedding - and these semi-private poolside villas can be a perfect solution for guests in the wedding party - talk about a party to remember!

 

The Sandals Grande Riviera is a lively, fun and social resort that additionally offers the type of privacy shown above....plus great dining choices, many entertainment choices, gorgeous tropical gardens and a nice beach with beverage services all combine to make this a must visit resort - see more at the video here

 

 

For more info get with an expert who has been there and can guide you to your best choice - contact "Your friends....in the travel business" at EZTravelPad

 

Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay, Jamaica - a Review

Montego Bay's Holiday Inn Sunspree - Appealing to Families

The Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay, Jamaica (Mo Bay for short) is surprisingly good in some aspects, and not surprisingly (considering the cost) misses on a couple of other fronts.

In Brief- Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay is located a mere 5-10 minutes from the airport in Montego Bay, jamaica. The resort is full service and all-inclusive but with somewhat limited choices.

The 524 rooms are spread amongst over half-dozen different room blocks fronting the 1/2 mile of restored beach that also features a small private islnad just off shore.

There are nearly a half-dozen places to grab a bite to eat, but the bulk of the restaurant business is done at Portside Buffet Restaurant.

Of course there is a staffed Kid's club - of course there is a wedding staff - of course there are different bars to choose from - and yes, there is an adult section complete with pool and jacuzzi

 

 

What's good?

• Warm Jamaican smiles - you can generally count on great hospitality anywhere you go in Jamaica
• Nice Beach with private island - since the property is large and oriented along the beach there are good stretches of sandy beach
• Sorrento, the Italian restaurant was much better than I expected. Remembering that this is a modestly priced all-inclusive property I did not expect much, but the bacon wrapped filet cooked medium rare was actually cooked to medium rare and was not a bad cut. Served with friend polenta (pretty good) and a root vegetable along with an appetizing dessert, choices were good and the preparation was great.
• Coffee - Gotta love some Jamaican coffee!

 

What's not good?

• Pillows - I just can't stand the huge round overstuffed synthetic pillows
• Elevators - slow and HOT, but fortunately its a short ride to where you are going

In a general sense the entertainment was good compared to other all inclusive choices. The featured singer the night I was there was tremendous. Family daytime activities were fair with limited participation.

Would I book a family to Holiday Inn Sunspree in Montego Bay? Sure....it's a good value for the right family, and better in many aspects than competitively priced family friendly products located close by.

is it the right fit for everyone? - No.

For more info please contact EZTravelPad - we are here to help save you time and money!

1 More thing- check out the EZTravelPad's YouTube channel for some video and more              

 

 

Former NFL Receiver Reggin Williams Knows How to Deliver - A Memorable Marriage Proposal

SANDALS NEGRIL HELPS FORMER NFL WIDE RECEIVER REGGIE WILLIAMS, JR. DELIVER THE ULTIMATE PROPOSAL 

~ Helicopter Ride Over Sandals Negril’s Beach Spells Out ‘Will You Marry Me?’ ~

 

Ok, I have to admit- this is a copy and paste post. This news came in my weekly newsletter from Sandals Resorts and i thought it was worth sharing, so here goes-

 

Reginald ‘Reggie’ Williams, Jr. chose Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa as the perfect location to ask girlfriend Brandie Wilkins the most important question of his life… Will You Marry Me?  With the help of dedicated romance experts at Sandals Negril, Williams arranged for a romantic helicopter ride over the island’s famed seven-mile beach during their first full day in Jamaica, Saturday, August 6^th. While the couple was soaring through the sky, Sandals team members used bamboo adorned with shells and tropical flowers, to spell out “B, WILL YOU MARRY ME?” on the white sand beach. On the return leg of their excursion, Brandi was prompted to look down at the beach, where the tropical proposal awaited. She accepted without hesitation.

 

Reggie was so thrilled with the resort’s help in popping the question that he later expressed his gratitude to Sandals, writing “so often complaints or even bad news go to the top, but this letter is exactly the opposite. I have never been treated with such class, kindness and thoughtfulness… I am now happily engaged and the entire production came to life because of the team’s work here.”

 

The couple enjoyed a Luxury Included® vacation at Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa and are certainly looking forward to future visits throughout their married life. Couples looking to experience a tailored romantic proposal, like Reggie & Brandie’s, can pre-arrange their own special engagement or romantic gesture with the Sandals’ concierge team at any of the 14 Sandals Resorts in The Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua and Saint Lucia.

 

So when it's time for you to deliver EZTravelPad can help you select the Sandals location (or other resort fo rthat matter) that best suits your tastes.

Couples Resorts' Sans Souci in Ocho Rios Jamaica - a Review

Couples Sans Souci - A Great Jamaican All Adult Resort

Being a travel agency that specializes in Honeymoons, Destination Weddings and romantic escapes of all kinds, one of the most frequent questions we hear at EZTravelpad is "which resort is best?" - talk about an impossible question to answer...it's like choosing the best flavor of ice cream- so many wonderful flavors I just want to try them all! But alas, we all know we can't do that.

But I can tell you quickly that one of my favorites in Couples Sans Souci Resort in`Ocho Rios!

 

Is Couples Sans Souci right for everyone? Heck no!

So how do you knw if it's right for you? Well, one method is to hit their website and read the reviews- look at the photos - view their amenities...

But the best thing is to talk with a travel pro that can help you sort out the best options for you based on your immediate needs and requirements. Things that will impact the decision are

• Interests
• Style
• Budget
• Time Frame

All the resorts look good on paper and the photos are always awesome, but which is going to be the best fit? Which offers the right mix of fun and romance? Who has the best beach? Best pool? Which is the most romantic? Who has the best spa? If you've narrowed it down to the Caribbean, which island might be the best best?

So often the choice gets narrowed down and the island of Jamaica rises to the top, but with so many resorts in Jamaica (I can easily think of well over a dozen all adult resorts, not to mention the dozens that cater to guests of all ages) which is best? Well, that's where I can help.

If romance, seclusion, space and serenity are the order of the day, the Sans Souci is definitely a top pick.

 Couples Sans Souci is the most intimate of the 4 Couples resorts in Jamaica with only 150 luxurious rooms and suites, and given that the resort is spread out along 35 lush acres frontng the gorgeous Caribbean you can imagine how many opportunities there are for romantic moments of seclusion.

 If you are thinking of tying the knot in one of the most romantic spots in the Caribbean, then it's hard to beat this location.... a gazebo perched over the Caribbean in the midst of gardens. Awesome.

 

If you are looking for excellent yet basic accommodations with calming seablue color schemes you may have found your spot

Whether you opt for a Deluxe Ocean Suite or a Penthouse Suite you are going to find a beautiful accommodation, but if you opt for the Hibiscus Cottage you are going to find a romantic cottage nestled behind a hedge of colorful bougainvillea and situated cliff-side overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The Hibiscus Cottage is the ultimate secluded hideaway. This unique accommodation features a private outdoor infinity-edge Jacuzzi, a spacious living room, large master bedroom and bathroom suite with walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi tub for two

If you would like to select a suite with a gorgeous bath of marble featuring a soaker tub with whirlpool jets then maybe this is the pick

 So sure, you are going to find a lovely suite, and the intimate nature of the resort certianly appeals to many couples interested in a romnatic getaway, Honeymoon couples, or small groups in for a Destination Wedding - but if you are looking for a party spot this one is not for you-

At EZTravelpad we have the experience and the desire to help you select the best possible resorts to fit your style and make the most of your most important vacation - the NEXT one!

We like to think of ourselves are "Your friends....in the travel business" - get with us and see how we treat our friends - I think you'll like it.

 

Butler Duties at a Sandals Resort

Some of the Duties of a Sandals Butler

Ever wonder what a butler does for you at a Sandals resort? Ever wonder what you are paying for, or if the value is there - ever think HEY, this butler thing isn't for me! Well- maybe you should check out the list and reconsider.

Whether you are celebrating your Honeymoon or a full blown Destination Wedding, a Butler is a great add-on for the ultimate experience at any of the Sandals resorts in Antigua, Bahamas, Jamaica or St Lucia. Not sure about it? Here is a brief list of some of the duties that I borrowed from a Sandals blog - check it out!

 

Andrae Roberts-Dukes, Business Development Manager – LA, MS, AR forwards in writing several duties and tasks listed below but not limited to that of a Sandals Butler:

Before You Arrive, Your Butler Will:

       Ensure Your preferences are in-suite upon arrival

       Arrange transfers

When You Arrive, Your Butler Will:

       Provide you with all information regarding tours and spa services

       Unpack your luggage

       Provide a private orientation of the property

       Press your first two suits complimentary

       Provide you with a cell phone so you can keep in contact with each other throughout your stay

During Your Stay, Your Butler Will:

       Make all dinner reservations, tour bookings, on property activities and spa treatments for you

       Serve you your favorite drinks while you lounge on the beach or pool

       Serve you lunch on the beach or on the pool

       Liaise with housekeeping re servicing of your suite

       Ensure that your suite is kept in perfect condition and arranged the way you like during your stay

       Expedite all room service orders for you

       Arrange a perfect romantic dinner for two in the privacy of your suite on or your patio. Unlike our competitors, our butler level guests can order from any resort restaurant menu for dining in their room or suite

       Shine/clean your shoes for dinner

       Tend to your wardrobe

       Collect and return all laundry for you

 

In the Evening, Your Butler Will:

       Bring you amenities before dinner

       Escort you to dinner where they have reserved a beautifully decorated table at the restaurant of your choice – with preferential seating

       Ensure your suite is turned down and your room has all it needs for the night

       Your butler wants you to expect the unexpected. Prepare to be "wowed"

 

Before Your Departure, Your Butler Will:

       Reconfirm your flight and arrange transportation back to the airport

       Provide you with information regarding check out

       Assist you in folding your clothes for packing

       Retain all your preferences for future visits

At Departure Time, Your Butler Will:

       Ensure your bags are brought up to the departure area

       Escort you to the concierge area/butler lounge and process your paperwork for check out

       Escort you to your transportation and bid you farewell

Recent Experience

At my most recent visit to Sandals - in this case it was the Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios, Jamaica - I spoke to our next door neighbors about their butler experiences. Both sets (we were there for 4 nights with one couple then 3 nights for another) of honeymooners were blown away by the service provided by their butlers.

Witnessing the butler come and go while the guests were out of their room just reinforced that these guys (and ladies) are the hardest working people at the resort....they are like the James Browns of the resort.

So call on EZTravelpad to help you decide if a butler is right for you- we will help with sound advice from a trusted professional and we will make sure you get the best deal available with our best price guarantee!

It's ALWAYS on Sale - Cruises, All inclusives, Tours & More

Cruises are ON SALE - All Inclusives are ON SALE!!

I am just back from a week at a Sandals resort in Ocho Rios Jamaica, and boy did I learn alot!

 
part of the private Sandals beach in Ocho Rios

 

• I learned that the Sandals Grande Riviera is really looking good -

• I learned that Negril still looks the same as it did 20 years ago (except Rick's Cafe has expanded some)
• I learned that the "new road" is still not the same as an interstate
• I learned that if you want to scuba you better download the form before you go and get any required physician's signatures in the US (they are VERY cautious with guest's health at these resorts)
• But mostly I learned that people really believe that stuff about 65% off

Seriously? I guess I (and other travel agents also) do a lousy job of getting the word out that all these sales (Sandals is perpetually 60-65% off anytime you go to their website - at least anytime in the last 3 years...) - these perpetual sales that you can find any moment on the internet...they are just fluff. Everything is ALWAYS on sale - cruises are routinely 75-87% off - but off of what?

Who pays full fare?

Don't get me wrong - Sandals does a fantastic job of marketing their product - and it is a good product. I experienced it for 7 days last week and have VERY few complaints (there is always something that isn't 100% perfect, right?).

I guess my surprise, and the point of this post stems from several conversations with guests. Sandals guests tend to be very friendly ad out-going (alcohol maybe??) - I met many great people and invariably the topic of "what do you do?" came up. Frequently when guests learned that I was a travel agent/consultant/adviser we would talk travel - where have you been, where do you like best, etc. They were always very generic conversations, i mean- the last thing I would want to do is go to someone's place and start selling THEIR customers, so I was always very careful in how I responded to questions like - "so what do you think about this place?" - it's awesome of course!

The thing that I found most interesting was the amount of certainty that people held in their belief of their price being really special - the "I got a great deal" syndrome was rampant. People just don't believe that the Sandals price and the internet price and the agent price and the EZTravelPad price are exactly............THE SAME!!! Furthermore, it's the same situation with just about every resort company or cruise line or hotel or tour operator or wholesale packager on the planet. Nearly every time the agent price and the direct booking price are identical.

• Is there anything wrong with going directly to the source? No.
• Is there any advantage to booking direct? No.
• Is doing your own direct booking wrong? No.
• Is doing your own direct booking smart? Not really - because by using an impartial agent/consultant/adviser you can get advice - advice that you will not get from going direct, and you will usually pay ZERO (zilch, $0 - Nada)for that advice.

So, what did we learn? That if you want 65% off your next all inclusive vacation you need to go directly to the source - or the internet - or your preferred agent, because the pricing is ALL THE SAME almost every time - and when it's not (I cannot speak for every agent on planet earth) most agents will match the price.

Plus- even if you are paying a premium for your agent (and some top agents do charge premium fees)- how much value is their in having a go-to person when things go wrong? Do you REALLY like dealing with the call center? Really?

An Agent can help you make the best choice

What incentive does a resort have with making sure you have the best connections or even digging a little deeper to find a non-stop? Not much...

How likely is it that a tour company (Apple Vacations for example) will suggest that their competitor has a better flight option, or a better price? Not a chance in the world.

Do you know every place to shop for best combination of price/flights/room availability? Unlikely

How likely is it that the internet based travel agency is going to take the time to meet with you 1-on-1 to REALLY find out what you want for your next experience (and the one after that?).

Vacation planning is an art - and a science. It is something that someone like myself takes pride in - helping people get the most value for their most important commodity - TIME

So people, next time you are contemplating going somewhere - find an agent that you can be comfortable working with, and at least ask them for a quote - what do you have to lose? What do you have to GAIN?

But, just in case I haven't yet convinced you, and you are still holding out for the biggest sale yet - here you go.

THIS Fall - Oct 3-6 to Riviera Maya in Mexico.... an EZTravelpad exclusive at 99.98% OFF List Price - It's UNBELIEVABLE

Package includes RT air from Chicago, 3 nights at a 5 Star All-Adult All-Inclusive Resort ...plus a T-shirt plus.... 2 bottles of water!!.....all for only $855 pp dbl - That's 99.98% off the regular EZTravelpad price of only $42,750 per person*** - WOW - the deal of a lifetime!!

*** - ok, the 99.98% off is made up, so don't believe it - I'm just trying to illustrate the point that these savings that companies are routinely touting (off list price) are just numbers pulled out of thin air - numbers that sound enticing.... but the $855pp is real - and it's a steal! Hope to see you there!

Time Flies So Enjoy Your Life NOW - I am, at Sandals in Jamaica

Sitting Poolside in Jamaica at Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios

As I sit here poolside on the patio of my villa room at Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios, Jamaica I am thinking - wow...time flies!

It's been a really quick week of relaxation - so many great memories (and always a few disappointments) to look back on.

Our driver for the day - from Ocho Rios to Negril, Derroney Walker - unforgettable! What a great personality.

So what else - beside Derroney -will stand out?

• Golfing (poorly) in the Jamaican hills
• Windsurfing
• Hobie Catting (is that a word?)
• Winning the Shuffleboard and billiards tournaments
• Meeting new friends
• Eating & drinking
• Walking the gardens at night to an unbelievable serende courtesy of nature
• Grooving to the beat of a great Reggae band on the beach

Great memories that can only be made while on vacation....

Was it perfect? No - no vacation ever is, but as I sit here on the patio listening to thunder in the distance and being thankful for great weather most of the week...as I write this before getting ready for the Sandals "White" party where everyone gets dressed up in their best whites and accidentally spills chocolate on themselves, I am thankful that I have had this opportunity to reconnect with my wife, have some fun and some laughs, meet some great people and look forward to the next great trip to Mexico in a few months.

From Jamaica - Irie - One Love - Peace.........

Jamaica is in my head too - Flash Mob or not!

Ziggy Marley - Eldest son of the the late legend Bob Marley Presents - "Jamaica In My Head"

In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the death of the late great Bob Marley, a flash mob in New York's Union Square recently debuted to the beat of a new single from Ziggy Marley entitled "Jamaica In My Head".

 

 

Well, Jamaica had been in my head - and my heart - since the first time I visited Negril about 25 years ago. There is nothing quote like climbing Dunn's River Falls, or hanging out at Rick's Cafe as the sun sets, or even just taking a dip in the warm waters of the Caribbean before a morning cup of coffee.

Jamaica in my Head - INDEED!!