Out of my rut - switched

[actran]

After agonizing about it for several days (as Shammy can attest to) I am switching my ressies from Royal Hideaway to the Iberostar Grand. It's still over 2 months away, but I'm feeling excited instead of anxious

[lonestarbevo]

Why? I know from reading your past posts that you are a huge RH fan. Curious to know your reasons - was it the lack of beach now?

[schmerl]

The Grand just sounds SOOOO wonderful. I wouldn't mind giving it a try!

[jbahr]

Well Actran! I have been wondering what you were going to do! Both Lisa and you helped us so much when my husband and I went to RH last June, and I always have enjoyed reading your posts filled with such loyalty to RH! I am sure that this was an agonizing decision for you! We really did enjoy our trip there, but I would switch also if kids have been present! I am looking forward to a very long and detailed trip report with many pictures!!! Have a wonderful time! I'm sure you will love it! A distant relative (who works for funjet) was there before Easter, and just raved about it!
Enjoy!

[vegasbabie]

I'm sorry to hear that you had to switch from the RH. My DH and I are going in August 2008 for our 5 year anniversary. It's where we had our Honeymoon. Did you change due to the beach condition?

[TAPPY]

Originally Posted by actran

After agonizing about it for several days (as Shammy can attest to) I am switching my ressies from Royal Hideaway to the Iberostar Grand. It's still over 2 months away, but I'm feeling excited instead of anxious

It will be fun, I dont see how you could go wrong with the IG !!!

[actran]

I had been concerned about the beach, my husband and I take a walk on the beach every day and he likes to run on the beach (I would try running on the beach, but I'm pretty sure my drink would spill .
But that was not my main reason.
It was really a culmination of concerns.
Recent reviews consistently talked about large groups being there - which really changes the ambience of the resort, someone who returned recently from her 5th trip said a lot of the staff are looking elsewhere because they haven't been given a raise in several years, and if anyone deserves regular raises, it would be the RH staff. They are what makes the place so amazing. The kid thing was a big factor. And I realized instead of eagerly anticipating this trip I was feeling anxious about it.

I also figure rates for IB Grand are supposed to be discounted, so it may be the only time we can afford it. And I CAN always go back to RH another year.

Now, if the calendar pages would turn a little faster (one of my staff said the other day that I needed a vacation more than any other person she knew that was right before she told me she couldn't work for me so I could take a day off ).

[Mr Cancun]

WOW, this is a change coming from you. But I would hate to spend the money that they are asking for on the RH and it not for once, live up to your expectations. I am even thinking about trying one of the Iberostars this summer.

I did send an email today to the Riu to see if I could get special pricing since being a Riu Class card holder AND their prices (on the website) are showing $118 pp if booked after August 26th. So far, that is less expensive then my normal route of booking through MLT or Funjet (unless Shammy has some great pricing). Cannot wait to hear back. I just do not want to wait until August 26th to go....I am having PdC withdrawals and NEED a vacation !!

[actran]

Mr C - we're planning on going to the Lindo Aug. 5-12 with the kids. IF I can find enough change behind the sofa to pay the deposit.

Uncle Sam took all my money the other day

It has been too long! I so envy those of you who get to go several times a year. (I told my hubby next year we are taking our couples trip in Feb or March).

[jobob]

Originally Posted by Mr Cancun

WOW, this is a change coming from you. But I would hate to spend the money that they are asking for on the RH and it not for once, live up to your expectations. I am even thinking about trying one of the Iberostars this summer.

I did send an email today to the Riu to see if I could get special pricing since being a Riu Class card holder AND their prices (on the website) are showing $118 pp if booked after August 26th. So far, that is less expensive then my normal route of booking through MLT or Funjet (unless Shammy has some great pricing). Cannot wait to hear back. I just do not want to wait until August 26th to go....I am having PdC withdrawals and NEED a vacation !!

Riu Class card holders don't get special prices but you might get a better room than someone who isn't. And if you have a gold or diamond card you'll probably (might) get an upgrade to a suite, if available. A friend who stayed at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya in Dec showed them his gold card when he checked in. Front desk person acted like she didn't even know what it was and they got one of the worst rooms in the resort, overlooking the tile roof. He complained and next day when he went to reception and again showed his gold card, they were moved immediately to a suite. We visited them and the room was fantastic.

[Sukidog]

Can't wait to hear about the new Iber* Grand resort. Unless we beat you there first.

[Mr Cancun]

Originally Posted by actran

Mr C - we're planning on going to the Lindo Aug. 5-12 with the kids. IF I can find enough change behind the sofa to pay the deposit.

Uncle Sam took all my money the other day

It has been too long! I so envy those of you who get to go several times a year. (I told my hubby next year we are taking our couples trip in Feb or March).

Sorry U. Sam got your money !!

We might be heading down about the same time as you AGAIN !!! Looking around the 4th through the 11th.

Might have to hook up again.

[Mr Cancun]

Originally Posted by jobob

Riu Class card holders don't get special prices but you might get a better room than someone who isn't. And if you have a gold or diamond card you'll probably (might) get an upgrade to a suite, if available. A friend who stayed at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya in Dec showed them his gold card when he checked in. Front desk person acted like she didn't even know what it was and they got one of the worst rooms in the resort, overlooking the tile roof. He complained and next day when he went to reception and again showed his gold card, they were moved immediately to a suite. We visited them and the room was fantastic.

I just had to try.....I did get an email back from Karin Ringenier in public relations (wow that was a quick response) and she told be to try through reservations so I sent them the same email. My philosophy, it never hurts to ask..many times I do get lucky. Last year we got a full week w/ airfare & insurance for $1,1170 pp. Not too shabby.

[actran]

Originally Posted by Mr Cancun

Sorry U. Sam got your money !!

We might be heading down about the same time as you AGAIN !!! Looking around the 4th through the 11th.

Might have to hook up again.

My husband always says "If you have to pay taxes, you must be makin' money, so it's better than the alternative." It still hurts

When it gets closer we'll plan to meet on 5th, okay?

[seanote]

actran
i see you have changed from the RH, was there for the first time March 3 this year,
yes a group came in and they did close 1 or 2 restaurants for them. Looking forward to your trip report on the grand as we would like to go back to Playa next year..
Enjoy and I believe you have made the right choice judging from the past reviews of the RH lately..
best regards
Seanote



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