My Secrets Experience

BruceFan · 06-21-2004

Stayed at Secrets from 6/8 to 6/14. Great flight, easy transport to hotel where we grabbed a drink before checking in at the lobby bar. Check-in was easy. We were given a "beachfront" upgrade at no charge because it was our 3rd Secrets trip (twice before to Punta Cana). Room was not ready so we changed into bathing suits in the locker area of the spa and went right to the pool. Had a great lunch at the seaside restaurant, swam, tanned and enjoyed the pool bar. We didn't even go to our room until about 5 pm although it was ready by 3. Hotel room was not a junior suite but was still a great size-lots of storage space, great patio, big bathroom, etc. Not enough hangers in the closet. Very clean and new. Bed was not as bad as all of the complainers indicated. I loved the CD/DVD player-brought my own music and some movies. The movies came in handy on our 3 full days of rain during our trip. Normally, I would have been despondent because of the hurricane-like weather but I have to say that we had a wonderful time in spite of it. Food is fabulous (gained weight-there is a scale in the bathroom) and drinks are plentiful. The rain allowed my husband to take some much-needed naps and it really was a relaxing vacation. Service was wonderful, room cleaned well daily and bed turned down each evening. Minibar was not stocked every day but we just grabbed a six pack or a bottle of wine at the bar before we went to the room when needed. No problem at all. Took a cab to Playa Del Carmen($10 each way but hotel does offer a shuttle)-cute little shopping area and worth the few hours. We don't like to commit to long excursions so this was a perfect diversion. Rather than continue with a lengthy review, I'll just answer any questions that come along. In summary, the hotel is very nice, food is great, pool wonderful, etc. It is true that if you are going away to spend a lot of time in the ocean, this might not be the best choice for you. Great beach for lounging but not for body surfing, swimming, boogie boarding, etc. Secrets Punta Cana has a fabulous beach with great waves if that is what you want. We are big ocean fans and we did miss that but we enjoyed the view of the ocean from the pool. I saw nothing to justify the negative reviews I've read about this resort and I have been to 7 different all-inclusives. Enjoy your trip and don't worry about a thing.

Conanc · 06-21-2004

Hi,

Thanks for posting your trip report! I've been searching for all the information I can get for Secrets. My husband and I are considering staying here in November but I can't bring myself to book it just yet. We were a bit nervous after reading many poor reviews on Tripadvisor but the reports on this board have been favorable.

How was the Jazz club, and did you get to use the spa at all?

Good to hear that you thought the food was fabulous...what were your favorites?

If we stay in a tropical or oceanview room -- is there a particular area we should request or try to avoid? I read somewhere that the main bldg. is noisy.

Thanks!
Nancy

BruceFan · 06-21-2004

I feel that the main area never got so noisy as to have impact on noise in your room-I could be wrong; however, since we had so much rain, EVERYONE was inside and I was never bothered by noise in the room even during afternoon naps except for hotel room doors closing which is common wherever you go. The Italian restaurant was great-we ate there three times and never even tried the seafood restaurant. The Japanese was also very good. The main restaurant which served a buffet lunch also had an a la carte menu which some guests never knew about because it wasn't offered as a matter of course but was in plain view at the podium as you waited to be seated. This menu had good enchiladas, tacos, burritos and American entrees. The salsa and guacamole were great and I was glad to see some Mexican fare after having read complaints on tripadvisor that there was no Mexican food to be found. It was available every day.
I would not say that there was a jazz club per se-the piano bar was an area off of the lobby bar with seating. A singer and piano player were there some nights and I think there was a sax guy one night. It was in no way a real jazz club but the musicians were not bad at all. I would much rather be at this resort in November than in the States going to work every day. Hope these answers help-feel free to inquire about any other issues. Happy planning-that is some of the best part of going away. Good luck--

kathyb · 06-22-2004

Hey BruceFan -welcome back!!

Glad to hear you like the resort - makes me more anxious. Everything sounds great to me except the stuff about the beach. My husband and I like to lay at the beach. We love to walk it (which I hear is a doable) and we like to jump in get wet and jump the waves. We are not big swimmers. Just wonder if we would be disappointed? Also I understand that you can go a little south(?) and the water is great - if this is true how little south are we talking? Can I drag my lounge chair there?

Also were you there when they had so much rain that the beach area was having many problems? There are pictures posted somewhere of how the beach area really took a beating at Secrets.

What was the age group? How late was the beach bar open and also the pools and hot tubs.

Thanks for any info and taking the time to answer my questions.

Kathy

BruceFan · 06-22-2004

Kathy-I was definitely waiting on a sunny day for half of the trip and the beach did taking a beating from very high winds. I'm sure it will be fine as workers were addressing the problem the very next day. The beach has lots of chairs for lounging and there is plenty of length to walk. However, you may not find yourself jumping many waves. As I said, we like to spend a lot of time in the ocean but this did not mar our vacation. It would if it is the most important thing you are looking for in the resort you choose. The age group seemed to range from 20-50 with a lot of honeymooners. Everyone interacted very well. The beach bar and pool are open until 6 pm. We did notice that staff starts to put chair pads away around 3 or so to get a head start but if you are occupying chairs, they don't bother you! This is a bit early to do this as latecomers have to hunt down chair cushions-I did think that was a bit odd but I guess they have their assigned duties. Feel free to ask anything else as you think of it!

kbressani · 06-22-2004

I have a question regarding the beach at Secrets Capri. I understand it doesnt have too many waves, but is it still crystal blue and beautiful? Is it muddy and ugly? I don't mind if it is still and no waves, but I would like a pretty ocean and beach to look at with my pina coloda goggles. Also, we are going there on our honeymoon the end of July, do you think the weather will be better or worse?
Thanks!

kathyb · 06-22-2004

So I take it you were not changing "let it rain" . . . .

The beach is important to us but things like - all ala carte, no reservations, beach bar service, quality service, not too massive of a resort definitely mean more. It is funny but I find more people at the pools at most resorts no matter what the beach is like.

One thing - do they have burgers, fries, quesadillas, etc by the pool/beach bar?

Kathy

P.S. I am sure I will have plenty more questions.

kathyb · 06-22-2004

OOPS - should have read "chanting let it raing" not changing!!!

BruceFan · 06-22-2004

Kbressani-Ocean provided beautiful scenery-it got a bit less beautiful after the violent storm but I think that is normal. It definitely is not "muddy and ugly" all the time! I'm sure I got some beautiful photos with the ocean in the background.

KathyB-They have tortilla chips, cheese and salsa at the pool bar. There is dining just steps away from the pool where you can order burgers, fries and lots of great stuff. You can eat inside or out on the porch facing the ocean or the pool. I think that is why they don't have lots more food choices at the pool bar. Also, you can order from that restaurant and they will bring you your order right to your chair by the pool which I thought was really cool. Just ask the cocktail waitress for that burger and fries. You might want to stop in and check out the menu so you know what you want-they don't bring the menu to your seat but I've never been to a resort where they actually served you in your lounge chair!

Conanc · 06-22-2004

BRUCEFAN,

Did they have fresh guacamole and chips by the pool? I am totally hooked on it!

Also...did you use or talk to anyone who used the spa?

Thanks for all of the great information!

Nancy

Conanc · 06-22-2004

BRUCEFAN,

Just wondering if you have read the latest review on Secrets from Milwaukee, WI posted on tripadvisor.com? If so, would you be able to comment? You were both there around the same time but it seems like two different resorts!

should really stay away from tripadvisor, I was so positive after reading your review and after reading all the other postings here.

Thanks!

kathyb · 06-23-2004

Nancy,

There is a new review on tripadvisor - he got there after the 3 days of mad rains!! said the beach was murky but they were doing a good job in cleaning it up.

Kathy

Conanc · 06-23-2004

Thanks, Kathy I am going to check right now. Driving myself nuts reading these reviews though.

Nancy

kathyb · 06-23-2004

Nancy

I agree - you continue reading and get more and more confused!!! Anyway I am sticking with my choice for Secrets - there have been way to many great reviews on this board and also on trip advisor. The photos I have seen are amazing and it really has everything we are looking for - the beach is iffy but I can walk a few feet if I want to (who knows I have always wanted to try topless so this may be my chance)!
Last year I went back and forth on the IB Paraiso - the reviews were always good and everyone raved about it - we didn't really care for it and would not return so it really is a matter of opinion.

Good luck with your decision - if you are there Sept 29-Oct 5 we can meet for drinks and toast on how wisely we chose!!

kATHY

Jim Kutsko · 06-30-2004

I like tripadvisor. I think it provides a lot a great information. But you have to realize what some people hate, I find to be an advantage. I've seen a number of people mention that they need music by the pool at Secrets. The fact that there isn't music being blasted by the pool to me is a plus. Some people want to be able to reserve a table (although most of them don't want to get up early to do so). I like the system at Secrets (I'm going, haven't been there but went to Sunscape Tulum two months ago) where I can decide in the evening what I'm in the mood for.

I think you get bad reviews for three reasons. First the person didn't do their homework and therefore went someplace that didn't take care of their "deal busters." I saw one person write up a place as great because they bathrooms were really clean! Dirty bathrooms were a deal buster for him. Second, they had something bad happen. It tends to make everything bad and leaves them with a miserable vacation. Finally, some people would never be satisfied in Mexico. They want European Ritz Carleton facilities, service etc. at a discount price.

From everything I've read, Secrets is great.

06-21-2004	#1 (permalink)
BruceFan sandflea Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 9	My Secrets Experience Stayed at Secrets from 6/8 to 6/14. Great flight, easy transport to hotel where we grabbed a drink before checking in at the lobby bar. Check-in was easy. We were given a "beachfront" upgrade at no charge because it was our 3rd Secrets trip (twice before to Punta Cana). Room was not ready so we changed into bathing suits in the locker area of the spa and went right to the pool. Had a great lunch at the seaside restaurant, swam, tanned and enjoyed the pool bar. We didn't even go to our room until about 5 pm although it was ready by 3. Hotel room was not a junior suite but was still a great size-lots of storage space, great patio, big bathroom, etc. Not enough hangers in the closet. Very clean and new. Bed was not as bad as all of the complainers indicated. I loved the CD/DVD player-brought my own music and some movies. The movies came in handy on our 3 full days of rain during our trip. Normally, I would have been despondent because of the hurricane-like weather but I have to say that we had a wonderful time in spite of it. Food is fabulous (gained weight-there is a scale in the bathroom) and drinks are plentiful. The rain allowed my husband to take some much-needed naps and it really was a relaxing vacation. Service was wonderful, room cleaned well daily and bed turned down each evening. Minibar was not stocked every day but we just grabbed a six pack or a bottle of wine at the bar before we went to the room when needed. No problem at all. Took a cab to Playa Del Carmen($10 each way but hotel does offer a shuttle)-cute little shopping area and worth the few hours. We don't like to commit to long excursions so this was a perfect diversion. Rather than continue with a lengthy review, I'll just answer any questions that come along. In summary, the hotel is very nice, food is great, pool wonderful, etc. It is true that if you are going away to spend a lot of time in the ocean, this might not be the best choice for you. Great beach for lounging but not for body surfing, swimming, boogie boarding, etc. Secrets Punta Cana has a fabulous beach with great waves if that is what you want. We are big ocean fans and we did miss that but we enjoyed the view of the ocean from the pool. I saw nothing to justify the negative reviews I've read about this resort and I have been to 7 different all-inclusives. Enjoy your trip and don't worry about a thing.

06-21-2004	#2 (permalink)
Conanc way into it Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 134	Hi, Thanks for posting your trip report! I've been searching for all the information I can get for Secrets. My husband and I are considering staying here in November but I can't bring myself to book it just yet. We were a bit nervous after reading many poor reviews on Tripadvisor but the reports on this board have been favorable. How was the Jazz club, and did you get to use the spa at all? Good to hear that you thought the food was fabulous...what were your favorites? If we stay in a tropical or oceanview room -- is there a particular area we should request or try to avoid? I read somewhere that the main bldg. is noisy. Thanks! Nancy

06-21-2004	#3 (permalink)
BruceFan sandflea Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 9	I feel that the main area never got so noisy as to have impact on noise in your room-I could be wrong; however, since we had so much rain, EVERYONE was inside and I was never bothered by noise in the room even during afternoon naps except for hotel room doors closing which is common wherever you go. The Italian restaurant was great-we ate there three times and never even tried the seafood restaurant. The Japanese was also very good. The main restaurant which served a buffet lunch also had an a la carte menu which some guests never knew about because it wasn't offered as a matter of course but was in plain view at the podium as you waited to be seated. This menu had good enchiladas, tacos, burritos and American entrees. The salsa and guacamole were great and I was glad to see some Mexican fare after having read complaints on tripadvisor that there was no Mexican food to be found. It was available every day. I would not say that there was a jazz club per se-the piano bar was an area off of the lobby bar with seating. A singer and piano player were there some nights and I think there was a sax guy one night. It was in no way a real jazz club but the musicians were not bad at all. I would much rather be at this resort in November than in the States going to work every day. Hope these answers help-feel free to inquire about any other issues. Happy planning-that is some of the best part of going away. Good luck--

06-22-2004	#4 (permalink)
kathyb ruined Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Methuen, MA Posts: 84	Hey BruceFan -welcome back!! Glad to hear you like the resort - makes me more anxious. Everything sounds great to me except the stuff about the beach. My husband and I like to lay at the beach. We love to walk it (which I hear is a doable) and we like to jump in get wet and jump the waves. We are not big swimmers. Just wonder if we would be disappointed? Also I understand that you can go a little south(?) and the water is great - if this is true how little south are we talking? Can I drag my lounge chair there? Also were you there when they had so much rain that the beach area was having many problems? There are pictures posted somewhere of how the beach area really took a beating at Secrets. What was the age group? How late was the beach bar open and also the pools and hot tubs. Thanks for any info and taking the time to answer my questions. Kathy

06-22-2004	#5 (permalink)
BruceFan sandflea Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 9	Kathy-I was definitely waiting on a sunny day for half of the trip and the beach did taking a beating from very high winds. I'm sure it will be fine as workers were addressing the problem the very next day. The beach has lots of chairs for lounging and there is plenty of length to walk. However, you may not find yourself jumping many waves. As I said, we like to spend a lot of time in the ocean but this did not mar our vacation. It would if it is the most important thing you are looking for in the resort you choose. The age group seemed to range from 20-50 with a lot of honeymooners. Everyone interacted very well. The beach bar and pool are open until 6 pm. We did notice that staff starts to put chair pads away around 3 or so to get a head start but if you are occupying chairs, they don't bother you! This is a bit early to do this as latecomers have to hunt down chair cushions-I did think that was a bit odd but I guess they have their assigned duties. Feel free to ask anything else as you think of it!

06-22-2004	#6 (permalink)
kbressani lost on fifth Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 19	I have a question regarding the beach at Secrets Capri. I understand it doesnt have too many waves, but is it still crystal blue and beautiful? Is it muddy and ugly? I don't mind if it is still and no waves, but I would like a pretty ocean and beach to look at with my pina coloda goggles. Also, we are going there on our honeymoon the end of July, do you think the weather will be better or worse? Thanks!

06-22-2004	#7 (permalink)
kathyb ruined Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Methuen, MA Posts: 84	So I take it you were not changing "let it rain" . . . . The beach is important to us but things like - all ala carte, no reservations, beach bar service, quality service, not too massive of a resort definitely mean more. It is funny but I find more people at the pools at most resorts no matter what the beach is like. One thing - do they have burgers, fries, quesadillas, etc by the pool/beach bar? Kathy P.S. I am sure I will have plenty more questions.

06-22-2004	#8 (permalink)
kathyb ruined Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Methuen, MA Posts: 84	OOPS - should have read "chanting let it raing" not changing!!!

06-22-2004	#9 (permalink)
BruceFan sandflea Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 9	Kbressani-Ocean provided beautiful scenery-it got a bit less beautiful after the violent storm but I think that is normal. It definitely is not "muddy and ugly" all the time! I'm sure I got some beautiful photos with the ocean in the background. KathyB-They have tortilla chips, cheese and salsa at the pool bar. There is dining just steps away from the pool where you can order burgers, fries and lots of great stuff. You can eat inside or out on the porch facing the ocean or the pool. I think that is why they don't have lots more food choices at the pool bar. Also, you can order from that restaurant and they will bring you your order right to your chair by the pool which I thought was really cool. Just ask the cocktail waitress for that burger and fries. You might want to stop in and check out the menu so you know what you want-they don't bring the menu to your seat but I've never been to a resort where they actually served you in your lounge chair!

06-22-2004	#10 (permalink)
Conanc way into it Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 134	BRUCEFAN, Did they have fresh guacamole and chips by the pool? I am totally hooked on it! Also...did you use or talk to anyone who used the spa? Thanks for all of the great information! Nancy

06-22-2004	#11 (permalink)
Conanc way into it Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 134	BRUCEFAN, Just wondering if you have read the latest review on Secrets from Milwaukee, WI posted on tripadvisor.com? If so, would you be able to comment? You were both there around the same time but it seems like two different resorts! should really stay away from tripadvisor, I was so positive after reading your review and after reading all the other postings here. Thanks!

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06-23-2004	#12 (permalink)
kathyb ruined Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Methuen, MA Posts: 84	Nancy, There is a new review on tripadvisor - he got there after the 3 days of mad rains!! said the beach was murky but they were doing a good job in cleaning it up. Kathy

06-23-2004	#13 (permalink)
Conanc way into it Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 134	Thanks, Kathy I am going to check right now. Driving myself nuts reading these reviews though. Nancy

06-23-2004	#14 (permalink)
kathyb ruined Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Methuen, MA Posts: 84	Nancy I agree - you continue reading and get more and more confused!!! Anyway I am sticking with my choice for Secrets - there have been way to many great reviews on this board and also on trip advisor. The photos I have seen are amazing and it really has everything we are looking for - the beach is iffy but I can walk a few feet if I want to (who knows I have always wanted to try topless so this may be my chance)! Last year I went back and forth on the IB Paraiso - the reviews were always good and everyone raved about it - we didn't really care for it and would not return so it really is a matter of opinion. Good luck with your decision - if you are there Sept 29-Oct 5 we can meet for drinks and toast on how wisely we chose!! kATHY

06-30-2004	#15 (permalink)
Jim Kutsko lost on fifth Join Date: May 2004 Location: Denver Colorado Posts: 23	I like tripadvisor. I think it provides a lot a great information. But you have to realize what some people hate, I find to be an advantage. I've seen a number of people mention that they need music by the pool at Secrets. The fact that there isn't music being blasted by the pool to me is a plus. Some people want to be able to reserve a table (although most of them don't want to get up early to do so). I like the system at Secrets (I'm going, haven't been there but went to Sunscape Tulum two months ago) where I can decide in the evening what I'm in the mood for. I think you get bad reviews for three reasons. First the person didn't do their homework and therefore went someplace that didn't take care of their "deal busters." I saw one person write up a place as great because they bathrooms were really clean! Dirty bathrooms were a deal buster for him. Second, they had something bad happen. It tends to make everything bad and leaves them with a miserable vacation. Finally, some people would never be satisfied in Mexico. They want European Ritz Carleton facilities, service etc. at a discount price. From everything I've read, Secrets is great.