Boynton Travel Advisors

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I want to first say we had an amazing time while we are visiting Cancun. Initially, I was concerned about the variety and amount of activities offered simply because the resort size was smaller and had less entertainment areas than the Hard Rock in Punta Cana. Needless to say I was very pleased…The resort is smaller but makes great use of its space by offering multiple activities in one area. Example the lobby’s bar was turned into a poker lounge one night, then another night they held bingo there. I really appreciated the smaller resort this year, it was easy navigation for the first time travelers that were with us. Especially, since we were in a different room category it would have been more likely to be assigned to different buildings and to be far away from each other if we were staying at a larger resort. I thought I would be able to compare this vacation to the last time we were in Cancun but honestly I can’t. It was a different resort and just a completely different experience both were amazing.

Things I really enjoyed

Ø Location, Location, Location!!! – this resort could not have been in a better place. It was in walking distance to great food and some really fun stuff. Only regret, I wish I had discovered it day one. Right down the strip not even a 10 minute walk there is a place called Aqua World they offer a variety of exciting activities everything from water sports to jungle tours.

Ø We were not only able to use room credits for tours and spa treatments but we also were able to use them to upgrade meals by adding a variety of food options and specialty wines. There were a couple of nights we ate at the Italian restaurant and Reggie added lobster to his meal, he said it was phenomenal. It was unclear to us if this was available at all of the restaurants on the resort. If it was available the tables were not set with the menu of options on them like seen in the Italian restaurant and the serving staff didn’t mention anything. So with that said the Italian restaurant is a must do!

Ø Although, not specific to the resort the dolphin encounter excursion was so much fun! The first time we were in Punta Cana a friend and I went to do one of these (my husband chickened out). It was just ok. The encounter was done in a lagoon, the water was a murky green color, algae was growing up the steps on the dock. This time was around my husband decided this was something he wanted to experience and it was much, much different. I am so glad I got the opportunity to experience this. The encounter was done in a salt water pool, it was clean, the encounter seemed much more personal (it could feel this way because they divided us into small groups), and the crazy thing is that I paid a lot less than I did the last time.

Ø The food offerings. Outside of the restaurants they had plentiful food options outside in the pool area and on the beach. They would set-up these food stations by the pool and at the bar each day the offerings were different. I absolutely love the variety offered. Most days we decided not to go to the restaurant for lunch because it wasn’t just the variety but it was good food being offered pool side.

Ø The staff greets you right before check-in with a cool misted face towel and handmade jewelry to welcome you. This was really nice and refreshing especially since we had been traveling all day. Late Thursday Night we drove to Charlotte for my nephew’s graduation that was on Friday evening, so early Saturday morning we were back on the road from Charlotte, NC to Atlanta to catch our flight.

Ø My husband and I generally use most of our resort credits for the spa services. We had gone a couple of times during our trip as you leave the spa ask that you rate your experience. Each time had been awesome so we decided to schedule one on the day of our departure. The last time was not bad, it was just average and since I rated it as such they insisted they repeat the massage with a different therapist. I tried to explain to them it wasn’t bad at all just not the best I’ve had while I was there. It was nice to know they cared about my experience enough to make sure I left with the best experience.

Ø There are a lot of warnings posted on the travel website about illnesses as a result of mosquitos bites we had absolutely no issues with bug bites at all. For some reason I seem to attract mosquitos but I didn’t have to wear repellent while I was there.

Ø Love the fact that elevators were available and conveniently placed throughout the property

Ø Select vendors on the premise (not all) charged your room for services and total is due at check out. This was really good for us, as it lessened the need to carry large sums of cash around with us.

Things found less appealing

Ø Even within the same category the room layout can be different than what is seen on the website – Example some may have the Jetted tub inside the bathroom which make the room appear to be smaller than expected. Also, when a jetted tub is in the bathroom in such close quarters it makes it a little bit harder to enjoy because the heat from the water has nowhere to escape to so it makes the room hot (I think we are just spoiled in this regard) we did ask for the layout that was on the website for that room category but it was unavailable until several days into the trip and they advise we would actually have to go through the checkout process then check-in again. I completely understand why but it just wasn’t worth the trouble as we were already going to be several day into our trip and just decided to remain in the room we had (room 618).

Ø Travel booked through a vendor is not considered eligible to earn Rock Royalty rewards L. Essentially, you will never be able to take advantage of this program if booked through an agency BUT believe me a travel agent is worth more than a rewards program. This is really unfortunate because once I find something I like, I am very loyal. On the other hand Riu will still allow participation in their loyalty program. It is based on your stays and not your method of booking.

Ø A room on a lower floor was not available at the time of check-in, so we ending up staying on the 6th floor. I wasn’t crazy about the layout of the room but the view from our room was spectacular! I loved the private balcony and the view it really was amazing.

Really, this vacation was great.. as always our pros outweighed our cons by a landslide! We are putting it on the list to do again.  

Delta Air Lines Flight 385 Depart ATLANTA, GA (ATL) 2:14 PM Sat 27 May Arrive CANCUN/ RIVIERA MAYA, 3:45 PM / Confirmation: N9MCNP Seat: 17B,17A

Delta Air Lines Flight 386 Depart CANCUN/ RIVIERA MAYA, 4:45 PM Fri 02 Jun Arrive ATLANTA, GA (ATL) 8:33 PM / Seat: 15F, 15E

The Hard Rock Punta Cana Resort and Casino was exactly what we expected amazing. We experienced a little rain but it didn't put a damper on our vacation. We originally requested room 1807 (room we stayed in the time before) but ended up staying in 8104 and it was even better than the last. We had a bit of an issue with the key not working when we arrived and day before check out. The front desk more specifically Rosa Naomi wasn't particular interested in resolving the issue quickly. She wouldn't even provide us with a time frame for when it would be resolved just expected us to wait in front of our door in a non-seated area. At check-out I asked to speak with someone about the experience but the transfer person arrived before we could talk to someone. I sent to them an email, the day of and they responded within the hour and offer a room upgrade for our next stay with them.

This was another great vacation. They are making some excellent additions. They have a new VIP section they are working hard to promote. The food was just the same as I remember, Great!

Fri 29 May Depart ATLANTA, GA (ATL)11:00 AM Delta Air Lines Flight 563 Fri 29 May Arrive PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN 2:24 PM Confirmation: ORHLOK

Wed 03 Jun Depart PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN 1:40 PM Delta Air Lines Flight 428 Wed 03 JunArrive ATLANTA, GA (ATL)5:30 PM

We still love Jamaica. This time was a little different from our previous experiences there. When we arrived they were very busy so our check-in was a little chaotic. We waited 2 hours for the room key. We went to our room and it was gardenview. I then called down to the front desk to let them know this was not the correct room type and they said they would call us back but 30 minutes later there was still no call so I decided to walk back to the front desk. I waited another 47 minutes for a new key while there, other people were also back and forth to the front desk very angry for various reasons. As you can imagine I was glad to finally get my room key and begin our vacation.

I was pleased to find they now treat the outside for Mosquitos. This made our stay much more enjoyable. Food and entertainment both were good. The ocean was not clear as I remember but it was nice and warm.

This time we decided to Zip line, this was an awesome tour. The Brochure does not mention there will be quite a bit of walking on both flat as well elevated inclines but does indicates you can wear water shoes for this tour. I would not recommend wearing water shoes because in the event it rains (like it did while we were there) it was extremely slippery. Also, I would recommend to be fit enough to a walk long ways and on difficult surfaces. I almost opted not to take this tour because of the rain but very glad I went on to do it. It really was amazing.

No Room deposits were required.

This hotel used to allow the locals to come onto the property a couple nights out of the week and set-up a on resort flea market. This set-up was much better for us than actually going to the flea markets because it was less people there pressuring to purchase their merchandise however this seems to have been totally eliminated. I was actually looking forward to buying some woodcarving without the hassle of going to the flea market.

Our transfer worked out perfect we had no issues.

I would still recommend the hotel. It is a very nice get away. I have a co-worker who likes the Riu in Ocho Rios and she raves about the welcome back party they host for the returning guest so when I return to Jamaica I think I will venture out a little more and try Ocho Rios. I also recommend a little restaurant close to the resort called “Sweet Spice” we went a couple of times on our previous trips and were dying to go back. The food is excellent and while we were there we dined in and ordered take-out. This is our favorite restaurant there.

Depart: Saturday, May 24, 2014 (Delta Air Lines Flight#: 727) /Airline Confirmation: GOMCDV Seats: 41D, 41E / Departing: Atlanta (ATL) 11:00 AM Arriving: Jamaica, Montego Bay (MBJ) 12:49 PM

Return: Friday, May 30, 2014 (Delta Air Lines Flight#: 304) Airline Confirmation: GOMCDV Seats: 18C, 18B / Departing: Jamaica, Montego Bay (MBJ) 3:01 PM Arriving: Atlanta (ATL) 6:59 PM

Riu Palace Aruba was Awesome! After landing the bus driver suggested we go ahead and confirm our transfers back so that we wouldn’t have to worry with it later. However, once we arrived at the hotel we were then told to wait until 1 day prior to the departure day other then the slight confusion the transfer was soooooo easy (I am sure he was just mistaken which caused us no inconvenience what so ever). We really had a wonderful time. 

The Things I loved

Restaurant Food was great ( they had a extended time to make reservations compared to other RIU hotels)

The 1 person jetted tub was great to have and very relaxing I am glad this came standard in our room

Resort size was perfect for walking

Ocean water was clear and beautiful

Had the options to order room service breakfast, lunch, dinner and there was no additional charge

Weather the winds were strong but were welcome in Aruba’s heat

The boat that was half submarine was something that LeKeshia and Reggie enjoyed very much (I got sea sick during this excursion)

We all enjoyed the tube ride. It was only 20.00 per person and can hold up to 4 people on the same tub

The Staff did speak English fluently and they were extremely courteous

We took part in the last night of the Annual Soul Beach music festival held at Nikky Beach the concert tickets was 70.00 per person. There were VIP tables available 150.00 per person plus the cost of the concert ticket but we opted to stand which gave us a better view of the artist that were performing. Their website is http://www.soulbeach.net/2013/index.php Although, there is an option to purchase tickets in advance we decided not to do so, we purchased ours at the beach when we arrived for the concert.

We ate at the Barefoot Restaurant at Nikky Beach the food was really good

We also ate at the Bugaloe Beach Bar and Grill on the pier/dock right in front of the resort. Monday they have Crazy Fish day, Tuesday Joyride Band plays, Wednesday is Salsa night, Friday The Equator or Bamboo Band plays, Saturday Spareribs & Karaoke Night, Sunday The Equator Band plays… The food was Excellent there! Best Burger I’ve had in a long time.

No Room Deposit required

People were there offering Timeshare but there was no high pressure sells this was relief (in Cancun they were very heavy on high pressure sells). 

Things that were less appealing

I had to call maintenance Twice before they actually fixed the Jets on the tub but the shower worked fine during this time

The shopping options were limited the stores were small and didn’t have much variety

The Nightly Entertainment location was not displayed on the Activities board

The swimming pools seemed to frequently have this thick film/layer of dirt that gathered and floating in the corners pool. With this there were times I had to think twice about whether or not I wanted to really get in the pools. (The pool situation was mentioned to the staff multiple time by not just us but other guest as well and they simply explained it was an accumulation of the oils, lotions, from the people that were in the pool. After it was mentioned they took a bucket to fish some of it out.)

There are a very long list of good things about this resort that made this another truly an amazing experience. Would I do this again? You bet I would!

Depart: Saturday, May 25, 2013 (Delta Air Lines Flight#: 655) / Airline Confirmation: GQIQLG Seats: 31C, 31B / Departing: Atlanta (ATL) 10:00 AM Arriving: Aruba (AUA) 2:00 PM

Return: Thursday, May 30, 2013 (Delta Air Lines Flight#: 654) / Airline Confirmation: GQIQLG Seats: 21D, 21E / Departing: Aruba (AUA) 3:00 PM Arriving: Atlanta (ATL) 7:18 PM