Question

SID · #1 09-02-2005, 06:52 PM

Can anybody actually tell me if the Coral Hamaca (Boca Chica) compares the Riu Mambo (Puerto Plata). I've been to the Riu and I loved. Thought I'd go somewhere else but i don't want to be dissappointed. Gracias!

ricktoronto · #2 09-02-2005, 08:54 PM

I'm sure it compares. You can compare any two things. A cat and a dog for example.

Of all in Boca Chica it is head and shoulders above the other two.

It is an AI after all how good can it be, really? But you'll get your cafeteria food and phoney entertainment from the chocolate friends (no kiddies that is the name for the sankies).

drloca · #3 09-03-2005, 03:08 PM

Location aside, I think the RIUs are worlds ahead of the Coral Hotels by Hilton, as far as AIs go. I think you will be disappointed but good luck with your decision making!

HOWMAR · #4 09-03-2005, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drloca

Location aside, I think the RIUs are worlds ahead of the Coral Hotels by Hilton, as far as AIs go. I think you will be disappointed but good luck with your decision making!

Two things to consider though, the RIUs were closed recently for the outbreak of viral disease and the Hiltons were just awarded an award of excellance for their attention to sanitary matters. You may say it was the guests that brought the disease into the RUIs, but if they had followed proper health procedures, it would have been controlled.

HOWMAR · #5 09-03-2005, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricktoronto

It is an AI after all how good can it be, really?

You get what you pay for. There are 2-3-4 and 5 star AIs. All are priced accordingly. For example the Gran Paradise serves grilled lobster every day at the beach BBQ for lunch. But the daily rate per person is probably 50% higher than a 3 star resort. On other islands for example a Sandal's Resort will still be an AI, but serve name brand liquors and gourmet food. Again still higher price. Don't lump all AIs together.

ricktoronto · #6 09-03-2005, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOWMAR

You get what you pay for. There are 2-3-4 and 5 star AIs. All are priced accordingly. For example the Gran Paradise serves grilled lobster every day at the beach BBQ for lunch. But the daily rate per person is probably 50% higher than a 3 star resort. On other islands for example a Sandal's Resort will still be an AI, but serve name brand liquors and gourmet food. Again still higher price. Don't lump all AIs together.

First off the 2-3-4-5 stars are ratings they assign themselves, or the tour company does, which amounts to the same thing and as it is thus totally biased it means nothing.

Regardless of the lunch they are all lumped together as a joke when it comes to tourism vs. a vacation.

I'd have to say that a resort distinguished by the depth of viral diseases is a poor candidate for a place to hang your hat. And in any case if a person in interested in Boca Chica there is no RIU so the decision is easy.

drloca · #7 09-03-2005, 08:00 PM

The virus that affected the POP RIUs, could have broken out in any resort! And not all the guests were sick during this time, but lets not rehash that.
Having stayed at both chains on the island, RIUs quality is, on most levels, superior. Dont get me wrong, I have no problem staying at the Corals, just my observation that the RIUs are a step up.
The ratings, for the Canadian tour operators anyway, are done by their own employess who live in destination . I have been on some with a friend who does this job in DR, and the guidelines arent all based on luxury or fanciness, but loaction (eg ? on the beach, facilities, # of restaurants). These things may be important to some prospective travellers.

ricktoronto · #8 09-03-2005, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drloca

The ratings, for the Canadian tour operators anyway, are done by their own employess who live in destination .

My point exactly, and remind our viewers that the tour operators are the ones selling the packages to these very AI's. So it is not what you would remotely conceive of as an independent assessment and buyers need to take that into account. You can find the same places in different tour catalogs rated from 2 to 4 stars.

SID · #9 09-04-2005, 02:04 AM

Thank you all for your replies, you've help me lots, once again muchas gracias!

HOWMAR · #10 09-04-2005, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricktoronto

My point exactly, and remind our viewers that the tour operators are the ones selling the packages to these very AI's. So it is not what you would remotely conceive of as an independent assessment and buyers need to take that into account. You can find the same places in different tour catalogs rated from 2 to 4 stars.

That is why I use independant reviewers such as Zagatt's and AAA. Also the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) ranks all hotels in the world by strictly numerical criterea. In order to be listed the hotel must submit it's data. This data is confirmed by inspection with the risk of exclusion from ASTA if not correct. Something no hotel can risk. In the end, the best rating system is the free market system of supply and demand. Usually a hotel that charges more is better.