Just got back from HVGB today and am exhausted, but I will add a few very quick points to the discussion - just my experiences. I am a father who took my wife and kids, 12 and 15 to the hotel from Dec. 28th - Jan 4th (today). Here is my summation of the place:
a) The Beach - beautiful. Walked it in both direction and thought it was the best piece of beach of all the hotels. I could live on the beach.
b) The room - doors squeeked terribly in bathroom, there were ants, and it was scheduled to be fumagated today. The roof leaked slightly in my kids' bathroom but stopped after 1 night. We faced the golf course and had a view of the ocean - pretty impressive. The air worked "fairly well" and there were a few black-out - who cares, I am on holidays. The tv is small - 20'' and has no remote (slummin' it man)
c) The buffet. I didn't notice too many flies (a couple of birds got through the mesh), and the food was okay. I did get tired of the buffet as I expect most people do. It was standard fare (lots of brocolli - power food) and bugers, rice, pasta bar / omlette bar, etc. I did get the runs and spent most of last night awake and uncomfortable BUT this happens to me in most foreign places (St. Kitts, St. Martin, etc.). I would take the Dukural oral vaccine for sure. I don't believe the food was awful - just same old.
d) The other restaurants - booking in was a nightmare (what an antiquated system) but we did get into all 3. The ASian was fabulous - decor, presentationa and food. The Italian was pretty good too. We went with another couple and had a wonderful child-free night. The Mexican - it was okay too but nothing was as ordered. My son's bass was not stuffed but he said it was still good. My daughter's chicken dish came with rice and brocolli not potatoes and peas - but hey! The service in all restaurants was ALWAYS pleasant and these people work hard!
e. The running - nice route around the resort - did the loop and the highway each day.
f. The slide - it could be bigger but my son loved it, my daughter loved the nuggets served there, and I thought it was pretty cool too. The Franklyn kid working it was very friendly.
g. The sports - got the volleyball net up yesterday, played water polo (rough-housing but fun). Paid for tubing for the kids (expensive but fun) and they went horse-back riding - LOVED THIS TOUR. Fitness room - new treadmill was assembled but no plug yet. It's a small space but the equipment they have is high quality. They now have a rowing machine, treadmill, 2 bikes and a small multi-gym (no free weights).
h. They put tons of effort into New Years Eve - ice sculptures, turkey, lobster, hats, fire-works. A good job|!
Suggestions:
Post daily movies on the activity board (more movies)
Change the method for booking restaurants
Finish the restaurant on the beach (it will be amazing and soon).
Entertainment could be more inclusive (games with prizes).
We had a great time, sorry I got the runs but my family has fond memories and I wouldn't be reluctant to return. It will only be getting better.
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