Casa Marina Reef & Beach

[tarrantino]

I think that I posted this in the wrong place.,So I am going to ask this question here.
We have been going to the DR since 2004 and so far we have always stayed at Casa Marina, because we fell in love with it. It's close to everything and if you don't want to leave the resort you don't have to. It's a wonderful safe resort to stay in.

My question is, we went last December and noticed that most of the entertainers have changed.

Looks like maybe one or two are the same, but the majority have left. I don't know if it is just me , but it also seems the quality of the shows has dwindled as well..

Does anyone have any info that they could share?

[AnnaC]

People get fired during the off season, dancers sometimes entertain in other resorts who knows.

I see this is your second thread so maybe not to many people noticed if anything has changed. Most people that have traveled a lot to the DR don't even watch the shows IMHO.

[inlubinDR]

I have been travelling to Casa Marina for many years. And yes, the show quality has gone way down hill. I can tell you why. The first reason is the current Activities Director, Analydia. She treats the crew like garbage and most have gotten sick of being treated that way. So some have left willingly. She calls them 'my dogs' in Spanish when she thinks the 'white' people around her do not understand Spanish. It is my opinion that she is a horrible and crusty woman who is not doing the hotel any justice.

Another dancer, always knowing for his great moves and constant smile was fired. He was sick for some time and when he came back they put him in charge of costumes. When he got better, to dance again, they still left him doing the costumes before and after the shows while the other dancers were responsible for nothing. When he asked for more $$ he was fired.....

The best female dancer they fired in November. As much as she was completely unfriendly to the guests, she was still the best they had. They have done a mad sweep of the entertainers as well, which hurt the hotel. They lost quality people and as a result they now have people like you posting queries on why the entertainment has gone downhill.

Turnover is so common at the hotels, but Casa Marina got rid of MANY people over the course of a few months leaving them with training all new people again for the shows.

[tarrantino]

Than you. I was hoping that it wasn't just me. I don't think that I know who Analydia is, but never the less, she should know that the shows are really bad.

There was a time not to long ago ( up to last July 2005) when people looked forward to going to the shows and rushing to go on the stage afterwards to dance. Well when we were there in December, the dancers were actually begging the audience to come and dance. I was embarrassed for them myself.

This won't stop me from going back to the resort, because it does have a lot to offer.

I hope that management smartens up though

[Reece]

Hello all,
I was just reading away as normal and noticed your disscusion,i visited casa marina in nov of last year and loved the place it was my 1st time and defo not my last,however i did notice that they were training alot of new staff so it would seem as you have suspected the truth about this manager.
I still loved the place and will be returning again this year
regards reece

[inlubinDR]

If you are planning to revisit the hotel, the biggest impact you can make is be very clear in your survey at the END of your holiday how unpleased you are with the shows. They have started handing out surveys at the end of the shows how you enjoyed them but they go directly to Analydia first who 'filters' what is then send to the management team above her. You can assume only positive reviews, with the odd 'obligatory' negative review gets passed along.

The hotel review you fill out at the end of the week goes to proper hands right off..so this is the best avenue. If you are really not thrilled, the Activity Director's name for all Amhsa Marina hotels is Stephan, and he is located in Casa Marina....so speak your mind. Because this was a hotel that excelled in shows/animation in the past and as everything else at the hotel goes down hill, this is their only saving grace.

Keep your eye posted on the treatment of the animators and dancers by Analydia and her assistant Antonio. And if you are so inclined, let them know how you feel!! They deserve to be put in their place every one in a while.

[tarrantino]

Reece, It is nice to know you enjoyed your stay and like I mentioned before we will be going back again (despite the shows). I didn't notice how the treatment of the dancers/animation team, but I will take note this time and if I see something not quite right I will mention it to whoever.

The last Activity Director or choreographer that I remember was a lady from Cuba ( kind of short with short hair) and I didn't see her this time.

I didn't feel out a review at the end of the show, but I will next time and make sure tht I give it to management.

I can't wait to go back.

[inlubinDR]

[quote=tarrantino]

The last Activity Director or choreographer that I remember was a lady from Cuba ( kind of short with short hair) and I didn't see her this time.
QUOTE]

Analydia was from Cuba, so likely the same individual. She was heavier set and did a few lip synching numbers in the Broadway show. As of December, she was still there. But from what I hear, they were training her to perhaps go to another hotel.

She had her hand in firing a bunch of animators because they had girlfriends living in the DR (ah the Employment laws in the DR). When I was there, a number of people were talking about how miserable she was to the staff who worked for her.

[tarrantino]

Okay, that is who I am thinking of. I didn't see her when we were ther in December, and I would only recognize her if she was on stage . That's terrible because she wasn't there as long as most of the dancers. She really needs to go or get some people skills.

[louP]

We just returned from one week at the Casa Marina yesterday. The shows were totally entertaining and the performers were amazing. I can only imagine what they used to be like if you think they've gone down hill.

We truly enjoyed our stay!