ss7stone's Reviews

View=10 All else=2/3

Our stay: 7 nights over the holidays 2007, more than enough time to get to know all sides of Ladera. Maybe they are resting on their laurels after receiving such rave reviews?? The positives of Ladera are that the view is fantastic and the villas are rustic and unique, not world-class or luxurious though. They reminded me of my stays in SE Asia for 1/100 of the cost. The food at Dasheene was fine, but not amazing as claimed by Ladera or reviewed by others. The buffets or bbqs are the best days to eat there. The slow service at the restaurant for dinner was fine – what else is there to do but eat over 2-1/2 hours? But for lunch or breakfast, it was killing us by day 3. Biggest problems: The service was one of the worst I have ever experienced, and I am not picky nor do I have great expectations when traveling on islands, which is why I feel I must comment on Ladera “Resort” to warn others who may be lured by CN’s “Best” rating or reviews from those just visiting for the day. We had booked directly with Ladera over a year in advance to avoid any problems with our reservation. We didn’t ask for much while there but felt like we were inconveniencing staff by being there, and had to ask for simple things and experienced some rudeness by staff. I think for almost 2 grand a day cost of a 2 bedroom and meals, you could have your frig restocked by housekeeping with some water at least, and an equal number of towels in your villa to the number of adults staying there? Or that room service would actually be available anytime as they claim – but was not when requested at reasonable times – say 2 pm and 6:30 pm? Being trapped up there and taking shuttles to the two beaches below wasn’t too bad, and the excursions were fine, but not memorable in any way. On one, I felt like they just found some guy to take us on a hiking path in the forest for two hours for a few hundred dollars. To top off the experience, our bill at departure was incorrect in many ways, and they tried to overcharge us for the room rate and for services supposedly covered by “all-inclusive.” The experience of attempting to fix the incorrect bill at the end was no different than the previous week – unsatisfying, and I felt like I was being swindled. This long awaited vacation left a very bad taste in my mouth. I heard Anse Chastanet Jade is very nice – check it out instead, because this is a very scenic loaction. I also heard while there that Jalousie was not worth the expense and had horrible food.

Reviewed on: January 03, 2007