Caribbean Discussion Forum

Discussions regarding holidays in the Caribbean
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Hi Lisa

Should your query become a complaint (and hopefully it won't!) then please post in the COMPLAINTS FORUM for the best advice.

Pippy :)
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I hope this doesn't sound too negative but if it's bought out by the Sunset group, refurb will probably over run!
We booked SSJ 2006, holiday was cancelled 2 days before we were due to go as hotel not ready and no alternatives (Easter).
We then booked for Easter last year and turned up in the middle of a building site...It had over run by about 14 months!
Saying that, you are not going peek season and unless you are dead set on the Holiday Inn, there are loads of comparible alternatives, it's just not nice to be left in limbo, when you've spent alot of money!
Good luck, hope it all works out, our friends went there and really enjoyed the holiday.
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Thanks for the input Rachie

Well I called the tour operator and they told me that thier agents will be keeping a close eye on the renovations and re-opening schedule. They said if they think there will be a problem they will contact me nearer the time - but as you stated my concern is they tell literally hours before we go-i wont be best pleased to say the least.

I guess im going to have to keep an eye on things myself and hopefully the various travel forums may reveal later whats going on there. Im sure Im not the only traveller with this concern.

Thanks again for your reply, hopefully it will open and I'll have a great holiday.
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Just an update - got a letter from agents to say they can no longer send us to the hotel due to the closure so they offered me Grand Bahia Princpe in Runaway Bay - dont really like to sound of it too much (spanish owned and run so not much "Jamaica" at the resort) so i cancelled the holiday and have now booked at Starfish in Falmouth so all is well.

Once again thanks for the help.
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Shame as we stayed at the GB Principe last July and thought it was great! It was fairly new when we stayed and Trip Advisor had quite a few negative comments - but we thought it was a really nice hotel. I would return again and recommend it to friends. I don't wish to upset you but I think Starfish is rather old and dated.
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Thanks traveller

Yes i am aware that Starfish is an older resort but im after a genuine jamaican stay and from the few people I have spoken with whom have visited both they agree that Grand princpe is by far a more luxurious resort but it doesnt have much "jamaican" feel to it and there is rarely any jamaican food on the menu. Plus my 2 children will be with me and Starfish is certainley a bit more geared towards children. (hope i dont regret that!!) lol

I like to experience the culture of a country whilst there so thats my only reason really. Im informed that Grand princpe has more of a Dominican republic feel to it and I went to the DR last year - although brilliant, i now want to have the jamaica experience.

I do understand the bedrooms etc are not as plush etc at starfish - but i only sleep in there - so as long as its clean - I'll spend most of the day out and about so its somewhere to lay my head so to speak.

Thanks for your honesty anyway - i know you are only wishing me a great holiday regardless and thats why I think these travel forums are great for honest views so you havent upset me...no probs.
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Hi mrselliott,

You summarise the differences between the two hotels well. I'm sure the Starfish will meet your expectations more than GB Principe.

Hope you have a great time.
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