This is a great forum, many thanks to the planner for all of your hard work. We are going to Holiday Village on Jan 13 (17 of us) and are looking forward to it. My husband and I were there last year and had a great time. Prior to going last year, we read a few bad reviews, but had a great experience. Just go with an open mind....and have fun.
- Thread starter CC@Langham
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Holiday Village Resort
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at HV right now
Hi,
this one is coming to you from the internet cafe at HV. This is a great resort for people with small children. The resort is nice but the rooms haven't really lived up to the brochure. It advertises two queen beds but there is only one. Our lamps didnt have light bulbs which I thought was really funny as I wondered what the last occupants did! We have been two days without a toilet and have relied on other guests and the public washroom. They are finally fixing it tonight. Went to Ocean World today. Did every encounter possible. A Bit disappointed with the dolphin swim. They basically rush you from photo op to photo op with the dolphins. The photos aren't cheap either $10 US for a 4 x 6. The t shirts were very reasonable $9.95 US. The people here are friendly and the food is good. Looking forward to visiting the spa. There still aren't any exercise classes available except for aquafit. The positives outweigh the negatives. This really isn't the place right now if you were looking for an adult vacation. It really explains the whole Royal Suites idea after you've been here a few days. It is a high time to travel with children this week so that may be different at other times. Played Bingo last night. Lots of fun to be had!
Hi,
this one is coming to you from the internet cafe at HV. This is a great resort for people with small children. The resort is nice but the rooms haven't really lived up to the brochure. It advertises two queen beds but there is only one. Our lamps didnt have light bulbs which I thought was really funny as I wondered what the last occupants did! We have been two days without a toilet and have relied on other guests and the public washroom. They are finally fixing it tonight. Went to Ocean World today. Did every encounter possible. A Bit disappointed with the dolphin swim. They basically rush you from photo op to photo op with the dolphins. The photos aren't cheap either $10 US for a 4 x 6. The t shirts were very reasonable $9.95 US. The people here are friendly and the food is good. Looking forward to visiting the spa. There still aren't any exercise classes available except for aquafit. The positives outweigh the negatives. This really isn't the place right now if you were looking for an adult vacation. It really explains the whole Royal Suites idea after you've been here a few days. It is a high time to travel with children this week so that may be different at other times. Played Bingo last night. Lots of fun to be had!
16-19 year old age group???
Could someone please let me know what the 15-19 yr old age group can do down at the HV? I have heard lots about the younger group but not about the older kids. Are they allowed into the disco to dance at night? Are they allowed drinks?
Could someone check this out for me as I am travelling with 6 kids all in this age group.
Thanks
KathyP
Could someone please let me know what the 15-19 yr old age group can do down at the HV? I have heard lots about the younger group but not about the older kids. Are they allowed into the disco to dance at night? Are they allowed drinks?
Could someone check this out for me as I am travelling with 6 kids all in this age group.
Thanks
KathyP
Will do honey! I will find out what they can and can't do. I know for a fact they must be 19 to get into the disco - Mangu. Unfortunately few resorts cater to that age group. But this one seems to do a better job. There is the teen club - its' own small building. There is the bungee / cable running zone - extra charge applies and of course lots of sports............
well i, for one cannot wait to go now,
my tickets have arrived and i have tried on my bikini
only just a fit
so roll on the 22nd of january
as long as we have a room, the rest will be great
hope to see you soon planner, please pm me with details of were and when to met up with you or how we can get in touch with you while we are out there
see you soon xx
my tickets have arrived and i have tried on my bikini
only just a fit
so roll on the 22nd of january
as long as we have a room, the rest will be great
hope to see you soon planner, please pm me with details of were and when to met up with you or how we can get in touch with you while we are out there
see you soon xx
Activities for older kids (15-19)
Hello Group.... Can anyone who is at the HV now or have been there pass on information as to what this age group can do at the HV? We were in Mexico last year and this group was allowed drinks as well as dancing in the disco with the parents. I certainly hope this is the case here. We were told by our agent it would be the same. It could be along 2 weeks if not.
Also.. Planner.... We were told that the bungee / cable running was included in the resort... I hope this is true as well?????
Thanks for everyone's imput and please let me know.
Thanks
KathyP
Hello Group.... Can anyone who is at the HV now or have been there pass on information as to what this age group can do at the HV? We were in Mexico last year and this group was allowed drinks as well as dancing in the disco with the parents. I certainly hope this is the case here. We were told by our agent it would be the same. It could be along 2 weeks if not.
Also.. Planner.... We were told that the bungee / cable running was included in the resort... I hope this is true as well?????
Thanks for everyone's imput and please let me know.
Thanks
KathyP
we are due to go on the 5 of feb to hgv and are thinking of changing to the riu merengue because of the bad vibes has any one been to riu merengue what is this hotel like
It's a very nice hotel. you get to use all 3 resorts, but for dinner you have to stay at the hotel you booked at.
Only 1 swim up bar (that I know of) and thats at the bachata (sp?).
Water Activites is a walk, beach isn't that good, but overall it was a fun place to go.
There have been numerous reports about people getting sick there. When we came back we weren't feel well, and once we read reviews about alot of people getting sick we thought maybe the same for us.
Now this was 2 years ago, so I can't comment for today
We leave for the HV on the 18th, and we are looking forward to it regardless of the neg. reports. Remember you make your own fun.
Ron
Only 1 swim up bar (that I know of) and thats at the bachata (sp?).
Water Activites is a walk, beach isn't that good, but overall it was a fun place to go.
There have been numerous reports about people getting sick there. When we came back we weren't feel well, and once we read reviews about alot of people getting sick we thought maybe the same for us.
Now this was 2 years ago, so I can't comment for today
We leave for the HV on the 18th, and we are looking forward to it regardless of the neg. reports. Remember you make your own fun.
Ron
hello,
first choice have 4 other holiday villages and from what i can remember all had teething problems when they opened.
3 holiday villages was not even opened due to concerns about the level of standard.
all the other villages have no problems now so i have complete faith that first choice will get this sorted as they cant afford bad press in the uk.
first choice have 4 other holiday villages and from what i can remember all had teething problems when they opened.
3 holiday villages was not even opened due to concerns about the level of standard.
all the other villages have no problems now so i have complete faith that first choice will get this sorted as they cant afford bad press in the uk.
opps,
they where beach clubs that worked in the same way as the villages but are based on the beach.
they where beach clubs that worked in the same way as the villages but are based on the beach.
Spire2000
I think that your information was great. I do think that you should send Signature a letter informing them at least how their representitives are being treated down there. Most of the time the reps are good at resolving problems. At other places we have gone my husband makes friends with the workers and any problems we have with plumbing or other things are fixed immediatly!! There are always plumbing ploblems in these countries.
I think that your information was great. I do think that you should send Signature a letter informing them at least how their representitives are being treated down there. Most of the time the reps are good at resolving problems. At other places we have gone my husband makes friends with the workers and any problems we have with plumbing or other things are fixed immediatly!! There are always plumbing ploblems in these countries.
Reply to KathyP about things to do for 15 to 19 age group;
We were there with our sons 16 & 19 Dec 19 - 26th. Not much for the 16 yr old in the evening other than internet. He was not allowed in to the disco as he was too young, also not allowed in the Teen Room as he was told he was too old. Kind of a hard age for this resort as there is not much for this age group. No Volleyball on the beach when we were there and it was hit and miss if the beach activities guy was there with the boogie boards. Never let the kayaks or the Hobie Cat out the week that we were there.
We were there with our sons 16 & 19 Dec 19 - 26th. Not much for the 16 yr old in the evening other than internet. He was not allowed in to the disco as he was too young, also not allowed in the Teen Room as he was told he was too old. Kind of a hard age for this resort as there is not much for this age group. No Volleyball on the beach when we were there and it was hit and miss if the beach activities guy was there with the boogie boards. Never let the kayaks or the Hobie Cat out the week that we were there.
Somewhat concerned
Just finished reading Spire's review . . . . have been away from this site for quite a few days and could not believe all the activity!! Anyway, it does sound like you had an unfortunate experience. Can't remember if an earlier posting I made was on this site or on Debbies', but essentially I said that I hope that FirstChoice/Signature's dream would not turn into their nightmare. Somewhat dismayed to hear that the DR influence has been taken out of the "entertainment" - that was probably predictable after reading some pages back that the entertainers were Canadian and British. Obviously, First Choice (as the primary group) have had a significant impact on the vision for the resort - hope it works out for them!?!? We are travelling to HV in mid-February. I am looking forward to posting a review. This will be our 14th year so I hope to provide an objective review and provide criticism if appropriate. There are twelve in our group, and the "neophytes" have been here at least 6 times. Hopefully our holiday will be at least as good as previous years!
Just finished reading Spire's review . . . . have been away from this site for quite a few days and could not believe all the activity!! Anyway, it does sound like you had an unfortunate experience. Can't remember if an earlier posting I made was on this site or on Debbies', but essentially I said that I hope that FirstChoice/Signature's dream would not turn into their nightmare. Somewhat dismayed to hear that the DR influence has been taken out of the "entertainment" - that was probably predictable after reading some pages back that the entertainers were Canadian and British. Obviously, First Choice (as the primary group) have had a significant impact on the vision for the resort - hope it works out for them!?!? We are travelling to HV in mid-February. I am looking forward to posting a review. This will be our 14th year so I hope to provide an objective review and provide criticism if appropriate. There are twelve in our group, and the "neophytes" have been here at least 6 times. Hopefully our holiday will be at least as good as previous years!
Hi JFToronto
Thanks for the post. As we leave in a few days for HV, I'm desperate for some positive info. I'm concerned about your comment of only having 1 bed in the room. Are you travelling with children and if so, where are they sleeping?? We have two kids so two beds is definitely expected as we were told we would have two queens. Please let me know...
My opinion for "moretonhouse" is to switch hotels while you still can. I spoke to my travel agent 6 weeks ago about switching hotels and she basically thought I was being ridiculous. Now we leave in a few days and I have a feeling of dread instead of excitement. I sure wish I had made the decision to switch while I still had the chance. ..... just my thoughts.
Hopefully, I'll be pleasantly surprised when we get there.
Thanks for the post. As we leave in a few days for HV, I'm desperate for some positive info. I'm concerned about your comment of only having 1 bed in the room. Are you travelling with children and if so, where are they sleeping?? We have two kids so two beds is definitely expected as we were told we would have two queens. Please let me know...
My opinion for "moretonhouse" is to switch hotels while you still can. I spoke to my travel agent 6 weeks ago about switching hotels and she basically thought I was being ridiculous. Now we leave in a few days and I have a feeling of dread instead of excitement. I sure wish I had made the decision to switch while I still had the chance. ..... just my thoughts.
Hopefully, I'll be pleasantly surprised when we get there.
Hi guys,
We were at HV between Dec 7-15 and they do serve "Excellent" pizza from the Mexican restaurant across from the main pool during these hours.
Everyone, have fun!! The bartenders.. Adrianno and Carlos are awesome!
Happy New Year!!
PS. My family will be going back next winter.. as I was told by my two teenager boys.
Connie
Thanks Planner for shaking me out of my negativity! We are going on vacation to relax and be together as a family. As long as the beach and sun are there (oh yeah, and the drinks) then it is all good! I don't want to ruin the lead up to our trip worrying about things that may not even happen! We leave on Jan 11 and I can't wait for a little sunshine!! It sure has been nice seeing some good reviews, but even if we have some negative experiences it will make for even better stories when we get home!!
Keep the reviews coming everyone and I promise to do the same when I get back on the 25! some of the info in your posts have been very helpful, I am even going to pack a little "pee pot" for the kids in the middle of the night...just in case!!! Ok, maybe more info than you all wanted, but it always pays to BE PREPARED!! ha ha
Dawn
Keep the reviews coming everyone and I promise to do the same when I get back on the 25! some of the info in your posts have been very helpful, I am even going to pack a little "pee pot" for the kids in the middle of the night...just in case!!! Ok, maybe more info than you all wanted, but it always pays to BE PREPARED!! ha ha
Dawn
We are coming on Jan 13
First of all Happy New Year to everyone!
Thanks to Thekidsdad for good news.
Did you do anything special to get a good room?
We have a 10 years old son and we would like to know if the kids club is for him too, and what are the activities for this age.
We kind of panicked when we heard about ants, mosquitoes, rats, toilet problems. Is this issue fixed? We paid for a standard room. What we should expect?
First of all Happy New Year to everyone!
Thanks to Thekidsdad for good news.
Did you do anything special to get a good room?
We have a 10 years old son and we would like to know if the kids club is for him too, and what are the activities for this age.
We kind of panicked when we heard about ants, mosquitoes, rats, toilet problems. Is this issue fixed? We paid for a standard room. What we should expect?
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