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ONLY The Best Of
The Best - One Of A Kind Boutique Resorts and One Of A Kind All-Inclusive
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HOW WE RATE THE PROPERTIES OUR
RESORT RATINGS
About Rating Systems In General There is no "universal rating system" for hotels and resorts - everything is a bit subjective - so things to look out for include ... #1 Many systems simply create 1 to 5 stars based on the property's amenities ... LOOKOUT ... because there a any number of very exclusive, highend resorts with a minimalist attitude toward amenities and while they cater (hand and foot) to their clientele (with outstanding accommodations, fantastic service and gourmet cuisine) most rating systems may show these properties as 2- or 3-star resorts. #2 Some rating systems are government controlled and may not conform to standards set in other countries ... A GREAT EXAMPLE OF THIS ... is France, where they have 1- to 6-star properties (the added 6th star being the ultimate crème de la crème property) #3 Many resort and hotel chains rate there own properties ... LOOKOUT ... you may go to a site listing hotels and resorts for a particular chain and see a BUNCH of 5-star properties listed - IN THEIR OPINION [well (dah) do you think they are going to tell you their resorts are just OK but nothing special? - of course not] #4 There is actually one resort chain in the Caribbean that doesn't allow anyone else to rate their properties - it's "their way or NO way" (see #3 above)! About OUR Rating System In coming up with what WE believe is a relatively fair analysis of a resort's "status" we start with four (4) basic considerations and concerns: #1 SERVICE - this HAS to be first because without great service even the finest Villa or Presidential Suite can be limited in scope and substance We divide
"service" into three applications #2 ACCOMMODATIONS - there is a little more latitude here, but there are a few prime points of interest which may include (a)
cleanliness Once again, there is A LOT of subjectivity going on here ... just among various resorts you find VAST differences in what they "call" a certain type of room. A few examples of what can be misleading is how the term "suite" is used. When we use the word "suite" we try to differentiate between a JUNIOR SUITE (a large room which combines a bed and a separate sitting area all in the same space (without a full wall separating them) and a 1-BEDROOM SUITE (which is what it implies - a separate bedroom and in another room (wall and door between) a living room or sitting room ... BUT WATCH OUT ... because MANY resorts use the word "suite" for Junior and for the 1-bedroom suites - and you have to read the fine print to know what you are getting - AND THEN - there is the highend anomaly of many Four Seasons Resorts which have a suite listed as a "junior suite", only to find out it has a separate living room and bedroom (quite spacious actually) ... or a number of other highend properties that simply speak about "rooms" (Round Hill Villas in Jamaica is one) - but these "rooms" are as large or larger than many resorts' "junior suites" - so if a resort talks about "a room", if it's very large with a sitting area, etc., you may find that WE give you a footnote that it is REALLY more like a junior suite. (ok time for a deep breath) #3 FOOD & DRINK - Even though EVERYONE has different tastes, likes, dislikes, expectations, as well as different degrees of culinary and spirits expertise ... usually most people can agree that terrible food is, in fact, terrible and good to excellent food is NOT terrible. Exceptional food, accompanied by a vast variety of top shelf alcohol and a TOME for a wine list - coupled with warm foods being warm, cold foods being cold - short waits - excellent food service by knowledgeable staff - a diverse in-room menu with timely room service - NOW THESE are some of the keys to a true FOODY'S HEAVEN #4 THE "WARM & FUZZY FACTOR" - When you arrive "you know you are home". When you leave "you know you will be back ... soon". You are treated like you are the only ones there - but - there are others there as well ... being treated in kind. No "rah-rah" atmosphere ... no imitation gourmet meals ... no caring staff that almost does ... no cookie-cutter events Warm & Fuzzy
is that feeling you start to experience as soon as you get your first glimpse of
"a little piece of paradise".
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THE ROADS LESS TAKEN TRAVEL GROUP
Monday - Thursday -- 900AM - 500PM
(Central) ... Friday -- 900AM - 400PM (Central)
The Roads Less Taken, Inc. is not responsible for any errors or omissions on this site. |
