Reviewed by Jill, 2006
Hi Maria! Belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I meant to email when we got home, but it's been a little hectic with Christmas and all!
The trip was great! The resort was good
room set up/decor/cleanliness excellent
resort grounds - just o.k.- not very lush and not a lot of plants etc. there were grass areas for the kids to play which was great
resort set up for families - excellent (awesome kids' pool) and another smaller wading pool
little market attached for souveniers - nice silver, the rest junk as in any other resort!
food was decent - we never got a chance to eat anywhere else besides the buffet, so per any other resort we've stayed at, you pick your favourite food to eat and stick with that for the week! I personally chose the pasta bar and a salad every night. There weren't too many choices for kids at the main buffet, but we ended up bringing food from one eating area to another and no one ever complained
staff was excellent - there to help, but not in your face!
beach was excellent...good for the kids, nice to play in the water, great chairs for lounging and awesome to walk or run! There were vendors on the beach, but again if you said no, they left you alone!
We tipped generously the entire time and the staff seemed to appreciate it! In general the trip was relaxing and very enjoyable. If we were to go again with the kids, we would definately consider returning to the Grand Marival. We also had a room on the main floor that the terrace faced another resort...this location was excellent - almost like a private back yard and quiet during the day for kids naps!
Cheers - Jill
PS: Our daughter did get the flu when we were there (I got it a week after we got home, so we know it wasn't the water/food). The staff were helpful and considerate when she happened to throw up at the breakfast table at the main buffet and also to change the bed linens at 10 p.m. The waiter in the restaurant even asked about how she was doing 2 days later!
