Comments on: Worst. Honeymoon. Ever. http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/ Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott's site. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:33:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Kpcloud9 http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-71903 Kpcloud9 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:59:00 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-71903  They complained about dining at the same restaurant all week. There is a shuttle that runs between all 3 Sandals resorts giving them 21 (TWENTY-ONE) restaurants to dine at. Dine at the same place all week? I think not.  We had a blast at Sandals Grande. Shame this couple did not give it a chance. They wanted a honeymoon somewhere between Disney & Vegas????? Classy. However, with everything Sandals has to offer I see why the travel agent suggested it. It was up to them to review their option and decide if it was what they wanted or not.  It seems that instead of CHOOSING to have a great honeymoon they CHOSE to ruin it by leaving and going home. Their compensation was more than adequate considering their flights would not be refunded and 2 nights at the resort could easily run $500.  They complained about dining at the same restaurant all week. There is a shuttle that runs between all 3 Sandals resorts giving them 21 (TWENTY-ONE) restaurants to dine at. Dine at the same place all week? I think not. 

We had a blast at Sandals Grande. Shame this couple did not give it a chance. They wanted a honeymoon somewhere between Disney & Vegas????? Classy. However, with everything Sandals has to offer I see why the travel agent suggested it. It was up to them to review their option and decide if it was what they wanted or not. 

It seems that instead of CHOOSING to have a great honeymoon they CHOSE
to ruin it by leaving and going home. Their compensation was more than
adequate considering their flights would not be refunded and 2 nights at
the resort could easily run $500.

]]> By: Eric Pratum http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-46227 Eric Pratum Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:04:23 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-46227 On our recent honeymoon at Sandals Emerald Bay, we were getting eaten alive by what I assume were sand fleas. We spent a lot of time diving and therefore interacted with a lot of other resorts guests, and it appeared they all were helping to sustain the island's bug population. We were worried they were bed bugs, so we took proper precautions once we got home. Unfortunately, we were even more concerned by the fact that a few hundred dollars were stolen from my wife's purse on the last day of our stay, and even after reporting it to the GM John Keating, we have simply been talked down to, ignored, and given the run around. It has been nearly 2 weeks, and we have gotten nothing more than lip service to true customer service from them. Sad. That was a really bad way to end a honeymoon, but it's starting to look like that is how Sandals Resorts honeymoons go. A much longer version of our experience is at http://bit.ly/SandalsSucks On our recent honeymoon at Sandals Emerald Bay, we were getting eaten alive by what I assume were sand fleas. We spent a lot of time diving and therefore interacted with a lot of other resorts guests, and it appeared they all were helping to sustain the island’s bug population. We were worried they were bed bugs, so we took proper precautions once we got home. Unfortunately, we were even more concerned by the fact that a few hundred dollars were stolen from my wife’s purse on the last day of our stay, and even after reporting it to the GM John Keating, we have simply been talked down to, ignored, and given the run around. It has been nearly 2 weeks, and we have gotten nothing more than lip service to true customer service from them. Sad. That was a really bad way to end a honeymoon, but it’s starting to look like that is how Sandals Resorts honeymoons go. A much longer version of our experience is at http://bit.ly/SandalsSucks

]]> By: Michael http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-38548 Michael Sun, 02 May 2010 00:54:55 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-38548 I have been reading the responses from some of the people who write in to this site and am absolutely amazed at their ignorance. My mother taught me that if I didn't know what I was saying to keep my mouth shut, seems to me that these peopel obviously are sad examples of people who pretend to have a brain. The salamon's didn't say that they thought the spa visits were free, but those that didn't read their comments and read only the hoels comments inferred that. Like hotels don't put a spin on the situation. I have been to a number ofall inclusives and used a number of travel agents in the past. Many of those who responded made comments that they should have checked these things out...What do we pay professionals for? Should we doubt every professional...how many of you get two opinions on your taxes?, how many of you read these blogs and respond with no brains...it seems quite a few. So in closing if you don't have anything constructive to say...shut up. I have been reading the responses from some of the people who write in to this site and am absolutely amazed at their ignorance.
My mother taught me that if I didn’t know what I was saying to keep my mouth shut, seems to me that these peopel obviously are sad examples of people who pretend to have a brain.
The salamon’s didn’t say that they thought the spa visits were free, but those that didn’t read their comments and read only the hoels comments inferred that. Like hotels don’t put a spin on the situation. I have been to a number ofall inclusives and used a number of travel agents in the past. Many of those who responded made comments that they should have checked these things out…What do we pay professionals for? Should we doubt every professional…how many of you get two opinions on your taxes?, how many of you read these blogs and respond with no brains…it seems quite a few.
So in closing if you don’t have anything constructive to say…shut up.

]]> By: Katie Salamon http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-32485 Katie Salamon Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:29:26 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-32485 @newly wed... I'm one of the people from the main story. My husband and I were at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian at the end of June 2009 so it's a different time frame, but if you read the old posts, you'll see that I was also infected by a virus that was contracted through the fecal/oral route. Luckily, I didn't have quite as bad as a reaction as you (I feel for you since our honeymoon was ruined as well), but I was sick for about a week with nasty sores all over the inside of my mouth (not very conducive to a successful honeymoon). Thank you for posting as, while reading, you may notice that some comments are not very kind and almost suggest that I was lying. If you'd like, I'd be more than happy to speak with you more about our experiences at this resort. Chris Elliot was also helpful in contacting some people for us, so that may be an option for you too. @newly wed… I’m one of the people from the main story. My husband and I were at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian at the end of June 2009 so it’s a different time frame, but if you read the old posts, you’ll see that I was also infected by a virus that was contracted through the fecal/oral route. Luckily, I didn’t have quite as bad as a reaction as you (I feel for you since our honeymoon was ruined as well), but I was sick for about a week with nasty sores all over the inside of my mouth (not very conducive to a successful honeymoon). Thank you for posting as, while reading, you may notice that some comments are not very kind and almost suggest that I was lying. If you’d like, I’d be more than happy to speak with you more about our experiences at this resort. Chris Elliot was also helpful in contacting some people for us, so that may be an option for you too.

]]> By: Newly wed http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-31789 Newly wed Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:51:38 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-31789 My husband and I stayed here for a week after our wedding the end of Sept (2009). I was infected with what I thought was food poisoning. It turned out to be a virus contracted via the fecal/oral route (someone who prepared the food didn't wash their hands after using the bathroom). Long story short, I ended up being hospitalized b/c the virus affected my heart and caused myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle). I'm trying to find out if anyone else had similiar issues while staying at Sandals Grande St. Lucian during this timeframe. Please comment if you have. Thank you. My husband and I stayed here for a week after our wedding the end of Sept (2009). I was infected with what I thought was food poisoning. It turned out to be a virus contracted via the fecal/oral route (someone who prepared the food didn’t wash their hands after using the bathroom). Long story short, I ended up being hospitalized b/c the virus affected my heart and caused myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle). I’m trying to find out if anyone else had similiar issues while staying at Sandals Grande St. Lucian during this timeframe. Please comment if you have. Thank you.

]]> By: DaveInNYC http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-29052 DaveInNYC Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:23:29 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-29052 Old thread, I know, but I am still unclear as to what the actual complaint was regarding the service and/or what was not included? I understand the bed bug bites and ass-to-mouth thing was discovered later, but I'm not clear on why they left after two days. As an aside, I am not sure why ANYONE uses travel agents anymore. As has been said, it is easier to get info on the web (TripAdvisor et. al.) than to deal with a TA who gets a comission without adding a lot of value. Like most middlemen, the Internet has made them pretty much obsolete. I do feel bad that Adam and Katie had a crappy honeymoon, since you only get to do that once (per spouse). It's too bad you didn't get married about 10 years ago; back then, Las Vegas WAS like Disney :) Old thread, I know, but I am still unclear as to what the actual complaint was regarding the service and/or what was not included? I understand the bed bug bites and ass-to-mouth thing was discovered later, but I’m not clear on why they left after two days.

As an aside, I am not sure why ANYONE uses travel agents anymore. As has been said, it is easier to get info on the web (TripAdvisor et. al.) than to deal with a TA who gets a comission without adding a lot of value. Like most middlemen, the Internet has made them pretty much obsolete.

I do feel bad that Adam and Katie had a crappy honeymoon, since you only get to do that once (per spouse). It’s too bad you didn’t get married about 10 years ago; back then, Las Vegas WAS like Disney :)

]]> By: barbie45 http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-27579 barbie45 Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:52:23 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-27579 Teddy,I second that one. Teddy,I second that one.

]]> By: Teddy Wakim http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-27576 Teddy Wakim Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:44:59 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-27576 EricR: You're grammar is incorrect; it is "I" and not me, or "ME." That, and you're a douche. EricR:

You’re grammar is incorrect; it is “I” and not me, or “ME.” That, and you’re a douche.

]]> By: LeeAnne http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-27360 LeeAnne Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:33:11 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-27360 I did a google search on St. Lucia. Took a very cursory glance at the very first three links that pop up. Here's what they say about St. Lucia: Link #1 (www.stlucia.org): St. Lucia is the perfect destination for Caribbean weddings and honeymoons. The natural beauty of beautiful Caribbean tropical island seems to have been created for romantics. Palm fringed beaches, elegant old plantation houses, the soft tropical air, hypnotic steel band music, the tantalizing aroma of the cuisine combined all make weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries popular on St. Lucia. Wonderful climate, astounding beauty and friendly islanders makes St. Lucia simply perfect for your special wedding day. Link #2 (Wikipedia): St Lucia tends to be popular due to its tropical weather and scenery and its large number of beaches and resorts. Other tourist attractions include a drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs (at Soufriere), the Botanical Gardens, the rain forests and Pigeon Island National Park, which is home to Fort Rodney, an old British military base. Link #3 (which, coincidentally, happens to be for the Sandals resort): Boasting a drive-through volcano, as well as its own National Rain Forest Reserve with over 19,000 color-splashed acres of natural wonders, St. Lucia's exotic beauty truly captures the luxuriant allure of the Caribbean. From the distinctive twin peaks of Les Pitons to the cascading majesty of Diamond Falls and the translucent turquoise sea that frames it all, St. Lucia dazzles the eye as it seduces the body and spirit. Experience a vacation full of natural splendor and romantic vistas when you travel to a Sandals in St. Lucia, a couples only resort. It took me a grand total of 2 min. 22 seconds to pull up that information and paste it here. There is NOTHING in any of those descriptions of St. Lucia that sounds even remotely like either Vegas or Disneyland, much less any sort of combination of the two. They all depict a quiet Caribbean island with spectacular natural beauty, lovely beaches and romantic scenery. Not a casino or an E-ticket thrill ride to be found. Not even a dude in a Mickey Mouse costume. Just pointing out that taking 2 min. 22 seconds out of your wedding planning time would have completely saved you from your horrific experience. I did a google search on St. Lucia. Took a very cursory glance at the very first three links that pop up. Here’s what they say about St. Lucia:

Link #1 (www.stlucia.org): St. Lucia is the perfect destination for Caribbean weddings and honeymoons. The natural beauty of beautiful Caribbean tropical island seems to have been created for romantics. Palm fringed beaches, elegant old plantation houses, the soft tropical air, hypnotic steel band music, the tantalizing aroma of the cuisine combined all make weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries popular on St. Lucia. Wonderful climate, astounding beauty and friendly islanders makes St. Lucia simply perfect for your special wedding day.

Link #2 (Wikipedia): St Lucia tends to be popular due to its tropical weather and scenery and its large number of beaches and resorts. Other tourist attractions include a drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs (at Soufriere), the Botanical Gardens, the rain forests and Pigeon Island National Park, which is home to Fort Rodney, an old British military base.

Link #3 (which, coincidentally, happens to be for the Sandals resort): Boasting a drive-through volcano, as well as its own National Rain Forest Reserve with over 19,000 color-splashed acres of natural wonders, St. Lucia’s exotic beauty truly captures the luxuriant allure of the Caribbean. From the distinctive twin peaks of Les Pitons to the cascading majesty of Diamond Falls and the translucent turquoise sea that frames it all, St. Lucia dazzles the eye as it seduces the body and spirit. Experience a vacation full of natural splendor and romantic vistas when you travel to a Sandals in St. Lucia, a couples only resort.

It took me a grand total of 2 min. 22 seconds to pull up that information and paste it here.

There is NOTHING in any of those descriptions of St. Lucia that sounds even remotely like either Vegas or Disneyland, much less any sort of combination of the two. They all depict a quiet Caribbean island with spectacular natural beauty, lovely beaches and romantic scenery. Not a casino or an E-ticket thrill ride to be found. Not even a dude in a Mickey Mouse costume.

Just pointing out that taking 2 min. 22 seconds out of your wedding planning time would have completely saved you from your horrific experience.

]]> By: Shirley http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-27354 Shirley Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:55:27 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-27354 I agree that the honeymooners should have done, at the least, a bit of planning and research on their own, but, considering it was their honeymoon, I would have done a ton of research--both on the property and the island to make sure it's what both really wanted. I would NEVER spend big $ on a travel agent's recommendation. However, I've been in the position of having issues with hotels, once where they were addressed in an appropriate and fair manor (Ritz Maui) and one where I had to pull teeth to get anyone to listen to my concern of food poisoning (Jiko's at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge), so I am sympathetic. However, since all I got from Disney was $50 off my food bill even though I was room-bound for 2 days including the day of my 50th birthday (no celebration dinner at Victoria and Albert's for me as planned), I think what they were refunded--no mattter who did the refunding--should suffice. In the future, put in a little bit of effort (probably a fraction of what you have in trying to recoup $) to ensure an enjoyable vacation. I agree that the honeymooners should have done, at the least, a bit of planning and research on their own, but, considering it was their honeymoon, I would have done a ton of research–both on the property and the island to make sure it’s what both really wanted. I would NEVER spend big $ on a travel agent’s recommendation. However, I’ve been in the position of having issues with hotels, once where they were addressed in an appropriate and fair manor (Ritz Maui) and one where I had to pull teeth to get anyone to listen to my concern of food poisoning (Jiko’s at Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge), so I am sympathetic. However, since all I got from Disney was $50 off my food bill even though I was room-bound for 2 days including the day of my 50th birthday (no celebration dinner at Victoria and Albert’s for me as planned), I think what they were refunded–no mattter who did the refunding–should suffice. In the future, put in a little bit of effort (probably a fraction of what you have in trying to recoup $) to ensure an enjoyable vacation.

]]> By: barbie45 http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-27350 barbie45 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:17:49 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-27350 As an added thought,no one has suggested any internet sites which could have been used. Research is a vague term. Be specific. Maybe many of them are envious that you recieved some sort of compensation. Perhaps some are just armchair tourists. As an added thought,no one has suggested any internet sites which could have been used. Research is a vague term. Be specific. Maybe many of them are envious that you recieved some sort of compensation. Perhaps some are just armchair tourists.

]]> By: barbie45 http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-27347 barbie45 Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:03:54 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-27347 Annie, I beg to differ with you. If the travel agent brick and mortar gave them that honeymoon trip that person is the stupid one and dishonest. Any reputable agent would have said sorry I do not know of any vacation that satisfies these requirements.Instead more concerned about her comission she could not give a dam.This couple has been practically burned on a stake for the nasty comments they have recieved. Even though they did recieve 3,600 back, over 2000 for 2 days ugh.Guess the bedbugs charge. Annie, I beg to differ with you. If the travel agent brick and mortar gave them that honeymoon trip that person is the stupid one and dishonest. Any reputable agent would have said sorry I do not know of any vacation that satisfies these requirements.Instead more concerned about her comission she could not give a dam.This couple has been practically burned on a stake for the nasty comments they have recieved. Even though they did recieve 3,600 back, over 2000 for 2 days ugh.Guess the bedbugs charge.

]]> By: Christopher Elliott http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-27345 Christopher Elliott Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:54:34 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-27345 Come on, folks. Let's keep the comments civil. Come on, folks. Let’s keep the comments civil.

]]> By: k http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-27343 k Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:39:40 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-27343 And why do the Salamons keep lurking on this board waiting for someone to agree with them? Sorry, not gonna happen. You should heed the words of Hester, and if you're looking for someone to agree that you have been victimized and rub your head while they coddle to your crybaby ways, please get in touch directly with Barbie45 and take turns hanging each other on your respective crosses. And why do the Salamons keep lurking on this board waiting for someone to agree with them? Sorry, not gonna happen. You should heed the words of Hester, and if you’re looking for someone to agree that you have been victimized and rub your head while they coddle to your crybaby ways, please get in touch directly with Barbie45 and take turns hanging each other on your respective crosses.

]]> By: Annie http://www.elliott.org/blog/worst-honeymoon-ever/comment-page-2/#comment-27339 Annie Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:45:07 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=9428#comment-27339 What does "Disney meets Las Vegas" even MEAN? That's the stupidest description I've ever heard. It's no wonder you were not happy with what the AMEX TA chose -- because such a place does not exist. I have been to St Lucia and I agree with a previous poster that the island has some of the best food the Caribbeans has to offer and at extremely reasonable prices. Not only that, but St Lucia definitely ranks top 3 in terms of beauty in the Caribbeans. I spent five digits on my honeymoon. Yes, an exorbitant amount. Practically most of my wedding budget went to my honeymoon. I planned ever last detail, from international flights to inter-island flights to even the meals that we ate, because I knew that this was one huge expense and I wanted everything just so. And I was beyond pleased with what we got, because I did the research. Someone who relies on a "professional" who doesn't know their tastes and expectations, no matter how well this couple tried to articulate it, is an idiot. Plain and simple. What does “Disney meets Las Vegas” even MEAN? That’s the stupidest description I’ve ever heard. It’s no wonder you were not happy with what the AMEX TA chose — because such a place does not exist.

I have been to St Lucia and I agree with a previous poster that the island has some of the best food the Caribbeans has to offer and at extremely reasonable prices. Not only that, but St Lucia definitely ranks top 3 in terms of beauty in the Caribbeans.

I spent five digits on my honeymoon. Yes, an exorbitant amount. Practically most of my wedding budget went to my honeymoon. I planned ever last detail, from international flights to inter-island flights to even the meals that we ate, because I knew that this was one huge expense and I wanted everything just so. And I was beyond pleased with what we got, because I did the research.

Someone who relies on a “professional” who doesn’t know their tastes and expectations, no matter how well this couple tried to articulate it, is an idiot. Plain and simple.

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