This was our 4th visit to DRM and we thoroughly enjoyed our trip...as we always do. I will attempt to include our opinions and useful information for those who maybe considering a first visit to DRM.
Arriving: Customs and baggage no problems. For the first time we decided not to pre-book transfers and grabbed a local taxi at the airport. $111 for a return trip...not the cheapest option but nice and easy.
Check-in: The 2nd worst part of the trip. We completed the online speedy check-in form but this did not seem to help at all. The first desk was relatively quick but the second desk was a nightmare. It was our 4th trip so we did not need to be given a resort orientation speech. Furthermore we do not like to be pressured to attend one of their selling seminars. We have spoken to enough folks to know that we do not need a gold bracelet...black is fine for us. Just wish they would take a polite no for an answer. It took almost 30 mins to check-in.
Room: We go for a standard garden room and it is perfectly fine. We only use it to sleep, shower and dress. Some do have bigger beds than others, this time ours was small (Queen) but no real issue.
Food: We think the food is fine. Breakfast fine and lunch good. We prefer the a la carte restaurants rather than the buffet in the evenings. We only used the buffet once. The Japanese Suki restaurant is probably our favourite. Pizza through the night is also a favourite post party spot for us.
Drinks: I have read a few complaints ref drinks and have no idea why. Ok, the beer is crap and needs to be changed and have more choice available. Apart from that, the drinks are excellent. You can have anything you want with as much alcohol as you want. There is a vast choice on offer and they will also make drinks to your specific requirements. The Cappuccinos at the lobby bar were a life saver in the morning!!
Pool: Clean, plenty of beds available and Sylvia providing drinks service...all good.
Beach: Water a little cloudy due to storms but still warm and great to swim in. CC and Africa are fabulous at the beach bar. They take car of you so damn well. Plenty of beach beds available.
Jacuzzi: Used to be our favourite place but has been somewhat ruined due to the foam party. They have removed the lovely four poster beds and have installed a large metal frame (for the foam). Apparently the beds are going to be returned soon. It used to be sexy, erotic place to spend the afternoon/evening but has lost some of it's charm. We still had a great time up there but wish they would return it to its former glory. We definitely saw less 'action' up there but that can always be attributed to the guests.
Disco: Please please please change the music sometimes. Our group used to play a game of predict the next song...too easy though when it has been the same for last 4 nights!! The DJ needs to be given more control to 'play to the audience'. He told us that the management check his playlists to make sure he has stuck to there rules. Why bother with a DJ...might as well just connect an Ipod. We did manage to get him to change some tunes on a quiet night and with some tips. Otherwise nice disco, great bar staff and the playroom is fun.
Staff: It is these guys who make DRM what it is. They are absolutely fantastic. They remember what you drink and replace your empty glass with a full one without even being asked. Particular favourites of ours were CC, Africa, Gerardo, Edmundo and Abraham. Sorry if we missed somebody. Also the restaurant staff are all great.
Guests: The main reason we go. You will meet people from all over the globe. Almost all are polite, friendly and sexy in their own way. There is a wide age range and we love that. We are 38 & 40 and feel that we fit in perfectly with the DRM age range. It is very rare that you will meet idiots while there but if you do just ignore them. They are few a far between...don't let them ruin your vacation. We have met some of our best friends at DRM who will remain our friends for the rest of our lives.
Check-out: Worst part
Tips:
1. Tip the staff, they deserve it and appreciate it. We take about $300 for a week.
2. Take bug spray, you will need it in the evening. We prefer Avon Skin so Soft. Cheap, smells nice, not greasy and works!!!
3. Smile and say hello to everybody you see. You will meet the nicest, friendliest people at DRM.
4. Have fun!!!
Hopefully this will help those who have not yet been to DRM. There will always be those who will have a different opinion to us but this is our honest review. We have a 10 hour flight to get to DRM and it is worth every last minute. We have already booked our next trip for June 2014 and will count down the days.
Take care and have fun
THe only action was the lounge chaises next to the tub. Hope they get that fixed for next year.
