July 14-18, 2021

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July 14-18, 2021

Postby Qaz12129 » Sun Jul 18, 2021 2:36 pm

Would agree with much of what warmwaves said in his excellent review (viewtopic.php?f=19&t=11603 ). We stayed in a master suite and not the mansion so will give a few of our experiences and observations.

Checkin as always was a bit chaotic. We arrived on a Wednesday. The “membership up sell” seemed more,low key than in previous years. We thought the same when we were previously here in April. All went fine, except that when we were notified that our room was ready, we sat in lobby for 45 minutes until someone could take us to room. Might have been longer if we hadn’t asked.

The pool guys, waiters, drink runners, bartenders, housekeepers, and playmakers were all outstanding as usual. There did seem to be a bit of a disconnect at the hostess level. Perhaps its some of “covid burnout” but the hostesses were often hard to find, were not at all flexible on dinner reservations, etc. Couples we knew (all members) felt similarly - we all had experiences where dinner reservations for a certain time were at different times with the restaurant. (Whether made directly or thru butler)

Restaurants all seemed to have full menus. The buffet was self serve - except for one breakfast when the ropes were up and you had to point and ask for what you wanted. That was sorta weird. Re reservations both Suki and Pearl generally had numerous empty tables at times that were unavailable On the signup sheet. I’m sure they try to stagger the flow but seemed they could accommodate more people in the most desired time slots. Note - if you plan to drink wine by the bottle you can receive a,discount if you agree to preorder and prepay bottles of wine. It’s not restaurant specific so if you do that it will be available to you at any of the restaurants you eat at.

On our last night the hot tub bar said there were new rules where all alcohol had to be “put away” by 11pm. It was all availble but just not visible on the back shelves. Again sorta weird but think that was not a Desire rule but a local ordinance. It only started on our last night. Bars seemed to have more limited inventory than in past. For example some people asked for vanilla vodka which had always been available - this trip it was only grapefruit and I think rasbury or something like that.

Seaweed was worst we’ve seen it. No one went in the ocean. You could smell it at the pool, and at times on room balconies. People said made walk to town difficult.

No mosquito problem.

Definite construction on pier. Loud drilling every day from about 930am til about 6pm or so. Could hear at pool and even in our room.

Seemed very full to us especially over weekend.

A lot more bathing suits in the pool and hot tub. Just an observation as people have asked.

Covid test was a breeze - scheduled at check in for day before departure. Had results on phone within a couple of hours. Printed results at front desk.

Airport departure was crowded as always. All of the necessary health forms can be printed and filled in ahead of time so you don’t have to scramble at the airport.

We have had same experience with USA Transfers last few times - upon airport arrival you are queued outside along a building with other USA clients until your car arrives. We visited Isla Mujeres first so used them to drop us at ferry and then pick us back at ferry to go to resort. They were on time every time and their app has greatly improved so that it’s more like Uber or Lyft. Cars were extremely clean.

Hope that helps!
Qaz12129
Desire Fan
 
Posts: 33
Joined: Fri Jan 10, 2020 10:47 pm
We are from: USA
Will be at: Desire Pearl
We arrive on: 20 Apr 2021
Swing Site(s) we belong to: SLS Kasidie

Re: July 14-18, 2021

Postby rocks6 » Sun Jul 18, 2021 3:18 pm

You posted that today. Are you at the airport? Join us for drinks at margaritaville! Lol
rocks6
Desire Fan
 
Posts: 35
Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2018 8:40 am
We are from: USA
Will be at: Desire Pearl
We arrive on: 12 Jul 2021

Re: July 14-18, 2021

Postby Qaz12129 » Sun Jul 18, 2021 9:28 pm

Was from plane. ;)
Qaz12129
Desire Fan
 
Posts: 33
Joined: Fri Jan 10, 2020 10:47 pm
We are from: USA
Will be at: Desire Pearl
We arrive on: 20 Apr 2021
Swing Site(s) we belong to: SLS Kasidie


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