We have finally reached that point where when we are asked “how many times have you been here” we now respond “several”! Because, frankly, I’ve lost count! Does that make me a bad person?
This trip was more a spur of the moment thing when friends told us they were going we decided to book and surprise them. We told them we were going skiing and with Arcos as my accomplice, we were there to greet them when they pulled up! This might have been one of the best and most expensive practical jokes I’ve ever played, but boy was it worth it! (thanks to all that helped make it happen)
Still believe USA Transfer to get to Desire (via 7-11), and using a cab to return to the airport is the way to go. You can leave when you want to and rather than sitting at terminal, you could soak up those last rays (and cervesas).
Breezed though check in….still enjoy amusing the staff by practically checking ourselves in without their assistance…(helped ourselves to a seat and champagne, reached for forms….signed in the 2 spots, grabbed wrist bands popped em on….scissors cut off excess, ).
Word of advice…use the early check in option! Our requested room was ready for us and we were heading to the pool 20 minutes after we got out of the shuttle! The newly decorated rooms are really nice! More space and better lighting!
Occupancy was not great, but nonetheless everyone seemed to be having a blast!
One of the greatest aspects of Desire vs any other vacation spot is that an hour after you get there you can have 10 brand new best friends! Other places we’ve been (vanilla type places) you can sit next to the same person at the pool for a week and never learn their name.
A few interesting notes about this trip.
- Occupancy was the lowest we’ve seen it in January. Given that this really isn’t the busiest time of the year at Desire, we noticed a significant lack of Europeans (specifically folks from the UK) probably do to the economy there. Yes there was an abundance of Canadians as always (you guys up north rock!)
- Bugs are back, didn’t see the DDT Foggers out as much as previous trips
-The Hot tub wasn’t hot! It took several trips to the front desk to get them to turn it up (now we know where the thermostat is
)-Music has definitely improved in the disco!
-Pool not as busy as in August - the hot tub was bussier
-Breakfast is now served outdoors in the poolside lunch area!!! This is a great idea!
Why didn’t they do this sooner?? The food was the same as our last trip, with a few additions; they still need to update the dessert menu!-Remember that step they put in front of the buffet restaurant to keep rain water out?? Well I guess it didn’t work because they sandblasted it out while we were there!
THE STAFF
The entertainment staff has a whole new look! Cesar is now in charge with Vannesa, Carla, Raluca, Alberto, Jesus and the newest addition Black Magic (previously from Desire Cabo). They really do try their hardest to get guests involved in their shenanigans, however in times of low occupancy, I don’t envy them. One morning there were zero couples around the pool when they started at 10 AM, so tongue in cheek they changed “Fitness Time” to “find a guest”.
They do need to do a better job with the daytime activities….seemed like it was more imaginative in past years. Except for the theme night info, it just felt like the same things on that white board every day.
Usual props to Africa at the beach and Sylvia (mi Amore) at the pool….you really do notice when they take a day off!
There was no problem getting a beach bed or a pool chair at any time during our entire stay!!! Sure, there are a limited number of shady spots and umbrellas, and if you need to get a break from the sun for a bit…. just ask that friendly couple with the umbrella if you can share their shade for a bit….another great way to meet ppl! Rene and Daniel are the masters of their domain!
OK, show of hands, who thinks they need to start the night activities earlier in the evening? Maybe were just getting old, but that gap between 7 PM (dinner?) and 10:30 PM (floor show) seems like forever trying to stay awake! (Napping has its perils too)
The live bands are OK and the new acrobats are pretty impressive. There’s a new roller skating act that while a bit short, was pretty thrilling.
The playroom still might be a bit bright, and the door needs an auto closer on it
Shoutouts to Philly, Wisconsin, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, London, Carolinas, NJ the Yahoo mods, the ping pong ball producers, the Canadians (includes all the provinces that us Americans blur into one), the Harvard Kids and our favorite cross dresser.
Ok that’s enough typing….time to schedule another trip…… it’s been too long already!
If you were there between 1/16-1/22, drop us an e mail – nicenycpl@aol.com we’d love to hear from ya!
Oh and DO A TRIP REPORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (you know who you are)
Good to see he didn't waste any time!