With so many resorts available in so many different locations, how do you choose? Knowing what you want and researching before you book are key, but even if you've already booked, a few facts can help you prepare for your trip, allowing you to get the most out of the resort and know what to pack.
Sometimes what seems like a good deal at first can turn into a woeful disappointment, and once you land in a distant place, it's hard to do much about it. We have experienced all of these things and it is no fun being in an area that is not safe, a resort that has fallen into disrepair, or having to put up with mediocre food or dirty conditions. Storms can also come and wash away the beach leaving treacherous rocks behind and drastically changing the landscape from those marketing images in the brochure.
Most reputable agencies will endorse their product and won't try to mislead you on purpose, but it's good to be informed. With the multitude of social media sites available to travelers today, it's almost impossible NOT to find reviews of almost any resort you're considering. Look beyond hotel site reviews for unbiased opinions on sites like TripAdvisor, Yelp, and others. Make sure there are a lot of recent reviews (usually 100 or more).
1- Price is not everything. Consider a relationship between quality and price and base it on what is important to you. I would prefer to spend a little more to ensure a minimum level of comfort and cleanliness in the accommodation at the expense of unlimited drinks or free water sports, as these are not important to us. Of course one has to stick to a budget, but sometimes we have tried to skimp and then come only to be disappointed. We even tried desperately to get an update on the site but it was not available.
2- Cleanliness is important. We tend to avoid older complexes as many are not well maintained and do not age well over the years. This is not always the case, but we have found that, especially in third world countries, maintenance and repairs are not always up to date and the tendency is to build new hotels rather than maintain older ones. Brochures usually date construction or last major renovation, and we look for something that is 10 years old or younger, or give extra points for most recent.
3- Variety Dining. Choosing a luxury resorts in Madikeri with a variety of places to eat is preferable to one with just one main buffet restaurant. Many offer a la carte dining or theme restaurants, which may have a small charge or a limited number of free reservations. If you're staying for a week or two, you'll appreciate not eating the same thing over and over again during your stay. Being served at the table is also a nice touch, but don't forget that tips are generally appreciated, so bring some small bills. If you're only having a buffet, it's wise to avoid "trying a bit of everything" and instead focus on a few things and change it over the next few days. Some kitchens will cycle through a variety of offerings on a weekly or bi-weekly schedule, but this may only apply to the main course.
4- Aim for the top in a group of several hotels. Another thing we now try to avoid is staying at a resort that is part of a group where more here you can stay at one and enjoy multiple resorts in one stay like Coorg honeymoon resorts. We found that when we stay at this type of resort in Punta Cana, unless you are at the best resort in the bunch, you could end up with second hand items. Even in our 4 star hotel we were convinced that we would get yesterday's bread from the 5 star resort. Who knows what else was being broadcast?
5- Consider the size of the hotel. A large resort is not always better than a small or medium one. More services, such as swimming pools and restaurants, will be available, but at the expense of a more intimate setting where everything is close and easily accessible. We have stayed in mega resorts where it took us 20 minutes to get to the restaurant and another 20 minutes to the beach the other way. Some big resorts have transportation but even that took away from the experience.
6- How much time will you spend in the room? If you plan to spend a lot of time in the room, choose a more luxurious resort and splurge on an upgraded suite or view. Amenities like a mini-bar or mini-fridge, a coffee machine, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a safe would be things you might appreciate. They are usually listed in the brochure. Please call the hotel directly if you are unsure and these are important to you. If you plan on hiking all day, your money on an ocean view room might be better spent elsewhere.
About Us
Nestled in a lush and thriving 200 acre coffee estate, Old Kent Estates takes one back to the period of the British Raj is stately example of British architecture, surrounded by a large English garden and acres of plantation and woodlands, has been carefully restored keeping in mind its history and heritage, to ensure our guests a pleasant and memorable holiday in the serene hills of Coorg.
Website - http://www.oldkentestate.com/