Bad Management
Just returned from a disappointing trip to Hidden Beach. We had booked our trip directly with HBR 8 months in advance, specifying a 'swim up suite'. We had been to HBR previously, and decided having a swim up suite was the only way to go. When we arrived, we were told they had no swim up suites available! After an hour and a half of arguing with them we were faced with either finding transportation back to Cancun and finding another hotel, or taking a 2nd floor room that stunk of mildew, or a 3rd floor room. Unfortunately I am recovering from a fractured neck and back surgery , which makes climbing stairs that are constantly wet and slippery and have no handrails a dangerous proposition (which had no sway on there decision to not honor my reservation). We ultimately took the 3rd floor room, too tired from travel to leave and find other lodging. The moral of the story is DO NOT COUNT ON GETTING THE ROOM YOU BOOK!!!
On to the resort itself. A hotel that charges first class prices should have first class facilities. They have nice large walk in showers, but didn't bother to put in self balancing water control valves....every shower was an adventure in being frozen or scalded. They have nice new
comfortable beds, with sheets to small to stay tucked in, so you're constantly tangled up in the sheets.I received a message on the telephone giving me our pick-up time for the return trip, which I couldn't hear because the phone malfunctions.
We did do a couples massage on the beach which was relaxing and enjoyable, but a little pricey. Pretty aggravating when you here management offer the same massage to a travel group next to you for half price! My wife went to the spa for a manicure/pedicure that cost $131.00 (almost twice the price of any salon in the states). We don't mind spending top dollar if we get top service, her nail polish fell off by the next day...she had to take another hour out of her sun time to have them repaired. By the way, both reservations were screwed up, making her time at the spa longer than it need have been. Four years ago the food at HBR and Eldorado was very tasty if not gourmet quality. This trip the food was barely edible! Every kind of beef, pork or veal tasted like pot roast. I made the mistake of ordering sushi at the oriental restaurant, a Japanese sushi chef would rather commit 'Hari Kari' than serve sushi like that! It was horrible.
The wait staff was wonderful as usual, they almost make up for all the short comings of HBR management. Just a note on 'all inclusive', The advertising says gratuities are included, if you have any compassion for you fellow man you need to tip the wait staff and housekeepers,
management pays most of them the princely sum of $5 a day!
On to the night life. Depending on how full the hotel is predicates whether they will have live entertainment and a lively fun party, or 2 or 3 couple's sitting around having a few drinks. If you go for a moonlight stroll on the beach you will likely see people having sex, on the beach
beds, the hammocks, the hot tubs, etc. Please be aware that if you like to keep your presence at a clothing optional place private, the no photography rule was completely ignored! No telling where our pictures will show up on the web...
Again, the wait staff, bartenders and activities directors were wonderful, we did relax and have fun in the sun and pool, between onerous trips to the 3rd floor.
We wish that HBR had a bar, in the shade and not in the water for daytime use. We will think long and hard before booking another trip to HBR!!