We have been to the Guanahani several times and this time I have fewer pleasantries to offer.
1) ROOM: Our room was dusty, showing it's age and the most distant bungalow at the resort. Up hills, around bends, down a dark walkway and connected (for the first time) to another bungalow and THIS was considered an upgrade since we were frequent visitors of Le Guanahani. Only Guanahani considered this room an upgrade; how are a worse view and a terrible location from previous visits an upgrade. Hmmm
2) HOUSEKEEPING: The "morning/a.m." housekeeper was less than gracious the one day (ONE) that we were trying to get our things together to go to Governeur's Beach. We hurried out of her way yet returned to the same dusty, sandy room from whence we come. Also, our room and bath smelled as if they were cleaned with strong alcohol. The odor was terrible. Housekeeper also stole the stupidest things from our room. I guess they need closet-sized safes now.
3) RESTAURANTS: Breakfasts were always a comedy of errors. The staff was confused and the food was fair; worse than past years, for certain. The ditsy, thin blond inevitably got our order wrong and she never returned to correct the order. The lunch staff as just as disorganized and food preparation were horrible. Once the staff KNOWS you are using your package for lunch, be prepared for smaller portions and under- or over-cooked meals. It happened every time.
4) SPA and SALON: The Guanahani offers packages that come with the options for two spa treatments (not massages!) but it's nearly impossible to get an appointment unless you book weeks beofre your trip. Once you arrive for a treatment though you will notice many spa employees milling for hours around NOT servicing guests with treatments. It's all very confusing.
5) FRONT DESK: The front desk is staffed with indifferent robots who just smile and then grumble you as you walk away. The chill even is felt when calling the front desk. Ask them to follow-through or check on something, be prepared to ask several times! The staff is more concerned with their evening dinner and dancing plans. Be certain to check for random charges on your bill that you did not make and then be prepared to fight to get them removed. Three charges magically appeared on our bill, but when asked to show the signed receipt, there wasn't one to be had (3 times).
6) OTHER: Irons are NOT allowed in rooms/suites. The resort won't allow them in case of fire BUT there are ashtrays and smoking IS allowed in all rooms and throughout the resort. Go figure! Better yet, it's about $10-$15 to have each item ironed for you. Plus, there's a 50% upcharge for same day delivery.
We are not hard-to-please people/travelers and we noticed the significant negative changes at the Guanahani, so I think the management needs to sit up and listen to their guests for once!!!Establishments can't last forever based on past performance. With the Guanahani, the potential is there, the service is not!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
most likely
I recommend this hotel for:
A romantic getaway, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun, Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine, Spa