I almost feel bad leaving a negative review, because it's a beautiful resort and I HAD been enjoying my stay. But the front desk and lobby staff have been doing their best to chip away at my enjoyment and to piss me off. All the wait staff, servers, housekeeping have been super nice. But guest services and front desk employees are out of control. We are constantly being told completely different things by different people, and then they treat us like we're crazy.
First incident - Our friends from California just happen to be vacationing in Playa del Carmen for a family event at the same time that we're here at Ventus. My husband and I took a taxi to Fifth Street one night, and our friends (another couple) drove 30+ minutes to give us a ride back. We all went into the lobby together around midnight to ask about a day pass for our friends the next day. The gentleman who checked us in when we first arrived had mentioned that they had day passes, but we hadn't asked about the price. So when we and our friends asked about the day passes, two front desk employees (a man and a woman, didn't catch their names) looked at their computer screen and told us it was $55 per person for an all inclusive day pass from 9 am to 5 pm, or a second option of $105ish for 7 am to later in the night. I don't recall the specifics of the second option because we knew we wouldn't do that one. We said fine, and our friends drove all the way back again the next morning at 9 am with their daughter. Front desk tells them the day passes cost $60 per person, and they only allow access from noon to 5 pm. My husband had to go down there and argue. Oh, they also said the day passes are only sold from the Marina El Cid lobby, so everybody had to go over there. More of the same nonsense at the other lobby, as they so generously offered to let our friends in early, but said they weren't allowed to eat breakfast. What the hell?? Manager also kept asking my husband who the two employees were who told us 9 to 5. We didn't know their names, and why can't they check their own records to see who was working at midnight? My husband asked if they were going to honor what we were told if we could identify the two employees. The manager said no. So why ask us then?? Four sober adults all heard the same thing - "$55 per person, from 9 to 5." And nine hours later, the front desk staff were treating us like we were liars or some kind of scam artists.
Second incident - On Monday, we tried to make dinner reservations for La Marina on any night thaweek before Friday. A lady at guest services said they were all booked, but told us to check back between 5 and 6 pm for any cancellations to get a same day last minute opening. We went back just before 6 on Tuesday evening and Willy from guest services said that same day reservations end at 5 pm. When I started to tell him that I was told between 5 and 6 the day before, he very rudely cut me off, said they end at 5, and that was the end of the conversation.
Look, if the day passes start at noon, and same day reservations end at 5 pm, that's FINE. I'm not going to complain about your policies. My issue is with your employees randomly pulling numbers and times out of the air, and then acting like we're the problem. That's not okay.
Update - The shenanigans continue. Tried a third time to ask about a same day dinner reservation, and this time, guest services told us we have to go to the actual restaurant and hang around the front, hoping to get in. Not at all what we were told the prior two days. Brother-in-law's friend purchased WiFi for $15 for 24 hours. The next day, it cost $10. Check out is at noon, but we asked about a late checkout because our shuttle to the airport wasn't until 3. First we were told that was impossible because they needed our room immediately. Sergio at the front desk told my husband to come back at 9:00 and talk to the manager, Sylvia. Husband went back at 9 and was told Sylvia doesn't work today. A second guy from the front desk then said we could keep the room until 2 pm for $15 an hour. Every time we talk to somebody, something changes. Ridiculous. read more