Re: Returning to the same resort...

[GefM]

I thought I'd post this and see if anyone else has found this.
 
 As many of you know we are returning to our favourite resort for the 3rd time.  
 
 Last trip we found that it was like going to a friends cottage to see the old gang from school.  People that we had only talked to over the period of a week the year before, greeted us literally with big hugs and were generally happy to see us return. Last trip we were there for my B-Day and the generousity of our new friends blew me away.  A cake was made for me, I was given bottles of rum and wine, and even burned a music CD. When I wanted to go scuba diving, I was helped by one of our friends and was given a discount on my dives.
 
 This time is shaping up to be the same thing.  I have already received an email that our favourite room should be waiting, barring any troubles.  Also, while our one friend in magagement is going to be away, they have left our name with the person in their place for anything we may need.  
 
 I'm not sure if I should say this (Heather or John, delete if you think you should) but we have booked a standard room and I have been told that as a returning guest I can upgrade to my oceanview room without any extra cost.
 
 Of course one of the other perks was a fruit platter and a bottle of rum waiting for us in our room when we arrived.        
 
 Another thing I'd call a perk is being able to walk around the resort, bump into one of the staff we know and have a conversation as to how our lives have been over the past year.  Exchange laughs and tears.  
 
 So...how many of you have experienced the same stuff?    

[Gambitt]

I think upgrades for repat guests are quite common for most hotels, not just in Cuba. Kinda like frequent flier points...
 
 This year, at the PCV, we had similar treatment, as return guests.  While we didn't have an upgraded room, we did haveextra drinks in the fridge, and a bottle of rum, waiting for us in our room.
 
 Another nice touch, was that all our a la cartes were already booked for us, so no standing in line, to get it done.

[FredTracie]

Excellent post Gef, We will be returning to Cuba this fall for our 10th trip and ultimately have returned to the same resort or area several times and have received similiar treatment as you and Nancy have. I think our best experience was being invited to a private 4 course dinner presented by the executve chef or running into the same GM from Jibacoa in Puerto Plata, again room upgrades and private dinners etc. We don't mind from time to time returning to familiar surroundings but meeting new friends and exploring new areas still tops our list. I think when you only go for 1 week , returning to the same resort certainly falls into a certain comfort zone!
 
       Cheers.....F&T
 
 ps.. Gefm will E-Mail you this week!

[debmich]

I find it amazing that staff actually remember people when on average they receive about 600 new guests per week!
 I guess some people really put a lot of effort into making your stay more comfortable!
 
 Debbie

[mister]

We will be returning to Playa Pesquero this winter for our second visit (second time to Cuba). We are returning as we will be taking the 3 year old daughter and 68 year old dad in law, both of whom have never been outside North America (Canada & US). Since wehave been to the PP, we know what to expect, and are very sure that the other 2 will thoroughly enjoy themselves. Also, as the Good Pastor, andseveral others on this board will agree to, if I don't get some more of that lunch time pizza, I'm going to need some professional counselling!!!
 
   <img border="0" alt="[cook]" title="" src="graemlins/ernaehrung002.gif" />    <img border="0" alt="[cook]" title="" src="graemlins/ernaehrung002.gif" />

[Gambitt]

I know how you feel mister.  Our Son was just less than 3 yrs old, the first time in Cuba, but he was eating those pizzas, like there was no tomorrow.

[bellagio]

Every time someone posts about those lunchtime pizzas at the PP my mouth just waters.
 
 I have to say though, the thought of getting my teeth into one of those wonderful Alberta steaks is more and more occupying my mind these days.
 
 Not long to wait now!!!!!!!

[mister]

Speaking of returning to the same resort, does anyone know if Playa Pesquero does anything for returning guests? If so, Isthe guest responsible to contact the resort, or does the tour operator /travel agent take care of the arrangements? Inquiring minds want to know.......
 
   :cubadreamin:

[bellagio]

Mister:
 
 Don't rely on yout Travel Agent or Tour Operator.
 
 I would suggest you contact the hotel yourself and inform them that you are a return guest.
 
 The email address ia:
 
 jefe.ventas@ppesquero.tur.cu

[Threedogs]

Some one said in this thread 'it's amazing that our Cuban friends in the hotel remember us so well when they have 600 or so guests every week'
 
 Well the other morning I was sitting in the 'little room' idly day dreaming (it's a man thing girls!) when the same thought occured to me. All those thousands of people and yet they remember me????
 
 Does this mean that Carol and I are so totaly outrageous that the shock of being with us is indelably printed on their minds?
 Possible!
 
 Are we excessivly polite and courteous so much so that we stand out from the rest.
 Yeah right!!
 
 Or are the vast majority of people so introverted that they become invisible?
 Maybe there are lots of folk that feel uncomfortable with strangers?
 Possibly some that feel they must conduct a servant/master relationship with our hosts?
 
 Honest I just don't know. I would like to mind, it the sort of thing that tickles my idle curiosity button....
 
 So, opinions please......
 
 Threedogs

[mojitomiss_cuba]

Mike,
 I've never had the pleasure of meeting you and Carol, but can honestly say that you have left a very memorable impression on me  :)
 
 Would love to meet up with you and the missus in Cuba one day - glad to see you back. I love your sense of humour and I'm sure the Cubans that understood it loved it as well,  :rof:

[Threedogs]

Some one said in this thread 'it's amazing that our Cuban friends in the hotel remember us so well when they have 600 or so guests every week'
 
 Well the other morning I was sitting in the 'little room' idly day dreaming (it's a man thing girls!) when the same thought occured to me. All those thousands of people and yet they remember me????
 
 Does this mean that Carol and I are so totaly outrageous that the shock of being with us is indelably printed on their minds?
 Possible!
 
 Are we excessivly polite and courteous so much so that we stand out from the rest.
 Yeah right!!
 
 Or are the vast majority of people so introverted that they become invisible?
 Maybe there are lots of folk that feel uncomfortable with strangers?
 Possibly some that feel they must conduct a servant/master relationship with our hosts?
 
 Honest I just don't know. I would like to mind, it the sort of thing that tickles my idle curiosity button....
 
 So, opinions please......
 
 Threedogs

[bellagio]

Hi. Mike and welcome back.
 
 I'm sure the reason is because if you are warm, friendly and courteous to the staff they are genuinely pleased to welcome you as a friend and that way they never forget you.
 
 I'm pretty certain you keep in touch with some of the staff at the Daiquiri just as I do with staff from the PP.  In fact I have just received an email this evening from a lady who has returned today from the Playa Pesquero with a letter from my friend there which she will be mailing on to me tomorrow.
 
 It's not the tipping that's so important to them or the gifts, it's the fact that you treat them as equals, show them respect and hold out the hand of friendship to them.

[halle00]

As we are returning to Playa Pesquero, im wondering
 When emailing them   :t:   to let them know you are returning,  how do you go about doing that.
 
 Do you just tell them you are coming back?
 
 Or does your email contain requests??
 
 How do most of you go about this.
 
 Any advice would be great!
 
 Halle