Originally Posted by
iahphx
Other than the spa, is the property really "unfinished"? I'm not sure the stuff behind the construction fence is going to be part of the hotel. There seem to be a lot of private condos/villas in the development.
The lack of free booze in the lounge during the evening happy hour surprises me. This is, after all, Puerto Rico. I would think they could at least offer some rum punch like they do at check in. Heck, it might cost less than those little bottles of Perrier they provide (when they don't run out). Of course, free alcohol would make the lounge even more popular! BTW, the cheap Chilean wine they're serving from the honor bar at $8 seems wrong.
I believe the buildings behind the construction fence are going to be a part of the resort - they are B1-B6 on the resort map. There's construction noise during working hours too. Most auxiliary buildings are empty - one has a "gift shop coming soon" sign, and the rest may just be conference facilities. There's some finishing work going on throughout the resort as well. No suites are currently bookable, just regular king or double rooms - I believe suites will be in beachfront villas past the club pool (just my speculation).
There's a separate building to the left of the lobby that is condos/timeshare units, and it's not a part of Hyatt Residence Club at least yet.
Here's the map of the resort - Spa is in B16.
Resort map
They are definitely trying to maximize the "captive audience" profits. For example, the main (Water's Edge) restaurant only offers an expensive buffet for dinner, with nothing reasonably priced available after 5 or so. A car (or club access in a pinch) is an absolute must if staying here. Room service is appalling.
Just came back from the NYE festivities that we thankfully decided not to pay for. They were charging $175 per person for a dinner buffet, open bar, and a DJ. What a ripoff - Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen puts on a crazy NYE show for $60 per person...
I would definitely give them some time to work out the service kinks (service recovery has been pretty lackluster too). No GM visible or available on property - very strange to me for a newly opened resort. Major pushback from staff when asking about speaking with him.
Any other Flyertalkers here this week?