**UPDATED with 'ghost town' pics!! ** 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

Let me first start out by saying that I know alot of brides on here have had a good experience at Aventura Spa Palace, at least from their reviews. We chose Aventura based on high praise from our travel agent, and many ladies on here raving about it...

But I felt I owed a heads up to you ladies who plan on booking here for your upcoming honeymoon.

So anyway.. we left Miami and flew into Cancun. Aventura is about 1 hour or so south of the airport. We checked in, and to be quite honest we werent exactly 'wowed'. DH and I normally stay at nice hotels when we travel, so we were a little disappointed but didnt say so even to one another.

The room was decent, and we went down to the pool areas. This resort is HUGE - we were starving, having not eaten all day, and were excited to eat at one of the 8-10 restaurants. We were told we could either eat at the snack bar/palapa near the pool, or go inside to the restaurant to eat. The snack bar buffet consisted of boiled hotdogs, dry sauerkraut, tortilla chips, dried and pasty refried beans, and cheez wiz. Not our idea of the 4 star resort food and cuisine they so advertised.

The grounds were so-so, definitely not the picturesque grounds that were advertised on their site. This place had definitely seen better days,, probably in 1992. The grounds where grass or landscaping should have been was dirt, or sticks.

So we went into the restaurant. Here they had a LARGE buffet set up, with so many things to choose from. Again, not the most appetizing of foods: different types of pork in weird sauces, very fishy smelling fish, dried meats. ... so I ate tortilla chips and salsa. There was also NO guests eating in the restaurant which was a little odd.

At this point, we both looked at one another, and kinda laid it out there: we were pretty disappointed in the hotel grounds, pool, and for sure the food. We sat by the 'lagoon' which had a strangely odd scent like raw sewage, and decided to go back to the room, relax, shower and try one of the only 3 a la carte restaurants later on.

We went to La Trattoria, I ordered Filet Migon with risotto, and soup. DH ordered seafood risotto. The result??? I am not sure what type of meat my so called filet mignon was, but it was paper thin, and tasted 'gamey'. My risotto was not creamy, but dry, and was scooped onto my plate with a perfect ice-cream scoop shape, along with instant mashed potatoes. 2 bites later and we were done. The bottle of wine eased our pain however.

We would be the only 2 people who go to an all inclusive for 9 days, and come back 10 lbs lighter, from NOT eating!!?

We went back to the hotel room, and we both finally admitted that we could not picture spending another 9 days here. DH called our travel agent, then American airlines, and got us on a flight home at 7am this morning. We got back here a few hours ago, and went straight to the travel agent who is now in the process of refunding our $4k.

I am sure many of you may have had good experiences here, but honestly, we were not thrilled at all. Your honeymoon should be the vacation of your lifetime, and this was mediocre at best. Our travel agent is willing to send us basically anywhere we want to go in the next day or 2. Any suggestions?

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

OMG, how awful!!!! I am so sorry you went through that. Thanks for the heads up!

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

so wait the TA didnt book you elsewhere? or are you planning on going elsewhere soon? I would've demanded they put me in another hotel that day or the following day so i can at least enjoy the rest of my vacation

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

I am sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience. Thanks for the heads up. FH and I went to St. Lucia this summer and it was awesome. We stayed at Le Sport Body holiday and the spa treatments were great.

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

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Posted by Espo22

so wait the TA didnt book you elsewhere? or are you planning on going elsewhere soon? I would've demanded they put me in another hotel that day or the following day so i can at least enjoy the rest of my vacation

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Well, when we went to the TA today, she mentioned we should have waited until today to see what she could do for us, like you said, put us elsewhere. She said she would have sent us anywhere we wanted. But we honestly, we so put off, that we just wanted out. There was only the 7am flight, or a 7pm flight, and didnt want to stay there any longer. But she is now willing to give us whatever and wherever we want. She also said she will waive her commission, just to make us happy and give us a good honeymoon.

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

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Posted by eleven29bride

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Posted by Espo22

so wait the TA didnt book you elsewhere? or are you planning on going elsewhere soon? I would've demanded they put me in another hotel that day or the following day so i can at least enjoy the rest of my vacation

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Well, when we went to the TA today, she mentioned we should have waited until today to see what she could do for us, like you said, put us elsewhere. She said she would have sent us anywhere we wanted. But we honestly, we so put off, that we just wanted out. There was only the 7am flight, or a 7pm flight, and didnt want to stay there any longer. But she is now willing to give us whatever and wherever we want. She also said she will waive her commission, just to make us happy and give us a good honeymoon.

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thats great that she is at least taking care of it now. Are you gonna go somewhere else in mexico or do something completely different?

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

Wow, that's so sad! :(

I've heard a lot of great things about St. Lucia.
Also, when we were on a cruise, we stopped at St. Maarten. It was beautiful and there was so much to do there. Maybe try a Sandals All Inclusive?

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

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Posted by Espo22

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Posted by eleven29bride

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Posted by Espo22

so wait the TA didnt book you elsewhere? or are you planning on going elsewhere soon? I would've demanded they put me in another hotel that day or the following day so i can at least enjoy the rest of my vacation

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Well, when we went to the TA today, she mentioned we should have waited until today to see what she could do for us, like you said, put us elsewhere. She said she would have sent us anywhere we wanted. But we honestly, we so put off, that we just wanted out. There was only the 7am flight, or a 7pm flight, and didnt want to stay there any longer. But she is now willing to give us whatever and wherever we want. She also said she will waive her commission, just to make us happy and give us a good honeymoon.

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thats great that she is at least taking care of it now. Are you gonna go somewhere else in mexico or do something completely different?

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Yea, at least she is doing that. She was the one who told us how great it was. I am really not too sure. We live near W. Palm Beach, FL.. so between last week with flying to NY for the wedding, flying back, then flying to cancun, then back the next morning, we are not really too keen on taking a real long flight.
Atlantis in the Bahamas is only a 35 min plane ride from West Palm, so we may choose to do something like that. Any other suggestions in the caribbean, thats a really nice resort?

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

my FH and i are going to Anguilla to the Cap Juluca resort. Friends of mine have been there and said they have never been anywhere better. They have a romantic getaway package you should hve your TA look into another place is the sandals in Negril. A friend of mine and his wife just got back from their honeymoon there. They said it was amazing.

Good luck!!!

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

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Posted by eleven29bride

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Posted by Espo22

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Posted by eleven29bride

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Posted by Espo22

so wait the TA didnt book you elsewhere? or are you planning on going elsewhere soon? I would've demanded they put me in another hotel that day or the following day so i can at least enjoy the rest of my vacation

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Well, when we went to the TA today, she mentioned we should have waited until today to see what she could do for us, like you said, put us elsewhere. She said she would have sent us anywhere we wanted. But we honestly, we so put off, that we just wanted out. There was only the 7am flight, or a 7pm flight, and didnt want to stay there any longer. But she is now willing to give us whatever and wherever we want. She also said she will waive her commission, just to make us happy and give us a good honeymoon.

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thats great that she is at least taking care of it now. Are you gonna go somewhere else in mexico or do something completely different?

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Yea, at least she is doing that. She was the one who told us how great it was. I am really not too sure. We live near W. Palm Beach, FL.. so between last week with flying to NY for the wedding, flying back, then flying to cancun, then back the next morning, we are not really too keen on taking a real long flight.
Atlantis in the Bahamas is only a 35 min plane ride from West Palm, so we may choose to do something like that. Any other suggestions in the caribbean, thats a really nice resort?

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Atlantis is real nice, there are alot of kids from what i know so as long as that doesnt bother you then should be fine. Plus with this time of year not sure if there would be alot of kids there yet. Its also close to Nassau so you can go there in the daytime and do stuff. When I was in nassau and went jet skiing within minutes we were in front of the atlantis

Bermuda is also very nice, beautiful scenery and has more to do there, i wanna go back. Turks and caicos is GORGEOUS, the beaches were amazing but not much to do at night so depends on what youre looking for. I think the RIU in aruba is supposed to be good.

Here is a list of five star hotels

http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury_hotels/bermuda_&_the_caribbean/

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

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Posted by Espo22

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Posted by eleven29bride

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Posted by Espo22

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Posted by eleven29bride

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Posted by Espo22

so wait the TA didnt book you elsewhere? or are you planning on going elsewhere soon? I would've demanded they put me in another hotel that day or the following day so i can at least enjoy the rest of my vacation

---

Well, when we went to the TA today, she mentioned we should have waited until today to see what she could do for us, like you said, put us elsewhere. She said she would have sent us anywhere we wanted. But we honestly, we so put off, that we just wanted out. There was only the 7am flight, or a 7pm flight, and didnt want to stay there any longer. But she is now willing to give us whatever and wherever we want. She also said she will waive her commission, just to make us happy and give us a good honeymoon.

---

thats great that she is at least taking care of it now. Are you gonna go somewhere else in mexico or do something completely different?

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Yea, at least she is doing that. She was the one who told us how great it was. I am really not too sure. We live near W. Palm Beach, FL.. so between last week with flying to NY for the wedding, flying back, then flying to cancun, then back the next morning, we are not really too keen on taking a real long flight.
Atlantis in the Bahamas is only a 35 min plane ride from West Palm, so we may choose to do something like that. Any other suggestions in the caribbean, thats a really nice resort?

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Atlantis is real nice, there are alot of kids from what i know so as long as that doesnt bother you then should be fine. Plus with this time of year not sure if there would be alot of kids there yet. Its also close to Nassau so you can go there in the daytime and do stuff. When I was in nassau and went jet skiing within minutes we were in front of the atlantis

Bermuda is also very nice, beautiful scenery and has more to do there, i wanna go back. Turks and caicos is GORGEOUS, the beaches were amazing but not much to do at night so depends on what youre looking for. I think the RIU in aruba is supposed to be good.

Here is a list of five star hotels

http://www.fivestaralliance.com/luxury_hotels/bermuda_&_the_caribbean/

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thanks for your suggestions Espo. I am gonna look into them now...

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

OMG that's terrible. I'm so sorry to hear that. MY FH did TONS of research before booking our honeymoon and decided on the Sandals Regency La Toc in St. Lucia. Not sure what you're looking for, but we boooked the Millionnaire Suite and the views are absolutely amazing. Check out the reviews on Trip Advsor. I hope that helps and that your next place is absolutely amazing!!

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

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Posted by Espo22

so wait the TA didnt book you elsewhere? or are you planning on going elsewhere soon? I would've demanded they put me in another hotel that day or the following day so i can at least enjoy the rest of my vacation

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I think you could have done that..? usually if you want to switch out hotels, your TA will call around and find an opening for you to transfer to another hotel.
sorry you didnt have a good expierience

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

Go to the Cove at the Atlantis, its awesome. Great restaurants! Mesa Grill is there (on the resort) and there are a million places to eat closeby.

Great part about the Cove is the adults only pool...and you have access to the whole Atlantis resort and the guests there don't have access to the Cove.

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

I would def second Bermuda FH and I loved it there also Bahamas is beautiful try to look up Exumma Islands they are the most gorgeous beaches I have ever seen and I am well traveled.
Good Luck I am sooooooo sorry this happened to you.Keep us updated

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

Also, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso in Riviera Maya is supposed to be great (wanted to give you an all inclusive option)

Also, have you looked at Anguilla? Its really one of the most beautiful places on earth...check out the Cusinart. I think they were building a Ritz when I was there like 2 years ago so it should be open by now.

Also Seven Stars Resort in Turks...

I'm so sorry that you had a bad experience...i've never been to the place in question but I find that I don't like most all inclusives for the same reasons. The food is ALWAYS gross.

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

ARUBA RIU Palace-all inclusive

LOVED LOVED it Food was awesome day and night.

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

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Posted by KittyGags

Also, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso in Riviera Maya is supposed to be great (wanted to give you an all inclusive option)

Also, have you looked at Anguilla? Its really one of the most beautiful places on earth...check out the Cusinart. I think they were building a Ritz when I was there like 2 years ago so it should be open by now.

Also Seven Stars Resort in Turks...

I'm so sorry that you had a bad experience...i've never been to the place in question but I find that I don't like most all inclusives for the same reasons. The food is ALWAYS gross.

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Thanks, yea this was the first time we ever did an all inclusive and to be honest we are really bummed out. The food was atrocious. The all inclusive at Aventura would be great if you are a real partyer, or 21 and want to take full advantage of the stocked mini bar in the room, but thats not what we came to do all day long.

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

so sorry to hear your story!! we didn't stay at an all inclusive for our hm because we feared what happened to you, that the food would s-ck and we'd be stuck there. We stayed at Pavillions and Pools, a small hotel in St. Thomas which each suite has its own private swimming pool! tres romantic!!! It's not the most modern place but we definitely enjoyed it.

Re: 10 thumbs down.. just got back from our 16 hour honeymoon at Aventura Spa Palace

Oh man, that is horrible! We almost booked our HM at Aventura but didn't bc a beach was really important to us. I hope you choose a better resort to have a perfect HM!