Another time at the Crown Paradise

[chuck]

Left STL @ 7am and arrived 30min early. Immigration and customs both without hassles.
Got to the CP and it was so nice to see all of the same staff again. We were greated with handshakes, hugs, kisses and big smiles. Check-in is 3pm so we went off to grab a bite to eat at the pool grill. Next went to the Breeze bar and saw that my amigo, Aldo is now working the 7am-3pm shift. After finding that out every AM I was there to have him make me the best Bloody Marys I ever had, they will sure wake you up in the morning. We met several couples who were having a great time and hung around the pool with them, I was ready as usual since I have shorts that double as swim trunks that I wear on the plane along with a favorite Mex soccer jersey. After 3 we were escorted along with our luggage to our room by Manuel, one of the coolest bellboys I have ever seen. I had paid for and expected the usual ocean view room as requested on the 7th/8th floor, but what a surprise when Manuelito took us to suite 1201, this is like the best room in the house. Second floor all the way to the end overlooking the beach AND pool, huge wrap-around balcony with a hot tub. This was thanks to Ana Ramirez, the PR rep for the CP. This was just too good to be true, we felt like royalty.
The weather (everyone wants to know) was typical June PV, hot/humid sunny skies with some clouds. The usual rain in the late afternoon, fantastic rain at night 11:30ish while setting in the hot tub. Only one day did we not have much sun, but that did not ruin the fun, we went to el Centro and did some shopping, but our friend was not feeling well, so we cut that short and went back to the hotel. Still overcast we hung around at the pool and enjoyed water basket ball and tequila voleyball in the light rain shower, actually a nice change of pace from the sun we had be getting prior to that day. After that the rest of the days were very sunny>8 hours per day. If I'm not mistaken we had 6 out of 7 nights with some sort of rain, so those who worry about the weather sown in PV this is pretty usual.
New menus at the resturants, nice change, still had some favorites, but a nice improvement. I was totally satisfied with the meals, of couse did hear some grumbling from a minority of guests, but it is really hard to please 100 % of guests anywhere. Heard many good things about the new grilled mahi-mahi sandwich at the breeze bar during lunch, had it, loved it. Service at the resturants was quick, correct and courteous as usual. Our server at the pool, Ramirez, was almost so quick in a replacement drink, you sometimes couldn't finish your 1st. He remembered our favorites even if, like me, you switch during the day, he still would get it right. This man deserved good tips and got them.
Tipped the maid the 1st day, for the entire week and boy was her attention to the room top notch. After we left in the morning she was in there and had the room tiddy within and hour. New towels, linens, water, and a spotless room and balcony, this woman was amazing.
Once again it was difficult to leave our second home, to not see beautiful PV for several months and to say hasta luego to our friends.
This next bit is just in case Ana Ramirez happens to read this report: Ana, thanks for everything, you are the best. Bravo to your staff, just to mention several noteworthy ones: Manuel, Franscisco, bell captians; Carlos, Jesus, Esmael, waiters; Maria (Mary), Paradise resturant, Ramirez, pool waiter/breakfast waiter, Paradise resturant; Aldo, best darn bartender I know, Breeze bar and your daily entertainment staff: Dany, Cesar, Eric, Rachael, Benji, Paola and the rest. These people are the reason we continue to spend our time and money at your/this resort.
Till next time, hasta luego, amigos.
Chuck & Kay Nuernberger St.Louis, MO
'

[mhahn]

Sounds like you hit the jackpot with your room, I think the room type is the honeymoon suite, which we have stayed in before and booked this time. A little bit of luxury just adds to the total package! I am so bad with names, I only remember of few of our favorites that we have the most contact with. One question, you mentioned you tipped your maid day one for the week, did you then get your room cleaned at the same time everyday? We have always booked the suite and would appreciate daily clean up at a set time, no biggie, but if there is a way, it would be great to know! Our vacation is still a little more than 3 months away, but heck, we have only been back from the CP for two months so I guess that is fair? We are from Oregon (on the coast, we live a mile from the Pacific) but what a different water temperature, most people wear wet suits instead of swim suits when going in the water here! Vacation withdrawal is the pitts, but just start looking for good deals for the next time, thats my antidote!

[mnlakes56]

Mhahn,
You will hav to inquire about getting on the CP payroll like Chuck !!

[chuck]

I wish I was on that payroll with as many referals I've made and as many times I've stayed there. The CP just happens to be special to some visitors. I did find someone this time that didn't like it, but he was a real jerk, talking big, and getting his girlfriend stupid drunk on massive quanties of straight tequila. Damn, was she hurting the next day on the flight back to St.Louis with us.
As to the ? about the maid and cleaning times, it seems it is in her schedule to hit that room around 10-10:30 every day. It was really convenient for us and she did an excellent job of cleaning up. Honest woman too, my wife left some of her jewerly out for several days and absolutly none of it was missing. I wouldn't recommend that, but it just goes to show you how great these folks are who work at the Crown.
Have a good time on your next trip down there. Chuck

[dar]

I am considering going for a 'summer' trip - first time at this time of year, but would like a property with air conditioned dining (buffet - maybe AI as I'm coming from Canada and it's the better deal). So, does the Crown fit the bill???

[luvthis]

Good morning, Chuck! Thanks for the trip report. Ana is a great example of the type of service you can look for at the Crown Paradise. Last year was our 32nd wedding anniversary (& our 4 time at the Crown) & we were treated to champagne in the room & Crown Paradise t-shirts, which I wore the whole week we were there. I even bought a Crown Paradise cap (bright yellow) & plan to bring both along again when we arrive for our 5th stay on September 28th. Glad to hear most of the staff is still there. Bob & I enjoy a Baileys Irish Creme before dinner and Creme de Mint after dinner. They have had both in the past. How fun that you were given such a nice upgrade! Did you check out the updates at the Playa next door? There had been quite a bit of damage from the hurricane. Bob & I usually eat breakfast down there, at least once. Glad you're home safe. I have a feeling we won't catch up to you in the number of visits to the Crown, as we are making our 5th visit. Knowing you guys, it won't be that long before you return again. We can only swing it once a year. Oh well...paradise is worth the wait. Best, --Jean & Bob

[mnlakes56]

Chuck (Jul 06, 2003 10:14 p.m.):
I wish I was on that payroll with as many referals I've made and as many times I've stayed there. The CP just happens to be special to some visitors. I did find someone this time that didn't like it, but he was a real jerk, talking big, and getting his girlfriend stupid drunk on massive quanties of straight tequila. Damn, was she hurting the next day on the flight back to St.Louis with us.
As to the ? about the maid and cleaning times, it seems it is in her schedule to hit that room around 10-10:30 every day. It was really convenient for us and she did an excellent job of cleaning up. Honest woman too, my wife left some of her jewerly out for several days and absolutly none of it was missing. I wouldn't recommend that, but it just goes to show
you how great these folks are who work at the Crown.
Have a good time on your next trip down there. Chuck

With all the perks u get, consider yourself on THEIR payroll!

[tojol57]

In February this will be our 7th trip to the CP family... and all you have to do to get on the payroll is become part of the family... I know that our room in February is all ready set for us... Sorry but we will be in 1702 ... Lorrie and i like running the stairs for exercise each and every day... Ana, she is the greatest... and trust me Nacho (the general manger) knows it too... I was glad to see that Aldo was still working when Chuck was there in June... Poor Aldo has been having so many problems with his weight and his knees were killing him... But you can talk to any of us returnees, we have all become one big family... Lorrie and I have closer friends that we have met on vacation than we do right next door in a town of 3500 in Iowa... And from this bulletin board we have exchanged information with so many people, we have become great friends this way too... Chuck and Kaye (MO) and Bob and Jean (WI), etc.... Lorrie and I have friends IL, MO, IA, MN, CO, NE, and from all provinces of Canada... but our biggest supply of Canadian friends are from Alberta.... Edmonton is just full of NUTZ.... Lorrie and I go the same time each year... Mid February thru the end of February ... and each year we see a lot of the same faces, as well as a few new faces... that become new friends... We have TONS of pictures taken by Lalo and Eduardo... I even have one from my belly flop (that won that year) Suspended in a full spread eagle just before hitting the water... it is GREAT.... But that is what it is all about... just having fun, meeting new people, and catching up with old friends.... as well as spending family quality time with the ENTIRE staff of Crown Paradise....

Trust me, Lorrie and i have been applying for jobs each year we are down there... and each year i keep thinking i am wearing Nacho down... LOL.... you just never know... just keep wearing him down and sooner or later, we may become permanant residents of PV...

[robo]

Question for everyone who has been recently , have been at the CPR 3 times but not since they rebuilt Playa next door , has anyone tried the Japanese restauruant and are the restauraunts next door very good??Recomendations, thanks ....love the CPR would not consider styaing antwhere elses for all the reasons you guys mention and more.

[chuck]

Have not been to the Japanese resturant @ the PdOro. Last time we were in PV I forgot they had one. We have always has a few breakfasts there but usually either eat at Savaldore's, The Paradise or some place downtown. We will try it in Jan.

[luvthis]

Try the other new restaurant at the Playa. They have very good food, nice atmosphere & great service. We ate there twice when we stayed at the Crown in September. The Japanese place is a buffet (at least that's what I heard) & is only open at night. We kept thinking we were going to try it but the food at Salvador's & Paradise was so good we never made it there. Hope you have a great trip. I'm sure you will. Best, Bob & Jean from Racine, WI

[chuck]

CP repeaters check out the post by "jiggzt" about the Paradise Village. Guess when we find perfection we stick with it.

[Joc]

robo (Nov 22, 2003 08:07 p.m.):
Question for everyone who has been recently , have been at the CPR 3 times but not since they rebuilt Playa next door , has anyone tried the Japanese restauruant and are the restauraunts next door very good??Recomendations, thanks ....love the CPR would not consider styaing antwhere elses for all the reasons you guys mention and more.

My friend and I tried the japanese restaurant and we really enjoyed it. We ate there quite a bit. They had a wide variety of sushi to lots of other cooked dishes. I would definatly recommend you check it out. It wasn't even till the second week of our trip that we heard about it, but we're sure glad we did

[chuck]

We will try it the last week in Jan, just love the Crown Paradise and her sister Playa del Oro.

[chuck]

Just sending this back to the top...8 count them... 8 more days till I get to walk into the lobby ot the Crown Paradise again and lose myself in a most wonderful resort with great people.

[chuck]

Sies dias y dos horas.