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Comments from a recent trip
#126490
04/05/2017 04:27 PM
04/05/2017 04:27 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,595
jgoodwin
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,595
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This is not a trip report per se, just some comments from a recent 11 day stay with a good friend on Tortola. I have been coming to the BVI for over 25 years, sailing and visiting friends on land. I just returned from 11 days with my friend who has been a BVI resident for over 30 years and a Tortola resident for about 15. I stay with her about 2x/year. Here are some observations from my latest trip (just came back less that a week ago).
1--We have always gone to Scrub. Never been charged an "entrance fee" but always allowed to use the lounges and the pool. We always have lunch there and have bar drinks and tip genenerously. It came to our attention upon calling the office, that this time that although they no longer impose a fee for usage for non guests and non slip users, you can no longer use a lounge or the pool even if you eat and drink there. They do not want, and deny access to anyone not staying on property or in a slip even if one eats and drinks. Nix for Scrub.
2--Quitos--Quitos has attemped to upscale the upstairs into a high end restaurant. Not trying to be "snobby" but as a NYC native, and someone who has traveled extensively for both business and pleasure, I do understand their goal. The restaurant is lovely, the service attentive and the ambiance most enjoyable. The appetizer I had was excellent (crab/avocado) and the amuse bouche a pleasant surprise. My friend and I ordered lobster and the chef came out and described the preparation. It was a total disappointment. Completely dry and tasteless, only a tiny slice of lemon and no clarified butter. Not at all worth the price.
3--Marina Cay--after noting that we were not welcome at Scrub we opted for Marina Cay. I had not been there in several years and frankly had low expectations. However, it was quite busy (Scrub rejects) and the lounges and the beach welcome. It was as I had remembered--nothing special--I had a salad that was decent, not memorable and the bar service was adequate. Lacked the up scale of Peter or Scrub but at least we were allowed to use all the facilities. The shop was well stocked and the service pleasant.
These are just experiences from a long time BVI denizen. Of course I will be back, just not to Quitos or Scrub. Perhaps opt for Peter where we have always been welcome!!
Hope this gives some hints to newbies or even oldies!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Comments from a recent trip
[Re: jgoodwin]
#126491
04/05/2017 08:03 PM
04/05/2017 08:03 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720 Massachusetts
maytrix
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 5,720
Massachusetts
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I'm more surprised you were able to use Scrub without paying in the past then to hear you weren't able to now. It was always my understanding that if you were going to make use of the pool..etc that you paid a guest fee.
Matt
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Re: Comments from a recent trip
[Re: jgoodwin]
#126503
04/07/2017 10:46 PM
04/07/2017 10:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 48 NYC
stephenr
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 48
NYC
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I stayed at sugarmill 4 nights recently, ate and drank and spent a fortune. I thought Dennis obnoxiously tried to manage a mis-managed reservation on their part and then made it all about me. On another point, he obnoxiously replied to my question about Sage Park and said... Its trees on a hillside, don't go there, come buy my little island tour where we'll pack you into a van with 10 other tourists and drive you around for 6 hours.... No thanks, Sage Park was fabulous and we're happy we got to see it and the magnificent views.
Food at sugarmill is marginal... Not great at all, and I've eaten in the very best restaurants. Its not bad food but it's not anything special either...
To the credit of the staff at sugarmill, they were fantastic. Management has a LOT to learn.
Ambiance at sugarmill was very very nice, too bad our visit included this unfortunate mismanaged small incident that was exacerbated by poor management.
The best sunset dinner and or drinks are at Bananakeet, no comparison. I had an AMAZING special pork dish there, wife's Primavera was equally AMAZING and the sunset views are spectacular.
Sorry, I won't be back to sugarmill, can't spend my hard earned money there again.
Steve
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Re: Comments from a recent trip
[Re: Manpot]
#126507
04/08/2017 04:30 PM
04/08/2017 04:30 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 48 NYC
stephenr
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 48
NYC
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Very interesting as my experience was exactly the opposite. Reviews on Trip Advisor seem to reflect the obnoxious attitude I experienced from Mr Dennis at sugarmill. Atmosphere and staff were magnificent, management... Ehhh... Needs remedial training. He has zero experience in the service industry and his management reflected that. Food at sugarmill is nothing to speak of, average at beat.
Steve
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