Anse Marcel

today www went to Anse Marcel. Upon arrival at the beach were we asked if we had reserved chairs. Since we had not we answered no and was told sorry we can't help you. I turned to hubby and said we'll there's no reason to eat here then. Immediately, we were told oh said there are two available. We were then shown to the front row left 2 lodges & 1 umbrella and they asked for our name.

I didn't remember anyone who posted here saying we needed to make a reservation. I also didntremember anyone saying there was a charge for chairs even if we ate there. Had I known the food was to be so bad I'd have just paid the $20 that I found added to our bill which came to $120.15

We had bottled water, 2 tough, dry veal pieces with what they called pasta and I call couscous, 2 lemonades. While the beach is lovely and the swimming devine I would rather have gone back to Dreams.

Wow - that sure doesn't sound like any of the various trips we've made there.

I wasn't aware they were requiring reservations for chairs but there was never any question in my mind the chairs were not free. I think they charged us twenty Euros for two chairs, a parasol and a drink table and they took our lunch time reservation upon arrival. I think we've only eaten lunch there three times but each time it was very good. So sorry your day wasn't up to your hopes and expectations..........

We did have a reservation the day we went, definitely paid for chairs, but our food was fabulous. We like Dreams better, mostly because we just felt more welcomed there. Anse Marcel felt just a bit stuffy to us. From a price point of view, I think the menu is comparable to Dreams, so the addition of the fee for chairs does make it more expensive.

So sorry you didn't enjoy your day there.

We paid $23.00 for two chairs, table & umbrella in January. Food and service were fantastic. Wished we had found it earlier on during our trip. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Dumb questions but did you eat and beach at the Riu Palace resort or the Anse Marcel Beach Resort??? I don't think I have ever read a bad food review from there but many at the Riu

We went to Anse Beach and the Cafe in January and had a wonderful day. We had a lunch reservation but hadn't reserved chairs but were seated on the beach and asked if we needed anything and the time of our reservation for lunch. There was good wifi available and the beach was nice for walking and it was a relaxing day. Lunch was probably the best that we had during the 2+weeks we were on the island! Food was delicious and the presentations were outstanding with very good service. Infact, I vividly remember the taste of the profiteroles we had for dessert!!! As we understood the tip was included we left a modest gratuity and were thanked by the hostess as we left to go back and enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

I'd put this spot on par with Dreams at every level...

Kim:

As far as I know you cannot buy food at RIU. I may be wrong but we have spent many days at Anse Marcel last year and this year and loved the food and beach. ALL GOOD.

Me, too, Chuck......and in some respects, I'd say par plus since much as we love and enjoy the food at Dreams - what's not to love about it? - I do not like the beach itself there and love the gentle waters at Anse Marcel. The only reason we might enjoy Dreams more is its close proximity and easy drive from where we stay. And we aren't ones who get into the people behind the places as long as we are treated well and we always have been in either place. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />