Trip Report Grand Lido Braco February 2nd to 9th 2008
This was our 4th trip to Grand Lido Braco and our 10th trip to Jamaica overall.
This was by far our best trip to Braco ever.
Airport:
After 10 trips to Jamaica I have been amazed how much improvement has been made with each trip. The Customs area is new and operational since October.
The return trip through the Customs went well also. All of the gift shops and restaurants are now in the new section.
Ride to the Resort:
I didn’t hit the stopwatch but I think we made it to Braco in 45 minutes. The road is mostly completed now at least as far as Braco. There were some small paving jobs being worked on during our week.
Check in:
We arrived around 12 pm and our room was ready to go. A few couples that arrived with us had a short wait until clean rooms were available. Since we arrived before the official check in time—no problem.
Around the “good side”:
Our room was clean and in good condition. Hot water was never an issue except for one day. The main water line coming into Braco from the road broke. The entire resort was without water for several hours but was fixed ASAP.
I understand updates on the prude side are not complete but I didn’t spend much time there.
Some items of interest include the changing water temperatures of the large hot tub. The entire week the hot tub maintained a constant temperature of 102 degrees—finally!
Clean pool towels were an issue for a day or two. Braco seemed to step it up and clean towels were more available more often.
A few new poolside umbrellas did arrive but in my opinion they need more. I was advised more are on the way.
To the heartbreak of many, our beloved Merl is no longer at Braco and will now be employed at Breezes Runaway Bay. That is an entire issue unto itself. Enough said for now.
Despite Merl’s absence the service in and around the pool was better than previous years. Wayne was good at being Wayne! One of my new personal favorites is Shandy.
For those interested, Nadine is off on maternity leave and should be back soon.
I did hear however that service to the beach area was not as good and needs improvement.
Red Stripe beer was on tap but the bottles in the mini fridge were Real Rock. I was told there is a shortage of bottled Red Stripe all over the island. So maybe this is temporary?
Bug bites were not as bad as in previous trips. Those in my group only had a couple or none at all. I didn’t have a single one but I have had very few in my previous trips either.
Monday night A/N buffet:
It wasn’t held my last two trips to Braco. I was very pleased to find it was back. The food was excellent and included steak and lobster but the lobster ran out for a few near the end.
The daily A/N noon buffet contained the usual including jerk chicken, pork and lamb chops. We even had a Mexican buffet near the end of our week.
All other restaurants were as good or better than ever.
The only other service issue of concern to me was Victoria’s Market. Being seated wasn’t a problem but it took too long for water, juice and coffee most of the time especially for returning to check on refills.
Braco management was visible often talking with their customers checking on their suggestions or complaints.
I know this is only one week of out 52 but I was encouraged by the increase in most services and I think Braco is getting back on track to where they should be.
Respect!
Jeff
