We were SO looking forward to this stay, having spent weeks researching the 'right' hotel near Miami (family friendly, great pool, on the beach, kitchenette [to feed young children]), and, if you've read the other reviews you would probably agree that Lago Mar hits the spot - even though it's quite an expensive hotel.
Crikey, how wrong we were. We hate having to be negative after our hols, but we feel it's our duty to be honest, so you can have a balanced choice. Here goes:
1. Our credit card was charged MORE that the current agreed fee, on the day we arrived. This was (a) fee for complete stay, (b) all taxes, and (c) $50 PER DAY 'just in case fee' (?!!) We had our card swiped on check-in (expected) but no mention of this charge to us (we did not sign anything!) and we only discovered when the card company called us to check it wasn't fraudulent use...!
2. Cash policy. You can't use it! Everything you buy at the resort, goes on your room account, including items from the Soda shop. Oh and that means (as well as tax) there is a compulsory 18.8% gratuity. on EVERYTHING. (Note - We would have been happy to tip when purchasing most items with good service such as drinks/food at the bar)
3. (Some) Surly staff. How about ordering some food, having it brought 90% of the way then left on a serving ledge for the pigeons to eat. Twice.
4. Pool - great oasis pool for the kids (noisy but I would be two faced to complain - so I won't). But why wait till 11am to clean up the overnight debris? (plastic glasses, glass, sand, etc in the pool itself)
There are some really good people working at the resort (front desk, maintenance, concierge), but our personal experiences lead us to question more senior management who sincerely lack the same customer attitude, and this, we feel, taints the overall experience.
In summary, therefore, what should have been a stay in paradise was a little closer to hell.
