I feel this needs a dedicated post and I got some responses from TA's community and some follow up reviews which caught my attention and deserve a response:
First one is this review from "Ian Watsom"
Fabulous fabulous fabulous”
"As a frequent repeat visitor to the House I was moved to write my second review by the crass and bitter and bitter review by "Value 1st" - see below.
It may interest readers that this review appeared with 2 stars, was removed and then reappeared with 1 star - judge for yourself what this says about the author...appears to know the price of everything and the value of nothing.
The House has great, attentive staff and a very relaxed atmosphere. The large number of sociable repeat guests that we meet suggests that the House is indeed things that the vast majority of guests like.
Food is better than average and no more expensive than the rest of the west coast of Barbados which has many great restaurants.
Try it - I'm sure you'll like it a lot.
Let's take it apart, shall we?
"As a frequent repeat visitor to the House, I was moved to write my second review by the crass and bitter and bitter review"
Ian, If you knew the whole story, you might understand why my review is "crass"
"It may interest readers that this review appeared with 2 stars, was removed and then reappeared with 1 star - judge for yourself what this says about the author."
What does it tell about yourself - judging me without knowing the full story, like the fact original review, was posted with 3, not 2 stars.
appears to know the price of everything and the value of nothing. -
Yes, I know nothing about good value, I have only traveled to ONLY 8 islands so far - What do I know?
Food is better than average and no more expensive than the rest of the west coast of Barbados which has many great restaurants.
Let us agree on one thing - Daphne's is REALLY no more expensive than the rest of the west coast of Barbados. They are ALL overpriced! Hugely so! As for what counts for average - Maybe the mediocre food is indeed the "average" in Barbados West Coast fine dining, but I would disagree it has to be. In fact, we had delicious food on BB West Coast from much cheaper places, like simply amazing grilled Marlin or grilled chicken from Just grilling or great curries from Roti - right across the road from The House
The thing with expensive restaurants - I do expect to eat amazing food. I expect my taste buds to celebrate. If you charge $$$$ - be sure to deliver $$$$ taste. We are regulars in finer NY food establishments and very familiar with how great food should be composed and taste like.
Daphne's wasn't even close to the taste or quality of food.
---------------------------------------------------
Let's check out another one from Rachel:
I stayed here with a girlfriend on a much needed week's break in February. It is easily the best hotel I have ever stayed at and I will certainly be returning. Yes I'm sure Sandy Lane has more facilities and more kudos but if you are looking for more of a 'stealth wealth' getaway then this is perfect in every way. The staff are all fantastic and the numerous extras really make a difference. The staff circulate every couple of hours with little pots of frozen yoghurt, fresh fruit, homemade lemonade, ice cream & water and the afternoon tea served on the deck daily was the best part of our day. (Included in our rate) Everything was immaculate, breakfast was lovely, our (front facing) room was just beautiful. I honestly can't fault it. The big squashy sunbeds round the pool were amazing and the complimentary massage was well worth having. I just can't wait to go back! They deserve all their success!
" It is easily the best hotel I have ever stayed at and I will certainly be returning."
This is your first TA review and I got the feeling you haven't traveled much if at all. Returning to the same place is never a good idea.
Yes, I'm sure Sandy Lane has more facilities and more kudos but if you are looking for more of a 'stealth wealth' getaway then this is perfect in every way.
Sandy Lane has more facilities ???? Wut??? Wow. This "Rachel" is must be smoking something.
Let's compare them for a second. Maybe the images would help to judge for yourself:
First one is this review from "Ian Watsom"
Fabulous fabulous fabulous”
"As a frequent repeat visitor to the House I was moved to write my second review by the crass and bitter and bitter review by "Value 1st" - see below.
It may interest readers that this review appeared with 2 stars, was removed and then reappeared with 1 star - judge for yourself what this says about the author...appears to know the price of everything and the value of nothing.
The House has great, attentive staff and a very relaxed atmosphere. The large number of sociable repeat guests that we meet suggests that the House is indeed things that the vast majority of guests like.
Food is better than average and no more expensive than the rest of the west coast of Barbados which has many great restaurants.
Try it - I'm sure you'll like it a lot.
Let's take it apart, shall we?
"As a frequent repeat visitor to the House, I was moved to write my second review by the crass and bitter and bitter review"
Ian, If you knew the whole story, you might understand why my review is "crass"
"It may interest readers that this review appeared with 2 stars, was removed and then reappeared with 1 star - judge for yourself what this says about the author."
What does it tell about yourself - judging me without knowing the full story, like the fact original review, was posted with 3, not 2 stars.
appears to know the price of everything and the value of nothing. -
Yes, I know nothing about good value, I have only traveled to ONLY 8 islands so far - What do I know?
Food is better than average and no more expensive than the rest of the west coast of Barbados which has many great restaurants.
Let us agree on one thing - Daphne's is REALLY no more expensive than the rest of the west coast of Barbados. They are ALL overpriced! Hugely so! As for what counts for average - Maybe the mediocre food is indeed the "average" in Barbados West Coast fine dining, but I would disagree it has to be. In fact, we had delicious food on BB West Coast from much cheaper places, like simply amazing grilled Marlin or grilled chicken from Just grilling or great curries from Roti - right across the road from The House
The thing with expensive restaurants - I do expect to eat amazing food. I expect my taste buds to celebrate. If you charge $$$$ - be sure to deliver $$$$ taste. We are regulars in finer NY food establishments and very familiar with how great food should be composed and taste like.
Daphne's wasn't even close to the taste or quality of food.
---------------------------------------------------
Let's check out another one from Rachel:
I stayed here with a girlfriend on a much needed week's break in February. It is easily the best hotel I have ever stayed at and I will certainly be returning. Yes I'm sure Sandy Lane has more facilities and more kudos but if you are looking for more of a 'stealth wealth' getaway then this is perfect in every way. The staff are all fantastic and the numerous extras really make a difference. The staff circulate every couple of hours with little pots of frozen yoghurt, fresh fruit, homemade lemonade, ice cream & water and the afternoon tea served on the deck daily was the best part of our day. (Included in our rate) Everything was immaculate, breakfast was lovely, our (front facing) room was just beautiful. I honestly can't fault it. The big squashy sunbeds round the pool were amazing and the complimentary massage was well worth having. I just can't wait to go back! They deserve all their success!
" It is easily the best hotel I have ever stayed at and I will certainly be returning."
This is your first TA review and I got the feeling you haven't traveled much if at all. Returning to the same place is never a good idea.
Yes, I'm sure Sandy Lane has more facilities and more kudos but if you are looking for more of a 'stealth wealth' getaway then this is perfect in every way.
Sandy Lane has more facilities ???? Wut??? Wow. This "Rachel" is must be smoking something.
Let's compare them for a second. Maybe the images would help to judge for yourself:
House Lobby
Sandy Lane Lobby
House Exterior
Sandy Lane Exterior
The House Pools
Sandy Lane Pools
The House living room
Sandy Lane living room
and lastly The House Mini-Bar
vs Sandy Lane's
Did I made my point clear?? There is simply NO comparison, nor it not should be.
Sandy Lane is MUCH more expensive (approx $400 vs $1800 per NIGHT), but also MUCH more luxurious in every way.
Let us not forget for a second about Sandy Lane HUGE and immaculate Gardens, Tennis courts (nine btw), private Gold course, spa, and much much more.
As for "stealth wealth" - Nothing is more stealth and private than Sandy lane - we walked by it bunch of time and yet to see even one guest due to privacy provided by of high fence and trees
It's not just the "facilities".
"The staff circulate every couple of hours with little pots of frozen yogurt, fresh fruit, homemade lemonade, ice cream & water "
Complete LIE. These things were in fact delivered to the beach, but (except water) ONLY ONCE A DAY !!!
And on rotation.
