TO ALL REGISTERED CRUISERS WHO ARE ARRIVING THE DAY OR NIGHT BEFORE EMBARKATION
Bahama Mama is informed that the Comfort Inn where we are booked has literally gone to the dogs since we were there a couple years ago.
I did some independent investigating after I called the Inn several times this past week with questions and the personnel were rude, impatient and barely spoke English.
I discovered the housekeeping has almost gone to pot, rooms need repair, the outside grounds and parking areas look like junkyards, the parking lot is dimly lit, the breakfast room is dirty, they run out of breakfast food quickly, carpets are frequently soaked from humidity, there are reports of bugs in the rooms and beds, the Tiki bar by the pool is permanently closed, and the shuttle service has become undependable.
I discussed this problem with Wanda and she recommended the Hampton Inn as an alternative. It's a few more bucks, but probably worth it a hundred times over. Folks, I always shop price for these cruises, but the supply of low-cost lodgings so near the port and the airport is terribly limited. Almost everything I checked is very pricey, the lodgings do not include the free breakfast or do not have free shuttle service.
The Hampton Inn is very nice and clean. I know many of you have stayed at Hamptons before, so you know what I state is correct. The price is $129 for the night plus tax. If you're an AARP senior, the price is $116 plus tax.
There is a free hot breakfast, dependable shuttle service between the cruise triangle (i.e. airport, Inn and dock). If you ask, they'll even drive you for free to a restaurant anywhere within five miles for dinner or take you to a sightseeing place and pick you up later if you want.
There are restaurants and fast food places right across the street. I understand there's a good German restaurant, the Heidelberg, close by. Jah! Gut!
If you want to change lodgings as I definitely am going to do, it will be painless to do. Just reach for the phone, call Wanda and tell her to switch you. Her number is 1-800-266-1167 (PST). That's all you have to do.
I want to emphasize that you don't have to switch from the Comfort Inn if you don't want to. It's soley up to you.
For those who planned on leaving their cars at the Comfort Inn for the length of the cruise, be advised that the Hampton Inn parking lot is more secure and less expensive. The cost is $15 total for up to 15 days. This is a great savings.
If you like, I can provide the link to the Cruise Critics Motel/Hotel Reviews for a rundown on the deterioration of the Comfort Inn, with a couple pictures posted as well! Freepmail with your email addy if you need this evidence or you can take my word for it.
Please phone Wanda IMMEDIATELY because all the motels/hotels near the port get filled up by cruisers in an endless cycle. You'll have to grab a room while the grabbing is good.
Freepers, I'm so sorry about this glitch, but I'm glad I found out about the situation early enough that we can land on our feet at a nicer place.
As soon as I get them, I'll post the driving instructions to the Hampton Inn. I'll be driving east across the state and I know one or two others may be doing the same.
If you have any questions on this, post them here or freepmail me at "MinuteGal".
Bahama Mama
Bahama Mama