Jan 04, 2012 05:39 PM
1861 Views
(Updated Jan 05, 2012 12:45 PM)
During 3rd week of May 2011 (4 nights 19th to 22nd) I've travelled to Goa with my family. Given the brand value "Kingfisher Holidays" I thought I will get the best. The to-and-fro flight and Vainguinium Valley Resort (boasted by the Kingfisher Holidays Coordinator as 5 star hotel) costed Rs 84000/- for 4 people (2 adults, 14 yr and 9 yr kids) inclusive of food plan for breakfast and dinner.
Believe me in the first place, Vainguinium Valley Resort in Goa is neither 5 star nor a 3 star. It is boasted as one of the best land based casinos. What cost will it be for 3 nights those twin rooms during those hot May days in Goa in a no-star hotel? perhaps Rs 3000/- per night?
1st day and night -
The frustration drama began with no presence of cab at the airport arrival lounge. We waited. We chased on the phone both the Kingfisher coordinator and Vainguinium guys. Finally cab arrived after 2 hrs waiting.
The next frustration drama started with the dinner. The operations manager (he) said we do not have buffet, but you can go ahead with ala-carte at no additional cost.
The restaurant manager (she) was no cordial from the time she got to know that we're not going to pay for the ala-carte. She even sent bill to room for us to sign for paying it while check-out. I bluntly refused.
2nd day and night- The next day, fortunately or unfortunately we did not go for breakfast. However I've ordered brunch at my own cost through room service. We skipped the lunch because we went out in their planned trip.
It is a small van under the control of the driver on where and how much time etc. We did not enjoy it. The next frustration drama once again got shuru (began) for the dinner. They served no-star buffet. My angry gone to peaks.
I shouted at the operations manager (he) in summary "is this a 5 star hotel buffet"? Not a happy night throughout. Hey another (angry) fun part is that they don't own any beach but guests can utilize the beach owned by adjacent hotel. You can walk on the beach but should not lay down yourself on the two-bed shelters! 3rd day and night we hired the cab service available at an additional cost. Roamed (enjoyed at Baga beach) and finally happened to go to Marriot Beach Resort for dinner.
I and my wife decided to stay there. Post dinner, I've booked 2 nights stay and asked kids to move in. I and my wife ran to the old (the so called 5 star) Vainguinium and checke out, rushed back and relaxed the entire night. Man, its an awesome experience at Marriot Beach Resort. I've spent good time at the 24 hrs restaurance on that night with Royal Salute!
4th day and night - Nothing but enjoy! We had enjoyable memories exclusively with the seashore side sea-food restaurant as we had dinner on that night there! Awesome experience!! Summary-Do you feel the pain in vain that VAINguinium Hotel Resort.
Unless you enjoy gambling, it is not the place. Also it is not a star rated. So be careful. Kingfisher Holidays. Don't go by brand name. First try to be on your own.
Had I not fooled by the brand I would have finished the trip on my own by doing the air booking and hotel booking in Rs 84000/- with a stay in a 5 star hotel instead of spending Rs 1, 30, 000/- because I've spent additional Rs 45000/- at Marriott.
Always prefer a known star hotel like Marriott or Taj while you book for hotel stay. Avoid any unknown brand hotels unless you happened to stay before.
I'm not sure about Club Holiday resorts because I've n't been through them, but no more these kind of experiences at a huge cost.
I've determined to do things on my own. No more Kingfisher or Traveguru in my life.
Best of luck.
