By NAN Lifestyle Editor
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Feb. 26, 2016: Service is everything in the travel and tourism sector and several hotels across the Caribbean region have received top ratings for best service as voted by TripAdvisor travelers. Here are the top 10 compiled by News Americas Now:
1: JW Marriott Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic:
The JW Marriott at Ensanche Piantini in Santo Domingo has been voted the number one hotel in the Caribbean for best service. Travelers are raving over the “royalty” like service received from staffers who go above and beyond to make sure customers are well served here. This modern 4-star hotel is 4 km from the La Isabela International Airport and offers stylish, contemporary rooms; 24-hour room service and a trendy rooftop bar/lounge; an on-site shopping mall, five restaurants, as well as a fitness area and an outdoor infinity pool with sweeping city views.
2: The SPA Retreat Boutique Hotel, Negril, Jamaica
The SPA Retreat Boutique Hotel in Westmoreland, Negril , Jamaica took the number two spot on the list for best service in the Caribbean for its “super friendly” and “helpful” staff. The SPA Retreat is a rustic-chic adults-only hotel with rooms and suites set in stone cottages with thatched roofs, private balconies and stylish woodsy decor. The hotel offers a sea-view restaurant with a terrace, plus cooking classes, a saltwater pool and a beach deck and its location is perfect for romance or weddings and honeymoons.
3: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba, Palm – Eagle Beach, Aruba:
Taking the number three spot for service excellence in the Caribbean was the upscale Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, set on Manchebo Beach in Aruba. Travelers say the staff here make them feel “special” and “pampered.” The resort features modern, tropical-inspired decor, polished rooms with balconies/terraces as well as two eateries on site, a private beach and bar and an outdoor infinity pool as well as a 24/7 exercise room and a spa.
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4: Beach View, Saint James Parish, Barbados:
The Beach View hotel in Saint James, Barbados, set amid 1.2 hectares of landscaped gardens, took the number four spot on the best service list for its “helpful” and “welcoming” staff. This all-suite hotel lies across the road from Paynes Bay Beach and is 4.1 km from the vibrant nightlife and dining scene in Holetown. It suites come with kitchens, open-plan living/dining areas, and washer/dryers. There is also a bistro-style cafe and a rooftop bar onsite as well as kids’ and adults’ outdoor pools.
5: Le Petit Hotel, Grand Case, St. Maarten-St. Martin:
Travelers give Remy and Yamina four stars service and for their “amazing suggestions” on things to do in St. Martin, making the small Le Petit Hotel, Grand Case, St. Maarten-St. Martin, the fifth best hotel for service in the Caribbean. The hotel has only ten rooms but they all offer a stunning view of one of the most beautiful bays in the Caribbean. Each room has a private balcony overlooking the sea where you can enjoy a quiet breakfast, a sunset cocktail before heading to dinner and a nightcap before bed.
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6: Royal Palms Hotel, Hamilton, Bermuda:
Coming in at number six on the list is the Royal Palms Hotel on Rosemont Ave in Hamilton, Bermuda for its “very friendly and helpful” staff. The hotel is a 12 minutes’ walk from the Hamilton Ferry Terminal and 15 km from L.F. Wade International Airport. It’s classically styled rooms also offer kitchenettes and sitting areas. Breakfast, parking and an evening wine reception are complimentary and there’s also an elegant restaurant and a casual patio eatery, as well as an outdoor pool and expansive gardens on site.
7: The Resort at Wilks Bay, Port Antonio, Jamaica:
Mary and James Lowe and their staff of The Resort at Wilks Bay, Port Antonio – between San San Beach and Frenchman’s Cove – Jamaica, get rave reviews from guests, landing them in the number 7 spot on the best service list. Wilks Bay is a hidden gem – a small group of apartments clustered around a lawn and pool, with the beautiful backdrop of the bay (and private beach). It offers a relaxed and friendly environment generously serviced by a dedicated staff team. The one, two and three bedroom villa, cottage and apartments each have a cook/ housekeeper to look after you. They are ideal for couples, families and honeymooners or small groups looking for a peaceful getaway.
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8: Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa, Lance aux Epines, Grenada:
Taking the number eight spot on the list of best service in the Caribbean is Leo Garbutt’s Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa, Lance aux Epines, Grenada. Guests are thrilled by the “joyful” “friendly” staff at this luxury resort that combines five star service and luxury within a relaxed and intimate environment. Fine dining is available at the famous Gary Rhodes Restaurant offering up delectable cuisine with local ingredients. The hotel is set in a secluded bay on L’anse Aux Epines Beach and also features an outdoor swimming pool set in tropical gardens as well as bright, elegant decorated suites. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the hotel dining room or on your private balcony.
9: Boardwalk Hotel Aruba Palm – Eagle Beach, Aruba:
The Boardwalk Hotel Aruba Palm made it to the number nine spot for its “very accommodating and helpful” staff. This small hotel is located steps from the sugar-white sand of Palm Beach on a historic coconut plantation. Brightly colored cottage serve as rooms and each charming air-conditioned cottage has a patio with a BBQ and hammock and includes 1 or more bedrooms, a living-dining area and a modern, full kitchen. Cookware and dishware are provided.
10: Southern Cross Club, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands:
Rounding out the Top 10 list is the Southern Cross Club in Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. It’s earned great reviews especially with scuba divers and fish enthusiasts for its “consistently competent, friendly, casual yet professional” staffers and fishing excursion trips to Tarpon Lake. It is the Little Cayman’s oldest original resort and was founded as a private fishing club by the CEO of Sears-Roebuck and CFO of General Motors. It offers a top-rated, professional in-house diving and fishing operation. The Southern Cross Club property has an untraditional layout featuring 12 spacious ocean-view beachfront bungalows. Rooms feature vivid colors, local art, bamboo accents, and hardwood furniture, including several four-poster beds and staffers serve up great drinks and delicious food.
