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Feb 2023 update. The situation has not improved after a 2 years. Group wanted to try again since Buddy had been so good in the past. This is our 4th day. We have had room serviced 2 out of 4 days.
When we arrived, light was out in the hall, safe would not open though no lock installed, and the lightbulbs were 40 watts in the fixtures making it impossible to read books or write in dive logs. Used WhatsApp to contact the front desk who sent someone the next morning to fix. Nice and friendly guy who informed us that they only stock 40 watt bulbs per the owners. I told him that was fine but we would need 2 more floor lamps so 3 of us could read/write at the same time, he said he would see what he could do. When we came back in the evening we had normal light bulbs back in the fixtures.
The person who had issues regarding the doors being opened was right. We had someone in the room while 3 of us dove. He heard something and saw the front door was open and a bag of clean towels used to prop open. To get out of their way, he went to the balcony. 2 hours later, no return of anyone and the door was still wide open so he closed it. As of 545 pm, no one has returned to provide maid service.
When we asked the front desk to make a reservation, we were told to use our cellphones. Luckily one person had activated theirs as still no outside lines in rooms.
Breakfast is good with a nice variety. The omlette lady is the same and they are excellent. They must have a new supplier for croissants as they are no longer crisp and light and the coffee for me is undrinkable. But the variety and fruit remains excellent.
We do not eat lunch or dinner at Buddies as we have never gotten a good meal in the past.
Delta has changed their flight schedule so now leaves at 416 pm. Checking at the airport opens at 116. You have to be out of the room and return the truck by 11 am. So stuck in hot weather for min of 2 hours without a chance for a shower. They would not allow a 1 pm checkout though there are multiple rooms we can see are empty.
3 years ago the tank station personnel were a bright spot. This year not so much. When the personnel are there, they lean back on the wall and watch everyone manhandle the takes. Including 2 small older women whe struggled to get them in the truck. We and other divers assisted them since Buddy’s did not.
It really appears Buddy is no longer looking to have return divers. If it is due to them trying not to maintain the price, they need to raise them to a level that they can provide the basic service they provided in the past.
We are looking for a new Caribbean island or back to live aboard. I am heading back to the Phillipines at Atlantis Dumaguete which is more expensive but provides phenomenal service, 3 gourmet multi course meals per day and excellent dive service and diving. Way further but going for 3 weeks so that may end up being my new Island.
Original Review:
Our group has been visiting since 2001 and have visited for 2 weeks each of the last 5 years. Before this year I would have rated them a 4. They were always a basic but well run, less expensive option for divers. I do not know if management or owners have changed but I do not consider it as well run.
When we arrived at our room, the air conditioning in one bedroom did not work, the smoke alarm was going off (solved by taking it apart and removing the battery) and no lights working in one of the bathrooms. All three items were resolved the next day after notifying the front desk.
Housekeeping seems to have remained stable but this year I did not have a single bath or hand towel that was unstained. Most were old, hard and scratchy (some fraying) with the occasional soft one which I used for 5 days until they took it in a complete changeover.
The phones in the room can no longer call out of the resort so guests have to go through the front desk staff for reservations or to order a pizza for pickup. The staff, unfortunately did not act as if - via 