Seasplash?

[Melody]

the biggest issue has been lack or good onsite management of the place. That is something that Jim and Ted brought that I had never really seen before, and the results spoke for themselves. The actually cared about the appearance, the patrons, the concerns, and so on. They were available, they walked around and talked to people. They interacted. My biggest fear is that the Lawe brothers will take assume ownership again and the place will go downhill as it has before from lack of onsite management.

I don't share a history with the place as you do DrummerSteve, but I am aware of what you're saying and agree with you. Besides feeling badly for Jim & Ted, I am disappointed and obviously concerned about my upcoming stay. I chose to book there because of Jim's incredible hands on service and concern for guests and (it appeared) good treatment of staff. If I had not already bought a voucher, I would cancel my reservation. Many posters have commented that one person does not make an establishment, but in this case, for me, it makes a difference. I agree that Jim's onsite presence (even if he happened to be temporarily away while I was there) and running of the property makes a big difference. I don't care if he wouldn't happen to be there to chat with while I was there, but I had confidence in his customer service and priority of completing renovations and general upkeep. That attitude and effort would still be there (I think) even if Jim happened to be away during our stay. Under Jim and Ted's "ownership" I felt very comfortable with booking there. My upcoming trip included taking a friend along who is just going through a divorce. She has not been to Jamaica or on any other tropical vacation. As I fell in love with Negril during my trip earlier this year, I wanted to show her a wonderful stay at place where there is a "can do" attitude. I realize that there have still been issues in some rooms and not all of them have been renovated, but I was confident under Jim & Ted's hands, that I could assure my friend a great stay and that by next April, we would have a lovely updated, well-kept suite. I'm not so confident anymore that we will experience that.

My intention is not to be a whiner. I guess them's the breaks when you pre-pay for a resort stay and cannot be reimbursed should you want to cancel due to these types of changes occurring before arriving (Livingsocial voucher). It wouldn't be so bad if it were just a run of the mill stay, out of many, but that is not the case for my friend and myself. Besides this trip being my friend's first tropical vacation and first impression of Jamaica and Negril, the trip is also to celebrate my 50th birthday. We looked forward to an especially pleasant stay under Jim's management, while still not breaking each of our tight, one household income budgets (with kids).

It is what it is, all we can do is hope for the best and make the best of whatever the outcome will be. I just appreciate this opportunity to share information and concerns with those in the same boat.