July 6, 2007
Upcoming reviews: Sirenis Resorts in Punta Cana and Grunberg Haus in Vermont
Some of you may remember how evil Spirit Airlines forced me to go to Punta Cana instead of Costa Rica. Making the best of the situation I decided to review a resort in Punta Cana, but of the many emails I sent out, I wasn't getting any replies.
Sunscape the Beach commented on my blog but never replied to my email. I was certain Club Med would reply but was wrong. It seemed like none of the Punta Cana resorts wanted me to give you guys the real scoop on what to expect down there. Or every resort lost their email service...
One resort replied but they aren't opening for another year or so. Then Sirenis Hotels replied and said that they would welcome a review on their two resorts in Punta Cana, so that's where I'll be from August 1 to August 7. Like when I decided to review Plantation Bay in Cebu, I think this is an important task because online comments are very mixed regarding the Sirenis Cocotal Beach Resort Casino & Spa and the Sirenis Tropical Suites Casino & Spa. I'm not sure which one I'll be staying in, but I plan to review both. As always, I'll share my experience in some detail to bring you the definitive review of these resorts.
I've also booked 2 nights in Grunberg Haus Vermont Bed and Breakfast Inn and Cabins. Following my sister's wedding, my wife and I will bring my parents up to Vermont for a little relaxation (I hear that paying for a wedding is pretty stressful so we're buying). My parents are bringing Eagle, a Schnauzer my wife and I rescued in Korea that my parents adopted. Actually, here's the story about flying Eagle from Korea to America on JAL.
Anyway, I think that the Vermont B&B will be another valuable review. You don't see enough reviews / vacation experiences with two generations and the family dog out there. I'm sure there are a few other people like me who want to take their parents and/or their dog somewhere. I'll let you know if Grunberg Haus is the answer.
Sorry, but none of you are invited to Punta Cana or Vermont (not that I'll stop you from going when I go). And you definitely can't crash my sister's wedding. But you are invited to my other vacation activity, live action role-playing in New Jersey. Imagine a weekend of camping, dressed in medieval costumes, acting out a fantasy story where heroes battle monsters with boffer weapons (made of foam).
I know it's not for everybody (OK it's not for most people), but my wife and I (and our friends) like it. If you want to join us July 27-29 in New Jersey, leave a comment here or email me - jtrotta@gmail.com. One thing is for sure; your vacation pictures will be unique...
Well now you see how my summer vacation is working out. Live action role-playing, Punta Cana, sister's wedding, Vermont B&B. I'm pretty excited!
And I don't know where to fit this in, but here's an article on a vacation experience in the Dominican Republic.
Posted by James Trotta at July 6, 2007 2:55 PM | TrackBack
Since I visited the same area in VT 2 years ago, I'm interested in hearing your review of the Grunberg Haus. I stayed with friends in Northfield, the home of my former English professor, and where Norwich U. is located. He and his wife showed me the sights including Norwich, where he taught and his wife was head librarian. We also went to Stowe for a delightful lunch at the Trapp Family Lodge (The Sound of Music place), rode the cable car up Mt. Mansfield, stopped at Ben & Jerry's, shopped for some really unusual things at gift shops (which I love), and saw so many other wonderful things. Don't forget the Teddy Bear Factory, one in Waterbury I believe. You will enjoy the greenest of states (in my opinion), the small towns and villages, the scenery, the friendly people, and the ambiance of B&B's. I haven't been to the Grunberg, but spent several nights at an inn in Stowe. I know you will all enjoy it!
Posted by: Sharon at July 7, 2007 2:18 AMJames, never in a million years would I think you would end up at the Jersey Shore! My family will be staying in Sea Isle from the 28th on through the following week. I also am looking forward to your review on the Vermont site as well as the other resorts. Have a great time, and again, thanks for exploring the nooks and crannies for all of us.
kathi
I used to live near Long Beach Island. I like the Jersey Shore...
Posted by: James Trotta at July 8, 2007 2:51 PM