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CHOOSING YOUR HOTEL MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR STAY

As with every purchase, price is always a good yardstick of what to expect and generally, as the holiday cost increases, so do the hotel standards of comfort and service. Although hotels in the Caribbean do not carry official star ratings, we include our own, which by and large reflect the official grading laid down by that country's officially designated authority. However, the criteria used by each country to assess these gradings does vary considerably and therefore makes it difficult to compare hotels across different destinations. Our own star ratings are therefore based on the opinions of our staff and researched visitor feedback and reflect a hotel‘s location, facilities and service within the context of the destination.

3 star

This type of hotel offers quality amenities and a choice of facilities for guests to enjoy; these would include at least one restaurant and usually an outdoor pool. Unlike many other operators, Travel City Direct does not feature hotels of a lower standard than 3 star and therefore hotels of this calibre should not be interpreted as being of a basic nature.

3 star plus

With all the facilities of a 3 star property but which offers just that little bit extra. This could include larger than average bedrooms, poolside dining or a particularly favourable setting.

4 star

With a 4 star hotel, the standard of rooms, dining facilities and other amenities are of a higher quality than 3 star rated properties. There is definitely a ‘touch of class’ noticeable when you stay at a 4 star hotel, where you would expect a choice of on-site restaurants and more often than not, a location on or close by to the seafront.

4 star plus

Not quite 5 star but often the best accommodation on the island and guaranteeing the highest standards of comfort and service with a diverse range of activities, entertainment and amenities for guests to indulge in.

5 star

Only the best accommodation, facilities and service in the Caribbean would qualify for our top rating. At a 5 star resort property, you are assured of a fabulous location, a superb choice of dining and a truly luxurious all-round experience.

Meal Plans

One of the appeals of the Caribbean is the choice of dining plans available at your hotel. The majority of our featured properties offer room only prices as well as a range of meal options at a supplementary cost. Below is a brief summary of what to expect…

European Plan (EP)

The generally used term for ‘room only’, where the cost of your accommodation includes local taxes but no meals. Certain properties do make a ‘breakfast plan’ available for a daily supplement.

Modified American Plan (MAP)

The equivalent of ‘Half Board’ where meals included would be breakfast and normally dinner (some properties include lunch rather than an evening meal). MAP is generally an option available for a daily supplement although at certain times of the year – such as Christmas and New Year – this may be a mandatory condition of the accommodation and would be included in the room cost.

Full American Plan (FAP)

The equivalent of Full Board, which is as per ‘Half Board’ with lunch also included. This tends to be the least favoured meal plan as All Inclusive (see below), which includes all meals, generally represents better value.

All Inclusive (AI)

The Caribbean is famous for its wonderful All Inclusive properties. What is actually included does vary according to the property but essentially, the accommodation price will include all food (can be from set menu), drinks, entertainment and watersports (tuition would normally be at extra cost). Details of what is included in the ‘All Inclusive’ prices are shown with each property description. Many Caribbean properties are exclusively ‘All Inclusive’ but an ‘AI’ option is made available at many properties throughout the islands.

Fun for all the family

The Caribbean islands offer plenty of options for a great family holiday. Whether it’s taking advantage of the excellent children’s clubs, participating in a variety of water activities or simply building a sandcastle from the beautiful sands, the ‘junior’ members of the family can enjoy their Caribbean experience every bit as much as the older ones!

Whilst there are very few hotels which do not allow children, our ’family fun’ symbol denotes that the property is particularly suited to younger guests, providing a full range of facilities, activities and care. For further details, please ask our reservations agents.

Honeymoon Bliss

It is difficult to imagine any of our featured hotels not providing the ultimate in post-wedding bliss. There are those, however, which offer just that little something extra and where you may just benefit from a special welcoming touch such as a bottle of ’bubbly’, a bowl of delicious tropical fruit or even a free room upgrade – just look for the ’Honeymoon Bliss’ symbol throughout the brochure and ask us for details.

By the way, remember to take your wedding certificate with you in order to take advantage of any applicable honeymoon benefits.