Kimberly (kimberly-v-4)

We vacationed here at the Grand Luxxe two years ago and Costa Arena was one of our favorite restaurants. We purchased the Balam (meal) Package at check in as we... Weiterlesen We vacationed here at the Grand Luxxe two years ago and Costa Arena was one of our favorite restaurants. We purchased the Balam (meal) Package at check in as we did last time. The cost is about 300USD pp for each package. This time we were advised every restaurant took the coupons which are comprised of 6 breakfast coupons and 6 lunch or dinner coupons which include an app. or starter like soup or salad main and dessert. Last time there were a couple of places like a place called Gong that didn 't. Costa Arena has a great venue on the beach and I decided to save our last night to dine there. The Mixed Grille was my favorite last time .. It is fish;lobster; jumbo shrimp; calamari and it 's a great way to sample great seafood and share! Last visit this was a two coupon use and this time we were advised just , 'No you can 't and these are what you can use your coupons on ' this was after the whole fish option was presented as a 'great option ' for our family of four. No coupon for this either! I almost felt that we were being 'looked down upon ' for spending the cash out front on a meal package rather than ordering ala carte. Literally there was a handful of items you could use these coupons on, and honestly, I wasn 't interested in any of them. The entire experience here was so different than before. We were greeted warmly, as all restaurants here do. Shown the 'fish market ' and given a wine tasting of a red house wine. A tequila cart is rolled to the table for drinks but the earlier night in the week we partook in this at another place and again, a little disappointed in a $15USD drink price for the small size. Although my daughters did order a Hibiscus Berry Mojito each. There was no amuse bouche of ceviche this time as a complimentary tasting. I ordered a Lobster Bisque and we ordered the Crispy Camembert to share. Bread with an odd lime butter was given to us. The bisque ; camembert and crusty bread were very good. My daughters split the Scallops .. My husband and I split the fresh catch of the day which seemed to be described as a 'whole fish better than sea bass and finished with sea salts and chile and lime '. Well. There were four of the smallest chewy scallops for what would be almost 24USD equivalent on a plate and our fish , was very good but the portion size was small. The rice and veggies that came with were good. The cookie we had last time that was so rich and hard to finish even sharing came this time and was half the size and the pineapple carpaccio ... no way would I pay the cost of what was priced on the menu for that portion of basically 'skimmed fruit ' and sorbet. I found the service here less than stellar and the portions not equal to cost. I could not tell , again, if we were slighted for using a meal package coupon or that 's just how it 's changed .. but.. it 's disappointing either way. Pass and go spend your money elsewhere, in fact, for the cost of your cab, you could go into town and have an amazing dinner for what this will cost you with massive portions of seafood!

We had a great experience last night. 4 adults and 6 kids and everyone left happy. Rachel went above and beyond to accommodate us and the kids. Luca is a hand d... Weiterlesen We had a great experience last night. 4 adults and 6 kids and everyone left happy. Rachel went above and beyond to accommodate us and the kids. Luca is a hand down great chef and we will definitely be back! Fresh, tasty and delicious.