Following a disappointing stay at a self-proclaimed 5-star resort, we checked in at Joia Rose Hall.
Check-in
JOIA Rose Hall is an all-inclusive hotel tailored specifically for adults, offering butler service in select rooms to ensure a luxurious experience. We have visited the resort multiple times and continue to return, as it has transformed into a true haven of joy and relaxation.
The sight of Christmas decorations and some charming enhancements was a delightful welcome.
As expected, we were warmly greeted by familiar faces, offered a welcome drink, cold washcloths, and a personalized seated check-in.
Shortly after, our Butler arrived to escort us to our room.
Accommodations
Initially, we had chosen a swim-up room that lacked an ocean view. To our surprise, a "Welcome Home" banner adorned our room door—a lovely touch!
Within an hour of our check-in, a friendly Reservation Clerk approached us to ask about our room satisfaction. We mentioned that while we were content, the absence of an ocean view was our only concern.
She worked her magic, presenting us with an alternative room that offered an ocean view. Once we agreed to the change, she efficiently organized everything, ensuring a seamless transition, including the restocking of the mini-bar.
The new room was generously sized, boasting a vast patio equipped with cozy lounge chairs and a hammock, all offering stunning views of the beautiful ocean. The sunken sitting area, complete with an additional lounge chair, enhances both comfort and ambiance. Additional amenities include double sinks, plush robes, slippers, a daily stocked mini-bar, nightly turn-down service, and an assortment of snacks and wine.
On our first morning, we realized we needed a robe and washcloth. I called down for these items, and within minutes, there was a knock at the door. Shortly after, Guest Services followed up with a call to confirm that we received what we requested.
Dining
Room service breakfast arrived right on time, featuring an abundance of extras. The delightful Jamaican breakfast not only filled our appetites but also left us excited to discover what lunch had in store.
While it would take quite a while to recount everything that caught our eye, here’s a summary of the highlights:
The oceanfront lunch buffet was exactly what we needed; the combination of scrumptious food and stunning views was truly remarkable. We enjoyed our meals there every day, even with other dining options available.
Our second night’s experience at the Japanese restaurant fell short of expectations. We faced a long wait, encountered an unfriendly server, and the meal just didn’t meet our hopes. The server never checked in with us, and while we left a tip, it certainly didn’t feel deserved.
We redeemed our dining experience by visiting Port Maria, where we had an incredible meal accompanied by a friendly waiter and waitress. They even treated us to extra Jamaican cake to enjoy in our room.
Although no reservation was needed for the Steakhouse restaurant, our Butler, Christopher, secured us a spot without any wait. However, we did experience a delay in service. Our waitress was helpful in guiding our choices, and while the service was good, it didn’t reach excellent levels. Nevertheless, we were far more satisfied than during our visit to the Japanese restaurant.
In conclusion, our overall experience at the restaurants was positive.
Entertainment
Wow, we were treated to an unforgettable beach party! Ten men stepped up to showcase their best dance moves, and to say we witnessed a wide array of styles would be an understatement. Laughter filled the air with each new contestant, and the DJ and hostess perfectly complemented the fun. My travel companion emerged as the winner, and for the rest of our trip, guests approached us, asking if he was the dancer, calling him "dancer," and sharing that they had voted for him.
We couldn’t go anywhere in the resort without being recognized! It was quite fun actually.
Exceptional Service
The Exceptional Service Award is presented to Verona, the Front Desk Representative who truly went above and beyond to ensure our satisfaction with our room. She anticipated our every need and made sure we were consistently well taken care of.
Our Butler, Christopher, surpassed all expectations. He ensured we had dinner reservations each night, personally escorting us to the restaurant and making sure we were seated before he departed.
When my travel partner accidentally left an item in his original room, he promptly filed a lost and found report. The Guest Services Representative escalated the matter, and to our delight, Christopher texted us to inform us that the item had been recovered. He patiently waited for us in the lobby to return the lost item. Whenever we had requests, all it took was a mention, and it was promptly addressed. We don’t see Verona and Christopher as just staff at the resort; they have become our family by love.
If you seek a resort where exceptional service is a priority, consider JOIA by Iberostar Rose Hall. Reach out to us to discover more details or to make your reservations.
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