Bayshore, NY
HEDO II TRIP (01/19-01/26/02)
1. Overall Trip: FANTASTIC. We are calling this trip MAKING MEMORIES. Well probably recount our experiences every day between now and when we return, next January at the latest.
2. Room Accomodations: GOOD. The shower control was almost inoperative in room 2225. The cold water tap frequently produced scalding water???? And, the ceiling mirrors were hazed and distorted (Im sure were not the first to make these observations). Also, we had to pilfer ashtrays there were none in the room. Our maid was an absolute delight! (We didnt complain to her about the problems Ive referred to).
3. The Food: EDIBLE TO GOOD. The new Japanese restaurant food was very good and the service entertaining (one chef was far more amusing than the other). Also, the place is booked very early. They could probably benefit from a few more tables.
Pastafari was something of a disappointment! The service was slow, the veal was bland and chewy. The Caesar Salad dressing was watery and tasteless.
Except for the burgers (overcooked and chewy), Robert Kerr, one of our favorites, was great as usual.
The Main Dining Area food was, like the last time, unremarkable, (so many people would agree that Im surprised the hotel hasnt worked to improve this continuing although relatively minor annoyance). Also, the lobster, a favorite of ours, tended to be overgrilled. And the coffee/juice service at breakfast was slow (we were usually served halfway (or later) through breakfast.
4.
Entertainment: VERY GOOD. The
stage in the dining area features very talented performers, although some of
the acts were virtual repeats of what we saw two years ago. Dave, at
Veronicas, is always a treat. We love
the guy!
I looked forward to the Twister game at poolside It didnt happen. I wish we remembered to bring our own Twister game.
I dont know if the massage service counts as entertainment, however Ill comment here. Last trip I had a massage and was disappointed. I had to wear a towel (Its like taking a shower with a raincoat on)! Ill never understand why in a clothing optional resort, particularly at Hedo II, this practice prevails!
6.
The Staff: OUTSTANDING. We cant say enough good things about these
warm, eager to please, and caring people. Ill name a few at the significant
risk of omitting all the others who we were so impressed with but cant
recall their names: Robert Kerr, Alicia, Augustus (on the beach he grows
on you!), Ozzie (Veronicas), Scumba, Delroy and our maid!
All in all this was a mind-bending trip. Up at 8am, drink from 10am, in bed at 3 4am, continually meeting new friends, laughing and engaging in various debauchery.
A few other observations.
1. We want them to re-install the beer dispenser by the nude hot tub,
2. There are pitifully few ashtrays and walkside trash receptacles. Smokers have a real hard time finding a place to dispose of extinguished butts. I would hate to throw these on the property, and I didnt, however, I equally loath wasting precious time looking for these simple conveniences.
3. It seems that all the bars frequently run out of Absolute vodka?
4. We would like to see more wood carving vendors invited to the property, The choices were sparse this trip.
5. We paid $5 to the van operator who took us from GNAT to Hedo. I read that it was supposed to be included,
6. I, among others, wondered at the enormous investment in improvements, architectural, features, etc. on the prude side. By contrast, the nude side has been neglected. The nudes appear to be taken for granted while the resort attempts to compete for higher prude guest traffic. I guess I understand that decision however, from discussions we heard, nudes feel left out. Our needs appear to be perceived as few: give em a pool, bar, hot tub, beach and a place to eat and theyll come back. If nothing else, and it wont close the gap, they must upgrade the poolside mens and ladies rooms. Hedo would be well advised, as with any business, not to pay comparably minimal attention to what I perceive to be their prime source of income. The difference between the nude and prude layouts has become dramatic.
Finally: Were already planning our next trip. We would like feedback as to how the second week in January compared to the third (1/19 1/26). We heard there were no fewer than 100 more couples at week 2.
God, we love this place!!!
Signed: Fellow ZOO mates
Bette & Vernon