Ed - October, 2007

Greetings to All,

   Several weeks ago upon my arrival home from Hedo, I posted a message that my trip was bad, I said Hedo is a sinking ship, and would add a trip report. Unfortunately I was called away on an assignment and flew out of town, so this is now the first time I am able to post the trip report. In the time I was gone I was able to talk to several people and get stories straight. So when I did post the report I would have everything correct, My i's dotted and t's crossed.

     Getting there via Air jamaica was no problem : )  Check in was a breeze, and was warmly greeted Home as always by the Hard working staff.  No sooner than a few steps and heard my name cheered by several friends who had arrived several days earlier, off to the bar we go for a quick drink as my luggage was wisked off to my room. Happily I was able to get the room I had requested months earlier.

  Upon our arrival to the bar and again warmly greeted home by more of  the Hard working staff,  my friends of many Hedo years,shared several drinks and they told me to make my own decisions, but they were very unhappy with the resort and the goings on on this trip. I stated it may be from the "Changing of the Guard"at Hedo and the other resorts, and said I would see how things looked to me, and make my own decisions.

    Quickly from there, I was off to my room to drop everything, and head to Delroy's for  more drinks and meet up with my fellow members of the International Delights, and many other great friends.

 The afternoon was fantastic and the evening continued wonderfully. Dinner  at Munasan was good, and the night continued with more antics, and was heart warming  to be with such great friends. This continued all week, BUT then,

           I am not one of the senior people going to Hedo, But Iv'e been going since 1998, usually when possible, several times a year. So I have seen many things and faces change at Hedo. I have been there with someone at times, but mostly as a single and have never had a bad time. Being a single has had its positive side, as I have been able to meet more friends and observe more of the goings on. I have also been able to talk with staff and find out whats going on , on a daily bassis, some things not prevy to all.

  So instead of dragging it this out on a day to day report, I will give some of my observations:

      There were many days of non stop rain ( nothing can be done about it, We (International Delights) knew how and where to drink & party during those time, several times we made our own party spots.

      As the week went on the food went from good to very bad.  I have never complained about the food at Hedo before but some things cannot be left as is. I ate twice more at Musanan, and both times the food was uneatable, the soup was sooo salty you could float a lead brick on it.  Some days the trays of food looked like they were day old. : (~    .   One evening we ate at Pastafari, and some peoples food were good and others were terrible. I am aware we all have differant tastes, but we are talking about people who are all repeaters to Hedo and who have all had wonderful meals at the resort. And this was while we had the many visits of Large roaches in the dining room.  Something we never really saw on previous trips.

      Another issue was the "begging" by some staff.  Most by people I had not known from previous trips. I know we all bring gifts for friends, but I and others were approached with,  "I'm off tomorrow, you have anything for me" , or  "You going to leave those shoes/ sandals for me?"

       On the positive side the Working staff was always doing their best, EC's, the bar staff, the dining room staff, the maids, the beach & water staff. They are truly overworked and underpaid.  I have always found it funny that people say they cannot understand the hedo staff, especially the bartenders, but the same people cannot understand when, they being drunk from another country with an accent orders several drinks while slurring their words and cannot be understood by the jamacian. That is why they always try to memorize your favorite drink.

    What it all comes down to is PISS POOR MANAGEMENT lately.  It seems the new Gen. Mgr .feels Hedo 11 is not worth his presence. And while he is not around, nobody seems to care. Its like I've been overlooked as possible being Gen. Mgr. so who cares....   Welcome home now settle for what we give you.

We've always been told we think of you as family, but now we are being treated like the unwanted step- children. 

   Its a shame when we approached the  uncaring mamagement., we are told either lies, or we're working on it.  When they are told we will not be returning,because of their shortcomings.  they roll their eyes and say you'll be back. I've seen better business skills and savvy from panhandlers on N.Y. City streets.

    There are many people I have personally talked with, businessess that will no longer do business with Hedo 11, one being the company that does photo shoots of models several times a year. Another is a Lovely lady who is a true talent and always a crowd pleaser, who will not return due to disrespect and lack of interest to her.

   Its an unfortunate situation,  that a true jewel we knew as Hedo is crumbling back into sand , and being washed away be the tide. I can only hope things get better. Till then I'll go elsewhere.

Regards and Respect,

Hedo Ed