We just finished a wonderful 4 days at the One&Only in Narayit. Some impressions: the 75 minute ride from the airport is worth it! The setting is about 100 rooms carved into the volcanic hill side / cliffs of Mandarina. All the rooms seem to be outstanding, private, ultra cool treehouses on stilts. As good as any we have started in anywhere. The panoramic ocean view definitely worth the splurge. We were lucky to call Room 324 our home. A staff favorite for good reason. Food was generally excellent. Alma the lesser of three three choices. Cárao the best dining experience with more local flare. Allora great on the beach Italian choice. The staff were uniformly excellent. Whatever wrinkles were referenced seem to have been ironed out. The biggest star is the setting. Truly unique. Nothing quite like it anywhere. Singita’s lodges can compare. To have something this exotic so close is a joy! So why four stars? The One&Only charge a service fee of 20% (!!) on top room and board and taxes. Payable before you arrive. The hotel says you can leave your wallet in your room as gratuities are included. The problem is that the service fee (which came in at ~$1,500), covered exactly nothing. Suggested gratuities, starting at 18%, are printed on every bill you get. From restaurants to the Spa to the beach bar. Add 20% to your 20%. It all felt a bit deceitful. Overall, a spectacular stay, despite the gouging.
翻譯