Calypso Cay Vacation Villas Timeshare Release

When we booked here, we knew the ownership and business model was changing and it previously had ‘reasonable’ reviews. The ‘resort’ was made up of the hotel, apartments and timeshares – but we didn’t really care as we were just looking for something close to the neighbouring/attached resort without the higher price.

Checking in was a pain. First of all, the $200 tax (which was expected) was $230. Then there was the ‘contractual deposit’ – which was not mentioned in our booking, paperwork or anywhere. This was a further $180.

The resort IT system wouldn’t accept my US Dollar Debit card and I didn’t have $410 cash on me – so I had to use a foreign card which of course had a stupid exchange rate. I was already annoyed with the attitude to guests and I hadn’t even got a key to a room yet !

When I did get a room – it was abysmal. Broken/missing windows – damp and with an awful smell. I went straight to reception and managed to switch rooms.

The second room was better – but still typical dark American rooms, little daylight. Rooms are in dire need of refurbishment or at least a proper deep clean.

A couple of days passed and then the problems started. First of all, sat around the table one night following a shower someone just let themselves into the room – the reason given by reception “Because all our IT systems are down and we don’t know who is in each room or which are occupied”. NOT A REASON FOR AT LEAST KNOCKING BEFORE ENTERING A ROOM!

Then returning home at 10 pm we couldn’t get into the room. Walking to reception and back a few times (which is a fair distance) and after 5 key cards, we still couldn’t get in the room. Security let us into the room with a master key to sleep – but we couldn’t get a working key for over 24 hours. Hate to think what the travel insurance would have done if we told them things were stolen when we didn’t have access to the room. (The rooms don’t have any strong boxes/safes)

Music – just a word about music, as I hope you like a local radio station. The public area in the middle of the car park has its speakers turn on at 6.45 in the morning – so you’ll start hearing music in bed from then onwards.

Cleaning – There isn’t any. The rooms were not cleaned before we occupied them and in our 10 day stay, the cleaners never came in. There are cleaners around ( again, you’ll hear them from 6am) but they don’t seem to do the rooms. The cards inside the room say ‘Welcome, you’re nice an independent on your stay….” which equates to wash your own towels – buy your own toilet paper and clean your own room.

The good bit – the hotel part has been sold to Holiday Inn resorts and has had a lot of money spent upon it. During our stay, we were still allowed to use its facilities ( pools, gym and bar ). The adventure park too was free to us, but $25 for any visitors – no idea how long this will remain free

We have stayed in numerous timeshares over the years. First impressions are most often correct. Prior to our arrival, we called and were informed their computer system was down (this was on Wednesday), so when we arrived Friday to a packed “welcome centre” we were a little surprised that their system was still down. The crowd was angry, upset and in some cases had been waiting for more than three hours.

Others had been put in rooms and were back to complain. Our concerns started to escalate at this time.

After a 30 minute wait, an employee came out and asked if anyone was there with an exchange, fortunately, I was able to say yes. We were immediately ushered to a room next door and were on our way to our unit within 15 minutes.

While waiting in the other room, front desk staff (3) had to endure upset, tired, belligerent and rude guests. They kept a pleasant attitude and a smile. Sadly not a manager on site, in the back room yes, but not out there for their staff.

Once in our one bedroom unit, we were pleased with the size, layout and overall cleanliness. Agreed the furniture is dated, but not in a horrible state.

The kitchen is lacking in many areas, bowls, utensils, etc. Am sure a call to get items would work but would be an easier to stock the unit.

The grounds are nice, pools, activity areas, all well taken care of.

Ideally, when sitting by the main pool, relaxation is the goal. Music from the surround sound (all around pool area) in addition to the steel band music playing by the zip line area, then add the bartender listening to his favourite television show at top volume, you can guess it was far from relaxing, annoying more like it. When I asked if one or more could be eliminated it was met with a nothing we can do attitude.

Rules around the towels are idiotic.

You have signed these “dish rags” out, with the promise to return them before 11pm or be charged.

The grills are plentiful around the property. Unfortunately, each (and everyone) needs attention.

The starters do not work, there are grills missing entirely. When brought to the attention of a staff member, again with an oh well attitude.
Part of the reason we enjoy the timeshare aspect is this is our home away from home. Signage indicating we are not to bring outside food or beverages in the pool area is ridiculous and infuriating. I would not charge you 6.800 for a beer in my backyard. There are enough guests who will support the food and beverage sold, do not make it a rule for those who elect not to.

The area surrounding this resort is less than desirable. Caution should be taken if wandering around after dark.

In speaking with other guests the absolute worse of this resort is their internet service. This is the very first time we have not been able to do a FaceTime with our grandkids due to the poor service.

Would not recommend this to friends or family, plenty of other options within the area, close to parks and activities.

Also, 90 minute presentations turn into 4 hours, this has been told to us by several guests!

What a disappointment this place was! We bought here in 2006 and went back in 2008 for a week. My wife and I recently went back for a quick 4 day break and were extremely disappointed in what we saw.

Our check-in was a disaster. They kept telling us to come back later as the room wasn’t ready. While we waited, they told several others the same. I was told they would call me when it was available, but they never did. During our stay, there were many teenagers running around upstairs and a huge 2am fight next door. I thought we were in the projects.

The room was old looking – light bulbs out, very few utensils, racking paint, rotting baseboards, etc. The unit we stayed in when buying was immaculate and even had a computer in the living room. Our fees have more than doubled over the years as well.

I asked if they had a buyback program and of course they do not so we will probably keep using the exchange with Interval or RCI and keep it, or lose our investment in one of the timeshare takeover companies.