All trips to Grand Lido Braco are special in one way or another. For this trip we celebrated Jackie’s Birthday and my eventual retirement (June 30th 2004) just 4 short days after a great vacation. We fly Air Jamaica from Philadelphia; the flight gets in about 10:15AM. The new lounge in the airport is nice; the second floor to the lounge is not yet open.
We got to the lounge and were on our way to the van within 5 minutes. There was no Lidosine just a six to nine passenger van. With no stops we arrived at Braco about 11:45 AM the drive was just about 45 minutes. We must have caught up with the prior bus as there were many couples checking in and they were using the town hall for check-in. Rather than wait for the room to be ready we completed the paperwork and took a stroll around the resort. Reservations caught up with us at lunch and check-in was complete. A quick unpack and off to the AN pool for a drink and pool time.
On Thursdays there is a repeat guest party. The little ticket says Munahana Terrace. However, The party is now in the card room above the White Gaulin Lounge and the name Munahana has been changed to Muna San. So all you repeaters lets return more frequently so we can use up these little tickets and get new ones. Also, the munchies such as coconut shrimp, spring rolls, spinach rolls and many other goodies are excellent. Best of all was that we won the drawing for 2 free nights. The only decision now is to extend our trip for the Anniversary Party or just stay for the 10 days we have booked.
Braco Trivia (In 1995 the card room was the gym and the AN side was the far end of the Textile side).
While at the repeaters party I questioned the facilities manager about the pools, the answers were. The Textile pool is the pool that requires the most work. The power problems that were repaired in November took a big bite out of the repair budget. The AN pool mechanics are sound it just needs a coat of paint. There was some talk of paint that can be applied underwater. I don’t know if that type of paint is fact or faction. If it does exist I would not know how good it is. I am not big on short-term fixes. Soooo!! The date and time of any fix to either pool is still up in the air. Also from resort management the Lidosines is for the highest room class on each side only. If you happen to be heading to or from Braco and there is room you may be put on a Lidosine.
The street party had been held on Tuesday night. I believe there had been a large contingent of travel agent groups and this was the reason for the shift. The beach party was held on Friday night to replace the street party. We opted for dinner at La Pasta rather than the beach. There have been some staff changes at La Pasta due to promotions and training but the service and food was as good as if not better than the past. After dinner we strolled over to the beach party for the entertainment portion. There was a group called the Kingston drummers, they were very good, but after 45 minutes of drumming it got to be a bit much. With a quick stop at the White Gaulin it was time to end of another great day.
Breakfast each day can be had in several ways. Room service if you just want coffee, fruit, cereal and/or pastries. You could go to the clubhouse for Coffee, pastries, fruit and juices. Victoria’s Market has all of the above plus an omelet station, hot oatmeal, toasters for bread and muffins and other hot stuff bacon, sausage, sliced ham, home fries, etc.
While talking with some other guest one day the question of how do you get Bloody Mary’s and Baileys for your coffee early in the AM. The answer is room service. In the past I had Wayne give me a glass of rum cream that I kept in the fridge overnight so I could add it to my coffee. But now it’s just as easy to order it from room service.
We had dinner at Piacere on Saturday night. Excellent service and food as always. Also, I had requested a birthday cake for Jackie which was served at the end of the meal just in time to cause a major decision to be made creme-brulee or birthday cake or both. I’ll never tell. A subtle happy birthday played by the harpist and a Happy Birthday song by Ralston. Like myself he should not give up his day job for a singing career. Thanks so much to the staff. I scored major points for the birthday stuff.
I honestly do not remember where or what we did for dinner on Sunday or Monday. I can say that for the whole trip we cannot remember any problems whatsoever.
On Monday night we did attend the Fantasy Party it was lots of laughs. There were many modes of dress and undress. A good time was had by all. I believe that all those in attendance were from the AN side. I now have a great idea for November party.
For all of you that have been to Braco before you will be glad to hear that there have been promotions. Ann Marie Goffe in now the Hotel Manager, Carol Walters-Davis is Assistant Executive Manager, and Collette now manages the front office. Collette please accept my apologies I cannot remember your last name. Don’t know if it’s old age or I killed off to many brain cells this last trip.
As you may have guessed we enjoy our stays at Braco. The staff is a very big part of our reasons for returning to Braco. With each trip we see improvements that first or second time guest may be unaware of. There have been minor glitches on occasion but when brought to management’s attention they were taken care of. As for the balance of our stay we enjoyed Muna San and Piacere for a second time. Wayne and Merle are the AN Bar Masters.
A final note the management personnel at Braco do read the message board and trip reports so if you do not have enough room on the comment cards (that still have Anil Sud as the General Manager) include them in your report.
So to the Management at Braco. John is Now Retired and ready to take on the Job of "Resident Guest" full time.