Just got back from an 8 day stay at the Bahia Mar. I paid 1092.00 for 2 ppl, 8 days with a midsize rental car included. About a week before I left, I wrote an email to the GM of this hotel using advice I read on Gary Leff's blog a view from the wing. I basically wrote an email asking for an upgrade, saying I wasnt entitled to it, but I'd heard great things about the Bahia Mar, etc, etc. It worked. When we checked in, we got 3 upgrades to an ocean view room. Cons: The hotel was nothing special and I found the service to be sub-standard. I received wrong directions from the concierge one night. The valet parking was outrageous at 22.00 a night plus tax( self park isnt much better at 18.00 a night). However, the parking ended up being comped because someone( maybe a housekeeper or maintenance man) smoked in our room when we werent there. The room reeked of smoke and I found a ciggarette but on the balcony. A few mornings( around 8am) the walkway to the beach was locked. The pool was advertised as heated, but it wasnt. Oh and I didnt enjoy the mandatory 18% service charge on the 2 drinks we ordered at the pool. Pros: The bed was comfy, the toilitries were Rusk and were very nice. The towels were fluffy. The fitness center was great, in fact I used it 7 days in a row. The equipment was new, however at times I felt like I was picking up lots of germs because I never saw anyone wipe them down. The pool was clean if a bit chilly. The location was great( although if you dont like waiting for a drawbridge, skip this hotel, we caught the bridge at least 4 times in 8 days). Overall, this package was well worth the money paid. I doubt I'd book this hotel independently though, the parking and service fees turned me right off.
