jamiep3:
Could it be that Iberostar is trying to cut out the competition for Dressel Divers? When I was there two years ago Dressel was twice the price for a two tank dive than the shop I used that would pick up at the dock, weather permiting.
Our resort package was to include a complimentary one tank boat dive. When I went down to Dressel Divers I was informed that to get my complimentary dive I had to pay for a second dive. The price of it was almost as much as a two tank from the operator I used.
This is just another example of why you need to research hotels and dive ops before you book.
I think that may have alot to do with it, even though the dive shop is not owned by the hotel. The hotel does benefit in other ways by having people dive with the onsite operation, whether directly or indirectly.
While pricing is not what one should base their choice on, one should compare service and ammenities and make sure they are getting a value for the price they are paying. I never have understood the much higher prices for their dives. They keep all of the boats onsite, anchored in front of the hotel therefore saving $$$$$ on fuel, they use large boats that have high capacitys therefore maximizing the profits, and they only travel to the southern sites, again saving alot on fuel. They offer no additional services that I am aware of such as gear rinsing and storing, they have predetermined site selection and profiles, and no other extra "frills" that I know of. Of course only they know what their expenses are, but their prices do seem high even to me.
Just to share another example of problems with the Iberostar.
A friend of mine is a very highly respected wedding planner on the island. Many of the larger resorts and exclusive hotels contract her services and/or consult her for weddings. She is also contracted by Carnival cruises, Royal Carribbean, and I belive Princess Cruise Lines to handle weddings for those wanting to get married on shore in Cozumel.
A bride contracted her to coordinate and plan the details of her wedding at the Iberostar because she wanted something more customized and personalized than the hotel was willing to offer. All of the food and drinks were to be supplied by the hotel at an additional charge, just like a catered event, so they would have actually made a profit from this wedding party of 40+ people. During the process of planning the event, the hotel informed Stephanie that she would not be able to come on the property to attend or work the wedding. The bride contacted the hotel, where she had 40+ guests staying for 4 to 5 days. The hotel would not back down and allow Stephanie to handle their wedding, so the bride threatened taking her entire wedding party elsewhere. They still would not back down, so she did just that. The bride moved her entire wedding party to the Allegro for the week and there were absolutely no problems with Stephanie handling all of the details there. In fact, the Allegro supplied staff to help with set-up and anything needed.
