Igor is a friendly host with helpful messages prior to the visit, but charges way too much for what the place is, especially due to this really being a “soft start.” I paid $1,000 for a week, which may have been fair had it actually included what was promised.
Here are the issues: The Morrea as room is poorly designed. It is long and narrow. The front part has no windows which makes it dark and depressing. The TV in this “living room” area is tiny, and the remote did not work. The kitchenette is a disappointment—I could have stayed in a hotel and had about the same experience in this area. There were no dishes, silverware, knives, etc. Basically, we had to go out to eat except for snacks which was not the plan. The room was dingy and not clean. There was a used flosser in the middle of the carpet and an earring that could have hurt someone had they stepped on it. The bathroom had a single sink with such little space that I used the kitchen sink instead and allowed my daughter to use the bathroom area. The pullout couch was extremely uncomfortable. There were no sheets. By the time I was able to get sheets, the staff did not offer to make the bed nor apologize. They were horrible—like ones from a cheap motel.
Additionally, as noted by other guests, the check in wait was very long. No one’s rooms were ready at 4 pm, and there was no late checkout to make up for it. I was hoping to see a show, but after a 4 hour wait for both the room and then the luggage, there was no opportunity. The shuttles weren’t up and running either. They didn’t bother to say sorry. Furthermore, they weren’t helping to book shows, the barbecue area only had one that worked, and the pool area closed down early on more than one night. The drainage in the shower/bath combo was bad--it filled up half way and took about 30 minutes to drain, so it was about an hour wait between people bathing, and the scum left by soap was slippery and gross. The wifi password wasn't shared by the staff, and the phones didn't work well. So many phone calls needed to be made about all the issues which were not easily resolved.
I then tried to book a massage. The staff at the hotel pretended that they were up and running, but after trying to go up and make my own appt several times, I saw someone walking in next door and stopped her to ask, and she said they weren’t taking appointments.
When my toilet stopped up, and I do not use too much toilet paper, I started to laugh so I wouldn’t cry. It just was one thing after another. I had to call 4 times and wait over 1 1/2 hours for the issue to be resolved.
I wasn’t the only upset person, and I ended up helping a couple find their room and the lobby and settle them in.
A number of my friends chose to stay here at the Tiki Village together. Because Igor had so many good reviews, I chose to trust that the value of the place would equal what he was asking. I paid $1,000 for 7 nights. 7 nights of horrible bedding, no clean room, super crowded parking lots and pools, and a lack of the promised amenities. My friend paid $400 + tax for a BETTER room—the Bora-Bora. This experience ruined much of our trip. Igor should not have charged so much considering the Tiki Village was not on their A-game at all. I should be refunded at least $300 dollars by him. All he said when I messaged him and was so upset is that “my views were subjective.” I left a day early, so he was able to rent the place to someone else and earn even more money if he so chose.