Hi, excellent detail. Really enjoyed every part of the review and photos xx

Great website, very helpful, thoughtful and thorough! I have learnt a lot about the island, very descreptive, reading it I felt that I was already there!
We have booked a holiday to Margarita for 2 weeks with my fiance in October, we are very excited and can't wait to go!
Thank #@*%!u for the fantastic pictures and the detailed descriptions!

Hi just wanted to say I enjoyed reading about #@*%!ur holiday. We're thinking about going at the back end of May for 2 weeks with our two children 8 & 12. I think from what I've read on #@*%!ur site and from other visitors to the Island that we will have a great time. One question what about inoculations, some sites i have looked on advise all sorts and others say that none are needed. Can #@*%!u advise?

great web site am thinking of visiting the island and found the site to be very honest and open.

À good site, good short contents of the good work. Ñ#@*%! !

great !u've made our mind up we're going in july

terrific site,excellent information.
we are going in sept.2006 for 2 weeks at the dunes celebrating 40 year marriage.

whats the snorkling like please ?

who can I book this hotel with now.first choice only do the hesperia 3star now or so it seems thanks fot all your info.

having being to m.i. cheesters descriptions are right on...the beach is rough some times but not all the time.don't be picky with your food choices! you get what you get!...this site is a MUST read before heading down there... there will be no surprises... many thanks for the memories!

Thanks Cheester, myself, wife and 6 friends are all going on the Archers "Best of Western Canada" holiday next May and your description of your trip will be invaluable.
Best wishes for 2006
regards

Roger

I spotted the journal of your Canada trip before I went on the same holiday with Archers. I found lots of the information useful and interesting. Thanks

Very nice site, very informative, will be staying at the Hotel in January 2006.

Thanks !!

Hi there,

Really enjoyed your Diary, full of interesting details as I have just booked a holiday with Firstchoice to the Hesperia Isla Margarita Hotel. I had a browse thru some other site and really found very positive and also very negative report which is a little scary. As I was both a Travel Agent and Holiday Rep for years, I know there is always the holiday maker that will never be satisfied so I wouldn't take all comments to heart but it nice to see the majority being positive.

My hubby and I have travelled quite a bit over the years and have stayed in different category hotel and resorts. We like a good hotel, good food, nice beach(as we dont like pools) quiet location but within a short distance of a small town/village mainly to get a break from the AI hotel. Half way thru the holiday, we normally hire a car or take excursions for 2-3 days....

So if you have time, I would appreciate a quick reply....we're booked for Jan so I think this is the best month weather wise???

All the best,
Sharon

agroup of us are heading to margarita in January. The review is great, I am really looking forward to it now.

Great Information, Cheester. My sister and I are planning a trip to Margarita Island in April. Would you still recommend the overnight trip to Angel Falls if we only have 1 week there? Thanks for all the great photos.

My brother found Margarrita Island on the net when we were talking about Zihuatanejo,MX. So we are checking things out and I really found your site informative. Thanks, Vicki

Hiya great information that you gave of the Hesperia Hotel and the attractions that you visited, was very informative. We are off there the 22/12/05 and hoping that the weather be great that time of year.

My partner ans I are visiting the lti costa caribe in september, and I am getting concerned about all the negative reports posted on various review websites. We have had a few caribbean holidays but this will be ourt first visit to margarita. Can anyone out there put my mind at rest. I have tried to change to another hotel but the cost will be too much.

I enjoyed reading your page. I am off to same hotel next week. John, my boyfriend desperatley wants to go to Angel falls. I am a little scared because of spiders, snakes! But looks like a lovely island.

Its thanks to this site that we went to the same hotel and on the same trips and you have the detail spot on.the delta canaima trip was amazing a real trip of a lifetime.I have since found out that you can spend a week in the jungle.Im just glad I didnt see a snake that was the only thing i was really worried about.well done with the site.

nice website

good overall view of margarita we are thinking of booking for july next year staying at the luguna mar

Just got back from honeymoon in Margarita, staying at the LTI Costa Caribe. The holiday itself was fantastic and the hotel was very clean and the staff were friendly. The food was a bit repetitive towards the end of the fortnight but there was plenty of choice.

Would strongly recommend the Delta/Canaima Trip and the Landcruiser Safari, well worth the money.

First Choice were also very good. We upgraded the flights to Premium Service and the reps Milton & Carlos and very friendly, knowledgeable and approachable.

Fantastic review of Margarita and the trips Cheester - almost a carbon copy of our trip !

Just visited site, we are thinking of going to the Laguna Hotel in November. Does anybody have any reviews or advice of this particular hotel. Has anyone been to Isle of Coche?

Thanks for web site it was very very informative.

This site is brilliant. Thanks so much for your pictures and I thought your diary was great. We going to margarita (playa el agua) in 10 days time and now I'm even more excited.

I have just returned from the LTI Costa Caribe hotel, and I found it to be a great hotel. We had a lovely time in Margarita, one of the best holidays we have had. The people are lovely, the food was good with plenty of choice, th rooms were clean. We booked with first choice and they were excellent. The reps in the hotel (Milton and Carlos) were really good too. I havent really a bad word to say about the hotel. We only paid £830 each, All Inclusive, for 2 weeks, so it was a great value for money holiday. I would recommend the 1 day angel falls trip (Cost $235 each) and the Jeep Safari ($60) they were both excellent and again great value for money. People in the hotel went on the Swim with Dolphins trip ($50) and they felt that this was not good value for money as they only had 10 minutes in the pool with the dolphins. A tip...... Do not take Sterling.... it is useless in Margarita. Best to take American Express Dollar Travellers Chqs and $ bills. You can pay for your hotel bill in Sterling but avoid this if posible as we got ripped off with the exchange rate after they had converted from Bolivars to Dollars and then Dollars to Sterling. Very confusing!!
I would recommend this holiday to anyone. Go for it, its great.

Just got back from the LTI Costa Caribe Hotel. Just wanted to say, no need to be concerned as it is fantastic. The staff are lovely, the food is good and the rooms are comfortable and clean. Oh...and the cocktails are strong so what more would you want!

hey
The site is amazing. you put everthing in. but i didn't see a grizzly bear though

we almost have the same lol

I really like your site!

I will visit banff soon. I am just wondering how much for the 30 min helicopter excursion??

Look forward to being there !!

Tizzybon

Don't be worried by the reviews you have read - I read them too before I went to Costa Caribe and also shared your concerns! The rooms are quite small compared to other areas I have been to in the Caribbean, but they are perfectly comfortable, and I'm sure you'll find better things to do than sit in your room all day! It really is a very nice hotel, in fact, some guests from one of the other hotels came to Caribe daily by taxi because it was so much nicer than theirs! Have fun

Thank you for all the information! We are planning to have our honeymoon in Isla Margarita and perhaps stay in the Hesperia hotel in a couple of months.

Congratulations, I love it very much. I really appreciate your work here, I think it will serve to many for inspiration and as a good information source

As i am going to Margarita next thursday can i please just ask anyone to put on here the trips which were offered to them and the cost roughly in US dollars.

Thank you very much

Vicki

My partner ans I are visiting the lti costa caribe in september, and I am getting concerned about all the negative reports posted on various review websites. We have had a few caribbean holidays but this will be ourt first visit to margarita. Can anyone out there put my mind at rest. I have tried to change to another hotel but the cost will be too much.

very informative thank you

Good job.This site is quit informative.MGBADA

Vicky

most evening wear is casual dining wear. not sure if costa caribe has a a la carte restuarant.. but this is the only time where you have to dress up,

Hi, could anyone who has visited the LTI COSTA CARIBE please tell me if there is any type of dress code for the evenings when having tea??
I know some resorts are strict on smart dress code.
I would appriciate any help,
Thank you

Vicki

Interesting web site - we are off to Coste Caribe this Thursday for our honeymoon - hope it's as nice as you say!

Your comments about your holiday at the Hesperia were very helpful. Some good tips about holidaying in Margarita. We are going on 20 July 2005.

I enjoyed your detailed description. I will be travelling to the Dunes resort in January 2006. It's good to know there's a golf course within walking distance.

Excellent site, very detailed, with a lot of helpful hints. Thanks.

Have booked for August. Having a last minute painic about the weather at that time - should I be worried !
Seen comments about not using credit cards - has any one had problems with this ?

How much is the Angel Falls trip, and the overnight Falls trip? Apart from trips is there much else to spend your money on? And it is US Dollars??

Ian

Hi,
A group of 4 of us are off to Costa Caribe on the 20th July. Has anyone got any tips, especially with regards to the Angel Falls Day Trip and the Weather???

Must do's:

the land cruiser tour - not in the jeep but in the air conditioned vehicle - covers the whole island in a day

If you do the angel falls excursion make sure you select the overnight option where you stay in the jungle for a night - if you dont do an overnight stay the trip to angel falls is quite good as you stop off in Canaima National Park and walk through a water fall

those are the two i would recommend, anything else is a bonus really - snorkelling, swimming with dolphins if you are into that sort of thing

Thanks -

Is there any must see / must do recommendations from yourself? I want to do as much as i possibly can within my 2 week stay.

Ian

Ian

yes there are some horse riding excursions

at the time I went it was $50

Horse riding
Ride the "wild, wild West" of Macanao on an adventure through the wonderful scenery of mountains and desert. For beginners and the more advanced.

Could anyone please tell me if horse riding is available, is so cost etc, i will be staying at the Costa Caribe.

Thank you

Ian

Ian - Sorry but I don't have any photos to send you, they're all stored in my mind!! Agree with Cheester's comments -mosquito repellant is also an essential at the hotel as there were lots of mosquitos there in the evenings.

Nice one, but i think you should focus on improving a little bit and putting new content. Ohterwise i always encourage such ideas.

Also is there any areas which we should be aware of?

Generally ok, avoid dark alleys - keep to main roads and streets ya be ok

Or essentials which we should take?
sun tan lotion, after sun, if u do jungle excursions take mossie repellent and remember to spray ur face, neck, palms head etc

Thanks Lin, i dont suppose that you have any photos on email that you could possibly send to me please?
Also is there any areas which we should be aware of? Or essentials which we should take?

Thank you

Ian

We stayed at Costa Caribe for Christmas and New Year and it is a lovely hotel with plenty to do if you want to or just relax and watch the world go by like we did most of the time! We went on the one day Angel Falls trip which cost about £100 each including lunch. We saw huge waterfalls but the weather came in bad during the day and we didn't actually get to see Angel Falls in the end however,it was still a good day out. We also went on the Landcruiser safari - again a whole day excursion which took us all over the island and cost about £35 each which included drinks throughout the day and lunch on the beach. Have a great time!

Hi
First time to Margarita, staying at LTI Costa Caribe 21st July.

Hey Everyone, i'm taking my girlfriend to the Costa Caribe in the middle of July. I was just wondering if anyone who has been can explain some of the trips which they have to offer, including pics and cost it would be muchly appreciated.

Thank you
Ian
ian_miller83@hotmail.com

Thank you so much for the incredibly detailed description of your trip! I am heading to Margarita Island with a buddy in October 2005 and we love the fact that most people in the States have yet to discover this place. We hadn't really thought about any mainland excursions, but after reading your descriptions is sounds like something worth exploring!

What a fantastic web site You have sold this area to me now I MUST go and book.

Hi, nice site! Your hard work paid off ... :) The site's very professional! Keep up the good work! Oh yes, one extra comment --- make sure the pages are not too long, keep scrolling a minimum. And maybe you could add more pictures too! So, good luck to your team!

g8 insight found your excursion experiences very moving. Fanx for taking the time to write this,very helpful

Congratulations! Good work and very helpful for others who are interested in travel to Isla Margarita.

Julie

I went to Costa Caribe with my husband but would be quite happy to go there on my own. The hotel is well situated but remote, so taxis (which are really cheap)and organized trips from the hotel are the best option.

I'm thinking of going to the LTI Costa Caribe for a couple of weeks in June. Is it the kind of place I'd feel ok as a single woman? Also, is it safe to go out and about by yourself?

Emma

Yes you do get daily beach towels at Costa Caribe. Have a great time!

Great site. Keep up the good work

Thanks for such a helpful website. 5 of us are going to the LTI Costa Caribe in a few weeks time and I can't wait, especially now you've given us so much information.

For anyone that's stayed at the Costa Caribe - I've been trying to find out whether we get pool towels each day but failed. Can anyone tell me? I need to know what to pack!

Great site thanks for helping to make up our minds, we are definately going in sept 05, staying at the hesperia, so if anyone else is going at the same time come say hi.

We are going to Margarita in August, and are staying at the Hesperia Ilse Margarita - having read so many bad reviews on one site, I tried to cancel, but other hotels did not have the right rooms available or there were no flights. I am really glad I came across your review, it is very informative and helpful. I am now much more looking forward to my holiday, and sharing your excursion experiences and photo's was great. Thanks.

great we r going in june 05 you have helped us to decide on what trips to do . i also have read bad reports on this hotel ,ypu have put my mind at rest .THANKS

Thanks for a very thorough review. We're looking at going in September and have read some bad reports about this hotel. Presumably with such a small island, you only get what you pay for?
Still we go for the sun, sand and sea and it seems there's lot of that.
We shall see. I'm looking at all the four star hotels offered by First Choice and have yet to decide.

nice site.guys am here.

For the attn of Sue:

I have emailed you.. look forward in reading your journal..

will link to your journal from me margarita pages so other people can have a good read too

hope you had a fantastic time

Thanks Cheester for a great site - you helped us to make our mind up last year.
I've tried to add the link to my aol journal with my Lost World and Margarita pics but I can't and me web address is too long to fit in the box! If you'd like it - please email me at the above and I'll email the link.
Sue :)

Great site. The info you provided was the clincher in finally deciding to go to Magarita and doing the lost world tour in September.
Many thanks
Steve Holt

great site

Hi,your homepage looks really good and gives great information!
Glad to put my step on it, send you and your visitors my best greetings.

Thanks for a great web page. Information very helpful. Leaving
on March 9/05 for a week. Let you
know how things went. Great Pictures!

told that the hotel is fronted by a public beach.could you confirm that for me.

Hello , just surfed in to say hello. You have a really nice Page! if you are looking for nice sunny holidays in spain - www.javeaholidays.com

Enjoyed your note on Margarita Island. We were in Puerto La Cruz a few years ago, and took an excursion to Angel Falls, but we flew in a DC 3 twin engine, and had one stop for lunch before the fly-past. I even got to fly the plane for ten minutes while the pilot had coffee standing in the aisleway. They didn't seem to care that I had no pilot's licence!
We are off to Isla Margarita soon. Thanks for the tips.

Thanks cheester!

Monkey

i think this is what you are after

http://www.w00tw00t.co.uk/holidays/margarita/

Hi, i left a message a day or two ago, just wondering how to view the web site you all talk about!! there dosn't seem to be a link from the guest book! any ideas?????

In November last year we took 2 weeks holiday in the Dominican Republic at a hotel that we had never stayed at before.We had been to Playa Dorada many times and always stayed at the same hotel but this time Thomson were no longer dealing with it so we chose THe Iberostar at Costa Dorada and we had a fantistic time the hotel is out of this world as is the food and the surroundings.It was my husbands 65th birthday whilst we were there and he had a wonderfull day thanks to all the staff."Thankyou all at the Iberostar costa dorada" we will be coming again without a doubt.

I have just booked 2 weeks to the Hesperia Isla Margarita on the 23rd June - could someone let me know what the weather is like and the hotel, only I am worried only my 2 wks in Dominican was a nightmare.
Thanks for your help
Lisa

thanx for the review. we are due to go to hesperia isla margarita in july 2005 for our honeymoon. we are really excited and looking forward to having a good time.

staying at the Hilton Suites April 8-15th and after looking at your pics will do the angel falls canima tour for sure. thanks for the info!

Hi all i am off to the costa caribe in july! all reviews sound great so i cant wait! after all hundereds cant be wrong can they?

Thank-you for all your info, it was very helpful. Sounds like you both had a wonderful time.

wonderful site.

Just got back last night from Margarita Island and our stay at Hesperia Isla Margarita. My husband and I thoroughly recommend this hotel and visiting Margarita Island. We were totally blown away by the place! We stayed for 2 weeks and found the staff extremely warm and friendly. (Kid's club staff are amazing!) The shows in the evening are fantastic too, what a great group of dancers/performers they have there! The food selection is great, enjoyed all of our meals there. Same goes with the beach, my husband loved the waves for body surfing! Definitely take some of the outside trips that are offered, if you take the Highlight tour of Margarita through your tour operator, hopefully it is with Milton Carrerro. What a nice man! Very down to earth and friendly with old and young alike. This was definitly our best visit by far to the Caribbean and we will definitly return and book again with Hesperia Isla Margarita and take the Jeep Tour and La Restinga trips again. Truly outstanding country and truly outstanding people. We fell in love with both!If you are not sure of where to holiday this year, make it Margarita Island and the Hesperia Island Margarita!

We are planning on going to the Hesperia Isla Margarita in March for two weeks. Your review gave me great ideas on what we will see. Did you take anything to leave for the room staff?? What amount did you tip if you did? Was there good gold jewellery to buy? Thaks for the review.

I really enjoyed reading your accounts of your holiday, very informative. Your pics were great also. We are off to Margarita in June 05 and after reading your info I'm now really looking forward to my holiday.

Matthew/Teresa

My husband and I arrived back from Margarita on 6.1.05 having spent a wonderful Christmas and New Year break at the Costa Caribe. It really is a lovely place - enjoy every minute of it!

Are you guys still in love or what?
I was good having you two on tour.
The Best to you and Thanks for reviewing our tour. Very Cool... Gung Hay Fat Choy!

THANKS FOR THE BRILL IMFORMATION AND PHOTOS, HELPED MY DAUGHTER AND HER BOYFRIEND WHEN DECIDING ON A HOLIDAY.THEY HAVE BOOKED TO GO TO THE COSTA CARIBE BEACH HOTEL AUG 05.1st choice should offer you a job

wow, very informative site indeed. And appears to be just what margarita needs to publicise what i hope will be a holiday island to remember for life. Myself and my wife will be going there August 05 for two weeks and up until now we were struggling to find taster information about the place we have decided to book. We are staying in the LTI Costa Caribe hotel for 2 weeks.

After carefully researching carribean and indian dream holidays, it is clear that the rain (hurricane/typhoon) seasons (which fall in line at the same time in both places) can potentially spoil your holiday. Whereas i put my money on Margarita because it seems to hardly ever rain there, plus it is way away from the hurricane belt which is a nice thought with all those hurricane ivans etc blowing through the carribean around that time last year!

Anyhow, I digress! super site buddy and if its a possibility i would like to contribute my diaries/pictures when i get back!

So glad I found your site! We leave next week for the Hesperia Isla Margarita for 2 weeks and your descriptions of the hotel and excursions have really helped in getting to know more about where we are going. We want to take a few of the excursions and hopefully some of them are appropriate for us to take our 5 year old on. The landcruiser day might be one that my husband, son and I would enjoy since there is a Marine Museum to visit and I know our son would enjoy having the opportunity to pick up starfish, etc. We have travelled to several spots in the Caribbean over the past few years but this is our first time to Margarita Island so looking forward to it. Thanks again for your "diary" of your trip.

You are awesome! What a great find.. very descriptive, much more so than any other website; really enjoyed learning about your experience, very helpful for us in deciding which areas to visit, Thanks so much!
Karolyn

Thanks for your reviews and fantastic pictures.
My partner and I along with 4 friends are due to visit this hotel in July this year and i was starting to worry that we were never going to find anyone who had written anything good about this hotel.
Thanks for an open and honest review as i am now looking forward to visiting Margarita on my holiday.

Awsome site!! Thanks for all the info...we are leaving for that resort on January 12/04 and your site was our desiding factor.....

Great site and itinerary. We had a hard time finding good write ups on this hotel and your site really helped us to form an opinion.

Thanks again.

Many thanks for your diary and catalogue, you offer such a clear insight without depression or hype!

Certainly will be on my list of places to visit in near future,

Best wishes,

Noric

thanks for info going to margarita in may 05 usefull site glad i found it

Hi there we went to Margarita on 1/9/2004 and got married there on 7/9. Had a fantastic time!

Thomas

your best bet is to visit gericom.com and email their support.

They are the guys that put the laptop together

nice site, im looking for a replacement motherboard for my Advent 6520 can anyone help????

Thanks

i have juat been to costa caribe in magarita. one word can descibe it GREAT! best holiday of my life! saff where great! the entertainment was great every night! from fire eaters to the towel boy! great! i would recomend it to everyone! oh im magarite make sure you got to huge shopping centre sambil and also go on the land cruiser safari! that is the best trip on the hole island! avalibe from this hotel! have fun im sure you will!

Dear Chester & Kim

Outstanding! written with passion!

Can't wait to get there now, going for christmas and new year

Thanks so much for taking the time to do this........

Enjoy wherever you go next......

Good site. Nice!

Thought the website was fab and very true to the point, i have visited isla margarita 4 times and stayed at the Dunes resort next to hesperia, i think both hotels are very nice but the people at dunes have becomefriends over the years , they are very accomodating to the evy need. Bravoon the website, your advise and experience its very true and detailed, thank you

Bravo pour ce site. Pour nos 10 ans de mariage nous devons passer 4 jours sur Margarita et ensuite 4 à los Roques en février 2005. Nous hésitons encore entre le Hesperia Isla Margarita et le Dunes, et nous hésitons aussi pour la posada à Los Roques. Votre récit va nous aider à préparer ce voyage.
Thanks again !

Going to Costa Caribe on Margarita Island September 2005. Thanks for reviews. At Iberostar Costa Dorada in Dominican this year we were totally spoilt so hoping Margaita doesn't let us down, thanks for great site

Hello Everyone.

We are going to Margarita for Christmas and New Year and can't wait! Margarita sounds fabulous as do the Angel Falls, which we plan to visit. Thank you for all the good information.

Dear Cheester and Kim,
Waaw, what a great website.
Thinking of spending our honeymoon in this hotel during the first weeks of July 2005, I found the information on your website very useful and complete...
Can anybody compare this hotel with the Dunes Beach Resort?
Thanks and greetings from Belgium,
Bernd and Lieve

I'm originally from the United States and currently living in Venezuela for work purposes for the next 6 months or so. I'm constantly looking for things to do on the weekends and such, and your site is fantastic. I used your site to help me find some of the cool things that Margarita Island has to offer as I made my trip there last weekend. Finally, the pictures of Canaima are great. That is my next big trip. Thanks for all the good information.

greetings and coongratulations for this great informations. I used this resource with a bunch of information about my favourite topic with interest. Thanks a lot.

Thanks for the instructions on how to clean the fan of your advent laptop, I was able to generalise to a different advent model and it worked!

Thanks for the info mate!We leave on the 18th and were dying to know the particulars.This helped us out tremendously.-Love from accross the pond.

Thanks for info. Going next year in july be sure to use your tips.

Greetings from Gloucester, Massachusetts U.S.A. Freedom isn't free. Keep on Truck N!

Thank you for the effort you went to in detailing your vacation at Hesperia Isla Margarita...most informative. We are booked for Jan. 29/05 and will use your review as a guide to the activities to be enjoyed.

We will give you an update on our experiences when we return.

Thanks again.

Hi,

Going to Costa-Caribe next week, any advice and suggestions greatfully received.

Ta

2-pac

You have certainly helped me to make up my mind and have a change from The Gambia after all the world is a Big Place not that I haven't seen europe and USA cheers

wonderful

great site, makes sense. Thats a relief on the net nowdays.

chrisd234@hotpop.com

Went to Margarita last April. Loved it. Everyone was friendly. Definitely go again. May be next year!

Thanks for a very informative site. My wife Suie and I are going to Margarita next Feb (2005) with First Choice and the information you have provided will help us make the most of our stay.

A terrific review, we are going to costa caribe on 22nd sept 04 and this has really helped us to envisage the island.

Phil

Thanks for the site! Your information will be helpful. I'll hope we enjoy it like you wrote it :)

Hello!
I saw the modification made on your Toyota!
One would say a compressor by belt to take along!
Can you given me some information on this one?
I thank you by advance!
PS: to afflict for my bad German!

Thanks for the information, booking for sept 8th to the same hotel so i was extremely interested in the information regarding the hotel and the excursion to angel falls. Thanks again.

Gavin Jordan, Liverpool.

Great Information--very helpful!

any chance with help of cleaning the 7000 + version as i can not find help anywhere PLEASE HELP if u can Thanks !!!! other wise just reply GOOD SON YOURS T !!!!!!

You r a STAR !! Thanks FOR THE HELPPPP !!!

great review,better than any i can find on the web.going in september staying at the costa caribe,
hope its not the rainy seaon in september!!

thanks for the info. we're off to the same hotel in a couple of weeks and it's good to find out a bit more about it.

Good review, we are going to Margarita end of September, flying direct with Excel air.Staying bed and breakfast rather than a hotel From your review we should have a great three weeks.

Hi Angie

Thanks for signing the guestbook, I'm glad you understood the terminology ;)

As regards to what we are doing next, we are due to visit Canada Sep 2004 on a Best of Western Canada Coach tour for our honeymoon.

We will be visiting Vancouver, Vernon, Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Prince George, Prince Rupert, Port Hardy, Victoria, and finally back to Vancouver for a few extra nights then back to SUNNY ENGLAND

Very informative site. Well written even if it is brit terminology (thank goodness I lived there awhile or I wouldn't bloody know what you were saying
I was researching this site for a possible trip to Isla Margarita and wanted to checkout what others had to say about accommodations and food and things to do.

Did a great job!

Where are you going next?

Cheers,
Angie

i loved your website, it brought all of my fantastic memories back from last week. im going back in february as i met victor (the main entertainer at night and the one who tells you that when he calls your country out you have to cry, shout or clap!) i ithough it was a fantastic holiday and i cant wait to go back.

Hi Cheester
Thanks for a great site - really enjoyed the pics of Margarita. We are going in early August 2004. We're having a week on a Lost World tour in Venezuela and a week in Margarita. We are both in our mid forties and haven't travelled much - our family are now grown up. I'm a little concerned that we will be the odd ones out and there will be lots of young, attractive couples and no middled aged folks!! Maybe someone can reassure me - what kind of age mix is there over there!?

Going to Margarita in Dec but cant make up mind which hotel Costa Caribe or Dunes Hotel. Anybody been to either of these? what is the weather like in dec?

great website, very informative with loads of useful info.
Off to the island in August 2004.
can't wait !!!!

I really enjoyed this site and getting lots of helpful information.
I am flying out this Wed (30 June 04)and your descriptions of the hotel and trips have excited me. Also enjoyed your hilarious comments exchanged with your boss in the Guestbook. Wonderful to add a bit of humour. Good luck getting hitched. Jon

Wow what an amazing and informative site, were leaving for MI in two weeks.
were staying at lti Costa Caribe, definately going on the angel falls trip.

HI GREAT SITE VERY HELPFULL WE ARE GOING TO THE COSTA CARIBE IN APRIL 2005 ANYONE BEEN THERE ANY INFRO WOULD BE GREAT THANKS

I am a Venezuelan, let me give you all some local tips about Margarita. The trip to Salto Angel/Canaima is indeed your best visit. FOOD: Avoid hotel food. Ask the hotel for local restaurants, especially at the small village of “Juan Griego” where you can eat excellent “Fish con Toston” while watching the Sunset over the beach. Also try “La Tratoría” for dinner at “Cardon Beach” (one of the best local restaurants), try the fish soup. The most known food in Margarita is called “Empanadas” (sort of a fried sandwich) you have ladies cooking “empanadas” in many corners within the very small villages. Try the "cocada" (coconut milk shake) the best is at “Pargito Beach” (ask the locals while in the beach). Try also "Cachapa" (corn pancakes) with "Queso Blanco" (white cheese).

Regarding visits: go the Hilton Casino (at night, sometimes they have salsa dancing), Pargito Beach (they bring the table with the food to your beach chair and you eat 1 meter from the sea.. like a King !!). Excellent for lunch. El Agua Beach (mostly tourist, locals go to Pargito Beach), Pampatar Historic Castle (near the Sambil mall), if you have kids, go to the WaterPark (near El Agua Beach) or to the amusement park (near the mall).

When I go to Margarita I go to a different beach everyday (there are many) and never eat in the Hotels. If you can, rent a car for at least 2 days and drive around the Island. Best of luck. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the review

website brilliant, we are thinking of going in late august - is that still the rainy period do you know ? - lots of info on your site, excellent, thank you

Hi Cheester, w00t ;)

Great site, came from the Margarita site and seen that you play UT etc too. Good man.

Peace out

My husband and I fly out 16 June for our 25th wedding anniversay. Hopefully we won't be diappointed. Enjoyed reading all the info. Will go to Angel Falls it sounds great. Your web site has given us lots of info that we will take on our trip. Will let you know our thoughts on our return. Thanks Sue

Hi Cheester - Unfortunately we didn't have the same experience as you and Kim did!! Justin was a complete pain and no help with my luggage which didn't arrive for 7 days! The selection of food was poor and repetitive. We love snorkelling and were very disappointed about the state of the beach and the roughness of the sea. The pool was dirty and the filter continually failed. An independant water man arrived and was disgusted with the hygiene standards. I contracted Impetigo, as did 3 other guest staying there.

If you have never been to the Dominican Republic - Go!! It is 10 times better than Margarita. The staff however, were fantastic and more helpful than first choice, who I will never travel with again. even if my life depends on it!!

Sorry to be so down beat, but we have been spoilt by other destinations in the Caribbean and our expectations were horribly shattered.

Do get out and about if you go to Margarita - the people are lovely and Juan Griego is recommended for an evening meal and sunset.

Needless to say, we won't be going back..

Looking for a vacation for 2005 and your website was very helpful. Will keep this at the top of our list. Thanks

Hello Chester and Kim...I really enjoyed reading your description of your trip to Margarita...we are heading there on the last days of May, we are sure we are going to have a great time and the hotel looks pretty good!!!
ADIOS!!!

Fantastic review, we are looking to travel there in 2005, your review has helped us to say "we're going". Well done Chester.....

Excelent, I`m off to book now!

tim & anita

thanks for signing the guestbook

as regards to your question re driving on the island..

the tour rep advised against it.. whilst we were touring the island the margaritan drivers seem to drive wrecklessly. mainly because they dont have to pass a test to be on the road.

saying that lots of fellow europeans especially the dutch seemed to hire 4x4's

with taxis and gasoline being so cheap on the island you probably dont need to hire a car? advantages with taxi is you only pay them on the return of the journey.

hope you enjoy your trip

Thanks for the info going to same hotel 210404 hope its as good as you say it is.

All the best

P S is it safe to travel the island alone by car???

Off to Margaritta in Aug. Thanks for info. Will E-Mail on return

Off to Margarita next week and staying at the same hotel. I really looks good. I wish more peopple could create sites of their holidays.

Great site.

Cheers

Thanks for the info. We leave tonight for Toronto and fly to the Island at 5:00 am for a couple of weeks. Hope it is every bit as good as it looks.

Hey Cheester & Kim,
We really appreciate the effort you went to, and after reading your experience, we can't wait!!!
We go in July, and we have already budgeted for the 'Angel Falls' trip.
Our 13 yr old is into golf, and we have it in the brochure that its included, although it then goes on to say you get 1 game free? Don't suppose you know whether it is just 1 game or more you get? and if just one, how much were they charging after that?
anyhow, thanks again, and good luck with the wedding!

Thank you so much for posting such a great site! My boyfriend and I are heading off to the Dunes Resort in 3 weeks. Neither of us has been before, and it is very encouraging to read such a rave review! Your information is very helpful, and I feel like I'll encounter much fewer suprises upon my arrival!

Thanks again!

We booked to go to MI about 6 weeks ago and then looked on the internet for some information about the place. Your site was very informative and helpful. The amount of detail to which you have gone must have taken you eons. We go on the 25th of Feb. We will let you know how we get on.

Hi Cheester,

Your site is fantastic. I have been to Margarita 3 times and I can't wait to go back again. It is a wonderful place with such amazing people. Thanks so much for the site and all the info.

Thanks for the reply on Walter's site. It's great to see real photos of a place and not just brochure pictures. Sounds like you both had a great time. We are going in mid Feb. 2 weeks.

Cheest....wot the fack....all this normal speak from j00. Do you really spend all day playing RTCW....if so where you work ;o)

Wigg0rz

Thanks Lina for your comments, if you ever go to Margarita Island, have a great time.

As regards to the ground force crew I was thinking about contacting them to sort out my back yard. However being skint etc and getting hitched next year maybe I'll have to postpone as and when I have some spare dough lying around.

Hi Cheester:

I would like to thank you for all your pictures when you visited MI. It looks like you and Kim had a wonderful time. Your information was great, it makes our decision somewhat easier to make when you can see the real pictures instead of brochure pictures.

Thanks again!!!!!!!

PS Have you met the Ground Force Team? I think they are the BEST!!!!!!!!

PS Forgot to mention our home is pretty close to your home town - we are just across the water in sunny gosport! - Small world huh?!

Hiya - we were on the same plane as you going out to Margarita - like yourselves had an excellent time!

Amazing how alike our photo collections are as we were on the Canaima / Delta trip the day after you!

Really like your web-site we have spent the last hour reminiscing!!

Thanks for posting.. I noticed that you host a clan site.

Do you play rctw enemy territory much?

I'm totally addicted to the damn thing..

Nice website matey
I have an Advent 6521 which is causing me all sorts of porblems - hopefully some of your guides will help me get it sorted out

Cheers