August 3, 2015

Berry and Cakes take Inagbe Grand Resorts

Hey everyone!

How was your weekend? I hope you had a wonderful one. Mine was aight. The highlight of my weekend was the day/night Cakes and I spent at Inagbe Grand Resorts in Lagos. I think most of you have already seen the collabo write-up about the resort by me and Naija Nomads. Well, that visit was for a couple of hours and while we were impressed, I wanted to go back and experience it as a paying customer, staying at least a night or two. I got the opportunity when I spied a Dealdey promo going on. I paid for the package literally 9 minutes before it expired!!! We opted for the 1-night package instead of the 2-day one because of Cakes' schedule.

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

Anyways, after the coupon was paid for, getting the resort via phone to book the date proved to be a challenge (ADVICE #1: If you're a business, answer your phones). We eventually got through and booked for this past weekend - BTW if you bought the package, better book it now because they're full the weekend of August 15th. We got to the jetty early on Saturday, and eventually the boat took us to the resort (ADVICE #2: Communicate times [and delays] to customers ahead of time).

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe, jump shot

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

When we got to Inagbe Resort, we got checked in - it was a bit of a long process because a company had just checked out after a retreat. We were showed our rooms and we chilled indoors for a bit.
berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

After an hour or so, we headed to the swimming pool and had such a relaxing swim.

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe
I would show you more photos but it's all BOOBAGE everywhere :p
Then we moved to the Floating Lounge for dinner, where we took some pretty photos.
berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe, sunset, beautiful sunset

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe, sunset, beautiful sunset

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe, sunset, beautiful sunset

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

For dinner I ordered Chicken and Chips which came to N2500, and Cakes ordered a whole Grilled Fish and Fried Rice, which was N6500. The fish was quite expensive, but it was very big sha and the rice was quite tasty.
berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe, chicken and chips

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe, fried rice

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe, grilled fish, croaker

After dinner, we went to bed - but not before there was an insect situation. I don't know if it's the architecture or what, but these huge ants kept coming into the room - seemingly from cracks in the wall/floor. I don't know but I couldn't sleep. And it took over 45 minutes and 2 separate complaints before anything was done about it (ADVICE #3: Attend to customer complaints as quickly as possible).

We both slept pretty well, save for a little discomfort when the AC went off. We woke up bright and early, and took a brisk walk to the Ocean-front side of the resort. I really enjoy the Ocean breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

berry dakara, cakesiena, inagbe grand resort, inagbe

Alas, we couldn't spend too much time as we needed to get back to our room, eat breakfast (Bread, Egg, Chopped Sausage and Tea) and head back to the jetty where our car was parked. Again, getting on the boat was a hassle as some guests were not ready and caused a considerable delay. We eventually left though and got back to real life - Cakes had to rush to the bakery to finish up some cakes.

On a final note, we would have enjoyed Inagbe Grand Resort a whole lot more if there weren't these hiccups here and there. I didn't expect it to be perfect, but I felt that some of the issues, while minor, added up. The people in charge have a really good vision, and I'm afraid the Nigerian factor (poor management/maintenance) will take away from the experience if care isn't taken. I understand that running a business is tough (hey, even watching Cakes makes me cringe sometimes) but I really want the Hospitality/Tourism industry to put their best foot forward. Make sure prices are clear to customers BEFORE they've booked or placed orders (disclose hidden charges); if changes or delays arise in bookings, communicate early to the customers; be easily accessible to your guests (working email addresses, phones, intercoms, etc); ensure that Customer Service isn't lacking (the executive management at Inagbe has this on lock - now, just to cascade it to all their employees)... etc.

I hope you all have a BERRY good week! Mehn, it's August already!!! The year is almost over. Have you achieved any of your goals this year? Do you need to reevaluate your goals? Let's get things done!!!!!

31 comments:

  1. The place is so beautiful.. Nice photos you have here..

     GOD LISTENS

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    1. I have been to this resort a couple of times and I always had an amazing time and awesome customer service I must say! This is a new business that is kicking off and we should encourage our own and not put up hateful comments. In my opinion, you should have spoken to a manager or supervisor about your issues rather than do a negative write up about someone's business. What have you achieved? There is every possibility the owners/management team will never see this, so what help have you rendered and what difference have you made?you have not brought it directly to their notice. Employees can mess up a business you know and so many other hospitality businesses face challenges too. It's the same thing when I do a negative review about your blog if I notice you are doing something wrong,rather than try to reach you directly one way or another to air my views. Please be weary of bad mouthing people's businesses. People work very hard you know and trust me, they don't joke with huge investments like this. Thank you .

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    2. Hi Anonymous, you make some valid points. However I don't think you actually read through the whole post, otherwise you would have seen that I do like Inagbe but wish my experience was better - saying this review is hateful or badmouthing could not be farther than the truth, but then again, you didn't read the whole post so no worries.

      Anyways with each issue I had, trust me, I made my feelings known. And funny enough, this is the first time I have actually planned to contact the management to let them know each and every complaint I had (a lot more than I wrote in this post FYI). Like I mentioned, mostly minor issues but they added up.

      Thanks again for your comment and the reminder to send that email. Have a nice day.

      Delete
    3. Honestly, reading this review I felt like you sugar coated stuff Berry (which is completely fine because you still get your message across). Having said that, 2 quick comments:

      1). I think we can encourage our own by providing candid feedback, regardless of whether it's made public or not (although publicized feedback helps folks like me who'd almost never try something new without a recommendation/review...hence reviewnaija.com). But for Berry's post, I'd probably never have heard of Iagbe until months later!

      2). I read the prior Inagbe review before reading this one. For now, I will have to stick with just visiting for a day and not spending the night...there's nothing I Detest more than an uncomfy hotel room (especially the bathroom).

      Delete
  2. A berry good week to you too! :)
    Beautiful pictures. It looks like a nice place to getaway to, and I like that it's convenient- you can leave your car at the jetty.
    I don't quite like the look of the bathroom, though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Yeah, it's convenient. Just make sure you get the total costs for everything BEFORE booking.

      I wasn't a fan of the bathroom either. At least there should have been an option to hang up the shower hose, not having to hold it to shower.

      Delete
    2. Urgh the bathroom! Reminds me of the one at that silly Oriental Hotel bathroom... *shrieks*

      The problem is that "finishing factor" we lack in Nigeria... Finishing is always poor and I'm not sure why :(

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  3. I agree about the bathroom, and the bucket wasn't helping either. The rest of it looks mah-velous! :p I like the idea of the floating lounge and Berry, those sunset pics!

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    Replies
    1. Oui, I concur.

      Cakes found the sunset setting on the camera - GENIUS!

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    2. Oui, I concur.

      Cakes found the setting on the camera - GENIUS!!!

      Delete
  4. hmm. the bathroom and the whole ant gist is quite off putting

    Glad you had an ok experience at least

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    Replies
    1. Well... there was a little more actually. I just didn't have energy to write them down.

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    2. Lol please tell us oh! Anyway, I've already said I'll just visit for the day (at least till I read/hear about a better experience)...

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  5. Beautiful pictures. I loved the sunset ones. Have a great August

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  6. I like all these reviews you put up. Gives me a clear idea of what's out there at home.

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  7. Love your review, I have this resort in mind for when hubby and I can take time out for a little get away. Not feeling the bathroom and bucket thing. Love the sunset pictures

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  8. Thanks berry for the review. Nice pictures. Not a fan of insects and as an AKAglue, I get really pissed when hidden charges suddenly appear. Have you been to Lacampagne Tropicana? It's after Akodo Resort. I was there sometime last year and it was a very lovely experience. N50,000 for a night (Family of 4) (That's the price for the cheapest chalet though), Inclusive in the fee is room rate, entry fee (which on a good day is 4,000/per person) ,buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, which I really enjoyed, lot of games. You have to pay for the water rides which cost about N500-N1,000 per ride). I will definitely be visiting there again this December.

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    1. Lacampagne Tropicana is almost perfect, Very nice and cosy as well. It is always good when you go with people.
      There are a couple of other resorts that are nice.
      I am getting my resort exploring on
      www.livinginlekki.com

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    2. Yes to Lacampagne! I need to make a recent trip but last time I was there (about a year or two ago) my friends and I had a Blast!! @Olamide hi!!!! :)

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  9. Berry :) I am jealous (Take me next time).
    I really need to go there soon

    Amazing pictures as well
    www.livinginlekki.com

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  10. Beautiful pictures! Nice resort! A few hitches here and there. I hope the management get to read this and fix it. Besides this hiccups, I guess its fine!

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  11. Berrry, that picture of Your Cakes and the Sunset... Too dope. You guys are Def Couple Goals for me.


    I should totally beg Dealdey to re-upload this deal.

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  12. Why don't they pick their phones though? Had a company Team Building to plan there but changed venues because of their bad business sense! I'd rather Epe Resort! No matter how lovely your space is a little business acumen would do you good...

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    Replies
    1. lol at business acumen! Haven't heard too much about Epe Resort...what's your take?

      Delete
  13. Little hiccups can really put a downer on romantic getaways! Hope the management takes your advice.

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  14. The bathroom! Totally a turn off! But the outside is beautiful. Are you supposed to shower on the floor? At a resort? No, no, No!

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  15. 1 love sunset ...nice place for pre wedding shots

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