Anyone booked with Apple Vacations?

[gate_pourri]

I am attending a wedding in Mexico at the end of the year. A friend recommended Apple Vacations and it keeps coming up as the best deal for the week we are looking at. We have already booked our airfare, so it would be just for the hotel.

I've googled the company and it seems to have pretty ok reviews, a decent rating at the BBB. There are quite a few people complaining about it, but they seem to mostly complain about the hotels and Apple Vacations refusal to help. We know the hotel is nice (we've not stayed there, but the bride and groom have). We just want to make sure that Apple Vacations isn't some sort of scam.

thanks!

 

[eliza61]

No definitely not a scam but not the best vacation tour operators in the world. truthfully I think they are a product of their own success. They got really popular and seems like they want to get the most profit with the least spending.
We did an apple tour to Paradise Island. Hotel was probabl 3 star, mediocre. we pretty much just slept there and did our entertaining at the bigger resorts.
Basically it's fine for just your purpose. I definitely would not use them for a special trip though.

 

[storzo]

I've used them too and no, not a scam. They're fine for booking and getting you to/from the airport and resort. I didn't use them to book my tours or sightseeing trips, I did that on my own.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

We booked our honeymoon with 'em in 1995. I guess all that means is they've been around awhile

 

[DopeyDame]

I haven't used them personally, so I can't speak directly to their quality, but they are definitely a legit travel agency - not a scam.

 

[writerriann]

We've used both Apple and Vacation Express. I actually prefer the latter. I would seconded what another poster said about Apple being a victim of their own success. I think it depends on where you're going and staying as to how high of a quality their service is.

We're looking at booking a trip later this year and I would probably use Vacation Express, even if it costs me a bit more (and it's really only a bit more).

 

[shortbun]

I think you'll be fine with Apple. I was a travel agent for lots of years and used them myself and for friends. They are a charter operator so if the one plane they have has a mechanical, you might have a wait. Also, they provide lots of business to the hotels down there but some tour companies might pay more for their rooms-Apple gets a bulk rate. For that reason, you might not get the premium rooms. Choose a good hotel, rather than the el cheapo and you should be fine. I always paid the premium for the upgraded rooms if they offered it. Every hotel has rooms located in the back with no view and someone has to stay in them. Have fun at your friend's wedding!!! I think Apple is a solid company.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

I won a free trip to Riviera Maya on the local tv station. We were set up with an Apple Vacations trip to the Occidental Xcaret Resort. We had absolutely ZERO problems with our vacation.

 

[RhettsMom]

My husband and I travel to Mexico every year. We always book with Apple. It is very easy in terms of transportation and their customer service has always been good.

 

[TinkPirateMom]

Apple Vacations is a wholesale tour operator. Most travel agencies can book trips with them and provide you with customer service free of charge. They are legitimate and not a scam. However, customer service is not always their strong suit so you may want to contact a TA to provide you with service for the same price as booking directly with them.

 

[ptcruisermom]

have used Apple twice-first time was thru a travel agent and second thru apple website. No problems what so ever. First time we were upgraded at no charge, as the resort we were staying at dealt alot with Apple. Big room, great view, big in room jacuzzi tub, new building. the second time rooms were the standard but very nice. First trip to Punta Cana, second to Negril Jamaica. Prefer to use Apple as they always have a rep on site should any problems occu. Also booked excursion thru Apple because if there is a problem your insurance covers you, and Apple rep is there to help. JMHO

 

[gate_pourri]

Thanks! This gives me a lot of piece of mind. We already have our airfare booked (though AA) so I am not worried about taking a charter flight that may break and strand us. And the only excursion we have planned at the moment is something that the bride/groom is setting up for the wedding party through their TA. The rest of the time, I plan to spend at the pool

I had originally planned on booking through their TA, but after 5 emails and one phone call, having never heard back from her, and figured we'd go another way.

Another question, is it worth it to spend $30pp ($60 total) to upgrade to an ocean view room?

Thanks again!