mrvinotinto -I would say you have a problem on your hands.

Spoke with Beau at "roads" this afternoon.... sent him this link.... he said he was having problems with his phones last week.... fixed the problem and message... back on track today.... try him again.... no problem with anyones' reservations, etc.... not to worry... good solid agency, been in business many years.... have used him many times along with many others from tripadvisor.... he's not "perfect" just like other agencies.

Better Business Bureau info:

bbb.org/dallas/…profile

If you cant get them on phone, I'd say there's a problem.

I am booked with Roads Less Taken for July after many good reports from credible people on this board. I attempted to schedule an additional trip for Sept., and also emailed and called about a week or two ago. I received the same recording and became a bit concerned. I left a message and Beau returned my call promptly.

Seems they are swamped right now. I'm not making excuses for them since this will be the first trip I've used them for, and I will report on my satisfaction later. However, I am more at ease knowing people such as Spotsmom, Stonecreek and a few others have used them in the past.

Say what you want about Stonecreek and his hardline views, but I do think he is consistent with his posts however biased he might be towards a particular resort. He appears to be above board and to the point. Entertaining might be a better statement.

Hopefully, I won't be posting later how I had to shell out a few thousand more dollars because I was "taken" by roads less taken. I doubt it though.

Kevin.... no problem, no offense, I freely admit to my own ahem "personality" and biases regarding my favorite resorts and such, that's just me..... however, not to tout their business "too" much, but having used "roads" quite a few times, very successfully with great service, for business and pleasure, and just as a friendly / reassuring FYI to yourself and so many others that may have reservations booked with them or are considering so.... not to worry as Karen is obviously doing. BTW Karen, as your link clearly shows... as does "roads" website's OWN link to the BBB.... they are in good standing and not going anywhere. Again, just as another FYI for reassurance purposes for anyone that has a booking with them.... below is another link to show they are legit ( only for about 20 +- yrs ), anyone can contact anyone on the link for further peace of mind.... or call them at 800-730-3277, their phone system is back up and running. Good luck.

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g659488-i11442-k25…

Just out of curiosity, I decided to email the

IB Grand to confirm my RLT reservation. From what I have heard, they normally don't have reservations from TA's in their system until anywhere from 5 to 10 days to two weeks before the arrival.

This is what I received:

Dear Mr. (removed),

First of all, we would like to thank you for choosing Iberostar Grand Paraiso for your next vacations.

As per your e-mail, let me inform you that your reservation is correct from July 15th to July 21st with an Ocean Front.

If you need further assistance, please, do not hesitate to contact us once again, we will be more than glad to assist you.

Sincerely yours,

Gemma Andreu

Jefe Relaciones Publicas

Public Relations Manager

Iberostar Grand Paraiso

Telf. (52) 984 877 2800 Ext. 8595

Fax (52) 984 877 2862

rpgrandparaiso@iberostar.com.mx

I also emailed Carol this morning to change my address for where I wanted my travel documents sent. She responded within an hour or so.

I travel extensively, but rarely use a TA. So far so good for Beau and Carol!

I don't think there's a problem with the reservations. They are legit. I not only checked the BBB before booking with them (A+ rating), but I also called the tour operator that my reservation is through to confirm they are a travel agency in good standing, and they indeed are. I do think that they are a small operation and if they are travelling or have a lot of business, they simply don't have the capability to answer questions in a timely manner. Phone problems do occur, so I will try to get in touch with them again tomorrow.

Would like to know what issues Princess2001 encountered. It always makes me feel nervous to read somments like that right before my trip...

mrvinotinto,

I agree with both your posts. I did the same research as you. I too wonder what problem Princess2001 had. There have been no more posts, so maybe the issue has been resolved, and all it was might have been the (resolved) phone issue.