Dear Jen: The ladies and myself received a review referencing the Bridgette's Passport to 50 Costa Rica trip (March 9, 2020 to March 14, 2020). Personally, out of 5 Stars and based on the last three days, I rated WorknPlay 2 Stars based on the following: The behavior of the agent was DEPLORABLE. The way she spoke to us was disrespectful, the decisions she made along the way were not in line with what I specifically requested, she did not meet deadlines, was not knowledgeable in regards to travel & she did not put the needs of the Travelers before her own. In my opinion, she was very unprofessional & I, nor my group, will ever use her or We Travel ever again. Traveling to celebrate my 50th Birthday, it was important to me to have an experience that was both stress free & filled with Beautiful memories. This was not that! Jen was difficult to get ahold of, she did not follow up in a timely manner & rarely communicated with us until the 11th hour (just weeks before the trip) when at that point everything became an unraveled mess. Messages were disregarded, texts were responded to with sarcasm & slick-mouthed undertones. She was so rude to the point that I truly wanted to cancel this trip a month prior out of fear it would be a disaster. And as much as I prayed everything would be ok, once we got there, to my disappointment it was far from ok. Last minute changes to the Itinerary that we received just 4 days before the trip cost us dearly. And the celebratory mood that we flew out of LA with, quickly changed upon our arrival in Costa Rica. It was evident very early on that we were traveling blind, with no contact & little knowledge as to our next moves. Many of us have traveled the world and could not believe what we were experiencing. Even once there we were there, we were faced with the same unprofessional behavior, sarcasm & slick-mouthed remarks. No apology was ever given for our frustration or troubles. Jen even went so far as to RACIALLY PROFILE us as Black Women with Attitudes when we addressed issues with her that we faced on day 3 of trip. To which we were ALL appalled. Her behavior is Absolutely unacceptable!!!! Details of the Trip: Day One:  Our hotel stay at the Barcelo in San Jose, Costa Rica was fair for a 3 Star Hotel.  It was nice to get free breakfast.  To which we later found out was standard for ALL residents of the Hotel. (No voucher was needed.) We were disappointed to have to wait in the lobby 3hrs prior to check in. Day one, we caught a cab to town and located a restaurant - $6 per person plus tip for cab.  Dining:  Meal + drinks - Average person $35 to $40 per person.  Disappointed again that upon our arrival back, we learned the pool/other amenities had closed at 6pm. Day Two:  Great.  Tour to Tabacon Hot Springs and Arenal Volcano was the highlight of the entire trip.  Lunch was also great & the Tour Bus Company did an awesome job showing around & were very knowledgeable. Note, it would have been better to just stay in La Fortuna to explore the Hot Springs and Volcano for two days.   Day Three (Wednesday):  Traveled for three hours to The California Hotel - not the Karahe as previously stated in our original Itinerary. Prior to arrival we had a great stop at the Alligator Bridge and roadside view of the beach.  Our shuttle driver was very accommodating. However, upon arrival to the California Hotel riding on a long narrow uphill entrance, the driver began to inform us that we will need to walk down the hill (or mountain) to the road and catch a cab and/or walk to restaurants or beach.  NOTE:  However, there were no restaurants or a beach in a SAFE walking distance.   When we finally reached the California Hotel and our luggage was unloaded, we were told that our rooms were not ready.  Again, checkin wasnt for 3hrs. After 10 minutes, room keys were given to us.  It was 85 degrees, no elevator, no water given to us upon arrival, no bellman to assist with luggage etc.  Upon arriving to our rooms, there was ONE bed for two people in each! With no phones in the rooms, we had to walk down 2 flights of stairs & past the flying monkeys to only be told by The Manager that there were no rooms with two beds but she can install a bed cot in each room.  Again, not what was expected at all by the group. She stated clearly that no accommodation requests had been made for two people and two beds.  Jen was contacted to which we received a Facebook Post response to suck it up (among other things) & not to contact her again. Her responsibility to our group was done. Wow!!! After 15 minutes, Management tried to compensate with one double bed room. (Room 19) The other two rooms got narrow cots propped up against the wall. In addition, the mattresses were quite hard, The air conditioner barely worked and there was no hot water.   *I later found out that there was nothing from the Organizer/Jen to plan anything for the Birthday Girl, hence it was my actual birthday. And I had specifically requested an arranged dinner with cake for the group for Wednesday night. After finally getting over the shock of the rooms, hard bed, monkeys and lizards everywhere, no hot water, no room phone, no transportation, no room to sit around the small pool area (due to existing guests and 8 chairs) but in the restaurant etc, Zee went to the Hotel Manager while Ginger arranged for a Ziplining Tour and explained that in our group it was someone's birthday and she ordered a birthday cake and requested to have a special area reserved in their cafe for a special birthday dinner.  The Hotel Manager was very accommodating and contacted a bakery, picked up the cake, had candles and a table for 7 reserved for dinner. To my surprise, all of this was put together during the couple hours we were away Ziplining. When I walked in and everyone there sang Happy Birthday to me, I cried. My friends gathered together & made it a very special night for me despite it all. Hotel Management even keep the pool open late for us to return for a private girls gathering. Day Four (Thursday):  At breakfast, we had to come up with something to do as our original Itinerary had yet again been changed, leaving us with dead space in our schedule. We all agreed on a Beach Day. Zee googled the closest beach which was Playa Espadilla & we asked the hotel desk to call a cab for us to venture out as it was not in walking distance or near the hotel.  We paid $20 one way fare to the beach.  Upon arrival, we paid to have canopies, chairs and towels.  This beach area had plenty of hotels and restaurants etc in walking distance.  It just made no sense for us to be at the California Hotel!  Afterwards, we paid $20 again to return to California Hotel and ate dinner at the hotel. Day Five (Friday):  After breakfast, Iguana Tours picked us up for the Catamaran 1/2 day trip. Again, we were not on the original boat, the Ocean King. The lunch on the Catamaran was awful and the drinks were tasteless.  However, the staff was friendly and the surroundings were beautiful. Very relaxing.  Afterwards, we returned to the California Hotel and later that evening caught a cab to a local recommended restaurant. Day 6: Our shuttle, although on time, broke down shortly after pickup on our way to the airport. We had to wait in the smoldering heat, while a side of the road mechanic, fixed/repaired our tire. Causing anxiety as to whether we would make it to the Airport on time for flights. CONCLUSION Overall, the staff we encountered were very friendly and accommodating.  The day tour to the Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Thermal Hot Springs with dinner was awesome.  The 1/2 day trip on Catamaran was nice.  The third day ride to what we thought was going to be a nice hotel near or on the beach and around restaurants was fun.   The downside was definitely the hotel stay at the California Hotel with very hard bed mattress, no phone, no hot water, air conditioner barely operational and the location was not easily accessible to anything. The restaurant did not have much of a selection but the staff were very friendly.   At this time, the women of Bridgette's Passport to 50 have yet to hear from Jen, our Agent regarding any of our complaints, issues or even to ensure that we made it back safely with all that is going on in the world due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. We are highly disappointed & would like to request a refund ($252 per person @ 7 /$1,764 for the last three days hotel stay plus a minimum of $49.95 per person for the Manual Antonio Park/Isla Excursion that was cancelled on Thursday) In addition, please submit the total cost for this group's trip and any contractual agreements referencing this trip ASAP. We would like to settle this amicably but are prepared to move forward in Small Claims Court. Overall, we did not receive what we paid for or what was promised to us. The hotel stay was definitely a 2 Star hotel AND NOT an upgrade as described.  I understand, that there was a hotel change 3-4 days before the trip without a justifiable reason AND it was stated that the change to California Hotel was an "upgrade" .  We should've been notified early enough to view the new hotel online and make a decision based on our collective findings.   I understand, The Karahe Hotel was initially the 2nd hotel which was described as "Villas" with great room and hotel amenities.   Please respond to this email referencing the settlement of requested refund.  Again, we are attempting to settle this in a professional manner. Thanking you in advance.

Overall, I enjoyed my trip because the group made the best of our situation, especially for the birthday girl. Days 1 and 2 at the Barcelo Hotel were great; Days 3 - 5 were disappointing; however, again, the group made the best of the situation. Our 2nd hotel (Dy 3) was changed, without any explanation, to what was described by Jen and an "upgrade." It was nothing of the sort. It was really a downgrade to what we were expecting and originally paid for. It was a distance away from everything. Was not near the beach nor in walking distance to the beach. We had to taxi everywhere. Our rooms included only a king size bed. The lady at the desk told us that there was never a request submitted for two beds; only that 2 persons would be in each room. We requested a different room with two full or queen size beds. We were told that none were available and a cot could be provided. However, after having more conversations with the person at the desk , my room was the only room that was changed. With that being said, the beds were extremely hard; there was no hot water for the first day and 1/2; no phones in the room; the A/C was not working properly, and there were no irons. The pool area consisted of only approximately 6 - 8 pool chairs, which were always taken by other groups. What made this stay tolerable, was the staff was so nice and accommodating. One of our group members spoke with the manager about arranging for a birthday cake (which was supposed to already be taken care of), and set aside an area for us to have dinner. The other disappointment was we were downgraded from the Ocean King Catamaran, to a smaller catamaran. Again, we were never told why this happened; and it was not what we paid for. Communication is so important. We understand there was miscommunication and responsibilities were not clearly identified. As the travel expert, you should ensure that all expectations and responsibilities are clearly identified weeks BEFORE the trip.

The first 2 Stars are for the first two days of the 5 day Costa Rica trip. Personally, Bridgette's Passport to 50 travelers did not receive as stated in the itinerary what we paid for the Costa Rica trip. The total cost of the trip, plus paying for airfare, out of pocket for tips, dining except for one night, drinks, extra cab/trip fare etc was very expensive. I have received much more at a 5 Star All Inclusive Adult Resort than this Costa Rica trip. I am extremely disappointed how the trip just fizzled out on the 3rd day (Wednesday). The Organizer showed no experience on planning a trip. It was very generic and seemed not thought out or planned...Why? Because, we should have stayed at a 5 Star hotel and planned the tours from the that hotel. Not move an entire group from a 3 Star hotel to an almost 2 Star hotel with no accessible surroundings and call it an UPGRADE move. Unbelievable! Many of us have traveled the world and could not believe what we were experiencing and I will not address the unprofessional comment that was received while we were in Costa Rica from the Organizer in reference to the hotel...Not worth the energy it just showed her inexperience and mismanagement , Day One and Day Two: Out hotel stay at the Barcelo in San Jose, Costa Rica was fair for a 3 Star Hotel. It was nice to get free breakfast. Day one, we caught a cab to town and located a restaurant - $6 per person plus tip for cab. Dining: Meal + drinks - Average person $35 to $40 per person. Day Two: Great. Tour to Tabacon Hot Springs and Arenal Volcano was the highlight of the entire trip. Note, it would have been better to just stay in La Fortuna to explore the Hot Springs, Volcano for two days. Day Thee (Wednesday): Traveled for three hours to The California Hotel - However, prior to arrival we had a great stop at the Alligator Park and roadside view of the beach. However, upon arrival to the California Hotel riding on a long narrow uphill entrance, the driver began to inform us that we will need to "walk" down the hill (or mountain) to the road and catch a cab and/or walk to restaurants or beach. NOTE: There were no restaurants or a beach in walking distance. When we finally reached the California Hotel and our luggage was unloaded we were told that our rooms were not ready. After 10 minutes, room keys were given to us. It was 85 degrees, no elevator, no water given to us upon arrival, no bellman to assist with luggage etc. When I opened the door to our room, there was no operating air conditioner and there was ONE bed for two people! My roommate and I returned to the front desk and informed the Manager that two beds are suppose to be in the rooms. The Manager informed us that there were no rooms with two beds and she can install a "bed cot" in the room. I informed the Desk Manager that the accommodation request should have noted for two people and two beds. She said, No, there are accommodations for two beds. Later, after 15 minutes she handed me a key (Room 19) that had two beds and informed me that is it there are no more rooms with two beds. In addition, the mattress was hard as a granite countertop - no spring, no movement - it was absolutely horrible to think I would be spending the remaining of my nights sleeping on an extremely hard bed. The air conditioner barely worked and there was no hot water. On Wednesday, during the day it was great - upon arriving at California Hotel is when everything went downhill for this trip. In addition, there was nothing from the Organizer to plan anything for the BIRTHDAY GIRL. After finally getting over the shock of the rooms, hard bed, monkeys and lizards everywhere, no hot water, no transportation, no room to sit around the small pool area but in the restaurant etc, I went to the Hotel Manager and explained that in our group is someone's birthday and I would like to order a cake and have a special area reserved in their cafe for a special birthday dinner. The Hotel Manager was very accommodating and contacted a bakery, picked up the cake, had candles and a table for 7 reserved for dinner. The birthday girl walked and everyone was sang Happy Birthday and made it a very special night. Day Four (Thursday): After breakfast, we asked the hotel desk to call a cab for us to venture to a beach that I found - Espadilla Beach that was not in walking distance or near the hotel. We paid $20 oneway to the beach. Upon arrival, we paid to have canopies, chairs and towels. This beach area had plenty of hotels and restaurants etc in walking distance. It just made no sense for us to be at the California Hotel! Afterwards, we paid $20 again to return to California Hotel and ate dinner. Day Five (Friday): After breakfast, Iguana Tours picked us up for the Catamaran 1/2 day trip. The lunch on the Catamaran was awful and the drinks were tasteless. However, the staff were friendly and the surroundings were beautiful. Very relaxing. Afterwards, we returned to the California Hotel and later that evening caught a cab to a restaurant. Overall, the staff we encountered were very friendly and accommodating. The day tour to the Arenal Volcano and Tabacon Thermal Hot Springs with dinner was awesome. The 1/2 day trip on Catamaran was nice. The third day ride to what we thought was going to be a nice hotel near or on the beach and around restaurants was fun. The downside was definitely the hotel stay at the California Hotel with very hard bed mattress, no phone, no hot water, air conditioner barely operational and the location was not easily accessible to anything. The restaurant did not have much of a selection but the staff were very friendly. At this time, the women of Bridgette's Passport to 50 would like to request a refund for the last three day hotel stay. We did not receive what we paid for or what was promised to us. The hotel stay was definitely a 2 Star hotel AND NOT an upgrade as described. I understand, that there was a hotel change 3-4 days before the trip without a justifiable reason AND it was stated that the change to California Hotel was an "upgrade" . We should've been notified early enough to view the new hotel online and make a decision based on our collective findings. The Karahe Hotel was initially the 2nd hotel which was described as "Villas" with great room and hotel amenities. Please have your Corporate Representative contact me at (615) 480-5218 to discuss the settlement of the request. Thank you.

Had a fantastic time. Great people!!