274624 Sun Apr 23 09:31:57 -0700 2006 50 28 Kosher 0 1445410 After reading the review of the Chevra program, below, I'm Looking for reviews and reports about Kosher for Passover hotel programs, from those who participated in them. While the experience is still fresh in your mind, please share your opinions. I'm particularly interested in those in the greater New York/New Jersey area. Thanks! Sun Apr 23 09:31:57 -0700 2006 0 Curious 1 1445417 This is a great post. I hope you get some replies. I've never been to a hotel, but it's always intrigued me, and once our daughters get a little older, I think we might take the plunge. Mon Apr 24 13:56:53 -0700 2006 1445410 0 DeisCane 2 1445513 I was in Aruba with "Club Kosher" and my husband and I had a wonderful time. Of course, the ocean was awesome and the weather was great but the food was also very good, especially considering it was on Pesach- 3 huge meals each day (not to mention the Tea Room and amazing desserts). And for everyone looking for next year, I highly recommend them- their pretty reasonable. Link: http://www.clubkosher.com/ Tue May 02 13:21:03 -0700 2006 1445417 0 Janet Kornblum 3 4236398 I went last year with the Kosherica Passover Program in Miami. It was pretty great. I have been going away for the past 5 years and I enjoyed the food and service the most at this place. Hopefully, the family will go to the Biltmore Kosherica program this year. They are at www.Kosherica.com . Wed Dec 10 13:12:04 -0800 2008 1445513 241414 helenfood 2 1706337 We have been going to VIP Passover's program for seven years at the Arizona Biltmore. The resort is spectacular, historic and has amazing facilities. The setting in Phoenix is surreal. The program is extremely well-run with a very nice crowd of people (from all over the US, Canada, Israel and even the U.K. and Australia. The food is truly amazing and gourmet- really hard to believe it is Pesach.! It is always our best family vacation. Wed Jun 21 17:44:50 -0700 2006 1445417 0 Sherry 3 2382266 We are going to be in Scottsdale during Passover but not staying at the Biltmore. Do you know if their seder is available for people that are not part of the program or who I would contact? Also, we are reform and do not keep kosher and tend toward an abbreviated seder. Would this be too much for us? Any advice is much appreciated. Tue Mar 13 15:00:41 -0700 2007 1706337 82514 mdaniel 4 2383634 Usually they have a fee you pay if you want a guest for a meal or seder, so you should ask them. In terms of the seder, usually these programs have communal seders led by a rabbi or cantor as well as the option of doing it on your own in a separate room with other people who are doing the same. The communal one usually takes longer. Wed Mar 14 00:26:44 -0700 2007 2382266 29325 jlq3d3 4 2388686 I would seriously doubt there is any room at the Biltmore. I understand it is waitlisted only and it is always more crowded for the seders as many families want private rooms which take up more space. We always do our "own thing" in a ballroom with other families doing their own thing and you pre-order your dinner before you start your seder and then signal the waitstaff when you are ready to eat, so you are basically going at your own family's pace. While it is not as heimeshe as being in your own dining room with your extended family and friends, IMO it is a very small concession for being away for Passover. There are two other Passover programs in Phoenix/Scottsdale that I am aware of. The Scottsdale Princess runs a program that many of my firends go to and love. Additionally, I think Lasko runs one at one of the area Marriott's. Last year was the latter's first year. As they say, competition is good for everyone. In terms of your comments about being reform, I think the level of "observance" (am I being politically correct?) varies from location to location. I know the Biltmore and Princess cater to a modern orthodox crowd, as opposed to other programs which are more to the "right". Our family keeps kosher but we are conservative and have never been made to feel uncomfortable. There are a number of families like ours who keep Passover and are not orthodox, particularly in Toronto, Canada where we are from. Common sense should dictate certain behaviour- ie no cell phones in dining room on the Yom Tov days etc. Hope you find what you are looking for. Happy Passover to all. Thu Mar 15 10:40:38 -0700 2007 2382266 14159 sherry f 1 1445686 I was with WorldWide Kosher at the Hyatt Monterey and would definitely go back. Great price, great food, great staff. The hotel was clean, but not what you would expect from a Hyatt though. Mon May 15 16:59:31 -0700 2006 1445410 0 Lindy 1 2382597 I think a ballpark figure of cost p/p would be in order in order to compare apples to apples. Tue Mar 13 16:52:58 -0700 2007 1445410 16616 MartyB 1 2386641 we've stayed at the wyndham hotel in miami its run by leisure time tours, the hotel and roms are nice the food is excellent and very well done as is the tea room, the service is ok and during chol hamoed there is a massive BBQ for lunch Wed Mar 14 17:57:52 -0700 2007 1445410 19822 chai18 1 2389737 The Biltmore is definitely more varied than most in terms of observance and more open. Thu Mar 15 14:23:31 -0700 2007 1445410 12009 DeisCane 1 2390546 Anyone know anything more about Club Kosher? This year it is in cancun mexico. Thu Mar 15 18:44:32 -0700 2007 1445410 29325 jlq3d3 2 3271733 I'm also curious about club kosher... i am looking to go on one of their trips but haven't been able to find any substantial reviews. also, i'm a little concerned that they don't accept credit cards. any feedback? Mon Jan 07 18:16:36 -0800 2008 2390546 155558 sfk 3 3272069 last year club kosher canceled their program a couple weeks before it was to start for some dubious reason. I would be wary. Mon Jan 07 19:51:31 -0800 2008 3271733 29325 jlq3d3 4 3279276 interesting. i just signed up to go next week, so hopefully it will be fun. did you end up going to cancun with them or was that the trip that they canceled? Wed Jan 09 17:46:43 -0800 2008 3272069 155558 sfk 3 3442049 They did not "move" people to an adjacent resort, but made them pay the difference. Furthermore, what exactly could have been wrong that they didn't know earlier but they knew 2 weeks before Pesach began? They should have known the status of the hotel months before when they started advertising it. Wed Feb 27 19:03:32 -0800 2008 3440766 29325 jlq3d3 3 4597794 I have been to 6 of these over th years; none have taken credit cards. Wed Apr 15 08:46:40 -0700 2009 3271733 282890 ebdreyer 1 3279295 For the last 2 years,we have spent chol hamoed and the last days of Yom Tov at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch,NJ,run by Matza Fun Tours.It is only between an hour to about one and a half hours from Brooklyn. The hotel is right on the boardwalk on the Jersey Shore,near Deal. The hotel is gorgeous. The first things you see upon walking into the hotel are a grand piano and a lovely fountain. The rooms are spacious,modern and clean. The toiletries are attractive . Liquid soap and body wash are even thoughtfully included. The food is excellent and plentiful.On Yom Tov and Shabbos, it seems like the food is never ending. On Chal Homoed breakfast and lunch are buffets. This is a wonderful thing as you can sample all and eat more of what you like. For the most part,the flow is fine. There are omelet stations, pancakes,french toast(yes I did say Pesach program),potatoes,cheeses,lox,whitefish,herring,sable,,fruit,cereal for the kids,smoothies,and more. Lunch included pizza(gebrochts made outside the ballroom),nongebrochts inside,paninis,fish,potatoes,pesach noodles,vegetables,tuna,egg,vegetable,and Israeli salads and more. Dinners generally offered a red meat option,a chicken option a vegetable option and a kids' option.There was generally also a salad course as well as fruit and dessert. The food choices were imaginative and delicious .We loved the soups,both at lunch and dinner. The tea room was generally open before/during breakfast(if you need to take breakfast and go to work-fyi the hotel is near 2 NJ transit stops.), and after meals , into the wee hours of the morning. It offered snacks,dried fruits,cakes,cookies,frozen treats(both dairy and pareve).The tea room is a great place to relax and socialize . Shmurah Matzo is always available. Cholov Yisrael is readily available. The location definitely enhances Yom Tov. Two years ago, Yom Tov was eighty degrees. Kiddush was on the hotel's deck overlooking the ocean . What a wonerful,memorable experience. Chol Hamoed was spent on the beach in good weather. On Yom Tov, the afternoons could be enjoyed by walking on the boardwalk just behind the hotel and (for Shabbos)in an Eruv. The program provided varied enertainment as well. There was a bus for teens to Great Adventure,only about 45 minutes away. There was a day camp with shows on Yom Tov afternoons . They had a carnival for the kidson the second day of Chol Hamoed complete with inflatables ,carnival games and video games. There were air hockey,fooz ball and basketball games for the boys. Adult entertainment was varied as well. There were excellent lecturers,singers and a casino night. There is an indoor pool with mixed and separate hours with a jacuzzi. There is a lovely spa with womens' and mens' sides. People loved the massages. The jacuzzi in the spa was as hot as could be. I loved it. The dry sauna brought me back to Grossinger's days. In case of cool weather, there are malls,movie theatres, and bowling alleys nearby. We recommend it. Wed Jan 09 17:53:52 -0800 2008 1445410 155834 momrn 1 3301088 I've also been with Elite Dimensions in Disney, I thought the food was good. The food was also good with Ma'adan tours at Sanibel Harbor, and Resort Classics tours at various locations. All the crowds were modern, although there were people of all stripes. Wed Jan 16 09:46:17 -0800 2008 1445410 12131 tomby 1 3319519 does anyone have any info or a review of any of the las vegas programs? how about the programs in cancun (other than club kosher)? thanks. Tue Jan 22 04:17:25 -0800 2008 1445410 13662 matzohrella 2 3319859 I have travelled with the group sponsoring the Lake Las Vegas Montelago trip. It was fine. I would travel with them again. Tue Jan 22 07:11:59 -0800 2008 3319519 12131 tomby 1 4256298 I for the Past Ten years have been to the Doral gofl Resort And Spa. Beautiful Location and great wether your a gofler or not. But The Food is unbelivable. They Do things that you would swear are not kosher for passover but rest assured they are. What i find great about this hotel and program is there is really somethign for everything. Even all religious levels are attended to and the hotel staff is so willing to please it is very easy to feel at home. It is run by MIlt Cohen at UKT in Rockville Centre NY Thu Dec 18 07:06:34 -0800 2008 1445410 249515 FrankRan 2 4257270 Thankyou for commenting on a positive experience in a hotel for passover. I would appreciate any other feedback from anyone who has stayed in the tri state area for pesach and had a positive experience, re: food, sedurim, atmosphere and we are looking for a modern crowd if possible. Thu Dec 18 11:48:39 -0800 2008 4256298 162651 queensgirl55 1 4577071 Not quite a review more of a comment. My daughter will be going to the Gateways program. Last year they had one hotel this year they have two, DoubleTree in Tarrytown NY and the Hyatt in Long Island NY. Her friend wanted to come along and was told that they were completely booked at BOTH locations. Considerng the current state of the economy, that is quite a feat. Tue Apr 07 19:33:25 -0700 2009 1445410 16616 MartyB 2 4578181 My friend is going to a hotel in Lancaster, PA. He was told they have 1,000 people and are consolidating with a hotel "across the road". Go figure... Wed Apr 08 09:03:52 -0700 2009 4577071 23394 hanistor 3 4578297 You can't overlook that many programs have merged or been canceled. Wed Apr 08 10:10:22 -0700 2009 4578181 202198 ferret 1 4597730 This is about Vim's Mendy Pocono Passover getaway. This was their first time at this hotel, so I will cut them some slack. 1) They took over the whole hotel. 2) The food was a B+ or so; decent variety at lunch and dinner; ltd variety at breakfast 3) The entertainment, and things to do (other than eat and daven) was mediocre (we are not as frum as the majority of the attendees, and since they controlled the whole hotel, there are no real options. tennis, raquetball etc were all closed down, which would not have been the case if they had only taken over part of teh hotel, as in the other places we have gone to.) 4) The staff was friendly and helpful 5) We had paid for a private seder room; we got a small area cordoned off with canvas, and very ltd privacy. This was probably my biggest gripe. 6) The crowd was modern orthodox and fairly frum; eg, they had separate swimming during chol hamoed All in all a decent experience, but we have had better passover experiences at other places. We had picked this ONLY because it was equidistand for my parents and we to make the drive. Wed Apr 15 08:28:39 -0700 2009 1445410 282890 ebdreyer 1 4611087 Looking for comments on the program in Lancaster, Pa and Princeton, NJ. Mon Apr 20 08:27:52 -0700 2009 1445410 109196 jerseykosher 1 4613531 Anyone hear anything about the Pesach program at the Radisson For McDowell Resort in Scottsdale Arizona run by Paradise Kosher Tours? Mon Apr 20 20:01:39 -0700 2009 1445410 91103 magsm 1 4617249 If you are following this thread then the following thread would be relevant. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/613961?tag=main_body;topic-613961 Wed Apr 22 01:08:59 -0700 2009 1445410 16616 MartyB 1 4617366 I'd love to hear reports on the Vim programs and Granit for 2009... Wed Apr 22 05:08:19 -0700 2009 1445410 274827 DebbyT 2 4620934 I spent Pesach at the Granit/Hudson Valley Spa & Resort...was my first time there after having been at the Nevele for many yrs. Thought the program was pretty good...crowd was mixed Orthodox...many women wearing sheitels but chol homoed there were also women wearing pants. Hotel was decent...my room which was the cheapest available was old, small, tiny bathroom, limited closet space (and incredibly didn't have a clock/radio...you'd think for $10 the hotel wld supply that!) but I did see a room 1 or 2 grades up that were slightly roomier, renovated bathroom, walk in closet...so to a degree I think you get what u pay for. And the Hochdorfs who run the pesach program did accurately describe the rooms when I made my reservations. The food was mixed...generally decent but not spectacular. Definitely plentiful and a good variety. Besides the facilities the hotel offers (golf, spa, tennis) they did have an organized hike ea day of chol homoed, free golf lessons, canoeing, hayrides among other stuff. They had shows the 3 nites of chol homoed...which ranged from bad to fair. Also had a number of lectures and exercise classes. Tried to show a couple of movies but believe that had limited success due to technical difficulties. Had a daycamp for kids but I can't give any feedback on it. Overall I wld say that even tho' it wasn't a fantastic experience, the Hochdorf's do try and will attempt to accomodate ppl if they can. (also fyi, it's a large program...900ppl!) Thu Apr 23 06:24:17 -0700 2009 4617366 115689 sanekosher 3 4635228 I've been to the Granit for Pesach for a number of years and would generally agree with sanekosher's review. While the program is not spectacular, it is reliable, consistent and well run. You may not be blown away, there is little risk of the disasters described here in reviews of other programs. The Hochdorf's and their staff are ever present and will do what they can to accommodate. The day camp is first class. The same head counselors for over 10 years. The crowd is a nice mix - mostly MO, with a black hat representation. They have both separate and mixed swimming hours. All meals are full waiter service, so no buffet lines to contend with. The core of the wait staff is stable from year to year and they are experienced in dealing with a pesach crowds and the sedarim. I would agree that the food is plentiful and good - not spectacular. There are few activities in the area, but there was hardly a minute on either Yom Tov or Chol Hamoed where there wasn't something going on. This is a Catskill hotel and the rooms reflect that. The hotel was renovated a number of years back, but you won't confuse it for a Hilton. The good news is, aside from sleeping, you should not need to spend much time in your room. The lobby is lovely and huge with a lot of seating. We always enjoy ourselves at the Granit and this year was no different. Tue Apr 28 07:07:17 -0700 2009 4620934 23811 Moach018 1 4619880 Were there any programs that were poorly attended or that did not open. Will there be a consolidation next year. From the ads it looked like there were way too many programs around, especially all those overseas ones. Wed Apr 22 17:42:46 -0700 2009 1445410 16616 MartyB 2 4634987 PASSOVER REVIEWS 2009. It would be a good idea if as many people as possible could write in their reviews of their programs (2009) as this will help people make informed choices based on real experience for 2010. Try and include as much detail as possible. Tue Apr 28 05:09:39 -0700 2009 4619880 252567 marlox60 3 4650053 I think that it is a shame that people had such subpar experiences with Pesach. This was our fourth time spending Chol Hamoed and the last days of Pesach at Matza Fun's Ocean Place Resort . The food was imaginative, delicious and plentiful. The breakfast buffet was large enough to allow for easy flow around all of the varied choices. Breakfast consisted of an omelet station,smoked fish(such as lox,gravlax and smoked whitefish),assorted cheeses-both domestic and imported,toast (from the most unbelievable Pesach bread),cereal,yogurt and daily varied hot dishes,such as pancakes,scrambled eggs,french toast, different kinds of potatoes,and griled cheese. Chol Hamoed lunches were a wonderful treat. There were two different kinds of soups daily. One was generally borscht and the other was a delicous dairy,creamy soup. There was fish daily as well as pasta ,vegetables and other imaginative dishes. I loved the stuffed portabella mushrooms. There were omelet and panini station daily. I loved my tuna melt sandwiches on Tuesday of Chol Hamoed. Yom Tov lunched were served and fleishig. They, as well as Chol Hamoed dinners generally consisted of one or two red meat choices such as veal chop,veal shoulder roast,rib steak,duck etc , a chicken choice,a kid's choice , a fish choice and a vegetarian choice. Dinner on one night of chol hamoed was an unbelievable Asian buffet which consisted of mouthwatering beef ribs,veal ribs,chicken wings,vegetable lo mein and sauteed bok choy among other items that I did not try. Dinner started with fruit, salad(either served as a lovely buffet or family style) then went to a different interesting soup every night. My personal favorite was the Latin Sancocho which was a spicy vegetable soup with meat. Dessert was an elegant end to every delicious meal. The tea room was open from 6 am-2 am ,except for meal times. Late breakfast was served there if you missed breakfast. In the afternoon and evening ,it was a mecca of drinks,dessert,candy ,dried fruit ,ice cream and socialization. Nightly entertainment was quite enjoyable. We missed Las Vegas night on motzei Shabbos, there was a game show for the famiies on Sunday night with Soulfarm appearing later in the tea room and Pey Dalid on Monday night. Pey Dalid was my favorite . They brought me back to the days of Diaspora Yeshiva band and Reb Shlomo Carlebach. There were both separate swimming and mixed swimming hours. There was a fitness center adjacent to the pool . The spa was quite enjoyable,with a hot jacuzzi and a sauna that reminds me of Grossinger's. There was a bus to Great Adventure, van trips for Seniors, activities for teens and a day camp with shows on rainy days and Yom Tov. The hotel is within an easy drive of bowling,miniature golf,par 3 and regular golf,movies ,outlet shopping and mall shopping. We had an another great Pesach. Sun May 03 09:34:19 -0700 2009 4634987 155834 momrn 3 4655037 PESACH IN CANCUN Did anyone go to Cancun? I have heard that they are the best in every respect - aside from SWINE FLU!! Also does anyone know where they will be doing it next year, as rumours have been circulating that they only had their contract in Cancun for three years? Tue May 05 03:41:11 -0700 2009 4634987 252567 marlox60 4 5155497 i am the rav hamachshir for PeachinCancun. The contract and commitment to the program at the Le Blanc Spa Resort is long term. Their children's program is second to none. Wed Nov 04 10:52:46 -0800 2009 4655037 155402 rabbiyisroel 2 4635072 KOSHERICA - The BILTMORE HOTEL CORAL GABLES. The biltmore hotel is located in Coral Gables and is a golfing resort. It is in very close proximity to Miami Int Airport. The hotel is spanish/ mediterranean style and is very well looked after and is huge. The spa as my wife can attest is outstanding. The swimming pool is huge however there are no child friendly swimming areas. Their is also not a lot of space around the pool so get their early. The pool staff very attentive/ helpful. The rooms are very large with great bathrooms. The waiting staff was all from the hotel, and as this was their first year bent over backwards to provide an outstanding service- every morning whatever "extras" we required, eg string cheese, ketchup was already at our table. We did not have to wait in line at the buffets as our waiter offered to do it for us! The ground, as I said huge, plenty of place to get lost and not be with the crowd the whole time. NOW on to the program. We chose kosherica as I believed/ was told that after being in the kosher hospitality game for more than 10 years, they should be pros! wrong! This was their second year doing Pesach. MANAGEMENT When we checked in we were greeted by a young girl who gave us the schedule for the next few days( we thought she was rep who would be there our entire stay- she dissapeared that day only to be seen on check out!) and also a rep from the hotel who was there to give us our keys and take an impression of our credit cards. We were told that shabbat keys were not on offer, and if we are shomer shabbat would have to have the room locks disabled for yom tov and shabbos and use the room safes for valuables! annoying. By this stage our family 2 adults and 2 young children were exhausted after flying 9 hours from Europe and wanted something to eat. We headed towards the welcoming bbq. On offer salads (average) and bbq'ed chicken, hamburgers and sausages- ALL FREEZING COLD- no rep from kosherica present, As we were so tired we did not really care. The next day we headed for breakfast hoping to see someone from kosherica and again no one. at the end of breakfast I saw a man talking to the waiters and went up to home. He introduced himself as MD of kosherica and said if I needed anything please call him. I must have called him 5 times and left messages throughout our stay- none returned. We met his wife and same experince with her. First night seder there were issues (discuss later) and he kept a low profile as did she! only had waiters to deal with from the hotel. Many many other issues ie no one running the shul (a very helpful guy from Riverdale volunteered to run all the minyonim) head of day camp(daughter of kosherica MD moved on to one of their other hotels chol hamoed) no official scholar in residence. The key rabbi had to leave chol hamoed for another program! Was told that there would be a rabbi from miami (head of jewish day school) on the program giving shiurim. Never saw him until the end - someone picked him out for me! Meals only people to talk to were hotel staff. Summary - MANAGEMENT & STAFF (KOSHERICA) non existent! if it wasnt for the hotel staff this program would have fallen over! FOOD. first bbq a disaster as was first seder (main courses on arrived around 11 pm) however the food improved substanitially over the next few days. 1. expect BBQ's all the same Hamburgers/ Sausages/ Chicken Pieces the same at every single BBQ! 2. Childrens Meals - not bad but a lot of repetition- and if your child has a nut allergy stay well clear of this program (at first they did not know which foods had nuts) and these quickly ran out! they were not really bothered. 3.Breakfasts, a lot of people complained of no variety, however we were generally happy. Large variety of smoked fish, all salads, great muffins/ cakes, different cheeses, omelette stations, hash browns pancacks/ cereals hot porridge/ french toast. 3. Lunches (buffets) quite varied/ on the whole good. 4. Dinners mostly sit down and on the whole good. 5. Tea Room- good suppy of sweets (lollipops etc) fruit chocolates, ice cream, vegetables- however only open for a few hours in the morning and again in the afternoon, and late at night unitl midnight. Should have been 24 or 12 continuous hours as with previous programs, especially with kids! DAY CAMP. Let me say this, if it was not for the outstanding councillors, this would have been a complete disaster. As I said the woman that was in charge, MD's daughter, was more concerned about enjoying her own passover! and soon left to help out at one on their other programs. Completely disorganised from beginning. We were told that their were supposed to be prep meetings but never occured. Councillors unsure of what to even do and very unhappy! Infant Care- we were told that their would be cribs. Also one toy kitchen and a handful of soft toys for all the babies to play with- they did go Chol Hamoed to buy more toys! The hotel let them use a room for the babies, as they did not pay for their own, and on some days had to give the room up and all the kids, all ages (infant right through) all together in one room, absurd! obviously no cribs and they said the babies can sleep on the carpet and then brought in blankets. As the days went on program improved and the councillors made do - and that they did well. We were also told the kids would be looked after while we had lunch and dinner, YES FOR $22 an hour! ie babysitting cost. At the end of the program the councillors asked us what we would be tipping and I asked what about the 25% gratituity charge and was told that does not go to them- paid $120 per child (seemed reasonable) SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE- not what was detailed. NO COMMUNAL SEDER- if thats what you are looking for. I can go on and on and if you have any more specific questions please reply. Feel free to make your own decisions. I did ask a number of families if they would be coming back and they said def not. They said there are fare better organised and more varied programs out there for less money. Tue Apr 28 05:55:20 -0700 2009 4619880 252567 marlox60 3 4635417 What was the cost (not your cost), standard accomodations, pp/dbl occupancy for the program? This type of info puts things into perspective for people contemplating going away for pesach, be it this program or another. Tue Apr 28 08:11:55 -0700 2009 4635072 16616 MartyB 4 4640044 2950 pp stay from 8 ~ 17 april standard acc. Wed Apr 29 14:26:13 -0700 2009 4635417 252567 marlox60 5 4646966 Wow! I've heard of some bad programs, but this sounds pretty nasty! Sorry for you! and at almost 3000 a person! Fri May 01 17:04:02 -0700 2009 4640044 23104 Cholent Fresser 1 4651810 Did anybody go to Lancaster Host Resorts. They were advertising a program for for $1699/pp. They advertised that they had separate swimming, 18 hole golf, exercise and massage room, tennis, basketball, entertainment, etc... Mon May 04 04:03:42 -0700 2009 1445410 16616 MartyB 2 4657234 MartyB: I went and the program and it was great. Did they cut the steak for you? No. But it was a friendly group and the food was plentiful and tasty. The location was great for chol hamoed and the rooms were fine. If you want more details you can email me off line at Foodtekie@aol.com. Tue May 05 16:15:18 -0700 2009 4651810 187828 Foodtekie 3 4657345 Glad to hear it. I recommended this program to someone who was querying for a Pesach program near the NYC area. The wife was pregnant and didn't want to venture great distances. I originally said that the Jackson Hotel might be an option since it was a hotel without any facilities. When she responded that they were asking $2,500 I said that it was ridiculous considering the fact that I saw programs with grounds and facilities for much less. I therefore asked her to check into Lancaster Host Resorts based on what was advertised. She said that she was going there and I wanted to get a feel of what people thought about the program. Tue May 05 17:01:37 -0700 2009 4657234 16616 MartyB 1 4654530 I went only on Sunday to Gateways in Happauge, NY. Place was a comlete zoo. Food was not Michael Schick-standard (he is usually wonderful). Service was worse - they were taking the food away as you ate.. ISupposedly there were two excuses: 1) was told they had 25% more people on Sunday as guests came from the NY area. 2) the dining room was converted into the ballroom to hear Schwekey (or Gabay or whoever)....I went away to a hotel for Pesach for many years before this one (due to the economy) and I was not happy at all at Gateways - at least that Sunday Chol Hamoed. Folks who were there the entire Yom Tov seemed fine. Mon May 04 19:33:57 -0700 2009 1445410 289429 EatMeNow 2 5178646 Would you be so kind and tell me more about Gateways. Is this the one in Tarrytown ?? We had been going to The Nevele, then got disgusted and have been at Ocean Place in Long branch NJ for the past few years. It is nice there, but we are considering other options. Fri Nov 13 08:41:18 -0800 2009 4654530 1124239 kosherfan 3 5178922 I used to love the Gateways Shavous program, food shuirim etc all great, but it just got too big, too many people. It's their profit maker for kiruv programs so they out to make maximize profits I think. Fri Nov 13 09:55:46 -0800 2009 5178646 13122 berel 3 5184916 kf- wondering why yr thinking of straying from Ocean Place...my family are also nevele alum (or shld I say survivors!)...and we've gone to a couple of different places since (mendy vim's program, hudson valley/granit) and haven't been thrilled w/any them. so we were thinking of ocean place...any feedback u cld give wld be appreciated! Mon Nov 16 05:40:27 -0800 2009 5178646 115689 sanekosher