Hi,
Oh dear.
I am slightly apprehensive about adding a comment having not been there or been involved in the rental. Where there is smoke there is fire and really hope not to fuel it with the wrong wording. As owners and also someone mentioned it today which is how we came to find this post, thought had to comment. Any negative feedback is a worrying read, so will try and cover only what I know and give a bit of background and hope it helps.
In short Diamond should always be friendly and welcoming to all owners/renters.
BackgroundDiamond complex is not a hotel it is made of several apartments and one villa set in beautiful landscaped gardens with a good sized shared pool. Not all owners rent their places out through the season but majority do. We were one of the first to buy (off plan) 3 bedroom apartment and are proud to have been instrumental on its success and take great pride in the place. We also act as rental agent for the area and run a holiday rentals company.
The complex is run by Diamond Owners Association (DOA) and a committee of elected volunteers of which we are acting Secretary.
In order to maintain the Complex to such a high standard it really does takes a lot of work (100's of hours) which go on behind the scenes. This is so that renters and owners get to fully enjoy their break and stay there. To help with the running a committee was established with of a good mix of personalities. Turkey is not the easiest place to run a successful complex and at times challenging.
Diamond is one the most respected complex's in Calis for how it is run, garden's/grounds and pool and it also used as a showpiece complex. I can confidently say we know of no other complex in Calis that is consistently as good. So to be overshadowed by any unfriendly encounters is saddening.
PoolThis year we have had issue with the pool. In short, the well that provided the water superbly and problem free for the last five years! The well stopped drawing such clean water. Typically, this happened in the heat of peak season and also caused problems with the filtering system. We had to be extra careful about hygiene (ear infections) and also where possible keep any additional stress on the filter system to a minimum until a resolution was found.
It is politely/humorously requested that people shower before swimming (sun cream sun cream can clog up the filter) but it's not always done, usually this is not such a problem but due to the pool problems in August we needed to remind people.
Our understanding as a temporary measure leaflets (not letters) were distributed to all the people that were currently staying as polite request reminder to shower before swimming.
To put this in perspective in five years of running the rentals only for 2 weeks has there been an issue with the pool and we all acted as quickly as possible and a resolution was found. Usually the pool is sublime. These things do happen and for us it's how they are dealt with.
ChairpersonThe current chair ‘Jerry', a friend of ours, we have always found him to be friendly, approachable and considerate. A passionate owner, who devotes much of his free time to help towards the running of Diamond. A tremendous guy.
Jerry had actually just cycled from John O'Groats to Lands End with his 15 year old son to raise money for charity (financed by himself -
http://jjbikeride.blogspot.com). He had two weeks ‘holiday' immediately afterwards with his family in Diamond. Upon arriving was confronted with a number of issues at Diamond, one being the pool, which was a pressurised position as we were nearly in the situation of having to close the pool for a few weeks in peak season. Imagine that scenario in the Calis summer heat. Lots of very unhappy people.
Jerry was kindly communicating with us regularly and also conducting several meetings, often twice a day, with the necessary contractors. This is just on the pool issue and this was during his holiday.
We actually had two separate rental guests who, upon their return staying at Diamond in August 2010, feedback how helpful and friendly Jerry was and to pass on thanks.
Rules SignWe have all gone to great lengths to look for the right feel at the complex and to keep rules, terms and conditions to a minimum we think we have nearly got it perfect but always look to improve.
We felt so strongly about this we actually commissioned, designed and carefully worded a sign accordingly to portray a friendly feel instead of a council style impression of do's and don'ts. This is the last thing you want when you are on holiday. Here is a copy of the sign - [http://www.apartfromtherest.co.uk/docs/Diamond-Pool-Signage%28L%29.pdf
Sadly some rules are needed, the majority of people are fine but not everyone has common sense, or respect for others. They are there for the safety and help towards ensuring everyone has a good time staying on Diamond.
Visitors to DiamondThis is a tricky one, as usually its fine but in peak season when the complex has nearly full occupancy even with a decent size pool it could be in danger of becoming over crowded.
It was a concern this August, as there was a distressing issue with the pool and reports that one guest abused this additional 14 people I think, possibly this was combined with another guest though. This put more demand on the pool, the owners and guests, where their holiday experience could potentially be jeopardised. Thankfully not though.
As long as people are conscientious there should not be a problem.
Feedback Feedback is a funny thing as there are two sides to every story, you can get 100's of positive feedback but it only takes one negative comment to make an equal impression.
We have accommodated hundreds of people on the complex over the last five years and proudly average 9/10 on guest's feedback. It is such a shame read negative feedback but all feedback is important and we shall see if can improve this somehow. Here is a recent review also on Calis beach forum who was staying there at the same time -
http://{A Link to an old CBF topic was here - no longer available}37086&whichpage=1We actually had two separate guests who when they returned in August whilst Jerry was there praising him for his helpfulness. Example -
"Hi Russ and Matt
Sorry for delay, still getting over how great it was! Many thanks for the lovely apartment and please pass on my thanks to Jerry, another owner. A wonderful place to stay, the apartment was fantastic, all the mod cons you need for self catering. "
Andy & Elaine
PM if you would like the email address for testimonial
More recent feedback at Diamond can also be found here
www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p710229Reading through the lines when you visited your friends renting at Diamond you have rubbed one another up the wrong way, as I do recall him saying that he found one visitor not to be very ‘forthcoming'. Perhaps he was having an off day, we all have them and he had a lot on; personally I think asking you to put Efes in a cup when you are not around the pool is certainly over the top. But I was not there so can't comment. Being told rudely not to use sun beds 2009 is not on and I will approach the person who may have done this. JennyJo I don't know who you booked with but would like to make right your experience at Diamond, certainly sounds like at very least someone owes you a drink.
We want everyone renting staying at Diamond to have the best time. A lot of hard work goes in to this and we are upset upon hearing anything but perfect. Also reading negative derogatory comments towards our friends who input a lot of time and effort, often thankless, to make Diamond what it is, brilliant.
It's not easy running a complex it has many "complex"ities (see what I did there) we are not perfect but try hard to be.
Any renters/owners please do contact us if anyone is anything but friendly and welcoming and we will investigate straight away 24/7. Or ways to further improve.
Thankfully and a bit of a relief we have had a fantastic response/feedback from guests at Diamond and a few have already booked for next year. So take some reassurance that these are isolated cases and Diamond is actually usually very friendly.
I hope this has been helpful and as I say feel free to contact us direct and I will happily call you to discuss.
All the very best
Matt
Secretary owner/agent at Diamond Complex