On the first full day of our trip to Jamaica our party of six was driven an hour through rush hour traffic to Marguerite’s, a highly recommended restaurant. We arrived just in time to see the remnants of a spectacular sunset. Our table was beautifully set up under a magnificent towering almond tree decorated with elegant elongated lanterns. We had a wonderful view of the water. The staff was courteous and friendly from the moment we entered, as they took our orders, and delivered cocktails. They politely assisted two of our party to recover from two separate incidents of bird droppings one on a napkin, the other on a salad fork. They efficiently moved us at our request to an indoor table. The seafood meals, served with perfect portions, were beautifully presented and photo perfect true to the menu descriptions. We all agreed that the food was excellent.
The wait staff remained composed and agreeable when we asked to divide the bill and put specific amounts on two separate American Express cards. This was the point where things became contentious. We were told that the AMEX “ machine was down.” We explained those were our only methods for payment. We agreed to wait until the AMEX card reader was ready. The manager got involved. We offered to provide our card information and sign our payment slips. At this point the manger explained that they once accepted AMEX but the reader had been “down” since December
2021. He repeatedly told us that he had made numerous unsuccessful attempts to resolve the situation. We repeatedly replied that we had no other methods of payment. The only suggestion he offered was that would take our cards across the street to another business ( the casino) & we could pay him through them. WHAT?
My expectation was that a major payment restriction such as this should have been disclosed when the reservation was made or when we entered the restaurant since the problem existed for 9 months. We couldn’t have been the first to experience this. I cannot recommend an establishment no matter how beautiful the view, how good the service, nor how great the food that takes its customers for granted. However if you insist on dining at their website proclaimed “5 star experience” then leave your well established, widely respected, traveler protective AMEX card at home. Marguerite’s won’t take it and they won’t tell you in advance.