Our recent trip to New York had its ups and downs. While there were some great experiences, there were also a few disappointments that affected the overall value of the trip. The hotel accommodations were below expectations. The elevators were not working properly, making it difficult to get around, and the beds had visible stains, which was unpleasant. Given the amount our group paid, we should have received a better-quality hotel. The excursions were enjoyable, but there seemed to be a lot of free time spent in areas that didn’t hold much significance. It felt like we could have used that time for more meaningful experiences. One major setback was our flight cancellation due to severe weather. However, the travel agency handled it exceptionally well, quickly arranging hotel accommodations and rebooking us on another flight. Their efficiency in managing the situation was truly appreciated. Our driver, Jonathan, was fantastic—professional, helpful, and friendly. However, while our tour guide was pleasant, at times, they came across as a bit combative and may not have fully followed the instructions given by the group leader. Another letdown was the dining experience. The places chosen for meals were disappointing in both quality and service. Considering the overall cost of the trip, we expected much better food options. Overall, while there were some positives, especially in how the agency handled the flight issue, the accommodations, dining, and some aspects of the itinerary left room for improvement.

IT WAS GOOD!

The walking tour was awesome. Our bus driver was amazingly fantastic. Our tour guide didn’t give us enough free time. But he was very knowledgeable. At one time I think he was drinking while on a tour with our high school children. Our hotel really put a damper on the whole thing. We had to wait 20+ minutes for elevators, the rooms were full of stains and uneven floors. They weren’t very clean, they were supposed to put all the students and chaperones together but they spread us out over 40 floors. I do really appreciate the company working quickly to get us accommodations and flights when we ran into bad weather flight cancelations!

Although our trip was fun, it had absolutely nothing to do with Kaleidoscope. Here are some Of the negative experiences we had: 1. To start they gave us a tour guide that would not listen to the needs or wants of our group. We had many different medical needs on the trip and when we requested to use the bus, that our group paid extra for, we were told absolutely not. At times we were even told “buses can’t drive around there” but then we would see rows of tour buses, just like ours, in the area we requested to have our bus drive us. There were also many times that he would change our itinerary and not let us know and then literally fight with us when questioned him. In addition with not following our request ion and needs he was also seen drinking alcohol at some of our events. 2. THE HOTEL….worst ever!!! To start…when we booked the trip we requested a girl floor, boy floor and chaperones on each floor. The first night we were there we had to spend hour redoing the rooms as they had students spread out through every floor with no chaperones nearby. Then the elevator…Students and chaperones continuously were required to take the stairs as the elevators were not working. With 40 floors in the building you can imagine how this was not an enjoyable experience. Although this is on the hotel, if Kaleidoscope would have researched the hotel they would have seen that this is a common negative review for the hotel. In addition to the elevator there was also problems with the cleanliness and sanitation of the hotel. Sheets, pillows and mattresses had dried up bloodstains all over them when we checked in. 3. The constant change in itinerary without consent from our group. The flexibility when we asked to change something was horrible, however they would change things and not even contact us to let us know. We had no input on where we went or what we wanted to see. The one saving grace of the company was their ability to get us hotels room and new flights when our flight home was canceled. This fact alone is why they received any stars at all from me!

excellent time, really good coordination and communication. there were unforeseen issues on the trip but these were handled very well. 10 of 10 would do it again.