The service was generally good. Most of the staff were either average or really friendly, only a couple were rude or unhelpful. Note that we aren't big tippers, and money buys friendliness here so...it's your choice.
The food was pretty bad. We heard it all before coming, and it's true. We quickly learned what dishes we "liked" and mostly stuck with those.
We went to the Asian, Italian, and Cuban restaurants. The Asian was indoors and air-conditioned, but stank like a humid basement. The appetizer was delicious, but the rest of the meal was mediocre.
We really enjoyed (relatively) the Italian restaurant and recommend it.
The Cuban restaurant was mediocre. The soup actually tasted like popcorn butter. I couldn't eat it.
On a positive note, I didn't gain any weight!
The drinks were pretty good. No coconut milk for my pina coladas, but the bartenders at the Don Bartolo bar made pretty good ones using coconut rum and regular milk. Try the mojito, a traditional Cuban minty drink. The Cuban beer (Bucanero) served in most bars is good too.
We had a suite room (all that was available at the time of booking). Very nice, very BIG. Our bed was a king for sure, we had to yell at each other to be heard! Nice bathroom with seperate stalls for toilet and shower. Hairdryer, soap, shampoo, towels, comb, tissues, iron and board, umbrella, and safe all provided. Cable tv, mini-fridge with water, soda, beer.
Our room was #502 and was perfectly located between the pools and the beach, far away from the disco! Some of the rooms are in not so ideal locations, but in low season it's possible to switch rooms.
As it is low season, it was quite quiet on the resort, so I don't recommend it for anyone who wants to party at this time of the year. Instead, it is perfect for family, couples, and anyone who is interested in seeing the area.
The hotel is in a remote area with no other hotels around it. Instead there are trails and pathways that can be explored and provide interesting wildlife viewing. There is an official Bioparque Rocazul a few kilometers down the main road as well, but we didn't visit. The town of Guardalavaca is close by and easily accessible by taxi, car, or moped, any of which can be booked at the hotel. We rented a moped for two days and explored the area.
