I am going to call this review “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”
THE GOOD
The Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo enchants guests with its immaculate grounds and meticulous landscaping. A team of dedicated workers ensures that every corner of this beautiful complex is well-maintained, offering a picturesque setting for relaxation and exploration.
Among the highlights of the resort are the ‘Mexican Lemurs,’ appealing creatures reminiscent of Madagascar’s lemurs. These playful animals, actually Coatis or coatimundis, delight visitors as they frolic amidst the lush greenery. Their presence is not only entertaining but also serves as a reminder of the resort’s commitment to conservation, providing a sanctuary for threatened species.
Below is a video of the Coatis romping in the grass.
In addition to the endearing Coatis, the resort boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including elegant peacocks that grace the grounds with their majestic presence. Guests may even spot these vibrant birds displaying their extravagant plumage in hopes of attracting a mate. I saw one displaying its feathers to a female who, in my opinion, was not impressed.
For an extra touch of exotic charm, the sight of pink flamingos near one of the resort’s buffets adds to the enchanting ambiance. These elegant birds enhance the serene atmosphere, creating a memorable backdrop for dining and leisure.
Overall, the presence of such captivating wildlife enhances the resort experience, offering guests a unique opportunity to connect with nature in a tranquil and picturesque setting.”
Impeccable housekeeping services ensured a consistently comfortable and hygienic stay. Our rooms were meticulously cleaned each day, leaving them spotless and inviting. Unlike some other resorts we’ve experienced, we were impressed by the ample supply of fresh towels provided, ensuring our comfort and convenience throughout our stay. Unfortunately, there were other aspects to our room that were not so great. I will deal with those in the “Ugly” selection of this blog.
One day there was some poolside entertainment. I found it hilarious and entertaining, but the music was so loud, and the bass so strong, that if you got near it, it could make you nauseous.
Anyway, here is a link to a video showing the entertainment.
I want to complement the concierge service at the resort. We booked an ATV excursion with our concierge and she handled our request expertly.
In addition, the shuttle service provided by Amstar was quite good.
THE BAD
It seems that the Playa del Mar Iberostar resort offers two distinct sections catering to different guest preferences: an “adult-only” section and the family-friendly Lindo section, where we stayed. While the presence of children didn’t bother us personally, the contrast between the two sections became apparent, particularly in the dining experiences.
During one evening, we dined at the restaurant “El Rancho” and decided to order their petit filet. Expecting a tender, succulent cut akin to what we enjoy at home, we were taken aback. To put it mildly, the filets at El Rancho proved to be a formidable challenge to cut through. “Tough” hardly does justice to describe their texture; in fact, I jokingly (albeit with a hint of truth) remarked that a chainsaw might have been more effective than a regular knife in tackling them. This culinary misstep shed light on the disparity in dining experiences between the two resort sections.
We also ate at the Italian restaurant, the name of which I forget, and had an unremarkable meal.
My understanding is that the restaurants at the other section are much better. Unfortunately, we were unable to use them.
THE UGLY
Our stay at the resort was unfortunately marred by several issues, starting with our room accommodations. From the outset, we were confronted with the disruptive noise of ongoing construction, seemingly just above us. The incessant sounds of hammering, drilling, and other construction-related noises persisted throughout the day, significantly detracting from our ability to relax and enjoy our stay. While we understand the necessity of maintenance, the frequency and duration of the disturbances left much to be desired.
Adding to our discomfort was the limitation imposed on the air conditioning system. Unlike our accustomed thermostat setting of 60 degrees Fahrenheit at home, we found ourselves unable to adjust the thermostat below 22 degrees Celsius (approximately 72 degrees Fahrenheit). This discrepancy in temperature preferences created an uncomfortable environment, necessitating reliance on a ceiling fan to overcome the heat and humidity.
Furthermore, the air conditioning system itself proved to be a source of disturbance, emitting a noise akin to a jackhammer each time it activated. This disruptive racket occurred repeatedly throughout the night, significantly disrupting our sleep. While some individuals raised their concerns with resort staff, the resort’s resolution was to apparently deactivate the air conditioning altogether, rather than addressing the underlying issue.
As if the challenges with noise and temperature weren’t enough, our experience at the resort took another unfortunate turn with the unexpected absence of hot water in our room. The night preceding our departure, we discovered to our dismay that not only was there no hot water available, but even lukewarm water was conspicuously absent.
Initially attributing this inconvenience to the ongoing construction disturbances we had been enduring, we hoped for a resolution by the following morning. However, our hopes were dashed when we found ourselves confronted with the same cold-water situation upon attempting to shower.
This unexpected development added further frustration to an already less-than-ideal stay, underscoring the need for improved maintenance oversight and communication from resort management. The lack of hot water not only inconvenienced us but also highlighted potential issues with the infrastructure that require prompt attention to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of guests.
Due to the peculiar timing of lunch service starting at 1:00 PM, my wife opted to grab a sandwich from the Star Café, a versatile spot known for its early morning lattes—ideal for early risers like ourselves—and delectable desserts. While the café offers pre-made sandwiches for convenience, my wife’s choice of a ham and cheese option unfortunately led to a significant gastronomical setback just before we embarked on our ATV excursion. The unfortunate consequences of her meal choice had a noticeable impact on our outing, disrupting what should have been an enjoyable adventure.
The frustrating timing of lunch service on our last day at the resort led to another dining debacle. With a group dinner planned for 6:00 PM, waiting until 1:00 PM for lunch seemed impractical. Deciding to have an early lunch, my wife and I ventured onto the beach, intending to enjoy a cocktail before seeking out the hamburger grill.
However, our plans were abruptly disrupted when a resort worker intercepted us, bluntly informing us that as guests of the Lindo section, we were not permitted to visit the bar. WTF? Were we undesirables or something? Anyway, we made our way down the beach to our designated area, where we managed to get a couple of pre-made burgers. Unfortunately, my burger was undercooked, resulting in yet another gastronomical disaster.
This disappointing experience was not merely a case of an upset stomach commonly associated with Montezuma’s Revenge, but rather a clear instance of subpar food quality. Such incidents underscore the importance of consistent and reliable dining options, especially for guests looking forward to enjoying their vacation to the fullest.
BOTTOM LINE
Despite the challenges encountered during our stay at the Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo, it’s important to note that the issues we faced are in no way a reflection of the exceptional service provided by Straightaway Travel. Their professionalism and dedication to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience were evident throughout, and we greatly appreciate their efforts.
However, regrettably, our overall experience at the resort fell WAY short of expectations. While it’s true that opting for accommodations in the other section of the resort may entail a higher cost, we are inclined to believe that the investment would undoubtedly result in a vastly superior experience. Therefore, we have made the decision that we will not return to the Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo in the future.
This decision is not made lightly, but rather based on our desire for a more fulfilling and enjoyable vacation experience. We remain grateful for the assistance and support provided by Straightaway Travel and will continue to trust their expertise in planning our future travels.
HINT
If you find yourself visiting the Star Café frequently during your stay, consider leaving a generous tip when you grab your coffee. While our initial encounter with the person behind the counter may not have been the warmest, we found that a small act of kindness went a long way.
On our first visit, despite efficient service, her demeanor may have been slightly reserved. However, after leaving a decent tip, we noticed a remarkable shift in attitude during subsequent visits. The staff member seemed to recognize us and became notably more accommodating and friendly.
So, if you find yourself at the Star Café, remember the tip: it’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your overall experience.
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